MEET: at YHA Cairns, Gilligans or Cairns train station (please confirm prior to departure). We travel by train south to Townsville, getting in around mid-afternoon and then take the ferry out to tropical ‘Maggie Island’. There is much to explore on the island, as nearly 50% of it is National Park with amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. SLEEP: YHA Bungalow Bay or your choice of Magnetic Island accom.

MEET: at YHA Bungalow Bay reception or at the ferry terminal (please confirm). In the morning your guide will join you on the Forts walk, otherwise you can do some exploring, check out the local wildlife park or just relax by the pool. In the afternoon we travel back to the mainland on the ferry, then jump on the train to Proserpine, with a transfer to Airlie Beach arriving approx. 7pm. Note: Depending on which day you depart, you may have a free day to spend on Magnetic Island. SLEEP: Your choice of Airlie accom, you can book via the Stray Mate app.

We have a full day in Airlie Beach for activities or to relax. There are great 1-3 day sailing adventure options around the Whitsunday Islands that you can do. SLEEP: Your choice of Airlie accommodation.

MEET: outside Base backpackers. We have most of the day free in Airlie and then in the early evening we transfer to the train and travel to Rockhampton. We hop off the train with a quick transfer to the cool, little coastal town of Emu Park where we spend 2 nights. While at Emu Park we have an amazing Stray Treasure Island option with accommodation, return ferry transfers to Great Keppel Island, activities, and lunch; or you can choose to just pay for accommodation only and do your own thing. Note: Depending on the day you arrive you may have an additional night at Emu Park to relax, play Aussie lawn bowls or visit the local crocodile farm (both extra cost). SLEEP: Emu’s Beach Resort.

MEET: at Emus Beach reception We begin the day with an early morning bus transfer to the train. We travel to Cooroy then Stray bus to Rainbow Beach. Rainbow Beach is a departure point for Fraser Island and has a beautiful beach to chill on. We recommend walking up to Carlo Sand Blow with your guide for sunset. SLEEP: Your choice of Rainbow Beach accom. You can book this via the Loka web app.

MEET: across the road from Frasers on Rainbow/Dingos hostels. We hop in the Stray bus in Rainbow Beach and head to Noosa, We travel through Brisbane and Gold Coast, with pick-ups and drop offs. We stop for a walk at the Queensland/NSW border crossing at Danger Point to stretch our legs, and check out the view of one of Australia’s best surf spots Snapper Rocks, before heading onto our night stop at Australia’s coolest surf town, Byron Bay. SLEEP: Your choice of Byron Bay accom. You can book this via the Stray Mate app.

Explore, learn to surf, party, do a dolphin kayak trip, visit the alternative town of Nimbin (additional costs), or just relax and take in the laidback, hippy vibe. We recommend taking a walk to the lighthouse to view the Australian mainland’s most easterly point. SLEEP: Your choice of Byron Bay accom.

MEET: at the main bus stop on Jonson St or Arts Factory hostel (please confirm). We travel to Sydney via Spot X Surf Camp. Hop off if you want to learn to surf or just hang by the beach. We then express down to Sydney getting in early evening with drop offs to selected Sydney central hostels. SLEEP: Your choice of Sydney accom. We drop off outside Wake Up (by Central Station) and Nomads.