a true aussie camping experience,
for less.

brisbane to cairns:
your all-in-one camping adventure

Six informational cards about outdoor camping and travel. The cards cover topics such as off-road travel in a 4x4 vehicle, sleeping under the stars in a tent, a fully equipped camper trailer with kitchen and lounge, availability of showers at campsites, popular travel destinations like Fraser Island and Magnetic Island, and eco-friendly travel practices.

THE JOURNEY

Embark on a camping adventure from Brisbane to Cairns, hitting all the iconic spots along the East Coast while uncovering hidden local gems that only a true insider can show you. From breathtaking beaches and lush hinterlands to off-the-beaten-track treasures, this trip blends must-see highlights with authentic experiences. Travel with a small group, camp under the stars, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Learn more
Map of Queensland, Australia, showing a route called 'The Adventure Route' on the coast with locations like Cairns, Murray Falls, Townsville & Magnetic Island, Airlie Beach / Whitsundays, Cape Hillsborough, Agnes Water / 1770, K'gari (Fraser Island), Rainbow Beach, Noosa, Australia Zoo, Brisbane. The map features illustrations of a kangaroo, bird, and landscape elements.
A person riding a wave on a surfboard in clear green ocean water.
Group of six young friends taking a selfie from above on a rocky outdoor trail at sunset, surrounded by a hilly landscape.

what sets us apart

Fully Guided Adventure – A local guide leads the way, showing you hidden gems other tours miss.

  1. Small Groups, Big Freedom – With fewer people, we can go off the beaten track and explore spots larger tours can’t.

  2. Authentic Aussie Camping – Sleep under the stars in spacious double bed swags and experience the real backpacker adventure.

  3. Comfort on the Road – Travel in our fully equipped 4x4 utility with personal drawers for your gear and a drinks fridge for cold beverages on demand.

  4. Fully Loaded Camper Trailer – Pull-out kitchen and pantry, hot shower, water supply, off-grid charging, and adventure gear like paddleboards, surfboards, and beach toys.

  5. Budget-Friendly, Adventure-Focused – Big experiences without breaking the bank; we provide the gear, you bring the spirit of adventure.

A sandy beach with tire tracks and driftwood, backed by colorful cliffs and green trees, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
A woman carrying a surfboard walking in shallow water at sunset with another person in the background and mountains in the distance.

Explore the
aussie way

Learn more
A person surfing on a wave in the ocean, viewed from above.
A clear river flowing through a lush green forest with rocks and trees, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Blue starfish on the ocean floor surrounded by coral and sand
Group of six friends jumping and celebrating on a sandy beach with ocean and cliffs in the background during a sunny day.

what our travellers say

Zoe (Netherlands) Winter 2025

"This trip was incredible! The mix of popular sights & local gems, plus traveling with a small group, made it so much fun."

Maja (Germany) Spring 2025

Coming from Germany, I’ve never experienced anything like this. Sleeping under the stars, hiking in wild landscapes, and spotting kangaroos felt truly Australian. As a solo female traveller, I always felt safe an unforgettable adventure I couldn’t have found on my own.

A simple illustration of a hiking shoe with a blue sole and black accents.

FAQs

  • Adventure Mates is a fully guided, small-group swag camping road trip from Brisbane to Cairns over 2 weeks. We focus on authentic, budget-friendly experiences — sleeping under the stars, visiting epic spots, and road-tripping with new mates. It’s about flexibility, fun, and feeling like an Aussie, not just a tourist.

  • To start with, a maximum of 4 guests plus your guide, Nick. Small groups mean it’s easy to make friends and enjoy a more personal adventure.

  • Guests will sleep in traditional Australian swags at campsites (caravan parks and Hipcamps). Facilities such as hot showers and toilets are available at all camps, and all your camping gear is included — you don’t need to bring anything.

    • Transport from Brisbane to Cairns in a 4WD ute with trailer

    • All camping gear (swags, bedding, cooking equipment, chairs, lights etc.)

    • Campsite fees

    • National park entry fees

    • A full-day guided tour to K’gari (Fraser Island) with food, drinks, activities and everything you need

    • Ferry ticket to Magnetic Island

    • Surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, beach toys, camping games, board games & books (use at your own risk)

    • · An experienced Aussie guide with years of tourism knowledge

  • Yes. We require all guests to have their own travel insurance covering medical emergencies, accidents, and activities like hiking or swimming. Proof of insurance may be requested before the tour.

  • We cook together as a group! Everyone puts money into a kitty, and we buy food together along the way. It’s a fun part of the experience and a great way to connect with your fellow travellers.

  • The core of the tour is transport and camping, but along the way we’ll be hiking, swimming, exploring, and adventuring. A K’gari day tour and the Magnetic Island ferry are included. Other activities are optional and at your own risk — you’re welcome to join Nick on adventures, but they aren’t covered by insurance.

  • Nope! Everything is provided for you — swag, bedding, cooking setup, and camping gear. You just need your personal items and a sense of adventure.

  • A 2020 Mitsubishi Triton 4-door 4x4 ute, towing a purpose-built trailer with a pull-out kitchen and water tank.

    • Comfortable walking shoes

    • Swimmers & towel

    • Hat, sunscreen, insect repellent

    • Head torch (handy, but not essential)

    • Portable phone charger

    • Reusable water bottle

    • Travel insurance documents

    • A big smile and adventurous spirit!

Two shirtless men sitting on a large rock on a sandy beach, holding bottles, with lush green bushes and clear blue sky in the background.
Two people wearing wetsuits, goggles, and snorkeling gear swimming in clear blue water, one doing an OK sign and both wearing yellow fins.
A woman walking on rocky terrain during sunset, wearing a red jacket and black pants, surrounded by orange and green vegetation with distant mountain hills.
Group of people sitting at picnic table outdoors, enjoying a meal while smiling and looking at the camera, with trees in the background.
Two inflatable paddleboards on a sandy beach with tire tracks, ocean waves, and a clear blue sky with distant cliffs in the background.
Group of people sitting at a picnic table outdoors on a beach during sunset, with one woman standing on the table and raising her arms in celebration.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY ON INSTAGRAM

JOIN THE COMMUNITY ON INSTAGRAM

Sandy beach with tire tracks leading to turquoise water, green cliffs on the left, and a partly cloudy blue sky.
Three men playing volleyball on a sandy beach, with ocean waves and a few swimmers, under a clear blue sky with some clouds.
group of smiling people taking a selfie outdoors with green trees and cloudy sky in the background
Night sky with stars and a tree with reddish leaves.
A travel-themed graphic with the text 'Ready to explore further? Start here' on an orange background. The graphic features a stylized mountain, a palm tree, and a sun, indicating outdoor adventure or vacation.