START LOCATION
Sydney, Australia.
15-DAY | 14-NIGHT GROUP TOUR |
4.8 Stars - based on 2896 ULTIMATE Traveller Reviews
THE EAST COAST ‘Reefs and Beaches’ EXPERIENCE
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.
Join the ULTIMATE adventure exploring the many wonders of New South Wales and Queensland. From the pure sands of Whitehaven Beach to the breath-taking beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this East Coast Group tour visits all the popular Reefs and Beaches on your East Coast Bucket List.
ACCOMMODATION
Dorm Room Configuration. Private Upgrades available.
BARRIER REEF
Full Day Snorkel trip
WHITEHAVEN BEACH
Visit the iconic white sands of Whitehaven!
EXPERIENCE
Fully Guided group tour.
K’gari FRASER ISLAND
Fraser Island day trip.
REEFS AND BEACHES – THE HIGHLIGHTS
Join the ULTIMATE adventure exploring the many wonders of Queensland. From the pure sands of Whitehaven Beach to the breath-taking beauty of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, this trip will visit everywhere on your East Coast Bucket List. Great inclusions, experienced group leaders and a new group of mates to explore with, come adventure with us!
Visit the iconic silica sands and Hill Inlet
Visit the adventure capital of Australia.
Chill out at this coastal town gem.
A day snorkelling on the reef exploring corals and wildlife.
Explore the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands.
A day exploring the World heritage K’gari.
> WHERE WE STAY
Our Reefs and Beaches Group Tour includes 12-nights accommodation and 2 overnight buses.
- 12-nights are spent in dorm share accommodation in some of the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast.
- Free WIFI available at all properties.
- Centrally located.
- Accommodation is based on 4-12 bed shared dorm arrangements.
- Upgrades to private rooms are available.
TOUR INCLUSIONS
ABOUT THE TOUR
OPTIONAL EXTRAS & ADD ONS
HOW TO BOOK
TOUR INCLUSIONS
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Local fees: $20 port fuel and reef levy - Great Barrier Reef.
We recommend a travel budget of approx $80-$100/ day for meals when not included in the itinerary.
Note: These inclusions are for tours departing from April 2025
ABOUT THE TOUR
Our 15 Day East Coast Reefs and Beaches Group Tour will nail your East Coast Bucket List! This tour is perfect for solo traveller's and for those travelling with friends. Enjoy your trip with a group of up to 20 other 18-35s from all over the world and your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader.
Over a two week period we will travel over 2000km via bus! Between Sydney and Cairns we will experience the very best of Australia's East Coast including Byron Bay, Rainbow Beach, K'Gari (Fraser Island), Lake Mckenzie, Airlie Beach, Whitehaven Beach, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef.
Ultimate East Coast tours are all about having fun, exploring amazing locations and making great friendships that will last a lifetime.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS & ADD ONS
SYDNEY ADD ON WEEK
Get familiar with the iconic city of Sydney with an arrival week and extra 7 days in the Harbour City. Visit the Blue Mountains, Cruise the Sydney Harbour. Check out the Group Tour add on here.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.)
Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout:
Dolphin Kayaking in Byron Bay
Reef & Island Scenic Flight
Jet ski tour
White Water Rafting
SkyDive
Padi Dive Course
HOW TO BOOK
To book our East Coast 15 Day Reefs and Beaches Group Tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour. If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.
- Book your flights into Sydney and out of Cairns. (not included)
- Organise your travel insurance which is required to participate in this tour (not included)
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour starts in Sydney on Wednesdays (1pm Start)
Tour ends in Cairns (10am on Checkout)
LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)
We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
- Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
- Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
- Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
> THE INCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
ABOUT THE TOUR
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
HOW TO BOOK
INCLUSIONS
- Ultimate Group Leader
- Welcome Group Dinner
- Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
- All transport from Sydney to Cairns
- 2 Nights in Sydney
- 2 Nights in Byron Bay
- 2 Nights in Rainbow beach
- 3 Nights in Airlie Beach
- 3 Nights in Cairns
- Explore Sydney Highlights Opera House and Harbour Bridge!
- Dolphin & Turtle Kayak Experience
- K'gari (Fraser Island) Full Day Trip
- Shipwreck of the SS Maheno
- Swim and unwind at crystal clear Lake McKenzie or Lake Birrabeen – famous for its turquoise colours and fine dazzling, white silica sands.
- Whitsunday Island National Parks walks.
- Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Day Tour exploring the Whitsunday Islands
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip
- Farewell Dinner
Local fees: $80AUD Total Paid direct. $30 EMC Levy, $20 port fuel and reef levy - Great Barrier Reef, $30 insurance - Fraser Island Adventure.
We recommend a travel budget of approx $80-$100/ day for meals when not included in the itinerary.
Note: These inclusions are for tours departing from April 2025.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Ultimate East Coast tours are all about having fun, exploring amazing locations and making great friendships that will last a lifetime.
The Ultimate East Coast Highlights tour is a fast-tracked tour packed full of inclusions, visiting all the hot spots on the coast in 2 weeks. We’re experts in Australia gap year travel and can’t wait to show you the highlights and the hidden gems!
This tour is perfect for solo travellers and for those travelling with friends. Enjoy your trip with a group of up to 20 other 18-35s from all over the world and your Ultimate East Coast Group Leader.
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.
Whether you'd like to brave a Skydive, a Bungy Jump, go White Water Rafting, visit the Daintree Rainforest or extend your stay in Cairns, we're here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout.
SYDNEY ADD-ON
Explore Sydney before your East Coast Sydney to Barrier Reef adventure begins with our 3-day guided Sydney arrival package.
- 3 nights accommodation at Sydney's best backpacker hostel
- City orientation tour - explore all the highlights
- Iconic Sydney Harbour Cruise onboard the Ultimate Catamaran
HOW TO BOOK
To book our East Coast 15 Day Reefs and Beaches Group Tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour. If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.
- Book your flights into Sydney and out of Cairns. (not included)
- Organise your travel insurance which is required to participate in this tour (not included)
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour starts in Sydney on Wednesdays 1pm Start
Tour ends in Cairns (10am on Checkout)
LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)
We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
- Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
- Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
- Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
> THE ITINERARY
NOTE: This itinerary is valid for tours departing from April 2025 only
> TOUR FAQ’S
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA FEES?
ARE MEALS INCLUDED
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER MY TOUR?
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA?
IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?
CAN I TRAVEL WITH SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
CAN I TRAVEL WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION
ARE PRIVATE ROOM UPGRADES AVAILABLE?
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
WHO IS THIS TRIP DESIGNED FOR?
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY IS RECOMMENDED?
WHERE DOES THE TOUR START AND FINISH?
The East Coast Reefs and Beaches 15 Day Group Tour tour starts in Sydney and ends in Cairns. At the end of your adventure your Group Leader can help you to arrange onward travel. You can continue your adventure with our Outback add-on or select a return transfer to take you to the airport at the end of the tour.
Main Tour Meeting Point: Sydney Accommodation at 1pm Wednesdays.
Tour End Point: Gilligan's Hostel and Resort Cairns at 10am on Wednesdays.
An airport shuttle on arrival is not included and you should make your own way to the tour starting point.
WHO WILL I BE TRAVELLING WITH?
You’ll be travelling with a group of up to 24 people under the age of 35 from all over the world, and an experienced ULTIMATE Group Leader.
WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?
We stay at some of the most popular hostels along the Australian East Coast. All prices are based on shared accommodation in 6 or 8 share dorm style rooms
Private room upgrades are available to book but are subject to availability and single supplement charges.
CAN I BOOK EXTRA NIGHTS?
If you need additional nights before or after your trip, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book. If you are arriving early into Sydney or want to explore more of the harbour city before starting your trip, book our guided Sydney arrival package which includes 3 nights accommodation pre-tour, a city orientation tour to explore all the highlights, and an iconic Harbour cruise on board the Ultimate Catamaran.
CAN YOU HELP ME ORGANISE FLIGHTS & INSURANCE?
We are unable to book flights, but we always recommend using online search engines to research the best available flight routes, prices and times. To ease your experience, we suggest booking via a Travel Agent or directly with your preferred airline.
Travel insurance is required to participate in this tour. We recommend that you find and compare various policies to ensure you have an appropriate level of coverage for you adventure. Not sure where to start? You can find some trusted Travel Insurers here.
ARE THERE ANY EXTRA FEES?
We have done our best to include all fees and charges but there are some key touring components that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
- Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
- Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
- Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Optional Activity Levies - Whilst on tour, various local activity operators may charge a levy that is to be paid direct on the day your activity takes place. These will be communicated to you when booking any optional activities. A local 'levy' is generally a tax or administration fee.
ARE MEALS INCLUDED
Australia has no shortage of incredible food and when travelling on our East Coast tours, we make sure we include some iconic Australian BBQ’s. Please refer to the tour itinerary and inclusions for a list of included meals, but please note that meals are generally not included and we recommend you account for meals and drinks in your budgeting
WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER MY TOUR?
At the end of your tour you'll be full of emotions and some amazing memories, but the adventure doesn't have to stop there! If you’re unsure of what to do after your package ends, talk to your leader or drop us an email or give us a call – we’re happy to give you recommendations on what to do next! If you’ve got the travel bug our friendly travel experts can talk you through some options – and even set you up with some sweet deals on discounted travel!
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO AUSTRALIA?
The great thing is, there is no bad time to travel to Australia! The country is so vast that depending when and where you plan on travelling you're always likely to hit some sun! At certain times of the year there can be tropical storms in some locations across Australia, there can be hot, humid weather and there can be beautiful sunny skies with a cooler breeze. As you'll be travelling such a wide area from South to North you are likely to experience a bit of everything. Please Note - We cannot predict the weather and cannot guarantee perfect days, but we will do our best to make the most of days when Mother Nature isn't in our favour!
IS THERE FREE TIME ON THIS TOUR?
This East Coast Reefs and Beaches Group Tour travels 2500 km in 15 days and is jam packed with activities. There is some limited free time during the itinerary where you are able to book additional and optional activities like Skydives and Scenic Flights.
If you are looking for a Group Tour with additional free time, we recommend our East Coast Explorer tour range.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
In most cases, we can cater to Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets. We will make every effort to cater to all other diets and needs, but we are unable to guarantee this will be possible in every location we visit. Unfortunately we will not cater for tastes or dislikes. We will ask you to re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Group Leader at the start of your trip.
CAN I TRAVEL WITH A MEDICAL CONDITION
If you have an existing medical condition or disability that may affect your trip or how we deliver our experience, we ask that you inform us in writing at the time of your booking. You may be asked to obtain a medical certificate and if we reasonably feel we are unable to accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline your booking.
ARE PRIVATE ROOM UPGRADES AVAILABLE?
Single room upgrades are available, but are subject to availability and can take up to ten business days to confirm. Private rooms are not available on our Bus or train transport. You can request a Single room upgrade via the booking process or email our reservations team after you have made your booking.
IS TRAVEL INSURANCE REQUIRED?
Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.
WHO IS THIS TRIP DESIGNED FOR?
Our East Coast Reefs and Beaches tour is designed for travellers up to 35 years old that wish to experience the best of the East Coast in a short period of time. This is a fast-tracked tour packed full of inclusions, visiting all the hot spots on the coast in 2 weeks. We spend 2-4 nights in each location and activities are included at each stop.
HOW MUCH SPENDING MONEY IS RECOMMENDED?
On our Group Tours, your transport and accommodation along with the meals and activities listed on the itinerary are all included in your tour price. While you are travelling you may wish to participate in additional activities which you will need to budget for. While travelling you may wish to eat and drink out or you may plan to cook and prepare some of your own meals.
As a guide, we recommend you budget an additional $40 - $60AUD per day for spending money. Please note that all travellers are different and you may wish to travel with additional spending money. There are amazing optional activities and food options on offer on the East Coast and if you desire to experience most of them, you may wish to budget for additional spending money.
> BOOK REEFS & BEACHES
We’re here to help
with your travel plans!
We are Group Adventure and Gap Year specialists and can’t wait to help you plan your next adventure.
Ultimate Adventure Travel Pty Ltd
806 George Street.
Sydney, NSW 2000
ABN: 91 133 215 166
