Sydney to Cairns
East Coast Semi-Guided: 21 Days, Sydney to Cairns
- Byron Bay
- K'gari
- Whitsundays
- Magnetic Island
- + 2 more
Some meals included
$3099 AUD
≈ $148/day
Australia
Climb Sigiriya, ride the Ella train, see wild elephants at sunrise, then surf the south coast.
Sigiriya rock fortress, tea picking and the famous train to Ella, a sunrise elephant safari and learn-to-surf days on the south coast, Sri Lanka's whole highlight reel in twelve days.
✓ Lowest price online
From
$2,499 AUD
per person
4.9 from 575 Trustpilot reviews
Lock it in with a $500 deposit, balance before you travel
For start dates 30+ days away. Choose it at checkout.
How payment options work →Booking guarantee Price Match Promise Secure payment via Square
Instant confirmation
Booked instantly on available dates · confirmation by email in minutes. Dates marked on request are confirmed within 48 hours.
No change fees from us
Need to move? Just message us and we'll arrange it for you.
Licensed local operator
An established operator with public reviews.
Departures year-round, multiple each month. Pick a start date below and we'll confirm your exact departure and hold your spot.
On sale Selling fast Sold out
$2,499 AUD pp
Choose a start date →
We confirm your exact departure and final price before any payment.
Sigiriya rock fortress viewpoint
Tea plantation picking with locals
The famous Ella scenic train
Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arches Bridge
Sunrise wildlife safari (wild elephants)
Learn to surf at Weligama Beach
Arrive in Negombo and meet your group and your tour leader, settle in before your first night out together as the adventure begins.
This morning you'll jump into tuk tuks to explore the pretty seaside town of Negombo, stopping off to visit the local markets. You'll then head to the town of Sigiriya, where you'll check in to the lush hotel, with comfy beds, aircon, WiFi and ensuites!
Today you'll take in views of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress as you climb the towering rock adjacent, with 360 degrees views from the top. You'll then head to a local village to understand how small rural communities live, before hopping on some unique, local transportation. You'll then be treated to a cooking demonstration (and eating, of course) courtesy of the local village ladies.
It's goodbye Sigiriya and hello Kandy today as you head south to the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, stopping en route to visit a spice garden. Once in Kandy, you'll head out to visit the fascinating Temple of the Tooth. You will head out for dinner and drinks tonight.
Your southern journey continues today, surrounded by lush and green tea plantations stretching in every direction. You'll be stopping to get a closer look and learn the art of tea picking (and brewing) from local pickers. You'll then hop on board a train for one of the 'world's most scenic train journeys' (no biggie) bound for beautiful and serene Ella. Finally, you'll enjoy dinner at a must-visit spot in Ella, before hitting the town for a fun night out.
You'll be grateful for a later start this morning, as you lace up your trainers for a hike to Little Adam's Peak, where the views are seriously something else. This afternoon you'll have time to yourself to chill and explore the pretty town of Ella. Maybe treat yourself to a traditional massage, or curl up with a book and cuppa.
Get those cameras at the ready as this morning you'll be making a stop at Nine Arches Bridge, one of the most Insta famous places in all of Sri Lanka. You'll then continue south to Udawalawe National Park, where you'll check in to the laid back and beautiful hotel perched right on the edge of the park.
Travelling by jeep at sunrise you'll be keeping your eyes peeled for the free roaming wild elephants, plus other species like crocodiles, buffalo and bird life on safari. You'll then head to the beachside oasis of Hiriketiya for a chilled afternoon. Later you'll arrive at the beachfront eco retreat in gorgeous Talalla, where you'll finish the day watching the sunset.
The aim of today is to do as little or as much as you want. Take a deep breath and feel the peace and calm wash over you at this beautiful retreat. Participate in the included yoga session, read a book on the loungers by the pool, book an ayurvedic massage, or just snooze under a palm tree whilst soaking in one of the best kept secret beaches of the south.
From one sun drenched beach to the next, you'll be stopping off at Weligama Beach this morning for a private surf lesson. You'll later check into the beach front hotel in Mirissa, your home for the next two nights, followed by a visit to Coconut Tree Hill for it's beautiful views.
Saving one of the best experiences till last. Today you'll be heading to a Buddhist Monastery to take part in a cultural exchange with the local monk students who live there and gain a unique insight into Buddhist ways of life. Tonight, in celebration of your last evening together, you'll be treated to a farewell dinner on the beach.
Your 12 day trip ends today. Those flying home today will jump in the bus back to Negombo to make their way to the airport, or keep living the dream and extend your stay in Sri Lanka with your tour leader's help and the new friends you've made.
Curated stays along the route, a mix of characterful hotels, traditional lodgings and social hostels, all with the essentials sorted.
2 nights in a beautiful beachfront eco resort. Twin/double/triple rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, laundry, swimming pool, restaurant & yoga classes.
1 night in a funky beachfront hotel. Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry & swimming pool
2 nights in a great place set high in the mountains! Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry, sun terrace & balcony.
1 night in a relaxed hotel on the border of the park. Twin/double rooms with ensuites, Wi-Fi, air con, laundry, poolside restaurant & bar.
Rooming is typically same-gender multi-share unless a private/twin upgrade is noted, ask us if you'd like a private room.
Got a question that's not here? Ask us or hit the chat, instant AI reply with a follow-up from the Wanderlust crew.
Public reviews of the operator who runs this tour on the ground.
The operator's track record
"Recently went on the 12 day tour of Sri Lanka which was amazing. The trip was well organised with a relaxed meet over dinner and drinks with the group on the first night and a good standard of accomodation with some spectacular views. …"
Mark Hutchinson
Google review · 2 months ago
"I just finished the 12 days Sri Lanka tour and have had the most amazing time. The tour is a good mix of nature, culture and chill days at the pool or beach. Our group leader Eline made everyone feel welcome from day one with her warm and kind energy. …"
Sofie Furuberg
Google review · 2 months ago
"Had an incredible time in Sri Lanka and our tour guide Maisie was amazing! We also had Eline on the tour as well and both of them mad the experience so much better. Would recommend an [tour name] tour to anyone!"
Daniel Kean
Google review · 5 months ago
Traveller reviews, source shown on each · shown as excerpts.
Sydney to Cairns
Some meals included
$3099 AUD
≈ $148/day
East Coast Australia
21 days · your own van + 5 big adventures
$2499 AUD
≈ $119/day
Sydney to Cairns
Some meals included
$4909 AUD
≈ $149/day
From
$2499
Save $100