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

MelissaSydney travel expert at TourRadar
- Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- East Coast Australia Adventure
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Highlights of Australia
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Bucket List Australia
- Australia's Hidden Wonders (2026/2027)
- Real Australia
- Best of Australia (36 destinations)
Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Oz east coast trip with Intro is an amazing way to explore the entire east coast trip fast!”
Danielle, traveled in April
The coastal route from Sydney's iconic harbor winds through Byron Bay's surf spots and Brisbane's city lagoon to Cairns' Great Barrier Reef adventures, featuring Surfers Paradise, K'Gari, and Magnetic Island.
Duration 28 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator INTRO Travel From
- NZ$5,799
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The fellow group of travels were very diverse but got a long so well that it made so pleasurable.”
Danya, traveled in September
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 Ages 18+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $11,737
15% Off- NZ$9,976You save $1,761
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 Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- NZ$10,115
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 $11,345
15% Off- NZ$9,643You save $1,702
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
15% Off- NZ$10,545
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 $5,377
5% Off- NZ$5,108+$628 upfront costsYou save $269
Your Australian adventure starts at Sydney's iconic harbor, taking in Bondi Beach and Blue Mountains before flying to Uluru. The path leads to tropical Cairns, featuring Moore Reef and Kuranda Rainforest before ending at Cairns Esplanade.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Bondi Beach, Blue Mountains, Uluru, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Costsaver From
5% Off- NZ$5,280+$2,815 upfront costs
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From $5,865
20% Off- NZ$4,692You save $1,173
Duration 13 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Alice Springs, Tjoritja / West MacDonnell National Park, Kings Canyon, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Yulara, Cairns, Kuranda, Port DouglasSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
20% Off- NZ$9,470
What people love about Sydney to Cairns Tours
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
Great tour, wonderful staff and so many amazing places you get to see along the way! I’ve had such a great time and ide recommend doing the tour to anyone travelling alone!
- Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
Amazing tour – I really enjoyed it! The itinerary was great, and the hotels were nice. Eoin was an incredible guide and went above and beyond to ensure every group member had a memorable experience!
- East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
The tour was great and well planned, the activities included were all fun and I loved the tour guide.
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."