📝 Fact Sheet – East Coast Australia Group Tour
📍 Project Summary
A 5-week guided group adventure from Sydney to Cairns, travelling Australia’s East Coast. Explore iconic beaches, tropical islands, national parks and reef-filled waters with a group of like-minded young travellers.
📌 Project Location
Starts in Sydney and finishes in Cairns, visiting top East Coast destinations along the way — including Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Noosa, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, and Mission Beach.
🕒 Length of Tour
5 weeks (35 days, 33 nights accommodation plus 2 overnight coach journeys)
🧍 Group or Individual Travel
Travel solo or with a friend — you’ll join a group of up to 30 people from around the world. Most participants are aged 18–30 and travelling independently.
🤝 Support
You’ll be supported throughout by an experienced group leader who travels the entire route with you. Oyster and our local partners are also available 24/7 in case of emergencies.
📚 Pre-Departure Info
You’ll get full access to your My Oyster account with itinerary details, packing tips, safety advice, and destination guidance at least 4 weeks before departure.
✅ Includes
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All accommodation (33 nights + 2 overnight coaches)
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All transport between destinations (coaches, ferries, trains)
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2-night Whitsundays sailing trip
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2-night Fraser Island (K’gari) 4WD camping adventure
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Guided city tours and coastal hikes
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Group leader for the full 5 weeks
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Key activities: surf lesson, Magnetic Island koala walk, Great Barrier Reef snorkel day, Tablelands waterfalls
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Around 15 meals throughout the tour
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Pre-tour support and emergency assistance
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Group welcome dinner in Sydney
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Fun, social group environment
❌ Not Included
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Flights to/from Australia
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Visa
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Travel and medical insurance
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Most daily meals and snacks
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Optional activities (e.g. skydiving, scuba diving, scenic flights)
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Post-tour accommodation or onward travel
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Reef conservation levy and national park fees (approx. AUD $80 total)
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Accommodation upgrades or private rooms (available at extra cost)
🛏 Accommodation
You’ll stay in shared dorms (4–10 beds), beach hostels, rainforest cabins, and even a sailing yacht. Accommodation is clean, social, and centrally located. Some nights will be spent camping (Fraser Island) or on overnight coaches.
🚍 Travel Arrangements
All overland and island travel is arranged for you — including coaches, ferries, 4WDs, and boats. You’ll also have two overnight coach journeys to help cover distance and maximise your time exploring.
🩺 Medical
You must have travel insurance to join the tour. Basic healthcare is easily accessible along the route and your group leader will assist in case of any health concerns.
☀️ Risk Awareness
Australia is a safe country, but travellers should be aware of:
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Riptides at beaches — always swim between the flags
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Sun exposure — use high-factor sunscreen daily
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Wildlife — rare risks from snakes or insects (your leader will advise)
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Petty theft — keep valuables secure in busy areas
⏰ Time Zones
Most of the tour takes place in the AEST time zone (GMT +10). Some areas observe daylight saving (Sydney), while others (like Cairns and Queensland) do not.
🌍 Accessibility
The tour includes walking, hiking, and water-based activities. A moderate level of fitness is recommended. You must be able to carry your own luggage and walk short distances with it.
💷 Budgeting
Plan for approx. £25–£35 per day to cover food, drinks, and optional activities. That’s around £900–£1,200 total spending money, depending on your choices.
