Your adventure begins meeting your fellow travel buddies and with a day of exploring the city. 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 dinner on us tonight at your 6PM welcome dinner!

Overnight: Nomads | Sydney
Meal(s) Included: Dinner

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. Late afternoon, embark on the overnight bus from Sydney to Arrawarra.

Overnight: Overnight Greyhound

Arrive bright and early at 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 at a beautiful beach with awesome beginner waves. In your free time, join one of the many extra activities such as kangaroo trekking, kayaking, or rafting.

Overnight: Spot X | Arrawarra
Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & 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.

Overnight: Spot X | Arrawarra
Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Make the most of your last day at Spot X. Have another surf lesson and see where you’ve improved in the 3 days. Relax on the beach and enjoy evening entertainment around the campfire.

Overnight: Spot X | Arrawarra
Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

This morning, you’ll arrive early to check into your central boutique hostel for the next 3 nights. Cruise around town for an eclectic mix of shopping or relax at one of the many beautiful local beaches. Take a short bush walk to Cosy Corner for an instagram-worthy sunbathing spot or head to the local surf break at The Pass. You can also hire a surfboard and keep up your momentum from Spot X!

Additional Add On Activity: Talk to a Happy Travels rep about booking a kayaking with dolphins tour to see these wonderful creatures up close! This is an incredible experience and a Byron Bay must-do.

Overnight: Vali | Byron Bay

Enjoy another beautiful day in the Bay, with plenty of gorgeous beaches, quirky cafes, and fabulous shops to keep you entertained. Use your VIP wristband to get discounts at some of the local hidden gems!

Additional Add On Activity: Hop on the Happy Coach and head to one of Byron Bay’s most famous destinations: Nimbin. Spend the day driving through the hinterlands, visiting waterfalls, exploring the small town of Nimbin, and enjoying a traditional Aussie country pub.

Overnight: Vali | Byron Bay

Keen to head to Australia’s most Easterly Point? Meet your local Byron Bay buddy for a sunset stroll along the Cape Byron Walking Track up to the iconic lighthouse for 360 views of the Bay! Tonight celebrate your last night in Byron Bay with your fellow Travel Buddies, highly recommend submitting a song request at Byron’s famous dueling Piano Bar at the Northern Hotel!

Overnight: Vali | Byron Bay

Have one last stroll along Main Beach before saying bye to the Bay! Cross state borders into your first Queensland destination: Surfers Paradise, home to cute cafes, craft breweries and some of Australia’s best shopping. Embrace the city life or head to the never-ending beachfront right at your doorstep to catch a wave!

Overnight: Bunk | Surfers Paradise

Today you’ll be heading up 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.

Overnight: YHA | Brisbane

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.

Additional Add On Activity: Head to the Australia Zoo, the home of The Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin! Speak to a Happy Travels rep to be taken to the planet’s most interactive conservation destination via the Croc Express.

Overnight: YHA | Brisbane

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. Tonight at 6PM you’ll have your K’Gari safety briefing at KB’s, to prepare for an exciting adventure over to the longest island in the world, K’Gari Island!

Overnight: Nomads | Noosa

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.

Overnight: K’gari Camping
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.

Overnight: K’gari Camping
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 Noosa, chill out and reminisce on your epic trip, before enjoying a post tour night out with your group at KB’s bar.

Overnight: Nomads | Noosa
Meal(s) included: Breakfast

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.

Additional Add On Activity: Take 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.

Overnight: Nomads | Noosa

Spend the morning at the beach and grab lunch at one of the many cafes in Noosa. Make sure you stack up on snacks & drinks at KMart before jumping on the Greyhound towards your next destination – Mackay Adventure Lodge!

Overnight: Overnight Greyhound

Settle into Mackay Adventure Lodge with a complimentary welcome drink at the Sunset Bar. 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 with your tour mates before getting ready for another exciting day ahead of you.

Overnight: Mackay Adventure Lodge | Mackay

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.

Overnight: Mackay Adventure Lodge | Mackay
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast & Lunch

Early morning 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. Jump on the Greyhound to your next leg of your East Coast journey, Airlie Beach.

Additional Add On Activity: Talk to a Happy Travels rep about experiencing the Whitsunday Islands from above on a 60 minute scenic flight, that flys over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet’s lush forest. Fly over the Great Barrier Reef and witness the picture perfect Heart Reef from above.

Overnight: Nomads | Airlie Beach
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

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.

Overnight: Whitsunday Boat
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.

Overnight: Whitsunday Boat
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. 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.

Overnight: Nomads | Airlie Beach
Meal(s) Included: Breakfast

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

Additional Add On Activity: If you’re in for an afternoon of adrenaline talk to a Happy Travels rep to take to the clouds and jump from a plane with a 15000 ft skydive!

Overnight: Nomads | Airlie Beach

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 being at one with nature.

Overnight: Nomads (Base) | Magnetic Island

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. 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.

Overnight: Nomads (Base) | Magnetic Island

Once back in Townsville, enjoy the scenic drive to Cairns and get your bearings. Explore the many shops and galleries, and enjoy the vibrant Night Markets to grab some souvenirs. Cairns is also the adventure capital of Australia, so get ready for an epic few days exploring the incredible surroundings.

Overnight: Gilligans | Cairns

Venture into the depths of the Australian Rainforests on the hunt for watering holes. The Atherton Tablelands is a circuit of waterfalls that need to be seen to be believed. You’ll spend your day swimming, jumping, and sliding into some of the most picturesque waterfalls and lakes you’ll see on your Australia trip. Try the famous “hair flick” at Milla Milla and try your best to recreate the TV adverts. Arrive back in Cairns in the evening for another epic night with your amazing tour group.

Overnight: Gilligans | Cairns
Meal(s) Included: Lunch

Another free day in the city, to do with what you please. With a social hostel and great backpacker vibes, you’ll find plenty to do.

Additional Add On Activity: Take the leap today and partake in a Bungy jump! Feel the adrenaline pump through your body as you freefall through the air. Smile, high-five the crew at the bottom, and check out the optional photo/video packages.

Overnight: Gilligans | Cairns

Today, you will be part of a unique Great Barrier 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. With a later departure time, you’ll return to Cairns at sunset. Today will be a chilled day with mind-blowing reef to explore.

Overnight: Gilligans | Cairns
Meal(s) Included: Lunch

As your last day in Cairns and on your epic Travel Buddies journey, you’ll want to make the most of your day. Be sure to fit in any last minute bucket list items and enjoy a final night out with your awesome new group of friends.

Additional Add On Activity: Head up to Cape Tribulation with Uncle Brian’s in the Daintree Rainforest, known as a hotbed of wildlife and tropical plants. It’s an eco-warrior paradise. You will get picked up from your accommodation by your quirky and knowledgeable guide and journey north, stopping at remote beaches and pristine water holes as you go. Once you arrive in the Daintree Rainforest, you will take part in a crocodile cruise along the river, spotting the prehistoric creatures in their natural habitat. On the way back down, you will stop off at a few viewing points to take in the scenery before being dropped back at your accommodation just in time for a night out.

Overnight: Gilligans | Cairns

Your final day after an epic month of unforgettable travels. Say goodbye to your new friends and contemplate what’s next on your journey. If you don’t know what’s next for you, then head to one of our Happy Travels stores, where one of our reps can help you plan your journey in Australia or anywhere beyond!