Australia Travel Guides

7 February 2026

Australia's East Coast: How to Do It Without a Package Tour

Sydney to Cairns spans 2,800 kilometres along Australia's most visited coastline, yet most independent travellers underestimate the distances and overload their itinerary. Three weeks gives you Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, the Whitsundays, and Cairns with breathing room. Two weeks forces difficult cuts. The east coast is expensive — budget €55–75 daily in hostels with self-catering, €100–140 for mid-range travel — and distances between stops run 2–6 hours by bus or flight. Plan for slowness rather than coverage.

Henrik Vinter