Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Sydney Airport (SYD) and out of Cairns Airport (CNS). 

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Before 2 pm ideally. The welcome meeting and dinner will be from 5 pm onwards starting at the hotel, which is located 15-20 minutes away from Sydney Airport.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for Day 14, so you can leave any time that suits you. Check-out from the hotel is at 10 am and it takes around 10-15 minutes by taxi to Cairns Airport. Your Pack leader can help you book transfers the night before if needed.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t include departure transfers because Flashpackers leave at different times. A taxi to the airport from your final hotel costs around AUD 20-25. If you and some other travellers are all getting the same flight, we recommend splitting the taxi journey.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA or Canada you will need to apply for an eVisitor visa, which is valid for up to three months at a time. New Zealand citizens do not normally need a visa to visit Australia. 

Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa. 

We recommend that you travel with at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

What are the drive times like?

Australia is a big country and this is a trip for travellers who enjoy a road trip. The total drive time is around 25 hours, so we don’t advise joining if you suffer badly from motion sickness or any other ailment that extensive travel can make worse. 

We use a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle but there are some long drives, like from Airlie Beach to Cairns, which takes about eight hours. 

We do break up the drives with local and authentic experiences, like stopping off at Aussie roadhouses and local farms. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow Flashpackers. 

In addition, there are two internal flights.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness. Overall, the trip is relatively relaxed.

What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Australia?

Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travelers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.

Will this itinerary change?

Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try to communicate to you.