PRICES START FROM: | ||
|---|---|---|
| EUR | GBP | AUD |
| €4779 | £4159 | $7999 |
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.
PRICES START FROM: | ||
|---|---|---|
| EUR | GBP | AUD |
| €4779 | £4159 | $7999 |
Tour charges are in AUD. Secure your tour date with a deposit today! Booking and Transaction Fees apply. Find out more here.
Get ready for the ULTIMTE Adventure! Discover amazing Aussie locations, have heaps of fun, create unforgettable memories and make friends for life! From Melbourne to Cairns, we’ll explore the best of Australia’s East Coast plus an ULTIMATE week in Australia’s culture hub – Melbourne. This epic adventure combines our long running East Coast Explorer plus Sydney tour with an additional week in Melbourne. This trip is led by an ULTIMATE Group Leader and fully guided from Melbourne to Cairns
ULTIMATE Group Leader This trip is fully led by a Group Leader. We travel from Sydney to Cairns in the same group! Accommodation 47 nights accommodation in 8-12 Bed Shared Dorms plus 2 Overnight Buses All Transport All transport included to get us from Sydney to Cairns via Public Scania Coaches and a train from Melbourne to Sydney Melbourne City and Laneway Tour Explore Melbourne City and the famous Graffiti Laneways Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road Visit Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge & London Bridge. Sydney City Tour & Welcome Dinner Explore Sydney on Day 1 visiting the Opera House and Harbour Bridge! Sydney Harbour Cruise See the sites from the most famous Harbour in the world on the ULTIMATE 3.5 hour catamaran Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk Visit the world renowned 'Bondi Beach' and do the famous Coogee to Bondi Coastal Walk
| Base Camp Port Stephens Experience sandboarding, a dolphin cruise and hiking Mt. Tomaree when you spend 2 nights at our ULTIMATE Base Camp Sydney Party Night Experience Sydney's Social scene with a night out on the town with arrival drinks! Visit Byron Bay Lighthouse Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse on Australia's most easterly point. Byron Bay Surf Lesson Learn to surf like a local with a beginner Surf Lesson included! Surfers Paradise Beach & City Orientation Walk Visit Australia's famous Surfers Paradise Beach and popular party strip Brisbane Southbank Orientation Walk Visit the man made lagoon in the centre of Brisbane City! Noosa Headland Walk Walk along the headlands and discover sweeping ocean vistas, rocky bays, enclosed beaches. Rainbow Beach Sand Blow Walk Be wonderstruck at one of the coasts most unique 'moonscape' landscapes.
| 3day / 2 night All inclusive K'gari Camping Adventure Experience the ULTIMATE adventure camping on Fraser Island! Visit Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Maheno Shipwreck plus more! 2 day / 2 night Whitsunday Island Sailing. Sail the iconic Whitsunday Islands on a boat. Visit Whitehaven Beach, Snorkel and party in paradise! Magnetic Island Fort’s Walk Experience a National Park and keep an eye out for koalas, stunning views and World War II relics all set in the island’s dry tropical landscape. Visit Cairns Lagoon 5 nights in the Adventure Capital of Australia to get your adrenaline pumping with customised experiences! 1 day Great Barrier Reef Snorkel Trip Experience this wonder of the world and snorkel the reef! 1 day Atherton Tablelands Waterfalls tour We visit this World Heritage listed Rainforest, home to stunning waterfalls plus more! |
Local fees applied if travelling on a tour that starts before 30 June 2026: $80AUD Total Paid direct. $30 EMC Levy, $20 port fuel and reef levy - Great Barrier Reef, $30 insurance - Fraser Island Adventure.
From 1 July 2026, an optional 'K'gari' Fraser Island Camping insurance is available for $30 if you wish to drive a vehicle during the Island Experience component of the tour.
Spending Money: We recommend a travel budget of approx $80-$100/ day for meals when not included in the itinerary. This tour is designed to have free time in most locations so that you can participate in additional and optional activities. Explore and Prebook your activities online, or book once you arrive and your tour begins.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Our 7 Week East Coast Australia tour is the ultimate way to travel from Sydney to Cairns, combining iconic destinations, social experiences and unforgettable moments. With even more time built into the journey, you will have a more in depth and relaxed experience while still covering the best highlights of Australia’s East Coast.
Our tours are fully guided by a Group Leader for your entire journey from Sydney to Cairns. The itinerary is easy paced and designed with free time at most stops, giving you the flexibility to personalise your experience while enjoying the structure and social side of a group tour.
ABOUT YOU
This East Coast Australia tour is designed for travellers aged 18 to 35 who want to experience the best of Australia in a fun and social environment. Some travellers are on gap years, while others are on longer holidays looking to explore, meet new people and make the most of their time.
Many travellers join solo, so you do not need to come with friends. If you are looking to travel with like minded people, experience Australia and create lifelong memories, this trip is for you.
ORIENTATION WALKS
We include an Orientation Walk at most stops along the itinerary. These are short guided walks with your Group Leader when you arrive in a new destination, designed to help you get your bearings and understand the layout of the area.
You will be shown key landmarks, main streets, transport points and local hangouts, along with insider tips on food, nightlife and activities. These are not formal history tours, but practical introductions to help you make the most of your time in each location. Most walks take around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the destination.
TRANSPORT
We travel from Sydney to Cairns using a mix of public transport, trains and long distance coaches. To maximise time in each destination, some journeys are completed overnight. This means you can travel while you sleep and arrive ready to explore your next stop. On Day 7 of this itinerary, we will travel from Melbourne to Sydney via train.
TRAVEL STYLE
This is a social East Coast Australia tour with a well paced itinerary and a good balance of included experiences and free time. Accommodation, key transport and major logistics are organised for you, so you can focus on enjoying each destination.
GROUP VIBE
The vibe is friendly, social and fun, and plenty of travellers join solo. Some days are focused on exploring and experiencing highlights together, while others are more relaxed with free time and optional activities.
Nights vary depending on your group, from chilled evenings to bigger nights out. The social experience is shaped by the people you are travelling with, and we aim to create a balanced trip so you can enjoy it in a way that suits your style.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP DIFFERENT
This is a fully guided East Coast Australia group tour, not a semi guided package. Your Group Leader travels with you for the entire itinerary, providing consistent support, local knowledge and helping everything run smoothly.
Unlike semi guided trips where support is limited, this tour gives you a complete group experience from start to finish, with someone there to guide and support you throughout your journey.
WHY TRAVEL THIS WAY
Travelling Australia’s East Coast independently can take time and planning across multiple destinations. This tour removes the stress by organising everything for you, while still giving you the freedom to explore each location your way. It is a social, easy and efficient way to experience the East Coast.
This tour stars at the meeting point in Melbourne on Day 1 of the itinerary. You must make your own way to the meeting point and first nights accommodation as an arrival transfer is not included. The tour officially starts at 12pm on Day 1.
Arriving early? Choose to add additional pre-tour nights when you book online, or chat with our reservations team to organise extra nights.
The Melbourne to Cairns Explorer group tour is a combination of our East Coast Explorer + Sydney (6 Week) tour in addition to a further 7 days in Melbourne. The first week in Melbourne is fully guided. Some group members will officially join the tour on Day 8 of the itinerary in Sydney.
Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.
Whether you'd like to brave a Skydive, a Bungy Jump, go White Water Rafting, visit the Daintree Rainforest or extend your stay in Cairns, we're here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout.
OUTBACK ADD-ON
Experience Outback Australia on our 3-day tour of the iconic Red Centre. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Looking to do a stopover on the way to Australia? Join our Ultimate guided tours in Thailand or Bali!
Want to explore another part of Australia or keen for an activity we haven't mentioned? Let us know! We're the Aussie travel experts and are here to help you plan your dream adventure Down Under!
To book this Melbourne to Cairns group tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.
If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a deposit.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour starts in Melbourne on Day 1 of the itinerary Mondays (Thursday or Saturdays) at 12pm
Tour ends in Cairns Monday (Thursday or Saturday) at 10am
LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)
We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) - Paid direct if required
Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Local fees applied if travelling on a tour that starts before 30 June 2026: $80AUD Total Paid direct. $30 EMC Levy, $20 port fuel and reef levy - Great Barrier Reef, $30 insurance - Fraser Island Adventure.
From 1 July 2026, an optional 'K'gari' Fraser Island Camping insurance is available for $30 if you wish to drive a vehicle during the Island Experience component of the tour.
Spending Money: We recommend a travel budget of approx $80-$100/ day for meals when not included in the itinerary. This tour is designed to have free time in most locations so that you can participate in additional and optional activities. Explore and Prebook your activities online, or book once you arrive and your tour begins.
The Ultimate Melbourne to Cairns Explorer tour includes 40 nights accommodation and 3 overnight buses.
36-nights are spent in dorm share accommodation in the very best hostels on the Aussie East Coast. You'll be staying in a beachfront hostel, resort-style flashpacker accommodation and a leafy island bungalow with an on-site wildlife park.
You'll also spend 2 nights sailing around the Whitsunday Islands and 2-nights camping on Fraser Island.
Accommodation is based on 4-10 bed shared dorm arrangements.
Twin share and Private rooms upgrades are available.
ABOUT THE TOUR
Our 7 Week East Coast Australia tour is the ultimate way to travel from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef, with more time built into the journey for a deeper and more relaxed experience. You will see iconic locations, enjoy unforgettable moments and travel with everything organised for you.
ABOUT YOU
This tour is for travellers aged 18 to 35 who want a fun and social way to experience Australia. Many people join solo, so it is easy to meet others and make friends quickly. Whether you are on a gap year or a longer holiday, this is all about making the most of your time.
ORIENTATION WALKS
At most stops, your Group Leader will take you on a short Orientation Walk when you arrive. You will get a quick feel for the area, see key spots and get tips on where to eat, go out and explore. These are quick, practical walks designed to help you settle in fast.
TRANSPORT
We travel from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef using a mix of public transport, trains and long distance coaches. Some journeys are completed overnight so you can maximise your time in each destination and arrive ready for your next stop. On Day 7 of this itinerary, we will travel from Melbourne to Sydney via train.
TRAVEL STYLE
This is a social tour with a mix of included experiences and free time. Transport, accommodation and key plans are organised, so you can focus on enjoying the trip.
GROUP VIBE
The vibe is friendly and social. Some days are busy and full of activities, others are slower with time to chill. Nights can vary depending on your group, from relaxed evenings to bigger nights out. The overall experience depends on your fellow travellers, and we aim to create a balanced trip so you can enjoy it your way.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP DIFFERENT
This is a fully guided tour, not semi guided. Your Group Leader is with you the whole way, helping you get the most out of every destination and keeping everything running smoothly.
WHY TRAVEL THIS WAY
Everything is organised for you, so you can travel stress free while still having the freedom to explore. It is an easy and social way to experience the East Coast.
Whilst our tours are jam-packed with awesome activities, you may choose to add our optional activities to your booking.
Whether you'd like to brave a Skydive, a Bungy Jump, go White Water Rafting, visit the Daintree Rainforest or extend your stay in Cairns, we're here to help you plan the trip of a lifetime!
You can pre-book optional activities guaranteeing availability on your chosen departure date or organise any additional activities with your Ultimate guide as you travel, for the same price (subject to tour availability.) Check out some of our popular optional extras and simply add them to your booking at checkout.
OUTBACK ADD-ON
Experience Outback Australia on our 3-day tour of the iconic Red Centre. Visit the sacred sites of Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, sleep in an Aussie swag under the stars and learn about Aboriginal history and current day Aboriginal culture.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Looking to do a stopover on the way to Australia? Join our Ultimate guided tours in Thailand or Bali!
Want to explore another part of Australia or keen for an activity we haven't mentioned? Let us know! We're the Aussie travel experts and are here to help you plan your dream adventure Down Under!
To book this Melbourne to Cairns group tour, select your chosen departure date and any optional extras you would like to book. We'll send you a booking confirmation as well as important information about your tour.
If you have a travel date in mind but you're not ready to pay in full, you can secure your spot with a $300 deposit.
TOUR INFORMATION
Tour starts in Melbourne on Day 1 of the itinerary Mondays (Thursdays or Saturdays)
Tour ends in Cairns Monday (Thursday or Saturday) at 10am
LOCAL CHARGES (Paid direct on arrival)
We have done our best to include the key touring components but have listed the below fee's that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
Fraser Island Insurance Fee ($20 AUD) - Paid direct on arrival
Fraser Island Sleeping Bag Hire ($10AUD) - Paid direct if required
Great Barrier Reef Conservation Levy ($20 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
Whitsundays National Park EMC Levy ($30 AUD) Paid direct on arrival
The Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour includes 47 nights accommodation and 2 overnight buses.
The Melbourne to Cairns Explorer (7 Week) starts in Melbourne on Mondays or Thursdays at 12pm and ends in Cairns on Mondays or Thursdays at 10am. At the end of your adventure your tour guide can help you to arrange onward travel. You can continue your adventure with our Outback add-on or select a return transfer to take you to the airport at the end of the tour.
You’ll be travelling with a group of 18-30-somethings from all over the world, and a fully licensed Group Leader available 24/7 whilst on tour. Group sizes vary but you can generally expect to travel with a group of approximately 10-20 people.
We stay at the best hostels along the Australian East Coast. All prices are based on shared accommodation in 6, 8 or 10 share dorm style rooms. Twin and private room upgrades are available to book but are subject to availability and single supplement charges. Note: Twin and Private room upgrades are not available on the Whitsundays or K'gari.
Want to explore a bit more time Sydney? Check out our Ultimate East Coast Explorer + Sydney tour which combines our 7 Day Ultimate Sydney tour with this Ultimate Explorer 5 week itinerary. The Explorer + Sydney tour includes an additional 7 nights accommodation in Sydney, a city tour, welcome dinner, a Sydney Harbour cruise and a few days to explore Bondi! Keen for more after your East Coast Adventure? Get the real Aussie Outback experience with our Red Centre Outback add-on! Various activity add-ons on your way up the coast including: Skydive, bungy jump, white water rafting, waterfall tours and more! Simply add your extras on when you check out.
We include an Orientation Walk at most stops of our itinerary. It is a short and guided walk with your group leader when you arrive at a new destination. It’s designed to help you get your bearings, understand the layout of the area, and learn where everything is. We’ll show you key landmarks, main streets, transport points, and local hangouts. You’ll also get insider tips on food, nightlife, activities, and the best ways to spend your free time. Our Orientation Walks are not formal, history heavy tours. While we’ll share some fun facts and local insights, the focus is on helping you experience the destination rather than providing an in depth historical guide. Most Orientation Walks take around 10 to 30 minutes depending on the destination. Orientation Walks are included in most itinerary stops where it adds value and helps you get familiar with the destination.
If you need additional nights before or after your Ultimate East Coast Australia Explorer tour, just add them to your booking when you checkout. Not sure if you need extra nights? Get in touch to chat with a member of the crew before or after you book.
Sure! We recommend searching and comparing flight prices using Skyscanner.com – get a flight quote.
Travel insurance is required to participate in this tour. We recommend that you find and compare various policies to ensure you have an appropriate level of coverage for you adventure. Not sure where to start? You can find some trusted Travel Insurers here.
We have done our best to include all fee's and charges but there are some key touring components that are required to be paid on arrival whilst on tour.
Optional Activity Levies - Whilst on tour, various local activity operators may charge a levy that is to be paid direct on the day your activity takes place. These will be communicated to you when booking any optional activities. A local 'levy' is generally a tax or administration fee.
On this tour, we travel via a domestic flight from Melbourne to Sydney and we are restricted to 20kg luggage limit. If you exceed this limit, you can purchase additional luggage prior to the tour or at the airport. Excess fees do apply.
Yes. This tour is fully guided by ULTIMATE. On Day 8 of the itinerary in Sydney, you will connect with the East Coast Explorer 6 week tour and welcome additional group members.
Australia has no shortage of incredible food and when travelling on our East Coast tours, we make sure we include some iconic Australian BBQ’s. Please refer to the tour itinerary and inclusions for a list of included meals, but please note that meals are generally not included and we recommend you account for meals and drinks in your budgeting.
In most cases, we can cater to Vegetarian and Gluten Free diets. We will make every effort to cater to all other diets and needs, but we are unable to guarantee this will be possible in every location we visit. Unfortunately we will not cater for tastes or dislikes. We will ask you to re-confirm any dietary requirements with your Group Leader at the start of your trip.
An airport shuttle on arrival is not included on this tour.
The great thing is, there is no bad time to travel to Australia! The country is so vast that depending when and where you plan on travelling you're always likely to hit some sun! At certain times of the year there can be tropical storms in some locations across Australia, there can be hot, humid weather and there can be beautiful sunny skies with a cooler breeze. As you'll be travelling such a wide area from South to North you are likely to experience a bit of everything. Please Note - We cannot predict the weather and cannot guarantee perfect days, but we will do our best to make the most of days when Mother Nature isn't in our favour!
Yes! Our East Coast Explorer tour range is suited to travellers who want to travel at a reasonable pace and tailor their experience to their preferences. Each stop along our journey to Cairns will have some free time for you to explore with our group and on your own.
If you have an existing medical condition or disability that may affect your trip or how deliver our experience, we ask that you inform us in writing at the time of your booking. You may be asked to obtain a medical certificate and if we reasonably feel we are unable to accommodate your particular needs, we reserve the right to decline your booking.
Yes. It is mandatory that you travel with a comprehensive travel insurance policy to cover the likes of cancellation, personal injury and medical expenses. By joining us on tour, you acknowledge that you have obtained a policy and are covered. You are responsible for reading and understanding the details of the policy that you are taking out. You should book your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip.
On our Group Tours, your transport and accommodation along with the meals and activities listed on the itinerary are all included in your tour price. While you are travelling you may wish to participate in additional activities which you will need to budget for. While travelling you may wish to eat and drink out or you may plan to cook and prepare some of your own meals.
As a guide, we recommend you budget an additional $80 - $100AUD per day for spending money. Please note that all travellers are different and you may wish to travel with additional spending money. There are amazing optional activities and food options on offer on the East Coast and if you desire to experience most of them, you may wish to budget for additional spending money.
Our East Coast Explorer tours are designed for travellers 18-35 that wish to experience the best of the East Coast. Some travellers will be on Gap Years and others will be on short holiday breaks looking to have fun, meet new people and experience Australia. Our tours are Social and Fun and our itineraries are designed for those who are eager to travel and experience their ULTIMATE Travel Moment. You should join us if you are looking to meet other travellers, make the most of every moment and experience the best of the East Coast.
Looking for adventure, bucket list tick-offs and an experience you'll never forget? Looking for an automatic group of friends, a leader to show you the best spots and everything all organised for you? Then the Ultimate East Coast is for you! Whether you're in Australia for a Working Holiday or just visiting, this tour is perfect for you if you want to experience the best spots along the famous East Coast of Australia. We have a few options available from 3 to 6 weeks long, have a look at the Australia tours we have available!
You can either open an Aussie bank account or bring a debit/credit card from your home country to use. Just make sure your bank are aware of your travel plans and your card will accept overseas payments.
Our Ultimate East Coast packages include your travel pass, accommodation, heaps of activities and some of your food so you won’t have to spend a lot more during your trip however we recommend budgeting $80-$100AUD per day to cover any extra food and drinks you’d like to purchase.
Some of your trips are all inclusive so you won’t have to budget for these days!
At the end of your tour you'll be full of emotions and some amazing memories, but the adventure doesn't have to stop there! If you’re unsure of what to do after your package ends, talk to your leader or drop us an email or give us a call – we’re happy to give you recommendations on what to do next!
If you’ve got the travel bug our friendly travel experts can talk you through some options – and even set you up with some sweet deals on discounted travel!
On a working holiday and looking for a job? Our jobs expert can help you write the perfect CV and apply for jobs.
We love hearing from you and we’re here to assist you any way we can!
To book this East Coast Australia tour, select your chosen departure date, enter your details and we’ll send you a booking confirmation as well as useful information about your tour and where you can meet others booked onto your start date! Got a travel date in mind but not ready to pay in full? Choose to pay a non-refundable $300 deposit to secure a spot on your chosen departure date. Need someone to talk through your travel plans with? Get in touch!