Sydney to Cairns Tours
4.6 stars on(9,528 reviews)- Choose from 36 Sydney tours
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10 best Sydney to Cairns tour packages
Compiled by

MelissaSydney travel expert at TourRadar
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
- Sydney to Cairns Adventure
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Welcome to Australia: East Coast
- Real Australia (12 destinations)
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Highlights of Australia
- 16-Day Sydney to Cairns East Coast Australia Tour
- Sydney, Uluru & Cairns Highlights
- East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The itinerary was great, and the hotels were nice. I really enjoyed it!”
Jonathan, traveled in October
Holiday Inn Potts Point in Sydney marks the first stop, followed by Hunter Valley wineries and Byron Bay's lighthouse. The northern route through Brisbane and Airlie Beach concludes at Flynn Hotel Cairns.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Via Travel Australia From
- NZ$9,719
Sydney to Cairns Adventure
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A well organized tour with exceptional guides. I would definitely go on an Intrepid tour again.”
paul, traveled in August
Sydney's Circular Quay launches this coastal journey through Hunter Valley vineyards and Byron Bay's beaches, continuing to K'gari's sand islands, Whitsundays' tropical waters, and Mission Beach's cassowary habitat.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$6,830
Taking off from Sydney's Harbour Bridge, the route winds through Byron Bay's surf spots and Noosa's everglades to tropical Cairns. Internal flights and scenic rail connect 13 unique destinations including the Whitsundays and Magnetic Island.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $5,517
10% Off- NZ$4,965+$628 upfront costsYou save $552
From Sydney's harbor views to Cairns' tropical climate, the route includes Byron Bay's Surf House, Brisbane's Tamborine National Park, and the Whitsundays. Modern coaches and scenic flights cover 3,000km, concluding at Gilligan's Resort.
Duration 30 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Magnetic Island, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator Welcome To Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,322
Duration 17 days Destinations Sydney, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
10% Off- NZ$5,915
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 Ages 18+ Operator On The Go Tours From
10% Off- NZ$11,250
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 Ages 14+ Operator Wingbuddy From
10% Off- NZ$11,449
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18+ Operator No Limit Adventures From
10% Off- NZ$12,306
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Cairns, Cape Tribulation Age Range Ages 8+ Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
10% Off- NZ$6,295
East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“There aren't really any words to explain how much of an impact she has made on each and every one of us in the group.”
GeorgiaTatman, traveled in March
The route starts at Sydney's iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge, heading north through Byron Bay's lighthouse trails and Brisbane's Southbank precinct, reaching tropical Cairns for Great Barrier Reef adventures and rainforest exploration.
Duration 21 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
10% Off- NZ$4,807
What people love about Sydney to Cairns Tours
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
This tour provides an excellent opportunity to see and experience Australia’s east coast. It strikes a near perfect balance between the number of places you visit and time spent in location. Our guide, Jason, demonstrated true professionalism and an extraordinary ability to adapt our trip to the desires of the guests. This trip has our highest recommendation.
- Welcome to Australia: East Coast
30 days went by so quickly seeing the most amazing sites on Australia’s east coast. Still in awe of being able to experience snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef, Byron Bay, kayaking, K’gari, Moreton Island and so much more. Thank you so much to Tommy for showing us Byron Bay!
- East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
Taylor... now there really is nothing else to say about him other than the fact he is an absolute legend! He’s been so kind and supportive and making sure at all times we are in fits of laughter. He always sorted everything to the best of his ability and beyond. Thank you so much!
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."





















