The cute Koala is an adventure lover! Jump on board for this diverse journey through New South Wales from Sydney to Brisbane on this 8-Day Koala Tour. If you love epic mountain views, beautiful coastal towns, long stretches of beach and you want to travel Australia in style in your own private mini coach then this is the tour for you. We’ll take you off the tourist trail with a local guide (who will share their insider knowledge), and a bunch of like-minded travellers (who will become lifelong friends) and explore everything that Aussie has to offer in style!
15% OFF JULY ADVENTURE TOURS! Book before 5 July 2025. Use promo code: JULY15 Confirm your place & this amazing deal now with only a $200 deposit and pay the rest in flexi instalments. Find out more here.
Tour Highlights:
What's Included:
Only Stray travels by private, air-conditioned bus all the way from Sydney to Brisbane, with a maximum of 22 onboard for your comfort. See more and do more along our bus tour from Sydney with stops for walks, waterfalls, lookouts, food and wine tasting!
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!
7 nights included. Accommodation is in 4-8 shared mixed dorms in a range of hostels, backpacker resorts and an eco-lodge.
Meals
4 meals included - 3 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner
Top Rated Experiences
- Catch a glimpse of local wildlife and snap the amazing views at Port Stephens (until Aug 2025 only)
- Enjoy a walk through the National Park and take in the dramatic scenery and stunning waterfalls at the Blue Mountains (tours departing from Sep 2025)
- Get a closer look at Australia's laziest (and cutest) marsupials at the Guulabaa Wild Breeding Centre (Koala Hospital)
- Visit the quirky towns of Bellingen (until Aug 2025 only), Katoomba (from Sep 2025) and Eumundi for a taste of alternative lifestyles
- Connect and gain an understanding of the incredible Aboriginal Culture through a bush walk and cultural experience
- Centre yourself with a yoga class in laid-back Byron Bay followed by a walk to the famous Cape Byron Lighthouse and the easternmost point of mainland Australia.
- Drop into the iconic Surfers Paradise and enjoy views of kilometres of golden sand beaches
- Spend a night in the buzzing riverside city of Brisbane
Next Available Tour Dates
2025
- 14 July - GUARANTEED
- 8 September - GUARANTEED
- 6 & 20 October - GUARANTEED
- 3 & 17 November
- 1 December
2026
- 12 & 19 January - GUARANTEED
- 2 & 16 February
- 2 & 9 March
- 6 & 20 April
- 11 May
- 15 June
- 13 July
- 10 August
- 7 September
- 5 & 19 October
- 2, 16 & 30 November
What we're all about...
Stray 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.
Our epic driver guides will ensure you get the most out of your trip.
Tick off your East Coast tour bucket list with ease and be introduced to places you wouldn’t discover on your own.
Travel is about creating lasting connections and sharing experiences.
Stray travellers are open minded adventurers who make the most of every moment.
We 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.
Itinerary
Sydney Arrival Info
Check into the hostel anytime after 2pm. At 6pm head down to the hostel reception to meet your Stray guide and new travel mates.
CHECK OUT THE FULL ITINERARY HERE:
If you are travelling before August 30th 2025
If you are travelling from September 1st 2025
Arrive Sydney
G’day and welcome to your epic East Coast adventure. Your tour begins in Sydney with a day to yourself to explore the city sights and world-famous landmarks. If you’ve just flown in, we recommend taking the train from the airport to Town Hall Station, your accommodation is located a short walk away and check-in is anytime after 3pm.
If you have time, take the opportunity to explore the city - we recommend jumping on the light rail and heading down to Circular Quay where you’ll see the iconic Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. At 6pm make your way to the hotel reception where you’ll meet your Stray guide and new travel mates for a welcome meeting and optional group meal (additional cost).
Sydney to Blue Mountains
Today we’ll say goodbye to Sydney as we depart the harbour city and head west to see some of the most spectacular scenery in Australia! Our first stop is the local town of Glenbrook where we’ll have a short break to grab a coffee or a snack. From there, we continue on to Katoomba in the heart of the World Heritage-listed Blue Mountains, stopping at the iconic Echo Point and a walk to view the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
After a picnic lunch we’ll head off for a 1.5-2 hour hike in the mountains. Along the walk we’ll visit the stunning Wentworth Falls, view lush rainforest and dramatic clifftops, and enjoy breathtaking views over the Jamison Valley. Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together and get to know each other better.
Blue Mountains to Port Macquarie
This morning we’ll start our journey north by way of the famous Hunter Valley wine region where we’ll stop for lunch and to taste some of the local wine and cheese (non-alcoholic options available). We’ll then continue to our destination for the night - the coastal town of Port Macquarie, known for its wildlife, beaches and penal colony past!
After the drive if you’re feeling energetic, we recommend walking a section of the stunning Port Macquarie Coastal Walk.
Port Macquarie to Byron Bay
Today we’re heading to the iconic surfing town of Byron Bay, known for its relaxed vibes and no worries attitude. Before we depart, we’ll visit the Guulabaa Wild Breeding Centre, where we’ll get a closer look at Australia’s laziest (and arguably cutest) marsupials - Koalas! Learn about the hospital’s efforts to rehabilitate, protect and preserve the koalas and the new breeding centre’s important efforts to save these iconic animals from extinction.
We’ll then hit the road with a stop in Coffs Harbour for lunch, followed by a special experience learning about the First Nations people of Australia.
Your cultural experience takes place at an important site of the Gumbaynggirr people, the stunning location of “Niigi Niigi” (Sealy Lookout) within the Orara East State Forest. You’ll go for a 1.5-hour tour and see 360-degree views, as well as getting the opportunity to immerse yourself in culture through stories, songs, language and the uses of native plants. This will be an unforgettable experience with an emphasis on authentic connection and contributing to helping a community regain their culture and identity.
Do More:By taking part in the experience, you’re making a direct contribution to the revitalisation of Gumbaynggirr language and culture with a percentage of the tour price going towards the local bilingual school to help foster cultural identity and education success.
When we arrive in Byron Bay, we’ll take you on an orientation drive around town to help you get your bearings, showing you points of interest and the top spots for food, shopping and nightlife. For the next few nights, we’re staying at boutique hostel The Surf House, located right in the heart of Byron and just a couple of hundred metres from the main beach - heaven!
Byron Bay (FREE Day)
Today you have a full day in Byron Bay to really embrace the Byron Bay motto: "cheer up, slow down, and chill out”. Start your day off with a morning yoga class on the rooftop of your hostel and then spend your day exploring the laidback hippy town.
Take a walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, mainland Australia’s most easterly point, with your Stray guide. Check out the many eclectic boutiques and cafes around town. You could join a sea kayaking tour and search for dolphins and other marine life, or even go for an iconic Australian activity - learning to surf.
Byron Bay (FREE Day)
You lucky thing - you have ANOTHER free day to explore Byron Bay today. Tick off any activities you didn’t get the chance to do yesterday or pass the day wandering the township or relaxing on the beach. Hone your surf skills with more lessons or borrow one of the free surfboards at your hostel to try it out by yourself.
If you’re a foodie then you’re in luck, as eating your way around Byron is an experience in itself. There are heaps of vegetarian and vegan options available, a couple of our favourites are the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner, both of which are super close to your hostel. This evening, head to the Saturday twilight markets for some live music and lots of boutique stalls showcasing local arts, crafts and some incredible food.
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.
Depart Brisbane
Today is the final day of your Stray adventure. Give a wave and a hug 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!
Accommodation
7 nights' accommodation are included in the price of your Koala Sydney to Brisbane Tour. We stay in hostels, backpacker resorts and an eco-lodge.
Scroll through the gallery to see some of the places you'll stay:

Need to Know
Backpacking adventure tour from Syndey to Brisbane
- Trip starts: Arrival day is on a Monday and we depart from Sydney on Tuesday morning.
- Transport: Travel by private Stray bus
- 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.