This trip is a great way to start your adventure in Australia! Whether for a working holiday or just a trip around the country East Coast Adventure is the perfect introduction to the Aussie way of life.
The minimum age to join this trip is 18.
If you are planning to work in Australia whilst you’re here you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. You can choose to book your Oz Jobs and East Coast Adventure programme with the visa included.
Please note: If you have a criminal record, you are still able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, but due to the specific information required while filling out the application form we won’t be able to process your visa for you, and this must be applied individually.
This Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is available to passport holders who come from:
Belgium
Canada
the Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong SAR
the Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
the Republic of Korea
Malta
the Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom
Or you’re a citizen of and hold a valid passport from one of these countries:
Argentina
Austria
Chile
China, People’s Republic of
Czech Republic
Hungary
Indonesia
Israel
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Thailand
Turkey
Uruguay
United States of America
Vietnam
People hold one of the above passports can still apply for a similar visa called the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). Grabatour Travel cannot apply for this visa for you, however once you obtain this visa it will allow you to participate in the Oz Gap Year programme.
To be eligible for a working holiday visa, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
Hold a passport issued by an eligible country or region
Be aged 18-30 (inclusive) at the time of applying
Not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during their stay in Australia
Meet health, character and financial requirements
Not have previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa (unless applying for a second visa)
Be outside Australia when they apply and when their visa is granted
Apply within 12 months of intended travel to Australia.
Have sufficient funds to cover your expected living/trip costs during your stay
Have funds for a return or onward ticket to depart Australia (or an actual ticket)
Have health insurance
How to apply:
You can choose our inclusive visa booking option and we can process the Working Holiday Visa application for you, or you may wish to apply for your own visa via Australian Immigration.
Medicare
You will need to apply for Medicare once you are in Australia and in order to do this please ensure that you can provide TWO forms of ID e.g. passport, driving licence, birth certificate.
– Sydney Harbour Cruise, Bondi Beach Day, Wine & Cheese Night + Rooftop Yoga
– Byron Bay Yoga, Cheese & Wine Night, Lighthouse Walk & Surf Lesson
– Magnetic Island Adventure incl return ferry transfer & Guided Fort’s Walk
– 2 day / 2 night Whitsunday Island Sailing
– Brisbane City Tour & Streets Beach
– 3 day / 2 night All inclusive Fraser Island Tour
You will be travelling with a group of fun, exciting and interesting people from everywhere in the world! And you can easily make new friends along the trip.
Small groups, insider access, and personal freedom to follow the whim of the moment are the order of the day, every day.
Enjoy your trip with a group of up to 20 other 18-30-somethings from all over the world with most groups even celebrating reunions years after their trip! Chat with other people from your group before you leave home!
The trip lasts 6 weeks with start dates throughout the year.
Trips do book out quickly, so get in touch today!
All visitors to Australia (excepting those from New Zealand) will require a visa or e-visa/ETA to enter. These must be applied for before departure, and if you’re planning on working in Australia whilst you’re out here you’ll need a Working Holiday Visa. If you are just heading to Australia for fun however, an ETA will suffice. Both visas can be applied for online. Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information.
Also, check out the general Australian visa requirement here.
Sure! We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using SpareStay.com.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips in Australia. You can get this in the Insurance section of our site.
Please visit our FAQ page.
If your start date is more than 40 days away, you can secure your spot by paying a 10% deposit.
Simply select the ‘deposit’ option when you Check out. We’ll hold you a spot on your chosen start date and send you a link to pay the remaining amount.
The balance must be paid in full at least 40 days prior to your tour start date. If you are booking within 40 days of your start date the deposit option is not available so you need to pay in full.
We’ll organise your airport transfer so your arrival into Sydney will be smooth and easy. You will need to go to a pre-set meeting point at Sydney airport and a greeter will direct you to the shuttle bus which will take you directly to your hostel to begin your East Coast adventure!
The Oz Jobs and East Coast Adventure tour departs from Sydney on Monday on Day 1 of the itinerary (09:00 am). It’s best to arrive on the actual start date.
Arriving early? Choose to add additional pre-tour nights when you book with us, or chat with our res team to organise extra nights.
We pre-arrange your airport transfer & accommodation. After a smooth arrival, meet your group and get ready to explore Sydney. During the welcome briefing your tour guides will introduce you to the office crew, explain what’s happening this week and sort out your SIM cards. We then head out for a city tour along the iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Later, mingle with your group at our welcome party (dinner and drink are on us).
09:00 | Start point: Haymarket New South Wales 2000, Australia.
If you’re planning to find work fast, listen up! We’ll explain everything you need to know about working and travelling around Australia. Learn about the perfect Aussie resume, how to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs, where to go, seasons, 2nd-year visa jobs and what else there is to see. Once we’ve answered all your questions, we’re off to spend the afternoon cruising Sydney Harbour on our very own catamaran. Go for a dip and enjoy your first Aussie BBQ with stunning views in the backdrop.
Time to get out of the busy city. We head up to Basecamp: stay in our resort right near the beach, meet the local wildlife & join us for some drinks around the bonfire at the beach.
Jump on our 4WD trucks, it’s getting sandy! Grab a board and slide down the sand dunes. Get an insight into the Aboriginals who own the land. Later we walk up to the top of the hill for some stunning views. Between May-August, you’ll see humpback whales cruise past. Enjoy an Aussie BBQ tonight.
Get onboard for some dolphin spotting. The bay is home to over 140 bottle-nose dolphins who live here all year round. Sit in the boom net to get even closer. We head back to Sydney in the afternoon.
Sleep in, chat to our crew about your plans or get started on your CV. We’ll meet up later tonight for the amazing pub crawl. Dress up and join us for an epic night out! We hit some of Sydney’s hot spots with free entry and a free drink in each place.
We’re taking it easy today, your tour guides take on a trip to explore Sydney’s beaches. Walk along the coastline with 6 beautiful beaches on the way; the perfect to end an action-packed week.
This evening, we begin our East Coast adventure. We’ll travel overnight by luxury air-conditioned bus – complete with Wifi, USB ports and reclining seats – to our first destination, Byron Bay. Sit back, relax and get ready for your epic East Coast adventure!
Byron Bay is famous for it’s amazing beaches, laid-back-surfer attitude and boho vibes. Here we’ll explore the relaxed town and some of the many beautiful beaches in the area as well as the famous Byron Lighthouse, standing at the most easterly point of the Australian mainland. Embrace the surfer vibes of Byron with a professional surf lesson. Keen for more? Get up close with friendly wild dolphins on a dolphin kayaking tour or check out the alternative hippie hub of Nimbin (add-ons).
This morning, we’ll hop on the bus to Surfers Paradise: where long stretches of stunning sandy beaches meet high rise buildings and never-ending nightlife! By day we’ll explore the town and beaches and at night, we’ll get dressed up and head to some of our favourite party bars and clubs for the real Surfers experience! If you love theme parks, your tour guide can also help you organise a visit Dreamworld, The Gold Coast’s most famous theme park (optional).
After a short journey North of the Gold Coast, we’ll arrive at our Brisbane accommodation, right in the city centre. We’ll spend the next two days checking out some of Brisbane’s hotspots including Street’s Beach (Brisbane’s man-made city lagoon), Brisbane River and the cultural hub of the South bank. You’ll also have the option to head to the famous Australia Zoo to see some amazing wildlife! (add-on).
If being surrounded by tropical greenery and beautiful beaches is your cup of tea, you’ll love Noosa! We’ll hike through National Park to lookouts boasting incredible views over Noosa’s spectacular coastline, stopping off to spot amazing Australian wildlife along the way. Your hostel has it all; chill by the resort pool or enjoy a few cold ones at the bar. Anyone fancy a game of beer pong?
This morning, we arrive at Rainbow beach, the gateway to Fraser Island. We’ll check into our hostel and head out for a short hike to Carlo Sand Blow, a unique sand mass where you can watch the sunset over the southern tip of Fraser Island! The next morning, we’ll head to Tin Can Bay, home to wild humpback dolphins where you’ll get the opportunity to hand feed the resident pod of dolphins. The rest of the day is yours to chill on the beach, explore Rainbow or relax at the hostel. This evening you’ll recieve a safety briefing at our hostel, ready for your Fraser Island adventure the following day!
Welcome to World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island! You’ll be spending the next few days on this island paradise, exploring sand dunes by 4×4, driving through lush rainforest, swimming in crystal clear lakes, spotting rare Aussie wildlife and hiking to headlands for incredible 360 views of the island. At night, we’ll set up camp at our own private campsite just metres from the beach. After an epic few days on Fraser Island we return to Rainbow beach for the night. But the adventure doesn’t stop here! Next stop: Town of 1770
This evening, we arrive in the small coastal town of 1770, named after the second landing sight of Captain James Cook. We’ll check in to our accommodation, spark up the barbie and gather around the fire pit for some wood-fired marshmallows. Keen to explore the area? Join 1770’s famous scooter tour of the town; get tattoed up, put on a leather flame jacket and channel your inner biker (add-on). This evening, we’ll hop on the bus, waking up in Airlie Beach!
Today we arrive in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands! We’ll check into our hostel in the centre of town and check out the harbourfront. Soak up the atmosphere – we’re in paradise! Our next few days will be spent sailing around the Whitsunday Islands. We’ll snorkel in pristine blue waters, getting up close with an abundance of tropical fish and visit some of the whitest sandy beaches in the world. The views here are breathtaking! Our home for the next few days is a Maxi Sailing yacht, where we’ll eat delicious food, party and sleep in comfortable beds below deck (or under the stars!) – it doesn’t get any better than this!
This morning, we return to the tropical bliss of Airlie beach where we’ll spend the next two nights. Later on, we’ll head to the bar for our post-island party; eat, drink and be merry as we reminisce on our past few days in paradise! Wander to Airlie’s harbourfront lagoon for a dip, explore the surrounding national park or see the Whitsundays from the air on the Whitsunday Heli Experience.
Just a short ferry crossing from Townsville, we’ll arrive in Maggie island, a gorgeous tropical haven with heaps to see and do! Explore the many bays and golden sandy beaches, snorkel the pristine island waters, take the guided Fort’s walk offering incredible views of the island and come up close with koalas and wallabies at our hostels on-site wildlife park. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a few drinks and games at our hostel bar. Feeling adventurous? Take your new mates on a tour of the island in a 4WD ‘barbie’ car (available for daily hire). The photo opportunities are endless!
This afternoon we leave Magnetic Island and travel to the beautiful beachside town of Mission beach where the reef and rainforest meet. The sunrise here in Tropical North Queensland is magical! We’ll rise early the following morning and hike into the neighbouring National Park, part of the traditional country of The Djiru Aboriginal people. Feeling adventurous? Mission beach is also home to Australia’s highest (15,000ft!) and most popular skydiving spot – an experience not to be missed for the adrenaline junkies out there! Because where else can you jump out of a plane, fly over reef and land on the beach!? Pre-book your skydive (add-on) or arrange with the help of your guide as you travel, no worries! You also have the option of joining our awesome white water rafting adventure in Tully, just a short distance from Mission Beach! (add-on)
This evening we arrive in Cairns, our final stop along the East Coast and the Ultimate backpacker destination – you are in for a treat! Our resort style accommodation is one of the best in Cairns, with luxury air-conditioned en-suite dorm rooms, a huge pool and daily entertainment. Sit back, relax, and prepare for the next few exciting days!
Our first adventure in Cairns takes us to the Tablelands region where we’ll spend the day swimming under waterfalls, sliding down natural rock slides and spotting shy platypuses in the wild.
The next day, we explore the famous Great Barrier Reef. We’ll cruise to the outer reef to snorkel with inquisitive Nemos, stingrays, turtles and friendly Maori Wrasse and learn all about the diverse marinelife of the reef. When we’re not exploring the rainforest and reef, we’ll hang out at Cairn’s famous harbourfront lagoon, hit the local bars and party the night away at our hostel’s very own club! On our last night we’ll meet for a farewell dinner and reflect on an epic 6 weeks of Aussie East Coast fun!
The ultimate experience is over, but that’s only the start of your Aussie adventure! Whether it’s about finding work, finding a flat or exploring Australia our crew is there to help you out.
10:00am | End point: Cairns, Gilligan’s Backpackers Hotel & Resort, 57 Grafton St., Cairns, Queensland 4870, Australia.
After your Oz Jobs & East Coast Adventure is over, it’s time to kick-start your Oz job search. You can make appointments with our job support team in Sydney who can give you all the help and advice you’ll need in order to secure yourself a paid job. A job coordinator is available in our office in Sydney from Monday – Friday for general chats, CV reviews and job advice. You’ll also have a full 12 months of job support so feel free to contact the jobs team by email to answer any queries while you are travelling in Australia. We’ll get you your first job interview within 1 week of you telling us you are ready to start work.
Your job adventure is fully flexible, meaning you can search for the job that suits you, wherever you want in Australia, and the balance of time spent working and travelling during your year is entirely up to you. It’s tailor-made to fit in with your plans and allow for the maximum independent Aussie experience!
Our Oz job support programme includes:
12 months of access to the online jobs network and vacancies nationwide
A CV review service
An orientation session
Advice about setting up your own Australian bank account before you go
An Aussie SIM card
Tax File Number
Medicare
Access to free Wi-Fi
A 12-month mail holding service
Help and advice about long-term accommodation
An inclusive bar skills course
A free, inclusive online RSA (Responsible Service Alcohol) course (valid in all territories except New South Wales or Victoria)
We’ll pre-arrange your Airport Shuttle and email you a voucher with details instructions and contact number in case you get stuck. Your driver will be waiting at the ‘Meeting Point’ in the Sydney Airport arrivals area, just outside the customs area. You’ll be dropped-off at your hostel in no time.
Sydney City Tour & Welcome Dinner
Sydney Harbour Cruise
Port Stephens adventure
Sandboarding at Port Stephens
Dolphin Watching Cruise
Mt Tomaree Bush Hike & Lookout
Sydney Party Nightlife (Pub Crawl)
Guided Coastal Walk from Coogee to Bondi
Byron Bay Yoga, Cheese & Wine Night, Lighthouse Walk & Surf Lesson
Byron Bay Beach & City Tour
Surfers Paradise Beach & City Tour
Brisbane City Tour & Streets Beach
Noosa Headland Walk
Dolphin Encounter in Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach Sand Blow Walk
3 day / 2 night All inclusive Fraser Island Tour ($15 insurance levy payable locally + $10 optional sleeping bag hire)
Discover Town of 1770 + Hostel camp fire
2 day / 2 night Whitsunday Island Sailing – departs Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach post cruise party
Magnetic Island Adventure incl return ferry transfer & Guided Fort’s Walk
Visit Mission Beach
Visit Cairns Lagoon
1 day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip ($20 reef conservation levy payable locally)
1 day Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls tour
40 nights accommodation + 2 nights overnight bus
You’ll be staying in our favourite hostels in Sydney and along the East Coast, a private campsite by the beach and 2 nights on a luxury boat!
In your first week, some meals are included: Welcome dinner, BBQ lunch on the catamaran cruise, 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch at Basecamp, Free welcome drink at the pub crawl.
And 6 x Breakfast, 6 x Lunch, 6 x Dinner during the East Coast Adventure.
This tour offers Vegetarian and Vegan food options on request. Simply let our Customer Support team know the food option that you prefer.
Your Australia East Coast guide will be travelling with you from start to finish and available 24/7. Our guides are experienced, first-aid trained, professional, fun and have expert local knowledge – they will show you the best time!
All transfers included.
Return travel to Bondi.
Travel Pass (Sydney to Cairns).
Return transfers to Fraser Island.
Return ferry to Magnetic Island.
International flights not included.
We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using SpareStay.com or contact us for a great flight deal.
Travel Insurance is NOT included, however it is mandatory for you to have travel insurance for the duration of your tour. You can get this in the Travel Insurance section of our website.
Other activities and services are not included.
Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.
You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your tour guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout. These are bookable before you go or through your tour guide on the road.
Bondi Beach Surf Lesson
Blue Mountains Day Tour
Dolphin Sea Kayak Tour
Nimbin Tour
One Day Ticket Dream World
Australia Zoo 1 Day
Self-Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak
Adventure Scooteroo 1770 Mini Chopper Motorbike Tour
Whitsundays Helicopter Experience
Tully Full Day White Water Rafting
Skydive Mission Beach
Day Tour to Cape Tribulation
This was the most amazing trip. Had the best weeks of my life with the best people and incredible group leaders. Great value for money and a truly unforgettable experience.
I felt we hit all the major locations and experiences the Aussie east coast has to offer. Especially enjoyed the add-ons such as skydiving, and the Great Barrier Reef dive.