Melbourne to Cairns Adventure - 20 Days

Welcome to Melbourne! Or Narrm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne is now located. Your adventure starts straight away with a welcome meeting at 9 am this morning. Travel to Wilsons Promontory along the Bunurong coast. When you arrive, head inland through the temperate rainforest along the Lily Pilly Gully Boardwalk. As you walk, look out for local wildlife like emus, wombats and kangaroos. Then, visit Squeaky Beach, known for its rounded quartz sand that squeaks when you walk on it! Listen for the sounds as you go and take in the surrounding granite boulders at either end of the beach. After, travel to Foster where you’ll spend the night.

This morning, walk the Corrigan Suspension Bridge Loop. Surrounded by South Gippsland wet forest and temperate rainforest, this is where the dinosaurs once roamed! You'll pass by several tall myrtle beech trees here – the descendants of the ancient gondwana beech forests dating back around 20 million years ago. Then, travel from Tarra-bulga to Rosedale, where you’ll stop for lunch. After, continue to Paynesville, where you’ll take the ferry to Raymond Island. When you arrive, follow the Raymond Island Koala Trail and see koalas in their natural habitat. Along the way, learn about their preferences for specific eucalyptus species, their leisurely lifestyle and the intriguing ways they communicate with each another.

Spend today exploring the Buchan Caves. When you arrive, join a guided tour through the Royal Cave with a local guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the limestone sculptures, calcite-rimmed pools and baroque stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed through natural processes over thousands of years. This afternoon, you're free to relax at your accommodation in Eden or explore the area at your own pace.

Connect to Country on today’s Bilbaan Cultural Experience – a trail that is part of the Gateway to the Bundian Way. Starting in Jigamy, home to the Keeping Place, you’ll walk along coastal bushland with sweeping ocean views to the Pinnacles. Guided by Country Custodians, you’ll hear about their deep connection to Country, learning about the local Aboriginal community, their cultural practices and the local plants and wildlife. The rest of today is free for you to continue exploring Eden in your own time.

Begin today with an oyster tour on Pambula Lake near Merimbula. Here, you’ll see how Sydney rock oysters are sustainably farmed using modern aquaculture techniques and learn about the area’s geology from a local oyster farmer. After, you can taste some of the fresh shellfish caught along the way! Stop for lunch at the Merimbula Wharf Restaurant before continuing to Bermagui Blue Hole. When you arrive, walk down the cliff to the 50 m long seawater swimming hole, known for its sapphire-blue water and marine life, like sea stars, crabs and marine snails. Maybe dive into the pool or walk to the viewing platform and soak in the views over the pool and surrounding coast. Continue to your overnight accommodation in Jervis Bay.

This morning, explore the famous white sand beaches of Jervis Bay. Start with a visit to Murrays Beach, world-renowned for its sands and calm, turquoise waters, then embark on the Governors Head walk to a lookout for stunning panoramic views of the bay and Bowen Island. Later, travel from Jervis Bay to Sydney. This is a bit of a long drive, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or watch the scenery pass you by. You’ll travel along the famous Sea Cliff Bridge – a 665 m long bridge that extends over the ocean. When you arrive in Sydney tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers.

The second part of your adventure starts with a pick up at 9 am in front of your hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use, and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. You’ll have amazing views of the harbour along the way, including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After your journey into the Dreaming, grab some lunch before heading north to the famous winery region – the beautiful Hunter Valley. Once there, sit down for a wine tasting with a sommelier and listen to the history of the various wines and the winery. Next, head to Cessnock in the heart of the valley, our overnight location for tonight. Perhaps head out for an optional dinner in Cessnock to get to know your new fellow travellers.

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Stop at Crowdy Bay National Park along the way and embark on a scenic hike through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head, taking in views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces. The quartz crystals in the cliffs sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast as you wind your way by secluded coves, beaches, and mountains, and you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.

This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Bellingen, where you might like to grab lunch and enjoy some free time. Continue to Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or explore the rainforest with your group.

Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.

Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise – they are pretty ace from Australia's most easterly point – but if you prefer, you can sleep in too! Today is free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes, learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson, or hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park to see the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales and learning of the marine biology. Alternatively just hang out on the beach. Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the local pubs or bars?

This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.

The next part of your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 10 am. Then drive to Noosa Heads – a serene town in Queensland by the sea – where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the cute boutique shops. If you’d like, maybe use your free time here to do part of the Noosa Coastal Walk and look out for local flora and fauna. This afternoon, you’ll hit the road again for the coastal city of Hervey Bay, where you’ll spend the night.

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head to the stunning K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a day trip. The name change is a major milestone in a long-running campaign by the Butchulla people, whose original name for this place means ‘paradise’ – and you’ll soon see why. Set off on an adventure through the breathtaking landscape. Start off with an adventurous drive along 75 Mile Beach Road – one of the best coastal drives in the country. Take a refreshing dive into the crystal-clear water of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) – an island icon. The lake is world famous for its turquoise colours and delicate white, 92% pure silica sand. Take another dip, this time in the fresh waters of Eli Creek, then visit the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sands of the pinnacles. From tropical dense rainforest to wild offshore waters, you’ll witness the contrasting fauna and terrain of this truly unique island as you venture across undulating dunes and vast golden beaches in search of the iconic outback creature – the dingo. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay where you can rest and recharge. 

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – one of the best sites for observing humpback whales during migration season, and the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Area. If the month is right, maybe spend the morning whale watching on the water, or rent a bike to cycle along the foreshore. Or you could take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many gorgeous beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland', from the train station at Maryborough West to Proserpine, just south-west of Airlie Beach, arriving early tomorrow morning.

Your new leader will meet you at Proserpine train station early this morning. Head for an optional breakfast and caffeine hit at a local café in Airlie Beach. Your day is free to explore this coastal paradise dotted with palm trees. This hub town of the popular Whitsundays has beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Maybe stroll around and explore, visit some local swimming spots for a refreshing dip or find a seat at one of the many bars and watch the sun sparkle on the water. Get to know your new leader tonight with an optional group dinner. 

Today you’ll head out on a full-day tour to Whitehaven Beach, in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands and in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the spectacular Hill Inlet Lookout, where you can take photos of the sweeping ocean views. Then, hit the water and go snorkelling at one of the secret spots today's guide will show you. See coral reefs, colourful fish, turtles, clams and other marine life. Then, enjoy an included lunch and take a boat to the southern end of the 7 km stretch of Whitehaven Beach, taking the chance to kick back and relax in the sun after a day of outdoor adventures. Tonight, back in Airlie Beach, maybe head to one of the local bars for a cocktail (or two) and watch the sunset.

Today is a long day of travel, interspersed with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville. Head to Castle Hill lookout when you arrive and take some photos of the gorgeous views of the town and ocean below. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park, where you can take a stroll, swim in the creek or just relax among the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, you’ll head to Lucinda, where you’ll spend the night.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla station, where you’ll meet the First Nations owners of the land – the Nywaigi people – and learn about their culture and history, including about the brutal conflicts with European settlers. The story you’ve been told will come to life as you visit an exhibition of pictures within the historic homestead. Then head out and explore the Mungalla wetlands in search of aquatic birdlife. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town with expansive beaches, lined with palm trees. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs, then ask your leader for their favourite local haunts.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and perhaps a refreshing swim in the cascades. Stop in for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then take the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the iconic tree this park was named after – this park protects endangered mabi forest and a large green fig tree with extensive aerial roots that drop 15 m to the forest floor, forming a ‘curtain’. After, head to Lake Eacham – the site of an old volcano and home to Australia’s largest python! Here, maybe take a swim (just keep an eye out for the resident freshwater crocodile). This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.