Eastern Dream - Sydney to Cairns - Australia Road Trip

Explore Moreton Island, sail the Whitsunday Islands, party in Byron Bay, try surfing, white water rafting, tandem skydiving, plus swim and snorkel among the vibrant corals in the warm tropical waters of the Outer Barrier Reef before finishing your 3 weeks with a sunrise sea kayak adventure. A real holiday experience. One van. One leader. Many adventures!

Tour Highlights


Byron Bay

Chill out by the sea

Cape Tribulation

Explore the Daintree Forest Area

Great Barrier Reef

Snorkel from our personalised vessel

ride the  mechanical bull at Kroombit
Cattle Station

Go horse back riding

Flexible Itinerary

Our routes have been carefully chosen to include the best night stops and highlights. However, as road conditions, weather, local restrictions and group input may vary, no two trips will ever be the same.

Day 1 - 4: Sydney, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour and Byron Bay

Leaving Sydney and the city stresses behind, we head up the coast to Port Macquarie. Soak up the alternative lifestyle in Byron Bay, try your hand at surfing, tandem hang gliding or work on the suntan as we journey into Queensland.

Accommodation: 4 nights budget lodging

Day 5 - 6: Wynnum and Moreton Island

Continuing north along the coast we'll pick up our 4WD vehicle for our two day tour of Moreton Island where the world's highest sand dunes await you. With miles of deserted white beaches and inland forests dotted with crystal clear lakes, this is the highlight of the trip for many. We'll hike some of the trails, visit the Tangalooma Wrecks and maybe view dolphins, turtles or pods of whales (seasonal). You can also snorkel amongst the shipwrecks and swim in Blue Lagoon - a naturally formed "perched lake".

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 7 - 10: Mooloolaba, Gin Gin and Cattle Station

Briefly leave the coast for a two night stay on our secluded cattle station. Jump on a horse or motorbike and help with the daily fun on this 2,600 acre working cattle property. Home cooked meals and real family hospitality are just some of the attractions of this outback station.

Accommodation: 4 nights budget lodging

Day 11 - 14: Airlie Beach and Whitsunday Islands Sailing Adventure

Sun, sailing, sand and fun await you as we head to Airlie Beach where we board our 20 metre yacht for our two day/two night sailing cruise through the Whitsunday Islands, one of the highlights of any East Coast adventure. You'll live aboard the yacht and cruise between these islands in paradise, mooring to explore and snorkel the reef. One of the attractions of this cruise is Whitsunday Island, which is home to Whitehaven Beach - one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. You'll also have plenty of time to gaze into the turquoise waters, sunbathe on the deck and spot turtles or dolphins following the yacht. Everything is supplied on this unique Australian adventure. Do we have to go back to the mainland already?

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging and 2 nights sailboat cabins

Day 15 - 16: Magnetic Island

Jump aboard the island ferry as we cruise over to Magnetic Island for another unforgettable treat. Our apartments are nestled only metres away from the tropical rainforest and it's just two minute walk to the sparkling white Alma Beach. There is free time to explore, check out the local koala population (which is the largest in Australia), hire a Mini Moke, swim, snorkel or sun bathe.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 17 - 18: Mission Beach

We have two magical nights at Mission Beach. The days are free for you to try some of the amazing range of activities on offer on Australia's East Coast. You could try white water rafting on the Tully River, jumping out of a perfectly good plane - tandem skydiving over the beach, go sea kayaking, doing a rainforest hike or going cassowary and crocodile spotting! After all these heart pumping moments you'll appreciate the chance to relax on the picturesque beaches to work on your tan or take a water taxi over to Dunk Island for some great hikes.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging

Day 19 - 21: Cape Tribulation, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Yes, there is still more to do! Head north again through Cairns and the Daintree Forest Area to Cape Tribulation. We overnight in the rainforest at a unique hostel and start your next day with an exhilarating three hour sunrise sea kayaking trip complete with tropical breakfast. Explore the many rainforest hikes around Mossman Gorge before heading back to Cairns. Our last day finds us all aboard our multi-million dollar boat for a full day tour to the Outer Barrier Reef. Go scuba diving (no experience needed) or snorkel among the colourful coral. There's plenty of time to see the vast array of marine life including fish, stingrays, blue starfish, colourful coral and heaps more. This is the longest day trip available to the reef and a great way to finish this fantastic journey.

Accommodation: 2 nights budget lodging