Fraser Island is a favourite for travellers along the east coast of Australia. With tours departing from Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach and Hervey Bay. Noosa not only offers a great starting point for your trip to Fraser Island but is an amazing destination to visit in its own rights! With beautiful beaches, boutique cafes and shopping, river kayaking and boat trips into the everglades you will love your time in Noosa. For a 1 Day Tour to Fraser Island from Noosa Check out Fraser Discovery! For Overnight Tours to Fraser Island from Noosa be sure to check out

Nomads Fraser Island Tours 3 Day 2 NightDrop Bears Fraser Island Tours 2 Day 1 NightDrop Bears Fraser Island Tours 3 Day 2 NightFraser Discovery 2 Day 1 Night

Finding it Hard to Choose the Best Tour!

We have compiled a list of the best boats for Your CairnsGreat Barrier Reef Snorkeling or Diving Experience!

(Well we have used the help of TripAdvisor....but it still counts)

The list starts with a tour that offers something for everyone

Passions of Paradise

"We got a very pleasant surprise from the trip. We were expecting a regular tour company but this way much more than that! The boat was very nice, the food during the trip was GREAT!, and the most important the staff was super nice and friendly, they tried to help us with everything we needed, the little marine biology talk at the end was very cool to learn more about what you just saw in the reef. Great memories from this trip thanks to them"

Now for something a little more powerful...

Silverswift

"Silverswift have been doing this for a long time and know how to cater for all levels of diving and snorkelling experience. They are extremely professional and safety is number 1 priority without compromising your opportunity to enjoy the beauty and fun of the Outer Reef. I went in as a certified diver but without experience in the past two years. Silverswift made sure I had a few extra checks to ensure all was under control. My nephew did the introductory dive and with all the personal attention he received, he had a fantastic first experience and is now hooked on progressing to get his diving certificate. Reef sites were great - lots of fish, including barracudas, lazy turtles, colourful coral. All of the guides were very friendly and supportive. It created a relaxed environment for guests to mingle and share experiences with fellow underwater adventurers from around the world during lunch and breaks. I would have difficulty justifying why I would go diving with anyone else when I'm next in Cairns. Well done to the Silverswift crew!!"

One of two vessels from this amazing company, In Third position is

Ocean Free

"I spent a lot of time researching which Great Barrier Reef trip to go on. We wanted to go on a small boat with fewer people and preferably sail, so Ocean Free seemed ideal. I'm so glad we chose them! We had an utterly perfect day from start to finish. The staff were very friendly and very professional. They kept checking on us and seeing if there was anything we needed all day, and were very safety conscious. We'd opted to snorkel and do the introductory scuba dive. We had a very thorough briefing on scuba diving, and were only allowed to dive if we could pass a relatively simple test and our medical questionnaire was ok. We were taken down with 1 instructor per two people. We were a family of 4, with 2 children. Both myself and the children 'had a wobble' at some point during the dive and the staff were absolutely brilliant and took us one on one, calmed us down and we could continue with the dive. It was an amazing experience. We also snorkelled, and again we were given a safety briefing, and those that wanted to could stick with an instructor while they snorkelled. At one point we saw a turtle and the instructor was very strict that we didn't touch or interfere with it in any way, yet gave us all a chance to see it and take pics. The boat moors about 1 km off Green Island, so the people on this boat are the only ones in the water. After snorkelling and diving, we had a really delicious buffet lunch. Loads of choice and loads of food. Then we were taken by motor boat to Green Island. A beautiful island with a stunning beach, but rather crowded as a lot of boats go there. The water was crystal clear, with fish in the sea right up to the beach. After about one and a bit hours (you could stay longer if you wanted), the motor boat took us back to the sailing boat where we did some more snorkelling, with reef sharks, which I never thought I'd do! On our return to Cairns we were lucky enough to see a sea snake and humpback whale with her calf at the surface. The staff stopped the boat so we could all see and take pics, but kept a respectful distance and didn't interfere with the animals in any way. The staff were just as excited as all of us to see the turtle, fish, reef sharks, snake and whales. They very clearly loved the Reef and respected the marine life within it. I really cannot fault Ocean Free. It was our best day on a really fabulous holiday"

Joining Ocean Free is the second most rated tour the ever faithful

Ocean Freedom

"Three main factors differentiate Ocean Freedom from the other reef tour operators: 1. The most amazing crew - professional, safety-oriented, above and beyond, and most importantly, genuine and caring. 2. Everything (wetsuit, glass bottom boat, snorkeling/diving equipment, and even sunblock and reef levy) is included. 3. Dive ratio is 2:1 vs. 4:1 with other companies. This tour is a guaranteed highlight of your time in Cairns, and you won't regret it."

Drum roll please.......

And the winner is, coming in as the highest rated trip in Cairns....

SeaStar Cruises

"We picked Seastar because it was a smaller boat with not too many passengers. The whole day was fantastic, the crew were young, upbeat and knowledgable and made sure you had a great time had the right gear to do it. The snorkelling/diving locations were fantastic, with the full array of classic reef sealift, including turtles and clown fish. Food was great with ample servings, we couldn't have asked for anything more! Support this small local family business!"

Want to book one of these amazing tours? Click on the Pictures to follow the link!

Enter code

" TA-TOP5 "

for a HUGE Discount on Checkout!

If you are visiting Australia there is a good chance you will be spending a lot of time on the east coast! one of the best ways to see the East Coast is to drive it! so whether you have your car organised or you are still looking for the best way to Get Around Here are our tips to help you on your way!

Driving a car is a great option especially if your budget is limited or you prefer to stay in hotels or hostels rather than camp but there is nothing like experiencing the freedom that you can get from van travel! having the comfort of a bed, table, kitchen and in some cases a shower and bathroom along with all of your worldly possessions! (Click here for transport help!)

Initially a camper-van quote may seem to exceed the budget that your are aiming to keep within, but keep in mind the savings that you can make from cheaper accommodation and the ability to carry and cook food anywhere and at anytime. (eating out often chews - pun intended- through your budget quicker then those unforgettable tours and experiences you can have!

If you are travelling solo it will make more sense to travel with a Hop on Hop Off bus pass! Or if you can get a group together and share the road (and costs) with new mates then even better!

HOW MUCH TIME TO SEE AUSTRALIA

Australia is MASSIVE! a lot bigger than a lot of people realize! if you drove the whole coastline you would cover over 26000 KMS! Travelling just the east coast from Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road to Cairns and the Daintree Rainforests you will travel more than 4000 kms.

It is always hard to decide how much time to dedicate to this journey! Most people agree that at least 1 month will give you the right amount of time to enjoy the east coast and truly immerse yourself into some of the destinations along the way!

Check out some of our sample itineraries to help plan your own trip!

ARE AUSTRALIAN ROADS SAFE

Australia is one of the safest countries in the world! rated in the 10 most peaceful nations in 2015 you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your holiday! Basic commonsense still applies, ensure you sleep in an area designed to be slept in, dont walk around late at night in UN-familiar places! Most important is to ensure you let someone know when you are expecting to be in touch again, especially if you are tackling a long drive!

AUSTRALIAN ROAD SAFETY

Road rules and laws in Australia are very strict! keep an eye on your speed even the smallest error could cost you several hundred dollars in fines! Australian police have advanced camera technology in their vehicles and also on fixed locations along the road!

The biggest risk to travelers on Australian roads is long - like really LONG- stretches of roads and not listening to your body! If you are tired and feel like you are falling asleep, take a break, just for 15 minutes or swap drivers if they feel OK to drive! It could save your friends and your life!

Australian roads are a great place to spot wildlife! unfortunately at night some of our favorites - Kangaroos- tend to jump out with no warning! Its a great idea to have someone helping you especially when travelling through dense bush or mountain terrains!

dont just stop anywhere, make sure camping is allowed in some places its illegal and you may wake up to a knock on your door or a fine on the windscreen, look for free maps and check out national parks and camping grounds - ordownload wikicamps - the camp finding app

Now for the real basics! Remember to check the reception time at your campsite or hostel, dont get stuck out because you arrive late, if you are running late call ahead and let them know! Not all roads have another petrol station around the corner, if a sign says last petrol station for XXX amount of distance! Believe it! Its not just a sales technique....

And ofcourse, remember DRIVE ON THE LEFT!

Dont Forget!

remember if your Driving license is not in English you will need an international drivers license (organised in your home country)

and in emergencies dial 000 or 112 - for australian emergency services!

dont forget your sundscreen, thongs and a hat!

If you need help planning your holiday we are just an email away!

If your driving license is not in English, an International Driving Permit (issued in your home country) is required.

Pay attention to campground with dump stations, as you'll probably need one every two days.

In case of emergency dial 000 or 112 (the GSM standard emergency number) 911 won’t work ;-)

Wear lots of sunscreen and enjoy the journey!

The Whitsundays - 74 pristine Islands!

getting to the whitsundays

Most travellers will come via Airlie Beach (it is known as the gateway to the whitsundays for a reason)

Greyhound bus and premier bus both service the area and will drop you off at the marine terminal a short stroll from airlie beach main street!

You can also fly into hamilton island - transfer by ferry to airlie beach

or fly into proserpine airport and catch the shuttle for around $20pp.

(make sure you book ahead with us to ensure a seat)

where to stay

Choose between backpacker accommodations and resort style apartments throughout airlie beach. Base and Nomads Airlie beach offer the best selection of rooms.

Check out your accommodation

options here

What to do

To enjoy the whitsundays you will need to head out on the water

with a number of day sailing and overnight options including trips to the great barrier reef and diving, choosing the right trip will take some carefull planning!

sort tours by length or trip stlye to make your choice easier!

Whitsundays Top 10

1. Australias number one beach - Whitehaven beach

2. Hill inlet - see whitsunday islands swirling sand

3. take the wheel on an overnight all inclusive sailing trip

4. see the islands and reef from above - scenic flights year round

5. visit during whale season (june- september)

6. visit an island resort

7. jetski around the islands

8. skydive

9. hike to free waterfalls in airlie beach

10. relax at the airlie beach lagoon

Check out our facebook page to stay up to date with all our new guides, new tours and special deals and promotions!

Travelling Australias East Coast in 2 weeks could be considered more than challanging! Especially if you have your Heart set on experiencing All the Best spots!

A little compromise, an easy going group and a flexible budget will certainly help you along the way! In this blog we follow Brittany and her group of friends as they experience Cairns to Melbourne in an Epic road trip!

To make this trip happen Brittany used a combination of East Coast Tours Day Trippers + Design your own Road Trip Tours and Packages! Allowing her to select the Short trips to give the group an amazing East Coast Adventure!

Here is her experience!

Day 1 - Flew into Cairns Airport and Transfered to Jucy to Hire a Vehicle! - $845 including Insurance! Split this cost by up to 5 people! So CHEAP!

If you have time you could explore the Daintree Roanforests by Self Drive!

- Crystal cascades (This groups choice)

- Mossman Gorge

- Kurunda Sky Rail!

Day 2 - Spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef! / Sleep at Gilligans Backpackers!

Learn to dive with an Introductory Scuba Dive, Explore further for certified divers or Opt for snorkelling only!

Check out these Amazing Trips!

- Divers Den Day Trip with 2 Intro Dives (this groups trip)

- SilverSonic

- Passions of Paradise

- Tusa

Day 3 - Drive to Airlie Beach / Sleep at Base Backpackers

Things to did on the way -Stop to see Josephine Falls (Natural waterslides to go down!) -Stopped at Murray Park to grab lunch -Scenic Stop at Inkerman Lookout to see sunset

things we could have done if we had more time -Milla Milla/Eliniaa/Zillie Waterfalls

-Mission Beach

-Townsville/Magnetic Island

-White water Rafting at Tully

Day 4 - Whitsundays day trip

Airlie beach is known as the gateway to the whitsundays, 74 pristine islands and world famous for snorkelling, diving, sailing and whitehaven beach just to name a few highlights!

Day trips include

- Camira sailing trip (this groups choice)

-Thundercat

-Ocean Rafting

-Gsl Fly and Cruise (a package deal flying over the reef in the morning and seeing the islands by boat later that day!)

-whitehaven xpress

Day 5 - Drive south!

Sights on the way

-Enguella national park

-cape hillsborough camping and kangaroo sight

This Group Stayed at free campsite in Calliope River Rest Area

Day 6 - Drive to 1770 / sleep at 1770 camp grounds

(if looking to do fraser Island day trip day 5/6 can be modified to go straight to rainbow beach instead)

Day 7 - Australias cheapest surf lesson / sleep at a campsite in Coochin Creek Camping Area

-Other things you could do: stayed in Noosa/Sunshine Coast (Steven Irwin Zoo, Collangatta, Birdie Island)

day 8 - Drive to Nimbin / Sleep at beautiful and quiet hostel called Granny’s Farm.

Clean, full kitchen use, books to borrow, pool table, animals

-Others things you could do: Loan Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane

Day 9 - -Drive to Byron Bay / sleep at nomads art factory

Stopped at Byron Bay Lighthouse; if you go down the trail, you can stop at the farthest east point of Australia

Day 10 - -Spent the day at campsite. Discovery Holiday Parks- Loved this campsite! Waterpark, air jump, two pools, and pond. Clean bathrooms and friendly staff.

Day 11. -Driving Day, stopped in Coffs Harbor -The Big Banana! Banana tourist store -Ate lunch at Fitzroy Park -Drive to Katoomba -Splurged and stayed at a motel (Citigate Motel in Mayfield)

Day 12. -Continue drive to Blue Mountains -Check out Three Sisters, Echo Point -Stayed at Katoomba Mountain Lodge- quiet and clean hostel in the middle of town

Day 13. -Canyoning and Abseiling in Blue Mountains through Eagle Rock Adventures -There are supposedly glowworms at the end of the Evan’s Lookout.Blackheath trail. Walk for twenty minutes down the mountain at night and you should be able to see them. Unfortunately, this is where I sprained my ankle about five minutes down the trail so we didn’t get to see them. Haha.

-Stayed at Katoomba Mountain Lodge

Day 14. - 9.5 hour drive back to Melbourne -Other things we could have done: stayed at Murramarang National Park (camping site with kangaroos on the Beach; between Sydney and Melbs, stayed in Sydney

Other Helpful Things -There’s an app called Tricount. It takes all the expenses and throws it in a “pot.” You just put each expense and who paid for it and who used it (gas, groceries, excursions, car, etc.) into the system. At the end of the trip, it will show who owes who money. -App for Hostel World -App that shows Free Camping Sites. It costs $8, but it was super helpful. (caravanontour.com) -App that uses GPS, but not data: Waze. -Couch surfing will help you save money if you’re comfortable doing that. You get to meet locals rather than be a tourist. -Dominoes has pizzas for $5 for when you’re desperate! Haha -Talk to locals and hang out with them. They love showing off their city

East Coast Tours is an exciting new company with a focus on helping travellers get the most out of their Australian holiday!

We strive to provide the most comprehensive up to date information on the best places to see, stay and avoid on the ever travelled east coast of Australia.

A collective formed of experienced travellers we know all about the stress and hassle of struggling to find honest reliable information. We not only provide a booking service for the top products on the East Coast but also a free resource to help you experience the journey yourself.

With helpful information on free camping spots to help stretch the budgets to tips on getting discounted products!

We invite you to grow with us! Allthough we are a new company we are backed by years of experience in Tourism. We are tour guides, dive instructors, Boat Captains, Yoga Instructors and travel agents!

Get in contact with us now to find out how we can help you!