30 day City Lights to Coral Reef Melbourne - Cairns

Your East Coast package starts in the fan favourite city of Melbourne! This artsy southern capital is worth a few extra days so we recommend arriving a little earlier. This evening, you'll hop on board your overnight bus to sunny Sydney!

Welcome to Sydney! Check into your Sydney accommodation for 2 nights and then head out to explore all the city has to offer! Head to the Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House for some classic photos before wandering the museums and parks. As well as being one of Australia's most iconic cities, it also boasts heaps of awesome day trips including Bondi Beach, the Hunter Valley, and Blue Mountains tours!

Hop on a small group tour for a day in the epic Blue Mountains National Park. See the highlights of the Majestic Blue Mountains with a knowledgeable tour guide who knows the area. The “Grand Canyon” of Australia, which is now World Heritage listed, has deep gorges, steep cliffs, spectacular lookouts, excellent bushwalks and rich flora and fauna. Get involved!

Your adventure kicks off in stunning Sydney city where you'll have time to explore all the highlights including the Sydney Opera House and Darling Harbour. Looking at arriving a few days earlier to explore the best of Sydney tours? Chat with our travel experts today to find the best prices on day trips and Sydney accommodation. Tonight, you'll hop on board the overnight bus that will take you to the iconic coastal town of Byron Bay.

Arrive in the vibrant coastal town, where the scent of saltwater fills the air. Settle into a cozy hostel and hit the beach for some sun and surf. Explore the iconic Cape Byron Lighthouse for breathtaking views, and unwind with a sunset walk along the sandy shores.

Today you'll check out a cool waterfall near Byron, with our Behind the Bay trip! Get some awesome pictures and soak up the beautiful nature. Enjoy some free time at different selected locations!

Today you can soak up Byron Bays' charm and relaxed atmosphere. It is also a hub for artists, musicians, and creatives, plus you'll find a vibrant arts scene, live music performances, street markets, and an array of unique and eclectic shops. With stunning coastal walks as well as plenty of hinterlands, and awesome nightlife - there's plenty to keep you busy. If you want to make the most of this free day, head to the iconic lighthouse to do the famous Lighthouse Walk.

Head up the East Coast to popular Surfers Paradise where you can take a dip in the ocean and look at the city skyline at the same time! Explore the endless shoreline and vibrant nightlife for 2 nights.

Today you can check out the dining scene here, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries at Surfers Paradise serving a variety of cuisines. Perhaps ride a wave... whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, the area offers excellent surfing conditions and a range of surf schools to help you learn.

Jump on board a bus to Brisbane in the Queensland Region where you will check-in for 2 nights. Spend your first day exploring the area! Brisbane is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene. You can explore the Queensland Cultural Centre, which houses several world-class museums and galleries.

Enjoy your free day in Brisbane! Opt for a koala river cruise, or take a leisurely stroll along the scenic South Bank Parklands, where you'll find picturesque views, riverside dining options, and the iconic Wheel of Brisbane.

Today you will jump on the bus to Noosa. Arrive in the afternoon in the cool surf town. Get out, and explore the Area!

Enjoy your free day in Noosa. Visit the amazing national park and see the amazing fairy pools.

Today you will visit the world famous Noosa Everglades, with only two everglades in the world this one is not to be missed. Take your camera and capture this once in a lifetime experience!

Today, you’ll head up to Rainbow Beach. Check into your beachfront accommodation and then head out to explore! You'll be staying at this Rainbow Beach hostel for a total of 2 nights so get comfortable

Surfs up! It's time to tackle some waves like the locals. From Rainbow Beach your surf school will take you to the best beaches with perfect learning waves and will have you riding in no time! You’ll enjoy a half day Surf lesson with an expert local team and all equipment will be provided.

Your Fraser Island adventure begins with a quick morning brief at Freedom Hostel. At 9:30 am, depart for Fraser Island and drive approximately 10 minutes to the barge (ferry) and board for your 10-minute barge crossing. Once you have arrived on the world's largest sand island, drive for 1 hour to the Eurong Beach Resort along 75 Mile beach - Fraser Island's own sand highway with speed limits! There you can grab a coffee and chocolate croissant (own cost) for morning tea. From here, the adventure really begins, as we drive to the famous Lake McKenzie, one of the most popular and picturesque highlights of Fraser. We stop for lunch and time to swim and relax in the amazingly clear waters of the lake before driving up the beach to your campsite. Settle in for an early dinner, some well-deserved drinks and plenty of fun!

The day begins with a quick breakfast to fuel your busiest day on Fraser Island! First stop is Eli Creek, a beautifully clear creek perfect for a relaxing swim. Travelling north, stop at Maheno Shipwreck for a photo opportunity and a short history lesson about this famous Fraser Island icon before continuing on to Indian Head. Fraser Island's highest point, from here you may be lucky enough to see whales and sharks in the ocean before travelling to Champagne Pools for a drop. Lunch is served at either Maheno Shipwreck or Champagne Pools on Day 2 depending on time constraints, safety and beauty. In the afternoon, travel back to camp for dinner and drinks.

Start with breakfast before cleaning and disassembling your campsite. Once packed up, you'll drive to the beginning of the Lake Wabby walk where you'll stride through the dunes to find a tropical paradise! Lunch follows your trip to Lake Wabby before you begin the drive down the beach and back to the barge. Once arrived on the mainland, head to the 4WD shed where you can unpack and quickly clean the cars. You will return to Freedom Hostel between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, depending on the tides

Enjoy a free day in Rainbow beach. Watch the sunset right before you hop on your overnight bus to Airlie beach!

You'll arrive in the tropical paradise of Airlie Beach bright and early. This morning you'll check into your central Airlie Beach accommodation. No time to waste! Drop your bags and head out to explore this beachside town before preparing for your Whitsundays tour tomorrow!

This 2 night Whitsundays tour offers the opportunity to explore the islands, including time to relax at the magnificent Whitehaven Beach, walk to the famous Hill Inlet Lookout. Experience up to 4 snorkelling locations to check out the magnificent fringing reef around the Islands (all part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

Today you can enjoy multiple bush-walks and hikes (with lookouts and stunning views) - don't forget to charge up your phone/ camera! Enjoy Standout delicious meals made by the crew who are fun, and experienced and welcome you into the family. With 2 slides and an onboard jacuzzi you're bound to have a good time.

Wake up on your final morning to that clear sea air before it's time for more thrilling sailing back to Airlie Beach. After your tour, keep the adventure alive and meet your crew and fellow passengers for a catch-up at the after-party in Airlie Beach – you will have a reserved table, drink discounts and meal deals!

Today you'll make your way to Townsville where a ferry will take you to the stunning Magnetic Island (extra cost $36 AUD approx). Check-in for 2 nights and then kick back and relax on one of the island's many iconic beaches.

Today is yours free to soak in the sunshine of Magnetic Island for your final day here. A beautiful place for hiking, kayaking, and full relaxation! Explore Horseshoe Bay and Picnic Bay for a pristine beach day. The island is home to a variety of wildlife, including koalas, rock wallabies, and over 180 species of birds.

Today you'll wave goodbye to Magnetic Island and hello to Cairns as you catch the ferry back to Townsville and then head further north. Cairns is the gateway to both the Great Barrier Reef as well as the Daintree Rainforest and offers heaps of awesome activities for travellers from nature to extreme sports! Check into your Cairns accommodation for 2 nights and then head out to explore the city.

This morning you can tick off one of Australia's must-do activities - a full day Great Barrier Reef tour. You'll board at 7:30 am for a day packed with fun and excitement as you explore the outer reef. With options to try snorkeling or even upgrade to scuba diving, you'll spend up to 6 hours discovering 2 spectacular reef locations. Swim alongside schools of tropical reef fish and admire amazing coral formations. Learn about the underwater ecosystem during a glass-bottom boat cruise and Marine Biology presentation. It's a true bucket-list experience that you won't want to miss!

Today prepare to be mesmerised by nature and wildlife within the ancient tropical rainforest. You'll explore Babinda Boulders, Josephine Falls (Natural rock slide), Crawfords Lookout (Beautiful lookout) and the stunning Millaa Millaa Falls (World famous hair flick waterfall). You will also have the opportunity to visit the dormant Volcanic Crater Lake filled with turtles and surrounded by wildlife. You will watch the sunset next to your last swim (don’t worry about getting cold the water in here never changes temperature, it's 23 degrees all day and all night)!

This morning you will check out of your hostel and wave goodbye to your East Coast adventure! If you want to add some time to this trip but don’t want to add on destinations, Cairns is a great place to add on a few nights and explore! Say goodbye to like-minded friends and set off on the rest of your travels. We hope you have made memories to last a lifetime and hope to help you on your next adventure! Fiji or New Zealand anyone….?