Cairns To Melbourne Ultimate Tour

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highlights

Go on a 4WD safari trip on Fraser Island
Explore the amazing Whitsundays during a sailing trip
Discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef
Learn to surf in the iconic Byron Bay

Join us on this epic, 39-day, Cairns to Melbourne tour and get the chance to explore Australia's east coast like never before. Starting from Cairns, this more-than-a-month-long guided trip will take you to incredibly beautiful places including the Great Barrier Reef, Magnetic Island, the Whitsundays, Fraser Island, Byron Bay, Sydney and Blue Mountain before coming to an end in Melbourne.

Enjoy cruising on the Great Barrier Reef, a stunning, 2,300km-long ecosystem made up of reefs and islands that are home to hundreds of different types of corals. Explore the Whitsundays during a sailing trip and go an adrenaline overdrive during a 4WD safari trip on Fraser Island. Learn to surf from the pros in Spot X.

See beautiful coastal towns such as Noosa and Surfers Paradise. Exploring major sights in and around Sydney, including the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and the awesome Blue Mountains. This trip comes to an end in Melbourne. For more about this adventure, please go through the itinerary below.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Arrive in Cairns

Hostel

Arrive in Cairns at anytime and check into your hostel. Better get some rest, you've got a huge couple of weeks to come.

Day 2: Great Barrier Reef cruise

Hostel

It's here. The day you've been waiting for. Today, you're heading out onto the big blue to explore the Great Barrier Reef, specifically its two stunning reef sites: Upolu Cay and the 'Wonder Wall' on the Outer Edge of Upolu Reef. Enjoy 6 full hours exploring the reef with awesome lunch and knowledgeable eco guides.

Meals

Lunch

Day 3: Rainforest hike

Eco lodge

This morning you're off to spend the night in a rainforest! Your trip begins when your local guide takes you to the spectacular Gillies Range and onto the tropical Atherton Tablelands. See Cathedral fig trees, one of the major attractions of the area, and take a rainforest walk at Lake Barrine National park before lunch and a swim at Lake Eacham.

Travel through the picturesque countryside for the day's highlights: swimming at several pristine waterfalls, such as the famous Millaa Millaa, plus a jungle trek to see the raging Dinner Falls and the Crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park.

Settle into your rainforest accommodation for some platypus spotting before enjoying a seriously good BBQ dinner.

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Bike & canoe in Atherton Tablelands & return to Cairns

Hostel

Enjoy a guided mountain bike ride through the lush green Atherton Tablelands or an adventurous downhill ride on the trails of Mt Baldy in the Herberton Range National Park. Next, head to the local swimming hole for a refreshing swim.

Explore a secluded area of Lake Tinaroo in the safety of two-person canoes. Your guide will help you spot rare wildlife such as tree kangaroos, birds and water dragons. Have your face painted with aboriginal ochre clay before enjoying hot showers, tea and coffee. Feeling tired? No worries, you'll be back in your Cairns hostel by around 7:00 PM.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 5: Cape Tribulation & Daintree rainforest tour

Hostel

Spend the day visiting the oldest living rainforest in the world! This tour will show all of the highlights that Daintree and Cape Tribulation rainforests have to offer.

Meet with one of the Indigenous owners of Mossman Gorge and learn about local traditions all the while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding rainforest! Return to your accommodation in Cairns, where you'll spend the night.

Meals

Lunch

Day 6: Cairns

Hostel

Today you've got a full day free in Cairns and you're totally spoilt for choice. Get the blood pumping with some epic white water rafting, get the best views in time with a AJ Hackett bungy jump, or opt to go tame and cruise the city by bike. Whatever you're feeling, Cairns has it all!

Day 7: Cairns

Hostel

You can book the optional skydiving today and jump down from 14,000 feet. Offering incredible skydiving experience paired with the most idyllic landing on the shimmering sands of Mission Beach, this activity offers you amazing views of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding tropical Islands and rainforests. Without a doubt Australia’s best drop zone and an unforgettable experience to last a lifetime.

Day 8: Cairns - Magnetic Island

Hostel

Make your way to Townsville where you will catch a ferry over to the magical Magnetic Island. Settle into your beachside hostel where you will stay for 2 nights and hit the beach.

Day 9: Magnetic Island

Hostel

Explore the island on your own. There's plenty to do on the island, but our personal favourite is to do nothing. Just kick back and relax. Once you soak in the views of the ocean and swaying palm trees, you'll know exactly what we're talking about.

Day 10: Magnetic Island - Airlie Beach

Hostel

Check out of your hostel and head back to the ferry. Pick up your bus in Townsville and head down to iconic Airlie Beach! Check into your hostel then get out and explore. Tonight, why not find out why the Airlie nightlife is just so famous?

Day 11: Airlie Beach - Whitsundays

boatstay

Don't forget your camera because today you're leaving on your Whitsundays adventure! Board your vessel at Abel Point Marina in the afternoon and travel to an exclusive Whitsundays resort. Settle down for a delicious dinner while enjoying the iconic landscape of the Whitsundays and get some rest after that because tomorrow is a big one!

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 12: Whitsundays sailing adventure

Boatstay

Wake up and head down for a continental breakfast and some fruit salad before packing your bag and heading off on a Whitsunday adventure! Your first stop is the Whitehaven Beach and the amazing Hill Inlet lookout.

Once you’ve taken those pictures, you can stroll down to the silica sand and do some exploring. Travel to Mantaray Bay. Head back to the resort for a well-deserved rest as your crew cook you another delicious dinner.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 13: Whitsundays - Airlie Beach

Hostel

The boat will pick you up at the beach. Cruise across the Whitsunday Passage to Langford Sandbar. Here, the boat will drop you off on the beach so you can enjoy a few hours of snorkelling with the resident turtles.

Soak up your last bit of sun and enjoying morning tea. The ride home takes about 45 minutes, allowing you time to stare out across the islands and reflect on the last couple of day’s amazing adventures.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 14: Airlie Beach - Seventeen Seventy

Overnight bus

Explore the beach during the day. Next, grab some snacks if you want to and prepare yourself for a night on the road. Take an overnight bus to the tropical paradise of Seventeen Seventy (1770).

Day 15: Seventeen Seventy (1770)

Hostel

Here's a free day in 1770 to enjoy! Soak up some sun and work on the tan - this is what the east coast is all about.

Day 16: Motorbike tour

Hostel

Get ready for some unique sightseeing experience today! Enjoy three full hours of driving your very own chopper motorcycle! Don't worry, we'll let you ride on the training track first. Once you feel confident enough, hit the roads around Agnes Water, keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos in the wild and watch the sunset. To top it all off, you finish your tour with some complimentary wine punch. Yes, please.

Day 17: Seventeen Seventy - Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Make your way to Rainbow Beach. Check into your new hostel upon arrival and get yourself comfortable with the relaxed pace of life here.

Day 18: Rainbow Beach

Hostel

In case you have booked the optional dolphin experience, you will have to prepare for an early start. Head for the beach at 6:30 in the morning. On arrival, visitors are welcome to join the volunteers in the water and get to know these beautiful mammals with a small group of people in the water at any one time.

Fish for feeding is available on site. Dolphin feeding does mean getting wet, at least up to your knees. So come prepared! This evening, at 5:00 PM, you will attend your compulsory safety briefing to prepare for your next couple of days on the stunning Fraser Island!

Meals

Breakfast

Day 19: Rainbow Beach - Fraser Island (4WD camping tour)

Camping

You leave your accommodation for Fraser Island at 9:30 AM. Drive for approximately 10 minutes to the barge and board it for a 10-minute journey to the world's biggest sand island. You then drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Beach Resort along the famous 75-mile beach track, Fraser Island's own highway with speed limits.

This is when the big adventure begins as you drive to the famous Lake McKenzie - arguably the most popular and picturesque highlight of Fraser! Here, stop for some lunch and for some quality time to have fun in the amazingly clear waters with your newfound friends! Around 3:00 PM, you drive up the beach to your campsite for an early dinner and some well-deserved fun!

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20: 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. Travelling north, you then stop at Maheno shipwreck 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 champagne pools for a dip! Travel back to your camp in the afternoon.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 21: Fraser Island - Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Drive to the starting point of Lake Wabby Circuit. Enjoy walking on the sand dunes of this tropical paradise! You can enjoy your lunch after the trip to Lake Wabby. Drive down the beach heading back to the barge and you are off to your next destination. Tonight, enjoy a well-deserved rest on Rainbow Beach before checking out in the morning.

Meals

Breakfast & Lunch

Day 22: Rainbow Beach - Noosa

Hostel

Check into your hostel in Noosa for 2 nights' stay. The best way to experience Noosa is to kick back and go with the flow. We're talking lazy afternoon drinks, sunset beach walking and all the other good stuff.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 23: Everglades canoeing trip

Hostel

Your adventure begins with a river cruise through magnificent lakes & wetlands of the Noosa River to the start of the Noosa Everglades where you will then hop on your Canadian-style canoe and start paddling. Enjoy morning tea, then paddle upstream in your canoe through ancient landscapes, mirrored waterways & a subtropical rainforest to re-join your tour group for a BBQ lunch.

Meals

Lunch

Day 24: Noosa - Brisbane

Hostel

Wave goodbye to Noosa and say hello to Brisbane! Check into your hostel for 2 nights then hit the shops on Queen Street! Tonight, there's no better way to get to know the city than heading out to the clubs of Fortitude Valley.

Day 25: Brisbane - Moreton Island - Brisbane

Hostel

You're off to explore Moreton Island today. You'll be picked up in the city and then be transferred via ferry over to the white sands of Moreton Island. Today is all about choices, with heaps of optional activities to choose from.

Our favourites are snorkelling in the stunning Tangalooma Wrecks, getting up close and personal with the local marine life during a feeding session and exploring the island by bike. This afternoon, be transferred back to Brisbane where you'll spend your final night.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 26: Brisbane - Surfers Paradise

Hostel

Wave goodbye to Brissy as you make your way to Surfers Paradise located on the stunning Gold Coast. Check into your centrally located hostel for 2 nights before heading out to explore the town. We're talking stunning beaches, towering skyscrapers and some of the country's best nightlife.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 27: Surfers Paradise

Hostel

You have a full day to explore Surfers Paradise today. This could be your perfect opportunity to hit the waves and put your surfing skills to the test. Otherwise, there are heaps of local shops to explore, secluded spots to work on your tan or hipster cafes with the best views in town.

Day 28: Surfers Paradise - Byron Bay

Hostel

Make your way to the laid-back Byron Bay today! This iconic coastal town is stuffed full of charm and boasts pretty awesome views to boot! Check into your hostel where you'll spend the next 2 nights.

Day 29: Day tour of Nimbin

Hostel

Today you're off for a real local experience. This tour is all about venturing into village vibes so bring out the hippie colours to explore Nimbin and the incredible hinterlands of Byron Bay. Spend the morning meeting dreadlocked locals and exploring the colourful street before a fun-filled afternoon of waterfall hopping. Head back to Byron Bay in the afternoon.

Meals

Lunch

Day 30: Byron Bay - Spot X

Hostel

This morning head out to the ocean to spot some local marine life before hopping on your bus and heading to Spot X. Check into your beachside camp and kick back and relax - you've got a big couple of days ahead.

Day 31: Spot X

Hostel

Enjoy stunning coastline sceneries and discover what the Aussie way of life is all about. Today is an early start as you head out for your first surf lesson! With spectacular views, epic waves and good mates, what's not to love.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 32: Spot X - Sydney (overnight bus)

Overnight bus

Welcome to your second day at laid-back Spot X. Head out for another surf lesson and spend the rest of the day shredding waves or working on your tan. Catch the overnight bus to Sydney, the darling of Australia's east coast.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 33: Sydney

Hostel

Arrive in the stunning coastal city of Sydney and check into your hostel. Drop your bags then head out to explore!

Day 34: Sydney

Hostel

Your first stop is the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour, but don't forget about iconic Bondi Beach and an abundance of museums and quirky sights that city has to offer.

Optional tours include a trip to Taronga Zoo. Be a bit greedy and pick up one of our iVenture cards to make the most of your time.

Day 35: 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 36: Hunter Valley tour

Hostel

Today is your excuse to get tipsy. Welcome to the stunning Hunter Valley! Enjoy travelling through rolling hills dotted with quaint wineries and endless vineyards as you wine-taste your way through one of Australia's most iconic wine regions.

After three winery visits where you'll get a behind-the-scenes tour and exclusive tastings, you'll soak it all up with another delicious lunch stuffed full of local produce. Walk amongst the vines, taste local produce and be sure to keep an eye out for kangaroos in the wild.

Meals

Lunch

Day 37: Sydney

Hostel

Today is a free day to explore Sydney.

Day 38: Sydney - Melbourne (overnight bus)

overnight bus

Enjoy your last day in Sydney before making your way to Melbourne.

Day 39: Melbourne arrival & end of your trip

This morning you'll arrive in the cultural capital of Australia where your trip officially ends. Don't cry. There's heaps more of Australia to explore still.

what’s included

Hop-on, hop-off bus from Cairns to Melbourne
Accommodation as per the itinerary
All activities except those mentioned in the 'What's Excluded' section
Experienced tour guides in every destination

Optional Addons (Available during check-out)

Whitsundays Scenic Flight`
Koala Cuddle, Currumbin

what's excluded

Excluded activities: Cairns skydiving: AUD 35, Fraser Island 4WD driving insurance levy: AUD15, Moreton Island: AUD50, 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
Pickup and drop off

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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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