Start in Melbourne

How long does the Melbourne to Cairns route take?

It's 3,700km from Melbourne to Cairns. This is not the quick version. Most people spend 4-8 weeks on the route, which sounds like a lot until you're actually doing it and realising you don't want to leave anywhere. It's the longest of the four routes. It's also the one where you don't finish wondering what you missed.

What are the must-see stops between Melbourne and Cairns?

The Great Ocean Road before you've even left Victoria. Then Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, K'gari (Fraser Island), Agnes Water, Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays, Magnetic Island, Mission Beach, and Cairns. That's the list. All of it.

Is Melbourne a good starting point for the east coast?

If you want the full east coast and you want to do it properly, yes. You get the Great Ocean Road straight out of the gate, then every major highlight between Melbourne and Cairns. You finish in tropical north Queensland with the Great Barrier Reef one boat ride away. It's the long way. That's the whole point.

Can I extend or customise my itinerary?

Absolutely. Phillip Island, the Yarra Valley, extra time literally anywhere along the route - all doable. We can also add a Uluru and Red Centre extension if you want to make the trip genuinely ridiculous in the best possible way. Talk to our team.

Can I do this trip solo?

Yes. And honestly, solo is kind of the default mode on the east coast. Our small group tours give you built-in company from day one, plus a guide who handles all the logistics so you're not spending your trip stressing over buses and bookings. Coach passes work too - the backpacker trail is set up for making friends. You will not be lonely. (Unless you want to be, which we also fully support.)

What's the difference between a guided tour and a coach pass?

A guided tour: small group, dedicated guide, accommodation and activities all lined up. You show up, they handle it. A coach pass: you pick the pace, hop on and off when you feel like it, stay as long as you want somewhere. Same transport network, completely different energy. Neither is wrong - it just depends on whether you want freedom or someone else to carry the mental load.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. And not because we enjoy saying it. The east coast involves snorkelling, skydiving, 4WD driving on sand, sailing, and a lot of activities where things can and occasionally do go sideways. Medical costs in Australia are not a fun surprise. Most of our packages require insurance, and if you need help finding cover, our team can point you in the right direction.

Not sure Melbourne is the right starting point for you? You can also start in Sydney, start in Brisbane, or start in Cairns - our team can help you figure out which makes the most sense for your trip.