A Study Abroad Adventure
After studying at Lexis English School in Manly Beach, Maria decided to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey along Australia’s East Coast. During her time in Manly, she worked with Victoria from Dundee Adventure Travel, who customized an amazing itinerary for 30 days of travel. The trip was thoughtfully planned to include a solo-travel segment and a collaborative adventure, where Maria joined two fellow Lexis graduates for an epic campervan road trip.
Here’s a look at Maria’s incredible journey from Sydney to Cairns, packed with unforgettable highlights and memories:
Maria kicked off her adventure with three days at Spot X Surf Camp. With daily surf lessons, beachside accommodations, and all meals included, this was the perfect way to immerse herself in Aussie beach culture. “The Surf Camp was so nice. I met a lot of good people. I was a bit unlucky with the weather conditions, but that’s all good.”
The next stop was Byron Bay, where Maria stayed at the vibrant WakeUp! Hostel. With its free yoga sessions, social activities, and proximity to the beach, it quickly became one of her favorite spots on the trip. As a solo female traveler, Maria appreciated the hostel’s welcoming vibe. “The hostel in Byron Bay was my favorite one. I would definitely recommend it!”
Maria’s journey continued to the Gold Coast, where she discovered the hidden gem of the Koala Trail. “Then on the Gold Coast I walked along the Koala Trail, which was so nice. I saw so many kangaroos and koalas as well. Not many people knew about the trail but it was absolutely worth going to.”
A short ride brought Maria to Brisbane, where she experienced the city’s nightlife. While her exploration of the city was limited, she loved the clean and comfortable YHA Brisbane, which featured private curtain beds and excellent amenities. “The hostel was one of the best—so clean, and it was nice to have a bed with curtains.”
Next came Noosa – an ultimate highlight of Maria’s East Coast tour. Noosa offered Maria a chance to relax on the beach and connect with fellow travelers during a memorable Everglades kayak tour. Her stay at Nomads Noosa was a highlight, and she found the atmosphere perfect for meeting people before her tour of K’gari (Fraser) Island. “The hostel was so good, I would definitely go again”.
K’gari Island was the winner of Maria’s trip. Over three days, with a tour group of 31 other 18-30 year olds, she explored pristine lakes, camped under the stars, and bonded with an incredible group of travelers. The island’s natural beauty and camaraderie made this an unforgettable experience. “Fraser was my absolute highlight. It really depends on the group, though, but I was lucky with mine.”
Back at Rainbow Beach, Maria was greeted with an actual rainbow—a fitting end to her K’gari adventure.
Whitsundays Wonder at Airlie Beach
After a long overnight bus, Maria arrived at Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach offered Maria a chance to explore the stunning Whitsundays on the Thundercat Tour where she sailed through turquoise waters and lounged on white sandy beaches. “Airlie beach was soooo cool! The tour was super and I didn’t get seasick!”
For the final leg of her journey, Maria joined two fellow Lexis graduates for a road trip from Airlie Beach to Cape Tribulation. Booked with Victoria on Dundee Adventure’s Manly campus, their upgraded campervan and shared experiences made this segment truly special. Together, they explored tropical rainforests, secluded beaches, and scenic routes along the coast. “The van tour was amazing! We were really lucky with our upgrade, and we had a great time together.”
➡️ Click Here to Look at Campervan Rentals in Australia and New Zealand
Reflections on an Epic East Coast Adventure –
Maria’s 30-day East Coast travels were a perfect blend of solo exploration and shared experiences. She was grateful for the seamless organization and personal touches that made her trip unforgettable.“First of all, your organization was great. Everything worked out with the reservations and the bus. Thank you for that!”
Ready to embark on your own East Coast adventure? Don’t wait any longer! Start crafting your custom itinerary with Dundee Adventure Travels today.
Whether you’re seeking stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, or hidden gems, we’re here to make your dream trip a reality.
Contact us to begin your journey and let the exploration begin!
