This itinerary is stacked with unmissable stops and unforgettable nights, all bundled up front so you’re not stuck adding everything as you go. With a maximum of 12 travellers, the tour offers a social yet personal atmosphere, supported by a semi-guided format that balances structure with freedom. Ideal for solo travellers and backpackers, this East Coast tour removes the stress of planning while delivering a deeper, more complete experience from start to finish.
Transport, accommodation, meals and major activities are included from the get-go. A Travel Buddies rep meets the group at key destinations to help with coordination, local know-how and on-the-ground support.
You’ll tick off all of Australia’s East Coast icons and a few hidden gems along the way: Sydney, Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, 3 Days 4wd’ing on K’gari Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, 3 day Whitsundays Sailing Adventure, Magnetic Island tropical stay, Cairns with waterfall rainforest experience and a Great Barrier Reef snorkel.
Customisation your thing? Travel Buddies can help you choose your own add on’s including skydiving, surfing, scenic flight, kayaking with dolphins plus much more! Once you have booked on, you can pick and mix!
Starting in Cairns? View the 32-Day Southbound East Coast Tour from Cairns to Sydney.
From $4499pp 
28 Days Have the Best Month of Your Life
Some of the best travel memories aren’t about where you went, they’re about who you went with. This is a trip built for exactly that. You’ll turn up not knowing a soul, and leave with a group of friends who feel like they’ve been in your life forever.
Along the way, you’ll tick off the experiences everyone dreams about, hidden gems most travellers never find, and everything in between, all without lifting a finger to plan it. All you need to bring is yourself. Everything else, including the friendships, takes care of itself.
Your adventure kicks off in Sydney, where you’ll meet your new travel buddies and dive into exploring one of the world’s most iconic cities. Visit the legendary Sydney Opera House, soak up harbour views with the Harbour Bridge as your backdrop, then wander through the Royal Botanic Gardens. Later, meet your Local Sydney Travel Buddy for the trip rundown and insider tips, followed by a group dinner on us.
While you’re here, make sure to tackle the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk, soak up the Bondi atmosphere, and grab a beachside lunch and swim before regrouping for your overnight bus north to Byron Bay.
Accommodation: Nomads Sydney & Overnight Bus
Days: 1-2
You’ll arrive in Byron Bay and check into your accommodation, ready to soak up one of Australia’s most iconic beach towns. Explore laid-back streets full of quirky cafés, surf shops, and boutique stores, then head out to the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse, watching sunset from Australia’s most easterly point for next-level ocean views.
While you’re here, make sure to try a yoga class, cruise around on a bike, or head out for an optional snorkel at Julian Rocks, or join a dolphin kayaking experience through crystal-clear waters. Explore The Farm’s relaxed countryside vibes, walk out to Cosy Corner on Tallows Beach, and experience Byron after dark at the Great Northern Hotel or the iconic Beach Hotel.
Accommodation: Little Drifter
Days: 3-5
Say goodbye to Byron Bay and head north into Queensland to Surfers Paradise, the perfect spot for fun, relaxation, and adventure. Check into your accommodation and start soaking up the vibrant coastal energy of this iconic city, known for its golden beaches, buzzing nightlife, and laid-back beach town charm.
While you’re here, make sure to enjoy cute cafés, craft breweries, and some of the best shopping in Australia. If you’re a fan of the ocean, head straight to the beachfront to try your hand at surfing, catch a tan, or simply relax by the water. Wander the Cavill Avenue precinct for shopping and dining, or take in the views from SkyPoint Observation Deck for a bird’s-eye look over the Gold Coast coastline.
Accommodation: Bounce Surfers Paradise
Days: 6-7
You’ll roll into Brisbane, the capital of the Sunshine State, and check into your hostel before heading out to explore this vibrant riverside city, known for its buzzing food scene, lush parks, and lively nightlife. In the evening, meet up with your travel crew for a fun night out on the town.
While you’re here, make sure to wander through the cultural hub of South Bank, visit nearby art galleries and museums, or take a relaxed stroll through the leafy West End, full of quirky cafés and boutique shops. If you’ve chosen the Add-On Activity, head to the iconic Australia Zoo, home of the legendary Steve Irwin, where you can get up close with incredible wildlife including Australia’s famous crocodiles.
Accommodation: Roamer
Days: 8-9
Welcome to Noosa, the perfect place to unwind and soak up some beachside bliss. Head to the iconic Hastings Street for shopping and cafés, relax on the sand, swim in the ocean, or wander through town for lunch at one of Noosa’s amazing cafés.
While you’re here, make sure to stroll around Noosa National Park and explore the local surf scene. If you’re keen for something extra special, the Noosa Everglades Add-On is a must, paddling through mirror-like waterways surrounded by untouched nature and rare wildlife, followed by a well-earned drink at a local brewery. Walk the scenic coastal tracks to discover the Fairy Pools, tucked away along the cliffs with stunning ocean views, keeping an eye out for koalas along the way.
Accommodation: Nomads Noosa
Days: 10, 13-15
It’s time for one of the ultimate highlights: K’gari Island (Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island. Cruise along 75 Mile Beach with epic coastal views, stopping at the iconic SS Maheno Shipwreck before a refreshing float down Eli Creek, a crystal-clear natural lazy river. Settle into your dingo-safe campsite for chilled nights under the stars with your crew.
While you’re here, make sure to walk the rainforest trail at Central Station along Wanggoolba Creek, swim in the white sands and bright blue water of Lake McKenzie, and cool off in the natural ocean rock pools at the Champagne Pools. Don’t miss Lake Wabby, a hidden green oasis, before heading back along 75 Mile Beach to the barge and mainland.
Accommodation: Island Camping
Days: 11-12
Today we arrive in Airlie Beach! After checking into your hostel, spend your free time exploring this charming beachside town, with the central lagoon a great spot to chill out and cool off with harbour views.
While you’re here, make sure to soak up the laid-back local vibe, whether that’s revisiting your favourite spots, relaxing by the lagoon, or exploring more of the town. If you’re looking to take your adventure to new heights, opt for a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, including the iconic Heart Reef, or add a little more adrenaline with a 15,000ft skydive.
Accommodation: Nomads Airlie Beach
Days: 16, 19-20
Set sail from Airlie Beach on an unforgettable Whitsundays sailing adventure, cruising through the stunning island chain and exploring hidden gems like Hook Island, Stonehaven Bay, and Langford Reef. Spend your time snorkelling vibrant reefs, swimming in turquoise waters, and soaking up the sun before anchoring in secluded bays for chilled evenings on deck.
While you’re here, make sure to hike up to Hill Inlet for breathtaking views over Whitehaven Beach’s swirling white sands, one of Australia’s most iconic sights, and squeeze in some snorkelling at the Whitsundays’ best reef spots, where you might spot turtles, manta rays, and marine life. If conditions allow, explore the Ngaro Caves at Nara Inlet before wrapping with one last swim and an epic afterparty with your crew.
Accommodation: Onboard (British Defender or Apollo)
Days: 17-18
Catch the ferry across to Magnetic Island, a tropical paradise known for its turquoise waters, laid-back vibes, and wild koalas. Check into your beachside stay and start settling in, whether that’s soaking up the sun, taking a dip in the ocean, or heading out on a coastal walk to spot local wildlife.
While you’re here, make sure to wander through lush national park trails, discover hidden bays, or rent a fun “Barbie Car” and cruise around the island in style. Don’t miss the famous Forts Walk, an epic scenic hike with sweeping 360° views and one of the best chances to spot koalas dozing in the eucalyptus trees along the way.
Accommodation: Nomads Magnetic Island
Days: 21-22
Arrive in Cairns, Australia’s adventure capital, and check into your social hostel before heading out to explore the city, wander the shops and galleries, or cool off with a dip in the iconic Cairns Lagoon, followed by the vibrant Night Markets with your travel crew.
While you’re here, make sure to join the included Atherton Tablelands tour for waterfalls and rock pool swims, and don’t miss the Great Barrier Reef day trip, snorkelling vibrant reef and a secluded sand cay. For extra adrenaline, add on white water rafting or a bungy jump, or explore the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation on an optional day tour, including a crocodile-spotting river cruise.
Accommodation: Gilligan’s
Days: 23-28
Then it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends and reflect on all the memories you’ve made. If you’re not sure what’s next for you, your local rep can help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s in Australia or somewhere beyond!
Kayak with Dolphins in Byron Bay – Paddle through the stunning waters of Byron Bay on a guided kayak tour. Encounter local marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and whales. If you don’t spot a dolphin, you can join another tour for free.
Australia Zoo – Visit the world-famous Australia Zoo, home to a wide array of wildlife. Enjoy six hours exploring the zoo with convenient pick-ups from Brisbane or Noosa.
Noosa Everglades – Discover one of only two everglades systems on the planet with a self-guided kayak tour. Navigate the serene “River of Mirrors” and immerse yourself in the subtropical rainforest.
Whitsundays Scenic Flight – Experience a 60-minute scenic flight over the Whitsundays, offering breathtaking views of Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet, and the iconic Heart Reef. Enjoy pilot commentary and guaranteed window seats.
Skydive Airlie Beach – Take the plunge with a tandem skydive from up to 15,000 feet over Airlie Beach. Experience a 60-second freefall and panoramic views of the Whitsundays.
Cairns Bungy Jump – Challenge yourself with a bungy jump from Australia’s only bungy tower in Cairns. Leap from above the rainforest canopy for an unforgettable experience.
White Water Rafting – Get ready for an unforgettable experience white water rafting as you journey through grade 3 and 4 rapids through gorge surroundings on the Tully River.
Cape Tribulation Day Tour – Embark on a full-day tour to Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy secret swimming spots, see crocs in the wild and explore the world’s oldest rainforest.
4.95 / 5.0
Based on 177 reviews
I travelled through Australia with travel buddies and it was amazing, everything was well organised i had few to none problems. And they will be there for you when you need them!
I am really glad I travelled up the east coast with Travel Buddies, especially as people I met doing it on their own said they'd spent the same amount of money. It was so handy having all the travel planned for us, daily updates on WhatsApp from the team, and we still had the freedom to do our own thing. We were a group of 11 and made so many friends in each place, that we would bump into the whole way up. We also met reps Ellie and Pauline in Byron and they were so welcoming and friendly. Pauline did the lighthouse walk with me (as I was slower than the group), and it felt like I was just walking with my friend, such a lovely positive girl. Ellie was amazing too, she was great at keeping us up to date and with anything we needed, she also helped me track down my phone after it was lost for two weeks! I would highly recommend booking a tour to take the stress out of planning everything yourself and to see Australia with a new bunch of friends.
It was a nice tour but needed to double check everything, when we booked add ons they always put us in different groups than the people traveling with us at first and sometimes hard to reach or different people give you different information.
I've had an amazing trip from Sydney to Cairns. Everything was planned out so well, from booking every bus to all the activities we could do in each city. A lot of the accommodations also gave us special treatment, like free luggage storage when we arrived before our rooms were ready. Whenever there were any problems, Travel Buddies was always approachable and helped us immediately. My group consisted of such amazing people, and I'm still in contact with all of them 6 months later. It was truly an unforgettable experience!
Everything is so well organised and they prioritise you getting the best experience!
I had an amazing experience going up the east coast with my group. It was an experience I'll always fondly remember. Everything was sorted for us so all we had to do was show up. My group was incredible and I've made friends for life. Can recommend to anyone thinking of doing the tour.
Was great, new friendships.
Best group trip ever - we had a lot of free days and could decide what to do, but travel buddies was always in the background and you could reach out to them, when you needed help or ideas about what to do.
Had the absolute time of my life doing the 32 day east coast Australia tour back in January. Travel Buddies sorted absolutely everything for me, all I needed to do was be in the right place at the right time.
Did the east coast trip and it was such a great month! Met some lovely girls in my group and many others along the way. Made travelling super easy with everything planned, all you had to do was turn up, and follow tips and directions via the WhatsApp group. Best month of my life, very action packed! Would 100% recommend travel buddies.
The East Coast was amazing. My group became like a real family. Travelbuddies always looked after us and helped quickly with any problems. Thank you!
It's been an amazing journey together with travel buddies and all the good people I've been getting to know during our way up the east coast. And also coming over here from Sweden, I was a bit worried about making connections but the group made it so easy.
Everyone is super nice and it was a good experience but a little too spendy for what you get.
Best tour ever! I had an amazing experience with Travel Buddies. The semi-guided concept is honestly the best idea ever, you get all the highlights perfectly organized, but still have plenty of free time to explore and make your own choices. Communication with the Travel Buddies team was top-notch from start to finish. Super clear, responsive and helpful. Everything ran smoothly and stress-free. Highly recommend to anyone who wants an unforgettable trip without feeling restricted. Would 100% do it again!
Wow.. the best trip of my life. I have travelled the East Coast solo in a van before and then recently with Travel Buddies and the difference between those two experiences is CRAZY. It was easily the best month of my life without a doubt. The trip itself is incredible, you manage to fit everything the East Coast has to offer without missing anything. Highlights: 3 days 4WDing and camping on K'gari, sailing the Whitsundays and the surf camp. Also the skydive is a MUST. Every hostel was clean, super nice and close to everything you needed. Big shout out to the queens Gemma, Ellie & Amy! Also the legends Josh & Lulu!! Book it. You absolutely will NOT regret it.
Travel Buddies were extremely easy to communicate with and so polite and helpful, they made my whole experience in australia the absolute best ever! Special mention to Ellie who helped so much!
I did a Travel Buddies trip last month and it was the best way I have travelled! I've done other group tours before but the semi-guided style was so much better — I had more freedom to do more activities I actually wanted, while still having great recommendations and support from the team via WhatsApp. They were super helpful before I booked too and helped me get my other add ons booked like kayaking with dolphins! I had a lovely group who I still talk to today! I really recommend.
I travelled the East Coast of Australia from Sydney to Cairns with Travel Buddies, and it truly exceeded every expectation. The tour was semi-guided, which struck the perfect balance — all transport and accommodation were seamlessly organised, while we still had plenty of freedom to explore. Surf camp, Byron Bay, Fraser Island and Whitsundays sailing were all highlights.
I joined the Travel buddies east coast tour and it was the highlight of all my travels so far! I met so many travel buddies along the way and they're now friends for life. Fraser Island with like-minded legends was incredible. Big shoutout to Gemma!
I booked my east coast trip with travel buddies and it was the best decision! I had the trip of a lifetime. 5 week trip with all my accommodation and transport sorted, also plenty of food and activities all organised too! Huge shoutout to Gemma for the lighthouse walk in Byron.
Had an amazing time up the east coast!!! Stress-free and many memories made, the group consisted of 12 people, whom I felt I grew close with quickly and was the ideal number; not too big or too small. Whilst reps felt easily contactable if needed. Huge shoutout to Gemma & Ellie!
Best tour ever! I had an amazing experience with Travel Buddies. The semi-guided concept is honestly the best idea ever, you get all the highlights perfectly organized, but still have plenty of free time to explore and make your own choices. It's the perfect balance between structure and freedom.
Had the most amazing few weeks on the travel buddies New Zealand tour! The tour is such a great way to explore the best locations on both the north and South Island and meet lots of lovely people. I particularly enjoyed the Mauri cultural experience and Milford Sound.
We had Gemma as our rep in Byron Bay!! Couldn't recommend her enough - so lovely and so helpful. Get me back to Byron asap.
It was one of the best trips I have ever had. Everything was amazing and well prepared.
The trip was absolutely fabulous!! We had an amazing rep (Gemma) and she was going above and beyond for us. One of our friends was on crutches and Gemma helped carry all her stuff to the hostel — total legend.
The best tour ever! Everything was so well organised and the reps were super helpful with whatever you needed. Callum in Sydney and Gemma in Byron were both really welcoming and kind to us all when we arrived and helped us throughout our trip.
I chose to do the Sydney to Cairns tour and had the most incredible time! From starting off at a surf camp, to jumping out of a plane, and snorkelling in the great barrier reef, unforgettable memories! Big shoutout to Gemma!
I did a New Zealand tour from Auckland to Queenstown and it was incredible! With so many stunning stop offs and action packed activities, I feel as though we left no stone unturned. The group dynamic was great, perfect for solo travellers, as you get made to feel part of a team from day 1. Couldn't recommend it enough!
Had the best time on the east coast! Travel buddies were so helpful and for the price, this trip is 100% worth it. My reps Ellie and Gemma were super helpful and made sure our trip went off without a hitch!
Was the best trip I've ever done, and the best month of my life. I did the group tour, 32 day up the east coast of Australia. Couldn't recommend the trip enough, worth every penny. The add ons are worth it as well (especially the skydive). Big love to Gemma in Byron!
Such an incredible couple of weeks. Just arrived in Queenstown and sad our tour is coming to an end. All staff super helpful and such an organised tour. Sam was helpful when we arrived in Queenstown and was packed with recommendations for our last couple of days.
I had an amazing experience and met so many great people on my trip with travel buddies.
It was so great to have everything planned out for you, and still having a few free days to do whatever you wanted.
An insane experience! I got to tick everything off my Aussie bucket list! We started in Sydney and jumped straight into a 3 day surf camp which was the perfect way to connect with the group from the start.
I spent an unforgettable month traveling the East Coast with Travel Buddies in November and December – and I can honestly say I was completely satisfied from beginning to end. The perfect mix of adventure, freedom, and friendship.
I did the 32-day East Coast Travel Buddies trip from Sydney to Cairns & it was honestly one of the best things I've ever done. We were 14 girls & from the first stop it already felt like a proper adventure. From surfing at Spot X to the Whitsundays and beyond — incredible.
Oh wow where do I even start. This tour was the best decision I ever made. I was so scared to go solo travelling and nervous that I wouldn't like it or I wouldn't make any good friends but wow I have never been so happy to be wrong! From Dolphin Kayaking to skydives, Fraser Island to Whitsundays — total epic vibes.
Had such an amazing time travelling down the east coast with travel buddies. Currently planning my next trip with them.
I had an absolutely amazing trip with Travel Buddies. From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized and we were supported every step of the way. We stayed in beautiful and clean hostels, and as a Travel Buddies group we often received extra perks. So happy I made some awesome friends along the way!
I had the BEST time ever on the travel buddies tour! Missing it already. The amount of places and activities that you get to do on this tour is EXTRAORDINARY. The people you meet along the way make the trip so incredibly special. Big shoutout to reps Ellie & Gemma!
The activities organised by Travel Buddies were honestly unreal, everything was so well organised and so so fun! Not having a tour guide made the experience actually better, way more freedom & independence and it never felt rushed or forced.
Great experience with the Travel Buddies. Me and my mate did the 32 day group tour. Ellie and Gemma were legends who helped us when our Kayaking we booked got cancelled and everyone was super responsive if we ever had any issues. We now booked onto the New Zealand trip too as they got us a good deal. Would highly recommend this group tour if you have a month to the do the east coast.
I did the east-coast tour from Cairns to Sydney in October/November. It was one of the best things I have ever done, so many unforgettable experiences, friends for life and so, so much laughter in the 32 days!!! In the beginning I was really nervous how the constant change, hostels, transportation, so many things in a short period of time, many many people, would work with being Neurodivergent (Autism). But it worked out amazing!!! It is such an amazing combination between the people that want/need to rest have enough time to do so, but the people that like doing things 24/7, they can defentily do that as well!!! And that is such an awesome combination!!! If you are thinking about doing this, stop thinking, do it :) Thank you so much, Travelbuddies!!!
Travel Buddies has been quick to respond to any questions, and the accommodation and activities have been great so far. I'd definitely recommend them, as they take care of everything. Just keep in mind that your experience also depends a lot on the group you travel with.
Travel Buddies has been quick to respond to any questions, and the accommodation and activities have been great so far. I’d definitely recommend them, as they take care of everything. Just keep in mind that your experience also depends a lot on the group you travel with.
We did the 32-day trip from Cairns to Sydney. I enjoyed every second of it! I loved that we had so much freedom, but everything was still perfectly organised, so there was no stress or thinking needed. The itinerary was planned so well, giving us just the right amount of time in each place. I’d highly recommend Travel buddies. The group dynamic was amazing, we all got on so well, and the communication throughout the trip was great. The accommodation and activities were also incredible!
Such a good time on the travel buddies tour! Met so many amazing people to share the experience with, each stop was savage.
Travel buddies are super helpful and such a good energy in the team! We went on the 32 day east coast tour in Aus and loved every minute of it. From the Byron Bay lighthouse walk to snorkelling the GBR, skydiving, K'gari beach drives and sailing the Whitsundays.
Charlotte was very friendly and super helpful!!
Charlotte was great - so helpful!
Charlotte is very adorable and helped me a lot for my tour!
There were 11 of us, and we did the 32-day trip from Cairns to Sydney. I enjoyed every second of it! I loved that we had so much freedom, but everything was still perfectly organised, so there was no stress or thinking needed.
I did the east-coast tour from Cairns to Sydney in October/November. It was one of the best things I have ever done, so many unforgettable experiences, friends for life and so, so much laughter in the 32 days!!!
Amazing expereince on Travel Buddies, booked this back in January but did the north bound departure from Sydney to Cairns and had such a brilliant time.
Travel Buddies covers SO much of the action on the East Coast it truly exceeds its value for money. The activities are top tier in each location and are balanced well with free days to relax and recover. Having the stress of organisation / planning made all the difference in being able to enjoy the backpacking experience and focus on making connections and seeing as much as possible. The travel buddies team are faultless across the board so kudos to all!
Best trip ever, absolutely great vibes! Definitely add on taking a scenic flight over Heart Reef, it was surreal as seeing the Whitsundays from the sky, honestly blew my mind. The group I travelled with was a blast, and I loved that we had time to explore places like Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane on our own. This tour has everything you could want: adventure, nights out, wildlife, down time, and tons of new friends. Highly recommend it for anyone heading up Australia’s East Coast.
Had the best 5 weeks travelling the east coast. Everything was made so easy and convenient. Made friends for life!!
I would 100% recommend!! They take care of all the admin and cover all the best parts of the east coast (plus a few more others miss out!). Enough guidance throughout but don't feel 'led' in any way. Fraser Island and the surf camp were definitely my favourite parts!!
Loved my East Coast tour with Travel Buddies. Made absolute friends for life and everything was guided so easily and smoothly for all of us. Saw some of the most amazing views I've ever seen in my life and made the best memories.
Amazing Aus east coast trip! Booking tour made it an ease and the extra activities were definitely worth it.
This tour went above and beyond anything I expected. Over 32 days, I traveled from Sydney to Cairns and had an unforgettable adventure packed with incredible experiences and amazing friendships.
The tours and itineraries are very good. The product itself, can't complain. However, places of natural beauty and travelling hotspots aren't hard to sell to travellers. Had some issues with room mix-ups and refunds.
I booked my solo trip along the East Coast of Australia with Travel Buddies and it was so good I then booked again with them for New Zealand!
Amazing experience from start to finish. Loved every bit of the journey. We had the best group of people and I have made friends for life.
The 32 day tour was worth every penny, the balance of exploring and chill time was spot on. Sailing in the Whitsundays was my favourite, and the sunsets were incredible. I met awesome people, and we shared laughs and unforgettable memories. If you’re considering an Australia tour, I highly recommend this trip for the best East Coast experience! Thank you Travel Buddies!
The travel buddies tour was definitely one of the highlights of my travelling so far – met so many amazing people who I’m going to keep in contact with for a long time. The activities, accommodation and everything in between was amazingly done and allowed me to have a blast without lifting a finger.
My boyfriend and I did the East Coast Australia Travel Buddies tour and it was the most incredible month of our lives! So many amazing things ticked off the bucket list - the Whitsundays, skydiving, K'Gari island, Australia Zoo & the list goes on.
I chose travel buddies to do a 23 day tour with across the North & South islands in New Zealand. I've never done a group tour before but this experience has made me book more group tours. It was absolutely incredible.
Amazing company! Very organised, fun & the reps were really lovely. Definitely recommend traveling with them.
I done the 32 day east coast tour going from Sydney to Cairns & it was the best experience ever! Everything was perfectly organised by travel buddies and they included everything I wanted to do over there. We were put in a group of 12 and everyone got on so well. I've made friends for life & I'd do it all over again.
I did a 3 week New Zealand trip with travel buddies and had an awesome time!!!
Travel Buddies in NZ was a great experience. We had so much fun all together and everything was perfectly organized! Highly recommended.
I went on a one-month trip to New Zealand with the help of this agency and had a really great experience. They were always on time, clear, and helpful. Everything went as planned and the organization was perfect.
I had an absolutely fantastic time with Travel Buddies! I met the most amazing friends and all of my activities were perfectly organized! I loved my entire trip and it wouldn't have been the same without Travel Buddies. Would definitely recommend them if you're planning any trip in Australia or beyond!
I did the 32 day east coast tour from Sydney to Cairns and was the best month of my life!! So many amazing memories with the best people, would recommend to everyone!!
I went on the 32 day east coast tour with Travel Buddies and had the best time! The organization is fab, the accommodation great and the activities were fantastic. There is 7 day support, which helps a lot.
The best month of my life on the east coast. Friends for life, bucket list activities ticked off with them all booked in for us and we still had the freedom to do our own thing.
Booked this back in March and had such a blast. The guides were hilarious and knew everything about every spot we hit.
I did the 32 day East Coast Sydney to Cairns trip with Travel Buddies and it was the best time of my life! Itinerary couldn't have been better we hit all the best spots.
I travelled along the east coast of Australia with Travel Buddies and it was even better than I could have imagined. Everything is organized, so you don't have to worry about a thing, yet you still feel completely free. I met the most amazing people and had the best time ever!!!
Such good customer service, super organised, what a great experience. Would happily recommend to all my friends.
Amazing experience, great group of people!
Travelled the East Coast with Travel Buddies back in Feb! Whole experience was smooth and we packed heaps in without feeling rushed. Met some legends on the way and ended up sticking around in Aus — hoping to jump on their NZ trip later this year!
10/10: This tour exceeded my expectations, giving me friends and memories for life. I toured with Travel Buddies for 32 days from Sydney to Cairns and couldn't recommend this company enough. Not only was the experience easy to navigate but provided reliable accommodations, transportation and made bookings for excursions very convenient.
THE GREATEST 24 DAYS OF MY LIFE!!! Could not rate Travel Buddies any higher, from the incredible bespoke experience to their amazingly committed team who looked after us every step of the way. Don't miss out on the trip of a lifetime.
I did my Australian East Coast trip with the help of travel buddies. They organised my whole trip and made everything so easy and stress free for me. While travelling gave me top tips on things to do or see while at my location.
Had the holiday of a lifetime in New Zealand! It's been my no. 1 bucket list destination for years & it did not disappoint. The tour was super well planned out & covered so many amazing places. Would highly recommend as was so easy & seamless to do!
I absolutely loved travelling with Travel Buddies. Everything was very well organised and I met friends for life. I would recommend it to any solo travellers!!
Love this trip so much, made friends for life. Currently at a reunion in Blues Kitchen!
We had the most amazing 6 week east coast Australia trip with travel buddies, the itinerary was perfect and met some of the best people ever. Would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Such an incredible trustworthy team! Would highly recommend if solo travelling Aus.
I did the 32 day Sydney to Cairns tour and it was the best trip ever! Met so many amazing friends for life and experienced all I wanted to see on the east coast. 10/10 recommend doing this tour.
I can't recommend travelling with Travel Buddies enough! I love group tours, and exploring New Zealand with them was the best tour I've done yet. We had a WhatsApp chat with daily updates on where we needed to be and when.
My overall experience with travel buddies tour was absolutely unreal. If you are looking for a tour that shows you some of the best places along the australian east coast while also making life long friends this is the tour for you. This tour gave us the opportunity to travel the east coast with likeminded people instead of having to do it alone. It was the perfect balance of guided and self guided, as our group got to explore and do what we wanted while still having tours, hostels and busses booked. It took out the stress of having to plan everything ourselves and allowed us to be more in the moment. This was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t want to travel the east coast alone!
Fab experience - Loved it!
Brilliant tour with Travel Buddies along the East Coast of OZ. Had the best group every which made the tour 10/10. Wished i had left a few extra days at the end of the trip in Carins to do a few more bits other than that was epic. Thanks.
Did my East Coast Australia trip with Travel Buddies and would HIGHLY recommend! Made friends and memories for life and will truly never forget this experience. Best 32 days of my life!
Fantastic group tour with the perfect amount of guidance, activities and free time. Would 100% recommend booking with these guys as it was super easy and stress free!!!
I travelled the East Coast with Travel Buddies and I would 100% recommend. Traveling with a group was so nice, support from the WhatsApp group & travel buddies rep was also so reassuring. All my accommodation, transport & activities were sorted so I just had to show up — could not fault!!
Was a trip of a lifetime making new friends from all around the world.
I did Travel Buddies New Zealand and it was the best trip I've ever done! So well organised, amazing hostels, activities. We were welcomed by Reps at almost each place, providing us with the best local tips. I couldn't recommend this tour more. 10/10!!
Incredible trip, incredible people!
Did the East Coast with Travel Buddies and it was unreal! Exceeded all my expectations. It's like a semi-guided half planned half free time tour which is so perfect, all the tours like Whitsundays and Fraser Island and Great Barrier Reef are included.
Just finished my 32 day East Coast with Travel Buddies! All I can say is wow!! I'll never forget that!! What a team, what a time! Massive thanks to the team and I can't recommend this tour enough.
I highly recommend it 100%! Great organization, amazing activities, and a fantastic discovery of the East Coast. A big thank you to the Travel Buddy team!
Amazing trip and great organisation!
Not bad not terrible.
I have just finished the 5 week Aus East Coast tour and had the most amazing time! Travel buddies was on hand 24/7 to answer any questions and solve any complications but the semi-guided aspect means it's completely up to you how involved you get.
I really enjoyed my 32-day semi-guided tour with Travel Buddies. I set off with a friend, and at first we were a bit hesitant about whether a fixed tour with the same people was the right thing for us. And it was 100% definitely! Both the group and the tours that were included were absolutely amazing. Very organised and reliable! Highly recommended!
I just finished my east coast holiday 32 action packed days. I made the best group of travelling Buddies. I'd highly recommend for anyone nervous about solo travelling — you can still do your own things and meet up with your group later. I had the best experience.
Wicked trip, met some great people and hit all the best spots. Wished i could have stayed longer in Aus but had to get back to work.
I absolutely loved every minute of this trip. Seeing the cities like Sydney and the Opera House to diving into bars and then sleeping outside in Noosa and Cairns was beyond perfect. I really recommend this trip to solo female travellers. The amount of freedom, relaxation and fun was just right. The friendships I’ve made have changed my life. Never once felt lonely or left out. So well run. Thank you!
I didn't know what to do or where to travel to? Then Natalie based in St kilda Melbourne really helped me with everything the hostel, tours and the tips and advice on where to go and prices the suited me. She listened to what I wanted and explained to I couldn't understand which loved. I definitely recommend her as your travel agent if you are ever in Melbourne St kilda
Such an amazing time thanks to Amy in the Aus team for helping me plan and book it, I loved every minute of it and would 100% do it again. Amy was really patient with me whilst i went through the options and ended up picking this tour because of the price and where it went. Thanks Amy.
The Travel Buddies team are second to none. Everything is organised for you from the skydives to all welcome throughout plus plenty of included stuff and cool surprises. You meet so many people every moment without having to worry. There are way too many memories not experienced otherwise. If you want to go and do it, this is the way to do it yourself.
Best trip ever, absolutely great vibes! Definitely added so much spice and helped me meet people as a solo traveller seeing the Whitsundays, Fraser, the zoo, Brisbane, Byron etc. in style. The group I travelled with was so chill and I loved that skip the lines to awesome places like Sydney, Cairns, Day trip and Brisbane on our own time. So much everything, so great, and such a vibe. Thank you all, would 10/10 travel the East Coast like this again. I highly recommend it for money + new friends + Australian East Coast.
Had the best 5 weeks travelling the east coast. Everything was made so easy and convenient. Made friends for life !!
I really enjoyed my 32-day semi-guided tour with Travel Buddies. I set off with a friend, and at first we were a bit hesitant about whether a fixed tour with the same people was the right thing for us. And it was 100% definitely! Both the group, where you quickly met lots of cool people of all ages, and the tours that were included and those you booked separately, such as the skydive, the jet ski tour, and Cape Tribulation, were absolutely amazing. 🛩️The hostels we stayed in were almost all super clean, and the program that was put together for us was also great. We hardly had to worry about anything because everything was planned for us, whether it was the ferry, checking into the hostels, or the Greyhound bus. Very, very relaxed travel, very organized and reliable! Highly recommended!🙏
I did the 32 day east coast tour from Sydney to Cairns and was the best month of my life!! So many amazing memories with the best people, would recommend to everyone!!
I traveled the east coast of Australia with Travel Buddies, and it was so much better than I could have imagined. Everything is organized, and you don't have to worry about anything, yet you still remain completely free. I met the most amazing people and simply had the best time ever!
Just finished this tour and I’m already missing it! Everyone was SO caring and kind – exactly my vibe. This was a great mix of solo space & group time. The group was incredibly cool and mature. Meeting friends, surfing in Australia, skydiving at Airlie… was an experience I’ll never forget. If you’re going to invest in a trip and meet cool people, this is the way to go. Such a fun, laid-back vibe!
I highly recommend it 100%! Great organization, amazing activities, and a fantastic discovery of the East Coast. A big thank you to the Travel Buddy team!
This tour is a game-changer! The vibe and company were just unreal – truly a unique experience from the very first moment. Snorkels over the Whitsundays, skydiving in Byron, the most magical time ever. And I even got over the nerves of mingling (totally made so easy by TB). The whole trip was chill, and I had heaps of freedom to explore on my own! A+ to the team for pulling this one off. So slick, so perfectly run. I’d highly recommend it to anyone looking for a safe adventure.
10/10: This tour exceeded my expectations, giving me friends and memories for life. I toured with Travel Buddies for 32 days from Sydney to Cairns and couldn’t recommend this company enough. Not only was the experience easy to navigate but provided reliable accommodations, transportation and made bookings for excursions very convenient. I highly suggest anyone looking to solo travel book this trip!
Love this trip so much, made friends for life. Currently at a reunion in blues kitchen 🤍
We had the most amazing 6 week east coast Australia trip with travel buddies, the itinerary was perfect and met some of the best people ever. Would do it all over again in a heartbeat xx
I did the 32 day Sydney to Cairns tour and it was the best trip ever! Met so many amazing friends for life and experienced all I wanted to see on the east coast. 10/10 recommend doing this tour☀️
I would 100% recommend!! They take care of all the admin and cover all the best parts of the east coast (plus a few more others miss out!). Enough guidance throughout but don’t feel ‘led’ in anyway. Fraser Island and the surf camp definitely my favourite parts!! We had really bad weather in Airlie which meant our Whitsundays trip was WET and we couldn’t complete the tour. But Travel buddies were good at communicating and had many backup plans available.
I done the 32 day east coast tour going from Sydney - Cairns & it was the best experience ever! Everything was perfectly organised by travel buddies & happy travels and they included everything I wanted to do over there. We were put in a group of 12 and everyone got on so well it was a good mix of ages. I’ve made friends for life & I’d do it all over again highly recommend 🫶🏽
Absolutely unreal month on the East Coast. Every spot from Byron to Magnetic Island was a dream. Our Travel Buddy, Josh, was super chill and made everything stress-free. Felt like the perfect combo of planned and free time. Easily the best decision I made on my gap year. I got it in the sale with $200 off so i was super happy. Would highly recommend it even if it\'s full price.
Hard to describe the feeling you get while doing this trip! Every place we stopped at was perfect, I met the best kind of people, and the travel buddies made it so easy. The time and details were all planned really well, and I didn’t feel stressed at all. I laughed a lot, danced, and saw the best of the East Coast. Great group of people and guides. Would do it all again!
Best trip ever, absolutely great vibes! Definitely added so much spice and helped me meet people as a solo traveller seeing the Whitsundays, Fraser, the zoo, Brisbane, Byron etc. in style. The group I travelled with was so chill and I loved that skip the lines to awesome places like Sydney, Cairns, Day trip and Brisbane on our own time. So much everything, so great, and such a vibe. Thank you all, would 10/10 travel the East Coast like this again. I highly recommend it for money, new friends and Australia’s East Coast.
I was so nervous to travel Australia because I wasn’t sure if I was going to meet people or get to do everything that was on my list, but Travel Buddies absolutely smashed it! I now have friends around the world. The hostels were decent for the budget, there were good activities and the ones I’d have never thought to book but loved. Every night we ate, there were fire and amazing sunsets. There was so much to see and do, and I feel I made the best decision to do the Travel Buddies trip and I’d do it again any day as people were so lovely! Already planning my next trip back!
Had an amazing time on the tour. Myt phone broke on Fraser Island so was gutted that i couldn't take any pictures but there was a photo circle where everyone loaded their pictures in which was so nice. My favourite spot was Surf Camp or Whitsundays had such a great time and the group were so funny. Goooo team! haha would highly reccomend
Amazing experience with Travel Buddies. My friend Meg and i did the September tour last year and had an unreal time. We got wet weather in Byron which was only disssapointing thing other than that it was so lush the whole way up the coast. The trip was planned out well adn loved the actvitities. Am looking at jumping on their New Zealand tour next year when i've saved up again.
The tour is exceptional value for money. The Travel Buddies team are efficient and extremely helpful. The group was extremely friendly and outgoing with such a strong mix in group vibe. The activities and experiences were unreal. I couldn’t recommend this trip more. Everything is sorted for you, and it’s extremely easy, stress-free, and fun to do east coast group travelling, which is brilliant.
The travel buddies tour was definitely one of the highlights of my travelling so far – met so many amazing people who I'm going to keep in contact with for a long time. The activities, accommodation and everything in between was amazingly done and allowed me to have a blast without lifting a finger.
My overall experience with travel buddies tour was absolutely unreal. If you are looking for a tour that shows you some of the best places along the Australian east coast while also making life long friends this is the tour for you. This tour gave us the opportunity to travel the east coast with likeminded people instead of having to do it alone. It was the perfect balance of guided and self guided. It took out the stress of having to plan everything ourselves and allowed us to be more in the moment. This was honestly one of the best experiences I've ever had and would recommend it to anyone who doesn't want to travel the east coast alone!
Travel Buddies covers SO much of the action on the East Coast it truly exceeds its value for money. The activities are top tier in each location and are balanced well with free days to relax and recover. Having the stress of organisation / planning made all the difference in being able to enjoy the backpacking experience and focus on making connections and seeing as much as possible. The travel buddies team are faultless across the board so kudos to all!
The 32 day tour was worth every penny, the balance of exploring and chill time was spot on. Sailing in the Whitsundays was my favourite, and the sunsets were incredible. I met awesome people, and we shared laughs and unforgettable memories. If you're considering an Australia tour, I highly recommend this trip for the best East Coast experience! Thank you Travel Buddies!
Great way to do the east coast. You are always in a group, there is always someone to do something with, but you can always take your time alone. You still meet lots of new amazing people. The activities are just amazing, apart from the typical east coast activities there were some special things as the stop in Mackay. I would definitely recommend doing the Travel Buddies tour.
This tour was absolutely amazing!!! I had so much fun and got way more done. I would have just sat at hostels otherwise so every day I was motivated to do more thanks to so many activities and cool people to experience memories and laugh with along the way. It was the best decision I ever made to do this trip and I have made lifelong friends from all around the world.
I took part in the first travel buddies trip in 2024 and I couldn't recommend it enough, it was by far the best month of my life as I was able to make such amazing friends while experiencing things I would never have thought to do alone. It was so stress free, having activities booked most days therefore we could just go with the flow. It went by so quickly but I would do it again without a doubt.
The travel buddies tour was definitely the best way to travel the east coast. Creating memories with people all the way which will stick with me for life. I've created friends that I will forever remember. The activities and guidance that was sorted for me throughout my trip helped me to enjoy it more and to not stress about my next step. Overall thank you so much travel buddies for the trip of a lifetime.
This tour was absolutely amazing! I had so much fun and did way more than I would have if I was left to book/discover things at every place. Traveling with a group made it so much better as you had people to experience memories and laugh with along the way. It was the best decision I ever made to do this trip and I now have lifelong friends from all around the world.
The tour is exceptional value for money. The travel buddies team are efficient and extremely helpful. The group were all extremely friendly and outgoing which made the trip much more enjoyable. The activities and excursions were brilliant. I could not recommend this trip more. Everything is sorted for you and it's extremely easy when you wake up, look at a text and everything is planned, which is brilliant.
I was so nervous to travel Australia because I wasn't sure if I was going to meet people or get to do everything that was on my list, but Travel Buddies absolutely nailed it! I have made friends for life. I can't believe how much fun I had. I loved the perfect balance between guided activities and free time. Byron Bay was a highlight and we saw whales every night we were there and amazing sunsets. There was so much to see and do, and I felt I had all the freedom to explore. This tour company truly got what we as a group were looking for in Australia. Already planning my next trip back!
The Travel Buddies tour was definitely the best way to travel the east coast. Created memories with people all the way which will stay with me for life. I’ve created things that I will forever remember. The activities and atmosphere that was set for the group was amazing. They helped me to explore more and not stress about anything at all. Overall thank you so much travel buddies for the trip of a lifetime.
I was part of February's Travel Buddies group tour of the east coast and it was the best month of my life. I made amazing friends and experienced some amazing things which I didn't think I would do if I was travelling alone. There was no stress on the trip as all the travel, activities and hostels were booked and paid for prior to the trip commencing which made the whole trip so easy and I could just enjoy it without thinking about expenses. I couldn't recommend the Travel Buddies tour enough!
Amazing experience from start to finish. Loved every bit of the journey. We had the best group of people and I have made friends for life.
Had the time of my life! Snorkeling at the Great Barrier Reef was the best. I couldn't believe all the animals I saw in the sea and the corals were so pretty. Also loved Fraser Island and Byron Bay and the group made it so much fun. We spent almost every night hanging out together on nights out or just chilling at the hostel or shopping. I will stay in touch with everyone for a long time. I recommend this trip 100%.
Best trip ever, absolutely great vibes! Definitely add on taking a scenic flight over Heart Reef, it was surreal as seeing the Whitsundays from the sky, honestly blew my mind. The group I travelled with was a blast, and I loved that we had time to explore places like Sydney, Byron Bay and Brisbane on our own. This tour has everything you could want: adventure, nights out, wildlife, down time, and tons of new friends. Highly recommend it for anyone heading up Australia's East Coast.
Just finished this tour, and I'm already missing it! Arrawarra Surf Camp was epic – I caught my first wave and felt like a pro by the end! The group was incredible, and I made some lifelong friends. Surfing in Australia, especially at Arrawarra, is an experience I'll never forget. If you're looking to learn to surf and meet cool people, this is the way to go. Such a fun, laid-back vibe!
This tour is a game-changer! The 4WD and camping on K'gari was unreal – truly a unique experience I'll never forget. Sunrise on the beach with whales going by was the most magical thing ever. And I can't get over the number of amazing friends I made on this trip! The whole vibe was chill, and we had plenty of freedom to explore on our own. If you're thinking of a trip to Australia, this one's a must-do. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for an epic adventure!
Really enjoyable tour seeing the best of the east coast. Chilled experiences of a semi self guided tour takes all heartache out of organising transport & accommodation yourself. Meet great people in a group & enjoy the ride. Whitsundays, K'gari, Byron Bay and Cairns were absolute highlights you don't want to miss out on!
I can safely say that I am so glad that I booked the travel buddies tour. I strongly think that this is the best way to travel the east coast of Australia. Meeting your group on day one is an experience in itself and from then on it's built on throughout the journey. The itinerary is incredible. Time of my life!
This 32 day group tour was incredible! Got so much in and met genuinely great people, it has been endless content & memories for life. Would do it all again tomorrow if I could. Definitely skydive, scenic flight & white water raft!
I loved every stop and love the friends I have made. I would definitely book another tour with Travel Buddies. Whitsundays and K'gari were amazing of course but so was places I'd never heard of like Finch Hatton and Atherton Tablelands. It also included activities that I wouldn't have planned myself and which were so worth it. Thanks guys!
I could point to the best Travel Buddies trip in 2024 and I couldn’t recommend it enough. It was by far the best month of my life as I was able to make such amazing friends while experiencing things I would never have thought to do alone if I was a solo person. Having activities booked most days or breezing into a pub was spot on. The tour went by so quickly but I would do it again without a doubt.
The best adventure I've ever had, I have fallen in love with Australia and the East Coast thanks to this Travel Buddies tour. The group was amazing, everyone was so friendly and we all got on so well. I'll never forget diving at the Great Barrier Reef and sailing in the Whitsundays. Travel Buddies gave us freedom so we could explore as we wanted but also organised the best activities. It's perfect and I recommend it for anyone wanting to make friends and explore amazing Australia.
The Travel Buddies team are second to none, everything is organised for you and they keep you well informed throughout your journey. It makes your east coast adventure so much better as you can enjoy every moment without having to worry. There are way too many memories and experiences to note, you just need to go and do it for yourself.
I absolutely loved every minute of this trip. Seeing the cities like Sydney and the Opera House was amazing and then exploring nature in Noosa and Cairns was beyond perfect. I really recommend doing the add ons like Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest and the Scenic Flight over Whitsundays. Fraser Island was unforgettable, the lakes were so blue! I'm already thinking of going back. Travel Buddies made it all so easy and fun! I couldn't have asked for a better trip in Australia.
The Daintree Rainforest is pure magic! It felt like stepping into another world. Our guide was a local and knew all the best hidden spots, which made the experience even more special. This tour offered just the right mix of adventure and freedom – perfect for someone like me who loves nature and exploring. I highly recommend this for anyone visiting Queensland or planning a trip to explore Australia's wilderness.
Great way to see the east coast. You are always in a group, there’s always someone to do something with, but you can always take your time alone. You still meet lots of new people. The activities are just amazing, apart from the typical east coast activities there were some special things like the stop in Mackay. I would definitely recommend doing the Travel Buddies tour.
The 32-day tour was worth every penny. The balance of activities and chill time was spot on. Sailing in the Whitsundays was my favourite and the sunsets were incredible. I met awesome people and we shared laughs and unforgettable memories. If you’re considering an Australia tour, I highly recommend this trip for the East Coast. Couldn’t recommend Travel Buddies more!
Travel Buddies covers SO much of the bucket list for the East Coast – so many of the must-do stops are included. The activities like sky dives, Fraser Island and the Whitsundays are all included and well paced. Even the ‘extra’ add-ons like surfing lessons, meeting the stars in Springbrook, or walking around the Christmas markets in Bundy are where the trip becomes something different and new – making an exceptional experience that still feels so flexible. The Travel Buddies team were the absolute perfect vibe through and through.
My overall experience with Travel Buddies was absolutely unreal. If you are looking for a tour that shows you some of the best places along the east coast and does this while making life easy and stress free – then this is the tour for you! There was a great mix of exploring and chill time. The tour included so many good activities and you are going to make so many great friends. I highly recommend Travel Buddies for the ultimate east coast experience. Thank you to the team, everything was amazing and I had the best time!
The Travel Buddies tour was definitely one of the highlights of my travelling so far – met so many amazing people who I’m going to keep in contact with for a long time. The activities, accommodation and everything in between was amazing. So easy to have a blast without lifting a finger.
I had an absolutely fantastic time with Travel Buddies! I met the most amazing friends and all of my activities were perfectly organized! I loved my entire trip and it wouldn’t have been the same without Travel Buddies. Would definitely recommend them if you’re planning any trip in Australia or beyond!:)
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Cancellation & Refund Policy: Refunds will be processed according to the following time frames:
Cancellations less than 21 Days before the start date incur a 100 % fee.
Cancellations between 365 – 21 Days before the start date incur a 50% 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 an activity, we will organise a replacement. 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.
This tour departs from Nomads Sydney.
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 14 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.
The minimum number of passengers for Travel Buddies on the East Coast is 2 people. Regardless, you will still get the same experience and service including personalised daily messages, as well as local guides meeting you in Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Cairns.
Some sectors and third-party 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 travel solo with all of the perks of Travel Buddies and your own personal experience.
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!
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I did the East Coast tour from Sydney to Cairns, and honestly, it was one of the best things I\'ve done while in Aus. You get a built-in friendship group from day one. I joined this trip solo but within a few days you really start to get know to people and by the time we finished we all felt super close. Doing this tour made the whole East Coast experience feel effortless and it was pretty emotional saying goodbye at the end. From the beginning the Travel Buddies team were super helpful with booking any extra activities and quick to answer any questions. In the group chat we got sent recommendations and travel reminders which made everything run super smooth. My highlights were for sure the Whitsundays sailing trip; you see some unreal beaches, reefs, and sunsets. And of course being able to start the tour with a group of strangers and finish as friends :)