Sydney to Cairns Tours
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10 best Sydney to Cairns tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaSydney travel expert at TourRadar
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- East Coast Australia Adventure
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Highlights of Australia
- Australia's Hidden Wonders (2025/2026)
- Best of Australia (including Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park)
- Real Australia
- East Coast Reefs and Beaches 15 Day Group Tour | ULTIMATE
- Australia's Hidden Wonders (2026/2027)
- Across Australia with Tasmania
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a small group of like-minded people. We loved it!!”
Lorene, traveled in October
Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney launches this 20-destination tour including Byron Bay and Airlie Beach, ending at Flynn Hotel Cairns, with stops at Hunter Valley, K'gari, and Great Barrier Reef.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
- NZ$11,594
The adventure kicks off in Sydney with Aboriginal heritage tours and Hunter Valley wine tasting, heading north through Byron Bay and Brisbane. The route leads to tropical Cairns with stops at Whitsunday Islands and Mission Beach, culminating in Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Duration 19 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $10,165
20% Off- NZ$8,132You save $2,033
Setting out from Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney, the route passes through Hunter Valley's wine country and Byron Bay's beaches, finishing at Crystalbrook Flynn in Cairns, connecting 15 distinct destinations.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, 75 Mile Beach, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 99 year olds Operator On The Go Tours From
20% Off- NZ$10,935
The path stretches from Sydney's iconic Opera House to Cairns' tropical coast, featuring 9 destinations including Uluru's sacred sites, Melbourne's cultural quarters, and Great Barrier Reef's marine wonders, linked by Great Ocean Road and Kuranda Rainforest.
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Melbourne, Yarra Valley, Great Ocean Road, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef, Kuranda Age Range 14 to 99 year olds Operator Wingbuddy From
20% Off- NZ$10,872
Duration 12 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Manly, Alice Springs, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Kings Canyon, Uluru, Cairns, Kuranda, Port DouglasSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$8,630
A coastal adventure from Sydney's Opera House to Cairns' tropical shores leads through Byron Bay's surf spots, Brisbane's parklands, and Magnetic Island's koala territory, featuring Whitsundays sailing and cultural visits to Mungalla Station.
Duration 17 days Destinations Sydney, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,915
30% Off- NZ$4,141You save $1,774
Sydney welcomes you with Opera House views and Jervis Bay excursions before a flight to Gold Coast. The path leads through Noosa, Airlie Beach, and K'gari before reaching tropical Cairns for Great Barrier Reef adventures.
Duration 15 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Rainbow Beach, Airlie Beach, Cairns Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Ultimate Travel From
30% Off- NZ$3,774
This grand tour spans from Sydney's iconic harbor through 20 destinations including Hobart, Melbourne, Alice Springs, and Darwin. Luxury coach, scenic flights, and the legendary Ghan train lead to tropical Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.
Duration 25 days Destinations Sydney, Hobart, Port Arthur, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park, Launceston, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Mount Gambier, Kangaroo Island, AdelaideSee all destinations Age Range up to 90 year olds Operated in Only: German Operator Miller Reisen From
30% Off- NZ$22,030
What people love about Sydney to Cairns Tours
- Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
This tour included all the main attractions that backpackers would want to experience when on the east coast! From surfing to skydiving, australia zoo to the whitsundays. It was fast paced and exciting, always on the move. Good lively accommodation.
- Sydney to Cairns Adventure (22 destinations)
Was a great tour the second week is definitely the better week though as you are round the coast, Fraser Island and the Whit Sundays are just beautiful. My group were amazing Andrew our tour guide was fabulous especially as we were the last tour for a while as the Coronavirus hit Australia during our tour. So he would be losing his job as soon as the tour finished. Despite that he kept us all motivated and we had a fantastic time. Amazing tour
- East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
Corey was a brilliant tour guide, he had amazing fun facts in every location and kept the group in high spirits throughout. The whole tour was brilliant and I met some amazing friends for life! The places we visited were breath taking and nothing I’ve ever seen before. Amazing company and a brilliant tour, would defiantly recommend to anyone travelling alone and wanting to meet new people.
What our customers ask about Sydney to Cairns Tours
What are the most common destinations visited between Sydney and Cairns?
The route from Sydney to Cairns takes travelers through Australia's most engaging coastal destinations. Key stops include the surf-centric Byron Bay the expansive K'gari (Fraser Island) for off-road adventures and the Whitsunday Islands where sailing and ocean life viewing are primary activities. Travelers often visit Magnetic Island to see native wildlife and use Airlie Beach as their launching point for Great Barrier Reef excursions. The journey also includes stops at Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital and the wine-producing Hunter Valley region. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The variety of activities covered a good chunk of Australia in a relatively short amount of time."
What would be an example itinerary between Sydney and Cairns?
A standard 14-day route begins with exploring Sydney and the Blue Mountains followed by stops at Port Macquarie's wildlife sanctuary and the surf breaks of Byron Bay. The journey continues through Brisbane's urban landscape then to K'gari for beach driving adventures. Next comes sailing in the Whitsundays from Airlie Beach followed by wildlife encounters on Magnetic Island. The trip concludes in Cairns with Great Barrier Reef experiences. A TourRadar traveler review states: "The itinerary was also amazing the Whitsundays and skydiving being my favourite activities. Each destination offered unique experiences from wine tasting in Hunter Valley to snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef."
What is the average price I can expect to pay for a Sydney to Cairns tour?
Tour prices range from USD 3000 to 8500 based on duration and service level. Budget-conscious travelers can book Ultimate Travel's 36-day tour at USD 3172 (USD 88 daily) while those seeking premium experiences might choose Via Travel's 16-day boutique tour at USD 6686 (USD 418 daily). As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The tour was great value considering all the included activities and accommodations - everything from Whitsundays sailing to Great Barrier Reef snorkeling was covered."
What unique activities can I experience on a Sydney to Cairns tour?
The route offers varied experiences including surf sessions at Byron Bay off-road exploration on Fraser Island reef snorkeling and Whitsunday sailing adventures. Cultural programs feature Aboriginal art workshops and bush food tastings in Cairns plus visits to Magnetic Island's koala sanctuary. A TourRadar traveler reports: "I was originally supposed to be staying for only 10 days but the tour was so fun and well organised that I had to stay on for the rest."
What type of accommodations are provided on Sydney to Cairns tours?
Lodging options span from social hostels to upscale hotels and environmental lodges. Typical stays include Sydney's Wake Up Hostel the eco-focused Habitat Noosa and nights aboard converted racing yachts in the Whitsundays. For more comfort the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cairns serves as a reliable choice. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The accommodations were great and perfectly located for exploring each destination."
What wildlife encounters can I expect on a Sydney to Cairns tour?
The coastal journey presents numerous wildlife viewing opportunities. Travelers regularly spot koalas on Magnetic Island kangaroos throughout national parks and diverse marine life while exploring the Great Barrier Reef. The Daintree Rainforest offers excellent bird watching. According to a TourRadar traveler: "We got to see so much wildlife in their natural habitat from koalas in the trees to dolphins swimming alongside our boat in the Whitsundays."