Australia Tours for Young Adults
Young travelers flock to our active east coast routes where days blend surfing at Byron Bay with nights out in Surfers Paradise and sailing through the Whitsundays. The schedule flows naturally from morning yoga to Aboriginal cultural activities, group dinners, beach bonfires and also nightclub visits. Our twenty-something travelers especially like mixing fun with practical benefits - they make connections, learn about working holiday options and still get to sandboard massive dunes or spot dolphins on eco-cruises.
10 best trips for '18 to 30 Somethings' in Australia
Compiled by

SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar
- Oz Intro + Work
- Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Snorkel To Adventure)
- Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing)
- Australia: Beaches and Reefs (With Sailing)
- Australia: Kakadu Dreaming
- Oz East Coast + Work 20 Days
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
- Meet Me Sydney
- Melbourne Adventure | ULTIMATE
- East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
Oz Intro + Work
51 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Really great for people who want a fast paced, fun introduction to Australia.”
joshua, traveled in January
Social adventures for 20-35s combine Sydney's nightlife with surf lessons at Byron Bay and paddleboarding in Surfers Paradise. Stays at vibrant hostels include BBQs and farewell dinners, while guides assist with work and travel planning.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-45 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator INTRO Travel From
- NZ$1,699
Great Barrier Reef Explorer (Snorkel To Adventure)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely amazing, best instructors!”
Cole, traveled in January
Marine adventures await 18-35 year olds in this Great Barrier Reef expedition costing around $500. Social boat life combines with snorkeling sessions, including equipment, meals, and expert guidance from Cairns.
Duration 3 days Destinations Cairns, Great Barrier Reef Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Contiki From
- NZ$935+$106 upfront costs
Australia: North Queensland Adventure (With Sailing)
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The tour was excellent. 5/5 to him.”
Curran, traveled in December
Young adventurers aged 18-35 can try AJ Hackett Bungy ($135), Cairns White Water Rafting ($145), and Great Barrier Reef diving ($65-$100). The trip features social Magnetic Island sunset walks and bush tucker dining experiences in Cairns.
Duration 9 days Destinations Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns, Kuranda Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $3,095
10% Off- NZ$2,786+$60 upfront costsYou save $309
Surf lessons at Byron Bay, yacht parties in the Whitsundays, and nightlife in Airlie Beach await young travelers. The tour includes hostel stays, group sailing experiences, and optional activities like skydiving in Cairns. Average age 32.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Townsville, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $5,517
10% Off- NZ$4,965+$628 upfront costsYou save $552
Adventurous souls aged 18-35 can swim at Florence Falls, join Yellow Waters sunset cruises, and take optional scenic flights over Kakadu. The journey from Darwin to Katherine balances adventure with cultural experiences in comfortable resorts and hotels.
Duration 5 days Destinations Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Katherine Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Moderate Room Type Singles, Shared Operator Contiki From $2,622
6% Off- NZ$2,456You save $166
Oz East Coast + Work 20 Days
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Had an amazing time on the 20 day east coast tour and saw some incredible places with the best people.”
Annabel, traveled in March
Adrenaline rushes await young travelers: skydiving over Great Barrier Reef from Mission Beach, rafting Tully River Rapids, and Cairns' party scene. The journey includes 4x4 drives on K'Gari's beaches, Whitsundays sailing, and Airlie Beach nightlife.
Duration 20 days Destinations Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-45 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator INTRO Travel From
6% Off- NZ$5,199
Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Such an enjoyable trip up the East Coast! Completely stress free and includes really fun once in a lifetime activities!!”
Natalie, traveled in December
Young adventurers take to the skies skydiving over Mission Beach, tackle the Tully River Rapids, and sail through the Whitsundays. The vibrant atmosphere continues in Airlie Beach, with 4x4 drives on K'Gari, and snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. Average group age is 25.
Duration 20 days Destinations Brisbane, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-45 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator INTRO Travel From
6% Off- NZ$5,099
Social travelers 18+ enjoy Sydney bar crawls, friendly hostel stays, and Bondi Beach surf lessons. A private harbor BBQ cruise, Blue Mountains sunset views, and job support make this perfect for working holiday visitors.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi Beach Age Range Ages 18-35 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Ultimate Travel From
6% Off- NZ$1,693
Young spirits aged 18-30 can dive into Melbourne's best nightlife venues and Red Eye Bar's Bingo night. Activities include paddleboarding at St Kilda Beach, visits to Peninsula Hot Springs, and surfing at Bells Beach. Social hostels and group dinners cost approx. $120 per day.
Duration 7 days Destinations Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, St Kilda Age Range Ages 18-30 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Ultimate Travel From
6% Off- NZ$1,354
East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Best time ever with the best guide ever and the best friends made along the way.”
The vibrant atmosphere suits travelers 18+, with an average age of 25. Highlights include Surfers Paradise nightlife, Byron Bay surf spots, and Cairns adventure activities, plus hostel stays and pub crawls.
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 Physical Rating Easy Room Type Shared Operator Ultimate Travel From
6% Off- NZ$4,742
What people love about Australia Tours for Young Adults
- Oz Intro + Work
Absolutely incredible trip! Made some great memories and was able to experience some amazing things during the trip! Gregg was a fantasist group leader and made the week very enjoyable as he was always in good spirits and managed to keep everyone involved at all times. Would definitely recommend this trip as you can experience so much in such little time and meet some great people
- East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
Unbelievable. I booked this from my amazing experience I had with Ultimate on UltimateOz tour. Everything about the trip was unbelievable, the activities, the beer, the people.. and the tour guide (Taylor) who made it even better. Taylor definitely became the EnterTaylor on tour and wish him luck in the future!
- Oz East Coast Adventure 20 days
This was such a well thought out tour! We saw everything that I wanted to see in just the right amount of time. Our tour guide Elliot really made this tour so memorable and he was so much fun! Elliot have us lots of information about the places we visited and helped organise so many fun things for us to do! He truly went above and beyond which made the tour so much better !
What our customers ask about Australia Tours for Young Adults
What are the best destinations along Australia's East Coast for young travelers?
The East Coast offers a string of vibrant destinations tailored for young explorers. Sydney serves as a natural starting point with Bondi Beach's sun-soaked shores while Byron Bay draws surf enthusiasts to its waves. Further north the Whitsunday Islands welcome sailors and beach lovers and Cairns serves as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Accommodations cater to social travelers with spots like Base Backpackers in Airlie Beach offering ocean views and communal spaces. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "K'gari (Fraser Island) and the Whitsundays were absolute highlights - driving 4x4s on beaches and sailing through paradise islands with an awesome group of people was unforgettable."
What types of accommodation can young travelers expect on Australian tours?
Australian tours blend practical and memorable lodging options. In urban areas hostels dominate the scene with Sydney's Wake Up Hostel and its bustling Side Bar becoming a social hub for travelers. Cairns' Gilligan's Resort adds a touch of comfort with its pool and entertainment facilities. Some routes include nights under canvas or in distinctive lodgings. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The hostels were perfect for socializing - even staying in a tipi at the Arts Factory Lodge in Byron Bay was an awesome experience!"
What's the best time of year for young travelers to visit Australia?
The shoulder seasons prove most rewarding for East Coast exploration. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) bring pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds. The northern regions like Cairns and the Whitsundays shine during winter (June-August) with temperatures near 25°C (77°F) and minimal rainfall perfect for outdoor activities. One TourRadar traveler noted: "We had perfect weather in October - warm enough for swimming but not too hot for activities like hiking in the Blue Mountains."
What are the best highlights for young adults visiting Australia for the first time?
First-time visitors can expect a mix of natural wonders and urban experiences. The Great Barrier Reef offers world-class snorkeling while the Whitsunday Islands present sailing adventures through turquoise waters. Byron Bay's surf breaks urban exploration in Sydney and the raw beauty of Uluru create a varied itinerary. Most tours include stays at social hubs like Base Backpackers and WakeUp Hostel. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "Highlights have got to be snorkeling with sharks in the Great Barrier Reef scootering in magnetic island bungee jumping and much much more."
Is drinking and nightlife a big part of these tours?
Social activities and nightlife add to the experience without dominating it. Popular spots like Surfers Paradise Byron Bay and Cairns offer vibrant evening scenes. Many accommodations such as Gilligan's in Cairns and Base in Sydney feature on-site bars and regular social events. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The nightlife was great but optional - you could join pub crawls and beach parties or take it easy."
What are the must-do activities for young travelers in Australia?
Australia's East Coast presents a mix of ocean-based adventures and inland experiences. Core activities range from catching waves in Byron Bay to exploring the Great Barrier Reef. K'gari (Fraser Island) offers 4WD adventures while the Whitsundays present perfect sailing conditions. A TourRadar traveler highlighted: "The surf lessons in Byron Bay and sailing around the Whitsundays were incredible - perfect mix of adventure and socializing with other young travelers."
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