Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 16 Day Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns. Now's the time to explore Australia on your terms with this tour that's affordable for young travellers. Turn your "must-do" list into "been there, done all of that" on this 16-day tour up Australia’s East Coast. This classic Sydney-to-Cairns route introduces you to both sides of modern Australia — the bright lights of the big city and the raw beauty of the rugged coastline.
You’ll get to try your hand at everything from surfing to sailing and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups, read more you'll get to meet the locals and experience their land as they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.
You’ll get to try your hand at everything from surfing to sailing and snorkelling. And when you travel in small groups, read more you'll get to meet the locals and experience their land as they do. That amazing new frontier you’ve been looking for? Here it is.
Save 7%
Our Price From
US$3,273 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $476 per person
Trip Length
16 Days
Trip Starts
Sydney
Trip Ends
Cairns
Departures
Mar 2026 to Dec 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-39 Years
Max. Group Size
20
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
OASC
Itinerary
There are no planned activities during the day, so check into the hotel and explore the city. If you arrive early enough, head down to the harbour's edge to 'The Rocks' historic area. Stay: Wake Up! Sydney
Immerse yourself in all things Sydney with a free day to explore the oldest and biggest Australian city. Glide along the harbour on a ferry and gaze at the white sails of the Opera House gleaming in the sun. Get lost as you wander the narrow, cobbled laneways and take in Sydney’s fabled history. Catch some rays on the sand at Bondi Beach or duck out of your comfort zone and surf the green-barrel breaks just off shore. The choice is yours so get as adventurous as you like in the "Land Down Under"! Stay: Wake Up! Sydney (B)
It's all aboard today as you take the train north to Coffs Harbour. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the views. After pulling into Coffs Harbour station, the group will travel to Spot X Surf Camp, our base for the next few days. Stay: Spot X Surf Camp (D)
As the sun rises along the ocean hit the beach for an included surf lesson with Spot X. Located in one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the country they are completely devoted to the surf lifestyle. Spend some time in the sun and laughing in the waves with your travel tribe before heading out on a kangaroo trek. Then it’s time for a free afternoon to enjoy your surroundings. Soak up views of Solitary Islands Marine Park, embark on a rockpool scramble to look for fish traps and sea creatures, or wander over to Mullawarra beach for a picnic. Your only real job today is to have fun! Stay: Spot X Surf Camp (B/L/D)
Travel the coastal road to the stunning surf and arts town of Byron Bay. Enjoy plenty of free time to experience the hippie surfing town. Stay: Wake Up! Byron Bay (B)
At the end of it all hop on that surfboard for one last ride because as the locals say, “You haven’t surfed until you’ve surfed Byron Man!" Opt to pre-book the "Byron Bay Ocean Kayaking" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour. Stay: Wake Up! Byron Bay
Venture north with your group to the capital of Queensland; Brisbane. Pass by national parks, mountains, surfy enclaves, and endless stretches of sand bordering brilliant blue water. Then, stretch those legs one final time on an included walk at the Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Nestled amongst eucalyptus trees, the centre features multi-level viewing of the resident rescue koalas and interactive educational displays, making it a unique place to learn about koalas and their conservation. Tonight, experience a night out with the group in Queensland's capital. Stay: BUNK Brisbane (B)
This unique stay on K'gari is hosted by the Traditional Owners of the land who are keen to share their experiences with you and welcome you. This is an incredibly unique experience and a thrilling opportunity to gain insight into Australia's Indigenous culture-both past and present. Stay: The Eco Retreat (B/L/D)
Today you'll climb sand dunes, see the Maheno shipwreck and swim in the crystal clear Eli Creek that pumps millions of litres of spring-fed fresh water into the ocean every hour. In the afternoon, say goodbye to K'gari and head to your next beachy destination, Noosa. Stay: Bounce Noosa (B/L/D)
Picture rocky coast against perfect turquoise water. Now head out with your CEO and see it first hand. Catch the ferry and start your easy hike in Noosa National Park along the waterways to end up at the secluded beach, Hell's Gate. While it sounds intimidating, it is well worth it, and really quite spectacular. Keep your eye out for koalas along the hike too. Enjoy the afternoon free in Noosa. Opt to get lunch on Hastings Street and enjoy some relaxing beach time or rent a surfboard. Then take the ferry back before dinner. Stay: Bounce Noosa
Enjoy a free day in cute beachfront town of Noosa! Do some shopping along Hasting Street in search of souvenirs, have a coffee on the beach, or go for a surf. Many consider Noosa to be the best place for surfing in all of Australia. You can also choose to spend time back at the hostel or participate in some of the optional activities offered in the area. In the afternoon, we'll pack our bags and head to the train station. Tonight we sleep on an overnight train as we head north to some of the most beautiful parts of the country. Fall asleep in Noosa and wake up by the Whitsundays!
Hop off the train and board a bus for a short ride to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier reef. After dropping your bags, do your thing in Airlie Beach. Relax on a gorgeous beach, take a day trip to the Great Barrier Reef or get some shopping in on the town. Airlie Beach is your oyster. Stay: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Get ready for an amazing day at sea! Today, we'll climb aboard an ocean raft and zoom around the wispy turquoise waters. With time to snorkel, go on bushwalks, and chill on the beach, today will be as close to perfect as one can get. Stay: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel (L)
With an early morning departure, we take a relaxing rail journey through sugar-cane fields, and coastal countryside, the perfect way to unwind and watch Queensland roll by. Stay: Cairns Central YHA
Opt to pre-book the "Great Barrier Reef Snorkelling" activity on the checkout page ahead of time, to include this optional on your tour. Stay: Cairns Central YHA
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- Learn to surf at Spot X Surf Camp.
- Bliss out in famous Byron Bay.
- Learn about Indigenous culture on an overnight stay on K'gari (Fraser Island).
- Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your Hands-On Moment: Surfing Lesson, Spot X
- Your Discover Moment: Byron Bay
- Your Discover Moment: Cairns
- Your Big Night Out Moment: Cairns
- Sydney orientation walk
- Kangaroo trek
- Cape Byron Lighthouse Visit
- Daisy Hill Koala Centre
- K'gari Welcome Ceremony
- K'gari overnight experience (incl Twilight Beach Walk & Stories around the campfire)
- 4x4 Adventure on K'gari
- Noosa Coastal Walk
- Whitsunday full day sailing excursion, including snorkelling
- Whitehaven Beach visit
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
- Hostels (13 Nights, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 Night), remote beach accommodation (1nt) **All nights are multi-share on this trip
- Multi-share accommodation is a popular style of travel in New Zealand and Australia, and it’s how you’ll spend most of your nights on this trip. This typically means sharing a room with 4–8 fellow travellers. Rooms are generally split by gender, and most will have shared bathroom facilities.
- When staying in multi-share accommodation, we’re unable to take any rooming requests.
- Accommodation will vary throughout your journey — some stops may not provide towels or soap, so we recommend bringing your own. Bathroom and shower facilities are shared and are rarely en-suite.
- If you prefer private accommodation, you may want to explore our tours in the Classic Travel Style.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides
- 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Private vehicle, bus, train, overnight train, boat, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Built for young travellers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Sunday
01 Mar 2026
01 Mar 26
Sydney
Monday
16 Mar 2026
16 Mar 26
Cairns
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,949
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Sunday
15 Mar 2026
15 Mar 26
Sydney
Monday
30 Mar 2026
30 Mar 26
Cairns
Details
Definite Departure
Exclusive Savings
Was: $3,949
US$3,831
Save $118
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sunday
29 Mar 2026
29 Mar 26
Sydney
Monday
13 Apr 2026
13 Apr 26
Cairns
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$3,949
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
