Sydney to Cairns Tours
4.6 stars on(9,180 reviews)- Choose from 34 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
- Best Of The East Coast – 16 Day Boutique Tour
- Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
- Oz East Coast + Work 28 days
- Real Australia (12 destinations)
- 16 Day Best of East Coast Australia Comfort Tour from Sydney
- 14 Days Sydney to Cairns with Fraser Island Whitsundays Comfort Tour
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Sydney to Cairns Explorer - 14 days
- Bucket List Australia
Sydney to Cairns - 14 Day Boutique Tour
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Very good itinerary. Mostly good lodging.”
William, traveled in December
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$9,625
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 12+ Operator Via Travel Australia From $12,187
10% Off- NZ$10,968You save $1,219
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The whole tour was amazing. Everyone in the group had an amazing time.”
Matthew, traveled in September
Wake Up Hostel Sydney marks the starting point, featuring The Rocks and Opera House before heading north. The route encompasses Byron Bay, Brisbane, and the Whitsundays, ending in tropical Cairns across 9 unique destinations.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $5,759
15% Off- NZ$4,895You save $864
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
15% Off- NZ$5,699
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 $6,195
15% Off- NZ$5,266You save $929
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From $12,187
10% Off- NZ$10,968You save $1,219
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Autopia Tours From
10% Off- NZ$9,625
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
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$11,986
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
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
- 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.
- East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
The tour itself was brilliant, had such an amazing time with the best people! Corey, our tour guide was great! He really went above and beyond to help make the tour as enjoyable as possible for everyone!
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."