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, 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.

Why You’ll Love This Adventure

• Ultimate Freedom: Enjoy a semi self-guided itinerary that gives you the independence to explore at your own pace while still having key logistics sorted.
• Instant Friendships: Connect with your group before you even arrive via a dedicated WhatsApp group, perfect for planning meetups and sharing memories. 🌴
• Bucket-List Experiences: Sail the Whitsundays, explore K’gari (Fraser Island) in a 4WD, and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. 🚗
• Learn to Surf: Spend three epic nights at Spot X Surf Camp catching waves and enjoying the beach lifestyle. 🏄
• Incredible Wildlife: Spot wild koalas on Magnetic Island and hang out with kangaroos at sunrise. 🐨

What’s Included

• 32-day semi self-guided East Coast group tour
• 31 nights accommodation
• Coach transport from Cairns to Sydney
• 22 meals
• Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef
• Atherton Tablelands waterfall tour
• 3-day Whitsunday sailing to Whitehaven
• 3-day Mackay & Eungella National Park adventure
• 3-day K’gari 4×4 camping tag-along tour
• 3 nights in Surf Camp Spot X
• Visits to Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach, Rainbow Beach, Noosa Heads, Brisbane, Surfers Paradise, Byron Bay, and Sydney

What’s 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

Your Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Cairns Start

Day 2: Cairns

Day 3: Cairns

Day 4: Magnetic Island

Day 5: Magnetic Island

Day 6: Airlie Beach

Day 7: Airlie Beach

Day 8: Whitsundays

Day 9: Whitsundays

Day 10: Whitsundays

Day 11: Airlie Beach

Day 12: Wakeboarding & Mackay Adventure Lodge

Day 13: Eungella National Park

Day 14: Cape Hillsborough National Park / Overnight Bus

Day 15: Rainbow Beach

Day 16: K’gari

Day 17: K’gari

Day 18: K’gari

Day 19: Noosa

Day 20: Noosa

Day 21: Brisbane

Day 22: Brisbane

Day 23: Surfers Paradise

Day 24: Byron Bay

Day 25: Byron Bay

Day 26: Byron Bay

Day 27: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 28: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 29: Spot X Surf Camp Arrawarra

Day 30: Overnight Bus to Sydney

Day 31: Sydney

Day 32: Finish