Join a 28-day journey from Sydney to Cairns, including highlights like Byron Bay, sailing the Whitsundays, exploring K’Gari, and snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. Designed for young explorers, our journeys offer the perfect balance of adventure, freedom, and new friendships.
You'll be staying in the best hostels on the East Coast and doing the best iconic activities.
All of your accommodation, transportation and activities are pre-booked, you just need to show up!
Tons of free time along the way to explore, chill, or do whatever feels right - it's completely up to you.
Ready-made friends from day one of your trip. Connect with like-minded travellers who share your passion for exploration.
This trip has all the essentials covered – cozy stays, group activities, and unforgettable experiences, so you’ll be free to make lifelong memories, connect with your crew, and enjoy a stress-free adventure filled with good vibes.
Your East Coast trip starts in the beautiful city of Sydney!
Settle in to Summerhouse, a central and social hostel. This is the perfect place for you and the rest of the group to stay during your time in Sydney.
Go out and explore the city and check out the iconic Sydney Operahouse, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach and Manly.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Sydney
Optional Activities: Blue Mountains
Spend three days in this chilled out and cozy surfers town!
Visit some local boutiques and restaurants or chill out on the beautiful beaches of Byron. Make sure to visit the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse while staying in this coastal gem.
Accomodation: Surf House
Optional activity: Kayak with dolphins, Surf lesson, Behind the Bay
Continue heading up the East Coast to your next big and lively city. Spend two days exploring the vibrant city of Brisbane!
Visit South Bank Parklands, where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and art installations. Take a dip in the public pool or savour brunch at one of the trendy cafes. End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city!
Accommodation: Summerhouse Brisbane
Optional activities: Koala River Cruise, Australia Zoo
Welcome to beautiful Noosa.
Relax by the pool at Bounce Noosa, visit the national park and see the amazing fairy pools. Get out, and explore the area! Dinner and drinks on Hastings Street is always a good call in Noosa or make some new friends in one of the coolest hostels on the East Coast.
Accommodation: Bounce Noosa
Optional activities: Surf Lesson, Noosa Everglades
Check into Freedom Hostel and then head out to explore!
You'll be staying at this stunning Rainbow Beach hostel for a two nights so get comfortable! Enjoy all of the natural beauty this beach town has to offer. Make sure to check out the amazing sunset at the Carlo Sand Blow.
Accommodation: Freedom Hostel
Optional Activities: Surf Lesson, Kayak with Dolphins
It's time to drive your own 4x4 on K'Gari Fraser Island.
First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous K'gari Fraser Island icon. Relax by the champagne pools and the crystal clear waters of Lake Mckenzie. Camp under the stars on this island paradise.
Accommodation: Camp on K'Gari
Spend the day chilling at the brand new pool at Freedom Hostel, explore Rainbow Beach, visit the colourful sands or check out the Carlo Sand Blow. The day is yours to do a you please. Tonight we'll be getting the overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Accommodation: Sleep on bus
Optional Activities: Kayak with dolphins, Surf Lesson
You'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach bright and early. Check into your Airlie Beach accommodation and get ready to explore! Drop your bags, then head out to discover this stunning beachside town.
Need an adventure today? Add a thrilling skydive to your day and see the Whitsundays like never before - from above! It’s the perfect way to kickstart your time here before your Whitsundays tour tomorrow.
Accommodation: Bounce Airlie
Optional activity: Skydive, Scenic flight
Set sail to the Whitsundays
Hop aboard this 3-day cruise and visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, snap an Insta-worthy pic at Hill Inlet, and snorkel at pristine reef sites. Spend 2 nights sailing the Whitsunday Islands with an epic crew. With two slides and an onboard jacuzzi, you're in for a blast!
Accommodation: Sleep onboard the boat.
Spend two days soaking in the sunshine of Magnetic Island
Relax in the sun, hike, kayak, or explore pristine beaches like Horseshoe and Picnic Bay. Discover WWII bunkers on the Forts Walk, and spot koalas, rock wallabies, and more. Rent an iconic barbie car for a fun island adventure.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Magnetic Island
Check into your Cairns accommodation for 3 nights and dive into the adventure capital of Australia.
Explore the Great Barrier Reef, chase epic waterfalls, or get your adrenaline pumping with optional activities like skydiving, bungee jumping, or a scenic flight over the Daintree Rainforest. This is where your unforgettable tour ends.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Cairns
Optional activities: Skydive, Bungee Jump, Scenic Flight, Daintree rainforest
Your East Coast package starts in the beautiful city of Sydney!
Settle in to Summerhouse, a central and social hostel. This is the perfect place for you and the rest of the group to stay during your time in Sydney.
Go out and explore the city before your trip officially starts!
Accommodation: Summerhouse Sydney
Meals: None
Transportation:None
Today, you'll have the day to explore the city and visit all the popular highlights. Head to Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House for some classic photos before wandering the museums and parks.
In the evening you'll have a delicious meet & greet Barbecue! Here, you'll meet your group who you're going to travel the east coast with. Get to know each other and get hyped for this once in a lifetime experience!
Accommodation: Summerhouse Sydney
Meals: None
Transportation:None
Enjoy a free day in Sydney today.
Visit all the highlights you didn't manage to see yesterday or relax on Sydney's beaches. Eitherway, its a great way to bond with the group you met yesterday at the introduction BBQ before setting off on your epic adventure!
Accommodation: Summerhouse Sydney
Meals: None
Transportation:None
Optional activity: Blue Mountains
Today, you get to enjoy your last day in the city of Sydney!
Make sure to see the last of the sights and snap those final photos for the Insta. Hit the shops and grab some snacks before you leave.
Tonight, you'll hop on board the overnight bus that will take you to the iconic coastal town of Byron Bay.
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
Meals: None
Transportation: Overnight Bus to Byron Bay
This morning you'll arrive in the vibrant coastal town, where the scent of saltwater fills the air. Settle into a cozy hostel and hit the beach for some sun and surf.
Explore the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking views, and unwind with a sunset walk along the sandy shores. How about you try out your surfing skills? Byron Bay is the ideal location for a surf lesson and catching some waves!
Accomodation: Surf House
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Surf lesson
Today you can soak up Byron Bays' charm and relaxed atmosphere.
It is also a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives, plus you'll find a vibrant arts scene, live music performances, street markets, and an array of unique and eclectic shops. If you want to make the most of this free day, you could add an amazing kayak with dolphins tour to your trip! This is an awesome activity where you can get up close and personal to these beautiful sea creatures.
Accommodation: Surf House
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Kayak with dolphins
Today you'll enjoy another free day in this chilled out and cozy surfers town!
Visit some local boutiques and restaurants or chill out on the beautiful beaches of Byron. If you're looking for a more adventures day, you can hop on the Behind the Bay day trip. This is a trip where you're going to explore some hidden waterfalls and nature close to Byron Bay!
Accomodation: Surf House
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Behind the Bay
Head up the East Coast to your next big and lively city. Today, you can explore the vibrant city of Brisbane!
Start your day with a visit to South Bank Parklands, where you can enjoy the beautiful gardens and art installations. Take a dip in the public pool or savor brunch at one of the trendy cafes. End your day with a relaxing dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city!
Accommodation: Summerhouse Brisbane
Meals: None
Transportation: Bus to Brisbane
On your second free day in Brisbane, you can discover the city's cultural highlights, stroll through the historic city center to admire the stunning architecture, or go shopping in the unique boutiques of Fortitude Valley.
A Koala & River Cruise is the perfect way to get up close and personal with Australia’s cuddliest creatures while enjoying the sights and sounds of Brisbane’s most attractive waterfront suburbs.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Brisbane
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Koala river cruise
Today you will jump on the bus to Noosa.
Arrive in the afternoon in this cool surf town. Get out, and explore the Area! Dinner and drinks on Hastings Street is always a good call in Noosa or make some new friends in one of the coolest hostels on the East Coast.
Accommodation: Bounce Noosa
Meals: None
Transportation: Bus to Noosa
Enjoy your free day in Noosa. Visit the amazing national park and see the amazing fairy pools.
If you want to improve on your surf skills, this is also a very good place to do that! See if you're already able to catch some waves on your own!
Accommodation: Bounce Noosa
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Surf Lesson
Today you could visit the world famous Noosa Everglades or just relax by the pool in Bounce Noosa.
With only two everglades in the world this one is not to be missed. Take your camera and capture this once in a lifetime experience as you canoe down the river of mirrors!
Accomodation: Bounce Noosa
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional Activity: Noosa Everglades
Today, you’ll head up to Rainbow Beach.
Check into the Freedom hostel and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at this Rainbow Beach hostel for a total of 3 nights so get comfortable! Make sure to check out the amazing sunset at the Carlo Sand Blow.
Accommodation: Freedom Hostel
Meals: None
Transportation: Bus to Rainbow Beach
Today, immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Rainbow Beach!
If you're looking for a day with some adrenaline, this is your last chance to catch some waves. Why not get on a cool surf lesson here with our professional instructors and surf the longest wave in Australia?
Accommodation: Freedom Hostel
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Your Fraser Island adventure begins with a quick morning brief at Freedom Hostel. Drive along 75 Mile beach - Fraser Island's own sand highway with speed limits! Visit the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of Fraser. Stop for lunch and time to swim and relax in the amazingly clear waters of the lake before driving up the beach to your campsite. Settle in for an early dinner, some well-deserved drinks and plenty of fun!
Accommodation: Camp on K'Gari
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Drive your own 4x4
The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on K'Gari Fraser Island! First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous K'gari Fraser Island icon before continuing on to Indian Head. K'Gari Fraser Island's highest point, from here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean before travelling to Champagne Pools for a dip. Itinerary is subject to change depending on the tides.
Accommodation: Camp on K'Gari
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Drive your own 4x4
Start with breakfast before cleaning and disassembling your campsite. Once packed up, you'll drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk where you'll stride through the dunes to find a tropical paradise! Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you begin the drive down the beach and back to the barge. Once arrived on the mainland, head to the 4WD shed where you can unpack and quickly clean the cars. You will return to Freedom Hostel between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, itinerary is subject to change depending on the tides
Accommodation: Freedom Hostel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Drive your own 4x4
Today, you'll enjoy your last day here in Rainbow Beach.
As the sun sets, relax with the gang by the beach, and prepare to hop on your overnight bus to Airlie Beach.
Accommodation: Overnight Bus
Meals: None
Transportation: Overnight Bus to Airlie Beach
You'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach bright and early. This morning you'll check into your Airlie Beach accommodation. No time to waste! Drop your bags and head out to explore this beachside town before preparing for your Whitsundays tour tomorrow! If you can't wait for some adventure till tomorrow, add an unforgettable skydive experience to this day. Airlie beach is the most beautiful place to do a skydive as you'll be seeing the Whitsundays from above!
Accommodation: Bounce Airlie
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Optional activity: Skydive, Scenic flight
This 2 night Whitsundays tour offers the opportunity to explore the islands, including time to relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout.
Experience up to 4 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).
Accommodation: Sleep on boat
Meals: Dinner
Transportation: None
Today you can enjoy everything the Whitsundays have to offer with snorkelling, lookouts and stunning views - don't forget to charge up your phone/ camera!
Enjoy Standout delicious meals made by the crew who are fun, and experienced and welcome you into the family. With 2 slides and an onboard jacuzzi you're bound to have a good time.
Accommodation: Sleep on boat
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
Transportation: None
Wake up on your final morning to that clear sea air before it's time for more thrilling sailing back to Airlie Beach.
After your tour, keep the adventure alive and meet your crew and fellow passengers for a catch-up at the after-party in Airlie Beach – you will have a reserved table, drink discounts and meal deals!
Accommodation: Sleep on boat
Meals: Breakfast
Transportation: None
Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island.
Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Magnetic Island
Meals: None
Transportation: Bus to Townsville, Ferry to Magnetic Island
Today is yours free to soak in the sunshine of Magnetic Island for your final day here. A beautiful place for hiking, kayaking, and full relaxation!
Explore Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay for a pristine beach day. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including koalas, rock wallabies, and over 180 species of birds. Why not rent one of the iconic barbie cars so you can travel around in style?
Accommodation: Summerhouse Magnetic Island
Meals: None
Transportation: None
Today you'll wave goodbye to Magnetic Island and hello to Cairns as you catch the ferry back to Townsville and then head further north.
Cairns is the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Daintree Rainforest and offers heaps of awesome activities for travellers from nature to extreme sports! Check into your Cairns accommodation for 3 nights and then head out to explore the city.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Cairns
Meals: None
Transportation: Ferry to Townsville, Bus to Cairns
This morning you can tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour.
With options to try snorkelling or even upgrade to scuba diving, you'll spend up to 6 hours discovering 2 spectacular reef locations. Swim alongside schools of tropical reef fish and admire amazing coral formations.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Cairns
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: None
Today prepare to be mesmerised by nature and wildlife within the ancient tropical rainforest.
You'll explore Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls (Natural rock slide), Crawfords Lookout (Beautiful lookout) and the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls (the world famous hair flick waterfall). You will also have the opportunity to visit the dormant Volcanic Crater Lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife.
Accommodation: Summerhouse Cairns
Meals: Lunch
Transportation: None
This morning you will check out of your hostel and wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure!
If you want to add some time to this trip but don’t want to add on destinations, Cairns is a great place to add on a few nights and explore! Say goodbye to all the new friends you made on this unforgettable Travel Collective tour! We hope you made memories to last a lifetime and we can't wait to see you on your next Travel Collective adventure!
Bali or New Zealand anyone….?
Planning an adventure can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! Whether you’re curious about destinations, need help choosing the right package, or just want to explore your options, we’re here for you. Fill out the contact form, and one of our travel experts will get back to you promptly.
Prefer something quicker? You can also reach us directly on WhatsApp for immediate assistance
A semi-guided tour combines the best of structured travel and personal freedom. With The Travel Collective, we take care of booking your accommodation, transport, and key activities, like the Whitsundays cruise, ensuring you’re in the right place at the right time. While the itinerary has set locations and mini tours, such as guided trips and local experiences, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. Instead of a traditional tour guide, a local agent is available via WhatsApp for support. It’s a perfect balance of flexibility and structure, giving you the freedom to personalise your journey within the framework of the trip.
Our tours welcome participants aged 18 and above, the typical age range of our guests falls between 18 and 35 years old. This demographic trend is primarily due to our selection of accommodations and activities, which are often tailored to appeal to young, social backpackers within this age bracket. While all adults are invited to join, the overall experience tends to resonate most with younger travellers seeking a vibrant, communal atmosphere.
The Travel Collective is designed for adventurous and sociable travellers who seek a balance between independence and structure. While our tours are open to anyone 18 and over, they predominantly attract those aged 18-35. These trips appeal to those eager to explore new destinations, forge new friendships, and enjoy shared experiences. Whether you’re a solo traveller or part of a small group, our tours offer the freedom to explore independently while also connecting with like-minded adventurers.
Some things such as accommodation, activities and transportation are pre-organised but you will have loads of free time to explore and choose your own adventures as you travel.
You don’t need to worry about transportation, The Travel Collective will book all of your transportation for you. You just need to show up on time and the rest will all be taken care of.
Not at all, once you select your starting date, we will book you into the best accommodation on the East Coast. You won’t need to pre-book any accommodation unless you want accommodation before or after the trip begins.
You will be staying in premium hostel accommodation. Here at The Travel Collective we only work with the best hostels so rest assured your shared dorm room accommodation is the best you can get. If you wanted to upgrade to private rooms just contact our team and they will be happy to assist you with an upgrade.
We will add you to a dedicated WhatsApp chat with your crew before the trip begins. This will give you the chance to connect and get to know each other before your epic adventure begins from Sydney.
Travellers must secure a comprehensive insurance policy that provides coverage for various scenarios, including illness or injury, lost belongings, and tour cancellations. For those who already have travel insurance, it’s crucial to verify that your existing policy adequately covers all adventure activities included in your Travel Collective trip. Ensuring appropriate coverage is ultimately the responsibility of the traveller.
You will receive all of your tickets when you book the trip, you will also be added into a WhatsApp group to connect with your fellow travellers.
Of course, a lot of the crew on The Travel Collective are solo-travelling, it’s an awesome way to meet like minded people.
Yes, just let us know at the time of booking and we will let the tour operators know.
No, you don’t. All travellers on The Travel Collective will snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. You can upgrade to a scuba dive by contacting our team when you book. If you have no dive experience you can book onto a discover scuba dive, specifically for people with no prior dive experience.
That’s no problem, just contact a member of our team and we’ll be happy to get it all organised for you.
Not at all, you can also travel by car or campervan. We find the bus to be the most the best value for money and stress-free.
The following items are all included: accommodation & overnight stays, transportation by bus, activities & tours listed on your package, any meals included on your itinerary, an unforgettable trip.
