Last-minute availability alert! Limited spots on our East Coast Australia tours for our May, June & July departures – Book Now!

Last-minute availability alert! Limited spots on our East Coast Australia tours for our May, June & July departures – Book Now!

Home| Experiences|17 Day Sydney to Cairns Highlights Package

17 Day Sydney to Cairns Highlights Package

We have got you covered with travelling the East Coast of Australia in a short amount of time, while hitting all of the stellar spots! Say hello to our new and improved 17 Day East Coast Essentials Package (now including a free scuba dive.)

  • Money Icon From $2,599
  • Clock Icon Duration: 17 days

Description

Starting in Sydney, Byron Bay, or Cairns, you’ll tick off all the must-do experiences on the East Coast; learning to surf, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Whitsunday Islands and cruising in 4×4’s across the world largest sand island, Fraser Island! This 17 day package (upgraded from 15 day) ticks off the main “must do” highlights of the East Coast, and saves you a ton of money in the process, compared to booking trips separately!

This package is ideal if you have your own transport or want to travel by bus. It includes all tours and accommodation, so kick back, relax, and enjoy your time down under!

Package Inclusions

  • 2 Nights Dorm in Byron Bay
  • Half Day Kayak with Dolphins
  • 3 Nights In Noosa
  • 3 Day/2 Night Fraser Island Tag-A-Long Tour
  • 2 Nights Dorm In Agnes Water/Town Of 1770
  • 2 Nights Dorm In Airlie Beach
  • 2 Day/2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
  • 2 Nights Dorm In Cairns
  • 1 Day Great Barrier Reef Trip With Free Intro Scuba Dive
  • 4 Breakfast, 6 Lunches, & 4 Dinners

Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney

Today, you will enjoy the city of Sydney and get ready to set off on your adventure up the East Coast before hopping on the overnight Greyhound to your next destination: Byron Bay

Day 2: Byron Bay

This morning, you’ll arrive bright and early and check into your central Byron Bay accommodation for the next 2 nights.

Day 3: Byron Bay/Kayak With Dolphins

Today, you’ll be waking up in the beautiful Byron Bay. Your plan for the day will include an incredible 3.5 hour dolphin kayak tour. You will need to make your own way to the meeting point on Lawson Street where your tour guide and group will be waiting for you. Enjoy an awesome paddle around the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse and spot wild dolphins, rays, turtles & more.

After your tour finishes, you may want to head back to your accommodation or spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.

Day 4: Noosa

Start the day by waking up and checking out of your Byron Bay accommodation, ready to say hello to Noosa as you make your way to the Sunshine Coast. Check in to your hostel, drop down your bags, and explore the beautiful beach side town, home of surfing and amazing national parks.

In the evening, you’ll attend a compulsory 6PM safety briefing at your hostel for your upcoming Fraser Island tour.

Day 5: Fraser Island

Tour departs first thing from Nomads Hostel in Noosa
You will have transfers included with your group to Rainbow Beach where you will pick up your 4WD
Ferry from Inskip Point to Fraser Island
Drive on famous 75-mile beach
Head to Lake Wabby and/or Lake Birrabeen
Enjoy lunch with rest of your group
Explore the rainforest at Wanggoolba Creek & Central Station
Drive through the rainforest back to camp
Enjoy sunset and dinner with your group
Check out the stars at night. Camp out on the beach.

Meals included : Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Fraser Island

Basic brekkie before heading off to Fraser’s highlights.
Visit Eli Creek for a swim in its fresh waters
Explore the world famous Maheno Shipwreck.
Lunch on the move
Quick stop at ‘Pinnacles’ coloured sands.
Cruise over to Indian Head Lookout & Champagne Pools.
Head back to camp for the final night.
Enjoy dinner with your group.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Fraser Island/Noosa

Last brekkie on the island
Drive to Lake Mckenzie. Relax and enjoy the white silica sand
Lunch before making your way to the ferry to return to shore.
Depart the island at approximately 2:30pm.
Drop the 4WD’s back at Rainbow Beach
Transfer back to Noosa arriving at around 5pm

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Noosa Everglades/Noosa

Today, start off your day with a trip to the stunning Noosa Everglades, The Noosa Everglades are one of two in the world! Making this day a very special one, you will canoe through a stunning place of serene natural beauty, bursting with rare animal and plant species. Don’t forget to pop into the local brewery to try a few of their many beers, produced with water from the everglades underground reservoirs.

Day 9: Town of 1770/Agnes Water (Surf Lesson)

Take the bus to Agnes Water/Town Of 1770. On arrival, you will settle into your hostel and make some new friends in anticipation for the relaxing days to come in this quaint little surf town.

Day 10: Town of 1770/Agnes Water

This morning, explore the headland or wander down to Deep Water National Park before a bite to eat at the delicious Mango Tree Hotel in Town Of 1770.

Day 11: Town of 1770/Agnes Water

Final relaxing day along the beach, with time for another surf lesson if you fancy, before you hop on your overnight bus up to Airlie Beach.

Day 12: Airlie Beach

This morning, you’ll check into your amazing Airlie Beach accommodation. Check out the fantastic Airlie Beach lagoon, then start preparing for your exciting Whitsundays trip tomorrow.

Day 13: Whitsundays

Sail out to one of the Whitsundays most picturesque islands and jump in the water to experience what all this fuss with snorkelling and scuba diving is about. While you sail around to our first sleeping location in the protected waters of Whitsunday Island, settle into the evening on the deck with a beer or wine, and tuck into some freshly cooked dinner, sourced locally of course.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Whitsundays

Wake up bright and early to a freshly cooked breakfast. Today, depending entirely on weather/tides, you can look forward to two other snorkels at two different beautiful locations around the islands, or a quick 10 minute bush walk up to Hill Inlet lookout. Take a quick look, then a short stroll on to the world famous Whitehaven Beach. Also, expect a fully catered lunch and dinner.

Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: Whitsundays/Airlie Beach

Wake up early again this morning to breakfast and to soak in your final day on the Whitsundays. More beaches and snorkels before heading back to Airlie Beach in the late afternoon where you have another night’s stay in Nomads, and an epic after party with your new friends.

Meals included : Breakfast

Day 16: Cairns

This morning, get the Greyhound to the tropical north Queensland city of Cairns and check into your central accommodation. Spend the rest of your day and evening enjoying the culture and nightlife. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep for your Great Barrier Reef trip the following day.

Day 17: Great Barrier Reef & Cairns

Today, you will be part of a unique reef experience, catering for small groups only, and for both experienced and first time snorkelers and divers. The tour will have a very relaxed, chilled, tropical vibe, allowing passengers to experience both the reef and a sand cay. We will have a later departure time and return to Cairns at sunset. This day tour will focus on a fun and chilled day with mind-blowing reefs to explore.

Meals included: Lunch

Highlights

  • Great Barrier Reef Free Scuba Dive
  • 2 Nights Dorm In Airlie Beach
  • Whitsundays Sailing Adventure
  • Fraser Island 4wd Tag Along Tour
  • 5 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, & 4 Dinners

Transportation

Add a Bus Pass: SAVE 10% on any of the following passes when booking together with the package

Greyhound – WHIMIT Bus Passes starting from just $289

Alternatively, why not add a Campervan: Let us find a great deal on a campervan for you: Custom Campervan Quote

Own Transport:

We can build an itinerary taking into account the fact that you have your own transport already. If you need information on planning your journey please contact one of our friendly travel specialists.

What to bring

  • Cameras
  • Sunscreen
  • Clothes
  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Spending Money
  • Overnight Bag
  • Snacks
  • ID

Supplier Terms & Conditions

All of our discount package deals are comprised of a combination of various tour providers, accommodation providers, and transport providers. Each of these suppliers and/or providers have their own individual terms and conditions in addition to Happy Travels standard terms and conditions. To view Happy Travels’ terms and conditions, please click here. For more information for individual supplier terms & conditions, please contact us by making an inquiry. Alternatively, they will be listed on your travel vouchers at the time of purchase.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best way to travel Australia?

There is definitely no wrong way. We recommend either taking a WHIMIT or Hop on Hop off bus pass such as Greyhound or renting a campervan with some mates and hitting the open road. If you feel like getting pretty adventurous and want to get amongst the true Australian terrain, a 4WD may be better suited for you. Enquire now and we can help you find the most suitable transport option.

Do I need insurance when travelling to Australia?

Before your visit, you should arrange a sufficient and helpful medical and travel insurance. You should make sure the policies are adequate to cover costs for any possible emergency, including ambulance, boat, or helicopter rescue.

What do I need to know about driving in Australia?

Australians drive on the left hand side of the road. The steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car. Maximum speed limits in cities and towns do not exceed 60km/h and on highways/country roads, they range from 100km/h-110km/h. Strict drink-driving laws apply and drivers/passengers must wear seat belts at all times.

Does every town have hostel or budget friendly accommodation?

Most small cities and towns do offer hostels or some type of budget accommodation, but if not, we recommend being prepared with appropriate camping gear in case you want to go off the normal track.

What if something comes up and I can't make my tour?

We get it. Life is all about the unexpected, especially when you are travelling. If you are unable to make your pre-arranged tour you will need to reach out to our support email so we can give you a helping hand. In all cases we strongly recommend having a valid travel insurance policy which covers you for unexpected cancellations.

What is the best time of year to travel the East Coast?

It really depends on where you are going! Summers (December-February) brings the warmest temperatures, but in Far North Queensland, the cooly dry season from April to November is the best time to visit. Winter in Australia can get wet, but hardly every drops before 12C.rnrnThere are plenty of things to do in Australia year round, so it is quite difficult to get bored with loads of festivals, nightlife, adventures, and beautiful natural sights to see.

What do I do if I need help with my existing package booking?

If you need help with an existing booking please email us at [email protected], if your enquiry is urgent please follow up your email with a quick call on +61 2 5633 1149 so we can help you.

Do you offer payment plans?

Absolutely, we understand that paying off a big trip in one go isn’t always that easy. We offer flexible payment plans to suit all types of travellers with zero interest or fee’s (minimum $100AUD deposit required).

Do I need travel insurance?

We endorse the recommendation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that all travelers take out travel insurance. If you already have Travel Insurance please understand that it is your responsibility to ensure that your Travel Insurance covers you for all of the adventure style travel you have booked with us.

Can I book a package but travel in the reverse direction?

Absolutely, just let us know your preferred start and finish location and we’ll make it work.

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17 Day Sydney to Cairns Highlights Package

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Our 17 day Sydney to Cairns East Coast Package can be booked either way. Start in Sydney, Byron or Cairns via Byron Bay, Fraser Island & The Barrier Reef.

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AUD $200
Total (AUD): $200
Remaining balance to pay (AUD)
$2399

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