East Coast Australia - 36 Days

Your Ultimate East Coast adventure starts here in Sydney, with a guided tour of the city and welcome dinner before we begin our epic journey up the East Coast.

(Includes Airport Transfer, Orientation, City Walk & 1N Overnight Bus)

This morning, we arrive in Byron Bay. Chill on the stunning beaches and embrace the laid-back surfer vibes of Byron. We'll explore the beaches, take part in a surf lesson and head to the famous Byron lighthouse to take in the gorgeous ocean views

Your stay at Byron includes Beach & City Tour, Morning Yoga, Welcome Dinner and Australian Surf Lesson

Free Day at Byron Bay

Free Day at Byron Bay

Free Day at Byron Bay

Known for its awesome waves, neverending nightlife and long sandy beaches, Surfers Paradise is a real highlight of the East Coast. We'll explore the beautiful beaches and head out to our favourite bars and clubs for a fun night out on the town.

Free Day in Surfers Paradise

Free days at Surfers Paradise

In the morning, we'll hop on the bus and head to Brisbane! With accommodation right in the buzz of the city, we'll explore the best bits of Brisbane, from man-made Streets Beach to Southbank, the cultural hub!

Guided City Tour & Streets Beach. Australia Zoo (add-on)

Free Day in Brisbane

Free Day in Brisbane

Tropical greenery, diverse wildlife, and beautiful beaches - Noosa, our next stop, is gorgeous. Chill by the beach, take a hike over the coastal headlands taking in the amazing sea views or have a couple-a beers at the bar.

Includes Beach & Sunset, Headland Coastal Walk

Free Day in Noosa

Our next stop is Rainbow beach, the gateway to Fraser Island! Check into our hostel and head out for a short hike where you can watch the sunset over the southern tip of Fraser Island!

Your time here includes Sand Blow Walk, Fraser Island Orientation

Today, we will begin our Fraser Island adventure! We will drive on the beach highway, take a dip in the amazing clear waters of Lake McKenzie, bathe in the champagne pools, and take in amazing views. Kick back and take in the amazing views from your very own private campsite!

Included on Fraser Island: 2 nights camping. Visit island spots including: Indian Heads Lookout, Champagne Pools, Beachside Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby & Eli Creek, Drive 4x4 on the island. Note that sights visited are subject to changes depending on weather conditions.

Another days activities and beachside stay on Fraser island

After your last morning on the island we'll head back to Rainbow beach for another night, before journeying to our next spot.

After a good night's sleep, you have the day to rest and recover or continue exploring with some optional activities, Beach Horse Riding, Dolphin Feeding, Turtle Kayaking and more! This afternoon your Group Leader will take you to the Carlo Sand Blow. This iconic sand mass provides great views of the coloured sands, Double Island Lighthouse and Inskip Peninsula.

Today is our last day in Rainbow Beach. Check out the Rainbow Steps, go for one last surf or prepare for your next adventure. This evening, we'll hop on the overnight bus to Airlie beach, arriving the next morning to the gateway to The Whitsundays.

Check into your hostel before heading out to explore tropical Airlie Beach, taking a dip in the famous harbourfront lagoon. Stroll along Airlies main street with ample stores to shop in, have a cold drink with your mates and check out the local markets.

Check into your hostel before heading out to explore tropical Airlie Beach, taking a dip in the famous harbourfront lagoon.

it's time to start our Whitsundays adventure! We'll be spending the next few days cruising around the stunning Whitsunday islands . We'll be sleeping onboard so get comfy, have a drink, enjoy some delicious food, and settle into the gorgeous surroundings. Snorkel in pristine blue waters, visit some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world, chill with your mates and witness some incredible sun sets. The Whitsundays are breathtaking! Your time in the Whitsundays includes 2 Dinner, 2 Lunch, 2 Breakfast, Whitehaven Beach, Sail Whitsunday Islands

Cruising the Whitsundays!

After two amazing days on the boat, we'll head back to our hostel in Airlie Beach for the next two nights. Included in the rest of you time at Airlie: Lagoon Hangout, Post Island Party, Whitsunday Scenic Flight (add-on)

Soak up the paradise vibes at Airlie's lagoon, wander around the town or explore the surrounding national park before our journey to Townsville at midday. This afternoon we arrive to Magnetic Island.

You're in for a treat as we spend the next 3 days exploring Magnetic Island - home to wild koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Snorkel in the pristine island waters, take the guided Fort's walk offering incredible views of the island and chill at the hostel. Our hostel even has an on-site wildlife park where you can get up close to Aussie wildlife such as koalas and wallabies! Want to explore the rest of the island? Rent a 4x4 'barbie car' and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire)!

Exploring Magnetic Island

Exploring Magnetic Island

Our next stop is Mission beach, where the rainforest and the reef meet and renowned for incredible sunrises. If you're up for a bit of adrenaline action, you have the option of joining an awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully or Australia's highest skydive (15,000ft!) - get signed up! (add-on). Fly over a reef, jump out a plane and land on a beach. Awesome!

More time exploring Mission Beach

Tonight we arrive in Cairns - the Ultimate backpacker destination, and home to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy luxury air conditioned en-suite dorm rooms, a huge pool and daily entertainment in our resort style accommodation. We'll be spending the next 5 days here, so settle in and get ready for an exciting few days ahead!

Our first full day in Cairns will be spent exploring the Tablelands region, swimming under waterfalls, exploring rainforest and sliding down natural rock slides. If you're lucky, you may even see some shy platypuses in the wild!

What better way to spend your last few days in paradise than a day trip to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef? We'll take a boat to the outer reef and snorkel around the vibrant coral, encountering turtles, stingrays and maybe even Nemo - an experience you'll never forget!

The final two days are open for you to explore Cairns. Chill at the hostel pool, make the most of the nightlife, visit the Cairns Lagoon and soak up the sun while you reminisce on the past 5 week of adventure with your new mates!

Your time here includes: Guided Atherton Tablelands Tour, Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Tour, Bungy (add-on) Cape Tribulation Day Tour (add-on)).

A last day exploring Cairns

Whether you plan to stay in the tropics, travel elsewhere in Australia or onto a different destination, your tour guide and the crew at Ultimate HQ will be here to support you and help you plan your adventure!