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
- Sydney to Cairns Adventure (22 destinations)
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Real Australia (including Whitsunday Islands)
- Bucket List Australia
- Highlights of Australia
- The Best between Sydney and Cairns
- East Coast Australia Adventure
Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
8 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Everything was planned perfectly, it was a smooth running of the trip where I didn't have to worry about anything.”
Leah, traveled in September
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$5,699
Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The small group tour with lovely Hotels/Resorts on top level was the best tour in Australia so far for me.”
Kirsten, traveled in February
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
- NZ$11,934
Sydney to Cairns Adventure (22 destinations)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The variety of activities was excellent, something for everyone. I would definitely do another tour with Intrepid.”
Shana, traveled in October
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
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
- NZ$11,645
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
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
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 $5,280
10% Off- NZ$4,752+$2,815 upfront costsYou save $528
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$11,203
The route starts at Sydney's iconic Opera House, heading north through Hunter Valley's vineyards and Byron Bay's easternmost point. K'gari and Whitsunday Islands mark the way to tropical Cairns, concluding with Atherton Tablelands exploration.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Byron Bay, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday IslandsSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen From
10% Off- NZ$8,067
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
10% Off- NZ$9,660
What people love about Sydney to Cairns Tours
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
I have had the best time on the east coast Australia tour. I have done some amazing things and met some amazing friends. Our group leader Molly was Awsome and made the trip even better. Thank you for an amazing time and experience. I would 100% recommend it to anyone looking to see some of the best bits of oz with the best people
- 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.
- East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
The 6 weeks has been amazing ! I’d never thought I’d make it through week one but everyone has made the trip so memorable , Taylor has been the best guide I could of ever ask for . Made some real friends for life here
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."