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Melbourne to Cairns East Coast Map
Melbourne to Cairns East Coast Map slip n sliding josephine falls Cape Trib Beach Canoe Noosa Everglades Loving the beach in the whitsundays rainforest fraser island Byron Bay Kayak with Dolphins east coast blue mountains

Melbourne to Cairns East Coast Nature Lover’s Package – 29 days

Back to Melbourne Tours

$3,367.00$3,920.00

Transport:
Mixed (Bus, 4X4, Boat)
Difficulty:
Easy
Accom:
Mixed(Dorm Share and Camping)
Duration:
29 days, 28 nights
Food:
Some Meals
Guided?:
While on activities/tours
Departs:
Daily
Arrives:
Cairns, day 29
Melbourne to Cairns East Coast Nature Lover’s package explore’s the most popular nature destinations of the East Coast in 29 days!

 

This Melbourne to Cairns package is the perfect adventure for nature lovers fascinated about all the different landscapes of Australia. Starting in Melbourne with the famous Great Ocean Road, your will head north to discover other national parks like the Blue Mountains from Sydney, Springbrook on the Gold Coast and the remarkable ‘river of mirrors’ in the Everglades.

You will have plenty of opportunities to see the wildlife including kayaking with the dolphins!

Your adventure doesn’t stop there. You will also go four-wheel-driving on Fraser Island, sail in the Whitsundays and snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef. You will end your journey visiting the oldest rainforest of the world Cape Tribulation and swim in the stunning waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands.

This great value package includes all accommodation, tours and most meals whilst on tours. What are you waiting for? Explore the East Coast of Australia today!

Includes:

Simply choose if you are driving yourself between destinations or if you need to add a Greyhound Bus Pass.

*You can do this trip in the reverse direction, click here*

 

“We’ve been sending people up and down the East Coast of Australia for years and are 100% confident you will have an amazing time on any of our packages. You can keep all your tours, busses and accommodation open dated or give us the date you want to start and we’ll book everything for you!” Liz– One Stop Adventures Travel Expert

Clear

Description

  • Explore the most popular nature destinations including Cape Tribulation’s jungle and rainforests, Atherton Tablelands rainforests and waterfalls and the Noosa Everglades pristine mirrored waters!
  • Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
  • Sail and cruise around the Whitsundays
  • Explore Fraser Island
  • Kayak with the dolphins!
  • Visit the 2 most popular National Parks of NSW – Blue Mountains and Springbrook
  • Visit Melbourne and the famous Great Ocean Road

Below is an example calendar and written itinerary. However, your itinerary will depend on the availability of tours and accommodation from your start date.

One Stop Adventures will always endeavour to make sure you have the best itinerary and time possible.

Melbourne to Cairns East Coast Itinerary

 

Day 1 – Melbourne

Arrive in Melbourne and explore the city at your leisure.

Day 2 – The Great Ocean Road (Lunch)

Depart Melbourne around 7:00am and enter the Great Ocean Road arriving at a beautiful coastal town for coffee, cookies and tea. Visit Loch Ard Gorge and learn the tale of the famous shipwreck, descend the Gibson Steps and have an epic view of the Apostles from sea level on the beach!

*Tour itinerary may vary slightly due to weather.

Day 3 – Melbourne to Sydney

Today you have a full day in Melbourne before hopping on an overnight bus to Sydney.

Day 4 – Sydney

Arrive in Sydney at any time and explore the city and its beaches.

Day 5 – Blue Mountains (Lunch)

You will have the chance to see the Featherdale Wildlife Park, the Blue Mountains National Park, Wentworth Falls the Three Sisters and more!

Day 6 – Sydney to Byron Bay

Spend your last day in Sydney before catching a night bus to Byron Bay.

Day 7- Byron Bay

Arrive in Byron Bay in the morning. Check-in at your hostel and you can spend the rest of the day exploring the town or enjoying the scenic walk to the lighthouse.

Day 8 – Byron Bay- Kayak with Dolphins

Become closer to nature with a half day tour kayaking in the ocean with the dolphins.

Day 9 – Byron Bay to Gold Coast (Surfer Paradise) 

Travel to the Gold Coast and explore this energetic town or relax on the beach.

Day 10 – Gold Coast (Surfer Paradise) – Springbrook National Park

Discover the famous Springbrook National Park in the Gold Coast on a half day tour including a rainforest walk, drive on the beach and spectacular lookout!

Day 11 –  Gold Coast (Surfer Paradise) to Noosa 

Travel the short distance to Noosa and enjoy time to explore this lovely small town.

Day 12 – Noosa- Everglades (Lunch)

Today you will discover the famous “river of mirrors” Everglades on a full day tour combining a cruise and canoe experience.

Day 13 –  Noosa t0 Rainbow Beach 

Travel from Noosa to Rainbow Beach and explore the beautiful town at your leisure.

Day 14 – Rainbow Beach

You will have a free day in Rainbow Beach to explore the town and the beautiful beach. There is a safety briefing at 4:00pm for your Fraser Island tour the next day.

Day 15 – Fraser Island (Lunch, Dinner)

Today you begin your Fraser Island tour! The morning of departure is a pretty exciting time, we will again split you up into your groups and ask you to work together in checking off all your food to make sure it is all there before you go. You will pack your food into the eskies, alcohol into cool boxes, do a full vehicle inspection including checking all camping and cooking equipment is provided and then do a full driver briefing outlining the most important aspects of driving on soft sand and how to use the gears. Then it’s off you go!!

Day 16 – Fraser Island (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Due to tide times and changing conditions, the itinerary of the tour will forever change in terms of where you go, on what days but know that the experience of the lead driver will ensure you get to see the most important and beautiful sights on Fraser Island. Some of these should include Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, Champagne Pool, Indian Head and The Maheno Shipwreck to name but a few. You will only set up camp the one time and travel back to this area every evening so you can sit down, relax with a drink and cook your evening meals without the hassles of having to relocate every time.

Day 17 – Return to Rainbow Beach

Due to tide times and changing conditions, the itinerary of the tour will forever change in terms of where you go, on what days but know that the experience of the lead driver will ensure you get to see the most important and beautiful sights on Fraser Island. Some of these should include Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, Eli Creek, Champagne Pool, Indian Head and The Maheno Shipwreck to name but a few. You will only set up camp the one time and travel back to this area every evening so you can sit down, relax with a drink and cook your evening meals without the hassles of having to relocate every time.

On the third and final day, you will arrive back into Rainbow Beach approximately around 4:00pm (depending on tides).

Day 18 – Rainbow Beach to Airlie Beach

Relax in Rainbow Beach for the day before hopping on the overnight bus to Airlie Beach

Day 19 – Airlie Beach

Arrive in Airlie Beach, check-in at your accommodation and also check in with the operator for the Whitsundays (you will have all the instruction on your voucher). Spend the rest of the day to explore the town.

Day 20 – The Whitsundays (Dinner)

Early check-in for your Whitsunday tour. Begin 2 days 2 nights Whitsundays sailing around the magnificent 74 tropical islands!

Day 21– The Whitsundays (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) 

Continue exploring the Whitsundays!

Day 22 – Return to Airlie Beach (Breakfast)

Arrive back to Airlie Beach and celebrate being back on dry land!

Day 23 – Airlie Beach to Magnetic Island (Dinner)

Travel to Townsville and catch the ferry to Magnetic Island. Your stay includes the return ferry, 2 nights of accommodation, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner, 1 complimentary drink.

Day 24 – Magnetic Island (Breakfast)

The second day on Magnetic Island. You can relax by the pool, hire a topless convertible car and visit the Koala Sanctuary (optional $35).

Day 25 – Magnetic Island to Cairns

Catch the Ferry from Magnetic Island to Townsville and travel to Cairns

Day 26 – Cape Tribulation (Lunch)

Discover Cape Tribulation, the oldest rainforest of the world in a day tour including Port Douglas, crocodile cruise, rainforest walk and swim, lookout for breathtaking scenery and more! You will have lunch in a local bistro.

Day 27 – The Great Barrier Reef (Lunch)

Enjoy a fantastic day cruise on the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and lunch included. You will also have the opportunity to experience an intro dive!

Day 28 – The Atherton Tablelands (Lunch)

1 day tour to the Atherton tablelands. Bring your swimming gear as you will visit loads of waterfalls and waterslides through the magnificent rainforest. Return to Cairns hostel for the night.

Day 29 – Cairns

Today is the end of your journey. Check out of your accommodation and get ready for a new adventure!

 

What exactly are the differences? 

Greyhound 

  • Up to 3 departures a day
  • Goes to all the places you want to visit on the East Coast
  • Newer luxury coaches with Wifi and USB Charging Ports
  • Overnight buses can be utilised to save on accommodation while travelling

 

Premier

  • 1 departure a day, some departures are at painful times (such as Coffs Harbour which is 3:00am)
  • Does not go to 1770, stops at the turn-off and some hostels will come and pick you up at midnight/1:00am for $15 each way
  • Older buses
  • Will get you from A to B
  • The cheapest option!

The Adventure Boat

A maxi sailing adventure on the British Defender, Condor, Boomerang, Broomstick with 28 guests maximum

Whitsunday SailingWhitsunday SailingWhitsunday Sailing

Click here to learn more about the Adventure Boat 

The James Bond Boat

The Powerplay is a sleek catamaran with a spa on deck and neon lights on the bottom to attract dolphins and squid with a maximum of 18 guests

Whitsundays Powerplay Catamaran Powerplay Whitsundays Jumping off Powerplay Blue lights

Click here to learn more about the James Bond Boat

The Party Boat

The Atlantic Clipper is a tall ship with an inflatable slide, spa on deck, dive board and a maximum of 55 guests

Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays Spa Atlantic Clipper Whitsundays

Click here to learn more about the Party Boat

The Budget Boat

We usually choose between Mandrake or Tongarra as budget boat depending on the availability.

whitsundays TongarraMandrake Boat Cabin on TongarraNational Parks Whitsundays

Click here to learn more about Tongarra

Click here to learn more about Mandrake

These are our favourite boats to include on your East Coast Adventure though you can do the trip on any boat you want!

Click here to check out all the Whitsunday Boat Options

**Certain boats on the Whitsundays will incur a $40 per person public holiday fee, which is payable on check-in. If you would like to check if this applies to your boat, please contact our office**

*To drive on Fraser Island you must be 21 years of age or older (please note if you don’t have a drivers licence or don’t want to drive you can be a passenger)

What to bring:

  • Water
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Warm and cool clothing
  • Flashlight
  • Toiletries
  • Rain jacket
  • Camera
  • Towel
  • Insect repellent
  • A sense of adventure!

Luggage restrictions: 20 kg max

Q: Is this a fully guided Tour?

A: No, This is a combination of accommodation and separate tours that we organise for you. You need to choose how you travel between your destinations whether by bus or driving. You can then choose to have open dated tickets or select a starting date and we’ll organise everything and send you an itinerary!

Q: Can I change anything?

A: Of course, just call or email us and we can organise a custom package in no time and set you on your adventure.

Q: Will I meet lots of people this way?

A: Definitely, this is the most popular way of travelling and experiencing Australia’s East Coast, so no matter if you’re on tour or on a bus or in a hostel you’ll make lots of new friends.

Q: What’s the difference between Greyhound and Premier Buses?

A: Greyhound has new buses with Wi-Fi, USB plugs for charging devices and up to 3 departures per day, Premier has older buses with usually 1 departure a day.

Q: What accommodation will I be staying at? 

A: You will be staying in dorm rooms at the accommodation we book for you, we use accommodation that we know are awesome because we’ve been sending people there for years. If you would like to stay somewhere in particular just let us know and we will do our best to make it happen.

If you would like to stay in private rooms, get in touch with us and we can make a custom package for you.