Sydney to Cairns (Without Sailing From Apr '27)

16 days

•

From Sydney to Kuranda

4.7 (6,386 reviews)

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Platinum Operator: Contiki
Adventure & Adrenaline: Seek thrilling adventures that keep you moving
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Low Intensity: Travelers can expect some light physical activities
Guided in English
Group Size 8 - 30
Ages 18-35

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Itinerary

Intro
Introduction
Day 1
Sydney
Sydney
Accommodation
Hotel (Wake Up (or similar))
Included Activities
- Orientation walk to iconic Sydney sights
- 2-day Opal transport pass (trains, buses, ferries, light rail)
Optional Activities
- Visit Sydney Opera House
- Visit ANZAC Memorial
- Visit Royal Botanic Gardens
- Explore Bondi Beach
- Shopping in Sydney
- Dinner at local restaurants
Landmarks
Sydney Opera House
Bondi Beach
Royal Botanic Gardens
ANZAC Memorial
Day 2
Sydney
Sydney
Accommodation
Hotel (Wake Up (or similar))
Included Activities
- 2-day Opal transport pass (trains, buses, ferries, light rail)
Optional Activities
- Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb
Day 3
Sydney
Sydney
Accommodation
Hotel (Wake Up (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Jetboat across Sydney Harbour
- Skydiving experience
Day 4
Sydney to Byron Bay
Sydney to Byron Bay
Accommodation
Hotel (Wake Up (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Surfing lesson at Byron Bay Beach
Landmarks
Byron Bay Beach
Day 5
Byron Bay
Byron Bay
Accommodation
Hotel (Wake Up (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Early morning yoga session
- Kayaking
- Evening bike tour to see glow worms
Day 6
Byron Bay to Noosa Everglades
Byron Bay to Noosa Everglades
Meals
Dinner (Group dinner in the bistro & bar area at Special Stay Eco Lodge)
Accommodation
Hotel (Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit The Farm for MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience supporting local farming and community initiatives
Optional Activities
- Early morning sunrise at Australia's most easterly point
Landmarks
Byron Bay
Noosa Everglades
Day 7
Noosa Everglades
Noosa Everglades
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation
Hotel (Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Full-day adventure on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Landmarks
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Noosa Everglades
Day 8
Noosa Everglades to Airlie Beach
Noosa Everglades to Airlie Beach
Accommodation
Hotel (Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Canoeing excursion on Noosa Everglades
Landmarks
Noosa Everglades
Brisbane
Airlie Beach
Whitsundays
Day 9
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Accommodation
Hotel (Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Day trip to Whitehaven Beach with snorkelling
Landmarks
Whitehaven Beach
Day 10
Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach
Accommodation
Hotel (Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Skydive over Airlie Beach drop zone
- Scenic flight over Whitsunday islands including Whitehaven Beach and Heart Reef
Landmarks
Heart Reef
Day 11
Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island via Townsville
Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island via Townsville
Accommodation
Hotel (Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry from Townsville to Magnetic Island
Optional Activities
- Water sports in turquoise waters
- Hiking to Hawkings Point Lookout
- Koala spotting
Landmarks
Airlie Beach
Townsville
Magnetic Island (Yunbenun)
Hawkings Point Lookout
Day 12
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island
Accommodation
Hotel (Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Forts Walk (views of Palm Island Group and WWII fortifications, koala spotting)
- Horseshoe Bay swimming and beach relaxation
- Rock Wallaby spotting at dusk
Landmarks
Horseshoe Bay
Palm Island Group
Day 13
Magnetic Island to Cairns via Townsville
Magnetic Island to Cairns via Townsville
Meals
Dinner (Interactive Bush Food MAKE TRAVEL MATTER tutorial and dinner featuring native game, learning about Aboriginal history, native spices and traditional uses)
Accommodation
Hotel (Gilligans (or similar))
Included Activities
- Ferry from Magnetic Island to Townsville
- Train from Townsville to Cairns
- Interactive Bush Food MAKE TRAVEL MATTER tutorial and dinner with native game
Landmarks
Cairns (Gimuy)
Day 14
Cairns
Cairns
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner)
Accommodation
Hotel (Gilligans (or similar))
Included Activities
- Chef-guided bush food tutorial and dinner
Optional Activities
- Full-day trip to the Daintree rainforest
- Sunset boat cruise
Landmarks
Daintree Rainforest
Day 15
Cairns
Cairns
Accommodation
Hotel (Gilligans (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Catamaran to the reef with snorkelling
- Catamaran to the reef with diving
Landmarks
Great Barrier Reef
Day 16
Cairns
Cairns
Optional Activities
- Bungy jumping
- Skydiving
- Whitewater rafting
- Skyrail scenic cable car with guided rainforest and Kuranda village visit
Landmarks
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda
Kuranda Scenic Railway

Landmarks
Sydney Opera House
Bondi Beach
Royal Botanic Gardens
ANZAC Memorial

Landmarks
Byron Bay Beach

Landmarks
Byron Bay
Noosa Everglades

Landmarks
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Noosa Everglades

Landmarks
Noosa Everglades
Brisbane
Airlie Beach
Whitsundays

Landmarks
Whitehaven Beach

Landmarks
Heart Reef

Landmarks
Airlie Beach
Townsville
Magnetic Island (Yunbenun)
Hawkings Point Lookout

Landmarks
Horseshoe Bay
Palm Island Group

Landmarks
Cairns (Gimuy)

Landmarks
Daintree Rainforest

Landmarks
Great Barrier Reef

Landmarks
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Kuranda
Kuranda Scenic Railway

Accommodation
Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Optional
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

Wake Up (or similar)
Hotel
Days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Kangarooms Noosa Everglades (or similar)
Hotel
Days 6, 7
Nomads Airlie Beach (or similar)
Hotel
Days 8, 9, 10
Nomads Magnetic Island (or similar)
Hotel
Days 11, 12
Gilligans (or similar)
Hotel
Days 13, 14, 15

All accommodations are subject to change

Operated by

Contiki

Platinum Operator

Rating: 4.7 (6,386 reviews)
Response time: within 1 day
Response rate: 92%
Cancellation policy: Learn more

Traveler Reviews

Tour Operator
4.7

Georgina5.0•August 2019
This was the trip of a lifetime. Jayne, trip manager, was absolutely fantastic and helped everyone feel welcome. The...
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Traveled in July 2019
caoimhe4.5•January 2018
The trip itself was amazing.. accommodation was great.. definitely ticked loads of the bucket list. Bus driver was...
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Traveled in January 2018
Dianna2.5•September 2017
It was ok. Too many British people. Tooooo long on the buses. Way more travel than enjoyment. I wouldn't recommend it...
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Traveled in August 2017
Suzanne4.0•December 2016
Good itinerary and included activities. If you are used to travelling solo or in small groups (and like it), probably...
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Traveled in December 2016
Bobbi4.0•June 2016
Trys made my time in Australia, this was my first time going abroad by myself and Trys made it so easy and ensured I...
Trys made my time in Australia, this was my first time going abroad by myself and Trys made it so easy and ensured I made friends and had the best time! Trys always made sure people were included and able to experience as much as possible no matter how long they had! Trys has inspired me to carry on seeing the world as he made me realise how easy it can be and unfortunately he's frequent saying that 'you can always get more money' has stuck with me and I am excited to see many other places!!Show more
Traveled in September 2015
Ellis5.0•May 2016
I booked this trip with 3 weeks to go before it started I had done little to no research and went on a very...
I booked this trip with 3 weeks to go before it started I had done little to no research and went on a very spontaneous trip with no expectations or ideas of what to expect. When I arrived at the hotel where I met the rest of the group and leader (Trys) (as I joined after the tour had already started) I felt comfortable and it put me at ease after travelling half way around the world on my own for the first time. even though I had no expectations for the trip everything I experienced far exceeded anything I could have expected. i decided on a skydive just the night before and I have Trys to thank for talking me in to that as I know without his assurance I probably would have backed out. I experienced some amazing moments when I couldn't quite believe I was there doing what I was doing at those moments. I met some amazing people and made some friends for life even though they are based all around the world. The only thing I would have changed is to make the trip longer I didn't want to leave and sure have thought about returning on many occasions. I can't however imagine doing the trip without the same people (friends and tour guide) and I have them all to thank for such an amazing life experience. Show more
Traveled in June 2014
Mick5.0•May 2016
Such an awesome trip
Traveled in December 2015
Megan5.0•April 2016
This trip was a once in a lifetime trip. I will always remember it. It was very well organized and prepared. Our bus...
This trip was a once in a lifetime trip. I will always remember it. It was very well organized and prepared. Our bus was great! Our drivers name was Horse. He was an excellent driver and got us where we needed to be with ease, every single day. The accommodations were better than I had imagined. Some places were nicer than others, but the different places we stayed were all part of the trip. I particularly enjoyed the Farm Stay. It was a nice opportunity to get to know everyone on tour better. Our manager was Trys Eddy. He was amazing. Trys was a fun loving, exciting, very knowledgable tour manager. He had awesome games for our long bus trips. Helped to break the ice big time! He knew how to make us laugh, that's for sure! He knew the best little places to go when we stopped. For example, in Byron Bay there is a place to get chicken burgers. And oh my god... Best chicken burger I've ever had! His passion for photography did not go unnoticed either. He helped capture memories for us that will last a lifetime. I am a better person for taking this trip, and for meeting Trys. I feel very lucky to have had this opportunity. I would recommend this tour a million times! Show more
Traveled in February 2015
Vivienne4.5•April 2016
Our guide was always there for us and cheerful !
Traveled in March 2016
Gemma5.0•April 2016
The trip was amazing and everything that I wanted out of travelling the east coast. You have some amazing...
The trip was amazing and everything that I wanted out of travelling the east coast. You have some amazing opportunities to do some once in a life time things like climb the harbour bridge. Our tour manager was amazing. He made an effort with each individual person on the trip and made sure that we were all having fun. At the end of the trip my friend had to go to hospital and he made sure that I was being looked after and went out of his way to do things for us which was such a big help, I wouldn't of known what to do without him. Overall a really fantastic trip that I will never forget. Show more
Traveled in August 2014

Dates & Prices

Select departure month

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

Hurry, deals only available for a limited time!

Ends on 11 Nov, 2026

20% off
From Tuesday
15 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
30 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$3,925
US$3,083 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$338
with With Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
21% off
From Tuesday
15 Dec, 2026
To Wednesday
30 Dec, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
Check the availability with the operator
Departure on request
From:
$3,925
US$3,083 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$298
with Without Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
13% off
From Tuesday
5 Jan, 2027
To Wednesday
20 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,895
US$3,395 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$298
with Without Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
11% off
From Tuesday
5 Jan, 2027
To Wednesday
20 Jan, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,895
US$3,395 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$338
with With Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
21% off
From Saturday
13 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
28 Feb, 2027
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$298
with Without Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
20% off
From Saturday
13 Feb, 2027
To Sunday
28 Feb, 2027
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$338
with With Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
21% off
From Saturday
13 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
28 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$298
with Without Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
20% off
From Saturday
13 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
28 Mar, 2027
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$338
with With Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
21% off
From Saturday
27 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
11 Apr, 2027
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$298
with Without Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour
20% off
From Saturday
27 Mar, 2027
To Sunday
11 Apr, 2027
English
Filling Fast
From:
$3,495
US$2,745 per person
Sign up to unlock savings
Price based on Private Double Room
Additional Upfront
$338
with With Sailing ( Until Mar '27) Version
View this tour

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Tour ID: 362277

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Pay in installments
Spread the cost in interest-free biweekly installments of $1,422.
Deposit only
Book now with just a $200 deposit. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure.
$ - Australian Dollar
You’ll encounter Australian Dollar in Australia.
Plug type I
You’ll need an adapter for these sockets in Australia.

Currency
$
Australian Dollar
Australia
Plugs & adapters
As a traveler from USA, Canada, England, South Africa you will need an adaptor for type I.
- Type I
  Used in Australia
Visa
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay. We can’t process visas for you, but here’s a quick indication for this trip.
This is only an indication. Visa rules depend on your passport, trip length and purpose. Always confirm with the official embassy or consulate before you travel.
Payment information
Pay now
A $200 deposit
Balance due
65 days before departure
Installments
Interest-free, every two weeks
Currency
USD
Booking fee
None
Book now with just a $200 deposit and pay the rest later. The remaining balance is due 65 days before departure, charged automatically to your card, or you can split it into interest-free biweekly installments of $1,422 at checkout. Everything is charged in USD, and TourRadar never adds a booking fee. Any trip departing before January 8th, 2027 will need to be paid in full at checkout.
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Plan your adventure:

Sydney to Cairns (Without Sailing From Apr '27)

No departure dates available

Explore our featured adventures

Itinerary

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Included Activities

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

Optional Activities

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Where You'll Stay

Traveler Reviews

Dates & Prices

Want to read it later?

Why book with TourRadar?

Pay in installments

Deposit only

$ - Australian Dollar

Plug type I

Currency

Plugs & adapters

Visa

Payment information

Accepted for Contiki tours

Cancellation Policy

Insurance

Best price guarantee

How it works

Your quote needs

What doesn’t count

Accessibility

People also viewed

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