AUSSIE EAST COAST ADVENTURE

• Meet & Greet session on Day 1
• Secret fun pre-departure Sydney activity
• Get to know the group at the Welcome Dinner
• Byron Bay orientation as a Group
• Freetime in Byron Bay
• Cape Byron Lighthouse trail
• Dinner on the first night in Byron Bay
• Party night out in Byron Bay
• Sunset Kayaking in Byron Bay
• Beach time in Surfers Paradise
• Aboriginal walkabout tour
• Go exploring Queensland capital, Brisbane
• Visit Noosa National Park & the Fairy Pools
• Frisbee golf and wildlife spotting in Noosa
• Canoe through the Everglades National Park
• Sunset at the beautiful Carlo Sandblow
• 4x4 Camping Adventure on K’Gari
• Visit the Lake McKenzie on Fraser Island
• Cruise to the famous Whitehaven Beach
• Scenic flight over the Heart Reef (Yes it’s included!)
• Snorkel the pristine waters around the Whitsundays
• Chill and explore Magnetic Island
• Go snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef

Do I need a visa?

For most travellers, Australia is an easy destination to visit with a straightforward electronic visa process. Citizens from over 40 countries, including the UK, US, and many European nations, are eligible to apply for an eVisitor or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) visa online before arrival. Be sure to check the specific requirements for your nationality, as rules and application processes can vary. It’s your responsibility to ensure you’ve taken all the necessary steps to enter Australia smoothly, without any last-minute surprises.

* It’s important you check your own visa eligibility as we are not visa experts and the information above is general in nature. We’ve put together a blog covering all the above points and more ‘Unofficial’ Visa Guide for Asia & Australia.

What vaccinations do I need?

Similar to visas, we are not medical professionals and would hate to give you false or misleading information. We recommend you book an appointment with your doctor or local pharmacy to discuss your travel plans and what precautions you need to be aware of. They will provide up-to-date official guidance and will no doubt have your vaccination and immunisation history on file. All destinations and areas we travel to are generally low risk but best to be on the safe side. Click here for a useful resource provided by the UK NHS website.

Is travel insurance compulsory?

Travel insurance is an essential stage of your trip preparation. It’s not only a smart idea to get covered but it will also give your loved ones peace of mind. We actually require all customers to show proof of coverage at the beginning of the tour. We’ll need to see your name, area of cover and dates that the insurance is valid. It’s a good idea to get this sorted ASAP to ensure you’re covered for all eventualities.

Will I receive a packing list?

Yes! As your trip approaches, you’ll receive detailed trip preparation information, including packing lists and helpful tips to get you ready. Be sure to keep an eye on your emails so you don’t miss any important updates!

Should I bring a suitcase or backpack?

Most people do prefer travelling with a backpack and it’s generally easier when moving around but it’s not uncommon for some travellers to bring a suitcase. We suggest bringing something you are comfortable with carrying and lugging around. It’s also important to bring a small day bag, something that can hold enough for an overnight trip or those travel essentials. Click here to read a blog we wrote on this, ‘Backpack vs Suitcase - What is best for travelling?’

Is there a limit to my luggage weight?

We suggest keeping your packing simple. Each person is allowed up to 20kg for a large bag and 8kg for a small carry-on on the bus. This should be plenty for what you’ll need during the trip. Just remember, it’s best to leave the kitchen sink at home 🤣

Are there laundry services on tour?

Yes, you’ll find a few opportunities to do laundry throughout the trip, especially as most hostels in Australia offer coin-operated laundry facilities. That said, we recommend bringing enough essentials (like underwear) to last you at least the first two weeks, just to be on the safe side.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes, towels aren’t provided on the tour, so it’s recommended to bring a microfibre towel. They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and perfect for travel. Some hostels may offer a towel rental service, but not all, so it’s best to come prepared just in case!

How much spending money do I need?

Once you’ve booked your flights, paid for your trip, and sorted out solid travel insurance, you’re all set for that Aussie East Coast adventure! All of your accommodation and transport are covered, and with a bunch of meals included too. How much extra spending money you’ll need depends on whether you want to add on more activities, how often you like to eat out, and how many beers/cocktails you enjoy.

We suggest budgeting around £150-300/AU$300-600 per week for meals that aren’t included in the trip, plus any extra activities or experiences you want to add. The tour is designed to give you the freedom and opportunity to explore and add other activities to your itinerary if you like. To help your budget stretch further, take advantage of hostel freebies and try cooking meals with your fellow travellers!

Will there be a Whatsapp group?

Yes, absolutely! Around 1 week before your trip, you’ll get access to a private WhatsApp group for your tour. It’s an awesome way to connect with your fellow travellers and get to know your Group Leader ahead of time. You can start chatting, share pre-trip excitement, and ask any last-minute questions before the adventure kicks off!

If you haven’t already, join our Private Facebook Group. With over 8,500+ members, our community is what truly makes us special! It’s the perfect place to connect with past and future travellers, share experiences, and get tips on how everything works. Add yourself to the group and make a post to see who else has booked or is thinking about booking the same dates as you.

When should I plan to arrive?

We recommend arriving at least 2 to 3 nights before the trip starts. This gives you plenty of time to recover from any jet lag and explore Sydney before the adventure kicks off on Day 1. It’s a great chance to settle in, get a feel for the local area, and check off any personal bucket list experiences that aren’t included in the tour!

Arriving early isn’t essential as we do have a few travellers arriving the night before/morning of Day 1 (if you decide to do this, you won’t have time to explore Sydney)

Will I get an airport pickup?

Airport pickup isn’t included, but it can be arranged on request. If it is available you’ll be met at the airport, making your arrival smooth and hassle-free 🙌🏼.

Which airport should I fly into?

Sydney has one main international airport: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

What’s the plan for Day 1?

Day 1 is all about settling in and meeting your new travel family! We’ll have a quick meet and greet to go over the itinerary, followed by a fun secret activity and a Welcome Dinner. Later that evening, we’ll hop on the overnight bus to Byron Bay!

What time does the tour finish?

All our tours finish on the morning of the final day, this will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport ready for that flight home or onto your next destination.

Should I plan to stay extra nights after the tour?

100% YES, we always suggest giving yourself 2-3 nights before the trip to enjoy Sydney, and then 3-4 nights after to experience as much of Cairns and the surrounding area as possible. The trip itself includes a bunch of bucket-list experiences, but there are endless add-ons you can do: skydiving, white-water rafting, bungy jumping, Atherton Tablelands, Cape Tribulation, and even a certified dive course. Get in touch if you need some help planning your time in Australia… we’re happy to help!

What happens after my tour?

It really depends from group to group… sometimes we’ll have a whole bunch of people hanging out once the tour has finished, travelling for days, weeks or even months together. But in others you’ll have many people going separate ways. As the trip unfolds you’ll soon learn about each other's travel plans and share ideas for what adventures lie ahead. The hardest part is saying your goodbyes and giving your last big hugs to the people who are leaving straight after the trip finishes.

Can I get help with return airport transfers?

You sure can, our Group Leaders are available throughout the trip to chat about your onward travel plans. They will be there to offer help and assistance when it comes to booking flights, taxis, buses, and ferries. It’s always a good idea to get your flights booked before you arrive including any internal flights for after your tour.

When should I book my return flight?

We always suggest booking your return flight a bit later on the final day. This will give you plenty of time to get back to the airport and also enough time to really say your goodbyes and leave without any stress or worries. The airport is approximately 15/20 mins from the hostel in Cairns.

Can I stay extra longer and extend my trip?

You sure can, we don’t offer the option to extend your stay but our awesome Group Leaders are eager to help and support your onward travel plans. You’ll no doubt get ideas from other group members as the trip unfolds so best to just keep those ideas to yourself until you meet the group.

Is there Wifi on tour?

Almost all the places we stay on tour have free WiFi, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family back home. There are certain places we visit that don’t, but we will always give you a heads-up in advance so that you can prepare and let your loved ones know you may be unreachable. The only place where WiFi or phone signal isn’t available is when we are on K’gari (Fraser Island).

Can I travel solo/come alone?

Absolutely! Our trips are built for solo travellers and believe us… sharing new experiences with a group of new friends is one of the best things you can do. A large majority of the people that travel with us are 1st time travellers doing it alone so don’t worry, you’ll never be alone with us.

What’s the average age of people on these trips?

This trip mainly attracts 18-30-year-olds, perfect for gap year adventurers and young professionals. While we welcome travellers aged 18-39, most fall within the 18-30 range. If you’re looking for a trip more suited to an older crowd, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll help you find the right fit!

How big are the group sizes?

Our Semi-Guided East Coast Australia trips typically have larger groups than our other tours, with a maximum size of 24 people. These bigger groups are great for meeting new people and finding those you really connect with, while still giving you plenty of opportunities to enjoy some time alone and explore at your own pace.

What’s included in the price?

We’ve got most of the big-ticket items sorted, so you can focus on having the time of your life! You’ll enjoy 27 nights of accommodation, a bus pass from Sydney to Cairns (with 2 overnight trips), and ferry transfers to Magnetic Island. On top of that, we’ve lined up some epic bucket-list experiences, guides for included activities, and plenty of meals to keep you going. You’ll also have a tour leader in Sydney and Byron Bay, along with endless support throughout your time in Australia, including insider tips and discounts on optional activities.

What’s not included?

You’ll need to sort your own international flights, travel insurance, visas, and spending money 🙌🏼. Additionally, optional activities, meals not included in the itinerary, airport transfers, and pre/post-tour accommodation are your responsibility. Don’t worry, we’re here to help and support you every step of the way to make your trip as hassle free as possible!

Do we stay in hostels or hotels?

The accommodation on our trips is something we take pride in! You’ll stay in some of Australia’s best hostels, carefully selected to offer comfort, security, and the perfect location for your adventure. We’ve also included unique experiences like camping on K’Gari (Fraser Island) and staying at a lakeside wildlife retreat in the stunning Noosa Everglades. It’s all about embracing the social, laid-back vibe of dorm-style accommodation while experiencing some of the most unforgettable spots the East Coast of Australia has to offer!

Do you cater for specific dietary/allergy requirements?

We will make every effort to accommodate your dietary requirements and ensure that you have meals along the way. Please provide details about your dietary needs during the booking process, and as a reminder, mention them again on Day 1 at our Welcome Meeting to ensure we have you covered.

Can I combine more than 1 trip together?

Absolutely! Many of our travellers choose to combine two or more of our trips, and we’ve designed our schedule to make it easy for you to do just that. Often, you can finish one trip on the same day another one begins, so you can keep the adventure going. After all, if you’ve already booked the flights, why not maximise your time? If you’re thinking of combining trips, get in touch - we’d love to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!

How do I book?

Booking your trip couldn’t be easier, find a trip that takes your fancy, pick a date, reserve your spot with a deposit and get that flight booked…

We always recommend reserving your spot before booking your flight. When our trips are full… unfortunately they are FULL 😬 Check out our ’How it Works’ page for more information on booking your trip!!

This all seems too good to be true, how do I know it’s legit?
This is a question we recently added to our FAQs as we hear it time and time again so we wanted to give you all a few ways to verify who we are;

• We are a UK registered company No.10549017
• Read our reviews on Facebook, Google & Trustpilot
• Join our Facebook Group ‘Feel Free Family’
• Follow our journey on Instagram