Melbourne To Cairns Ultimate Tour

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highlights

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

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

See beautiful coastal towns such as Noosa and Surfers Paradise on the way. 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.

End your trip in Australia's adventure capital with memories for a lifetime. For more about this adventure, please go through the itinerary below.

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1: Melbourne to Sydney (overnight bus)

overnight bus

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 hostel where you will be spending the next 4 nights, drop your bags and get out to explore the city! 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 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: 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 5: Sydney

Hostel

Lucky you, you've got another full day in Sydney! Go on a street-food crawl or scout out the best vintage rummage markets. Whatever you want to do, Sydney has it! Tonight, why not hit the town? It is your last night in the bright lights of Sydney after all.

Day 6: Sydney - Spot X (Overnight bus)

Overnight bus

No time for sleep-ins, this is your last day! If you're after some adventure, why not opt for sightseeing with a twist. Skydive from over 14,000 feet and enjoy a bird's eye view of the city.

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 Spot X where you'll spend the next two days learning to surf like the pros.

Day 7: Spot X

Hostel

Get off the beaten track and head for Spot X where you can experience stunning coastline, good times 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 8: Spot X

Hostel

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.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 9: Spot X - Byron Bay & kayaking trip

Hostel

Leave Spot X for the stunning coastal sceneries of Byron Bay. Check into your hostel before heading out on a sea kayak tour this afternoon to spot some local dolphins and other marine life.

Day 10: Byron Bay - Nimbin (day tour) - Byron Bay

Hostel

Today you're off for a real local experience. 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 11: Byron Bay - Surfers Paradise

Hostel

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

Day 12: Surfers Paradise

Hostel

You have a full day to explore Surfers. This could be your perfect opportunity to hit the waves and put your new-found surfing skills to 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 13: Brisbane

Hostel

Pack your stuff, you're off to Brisbane today. Upon arrival, check into your hostel where you'll be staying for 2 nights. Brisbane is affectionately called BrisVegas by the locals and you'll soon find out why. Head out to Queen Street Wall, explore South Bank or cycle through Newfarm Park.

Day 14: 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 15: Brisbane - Noosa

Hostel

Wave goodbye to Brissy and say hello to the darling of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa! Check into your Noosa hostel upon arrival. You can then treat yourself to a drink at one of the many cafes that boast stunning coastal views. 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 16: 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 17: Noosa - Rainbow Beach

Hostel

Check out of your hostel and make your way to Rainbow Beach. Make yourself comfortable with the relaxed pace of life in the beach area upon arrival.

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

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: Return to 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

Day 22: Rainbow Beach - Seventeen Seventy (1770)

Hostel

Rise and shine, it's an early start for your hostel checkout. Next, grab some snacks and hop on the bus to the tropical paradise of Seventeen Seventy (1770).

Day 23: 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 24: Seventeen Seventy (1770) - Airlie beach (overnight bus)

overnight bus

Today is your day to explore 1770. We suggest that you hit the waves! Tonight, pack your bags as you board your overnight bus to iconic Airlie Beach.

Day 25: Airlie Beach

Hostel

Arrive bright and early in Airlie and check into your hostel for 2 nights. You are free to explore this tropical paradise next.

Day 26: Whitsundays sailing adventure

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

Dinner

Day 27: Whitsundays sailing adventure

boatstay

Wake up and head down for a continental breakfast and some fruit salad. Your first stop is the Whitehaven Beach and the amazing Hill Inlet lookout. Take some amazing pictures and take a stroll on the silica sand. Travel to Mantaray Bay. Head for your resort for a well-deserved rest as your crew cook you another delicious dinner.

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 28: 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 29: Airlie Beach - Magnetic Island

Hostel

You may be leaving Airlie Beach, but your sojourn through the tropical paradise doesn't stop there! 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 30: 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 31: Magnetic Island - Cairns

Hostel

Check out of your hostel and board your ferry back to Townsville from where you will continue onto the adventure capital of Australia - Cairns. Check into your new hostel upon arrival. As well as offering stunning views and being stuffed full of adventure activities, Cairns is also a huge party town. Get ready for tonight. The best way to say hello to Cairns is to hit the town.

Day 32: 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 33: Cairns

Hostel

You've got a free day in Cairns today and you're totally spoilt for choice. Get the blood pumping with some epic white water rafting and bungy jumping if you want to. You might opt to go tame and cruise through the city on a bike. Whatever you're feeling, Cairns has it all.

Day 34: 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 35: Rainforest hike, bike & canoe

Eco lodge

You're off to spend the night in a rainforest today. Visit the the spectacular Gillies Range and continue your journey through the tropical Atherton Tablelands. See giant Cathedral fig trees and take a rainforest walk in Lake Barrine National park before lunch and a swim at Lake Eacham.

Travel through a picturesque countryside for the day's highlights: swimming in several pristine waterfalls, such as the famous Millaa Millaa, plus a jungle hike to see the raging Dinner Falls and the Crater in Mt Hypipamee National Park. Settle into your rainforest accommodation for some platypus spotting next and enjoy a seriously good BBQ dinner before going to sleep.

Meals

Lunch & Dinner

Day 36: Rainforest hike, bike & canoe - Cairns

Hostel

You're treated to a guided mountain bike ride through the lush green Atherton Tablelands in the morning. However, you might opt for an adventurous downhill ride on the trails of Mt Baldy in Herberton Range National Park if you want to.

Next, head to the local swimming hole for a refreshing dip. Explore a secluded area of Lake Tinaroo in the safety of two-person canoes in the afternoon. 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. Feeling tired? No worries, you'll be back in your Cairns hostel by around 7:00 PM.

Meals

Breakfast

Day 37: Cairns

Hostel

You are free to explore the city on your own today.

Day 38: Cairns

Hostel

You're in for an optional treat today ! Offering Australia’s highest jump, paired with the most idyllic landing on shimmering sands, skydiving on Mission Beach is adrenaline-packed and offers great views of the Great Barrier Reef, tropical islands and rainforests. Without a doubt Australia’s best drop zone.

Day 39: Cairns departure

Your trip has come to an end. Prepare to head home. Check out of your hostel and travel to the airport or the train station for your onward journey.

what’s included

Hop-on, hop-off bus from Melbourne to Cairns. We will provide you with tickets. You will have to travel 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)

Whitsundays Scenic Flight`
Koala Cuddle, Currumbin

what's excluded

Excluded activities: skydive: AUD35. Fraser Island 4WD driving compulsory insurance levy: AUD15. Moreton Island trip: AUD50. Dolphin experience: AUD5
Meals except those mentioned on the itinerary
Expenses that are personal in nature
Anything not mentioned in the 'What's Included' section
Anything mentioned optional on the itinerary

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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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