6 Week Cairns To Melbourne Ultimate

Day 1 

Welcome to the Heart of Tropical North, Cairns!

All systems go as you start your adventure in the heart of Far North Queensland. Get checked in to your hostel, take an explore down to the beautiful esplanade, and go hunting for treats at the night market. Enjoy the bustling warm evenings and a cocktail overlooking the Cairns marina; the perfect way to prepare yourself for the adventures ahead!

Day 2

Under Da Sea in the Great Barrier Reef!

How many times can you tick off visiting one of the 7 natural wonders of the modern world? Well on day 2, do just that! Saunter up for a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the Great Barrier Reef. Get ready for a full day exploring the wondrous reef; turtles, reef sharks and Nemo await! There is snorkelling for all, with a chance to scuba dive for the super adventurous among you! Your trip includes a delicious lunch and snacks and all your snorkelling/dive gear, so let’s dive right in!

Day 3

Waterfall Wanderin in the Atherton Tablelands!

No trip to Far North Queensland is complete without a day of waterfall hunting! Join a fun bunch of other travellers for a day of mini hikes and waterfall selfies, alongside a lot of nature and ecology to widen your horizons! Key highlights include Milla Milla Falls (ready to get your hair flick insta story?), Volcanic Lake Eachem, and no trip is complete without a snack at the world-famous Babinda Bakery! Yummy traditional pub lunch is included, as well as all the good vibes! 

Day 4

Crikey! Let’s Head to Cape Tribulation!

It’s time to head north into the wilderness! Cape Tribulation lies about a 3-hour drive north of Cairns, where the rainforest meets the reef! A chance to come face to face with Salt Water crocodiles (Crikey) on the Daintree River, chase a sighting of the rare Cassowary, take part in an Indigenous smoke ceremony, and check out the stunning highway scenery as you snake along the Tropical Northern coast between Cairns and Port Douglas. Your day is topped off with a visit to an Ice Cream factory to cool down post exploring! Lunch and snacks are included, so kick your feet up and enjoy!

Day 5

Chill out in Cairns!

Today, enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation after your three fun-filled activity days. Today’s a great chance to get some life admin under the belt and get your washing done before leaving for Mission Beach! For those wanting to relax, the Cairns Lagoon is the place to enjoy a cool dip during the day!

Day 6

Mission to the Beach!

Ready set go on the early alarm; today is a travel-packed day as you head to Mission Beach! Head two hours south from Cairns to the charming town, where the beach and local vibes are abundant. Enjoy the sandy oasis and grab a photo on the insta palm (there are a few of these in Australia!). Check into your hostel and revel in the relaxation, and for those keen on stargazing, make the most of the low light pollution and grab a peak at the night sky!

Day 7

Soar over Mission Beach

This one’s for the adrenaline junkies! Today you will be starting out on a beach landing skydive in the original jump site in Far North Queensland! Your experience guide will take you through all of the must-knows, before flying you up and jumping with you on this once-in-a-lifetime thrill. Seek higher heights in Mission Beach to get those beautiful views like never before!

Day 8

White Water Rafting in Paradise!

Day 8 of your jam-packed itinerary holds an incredibly unique and thrilling experience; White water rafting in Mission Beach! Rush through the flowing rapids as you immerse yourself in beautiful greenery, biodiverse ecosystems and stunning riverways of tropical Far North Queensland! 

Day 9, 10 & 11

Chill out on Magnetic Island

The tropical wonders of Magnetic Island await, so head over on the ferry from Townsville and lap up the dazzling wonders of 'Maggie'! The palm tree-lined shores, secluded beaches and charming township are bound to help you find your island time, so sit back, relax and enjoy three nights on Magnetic Island! 

Day 12 & 13

Welcome to Airlie Beach!

Get amongst the action and wonders of Airlie Beach, as this backpacker haven welcomes you with open arms! Enjoy two days of relaxing your way, whether that’s embarking on a local hike, swimming in the Airlie Lagoon or partying your nights away! 

Trip Upgrades

• Scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef

Day 14, 15 & 16

Sail the Whitsunday Islands!

Ahoy there, it’s time to put rolling islands and glistening waters on your horizon as you set sail for the Whitsunday Islands! Your two-day, two-night sail is adorned with awesome luxuries like a delicious menu, sunset nibbles, a charming interior and a spacious deck area! Dive into the kaleidoscopic Great Barrier Reef, unwind on Whitehaven Beach, trek up to Hill Inlet Lookout and bask in island sunsets with your new mates! Return to the mainland with that island glow, and head back to your hostel to freshen up for your boat trip VIP afterparty! Free club entry and a welcome drink are on the house as you party it up in Airlie Beach!

Day 17

Travel to Rainbow Beach

From one seaside oasis to the next, board your bus to the beautiful Rainbow Beach. The glittering sands, turquoise waters and tranquil beaches are awaiting, so enjoy the ride and catch up on some R&R! 

Day 18 & 19

Rainbow Beach Adventures

Soak up two days in Rainbow Beach, a classic Aussie beach town where it’s all about rest, relaxation and beach time! That’s right, channel your inner beach bum, take a walk up to the local Carlo Sandblow, enjoy a cruisy brunch and take it easy in preparation for your next expedition to K’gari (Fraser Island).

Day 20, 21 & 22

K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD Camping Safari

Catch the ferry across to the golden sands of K’gari (Fraser Island), where incredible marvels, gorgeous lakes and endless sand highways await! You’re embarking on a three-day, two-night 4WD safari, so get behind the wheel, swim in Lake Mackenzie, visit Maheno Shipwreck, explore Lake Wabby and so much more on this social, adventurous tour! Spend your nights camping by the beach, under the stars with your newfound friends!

Day 23

Noosa, here we come!

Continue your journey to the dazzling Sunshine Coast, renowned as Queensland’s ultimate surf spot and holiday destination. Hit Main Beach and Hastings Street, go for a walk through the coastal Noosa National Park and unwind in this groovy, laid-back surfy destination!

Day 24

Canoe the Noosa Everglades

Embark on the journey through the serene Noosa Everglades, one of just two Everglade systems in the world! Glide through rich mangroves, reflective waterways and abundant birdlife. Your local guide will illuminate the complex biodiversity and rich history of the Everglades, so get in and amongst the natural marvels of this hidden corner of the Sunshine Coast! 

Day 25

Cuddle a Koala at Australia Zoo

Experience the utter wonders of Australian critters at the iconic Australia Zoo! Rub shoulders with kangaroos, emus, crocodiles and of course, the cuddly koalas! Check out the crocodile feed show and keep an eye out for Aussie celebs, Bindi and Bob Irwin!

Day 26

Noosa Free Day

Catch a wave, shack up on the sand, explore the Noosa National Park or check out some other things to do on the Sunshine Coast! Or, take this chance to do some laundry, call home and post some Aussie piccies to Instagram!

Day 27 & 28

Brisbane for days 

The brilliant lights and bustling city life are yours in Brisbane, so let’s dive in! Take a dip in the Southbank Street’s Beach, wander along the river, catch a CityCat, have a picnic in the Botanical Gardens and dance the nights away in Fortitude Valley, the hub of Brissy nightlife!

Day 29 & 30

Surfin’ at Surfers Paradise! 

Soak up the sun, salt and sand in the Gold Coast, the city where nightlife meets beach life! Hit the beach, catch a wave, unwind and enjoy some R&R during your jam-packed itinerary… you’re sure to need it!

Day 31

You’re heading down to Byron Bay! 

Hit the road to NSW as you make it to the hippie haven known as Byron Bay! A hub for young travellers, musicians, makers and surfers, lap up the chill vibes and creative vibes! There’s an array of places to eat, coastal walks to embark on and new friends to make in this awesome Aussie spot!

Day 32

Surf the waves like a true local!

Hit the waves and get surfing like a pro with a half-day surf lesson! Learn from a local with Byron Bay’s professionals guiding you through the do’s and don’ts of surfing… you’ll be riding barrels in no time!

Day 33

Kayak with the dolphins

Hit the sapphire seas of Byron Bay on a morning kayak tour! Paddle alongside your intimate group mates and… friendly dolphins! With a cornucopia of marinelife, explore the incredible headland and check out the Byron beaches and lighthouse from the big blue!

Day 34

One last day in Byron Bay

Lap up your final day in this beachside paradise! Whether you want to chill out, hit the waves again or enjoy some delicious vegan food that Byron’s renowned for! Whatever your style, enjoy the sunshine and irreplaceable vibes of Byron!

Trip Extension

• Surf more with 2 - 7 day surf camps in Byron Bay

Day 35

Nimbin adventures

Change it up with a day trip to Nimbin! Check out this artsy town on a guided day trip, wander mural-filled streets and soak up the local hippy vibes of Nimbin! Whatever your style, take a psychedelic day trip out to this hidden gem.

Day 36

Sights on Sydney!

Your next destination, and a quintessential one at that, is Sydney! Home to the stunning Harbour Bridge, the grandiose Opera House and Bondi Beach, there is an array of awesome times on the horizon, so buckle up and let’s get driving!

Day 37 & 38

Explore Sydney

There is an array of exceptional sights to see and backpacker-friendly things to do in Sydney, so go out and get amongst it! Whether you want to return to the golden sands at Bondi Beach, prefer to check out a local market or want to swing by the Opera House and Circular Quay, experience this gem like a Sydney-sider and tick some items off your bucket list! 

Day 39

Blue Mountain adventuring

Lace up your hiking boots and head out to the magnificent Blue Mountains. Reconnect with nature, and explore the lush valleys and vast bushland as your knowledgeable local guide shows you through stunning canyons. Check out the Three Sisters for extraordinary views and learn about the rich Indigenous history of the area!

Day 40

Sydney chillin!

Spend one final day in Sydney, getting up to whatever mischief you choose! There really are so many exceptional and unique suburbs, so set out with your camera and your sense of adventure and discover the wonders of Sydney!

Day 41

Inbound to Melbourne!

Get your Keep Cup ready, Melbourne’s coffee scene and vibrant culture are beckoning! Plug your headphones in, pump your favourite playlist and post your favourite trip pics to Instagram… you’ll be in Melbourne in no time!

Day 42

So long, farewell, it really has been a pleasure!

Wake up in the colourful Melbourne, where the world is your oyster! As your itinerary comes to a close, your next path is up to you! So, whether you’re hanging out in the trendy bars, chasing the best street art or wandering around galleries, soak up all that Melbourne has to offer!

Trip Extension

• Post-itinerary accommodation in Melbourne