From golden sands to rainforest trails, Australia’s East Coast is the ultimate playground for road trip lovers. But now, there’s a new way to explore it without getting behind the wheel. This month, Europe’s budget-friendly FlixBus is expanding its Australian footprint with two new routes: Sydney to Brisbane and Brisbane to Cairns. With summer around the corner, there’s no better time to jump on board – with fares already on sale starting at $9.99.
In November, FlixBus officially hit Aussie roads with its Sydney to Melbourne route via Canberra and Albury. Launching on December 18, the new routes will expand Flix’s reach, connecting five city hubs, 34 regional destinations and five major airports.
Flix is teaming up with trusted local bus operators, Lone Star Coachlines and Bundaberg Coaches, to operate its new East Coast routes. To celebrate, they’re offering introductory fares from just $9.99 one-way. Tickets must be booked by January 5 for travel until February 28, 2026, after which fares rise to around $70 one-way for Sydney to Brisbane or $244 for Brisbane to Cairns.
Those keen to commute from Sydney to Brisbane will need to strap in for a 15-hour journey departing Sydney at 7.20pm daily or a 16.5-hour reverse trip from Brisbane Airport, leaving at 1pm. There are plenty of chances to stretch your legs along the way, with stops in Newcastle, Bulahdelah, Taree, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Grafton, Woolgoolga, Ballina Service Centre, Ballina, Byron Bay, Gold Coast Airport, Surfers Paradise and Southport.
The Brisbane to Cairns route is not for the faint-hearted, clocking in at a whopping 28 hours. I don’t know about you, but my bum hurts just thinking about it. Departing Brisbane at 1.30pm daily or Cairns at 9am, this epic journey stops in Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Noosa, Traveston, Gympie, Rainbow Beach, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Childers, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Proserpine, Airlie Beach, Bowen, Townsville, Ingham, Cardwell and Gordonvale.
Although FlixBus is known for its budget-friendly fares, the experience is anything but basic. On board, passengers can enjoy free Wi-Fi, power outlets, reclining seats, toilets and a generous luggage allowance – including one seven-kilogram carry-on item and two pieces of stowed luggage, up to 20 kilograms each. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re opting for a more sustainable method of travel, with bus rides cutting an individual’s carbon footprint by up to 84 per cent compared with flying. Feel like a hero and snag a seat here.