3 Week Melbourne to Cairns Express

Day 1

Set Sail from Melbourne

Your epic adventure begins in Melbourne. Get to know your tour guides and fellow travellers as you depart Melbourne for an overnight bus to Sydney — these guys will be as close as kin after the next 21 days spent exploring Australia’s gorgeous east coast. If you’re keen to take a few extra days to immerse yourself in the cultural capital of Australia before the tour begins, consider booking in for an additional three nights, or explore the southern coastline with a day tour to the Great Ocean Road! Bon voyage, backpackers!

Trip Upgrade

• 1 Day Great Ocean Road Tour

Trip Extension

• Add 4 nights to your stay for more time in Melbourne!

Day 2 + 3

Explore Sydney’s Streets and Beaches

Spend the next two days exploring the streets and beaches of Sydney, home to the world-famous Bondi Beach! See the best of the seaside paradises on offer on the Bondi to Bronte walk, a 6 km roundtrip with non-stop ocean views. If you get hot, cool down in one of the many beaches, ocean pools, and rock pools along the way, and reward yourself with a beer and pizza at the locally loved Coogee Pavilion!

Day 4

Bus to Byron

All aboard the overnight bus to Byron. The once sleepy township of Byron Bay is now a bustling bohemian paradise perched on the beautiful coastline of northern New South Wales, star-studded with celebrities like Zac Efron, the Hemsworths, Matt Damon, and Aussie music legend Angus Stone! It’s the unofficial Australian capital of chill vibes, so chillax and get ready to embrace your inner beach bum.

Day 5 + 6

Explore Byron Bay

Check into your luxe Byron hostel and get ready to immerse yourself in the salt, sun and surf. Take the next two days to get into the Byron groove with the abundance of local live music and nightlife, test your skills on the waves with a surf lesson or go kayaking!

Trip Upgrade

• Surf Lesson
• Dolphin Kayak

Day 7 + 8

Rainbow Beach Getaway

Next stop: Rainbow Beach. Board the bus from Byron to Rainbow for two days and one night in this small coastal paradise. Explore the natural wonder of the rainbow sands in the south, where up to 72 different colours can be found, or take this time to relax and unwind after the hustle and bustle of Byron. The rooftop bar at The Deck is a fabulous location for golden hour drinks, too.

Day 9, 10 + 11 

3 Day 4WD Fraser Adventure

Spend the next three days 4WDing around one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in the southern hemisphere, K’gari (Fraser Island)! Explore the carcass of the SS Maheno (shipwrecked in 1935), the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek and Lake Mackenzie, or unwind with your mates in the Champagne Pools. The K’gari tour concludes on the third day when you’ll be escorted back to the familiarity of your Rainbow Beach accommodation.

Day 12

Overnight Bus to Airlie

Sleep off your big couple of days on K’gari and be sure to lather up in aloe vera to turn those burns into glowing tans as you kick back, relax, and let the Greyhound safely transport you to your next adventure in Airlie.

Day 13

Airlie Adventure

Welcome to tropical Far North Queensland, travellers! Airlie is a backpacker’s paradise teeming with friendly locals and tourists, and free and cheap activities to keep you busy. Explore the sun-drenched coast, float in the serene lagoon, or set your inner daredevil free with a skydive over Airlie’s picturesque bays and beaches.

Trip Upgrade

• Skydive
• 1 Hour Reef & Island Scenic Flight

Day 14, 15, + 16

Sailing Adventure Through the Whitsundays

Set sail from Airlie for a two-day, two-night escape to the 70 islands that make up Whitsundays. Hop between island paradises, snorkel with diverse and visually spellbinding marine species, and scuba dive through the vibrant and unique coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef! Your expert crew will provide VIP experience, knowledge of the area, and 5-star banquets before delivering you safely back to the mainland for another night in Airlie.

Day 17

More Airlie Fun

Enjoy one last day in beautiful Airlie. Hit the beaches or experience Far North Queensland’s renowned hospitality and food scene. You might not be back for a while, so why not hit the town with your new mates for a night of celebrations while you’re at it? Shake off our sea legs and put on your dancing shoes!

Trip Upgrade

• Skydive
• 1 Hour Reef & Island Scenic Flight

Day 18

Final Destination: Tropical Cairns

The end is nigh, dear travellers, and we’re going out with a bang! Arrive at the capital of tropical Far North Queensland, Cairns, and get settled at your luxe hostel. Spend the next few days exploring the nightlife, and unbeatable waterfalls, or indulge in a scenic flight over the islands and reefs.

Day 19

Snorkel and Dive the Great Barrier Reef!

Dive into the depths of the best dive spots on the Great Barrier Reef and discover radiant coral gardens, giant clams and sunken ships, a snorkel the shallows with sea turtles, dolphins and endless schools of vibrant tropical fish. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 3,000 reefs, and each is unique and different from the rest. This is one adventure you’ll never forget, so remember to bring your underwater camera!

Day 20

Cairns Free Day

Explore the local wonders of Cairns, like Rusty's Fruit Market, the local lagoon and of course... the bars and restaurants! Kick back, take a dip and hang out with your new friends at your hostel pool for a super chilled-out day in Cairns.

Day 21

That’s a Wrap!

Day 21! Wake up in warm, sunny Cairns with two-and-a-half weeks’ worth of tan and travel stories to trade with friends old and new. What’s next? Maybe you’ll extend your stay in Cairns, or revisit your favourite east coast gems!