Melbourne To Cairns Express Tour

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days 19 From US$ 1,614

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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
Go surfing in Byron Bay. Enjoy its laidback vibe

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 Melbourne, this trip will take you through Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane and Fraser Island, coming to an end in Cairns.

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 be give you memories for a lifetime.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Melbourne - Sydney (overnight bus)

Overnight bus

You can spend the day exploring the stunning architecture and mouth-watering eateries of Melbourne before hopping on an overnight bus to Sydney.

Day 2: Sydney

Hostel

Check into your centrally located hostel for 2 nights, drop your bags and get out to explore! 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 3: 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 4: Sydney - Byron Bay (overnight bus)

Overnight bus

No time for sleep-ins. This is your last day! If you're after some adventure, why not opt for a sightseeing tour with a twist as you skydive from over 14,000 feet complete with stunning views?

For a tamer morning, why not kick back with a coffee in one of the city's many leafy parks and soak in some sunshine? Later tonight, hop on your overnight bus to Byron Bay.

Day 5: Byron Bay surf lesson

Hostel

Rise and shine! Today you'll be learning to surf like a pro. Take your newfound skills to the waves later.

Day 6: 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 7: Byron Bay - Brisbane

Hostel

Pack your stuff, you're off to Brisbane today. Check into your lively hostel where you'll be staying for 1 night then head out to explore to city. Brisbane is affectionately called BrisVegas by the locals and you'll soon find out why.

This city is the perfect mix of relaxed summer vibes and a bit of city chic. Head out to Queen Street Wall, explore South Bank or cycle through Newfarm Park.

Day 8: Brisbane - Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Say goodbye to Brisbane and hello to Rainbow Beach this morning. Attend a compulsory safety briefing at 4:00 PM to prepare you for your upcoming Fraser Island adventure!

Meals

Breakfast

Day 9: Rainbow Beach - 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: Fraser Island - 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 before checking out in the morning.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 12: Dolphin feeding experience & overnight bus to Airlie Beach

Overnight bus

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! The rest of the day is yours to explore Rainbow Beach. Tonight, pack your bags as you board your overnight bus to iconic Airlie Beach.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 13: Airlie Beach

Hostel

Arrive bright and early in Airlie and check into your hostel for 2 nights. You are free for the rest of the day.

Day 14: Whitsundays sailing trip

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 dive board, waterslide and paddleboard. After dinner, chill out with your friendly crew or just relax under the stars.

Meals

Dinner

Day 15: Whitsundays Sailing trip

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 16: 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 & Lunch

Day 17: Airlie Beach - Cairns

Hostel

Check out of your accommodation and board your bus to the adventure capital of Australia - Cairns. Check into your new hostel where you'll be spending your final days of the trip and then head out to explore.

In addition to offering stunning views and being stuffed full of adventure activities, Cairns is also a huge party town so get ready for tonight. The best way to say hello to Cairns is to hit the town.

Day 18: 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 19: Cairns departure

Check out of your hostel in the morning. Don't cry! There's plenty more of Australia to explore. Give us a call if you want to see more of this amazing country.

what’s included

Hop-on, hop-off bus from Melbourne to Cairns
Accommodation as per the itinerary
All activities except those mentioned in the 'What's Excluded' section
An experienced tour guide at each destination

Optional Addons (Available during check-out)

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

what's excluded

Excluded activities: Fraser Island 4WD driving compulsory insurance levy: AUD15. Dolphin experience: AUD5
Meals except those as per the itinerary
Expenses that are personal in nature
Anything mentioned optional on the itinerary
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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