Get 10% off all tours with code SUMMER10

Get 10% off all tours with code SUMMER10

Backpacking Australia

From Sydney’s iconic beaches to the wild tropics of Cairns, this four-week trip is the ultimate way to experience Australia’s East Coast. You’ll learn to surf in Byron Bay, 4wd across K’gari, sail the Whitsundays, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, and chill with koalas on Magnetic Island. With beach BBQS, rainforest hikes, and epic nights out along the way, this is Australia done right.

  • 24 Meals (Vegetarian Options)
  • All Trips and Excursions
  • All Accommodation
  • No Hidden Charges
  • International Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visa

I have just finished the 28 day Aus East Coast Tour and had the best time. Our tour leader Hannah was great and super helpful throughout the whole trip. Would highly recommend!

Ellie, 6 May 2025

Backpacking Australia: East Coast

£2849 from
Pay £250 deposit
  • Length28 Days
  • Avg. Age18 - 40
  • No. Of Activities14
  • No. Of Meals24
  • Avg. Group Size8 - 22
  • OperatorTrusted Partner
  • Starting PointSydney
  • Ending PointCairns

Join Your Backpacking Community

Keep up to date with us on social media.

Tour Dates

Map

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1

Welcome to Oz

Land in Sydney and meet your travel crew. You'll have time to settle in, shake off the jet lag, and start getting to know everyone. Tonight is all about relaxing, connecting with the group, and getting excited for the epic month ahead.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 2

Explore Sydney & Night Out

Start the day exploring Sydney with a guided city tour. Check out iconic landmarks like the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and Circular Quay, then dive into local culture and street life. Tonight, we head out for a welcome dinner and drinks. Get ready to experience Sydney’s nightlife!

  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedSydney City Tour
DAY 3

Bondi Beach & Coogee Walk

No visit to Sydney is complete without a day at Bondi. Go for a swim or just soak up the sun before we set off on the famous Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. We’ll finish the day with a beach BBQ and cold beers. Then it's onto the overnight bus to Byron Bay—next stop: surf town vibes.

  • Meals IncludedLunch
  • Room TypeOvernight Bus
  • Activities IncludedBondi to Coogee Walk, Beach BBQ
DAY 4

Byron Bay Vibes

Wake up in Byron Bay, Australia’s boho beach capital. After checking into our accommodation, explore the local markets, grab a smoothie, or relax on the beach. Later, we’ll head out for a night of live music, beach bars, and epic energy.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 5

Learn to Surf & Chill

This morning, it’s surf time! Learn to ride the waves with local instructors. Whether you’re a total beginner or just brushing up, you’ll have a blast. Afterward, wind down with a guided yoga session by the beach—pure Byron bliss.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedSurf Lesson, Byron Bay Surf Board Hire, Yoga class
DAY 6

Lighthouse Sunrise Hike

Early rise for a sunrise hike to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of Australia. The views are unreal. Spend the rest of the day chilling on the beach, checking out shops, or heading out for optional activities like kayaking with dolphins.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedCape Byron Lighthouse Walk
DAY 7

Surfers Paradise Arrival

We make our way up the coast to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. This place is buzzing with nightlife, golden beaches, and awesome energy. Get settled, explore the area, and if you're here on a Working Holiday Visa, now’s the time to start getting set up.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 8

Jet Boats & Big Nights

Strap in for an adrenaline-pumping jet boat ride across the Gold Coast’s stunning waterways. High-speed spins, jumps, and splashes included. Later, we’re going out to experience the party scene Surfers Paradise is famous for.

  • Meals IncludedDinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedJet Boating
DAY 9

Explore Brisbane

Head north to Brisbane and kick things off with a guided city tour. See the highlights, from botanical gardens to South Bank, and take some time to chill at the urban beach known as The Lagoon.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedBrisbane City Tour
DAY 10

Free Day in Brisbane

It’s your day, your way. Visit the world-famous Australia Zoo, hit up a gallery, or spend the day lounging by the water. In the evening, the group will head out to Fortitude Valley—Brisbane’s nightlife hotspot—for drinks and dancing.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 11

Relax in Rainbow Beach

We make our way to Rainbow Beach, a laid-back town known for its epic coastline and chilled atmosphere. Relax on the sand or get prepped for the next few days—your Fraser Island adventure is just around the corner.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast
  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 12 - 14

K’gari 4WD Island Adventure

Time to go off-road! Join a 4WD tag-along tour across K’gari (Fraser Island), the largest sand island in the world. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, and chill in the natural spa of Champagne Pools. Camp out under the stars and spot wild dingoes. This is raw Aussie nature at its best.

  • Meals Included2 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • Room TypeTent
  • Activities Included3 Day 4WD Tour of K’gari
DAY 15

Back to Rainbow Beach

Return to Rainbow Beach and take the afternoon to recharge. Check out the multicoloured sand cliffs or grab a bite with the crew before catching the overnight bus to Airlie Beach.

  • Room TypeOvernight Bus
DAY 16

Discover Airlie Beach

Arrive in tropical Airlie Beach and check into our accommodation. Head to the lagoon to relax or go all-out with an optional scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 17 - 19

Sail the Whitsundays

Board our boat and set sail through the Whitsundays—74 tropical islands of pure paradise. Snorkel colourful coral reefs, lounge on deck, and visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach. Sleep on board and wake up in ocean bliss.

  • Meals Included2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 2 Dinners
  • Room TypePremium Boat
  • Activities Included2 Day 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip
DAY 20 -21

Magnetic Island Escape

Catch the ferry to Magnetic Island, where beachside huts and hidden trails await. Chill in hammocks, explore WWII forts on the Forts Walk, and spot wild koalas and wallabies. Don’t forget to check out the island’s epic sunset spots.

  • Meals IncludedBreakfast, Dinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities Included2 Nights Magnetic Island with Ferry Transfers, Forts Walk
DAY 22 - 23

Mission Beach Chill & Thrills

Next up: Mission Beach. This peaceful beach town is perfect for relaxing—or pushing your limits. Optional skydiving from 15,000ft or white-water rafting through the Tully River rainforest are on offer. End the day with a beach BBQ and some well-earned chill time.

  • Meals IncludedLunch
  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 24

Welcome to Cairns

Arrive in Cairns, the backpacker capital of Oz. Settle into the tropical vibes, explore the lagoon, and chat with your group leader about all the epic adventures still to come. Whether you’re chasing more adrenaline or just want to relax, Cairns is the perfect base to keep the good times rolling.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 25

Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

Today’s the big one. Set out on a full-day trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Snorkel two outer reef locations and swim alongside marine life in this World Heritage site. It’s a true bucket-list moment.

  • Meals IncludedLunch
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedFull Day Snorkelling Great Barrier Reef at 2 Outer Reef Locations
DAY 26

Free Day in Cairns

You’ve earned a rest—or more adventure. Optional activities include bungee jumping, waterfall chasing, or more snorkelling. Do your thing, your way.

  • Room TypeHostel
DAY 27

Atherton Tablelands Adventure

Today we hit the Atherton Tablelands, a lush region packed with waterfalls, crater lakes, and epic natural slides. Swim in Millaa Millaa Falls and learn about the region’s unique landscape from our guide. Tonight, we’ll celebrate with a farewell dinner and drinks.

  • Meals IncludedLunch, Dinner
  • Room TypeHostel
  • Activities IncludedAtherton Tablelands
DAY 28

Farewell & Onward Travel

After nearly a month of sun, surf, and good times, it’s time to say goodbye. Check out in the morning, but don’t worry—we’re still here to help with whatever’s next in your Aussie journey.

    Optional Extras

    £50
    £30

    All this is included + More!

    • Sydney City Tour
    • Bondi to Coogee Walk & Beach BBQ
    • Surf Lesson
    • Byron Bay Surf Board Hire
    • Yoga class
    • Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk
    • Jet Boating
    • Brisbane City Tour
    • 3 Day 4WD Tour of K’gari
    • 2 Day 2 Night Whitsundays Sailing Trip
    • 2 Nights Magnetic Island with Ferry Transfers
    • Forts Walk
    • Atherton Tablelands
    • Full Day Snorkelling Great Barrier Reef at 2 Outer Reef Locations