Sydney to Cairns Tours
4.6 stars on(9,121 reviews)- Choose from 36 Sydney tours
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10 best Sydney to Cairns tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaSydney travel expert at TourRadar
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
- 16 Day Best of East Coast Australia Comfort Tour from Sydney
- 14 Days Sydney to Cairns with Fraser Island Whitsundays Comfort Tour
- East Coast Australia Adventure
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Highlights of Australia
- Real Australia (from Sydney to Cairns)
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A beautifully and thoughtfully curated tour which provides an excellent insight into the east coast of Australia!”
Amy, traveled in September
Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney marks the first stop, followed by Hunter Valley wineries and Byron Bay's lighthouse. The northern route through Brisbane and Airlie Beach concludes at Flynn Hotel Cairns.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Via Travel Australia From
- US$5,605
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The fellow group of travels were very diverse but got a long so well that it made so pleasurable.”
Danya, traveled in September
Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney launches this 20-destination tour including Byron Bay and Airlie Beach, ending at Flynn Hotel Cairns, with stops at Hunter Valley, K'gari, and Great Barrier Reef.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From
- US$7,097
Best of Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The tours that were booked for us everyday were interesting, and adventurous!”
Ashley, traveled in April
A coastal adventure from Sydney's Circular Quay leads through Blue Mountains to tropical Cairns, featuring Opera House tours, harbour cruises, and Kuranda Scenic Railway before Great Barrier Reef exploration.
Duration 12 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Daintree National Park, Fitzroy Island, Green Island National Park Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
- US$2,640
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- US$4,951
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
- US$5,605
The adventure kicks off in Sydney with Aboriginal heritage tours and Hunter Valley wine tasting, heading north through Byron Bay and Brisbane. The route leads to tropical Cairns with stops at Whitsunday Islands and Mission Beach, culminating in Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Duration 19 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$6,335
Taking off from Sydney's Harbour Bridge, the route winds through Byron Bay's surf spots and Noosa's everglades to tropical Cairns. Internal flights and scenic rail connect 13 unique destinations including the Whitsundays and Magnetic Island.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $3,143
10% Off- US$2,829+$372 upfront costsYou save $314
Setting out from Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney, the route passes through Hunter Valley's wine country and Byron Bay's beaches, finishing at Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns, connecting 15 distinct destinations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, 75 Mile Beach, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- US$6,453
The path stretches from Sydney's iconic Opera House to Cairns' tropical coast, featuring 9 destinations including Uluru's sacred sites, Melbourne's cultural quarters, and Great Barrier Reef's marine wonders, linked by Great Ocean Road and Kuranda Rainforest.
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Age Range Ages 14+ Operator Wingbuddy From
10% Off- US$6,598
Duration 17 days Destinations Sydney, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $4,395
10% Off- US$3,956You save $440
What people love about Sydney to Cairns Tours
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
A beautifully and thoughtfully curated tour which provides an excellent insight into the east coast of Australia! A wide variety of things to do and places to see — I could not recommend it enough. Now I just need to come back! Having travelled solo plenty before, but never in a group, this was an entirely new experience for me. If you’re lucky enough to have Jason as your tour guide you have hit the jackpot! Nothing was ever too much to ask. He brought together people of all ages and walks of life, ensuring that everyone felt important and heard, and most of all, had fun!! He was adaptable, knowledgeable, kind and hilarious throughout. Group members overcame fears and tried new things, in no short part due to Jason. I’ve made friends for life and will absolutely be returning to Aus!
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
I have had the best time on the east coast Australia tour. I have done some amazing things and met some amazing friends. Our group leader Molly was Awsome and made the trip even better. Thank you for an amazing time and experience. I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to see some of the best bits of oz with the best people
- East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
Considering this was Caro’s first East Coast tour, she did an absolutely fantastic job. Her positive energy and infectious personality contributed to so much laughter and good memories. The tour itself is fantastic value for money. The accommodation and travel is well planned so you can relax and enjoy the itinerary without worry. You will always receive a fantastic tour guide when booking with Ultimate, I would definitely recommend for any future travellers who are nervous about doing it alone.
What our customers ask about Sydney to Cairns Tours
What are the most common destinations visited between Sydney and Cairns?
The route from Sydney to Cairns takes travelers through Australia's most engaging coastal destinations. Key stops include the surf-centric Byron Bay the expansive K'gari (Fraser Island) for off-road adventures and the Whitsunday Islands where sailing and ocean life viewing are primary activities. Travelers often visit Magnetic Island to see native wildlife and use Airlie Beach as their launching point for Great Barrier Reef excursions. The journey also includes stops at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital and the wine-producing Hunter Valley region. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The variety of activities covered a good chunk of Australia in a relatively short amount of time."
What would be an example itinerary between Sydney and Cairns?
A standard 14-day route begins with exploring Sydney and the Blue Mountains followed by stops at Port Macquarie's wildlife sanctuary and the surf breaks of Byron Bay. The journey continues through Brisbane's urban landscape then to K'gari for beach driving adventures. Next comes sailing in the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach followed by wildlife encounters on Magnetic Island. The trip concludes in Cairns with Great Barrier Reef experiences. A TourRadar traveler review states: "The itinerary was also amazing the Whitsundays and skydiving being my favourite activities. Each destination offered unique experiences from wine tasting in Hunter Valley to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef."
What is the average price I can expect to pay for a Sydney to Cairns tour?
Tour prices range from USD 3000 to 8500 based on duration and service level. Budget-conscious travelers can book Ultimate Travel's 36-day tour at USD 3172 (USD 88 daily) while those seeking premium experiences might choose Via Travel's 16-day boutique tour at USD 6686 (USD 418 daily). As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The tour was great value considering all the included activities and accommodations - everything from Whitsundays sailing to Great Barrier Reef snorkeling was covered."
What unique activities can I experience on a Sydney to Cairns tour?
The route offers varied experiences including surf sessions at Byron Bay off-road exploration on Fraser Island reef snorkeling and Whitsunday sailing adventures. Cultural programs feature Aboriginal art workshops and bush food tastings in Cairns plus visits to Magnetic Island's koala sanctuary. A TourRadar traveler reports: "I was originally supposed to be staying for only 10 days but the tour was so fun and well organised that I had to stay on for the rest."
What type of accommodations are provided on Sydney to Cairns tours?
Lodging options span from social hostels to upscale hotels and environmental lodges. Typical stays include Sydney's Wake Up Hostel the eco-focused Habitat Noosa and nights aboard converted racing yachts in the Whitsundays. For more comfort the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns serves as a reliable choice. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The accommodations were great and perfectly located for exploring each destination."
What wildlife encounters can I expect on a Sydney to Cairns tour?
The coastal journey presents numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers regularly spot koalas on Magnetic Island kangaroos throughout national parks and diverse marine life while exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest offers excellent bird watching. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We got to see so much wildlife in their natural habitat from koalas in the trees to dolphins swimming alongside our boat in the Whitsundays."