Ultimate East Coast 3 Week Highlights
Ultimate East Coast 3 Week Highlights
21 Days Starting in Sydney NSW, Australia and ending in Cairns QLD, Australia
Visiting: Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Australia Zoo, Rainbow Beach, K'gari, Airlie Beach, Cairns
Tour operator:
Tour code:
EC3WEEK
Recommended For:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 22
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegans, Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover Australia’s breathtaking East Coast on this epic 21-day group adventure from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef. This fast-paced journey is perfect for travellers eager to explore, socialise, and experience the best of Australia. Soak up Sydney’s iconic sights before embracing Byron Bay’s laid-back surf culture. Stroll the golden beaches of Surfers Paradise, explore Brisbane’s vibrant Southbank, and meet Aussie wildlife at the famous Australia Zoo. Embark on a 4WD adventure across K’gari (Fraser Island), swimming in crystal-clear lakes and exploring ancient sand dunes. Set sail through the stunning Whitsundays, visiting Whitehaven Beach and snorkelling vibrant coral reefs. Experience the magic of the Great Barrier Reef on a full-day snorkelling tour from Cairns. Optional activities like skydiving, scenic flights, and cultural experiences allow you to fully customise your adventure. With like-minded travellers and an experienced tour leader guiding the way, this adventure is packed with unforgettable moments.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Welcome To Australia
Location: Sydney
Accommodation: Hostel
Kick off your adventure with a guided City Orientation tour, exploring Sydney’s iconic landmarks, including the Botanical Gardens, Hyde Park, and the world-famous Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House.
After soaking in the city's beauty, gather for an orientation meeting to cover tour details, optional activities, and everything you need to know for the journey ahead.
As evening falls, grab yourself dinner at one of Sydney’s top spots before boarding the overnight bus to Byron Bay, where your East Coast adventure truly begins!
Day 2 : Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Arrive in the laid-back surf town of Byron Bay and settle into your beachfront accommodation. Take a guided walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point in Australia, and enjoy breathtaking coastal views. End the day with a group dinner and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Byron.
Day 3 : Byron Bay
Location: Byron Bay
Accommodation: Hostel
Spend the day exploring Byron’s stunning surroundings. Visit Killen Falls, Lennox Head, and the tea-tree-stained waters of Lake Ainsworth. The afternoon is yours to relax on the beach or try optional activities like surfing or kayaking with dolphins before experiencing Byron’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 4 : Surfers Paradise
Location: Surfers Paradise
Accommodation: Hostel
Say goodbye to Byron Bay and head to the Gold Coast’s famous Surfers Paradise. Spend the afternoon exploring the golden beaches and buzzing city. In the evening, discover Surfers’ legendary nightlife with an optional bar crawl.
Day 5 : Surfers Paradise
Location: Surfers Paradise
Accommodation: Hostel
A free day to enjoy Surfers Paradise however you like! Relax on the beach, go shopping, or visit the famous theme parks. If you're feeling adventurous, try an optional climb of Australia's tallest building for breathtaking coastal views before another fun night out.
Day 6 : Brisbane
Location: Brisbane
Accommodation: Hostel
Travel north to Brisbane, Queensland’s vibrant capital. Explore the riverside Southbank precinct, visit the man-made city lagoon, and soak up the atmosphere of this exciting urban hub. Enjoy free time to explore the city’s cultural hotspots before a relaxed evening.
Day 7 : Australia Zoo
Location: Australia Zoo
Accommodation: Hostel
Meet Australia’s most famous wildlife at the legendary Australia Zoo, founded by Steve Irwin. Encounter kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles while learning about conservation and the zoo’s incredible history. After a full day of wildlife encounters, head to Rainbow Beach for the night.
Day 8 : Rainbow Beach
Location: Rainbow Beach
Accommodation: Hostel
Arrive at Rainbow Beach, the gateway to K’gari (Fraser Island). Meet your local guides and get briefed on your upcoming 4WD island adventure. Relax by the beach or take a scenic walk to the famous Carlo Sand Blow before a chilled evening.
Day 9 : K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Location: K'gari
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Cross over to the world’s largest sand island and embark on an epic 4WD adventure. Cruise along 75 Mile Beach, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie and soak in the island’s incredible landscapes before camping under the stars.
Day 10 : K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Location: K'gari
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend another day exploring the natural wonders of K’gari. Float down Eli Creek, see the iconic Maheno Shipwreck, and take in panoramic views from Indian Head. Cool off with a swim in the Champagne Pools before returning to camp for another fun night.
Day 11 : K’Gari (Fraser Island)
Location: K'gari
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up in paradise and enjoy a morning walk to the stunning Lake Wabby. After lunch, return to Rainbow Beach, where you’ll have free time to relax before boarding the overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Day 12 : Rainbow Beach
Location: Rainbow Beach
Accommodation: Hostel
Enjoy a relaxing morning in Rainbow Beach before preparing for your journey north. Take one last walk along the coastline, soak in the beachside vibes, and then board your overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Day 13 : Airlie Beach
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation: Hostel
Arrive in the vibrant coastal town of Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays. Spend the day exploring the town, relaxing by the Airlie Lagoon, or taking on an optional skydive or scenic flight for epic views of the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 14 : Whitsunday Sailing
Location: Whitsundays
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Set sail on a 3-day, 2-night adventure through the breathtaking Whitsundays. Snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, enjoy sunset drinks on deck, and sleep under the stars aboard your sailing vessel.
Day 15 : Whitsunday Sailing
Location: Whitsundays
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Wake up to paradise and head to Hill Inlet Lookout for incredible views of Whitehaven Beach. Spend the morning relaxing on the world-famous silica sand, then snorkel vibrant coral reefs before another night on board.
Day 16 : Whitsunday Sailing - Back To Mainland
Location: Whitsundays
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Enjoy a final snorkel stop before setting sail back to Airlie Beach. Arrive around midday and spend the afternoon unwinding before celebrating the end of your sailing adventure with a night out in town.
Day 17 : Travel To Cairns
Location: Airlie Beach
Accommodation: Hostel
Enjoy a morning in Airlie Beach, whether it’s chilling at the lagoon or taking a scenic coastal walk. Later, board the overnight bus to Cairns, the adventure capital of Australia.
Day 18 : Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to tropical North Queensland! Spend the day exploring Cairns, visiting the famous lagoon, or joining an optional rainforest tour. In the evening, enjoy a group dinner and soak in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 19 : Great Barrier Reef
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hostel
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Embark on an unforgettable full-day snorkel trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Explore colourful coral gardens, swim alongside tropical marine life, and experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Day 20 : Cairns
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hostel
Your final full day in Cairns is yours to enjoy! Chill by the lagoon, take an optional skydiving or bungee jump adventure or explore the surrounding rainforest before one last night out with your new travel mates.
Day 21 : Tour Ends
Location: Cairns
Accommodation: Hostel
After three epic weeks exploring Australia’s East Coast, it’s time to say goodbye. Depart Cairns with incredible memories, new friendships, and a lifetime of stories from your ultimate adventure.
What's Included
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Accommodation
18 nights in a mix of hostels and camping, plus 2 overnight bus journeys for seamless travel.
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Airport arrival transfer
Sydney Airport Transfer to Hostel in private bus.
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Surf lesson in Surfers Paradise
Learn to ride the waves with a professional instructor at one of Australia’s most famous beaches.
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All transport from Sydney to Cairns
3 Overnight buses.
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Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip
Full-day experience with unlimited snorkelling on one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
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Fully Guided
A fun, experienced Ultimate East Coast group leader to guide you throughout the adventure.
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4 x Breakfast 6 x Lunch 6 x Dinner
4 Breakfasts, 6 lunches and 6 dinners are included throughout the tour.
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Sydney City Tour
Explore iconic landmarks, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Botanical Gardens.
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Byron Bay Lighthouse Walk
Visit the most easterly point of Australia and take in stunning coastal views.
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Behind the Bay Day Trip
Discover Byron Bay’s natural wonders, including waterfalls and hidden beaches.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International and domestic flights are not included.
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Optional Activities
Skydiving, scenic flights, and other extras available at additional cost.
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Some Meals
Budget $60-$80 AUD per day for meals not included.
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Local Fees ($30 AUD total, payable direct)
$30 Great Barrier Reef EMC Levy
Mode of Transport
Greyhound Australia
Accommodation
8 - 10 Bed Shared Accommodation
Check out our Q&As
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
We stay in hostel accommodation during the tour. Rooms are mixed shared 6-10 bed dorms.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes. We recommend one main luggage in addition to hand luggage.
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes. All coach transport is air conditioned and has USB charging ports.
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
Yes. This tour is fully guided.
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Free time is available in all destinations on the tour. We do recommend arriving early before the start of the tour if you wish to explore more of Sydney (Tour starting point)
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Are flights included in this tour?
No. International flights are not included.
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Airport transfers are included from Sydney Airport to the starting accommodation but not for your departure from Cairns.
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes. We can provide both extra nights in Sydney and Cairns post-tour and will always help organise any further travel in Australia where we are able.
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
Yes.
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What is the maximum group size?
Group Sizes usually range between 10 and 22.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Ultimate Adventure Travel was established in 1991.
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Travelling solo?
Most of the people who book onto our tours are travelling solo, so you won’t be the only one! On all of our tours you’ll be travelling with like-minded people, who enjoy the comfort of a guided tour. So you may start off as strangers, but will finish as an Ultimate Family! A great reason to book a group tour is to meet new people!
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Will I require travel insurance?
Travel insurance is compulsory for all ULTIMATE tours. Please ensure you have adequate coverage for any trip taken.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
We are proud to support two fantastic charities empowering communities to be more self-sufficient. The Kiva Foundation provides interest free loans to people in remote communities who would like financial assistance for things such as education and improving their homes. Life Project Cambodia has a simple objective – they want to give communities in Cambodia the opportunity to create their own solutions to poverty. The work they do empowers the people in these communities to make the changes they need, rather than having to rely on others to do that for them promoting self-sufficiency.
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Will I need vaccinations?
We recommend making an appointment with your GP to discuss which vaccinations may be required for your trip. There are no mandatory vaccinations for of our tours as the destinations we travel to are considered low risk. You should generally consult with your GP 4-6 weeks prior to your travels. Deciding whether to get vaccinated before you travel is a personal choice.
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Who will be my group leader?
Our Group Leaders are responsible for making sure your experience travelling is the best it can possibly be! All 'Ultimate' branded tours are led by Group Leaders selected by Ultimate Travel. All 'Adventure', 'Experience' 'Camp' and 'Course' tours are led by our partner operators on the ground in the tours location.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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