Your adventure begins with meeting your fellow travel buddies at 12:00pm and with a day of exploring the city. Maybe go shopping, check out the Cairns Gallery, or chill out at the relaxing lagoon. Check into your social hostel and head out bar hopping with your travel group. Check-in is at Gilligans at 14:00 today, and we will host a Welcome Dinner for you at Gilligans!

Meal(s) included: Dinner

Today, you’ll be travelling to Townsville where a ferry will take you to Magnetic Island, a gorgeously tropical island known for its abundance of wild koala’s. Check in for three amazing nights at a beach side resort. Kick back and relax on one of the island’s many iconic beaches, whilst you enjoy a complimentary cocktail.

Today is yours to freely explore and relax. Check out one of the scenic walks through plentiful national parks, or hire the well-known ‘Barbie Cars’ and jet around the island in style.

Spend another day in paradise and explore secret bays and lush walks. Hike to the Forts, one of the highest points on the island, for breathtaking views of the coast and forests below. Keep your eyes peeled for Koala’s sleeping in the trees around you. Enjoy an evening by the pool back at the hostel, getting ready for your adventurous journey to Airlie Beach the next day.

Once back in Townsville, enjoy the scenic drive to Airlie Beach, drop your bags off at the hostel, and explore the beachside town. Keep cool at the central lagoon with views of the harbour, where in only a couple of days you’ll be departing for your exciting Whitsundays sailing adventure.

Enjoy a free day for you to choose how to spend in the beautiful Airlie Beach. Explore the town and the many shops and restaurants for a delicious breakfast and lunch. Relax at the lagoon or take a walk along the Bicentennial Walking Track between Airlie Beach and Cannonvale, where you’ll end up at a hidden bay perfect for sunbathing. Have a great night on the town at one of many awesome bars full of backpackers, but be sure to get ready for your epic sailing trip departing the next morning.

For those with the Adventure Pack, experience the Whitsunday Islands from above on a 60 minute scenic flight, including Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet’s lush forest. Then fly over the Great Barrier Reef and witness the picture perfect Heart Reef from above.

Set off at full speed and make your way through the scenic tunnels of the Whitsunday Islands. Head towards the northern tip of Hook Island from Airlie Beach and explore the stunning Stonehaven Bay reefs, including Langford Reef. Swim, snorkel, and relax in the sun, before enjoying dinner and drinks under the stars at a secluded Bay where your maxi yacht sailboat will be anchored for the night.

Meal(s) included: Lunch, Dinner

After setting sail for another hidden bay, such as Tongue Bay or similar, spend the day discovering everything that Whitsunday Island has to offer. Enjoy a bushwalk to the northern end of Whitehaven Beach to Hill Inlet lookout, for that iconic shot of the white swirling sands. Then, visit Whitehaven Beach’s southern end, for another scenic bush walk and to discover some of the island’s hidden treasures. After a full day outdoors in nature, enjoy another evening on the deck with your group under the clear starry skies.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

It’s your final morning to make the most of some incredible snorkelling locations full of vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. See turtles, manta rays, and fish of all kinds of colours. If the tides allow it, you may get to visit the Ngaro Caves at Nara Inlet. Finally, make your way back to Airlie Beach, recharge your batteries, and head out for an epic afterparty with your new friends and awesome crew.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Back in Airlie Beach, you can spend the day recovering or revisiting your favourite spots.

If you’ve got the Adventure pack add on, you’re in for an afternoon of adrenaline as you take to the clouds and jump from a plane with a 15000 ft skydive!

In the afternoon you can enjoy more free time exploring Airlie Beach town and relaxing at the iconic lagoon.

Today, depart for Mackay and arrive at your accommodation for the next two nights, Mackay Adventure Lodge, for an early check in and welcome drink. Then, have some fun on the water and take part in a thrilling 90 minute Wakeboarding Class at WakeHouse Australia, located on a beautiful lake right in front of your accommodation. After attempting to get your first jump on a wakeboard, spend some free time exploring Mackay city itself, known for its seafood, public art, and relaxing waterfront lagoon. Back at Mackay Adventure Lodge, enjoy free wifi and plunge pool, and enjoy a welcome drink at the Lakeside Cafe and Sunset Bar with your tour mates before getting ready for another exciting day ahead of you.

Head deep into the rainforest at Finch Hatton Gorge for your first bit of epic adventure for the day. Here, you’ll find crystal clear creeks and rocks the size of houses, before embarking on an enjoyable hike through the forest. Head to the gorge itself, where stunning waterfalls and refreshing swim holes await you. Stop at an iconic Aussie pub for a pie and a drink before heading up the range into Eungella National Park for a bit of platypus spotting – an absolute highlight of your trip. These elusive little creatures are hard to catch sight of, but your guide knows the best spots for it so you are more likely to see them. After enjoying the winding drive back to Mackay enjoy some drinks at the lodge and a group dinner and sunset over the lake.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast & Lunch

Up and out nice and early today as you head off to Cape Hillsborough National Park for a bucket list worthy sunrise with the kangaroos. Watch the beautiful colours of the sky and beach as the friendly kangaroos and wallabies roam the shores in search of food at their most active time of the day. Enjoy a delicious picnic breakfast before taking a guided walk up the headland and around the cape, learning about the local indigenous history and taking in the beautiful views of the cape. Return to Mackay, and make sure you stack up on snacks & drinks before jumping on the Overnight Bus to your next leg of your East Coast journey.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Arrive bright and early in Rainbow Beach, drop your bags off at the hostel, and head off to explore the sleepy beachside town. Check out the Coloured Sands strip where towering cliffs are naturally colourful. Walk to the Carlo Sandblow for a breathtaking sunset. Tonight, make sure you’re prepared for an epic adventure the next day as you’re heading off to K’gari in your 4×4 jeeps.

It’s finally time to head to K’gari! An Island full of adventure. Drive along 75 mile beach, blast the tunes, and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Travel to the SS Maheno Shipwreck and take a few awesome pictures as you learn a bit about the history of this famous icon of the island. After lunch, spend the afternoon at Eli Creek, the natural lazy river. Chill out on floaties as you slowly drift through the relaxing creek. Head out for another drive towards your Dingo safe campsite before dark – just in time for a fun and relaxing evening of dinner and drinks.

Meal(s) included: Lunch & Dinner

After breakfast, it’s up and out for another day of exploring. Head out to see some more exciting sights as you drive into the beautiful rainforest at Central Station. Enjoy a guided walk along Wanggoolba Creek and learn about the history and indigenous significance of the creek. Next the most picturesque highlight of K’gari will be Lake Mckenzie. Swim in the amazingly blue water and relax on the white sands. After lunch, you’re in for a long but scenic drive along the beach to the top of the island, where the Champagne Pools await. Stunning rocky pools with a picture-perfect backdrop of the turquoise ocean, this may be your favourite spot yet. Then it’s back to the same campsite to help with dinner prep and an evening hanging out with your new friends.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

It’s time to pack up camp, but there’s still some sights left to see before heading back to the mainland. Drive through more rainforests and rugged tracks and head to Lake Wabby, a green oasis in the middle of the desert. Enjoy a refreshing swim and some time in the sun, then start making your way back along 75 Mile Beach to the barge. Once you’re back in Rainbow Beach, recharge your batteries and head out for an after party drink at the hostel bar.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast & Lunch

Get 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 beachside town, home of surfing and amazing national parks.

We recommend checking out the hidden Fairy Pools that you can find on a wonderful scenic coastal walk along the Noosa headland. Take the morning to walk around but make sure you keep looking up, as it’s also home to some sleepy Koalas.

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

After your final breakfast in Noosa you’ll be heading down to the Capital of the Sunshine State – Brisbane! Known for its parks, shopping, and foodie lifestyle. There is something here for everyone to enjoy. Meet up with our Brisbane Happy Travels rep for an orientation of the city before checking into your hostel and enjoying a night exploring the vibrant bars and streets.

Today, feel free to get in touch with your creative side in Brisbane with a visit to the museums and art galleries, conveniently situated next to a beautiful expansive parkland with its very own man made beach to cool down in. Take in a movie at the cinema or wander through the West End as you gather any last minute things for the journey north out of the cities.

If you’ve got the Adventure Pack, today you are headed to the Australia Zoo, the home of The Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin! You will be taken to the planet’s most interactive conservation destination via the Croc Express, so make sure to be ready for your pickup time.

Say goodbye to Brisbane and travel south to Byron Bay. Check into your luxury central accommodation for the next three nights. Check out Byron Bay town for an eclectic mix of shopping or relax at one of the many beautiful local beaches. Be sure to hit up some of the top sights while you’re at it, such as the Cape Byron Lighthouse or The Farm Byron Bay.

Enjoy a beautiful day in the Bay, with plenty of gorgeous beaches, quirky cafes, and fabulous shops to keep you entertained. Hit the town and don’t miss out on popular nightlife spots that Byron Bay has to offer. Head to the Great Northern Hotel to sing a song at the Piano Bar or go for a boogie at the Beach Hotel!

If you have Adventure Pack you will be joining a kayaking with dolphins tour to see these wonderful creatures up close in the turquoise bay.

Enjoy a free day around Byron. Start the day with a Yoga Class, or hire a bike to explore the surrounding areas. Speak to your guide to book a snorkel at Julian Rocks, or take it slow and soak up some sun at one of many pristine local beaches.

Today you’ll be heading to Spot X in Arrawarra for an epic 3 day long surf camp. Meet the Spot X crew, check into your beachside accommodation, and head out for your first surf lesson in the afternoon at a beautiful beach with awesome beginner waves.

Meal(s) included: Dinner

Breakfast is served from 7am to 9am daily. Surf lessons begin at 7:30am and last two to three hours, depending on the size of the group. Lunch is served from 12 to 1 pm. You can unwind, lay in the sun, take part in a free activity, or watch a movie in the TV room in the afternoon.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Make the most of your last full day at Spot X. Have another surf lesson and be sure to get some last minute pointers. In your free time, join one of the many extra activities such as kangaroo trekking, kayaking, or rafting. Relax on the beach and enjoy evening entertainment around the campfire.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Squeeze in one more surf lesson this morning and check out how much you’ve improved over the last few days. Check out of your accommodation, enjoy some lunch, and say farewell to the Spot X crew. Spend some free time in the town and then tonight, embark on the overnight bus from Arrawarra to Sydney.

Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Arrive bright and early in Sydney and enjoy the next couple of days exploring the iconic city with epic landmarks. Consider starting with the famous Sydney Opera House, with beautiful views of the harbour and bridge. Head to one of the many local restaurants for lunch before taking a stroll in the city’s lush botanic gardens.

Enjoy your free day in Sydney trekking the stunning cliff top Bondi to Coogee walk. The trail brings you past parks, bays, and rock pools, with plenty of opportunities to go for a dip. Stop off at a beachside cafe for lunch, before returning to the city. Head out and enjoy the best of Sydney’s nightlife and celebrate your last Travel Buddies day together.

Cancellation & Refund Policy: Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:
Cancellations within 14 Days of the start date incur a 100 % fee.
Cancellations within 21 Days of the start date incur a 80% fee

Cancellations outside of these periods incur a 50% fee.

Please note that changes to the itinerary may occur due to weather, operator changes & cancellations. A suitable and comparable replacement will take place on such occasions.

If a third party operator cancels on the Adventure Pack, we will organise a replacement activity. If a suitable replacement cannot be found, a fee will be refunded.

*Itinerary days may change from trip to trip due to availability or transport schedules.

Travel Buddies will book all of the accommodation, bus sectors, and activities within your package for you. It is your responsibility to be at the correct pick-up or start location on time. If you fail to show up for your activity or miss the bus, you will not be refunded, and in the case of missing a bus sector, you will be responsible for your own travel arrangements and associated costs. Whilst you do not have an official guide for this trip, you will have someone dedicated to your group in the chat to help out along the way.

On the Friday before your departure, you’ll be added to a group chat on Whatsapp with all of your Local Travel Buddies, so you can meet up before your departure from Sydney. Each day within this chat we will keep you up to date with where you need to be, what you will be doing, and links to Google Maps to easily find your way around. Whilst you do not have a guide for this trip, you will have someone dedicated to your group in the chat to help out along the way. Don’t forget, it’s still up to you to be at the correct pick-up or start location on time.

We will send a confirmation email to you once you have officially booked your spot on Travel Buddies! An itinerary specific to your trip will be finalised and sent to you no less than 21 days prior to your trip, with bus times and activity times.

From the 1st of April 2024, travel insurance is compulsory when booking Travel Buddies. Your policy should cover you in case you get sick or injured (COVID-19 or otherwise), lose an item, or miss your tour. 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.

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

You can check into your pre-booked hostel anytime from 2pm. If you’ve arrived before check in time, no stress – your hostel will provide a safe space for you to drop your bags, so that you can go and explore Sydney in your free time. You will be added to your Whatsapp group chat the Friday before your departure date, so you can plan any pre-check-in meet ups with your group from there. You will also be given a time and place from your Sydney Local Buddy to meet for a welcome gathering in the afternoon/evening time.

Some sectors and experiences may require a minimum number of passengers to operate. In circumstances where minimum numbers are not reached an alternative option will be offered. You will be notified by email at least 48 hours in advance of such changes. In the unlikely event that the entire Travel buddies tour doesn’t meet minimum requirements, no stress – we can either find you an alternative date to travel, or create a personalised itinerary just for you.

If a tour cannot go ahead because of the weather or any other unforeseen circumstances, we’ll aim to reschedule or find an alternative activity for you. If one cannot be booked or found in time, you’ll receive a refundable amount of the discounted rate paid for that activity.

If you’d like to continue travelling once you’ve finished your Travel Buddies trip in Cairns, why not reach out to your travel agent and find out some more bucket-list destinations for any onward travel – whether it’s continuing on in Cairns, somewhere else in Australia like the Red Centre or a trip to Western Australia, or even a different country – we’ve got you covered. You can also check out our destination pages for trips to incredible places like Bali, Japan, Thailand, and more!