Melbourne to Cairns Adventure - 21 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.

Spend some free time exploring Sydney at your own pace before your second welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, where you’ll meet your new leader and the travellers joining you for the second leg of your adventure. You could visit the iconic Opera House for a guided tour (advance bookings are recommended) to catch a show or to simply pose for a classic photo on the stairs. Right next door, you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens – the perfect spot for a picnic, if the weather’s right – plus plenty of restaurants where you can have lunch with a view of Sydney Harbour. Maybe grab some ice cream and go for a stroll along the waterfront. After the meeting, get to know your group over an optional welcome dinner.

Head out for a walking tour around The Rocks with your local leader. Wander through sites like Campbells Cove and along the Cumberland Walk while you learn about the area's history and seek out great views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. You’ll then have time to grab lunch before heading north to the famous Hunter Valley wine region. When you arrive, sit down for a sommelier-led wine tasting where you’ll hear about the winery’s history and varieties. Finish your tasting and depart for Cessnock, where you’ll check into your accommodation for tonight in the heart of the valley. This evening, maybe head out for dinner with your group.

Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Along the way, stop at Crowdy Bay National Park for the easy-to-moderate Diamond Head Loop Walk that winds through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head. While taking in the views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces, keep an eye out for the quartz crystals in the cliffs that sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Whales and dolphins can sometimes be spotted off the coast, and you may even come across a mob of kangaroos between the secluded coves, beaches and forest trails. 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 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. Continue to your overnight location at Moonee Beach.

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.

Today is a free day to enjoy the coastal life of Byron Bay. Early risers might enjoy catching the sunrise, while others can enjoy the morning to sleep in. There’s plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Byron Bay, including a beginner’s surf lesson, a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park, or just relaxing at the beach. You’ll have plenty of options for food and drink today thanks to Byron’s thriving café, bar and pub scene. Perhaps get the group together for a dinner overlooking the water? Your leader can help with some recommendations.

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 add a few extra snacks 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. After, drive to Noosa Heads – a serene seaside town in Queensland where you can grab some lunch, relax on the beach or go shopping in the boutiques. If you 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 island of K'gari (previously known as Fraser Island) by ferry for a daytrip. 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 landscape, starting with an adventurous drive along the sand roads of 75 Mile Beach Road. Then, take a dive into the clear rainwater lake of Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie), famous for its turqouise water filtered by its 92 per cent pure silica sand. Head over to another of the island’s safe swimming spots, the fresh waters of Eli Creek, before a visit to the Maheno shipwreck and coloured sands of the pinnacles. Tonight, head back to Hervey Bay for a free evening to rest and recharge. 

Enjoy a free day in Hervey Bay today – a prime location 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. You could also take a leisurely stroll along the water’s edge, go kayaking or just enjoy one of the many Queensland beaches nearby. Make sure you pick up some snacks for tonight's overnight train journey north on the famous 'Spirit of Queensland.' Depart from the train station at Maryborough West and arrive in Proserpine, 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 hub town of the popular Whitsundays, which has plenty of beer gardens, trendy cafes and a lawn-fringed swimming lagoon. Whether you want to just kick back by the water or get out into nature on a coastal hike, there’s plenty on offer. 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 the centre of the Great Barrier Reef. Start with a walk to the Hill Inlet Lookout – one of the most famous lookout spots for wide spanning views of the Whitsundays’ white sands and blue waters. Then, throw your swimsuit on to go snorkelling at one of the secret spots that your guide will show you. See coral reefs, tropical 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 toast at sunset.

Today is a long day of travel with some stops to stretch your legs. Your first stop is Townsville, where you’ll head to Castle Hill lookout, walking the track up to the 360-degree viewpoint of the town, Coral Sea and Magnetic Island. You’ll have some free time for lunch and to chill by the water. Then, carry on to Big Crystal Creek in the Paluma Range National Park for a stroll, swim in the creek or quiet time relaxing to the sounds of local birdlife. This afternoon, depart for Lucinda, your location for the night.

This morning after breakfast, drive to Mungalla Station to meet the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Nywaigi people. Learn about their culture and history, including the brutal conflicts with European settlers, during a guided tour. 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 like spoonbills, magpie geese and egrets. Drive to Mission Beach this afternoon – a small coastal town on the Cassowary Coast known for its beaches lined by palm trees and rainforests filled with cassowaries. Stop in Tully along the way to stretch your legs and tonight, maybe ask your leader for their favourite local restaurant.

Have breakfast before driving to Millaa Millaa Falls for a nature walk and optional swim in the cascades. Stop for lunch at a local cafe at Yungaburra, then walk along the Curtain Fig boardwalk to see the heritage-listed 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 go for a swim or walk the rainforest tracks, looking for native wildlife like the musky rat-kangaroo. This afternoon, you’ll drive to Cairns, where your trip will come to an end at approximately 5 pm. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.