Australia East Coast Adventure — Self-Launched

Check in to a Sydney hostel dorm for luggage storage and a quick freshen-up. Spend the day exploring the city on foot: the Opera House, Circular Quay, The Rocks, and Bondi Beach are all free or very cheap to reach by public transport. In the evening, board the overnight Greyhound or Oz Experience coach from Sydney Central to Byron Bay (departs ~8–9pm, arrives ~7am). Book your Oz Experience East Coast hop-on hop-off pass in advance online — it covers all coach legs on this route and works out significantly cheaper than buying individual tickets.

🚌Oz Experience or Greyhound East Coast hop-on hop-off pass. Book at ozexperience.com or greyhound.com.au. Overnight coach Sydney Central → Byron Bay (~12hrs, ~£45–55 standalone or included in pass).

🛏Day use / luggage storage at Wake Up! Sydney (£5 luggage storage) or similar — no overnight stay needed (overnight coach)

• →Walk the Sydney Opera House forecourt and Circular Quay (free)
• →Catch bus 333 or 380 from the CBD to Bondi Beach (~£2 each way)
• →Explore The Rocks historic precinct (free)
• →Board overnight Greyhound/Oz Experience coach Sydney → Byron Bay (~£45–55 single, or included in hop-on hop-off pass ~£300–380 for full East Coast)

Arrive Byron Bay early morning. Check in to a hostel dorm and grab breakfast. Byron is incredibly walkable — spend the afternoon at the main beach, hire a cheap bicycle (~£10/day) to explore, and watch the sunset at Cape Byron Lighthouse. The lighthouse walk is free and one of the best things in town.

🚌Walk or hire bicycle locally. All key sites within 2–3km of town centre.

🛏Arts Factory Lodge, Base Byron Bay, or Aquarius Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Cape Byron Lighthouse walk — most easterly point of Australia (free)
• →Main Beach swim and sunbathe (free)
• →Hire a bicycle to explore town (~£10/day from Byron Bay Bicycles or similar)
• →Explore the markets at The Farmers Market (Thursday mornings) if timing allows (free entry)

Book a 2-hour group surf lesson directly with Mojo Surf (the same provider used by Gap 360) or with Byron Bay Surf School — both offer walk-in and online group lessons that are identical to the guided tour experience. Book online in advance for the best rates. Afternoons are free for more beach time or exploring the hinterland.

🚌Walk or bicycle.

🛏Arts Factory Lodge, Base Byron Bay, or Aquarius Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →2-hour group surf lesson with Mojo Surf or Byron Bay Surf School — book direct at mojosurf.com (~£45–55pp)
• →Afternoon swim at Wategos Beach (sheltered, beautiful — free)
• →Browse the Byron Bay town centre shops and cafés

Byron Bay is the yoga capital of Australia. Drop-in morning yoga sessions are available at Byron Yoga Centre, Flow Byron, or through Meetup-style community classes on the beach — many beach yoga sessions are free or donation-based. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure: visit Belongil Beach, explore cafés on Jonson Street, or take a day trip to nearby Nimbin (~£15 return bus).

🚌Walk, bicycle, or local bus.

🛏Arts Factory Lodge, Base Byron Bay, or Aquarius Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Drop-in morning yoga class — Byron Yoga Centre or beach session (~£10–15 drop-in, or free community sessions on the beach)
• →Visit Belongil Beach or Tallow Beach (free)
• →Optional: day trip to Nimbin village by local bus (~£15 return)

Last full day in Byron. A great day for a snorkelling trip off Cape Byron (the headland has a marine reserve with turtles and reef fish — you can swim directly from Julian Rocks with a local dive operator, or snorkel from the beach for free). Stock up on groceries for a hostel cook-up tonight and prep for the coach south to the Gold Coast tomorrow.

🚌Walk locally.

🛏Arts Factory Lodge, Base Byron Bay, or Aquarius Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Snorkelling at Julian Rocks marine reserve — book via Byron Bay Dive Centre (~£45–60 including gear)
• →Free snorkelling off Cape Byron headland beach (bring or hire gear ~£8)
• →Self-catered dinner at hostel kitchen (groceries from Coles ~£6–8)

Take the morning Oz Experience or Greyhound coach from Byron Bay to Surfers Paradise (~2.5hrs). Check in and head straight to the famous 2km stretch of beach. Surfers is free to enjoy — the beach is the main event. Explore Cavill Avenue, grab cheap food from the many takeaway spots, and people-watch.

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Byron Bay → Surfers Paradise (~2.5hrs, included in hop-on hop-off pass or ~£20 standalone). Local Gold Coast tram (G:link) for getting around (~£3/journey).

🛏Surf Paradise Resort, Sleeping Inn Surfers, or Budds Beach Apartments — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Surfers Paradise Beach swim and sunbathe (free)
• →Walk Cavill Avenue and browse the Chevron Renaissance shops
• →Optional: visit SkyPoint Observation Deck on Q1 Tower (~£18)

Rent a surfboard or boogie board from one of the many hire shops along the Esplanade (~£15/day). Alternatively, visit nearby Burleigh Heads National Park (free entry) for a coastal walk with better waves and a more relaxed atmosphere than Surfers. Burleigh Heads is easily reached by the Gold Coast tram or a short bus ride.

🚌Gold Coast tram (G:link) or local bus to Burleigh Heads (~£3).

🛏Surf Paradise Resort, Sleeping Inn Surfers, or Budds Beach Apartments — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Surfboard or boogie board hire on Surfers Paradise Beach (~£15/day)
• →Burleigh Heads National Park coastal walk (~45 mins, free)
• →Visit Burleigh Heads Farmers Market (Saturday mornings, free entry)
• →Nightlife on Cavill Avenue — many hostels have free/cheap entry deals with local bars

If you want a theme park day, Dreamworld or WhiteWater World are accessible by bus. Otherwise, keep it budget and spend the day at Coolangatta Beach (southern end of the Gold Coast, quieter and great for surfing). Prep for the morning coach to Brisbane.

🚌Local bus to Coolangatta (~£5) or TransLink bus to Dreamworld (~£5).

🛏Surf Paradise Resort, Sleeping Inn Surfers, or Budds Beach Apartments — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Optional: Dreamworld theme park (~£65, book online for discounts via Klook)
• →Budget alternative: Coolangatta Beach and Greenmount Hill lookout (free)
• →Optional: surfing lesson at Coolangatta with local schools (~£45)

Take the morning coach to Brisbane (~1.5hrs from Surfers). Check in to a central hostel. Brisbane's highlights are mostly free: South Bank Parklands, Streets Beach (the only inner-city beach in Australia), the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA, free), and the riverside walk. Grab cheap eats at South Bank's many casual restaurants and food trucks.

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Surfers Paradise → Brisbane (~1.5hrs, included in pass or ~£15). Brisbane City Cat ferry and bus network (~£3–5/journey).

🛏Base Brisbane, Brisbane City YHA, or Bunk Brisbane — mixed dorm from ~£20–28/night

• →Streets Beach at South Bank Parklands — free artificial beach (free)
• →Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) — free entry
• →Walk across the Goodwill Bridge and Story Bridge (free)
• →Explore the Brisbane Riverwalk along the CBD (free)
• →South Bank Night Markets (Friday/Saturday evenings, free entry)

Take a morning cruise down the Brisbane River to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary — the world's largest koala sanctuary (~£25 return ferry from South Bank + ~£22 entry). Hold a koala for an extra fee. Afternoons, explore Fortitude Valley's laneways, New Farm Park, and the vibrant café scene. The Valley is Brisbane's best nightlife precinct.

🚌Brisbane City Cat ferry or local bus to Lone Pine (~£3–5).

🛏Base Brisbane, Brisbane City YHA, or Bunk Brisbane — mixed dorm from ~£20–28/night

• →Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (~£22 entry, book direct or via Klook for discounts; return river cruise ~£25 or bus free with Go Card)
• →New Farm Park riverside walk (free)
• →Explore Fortitude Valley laneways and street art (free)
• →Night out in Fortitude Valley — hostels often have bar deal partnerships

Relaxed final morning in Brisbane. Visit the free Roma Street Parklands or spend time in New Farm. Pack up and take the afternoon coach to Noosa (~2hrs north). Arriving in Noosa in the evening, check in and scout the town.

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Brisbane → Noosa (~2hrs, included in pass or ~£18).

🛏Noosa Backpackers Resort or Halse Lodge YHA Noosa — mixed dorm from ~£20–26/night

• →Roma Street Parklands morning walk (free)
• →Afternoon coach to Noosa — book via Greyhound or Oz Experience pass
• →Evening stroll on Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street

Noosa Heads is one of Australia's most beautiful beach towns. The Noosa National Park Coastal Walk (5.4km return along clifftops) is completely free and one of the best coastal walks in Queensland — expect to spot koalas on the path. Afterwards, swim at Laguna Bay or Tea Tree Bay (calm, beautiful). Grab a picnic from the Noosa Farmers Market (Saturday mornings) or from supermarkets on Noosa Junction.

🚌Walk or hire bicycle locally. Noosa National Park is 10 mins walk from town.

🛏Noosa Backpackers Resort or Halse Lodge YHA Noosa — mixed dorm from ~£20–26/night

• →Noosa National Park Coastal Walk — 5.4km clifftop trail, koalas often spotted (free entry)
• →Swimming at Tea Tree Bay or Laguna Bay (free)
• →Noosa Farmers Market Saturday morning (free entry)
• →Sunset at Laguna Lookout (free)
• →Kayak hire on the Noosa River (~£20–30/half day)

Second full day in Noosa. Options: take a self-guided kayak or canoe trip into the Noosa Everglades (book a half-day guided kayak tour via GetYourGuide ~£55, or hire a canoe independently ~£30–40), or spend the day surfing at Noosa's First Point (mellow longboard waves, great for beginners — board hire ~£20). Evening on Hastings Street.

🚌Walk or bicycle locally.

🛏Noosa Backpackers Resort or Halse Lodge YHA Noosa — mixed dorm from ~£20–26/night

• →Noosa Everglades kayak tour — book via GetYourGuide or direct with Noosa Everglades Discovery (~£45–60)
• →Alternative: surfboard hire and surf at First Point, Noosa (~£20/day)
• →Hastings Street restaurant evening — budget tip: grab Thai or café food from Noosa Junction (~£12–15 per meal)

Take the morning Greyhound/Oz Experience coach north from Noosa to Rainbow Beach (~2hrs). Rainbow Beach is a small town but has a stunning backdrop of coloured sand cliffs. Do the Carlo Sandblow hike (30–45 mins return from town, completely free) in the afternoon for incredible views over the Coral Sea and Double Island Point. It is also the jumping-off point for K'gari (Fraser Island). This evening, book your K'gari 4WD tour if not already arranged.

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Noosa → Rainbow Beach (~2hrs, included in pass or ~£18).

🛏Rainbow Beach Holiday Village or Dingo's Backpacker Resort — mixed dorm from ~£18–22/night

• →Carlo Sandblow hike — coloured sand cliffs and ocean views (free, ~30 mins return)
• →Rainbow Beach swim (free)
• →Book K'gari 4WD camping tour for tomorrow — see Day 15 notes
• →Sunset drinks at the Rainbow Beach Hotel (~£5–8 per drink)

K'gari is the world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The most cost-effective self-guided option is to join a 3-day/2-night small-group 4WD tag-along tour — several operators run these from Rainbow Beach specifically for backpackers. Recommended: Fraser Island Adventure Tours or Pippies Beach House K'gari tag-along tour (~£120–150pp for 2 nights including ferry, 4WD hire, camping, and a guide). This is functionally identical to what Gap 360 provides, often using the same campsites. Day 1: ferry crossing from Inskip Point (~15 mins), drive to Lake McKenzie (perched freshwater lake, white silica sand — stunning), and set up beach camp. Note: a K'gari Vehicle/Passenger levy (~£12 GBP equivalent) is payable — this is the same levy Gap 360 lists as extra.

🚌Inskip Point barge ferry to K'gari (15 mins, ~£12pp — included in most tour packages). 4WD driving on island sand tracks.

🛏Beach camping on K'gari — included in tag-along tour package (~£120–150pp total for 2 nights). Alternatively book independently: hire 4WD from Rainbow Beach (~£160/day split 4 ways), QPWS camping permit (~£8pp/night).

• →Inskip Point vehicle ferry to K'gari (~£12pp levy + ~£40 vehicle — included in most package tours)
• →Swim at Lake McKenzie — perched freshwater lake with white silica sand (free once on island)
• →Drive 75-Mile Beach in a 4WD (included in tour)
• →Beach camping at Central Station or Dilli Village campsite (included in tour)

Full day driving the island. Hit the Champagne Pools (natural rock pools on the ocean — free to swim), the Maheno Shipwreck on 75-Mile Beach (free, walk around at low tide), Eli Creek (wade upstream through cool freshwater — free), and the Pinnacles coloured sand cliffs. Dingo spotting is common. Another night of beach camping.

🚌4WD on island sand tracks — included in tour or self-driven hire.

🛏Beach camping on K'gari — included in tour package

• →Champagne Pools natural rock pools swim (free — included in tour)
• →Maheno Shipwreck walk (free)
• →Eli Creek freshwater float (free)
• →The Pinnacles coloured sand cliffs viewpoint (free)
• →Dingo spotting along 75-Mile Beach (free)

Morning swim at Lake Wabby (an encroaching sand blow is slowly swallowing this freshwater lake — a unique and beautiful spot). Drive back to the barge and return to Rainbow Beach by afternoon. One final night in Rainbow Beach before the overnight coach north.

🚌K'gari barge return to Inskip Point (included in tour). Walk locally in Rainbow Beach.

🛏Rainbow Beach Holiday Village or Dingo's Backpacker Resort — mixed dorm from ~£18–22/night

• →Lake Wabby hike and swim (~1hr return hike — free)
• →Return barge ferry to Inskip Point (included in tour)
• →Relax afternoon and dinner in Rainbow Beach

Relaxed morning in Rainbow Beach. Do a final walk on the beach or revisit the sandblow. In the evening, catch the overnight Greyhound coach from Rainbow Beach/Gympie north towards Airlie Beach (this is a long haul ~14–16hrs, likely with a change at Rockhampton or Mackay — check the Greyhound route planner). Pack snacks and a travel pillow.

🚌Greyhound or Oz Experience overnight coach Rainbow Beach/Gympie → Proserpine/Airlie Beach (~14–16hrs, included in hop-on hop-off pass or ~£55–70 standalone).

🛏Overnight Greyhound coach (no accommodation needed)

• →Morning beach walk or revisit Carlo Sandblow (free)
• →Stock up on snacks for overnight coach at Rainbow Beach IGA
• →Board overnight Greyhound north towards Airlie Beach/Proserpine

Arrive Airlie Beach in the morning. Airlie is the gateway to the Whitsundays and the town itself is fun and social. Check in to a hostel dorm. The famous Airlie Beach Lagoon (free outdoor swimming lagoon right in town) is the perfect cure for an overnight coach. Spend the afternoon at the lagoon, grab food from the Airlie Beach Night Markets (Thursday and Sunday evenings, ~£8–12 for a full meal), and book your Whitsunday Islands cruise for Day 22–23.

🚌Arrive by overnight Greyhound at Proserpine, then shuttle to Airlie Beach (~£8, runs to meet coaches). Walk locally.

🛏Magnums Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach, or Beaches Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Airlie Beach Lagoon swim (free, open daily)
• →Airlie Beach Night Markets food stalls (Thursday/Sunday, ~£8–12 per meal)
• →Book Whitsunday Islands sailing cruise — see Day 22 notes
• →Explore the Airlie Beach Esplanade walk (free)

Day 2 in Airlie Beach. Hire a bicycle or take a short taxi/Uber to Conway National Park (free entry) for a half-day hike with views over the Whitsunday Islands and Coral Sea. The Mount Rooper Lookout walk (2.6km return) is easy but incredibly rewarding. Afternoon back at the Airlie Lagoon. Optional: scenic helicopter or light plane flight over the Whitsundays (£100–140pp — expensive but spectacular, book via GetYourGuide or direct with Helireef).

🚌Bicycle hire (~£15/day) or taxi/Uber to Conway NP (~£10 each way). Walk locally.

🛏Magnums Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach, or Beaches Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Conway National Park — Mount Rooper Lookout hike (~2.6km return, free entry)
• →Optional: scenic helicopter flight over Whitsundays (~£100–140pp, book via GetYourGuide or helireef.com.au)
• →Afternoon at Airlie Beach Lagoon (free)
• →Sunset at Airlie Beach foreshore (free)

Final day in Airlie before the Whitsundays sailing cruise. Pack a small overnight bag (clothes, sunscreen, snorkel gear if you have it — most boats provide masks and fins). Stock up on snacks or extra sunscreen as prices on the boat are higher. Optional: visit Abel Point Marina to check out the boats and get excited. Evening at one of the beachfront bars.

🚌Walk locally.

🛏Magnums Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach, or Beaches Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Abel Point Marina walk and explore (free)
• →Repack overnight bag for sailing cruise
• →Final evening out in Airlie Beach

Board your Whitsunday Islands 2-night/3-day maxi yacht or sailing catamaran cruise. The Gap 360 tour uses a live-aboard maxi yacht — you can book exactly the same product independently. Top options: Prosail (maxi yacht racing), Derwent Hunter (classic tall ship), or Matador/Summerwind (catamarans). Prices for 2-night sailing cruises start at ~£220–320pp including all meals, snorkelling gear, and stops at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Book direct at prosail.com.au or via Whitsunday Sailing Adventures. Day 1: depart Abel Point Marina, sail to Whitehaven Beach (consistently rated one of the world's best beaches — pure white silica sand), snorkel at Chalkies Beach reef. Note: a Whitsunday Marine Park levy (~£18 GBP equivalent) is payable — same as Gap 360's listed extra.

🚌Sailing yacht from Abel Point Marina, Airlie Beach. Depart ~8–9am. Ferry shuttle from Airlie Beach hostel to marina (~£5 or walk 20 mins).

🛏Live-aboard sailing yacht — cabin or deck berth included in cruise price (~£220–320pp for 2 nights all-inclusive)

• →Whitehaven Beach — 7km of pure white silica sand (access via sailing tour — included in cruise price)
• →Hill Inlet lookout walk — swirling sand and turquoise water (included in cruise)
• →Snorkelling at Chalkies Beach reef (snorkel gear included in cruise)
• →Live-aboard maxi yacht overnight sailing

Second day on the water. Sail to outer reef snorkelling spots — the Whitsundays sit within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Most 2-night cruises include a dedicated snorkelling session on a coral bommie or fringing reef. Watch for turtles, rays, and reef fish. Return to Airlie Beach Abel Point Marina in the late afternoon. Check back in to your hostel.

🚌Sailing yacht return to Abel Point Marina. Walk or shuttle back to hostel (~£5).

🛏Return to Magnums Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach, or Beaches Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Coral reef snorkelling — gear provided on boat (included in cruise)
• →Sailing and swimming from the yacht (included)
• →Return to Airlie Beach Abel Point Marina (~4–5pm)
• →Recovery dinner and early night

Classic final night in Airlie Beach — known for its lively backpacker nightlife. The Magnums complex hosts regular events; Mama Africa and Sorrento's are popular bars. This is a budget day — beach, lagoon, recover from sailing, and save energy for the evening.

🚌Walk locally.

🛏Magnums Airlie Beach, Base Airlie Beach, or Beaches Backpackers — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Recovery morning at Airlie Beach Lagoon (free)
• →Final sunset drinks at Airlie Beach foreshore
• →Magnums or Mama Africa nightlife (~£20–30 budget for drinks)

Take the Greyhound/Oz Experience coach from Airlie Beach north to Townsville (~3.5hrs), then the Sunferries passenger ferry to Magnetic Island (~25 mins, ~£8 each way). 'Maggie' is a relaxed island paradise — 2,000 resident koalas, beautiful bays, and excellent snorkelling. Check in to Base Magnetic Island (by far the best and most social hostel on the island) and spend the afternoon at Alma Bay beach.

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Airlie Beach → Townsville (~3.5hrs, included in pass or ~£30). Sunferries ferry Townsville → Magnetic Island (~25 mins, ~£8).

🛏Base Magnetic Island (Arcadia) — mixed dorm from ~£20–26/night. Includes pool, bar, and regular social events.

• →Sunferries passenger ferry Townsville → Magnetic Island (~25 mins, ~£8 each way — book at sunferries.com.au)
• →Alma Bay beach swim and snorkel (free — bring or hire snorkel gear)
• →Look for wild koalas in the eucalyptus trees around the Arcadia area (free)

The Magnetic Island Forts Walk (5.4km return, free entry) is one of the island highlights — WW2 military fortifications built to protect Townsville Harbour, hidden in the bush above Horseshoe Bay. The trail passes through koala habitat (excellent spotting chances) and ends at a WWII gun emplacement with panoramic Coral Sea views. Afternoon: snorkel at Geoffrey Bay (free — regular reef fish, turtles, and even leopard sharks).

🚌Magnetic Island Sunbus (local bus ~£3/journey) or hire a scooter/moke (~£50/day split between group — great fun).

🛏Base Magnetic Island (Arcadia) — mixed dorm from ~£20–26/night

• →Forts Walk — 5.4km return, WW2 fortifications and Coral Sea views (free entry)
• →Koala spotting along the Forts Walk trail (free)
• →Snorkelling at Geoffrey Bay (free — bring own gear or hire from Base Hostel)
• →Sunset at Horseshoe Bay (free)

Morning at Horseshoe Bay — the best beach on the island with a lagoon, watersports hire, and a great café. Optional: hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard (~£15–20/hr). Take the afternoon ferry back to Townsville and pick up the Greyhound north to Mission Beach.

🚌Sunferries ferry Magnetic Island → Townsville (~£8). Oz Experience/Greyhound Townsville → Mission Beach (~2hrs, included in pass or ~£20).

🛏Coral Lodge Mission Beach or Mission Beach Ecovillage — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Horseshoe Bay morning swim and beach relax (free)
• →Kayak or SUP hire at Horseshoe Bay (~£15–20/hr)
• →Return Sunferries ferry to Townsville (~£8)
• →Greyhound north to Mission Beach or stop overnight in Townsville

Mission Beach sits where the ancient Wet Tropics rainforest meets the Coral Sea — it is genuinely stunning and far less touristy than Cairns. The beach is 14km long and you will likely have it almost to yourself. Walk the Licuala Fan Palm rainforest circuit in Clump Mountain National Park (free), then spend the afternoon at Bingil Bay (beautiful isolated cove, free). Keep an eye out for cassowaries — Mission Beach has one of Australia's highest cassowary populations.

🚌Walk or hire bicycle locally (~£10–15/day). All key sites within 5km.

🛏Coral Lodge Mission Beach or Mission Beach Ecovillage — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Licuala Fan Palm rainforest walk, Clump Mountain National Park (free entry)
• →Bingil Bay beach (free)
• →Cassowary spotting along the Lacey Creek Boardwalk (free)
• →Optional: skydiving over Mission Beach — one of Australia's most scenic drop zones (~£150–180pp, book via Skydive Mission Beach)

Mission Beach is the staging point for white-water rafting on the Tully River — one of Australia's top rafting experiences with Grade 4 rapids, and something not included in Gap 360's base price (listed as optional). Raging Thunder Adventures runs full-day Tully River rafting trips bookable directly or via GetYourGuide (~£110–130pp including transport from Mission Beach, all gear, and lunch). Alternatively, spend a second day at Mission Beach, hire a kayak and paddle out to Dunk Island (~£25–35/hr kayak hire).

🚌Raging Thunder shuttles from Mission Beach included in rafting price. Otherwise walk or cycle locally.

🛏Coral Lodge Mission Beach or Mission Beach Ecovillage — mixed dorm from ~£18–24/night

• →Optional: Tully River white-water rafting (Grade 4) with Raging Thunder Adventures (~£110–130pp including transport and lunch, book at ragingthunder.com.au or GetYourGuide)
• →Budget alternative: kayak to Dunk Island (~£25–35/hr hire from Mission Beach Water Sports)
• →Final beach walk on Mission Beach's 14km stretch (free)

Take the morning Greyhound/Oz Experience coach from Mission Beach to Cairns (~2hrs). Cairns is the end of the East Coast and you will likely feel a bittersweet mix of relief and nostalgia. Check in to a central Cairns hostel. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (another brilliant free outdoor ocean swimming lagoon) is perfect for an afternoon dip. Night markets on the Esplanade have excellent cheap food (~£5–10 per dish).

🚌Oz Experience/Greyhound Mission Beach → Cairns (~2hrs, included in pass or ~£20).

🛏Gilligan's Backpacker Resort, Cairns Central YHA, or Base Cairns — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Cairns Esplanade Lagoon swim (free, open daily)
• →Cairns Night Markets food stalls (~£5–10 per dish)
• →Cairns Botanic Gardens walk (free)
• →Explore Cairns city centre and Trinity Inlet foreshore (free)

The Atherton Tablelands is a lush volcanic plateau behind Cairns — waterfalls, crater lakes, wildlife, and one of Australia's best coffee-growing regions. Gap 360 includes this as a guided excursion; you can do it just as easily as a self-guided day trip. Rent a car from Cairns for ~£40–55/day (split between 3–4 new friends from your hostel) or book a shared day tour via GetYourGuide or Down Under Tours (~£65–80pp including transport and a guide). Key stops: Millaa Millaa Falls (best waterfall in Queensland), Lake Eacham (volcanic crater lake, free swimming), Curtain Fig Tree, and the Yungaburra platypus-spotting platform (dawn/dusk). Budget tip: hire a car and self-drive — far cheaper per person if you can get a group together.

🚌Self-drive hire car from Cairns (~£40–55/day split between group) or shared day tour coach (~£65–80pp including transport). Car rental from Budget, Europcar, or Cairns Car Rentals.

🛏Gilligan's Backpacker Resort, Cairns Central YHA, or Base Cairns — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Millaa Millaa Falls swim (most Instagrammed waterfall in Queensland — free, small car park fee)
• →Lake Eacham volcanic crater lake swim (free entry with national parks pass)
• →Curtain Fig Tree walk (~10 mins, free)
• →Yungaburra platypus spotting at Peterson Creek (free — best at dusk)
• →Self-drive option: hire car ~£40–55/day split 3–4 ways, or guided tour via GetYourGuide ~£65–80pp

The Great Barrier Reef is the highlight of the entire East Coast and should not be rushed. Book a full-day reef boat trip from Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal. Top operators: Reef Magic (Moore Reef pontoon), Passions of Paradise (outer reef sailing), or Great Barrier Reef by Sunlover. All include snorkelling gear, a marine biologist talk, and multiple snorkelling sessions over outer reef bommies — expect coral gardens, turtles, reef sharks, and thousands of tropical fish. Prices: ~£80–120pp for a full-day trip. Tip: Passions of Paradise (~£95pp) sails to two outer reef sites and is one of the best value. Note: a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Levy (~£12 GBP equivalent) is payable — same as Gap 360's listed extra.

🚌Walk to Cairns Reef Fleet Terminal (~10 mins from city centre). Boat departs ~8am, returns ~5:30pm.

🛏Gilligan's Backpacker Resort, Cairns Central YHA, or Base Cairns — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Full-day Great Barrier Reef boat trip — snorkelling at outer reef sites (book direct or via GetYourGuide/Klook, ~£80–120pp)
• →Snorkelling with turtles, reef sharks, and coral gardens (snorkel gear included)
• →Optional: introductory scuba dive on the reef (~£50–70 add-on, no certification needed)
• →Marine biologist presentation onboard (included with most operators)

Well-earned rest day. Options: revisit the Esplanade lagoon, take a short trip to Palm Cove (beautiful beach 25km north of Cairns by local bus, ~£5 each way), or browse the Cairns Central Shopping Centre. If budget allows, the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway is a spectacular half-day (book as a combo ~£60–75pp via Klook). Evening: Gilligan's or Woolshed bar for end-of-trip celebrations.

🚌Local bus to Palm Cove (~£5 each way, TransLink) or walk/cycle locally.

🛏Gilligan's Backpacker Resort, Cairns Central YHA, or Base Cairns — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Palm Cove beach day trip by local bus (~£5 each way, beautiful calm beach)
• →Optional: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway + Kuranda Scenic Railway combo (~£60–75pp via Klook)
• →Cairns Esplanade Lagoon (free)
• →Evening celebrations at Gilligan's Entertainment Complex or The Woolshed (~£20–30 drinks budget)

Final full day in Cairns. Reflect on 5 weeks on the East Coast. A great day to sort admin: washing, postcards, final souvenir shopping at the Night Markets. Visit the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum (free or ~£5 donation) for an insight into outback Australia. If you have not yet done Kuranda or the Tablelands — today is the day. Celebrate with a group dinner at a mid-range restaurant on the Esplanade.

🚌Walk locally.

🛏Gilligan's Backpacker Resort, Cairns Central YHA, or Base Cairns — mixed dorm from ~£18–26/night

• →Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Experience (~£5 donation — free for backpackers at some times)
• →Final Cairns Night Markets shop and meal (free entry, food ~£5–10)
• →Laundry at hostel (~£5–8)
• →Group farewell dinner on the Esplanade (~£15–25 per person)

Tour ends in Cairns. Cairns Airport is ~7km from the city centre — take the Sunbus Route 1A from the Cairns Transit Centre (~£3), a taxi (~£18), or arrange a shuttle transfer (~£12pp via Con-X-ion). Note: onward flights, visas, and travel insurance are not included in this itinerary — these must be arranged independently.

🚌Sunbus Route 1A to Cairns Airport (~£3) or Con-X-ion airport shuttle (~£12pp). Book shuttle at con-x-ion.com.

🛏None — departure day

• →Cairns Airport transfer by Sunbus Route 1A (~£3), taxi (~£18), or Con-X-ion shuttle (~£12pp)
• →Early check-out and luggage storage at hostel if late flight (~£5)