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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, 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.
Is this tour for me?
Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Service Level: Basic
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Physical Grading: 3 - Average
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Merchandising: Planeterra Project
Trip Type: Small Group
Group trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Age requirements: 18-39
Check Your Visa Requirements
Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns - Itinerary
DAY 1
Sydney
Arrive at any time. There's nothing quite like a night out to get people comfortable with one another. Hit up Side Bar, connected to where you will be staying at the Wake Up Hostel in Sydney. This is the liveliest bar around, sporting a huge young and local crowd. There’s always non-stop action with the entertainment so get ready to have a few drinks, let your hair down, and dance until you drop! 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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Wake Up! Sydney:
Wake Up! Sydney
Optional Activities
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns - Itinerary
DAY 1
Sydney
Arrive at any time. There's nothing quite like a night out to get people comfortable with one another. Hit up Side Bar, connected to where you will be staying at the Wake Up Hostel in Sydney. This is the liveliest bar around, sporting a huge young and local crowd. There’s always non-stop action with the entertainment so get ready to have a few drinks, let your hair down, and dance until you drop! 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.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group:
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Connect With New Friends:
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Wake Up! Sydney:
Wake Up! Sydney
Optional Activities
What’s Included
- Your Welcome Moment: 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 nts, multi-share with 4-8 people), overnight train (1 nt), remote beach accommodation (1nt) **All nights are multi-share on this trip.
- 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
- Private vehicle, bus, train, overnight train, boat, 4x4 vehicle, ferry, walking.
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns Departure Dates
All Years
| Start | Ending | Availability | Prices from | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Feb 15 2026 | Mon, Mar 02 2026 | Sold Out | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Mar 01 2026 | Mon, Mar 16 2026 | Sold Out | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Mar 15 2026 | Mon, Mar 30 2026 | Sold Out | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Mar 29 2026 | Mon, Apr 13 2026 | Sold Out | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Apr 12 2026 | Mon, Apr 27 2026 | Sold Out | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, Apr 26 2026 | Mon, May 11 2026 | Open (15) | $3,277.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) | |
| Sun, May 10 2026 | Mon, May 25 2026 | Open (12) | $3,111.67 USD (price includes taxes and fees) |
More from Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
USEFUL INFO
What's Included
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: 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.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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)
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
Is there a disclaimer I should read before booking this trip?
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.
VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you view a final copy of your Trip Details a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
Is there an itinerary Disclaimer?
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
Are there Itinerary notes?
Are there Itinerary notes?
Please note that most 18-to-Thirtysomethings accommodation in Australia is multi-share. For more info, see our Trip Details.
