Discover the ultimate adventure on Australia’s East Coast with Travel Buddies Southbound from Cairns to Sydney. This 32 day semi self-guided tour is designed for backpackers seeking freedom, exploration, new friends, and unforgettable experiences without the handholding of a fully guided tour. Starting in Cairns, this small-group adventure hits Australia’s iconic highlights and hidden gems while letting you explore at your own pace.
With just 12 spots, you’ll travel with other adventurous souls in a small and social group setting. Local Travel Buddies Reps will meet you at key points in Cairns, Airlie Beach, Brisbane, Byron Bay, and Sydney to provide support, ensuring you have everything you need – without any babysitting. We’ve got your accommodation, transport, activities, and even 22 meals covered, so you can focus on living the adventure.
Once confirmed, you’ll join a dedicated WhatsApp group to connect with your new friends. This is your go-to spot for planning meetups, sharing photos, and keeping the good vibes going throughout the trip. The journey strikes the perfect balance between thrilling new adventures, top-rated tours, and fun social experiences.
Travelling south, you’ll tick off bucket-list experiences like discovering Australia’s native wildlife on Magnetic Island, sailing through the Whitsundays, and taking a scenic flight over the famous Heart Reef. Hang out with kangaroos at sunrise, challenge yourself with a surf camp, and explore K’gari (Fraser Island) in a 4WD.
No need to stress the details – we’ve handled it all. Whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a small group, this trip offers the perfect blend of flexibility and must-see experiences, and is the perfect way to meet friends on the East Coast. So, if you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime, grab your spot on this Southbound Cairns to Sydney Travel Buddies tour today!


Tour Inclusions

Included 32 Day Semi Self-Guided East Coast Group Tour 31 Nights Accommodation Coach Transport from Cairns to Sydney 22 Meals 3 Day Whitsunday Sailing to Whitehaven 3 Day Mackay & Eungella National Park Adventure 3 Day K’gari 4×4 Camping Tag-A-Long Tour 3 Nights in Surf Camp Spot X Magnetic Island Airlie Beach Rainbow Beach Noosa Heads Brisbane Surfers Paradise Byron Bay Sydney

Excluded Travel Insurance (compulsory) Personal expenses Any meals not indicated in the itinerary Deposits required for equipment hire Shuttle buses not included by providers Public transport (bus, taxis, trains, uber) Accommodation outside of your booking


Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns Start


Day 2: Magnetic Island

Day 3: Magnetic Island

Day 4: Magnetic Island

Day 5: Airlie Beach

Day 6: Airlie Beach

Day 7: Whitsundays

Day 8: Whitsundays

Day 9: Whitsundays

Day 10: Airlie Beach

Day 11: Wakeboarding & Mackay Adventure Lodge

Day 12: Eungella National Park

Day 13: Cape Hillsborough National Park / Overnight Bus

Day 14: Rainbow Beach

Day 15: K'gari

Day 16: K'gari

Day 17: K'gari

Day 18: Noosa

Day 19: Noosa

Day 20: Brisbane

Day 21: Brisbane

Day 22: Surfers Paradise

Day 23: Byron Bay

Day 24: Byron Bay

Day 25: Byron Bay

Day 26: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 27: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 28: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 29: Overnight Bus to Sydney

Day 30: Sydney

Day 31: Sydney

Day 32: Finish

Craving freedom, adventure, companionship, and epic East Coast vibes? Welcome to Travel Buddies Australia, a 32 day semi self guided tour travelling from Sydney to Cairns. Combining the flexibility to explore at your own pace with the perks of travelling in a small social group, this experience takes you to the most iconic spots and hidden gems along Australia’s East Coast, without the constraints of a fully guided tour.

Travel with a small group of up to 18 like-minded adventurers, hitting all of the iconic spots and hidden gems between Sydney and Cairns. From vibrant city life to the tropical rainforests in the north, you’ll explore Australia’s top destinations. A local Travel Buddies rep will meet you at key locations like Byron Bay, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, and Cairns to assist with anything you need – minus the handholding.
We handle all your accommodations, transport, and activities, allowing you to focus on living the adventure. Expect unforgettable experiences like a K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD tag-along tour, sailing through the Whitsunday Islands, and catching waves at Arrawarra Surf Camp. Join a scenic flight over the famous Heart Reef, snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Once you’re locked in, you’ll be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group where you can connect with your fellow travellers, ask questions, and share the excitement. It’s all about making friends, swapping stories, and planning your next spontaneous meetup. No strict itineraries, just a good balance of epic planned activities and free time to do your own thing.
Ready for a journey that offers freedom, fun, and epic social vibes? Book your spot on this unforgettable Sydney to Cairns East Coast tour today and experience Australia your way.


Tour Inclusions


Included 32 Day Semi Self-Guided East Coast Group Tour 31 Nights Accommodation Coach Transport from Sydney to Cairns 22 Meals 3 Night Surf Camp 3 Day K’gari 4×4 Camping Tag-A-Long Tour 3 Day Whitsunday Sailing to Whitehaven Beach Sydney Byron Bay Brisbane Noosa Airlie Beach Magnetic Island Cairns Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Tour

Excluded Travel Insurance compulsory April 1st 2024 Personal expenses Any meals not indicated in the itinerary Deposits required for equipment hire Shuttle buses not included by providers Public transport (bus, taxis, trains, uber) Accommodation outside of your booking

Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Sydney Start


Day 2: Sydney


Day 3: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra


Day 4: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra


Day 5: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra


Day 6: Byron Bay


Day 7: Byron Bay


Day 8: Cape Byron Lighthouse Walk


Day 9: Surfers Paradise


Day 10: Brisbane


Day 11: Brisbane


Day 12: Noosa


Day 13: K’gari


Day 14: K'gari


Day 15: K’gari / Noosa


Day 16: Noosa


Day 17: Noosa


Day 18: Mackay Adventure Lodge


Day 19: Eungella National Park


Day 20: Wallabies Sunrise


Day 21: Whitsundays


Day 22: Whitsundays


Day 23: Airlie Beach


Day 24: Airlie Beach


Day 25: Magnetic Island


Day 26: Magnetic Island


Day 27: Cairns


Day 28: Atherton Tablelands


Day 29: Cairns


Day 30: Great Barrier Reef


Day 31: Cairns




Day 32: Tour Finish