Ultimate East Coast | 5 Week Explorer

Your Ultimate East Coast adventure begins in Sydney with a guided city tour. Visit iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and Botanical Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your new travel mates before boarding the overnight luxury coach to Byron Bay. Get ready for five weeks of unforgettable adventures!

Arrive in Byron Bay, the laid-back surf town of the East Coast. Settle into your beachfront hostel and take a guided walk around town. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach, exploring local shops, or grabbing a surfboard from the hostel. Enjoy a group dinner as you embrace Byron’s bohemian vibes.

Take part in a fun, professional surf lesson and learn to ride the waves like a pro. Over the next few days, we’ll visit the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking coastal views, unwind with a private yoga session, and explore the local markets. Want more adventure? Opt for kayaking with dolphins or a Byron hinterland waterfalls tour. Evenings are free to enjoy Byron’s buzzing nightlife!

After a chilled morning in Byron Bay, we hit the road for Surfers Paradise! Known for its golden beaches, high-rise skyline, and epic nightlife, this is the perfect place to party. Explore the town and beachfront before dressing up for a night out at some of Surfers’ best bars.

Spend the next two days exploring Surfers Paradise at your own pace. Relax by the beach, visit the famous Skypoint Observation Deck for panoramic views, or try optional activities like stand-up paddleboarding or jet boating. In the evenings, experience Surfers’ legendary nightlife or enjoy a sunset beach walk.

In the morning, we'll hop on the bus and head to Brisbane!
Our accommodation is right in the city centre - the perfect
base for exploring the city! Today we'll discover some of
Brisbane's 'best bits' on our city walk, from man-made
Streets Beach, the popular city lagoon to Southbank the
cultural hub.

Today, you have the option of heading to the famous Australia Zoo to get up close with some amazing Aussie wildlife! (add-on - includes return transfer from Brisbane). Alternatively, take a day trip to Moreton Island to snorkel around historic shipwrecks. Rather stay local? No worries! Explore some of Brisbane's hidden spots or relax at your hostel. In the evenings, Brisbane’s nightlife is yours to discover!

Tropical greenery, diverse wildlife, and amazing beaches - Noosa, our next stop, is gorgeous. We'll arrive in the afternoon, chill by the beach and watch the sunset. We're here for two nights so settle in and make the most of our beautiful surroundings!

Today, we'll take a hike over the coastal headlands, taking in the amazing sea views. The rest of the day is yours: chill by the pool, grab a surfboard or boogie board from your hostel (free) or have a couple-a beer at the bar! Swim in the Fairy Pools before spending the afternoon at leisure. Want more adventure? Opt for a Noosa Everglades kayaking experience (optional add-on). The choice is yours!

Our next stop is Rainbow Beach, the gateway to our Fraser Island adventure! Check into your hostel and head out for a short guided walk to the Carlo Sand Blow, a unique sand mass where you can watch the sunset over the southern tip of Fraser Island! In the evening get ready for your upcoming Fraser Island 4WD adventure!

Start your Fraser Island adventure! Hop in a 4WD and explore this breathtaking sand island, driving along the famous 75 Mile Beach. Visit Lake McKenzie, known for its crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a beachside campfire under the stars. We'll be spending the 2 nights here in our own campsite, just a few metres from the beach, so kick back and take in the amazing views!

Discover more of K’gari, including the iconic Maheno Shipwreck, Eli Creek, and the stunning Champagne Pools. Hike up to Indian Heads Lookout for panoramic views where you might spot dolphins, sharks, and even whales.

Start with breakfast on Fraser Island, before our cleaning and take down of our camp site. We then drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk, where we walk through the sand dunes to this tropical paradise! Lunch follows our trip to Lake Wabby, before we begin our drive down the beach heading back to the barge. Once back on the mainland we head back to Rainbow Beach and enjoy a relaxing evening before the next leg of your adventure.

After a good night's sleep, you have the day to rest and recover or continue exploring with some optional activities. From Surf Lessons to SUP Hire and from Horse Riding to Dolphin Kayaking, there is an activity for you! All this before before boarding the overnight coach to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsundays.

Arrive in Airlie Beach and check into your accommodation. Spend the day relaxing by the famous lagoon, exploring the local shops, or grabbing a drink at a beachfront bar.

Enjoy two free days in Airlie Beach! Take an optional scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef or try jet skiing. Spend your time soaking up the tropical vibes before your Whitsundays sailing adventure.

Spend the day exploring the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach. Treat yourself to a shopping day, chill by the lagoon, or if you’re feeling adventurous, tackle the Honeyeater Lookout for breathtaking views!

It's time to start our Whitsunday adventure! We'll be spending the next few days cruising around the stunning Whitsunday islands on a sailing boat. Snorkel vibrant coral reefs, enjoy delicious meals onboard, and watch the sunset over the ocean. We'll be sleeping onboard, so get comfy, have a drink, enjoy some delicious food, and settle into the gorgeous surroundings.

Visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and take a short hike to Hill Inlet Lookout for breathtaking views of some of the world's whitest sandy beaches. Snorkel in the reef, chill with your mates, and witness some incredible sunsets before another night sleeping under the stars on the boat.

After a final morning snorkel, we'll head back to our hostel in tropical Airlie Beach for the night. Arriving in the evening, we'll hit the hostel terrace bar and celebrate our sailing adventure with a post-cruise party alongside your fellow travellers and crew!

You're in for a treat as we spend the next 4 days exploring Magnetic Island - home to wild koalas, wallabies, and golden sandy beaches. Settle into our accommodation for the night and get ready for our Magnetic Island adventure

Maggie, as it’s known by locals, really is a tropical paradise! Today, we can enjoy a guided Forts Walk, offering incredible ocean views and a chance to spot wild koalas. Spend the rest of the day snorkelling or relaxing on the island’s pristine beaches.

Want to explore the rest of the island? Rent a 4x4 'Barbie car' for the day and drive around the island with your mates (available for hire), taking in some of Maggie Island's incredible sights and beaches. You can also stop off and hand-feed cute wallabies!

Today, chill by the pool or check out the on-site wildlife park where you can get up close to Aussie wildlife such as koalas and wallabies (add-on). Then travel south to Mission Beach, where the rainforest meets the reef. Settle into your resort and enjoy a relaxed evening in this beautiful coastal town.

Today is free for you to spend at your leisure. We recommend exploring the beautiful neighbouring National Park, the traditional country of The Djiru Aboriginal people. If you're up for a bit of adrenaline action, you have the option of joining an awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully, just a short distance from Mission Beach (optional add-on).

Mission Beach is also home to Australia's highest skydive (15,000ft!), so if you're feeling adventurous and ready for some adrenaline-pumping action - get signed up (add-on). Fly over a reef, jump out of a plane and land on a beach. Awesome! Tonight, we arrive in Cairns - the Ultimate backpacker destination and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Enjoy luxury air-conditioned en-suite dorm rooms, a huge pool and daily entertainment in our resort-style accommodations. We'll be spending the next 5 days here, so settle in and get ready for an exciting few days ahead!

Spend the day exploring Cairns! Relax at the lagoon, visit local markets, or opt for an adrenaline-filled activity like bungy jumping or canyoning.

Embark on a full-day snorkeling trip to the Great Barrier Reef! Explore colorful coral gardens, swim alongside tropical marine life, and experience one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.

Take a day trip to the Atherton Tablelands, visiting stunning waterfalls like Millaa Millaa Falls and Babinda Boulders. Swim in natural pools and slide down rock formations.

The next two days are open for you to explore Cairns and the surrounding area. Visit the Daintree Rainforest (optional add-on), or stay local and relax in the sunshine! Cairns's popular lagoon is a great spot to relax in the day before making the most of the awesome backpacker nightlife on offer!

Today chill at our hostel's lagoon pool, join in on pool volleyball, head to the deck bar or start planning the next
part of your adventure! Keen to visit one of the Great Barrier Reef's gorgeous Islands? Talk to your guide about booking a Fitzroy Island or Green Island snorkel or kayak (optional add-on). We'll then take you to our favourite spot to reminisce on the past 5 weeks of adventure over a few beers!

Your East Coast adventure may be over, but the memories will last a lifetime! Whether you're continuing to travel or heading home, your group leader and the crew at Ultimate HQ will help with your next steps.