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Retail 18/19 v3
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Starting From $765.00

Byron Bay to Cairns Pass

Byron Bay to Cairns, experience the best the East Coast has to offer on and off the beaten track! Travel on Stray's bus to Rainbow Beach then fast, comfortable trains north to Cairns.  Visit tropical islands, lush rainforest - jump on and off as you please!  Do it in 8 ...

Meet Kat. 

If you’re looking to leave the beautiful town of Byron and head north, this is the best way to explore all the best bits in between.

Heading all the way up to Cairns, Kat takes in Queensland’s best spots like Noosa, Magnetic Island as well as unreal adventures you didn’t even know existed like waterfalls in Tully and Treasure Hunts on Great Keppel.

Our own, fun local guides travel with you on our buses and on public transport, to give you the best advice and access to the attractions over the routes.

Unique, authentic experiences hunted out by us, our customers and locals over our routes — all established and supported in a sustainable manner. 

Minimum length: 8 days

Recommended length: 13+ days

Day 1 : Travel Day: Byron Bay (via Gold Coast & Brisbane) - Noosa or Rainbow Beach
MEET: at the main bus stop on Jonson St, Wake Up or Arts Factory hostel (please confirm in advance). We cruise up to the New South Wales/Queensland border and hop out at Danger Point to stretch our legs and check out the view of one of Australia’s best surf spots Snapper Rocks. We then drive into Surfers Paradise, you may want to get off here to experience the sun, sand, tans and high-rises of Australia’s most developed beach area. We drive through Brisbane (pick up and drop off travellers in the city centre) then travel on to the upmarket beach resort town of Noosa. Hop off here or continue onto Rainbow Beach for the night. Rainbow Beach and Noosa are both departure points for Fraser Island (a backpacker must-do). At Rainbow Beach we take a walk up to Carlo Sand Blow for sunset. SLEEP: Your choice of Noosa or Rainbow Beach accom, you can book via the Stray Mate app.
Meals :None

Day 2 : Travel Day: Rainbow Beach (via Noosa) — Emu Park
MEET: outside Dingos/Frasers at Rainbow Beach, or outside Nomads at Noosa We hop in our bus in Rainbow Beach and head back to Noosa, before picking up some more Stray travellers and driving to Cooroy to start our first train journey. We travel to Rockhampton then get met by a private bus, which takes us to Emus Beach Resort. We get welcomed onto the resort and find out more about our options for the next day or so. We have an awesome Stray Treasure Island option, which includes accommodation, return ferry transfers to Great Keppel Island, activities, Bluff Point Turtle Walk, and evening meal on the second day; or you can choose to just pay for your bed only and do your own thing. SLEEP: at Emus Beach resort.
Meals :None

Day 3 : Travel Day/Night: Emu Park— OVERNIGHT TRAIN — Airlie Beach
MEET: At Emus Beach Resort For those that have the Treasure Island package we depart early to head to the tropical paradise Great Keppel Island at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef. Relax or have a go at snorkeling or kayaking (extra cost) before exploring the island. We head back to the mainland late afternoon with a quick stop to go on a walk to Bluff Point. Have dinner at Emus Beach Resort before we catch the train in the evening and travel overnight to Airlie Beach – the gateway to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. We grab some breakfast when we arrive and your guide will give you a brief walking orientation tour of Airlie. Note: Depending which day you depart Noosa/Rainbow you may have an extra day at Emu Park and you can choose to spend your 2nd night on Great Keppel Island. If bad weather you can also choose to visit the local crocodile farm (additional cost). SLEEP: Overnight train (price included), then your choice of Airlie accom.
Meals :None

Day 4 : Travel Day: Airlie Beach (via Townsville) — Magnetic Island
MEET: outside Base Backpackers We start early with a local bus to the train, a ferry out to beautiful ‘Maggie Island’, and a local transfer to the accommodation. There is much to explore on the island, as nearly 50% of it is National Park with amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will join you on a walk around the Island; otherwise you can do more exploring or just relax by the pool. Note: Depending on which day you depart, you may have a free day to spend on Magnetic Island. SLEEP: YHA Bungalow Bay or your choice of Magnetic Island accom.
Meals :None

Day 5 : Travel Day: Magnetic Island (via Townsville) — Tully
MEET: at YHA Bungalow Bay reception or at the ferry terminal (please confirm). We travel back to the mainland on the ferry, travel by train to Tully – getting in at around lunchtime. You have the option of taking part in Stray’s exclusive Rainforest Experience for the special price of $120. For those keen to camp, we travel by bus into the amazing rainforest of Tully Gorge National Park. Cool off with a swim in a beautiful swimming hole, before a BBQ dinner and stories around the campfire. SLEEP: Rainforest Experience.
Meals :None

Day 6 : Travel Day: Tully – Cairns
MEET: Tully Train Station We wake early at our rainforest camp for breakfast and then have an interpretative walk through the forest, learning about the traditional indigenous usage of the land. We then head back to Tully and jump on the train to our final destination, Cairns. We arrive late afternoon, then get ready to party tonight to celebrate and farewell the end of your East Coast adventure. Note: Depending on which day you depart, you may have a free day/night to spend in Tully before heading to Cairns, we recommend doing one of the famous Tully rafting trips or going skydiving at Mission Beach on this day. SLEEP: Your choice of Cairns accom, you can book via the Stray Mate app.
Meals :None

Departs 3-4 times per week year-round.  Current departure days are Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.

Departs at 8am (Daylight savings time October - March) or 7am (April - September)Please confirm your departure point when booking. 

Departs: Main bus stop, outside info centre on Jonson St, Arts Factory, and Wake Up.

Please confirm your pick up location prior to departure.

 

Accommodation and food are not included.  We offer a range of bed options in most stops ranging from hostel shared dorm rooms at about $32 per person per night, to ensuited basic motel rooms from about $100.  At Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Cairns you can choose where you stay.  Our main pick up location is outside Base/Nomads Airlie Beach and YHA Magnetic Island.

"Emus Beach Resort" Treasure Island **Book through Website Travel 
Visit the tropical paradise Great Keppel Island, located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.  Relax or go for a snorkel to check out the amazing sealife and coral straight off the beach.  
Dorm only at Emu's Beach resort = $35
Great Keppel Island, dorm, food and activity package = $115

"Bungalow Bay" Magnetic Island **Book through Website Travel 
Book the 2 or 3 Night LOKA Koala Cuddle Express (EXCL RETURN FERRY) 

Rainforest Experience
Stay overnight by a World Heritage listed rainforest. Cool off with a swim in a beautiful swimming hole before dinner round the campfire. We have a BBQ dinner and tell stories round the campfire. In the morning have an interpretative walk through the forest, learning about the traditional indigenous use of the land.
Rainforest experience, camping and meals $120. 
**Add Raging Thunder Tully Rafting to the above.