Cairns To Melbourne Express Tour

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highlights

Enjoy a 4WD safari trip on Fraser Island
Explore the amazing Whitsunday Islands on a sailing adventure
Dive into the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reef
Learn to surf in the iconic Byron Bay

This awesome, 19-day guided tour package is great for those who have a very limited timeframe but are hoping to see the main highlights along Australia's east coast. Starting from Cairns, this trip will take you through the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Brisbane, Byron Bay and Sydney before coming to an end in Melbourne.

Explore the amazing Blue Mountains and learn to surf in Byron Bay, one of the most stunning coastal destinations in the world. Go out on a 4WD safari trip on Fraser Island and visit some of its incredible lakes. Enjoy 2 nights of sailing in the Whitsundays.

Walk on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach and dive into the water in the Great Barrier Reef. With some of the most beautiful coastal destinations in the world on the itinerary and tons of included activities, this trip is sure to give you memories for a lifetime.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Cairns arrival

Hostel

Arrive in Cairns at any time and check into your hostel. You are free for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef cruise

Hostel

It's here. The day you've been waiting for. Head out to explore the Great Barrier Reef today. Get the chance to see 2 stunning reef sites. Spend 6 full hours exploring the reef with plenty of diving opportunities, awesome lunch and knowledgeable guides.

Meals

Lunch

Day 3: Cairns - Airlie Beach

Hostel

Wave goodbye to Cairns and say hello to Airlie! Check into your centrally located hostel then head out to hit the town.

Day 4: Whitsundays sailing adventure

Boatstay

Depart Abel Point Marina at around 2:00 PM and sail off to Nara Inlet. Relax and get to know your fellow passengers. On arrival, while dinner is prepared, try the diveboard, waterslide and paddleboard. After dinner, chill out with your friendly crew or just relax under the stars.

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Whitsundays sailing adventure

Boatstay

Sail to the breathtaking Hill Inlet and take a bushwalk to a lookout. Continue your bushwalk over the other side onto Whitehaven Beach to enjoy its splendour. Get back onto the boat and head to the southern end of the beach enjoying the long stretches that its white silica sands have to offer.

After lunch and plenty of time for fun in the sun, you head up to the north end of Hook Island for snorkelling, diving and swimming in some of the best coral bays that the Whitsundays has to offer. The evening is yours to relax under the stars.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Return to Airlie Beach

Hostel

Wake up and enjoy your breakfast. Go for your final snorkel, dive and swim before lunch. Sail back to Airlie Beach, arriving there between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM. Check in and recover at the hostel.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 7: Airlie Beach - Rainbow Beach (overnight bus)

Overnight bus

You've got a free day to explore the city before packing your bags and hopping on an overnight bus to Rainbow Beach.

Day 8: Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Today is yours to explore the beach. Attend a compulsory safety briefing at 4:00 PM to prepare yourself for your upcoming Fraser Island adventure!

Meals

Breakfast

Day 9: Fraser Island 4WD camping tour

Camping

Head for Fraser Island at 9.30 in the morning. Drive approx 10 minutes to the barge (ferry) and spend another 10 minutes on the water to reach the world's biggest sand island. Drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Resort along 75 Mile Beach Road - Fraser Island's own highway with speed limits!

Your big adventure begins from here as you drive to the famous Lake McKenzie - arguably the most popular and picturesque highlight of Fraser! Stop for lunch and spend sometime playing in the amazingly clear waters with your new-found friends! Drive up to your campsite at around 3:00 PM.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Fraser Island 4WD camping tour

Camping

Get up in the morning for a quick breakfast before you begin your busiest day on Fraser Island. First, head off to see Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travel north and stop at the Maheno wreck for some photos and a short history lesson about this famous Fraser Island icon.

Shortly after that, travel up to Indian Head, Fraser Island's highest point. From here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean, before you travel to the island's champagne pools for a dip! Travel back to your camp in the afternoon.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11: Return to Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Have your breakfast, then drive to the starting point of Lake Wabby Circuit. Enjoy walking on sand dunes. Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you drive down the beach back to the barge. Tonight, enjoy a well-deserved rest on Rainbow Beach.

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 12: Optional activity & bus to Brisbane

Hostel

You can join us on an optional dolphin-watching experience today. Leave the hostel at 6:30 in the morning if you have booked this activity. On arrival, visitors are welcome to join volunteers in the water and get to know these beautiful mammals.

Fish for feeding the dolphins is available on site. Dolphin feeding does mean getting wet, at least up to your knees. So come prepared!

Pack your stuff next and travel to Brisbane. Check into your lively hostel where you'll be staying for 1 night then head out to explore the city. Brisbane is affectionately called BrisVegas by the locals and you'll soon find out why. It's the perfect mix of relaxed summer vibes meet big city chic. Head out to Queen Street Wall, explore South Bank or cycle through Newfarm Park.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 13: Brisbane - Byron Bay

Hostel

Wave goodbye to Brissy and say hello to Byron! Check into your hostel, drop you bags and get out there to explore the town.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 14: Byron Bay - Nimbin - Byron Bay

Hostel

Head for Nimbin. Spend the morning meeting dreadlocked locals and exploring the colourful streets before a fun-filled afternoon of waterfall hopping. Head back to Byron Bay after that.

Meals

Lunch

Day 15: Byron Bay surf lesson & overnight bus to Sydney

Overnight bus

Rise and shine! Today you'll be learning to surf like the pros. Board your overnight bus to Sydney after the lesson is over and head for the darling of Australia's east coast.

Day 16: Sydney arrival

Hostel

Arrive in Sydney and check into your hostel. Of course, your first stop is the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, but don't forget about iconic Bondi Beach, numerous museums and the stunning views from the Rocks.

Today's list of optional tours includes a trip to Taronga Zoo among others. Be a bit greedy and pick up one of our iVenture cards to make the most of your stay in this beautiful city.

Day 17: Blue Mountains tour

Hostel

Escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney with a trip to the Blue Mountains. Combine this trip with a visit to an award-winning wildlife park with koalas and kangaroos, a relaxing lunch, fun guides and you have a memorable day out with amazing photos.

Explore Blue Mountains National Park and Featherdale Wildlife Park. Enjoy stunning views of the Three Sisters and relax over a picnic-style lunch, stuffed full of local produce.

Meals

Lunch

Day 18: Sydney - Melbourne (overnight bus)

Overnight bus

Enjoy your walk through the leafy parks and busy streets of Sydney before taking the overnight bus to Melbourne.

Day 19: Melbourne arrival & end of your trip

Hostel

This morning you'll arrive in Melbourne where your trip will officially come to an end.

what’s included

Hop-on, hop-off bus from Cairns to Melbourne (we will provide you with tickets. You will have to travel by yourself)
Accommodation as per the itinerary
All activities except those mentioned in the 'What's Excluded' section
An experienced tour guide in every destination

Optional Addons (Available during check-out)

Skydive Fraser Island
Whitsundays Scenic Flight
Everglades
Koala Cuddle, Currumbin
Dolphin Kayak
Great Ocean Road
Phillip Island

what's excluded

Excluded activities: Fraser Island 4WD driving insurance levy: AUD15. Dolphin experience: AUD5
Meals except those as per the itinerary
Expenses that are personal in nature
Anything not mentioned in the 'What's Included' section

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Good to know

Payment

A deposit of 20% is required when booking this tour. The remaining balance will be charged 45 days prior departure. For any bookings within 45 days of departure, the full tour amount will be charged upon booking.

Travel Insurance

We advise to take out Travel Insurance to cover for any unforeseen circumstances. Bookmundi recommends World Nomads' travel insurance.

Other Practical InformationThese packages are only suitable for those over age 18, and it is only possible to drive on Fraser Island if you are over 21 and have held a drivers license for 1 year. It is still possible to partake if you are not over 21, or if you have not held your license for 1 year, you are just not able to drive.

Cancellation20% Deposit payable upfront. Remaining balance payable 45 days prior to trip departure. Free cancellation up to 45 days prior departure, but the 20% deposit paid is non-refundable. No refund applicable within 45 days of departure.

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