Melbourne to Cairns Highlights
From vibrant city laneways to tropical rainforest and reef, this 6-day tour pairs culture with natural wonder. Explore heritage streets and discover Koorie culture in Naarm (Melbourne). Encounter unique native wildlife, cruising crocodile-inhabited wetlands in Gimuy (Cairns) and seeing the vibrant colourful fish of the Great Barrier Reef. With time to unwind and savour local flavours, this is a perfectly balanced taste of Australia’s cosmopolitan charm and coastal beauty.
- 08 Apr 2027 – 13 Apr 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 06 May 2027 – 11 May 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 24 Jun 2027 – 29 Jun 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 26 Aug 2027 – 31 Aug 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 23 Sep 2027 – 28 Sep 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 07 Oct 2027 – 12 Oct 2027
from $4,070.01 pp twin share * - 04 Nov 2027 – 09 Nov 2027
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 18 Nov 2027 – 23 Nov 2027
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 25 Nov 2027 – 30 Nov 2027
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 02 Dec 2027 – 07 Dec 2027
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 09 Dec 2027 – 14 Dec 2027
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 06 Jan 2028 – 11 Jan 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 13 Jan 2028 – 18 Jan 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 20 Jan 2028 – 25 Jan 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 27 Jan 2028 – 01 Feb 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 03 Feb 2028 – 08 Feb 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 10 Feb 2028 – 15 Feb 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 17 Feb 2028 – 22 Feb 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 02 Mar 2028 – 07 Mar 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 09 Mar 2028 – 14 Mar 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 16 Mar 2028 – 21 Mar 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 23 Mar 2028 – 28 Mar 2028
from $4,245.01 pp twin share * - 06 Apr 2028 – 11 Apr 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 04 May 2028 – 09 May 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 22 Jun 2028 – 27 Jun 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 24 Aug 2028 – 29 Aug 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 21 Sep 2028 – 26 Sep 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 05 Oct 2028 – 10 Oct 2028
from $4,620.01 pp twin share * - 02 Nov 2028 – 07 Nov 2028
from $4,815.01 pp twin share * - 16 Nov 2028 – 21 Nov 2028
from $4,815.01 pp twin share *
* Prices and category availability are subject to change without notice.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Melbourne
Begin your Naarm (Melbourne) stay along the Yarra River, where the city hums with life by the water’s edge. Later, meet your Travel Director at South Wharf for dinner, a chance to connect and toast the beginning of your journey together.
Day 2 – Melbourne Sightseeing
Discover Naarm (Melbourne) on a guided walk with your knowledgeable Travel Director, as laneways and arcades reveal a city built on layers of history, creativity, and style. Pass grand Victorian façades, bold street art, and heritage buildings that speak to its ever-evolving character. Next, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery offers meaningful insight into First Nations culture and stories. The rest of the day is yours – venture out to see the adorable Penguin Parade at Phillip Island on an Optional Experience* or simply unwind.
Day 3 – Melbourne – Cairns
Lush landscapes and warm air greet you as you arrive in Gimuy (Cairns), the perfect introduction to Tropical North Queensland as you prepare for a day filled with flora and fauna. Begin at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, where a guided cruise offers the chance to spot crocodiles among the Melaleuca wetlands. Then continue your adventure with a Rainforest Restoration project, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience that allows you to contribute to rainforest conservation by planting trees that protect the ancient Notophyll Vine Forest, a vital wildlife corridor. A truly rewarding way to end the day. *If you are departing on an early flight from Melbourne, a boxed breakfast will be provided
Day 4 – Great Barrier Reef
Today brings you face-to-face with one of the world’s great natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed marvel and the largest coral reef system on the planet. Step aboard a high-speed catamaran and set out across turquoise waters before choosing how to experience this extraordinary ecosystem up close. Slip into the water to snorkel among vibrant coral and fish in the Great Barrier Reef (equipment provided), or remain dry aboard a semi-submersible, where an underwater observatory offers a window into the reef’s thriving marine life. Along the way, your local guide shares insights that bring this living world into sharper focus. A buffet lunch, plus afternoon tea and coffee, complete the journey before you cruise back to Gimuy (Cairns), the reef still fresh in your memory.
Day 5 – Cairns Free Time
Gimuy (Cairns) is yours to explore today, with time to follow your own rhythm in the tropics. You might choose an Optional Experience* to glide above ancient rainforest on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway to Kuranda, then wander Kuranda Village before returning on the iconic Kuranda Scenic Railway. Or simply take it slow and lounge by the pool, explore the local cafés or soak up the relaxed pace of the city. Later, reunite with your fellow travellers for dinner at Ochre Restaurant, which celebrates Australian flavours and local produce.
Day 6 – Farewell from Cairns
Enjoy your final morning in Gimuy (Cairns) with breakfast before your journey comes to an end. Take time to reflect on your experiences before saying goodbye to your Travel Director and fellow travellers. Depart at your leisure.
Highlights
- Koorie Heritage Trust gallery experience with your Travel Director
- High-speed catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef with snorkel equipment
- Hands-on tree planting activity with Rainforest Rescue
From vibrant city laneways to tropical rainforest and reef, this 6-day tour pairs culture with natural wonder. Explore heritage streets and discover Koorie culture in Naarm (Melbourne). Encounter unique native wildlife, cruising crocodile-inhabited wetlands in Gimuy (Cairns) and seeing the vibrant colourful fish of the Great Barrier Reef. With time to unwind and savour local flavours, this is a perfectly balanced taste of Australia’s cosmopolitan charm and coastal beauty.
Inclusions
- MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Learn about Koorie Peoples, Cultures, and Communities at the Koorie Heritage Trust Spot the crocs on Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Wildlife River Cruise MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience – Hands-On Tree Planting Activity with Rainforest Rescue Cruise out and snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef – a UNESCO World Heritage Site Explore the flora and fauna of the Wet Tropics of Queensland – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Day 1 highlights Welcome to Melbourne: Begin your Naarm (Melbourne) stay along the Yarra River, where the city hums with life by the water’s edge. Later, meet your Travel Director at South Wharf for dinner, a chance to connect and toast the beginning of your journey together.
- Day 2 highlights Melbourne Sightseeing: Discover Naarm (Melbourne) on a guided walk with your knowledgeable Travel Director, as laneways and arcades reveal a city built on layers of history, creativity, and style. Pass grand Victorian façades, bold street art, and heritage buildings that speak to its ever-evolving character. Next, a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Koorie Heritage Trust Gallery offers meaningful insight into First Nations culture and stories. The rest of the day is yours – venture out to see the adorable Penguin Parade at Phillip Island on an Optional Experience* or simply unwind.
FAQs
- Crowne Plaza Hotel Melbourne
- Hilton Hotel Cairns
How long is this journey?
This itinerary runs for 6 days and 5 nights.
When can I travel?
Departures are currently scheduled between 08 Apr 2027 and 27 Mar 2029, subject to live availability.
Are there different departure options?
Yes, multiple departures may be available depending on your preferred travel period.
Are discounts available?
Seasonal or loyalty discounts may be available on selected departures at the time of enquiry.
What is generally included?
Inclusions typically cover guided touring and selected experiences, with exact details listed in the itinerary.
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