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Home. Tours » Australia » Adventure Tours » Roo 15 Day Byron Bay to Cairns Tour

Tours from Byron Bay to Cairns: Roo Tour

Possibly the most iconic of all Aussie animals is the playful kangaroo. The Roo lives life to the fullest and this 15-Day Tour from vibrant Byron Bay to tropical Cairns is all about fun! You’ll explore the world’s largest sand island on a 4WD expedition, sail through the idyllic Whitsunday Islands and get off the beaten track for walks, lookouts and waterfalls along the way. With a local guide (who will share their insider knowledge) and a bunch of like-minded travellers (who will become lifelong friends) you’ll explore everything that Straya has to offer in style!

Get AUD499 OFF on this northbound Adventure Tour from Byron Bay to Cairns
Valid for tours departing before March 31st 2025. Deal expires on 14 Nov 2024 unless sold prior

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Tour Highlights:


What's Included:

23 24 Transport APrivate Coach & Small Group

Only Stray travels by private, air-conditioned bus all the way from Brisbane to Cairns, with a maximum of 22 onboard for your comfort and safety. See more and do more along the way with stops for walks, waterfalls, swimming holes, wildlife spotting, photo ops and quirky towns. 


23 24 Guide AStray Guide

So much more than just your tour guide - expect entertaining anecdotes, great recommendations, extra support and local insider knowledge. They know every inch of this country. You can't get this from a google search! 


23 24 Accommodation AAccommodation

14 nights included. Accommodation is in 4-8 shared mixed dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges, apart from 2 nights K’gari/formerly Fraser Island (cabins) and 2 nights Whitsunday Sailing (shared dorms/sections onboard yacht)


23 24 Meal AMeals

22 meals included -12 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 6 Dinners

 


23 24 Activity ATop Rated Experiences

From the city to a remote sand island, to canoeing and sailing, there are so many awesome inclusions with the Stray Roo Byron Bay to Cairns Tour:

    • Drop into the iconic Surfers Paradise and enjoy views of kilometres of golden sand beaches
    • Spot wild kangaroos in their natural habitat
    • Spend a night exploring the buzzing riverside city of Brisbane
    • Visit the Sunshine Coast and live it up in the resort town of Noosa
    • Embark on a 3-day 4WD Safari to K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). Drive along the beach and through the rainforest, visit a shipwreck, swim in crystal clear waters, before relaxing around a campfire under the stars
    • Stay in the relaxed seaside village of Bargara and taste some of Bundaberg's famous rum
    • Explore the breath-taking Whitsunday Islands during a 2-days/2-night sailing trip. Snorkel over vibrant fringing reefs and visit some of the world's most pristine beaches
    • Embrace your inner nature-lover on Magnetic Island, a wildlife paradise filled with koalas and wallabies
    • Enjoy the relaxed Cairns lifestyle and the fun nightlife that it’s famous for!

Next Available Tour Dates

2024

  • 1 December -  GUARANTEED

2025

  • 12 & 26 January - GUARANTEED
  • 9 & 23 February - GUARANTEED
  • 9 & 23 March
  • 6 April
  • 4 May
  • 1 June
  • 22 June
  • 20 July
  • 17 August
  • 14 September
  • 12 October
  • 26 October
  • 9 November
  • 23 November
  • 7 December

What we're all about...

tick for website 01Stray are the experts in taking you off the beaten track
We’re all about finding one-of-a-kind experiences and immersing you in the REAL Australia.


tick for website 01Our epic driver guides will ensure you get the most out of your trip. 
Tick off your East Coast bucket list with ease and be introduced to places you wouldn’t discover on your own.


tick for website 01Travel is about creating lasting connections and sharing experiences. 
Stray travellers are open minded adventurers who make the most of every moment.


tick for website 01We aim to leave Australia better than we found it, supporting local communities and protecting our environment.
Travel with us and together we can make a positive change.

Tours from Byron Bay to Cairns: Roo Tour

was $5,085 $4,586

Book Your Travel

Itinerary

DOWNLOAD FULL ITINERARY HERE

Sunday: Byron Bay to Brisbane via Surfers Paradise

This morning, meet your guide and group outside the Surf House hostel at 8:50am and we’ll depart north across the NSW border to Queensland, stopping for some lunch and a walk around the famous Surfers Paradise. Next, we’ll head to a nearby nature reserve to spot some wild kangaroos, before continuing to Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland for the night. This evening, we recommend going for a stroll down to Southbank for a walk along the Brisbane River and then check out some of the many bars and restaurants.

Accommodation: Roamer Brisbane or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Free activities: Visit Surfers Paradise, kangaroo spotting, catch the Brisbane city ferry

Have a sleep in this morning before leaving Brisbane and heading north to Noosa. We’ll stop along the way to stretch our legs and see the amazing panoramic views of the Glasshouse Mountains and the Sunshine Coast before enjoying some lunch in the quirky town of Eumundi, known for its artisanal crafts. We’ll go for another walk to see some final views of Noosa and the gorgeous Noosa headlands before arriving at our accommodation in the afternoon.

Our Noosa accommodation is less of a hostel and more of a resort, with a pool and a licensed bar/cafe (did someone say poolside margaritas?) as well as designer dorms with privacy screens and USB charging points. This evening, we’ll grab a drink and dinner at the bar and make plans to explore Noosa.

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, dinner at hostel

Meals included: Breakfast, drink on arrival

Free activities: Swim, walks, lookouts

Today you have a completely free day to spend doing whatever you like. Explore the Everglades by kayak or book a skydive and see Noosa and surroundings from above. Grab a sun lounger and get some much-needed R&R, go for a walk around the incredible headland, visit the beach or have a long, lazy lunch in the sun. The Noosa Surf Club is one of our faves so if you’d like to go out for dinner, you can’t go wrong with this local hotspot!

Accommodation: Bounce Noosa

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional paid activities: Everglades Cruise and/or Canoe, Skydive

Meals included: Breakfast

Free activities: Chilling by the resort pool, going for a walk in the National Park, visiting the famous beach or checking out the local boutiques and cafes

It’s an early start this morning as you head out for your 3-day, 2-night K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) adventure. During this amazing experience you’ll explore the largest sand island in the world on a 4WD expedition, see the magical Lake Boorangoora (McKenzie), discover towering rainforests, spot a wild dingo, cruise along endless sandy beaches and lose yourself in the magic of stargazing. If you fancy learning how to drive a 4WD, you can do that! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the coolest way to explore this world-heritage listed National Park. 

After a bus, ferry and 4WD transfer, you’ll arrive at The Eco Retreat on K’gari (your accommodation for the next 2 nights). You’ll have some tasty lunch and then you can check out the retreat’s ocean views before heading out for your first adventure to see some of the Island highlights. This evening, you’ll arrive back at The Eco Retreat to enjoy dinner, practice throwing a boomerang, share stories and learn to play the didgeridoo around the campfire. Tonight, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves as you settle into your beach cabin accommodation.

Do More: Take part in a beach clean up on the island of K’gari and contribute to keeping this piece of paradise as nature intended.

Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

This morning, wake up to the gorgeous golden sunrise over the ocean, enjoy breakfast and get ready for a fun-filled morning exploring K’gari and her hidden treasures. Enjoy lunch on the beach and then spend the afternoon discovering more lakes (there are over 100!) and epic views before arriving back at The Eco Retreat in time for another dinner under the stars and some fun evening activities.

Accommodation: The Eco Retreat on K’gari

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Snacks

Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

After breakfast today you’ll hit the inland tracks to discover towering trees and take one last refreshing dip, enjoy lunch in the forest and then begin your journey back to the mainland, arriving into Rainbow Beach around mid-afternoon ready for your next journey north up to Bundaberg.

Bundaberg is well-known for sugarcane, rum, ginger beer and more recently has been called the ‘Bundaberg Bowl’ for its reputation of growing and producing fresh food that’s served across the country. Your accommodation in Bundaberg is a relaxed eco-resort, this time you’ll be located by a nature reserve in the coastal suburb of Bargara and have access to a spa, sauna, tennis courts and more (we know, we treat you good!).

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort in villas or similar

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks

Included activities: K’gari adventure tour

Today you get to have a relaxing morning in Bundaberg. Enjoy a sleep in, go for a swim at the resort pool or why not play a game of tennis?  We’ll have breakfast at the resort and then head to Bundaberg for lunch and to explore the area.

After lunch, we’ll head to the Bundaberg Rum Centre for a tour of their distillery and a tasting of their iconic rum. Or, if you’d prefer a full day out on the water and the chance to visit the Southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, your guide can book you onto the incredible Lady Musgrave Full Day Tour for a day of snorkelling, a boat cruise, island walk and delicious food. Tonight, we’ll have a group BBQ dinner at the resort. 

Accommodation: Kelly’s Eco Resort or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional paid activities: Lady Musgrave Full Day Snorkel Tour

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities: Distillery Tour

Free activities: Swimming, tennis or checking out Bargara Beach

Today is a big travelling day to Airlie Beach, the gateway to the amazing Whitsunday Islands, so load up on snacks and we’ll get the tunes going to get us through the day. We’ll make some stops to stretch our legs and arrive in Airlie in the evening.

Accommodation: Base Airlie Beach or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, bakery, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning, enjoy a sleep in or take a stroll down to the Airlie lagoon for a dip. If you’d like to see the Whitsundays Islands from above, there’s time for a sneaky scenic flight (optional extra) over the Islands and outer Great Barrier Reef (including Heart Reef) before our 2 night sailing tour departs.

After lunch, head down to Coral Sea Marina to meet your crew and jump onboard a 76-foot, maxi sailing yacht which will be your home for the next two days. As you leave the marina and Airlie Beach behind you, watch your crew hoist the sails for an exhilarating trip out to the Whitsunday Islands - part of the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Once you arrive out around the Islands, jump in for a swim or snorkel amongst the fringing reef and then enjoy the sunset with a drink in hand on one of the crew's favourite little beaches. In the evening relax on deck, have a few drinks, get to know the crew, stargaze and let the calm waters gently rock you to sleep - for the adventurous, mats are provided to sleep on deck under the stars or if you prefer a bit more comfort, a bed awaits you below deck.

Accommodation: Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes

Meals included: Breakfast, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner and Dessert (BYO drinks)

Included activities: Sailing, snorkelling and exploring the Whitsunday Islands

This morning you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re in paradise, as you wake up on a yacht surrounded by beautiful islands and enjoy a delicious breakfast on deck as you sail towards Whitsunday Island, home to the best beach in the world - Whitehaven Beach. You’ll disembark and enjoy a bush-walk to Hill Inlet Lookout and then spend the rest of the day exploring and relaxing on Whitehaven Beach. You can also go snorkelling today, enjoy a sunset beach session and another fun evening onboard with your group and the crew.

Accommodation: Open shared dorm style accommodation on a maxi sailing yacht

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks, Dinner & Dessert

Included activities: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, bush-walk, sailing, snorkelling

Enjoy your final morning on-board the yacht, have one last magical swim or snorkel and then sail on back to Airlie Beach. This afternoon we’ll jump back on the bus and head to Townsville.  We’ll then catch the ferry over to our next destination of Magnetic Island in the late afternoon. Nearly 50% of ‘Maggie Island’ is national parkland, and it's surrounded by amazing beaches and abundant wildlife. Your guide will fill you in on the activities you can do around the island over the next couple of days.

See More: This island paradise is your best chance on the East Coast to see koalas in the wild. Keep your eyes out for these sleepy marsupials, rock wallabies, and colourful birds as you explore the forested island.

Accommodation: Roamer Magnetic Island or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast, Morning Tea

Included Activities: Sailing, snorkelling, Magnetic Island Ferry

Today you will wake up in paradise and have a full free day to explore. This beautiful island is home to the historic Forts Complex, which you see in a scenic walk with your Guide. At the end, you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views over the island and ocean beyond. Spend the rest of your day relaxing on the secluded beaches, hiking through native bush or searching for wildlife! Top tip: stay alert and keep your eyes on the trees, Maggie Island is one of the best places in Australia to see koalas in the wild!

Accommodation: Roamer Magnetic Island or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, bakery or cafes

Optional activities: Snorkel

Meals included: Breakfast
Free activities: Walk

We catch the ferry back to the mainland in the morning and then we’ll get on the road again and head up to the stunning Atherton Tablelands. We’ll stop at the famous Millaa Millaa Falls along the way for a swim and some amazing photo ops.

We’ll go for a walk and a swim in Lake Eacham - a beautiful crater lake, and visit the heritage-listed Curtain Fig Tree, before making our way to Cairns. Tonight, we’re staying at an amazing resort with its own person-made beach! We’ll have a group dinner at the resort and then check out the legendary Cairns nightlife.

Accommodation: Gilligan's Cairns or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Included activities: Magnetic Island ferry, swim, walk, waterfalls

Today is a completely free day so if you had a few too many cocktails last night, enjoy a lazy sleep-in and perhaps some hair-of-the-dog by the pool in the afternoon. If you’re ready for another day of adventure, why not book a tour of Cape Tribulation or go to see the iconic Great Barrier Reef?

Accommodation: Gilligan's Cairns or similar

Meal options: Self-cater, local cafes, restaurants

Optional Activities: Cape Tribulation day trip, bungy jump, Great Barrier Reef trip, skydive, rafting

Free activities: Hang out at the amazing resort pool, walk the Esplanade, visit the Botanical Gardens

Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a hug or a wave to your new mates and head off for the next leg of your adventure, taking with you the most incredible memories, everything you’ve learned about Australia’s special culture and wildlife, and of course some classic Aussie lingo - G’DAY MATES!

Tours from Byron Bay to Cairns: Roo Tour

was $5,085 $4,586

Book Your Travel

Accommodation

14 nights' accommodation are included in the price of your Roo Tour. We stay in hostels, backpacker resorts, eco-lodges, in cabins and overnight on a sailboat in the Whitsundays! 

Scroll through the gallery to see some of the places you'll stay:

10330 STRAY Maps AUS3 ROO

Need to Know

Backpacking adventure tour from Byron Bay to Cairns

  • Trip starts: We depart from Byron Bay on Sunday morning.
  • Transport: Travel by private Stray bus, ferry and 4WD (K'gari/formerly Fraser Island), sailing yacht (Whitsundays).
  • Included meals: Any dietary requirements or allergies must be advised upon booking so that they can be catered to where possible.
  • Guides: Your Guide is your Bus Driver, Activity Organiser, Tour Guide, and friend. They’re always on hand to give you travel trips, advice and any help you need.
  • Stray Travellers: Find your tribe and make meaningful connections with travellers from all over the world. The majority of our passengers are aged between 20-35 but there is no age limit! You just need to be reasonably fit and be young at heart! 70% of our travellers are travelling solo.
  • Payment Options: If you'd like to secure your place on the trip, but are a little bit short on cash, you can reserve a seat with a $200 deposit. Click 'Book Your Travel' and choose the deposit option in checkout. You then have 6 months to pay it off - too easy! Better yet - there's no admin fee. You can make payments when it suits you using our Extra Payments page. You just need to have paid for your trip in full 31 days before you start your travels. 

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