Australia Bus Pass

The East Coast of Australia is an adventure travellers’ dream come true. Imagine surfing on Bondi Beach, sailing through the beautiful Whitsundays, and exploring the misty peaks of the Blue Mountains, all on the same trip!

About the pass

This 30-day bus pass is the most flexible, budget-friendly way of seeing everything this awesome part of the world has to offer. It’s the best way to see and do more of the East Coast:

• Start your journey anywhere between Melbourne and Cairns
• Travel on any route and in any direction between the two cities
• Hop on and hop off as many times as you like
• Online booking management with 24/7 access
• Cancel and rebook up to one hour prior to departure online
• Online coach tracker with updates on coach arrival times
• Start your travels up to 12 months from booking your pass
• Add extra days to your pass with the top-up system
• Add on our activities package for some included accommodation and activities

Coach features

You’ll travel in total comfort on coaches that bring all the comforts of home to the open road:

• Reclining leather seats with lots of legroom
• Panoramic windows
• Free Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning
• On-board toilets
• Reading lights
• In-seat USB chargers

Activities package add on

If you’d like to have a few selected activities and some accommodation included, why not add on our activities package?

• 2 night surf stay in Byron Bay (2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 surf lessons)
• 3 day, 2 night K’gari camping experience (2 nights’ camping, all equipment, all meals on K’gari, ferry transfers, park fees, 4WD)
• Great Barrier Reef sailing trip (cruiser, 5 hours snorkelling or diving, scuba lesson, guided snorkel tour, reef tax, morning and afternoon tea and lunch)

Example itinerary

Here’s an example itinerary featuring some of our favourite stops along the route. However, it’s just a suggestion and you can start and finish your adventure anywhere you like between Melbourne and Cairns. You can also travel in any direction, hopping on and off wherever you like:

Day 1-3: Melbourne. Explore the vibrant street art in Hosier Lane, check out the city’s iconic laneways, shop the vintage markets, and catch a performance at the Arts Centre Melbourne. After dark, you’re spoilt for choice with some of the most exciting nightlife in Aus.

Day 4-6: Canberra. Delve into Australia's political and cultural history in Canberra. Visit the Australian War Memorial, take a guided tour of the impressive Parliament House, and explore the National Gallery of Australia. Don't miss the opportunity to bike around Lake Burley Griffin.

Day 7-9: Sydney. Cities don’t come much more buzzing than Sydney. See the shell-like Sydney Opera House and majestic Harbour Bridge, spend a day at Bondi Beach, catching waves or relaxing in the sun, and explore the historic Rocks district, filled with charming cobblestone streets and lively pubs.

Day 10-11: Newcastle. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Newcastle, a buzzing metropolis of art, culture, cool cafés, and gorgeous beaches. Try some surfing, take a scenic coastal walk along the Bathers Way and get stuck into the city’s vibrant arts and music scene.

Day 12-13: Port Macquarie. Spend a couple of days in this vibrant coastal city, brimming with outdoor adventures, beautiful beaches, and native wildlife. Pay a visit to the Koala Hospital, relax on the pristine beaches, hit some of the scenic coastal walks, and tuck into the local seafood.

Day 14-15: Coffs Harbour. Coffs Harbour has a laid-back coastal vibe, fabulous rainforests, and the Big Banana theme park! Go back to nature in the North Coast Botanic garden, and embrace the coastal lifestyle on beautiful Jetty Beach.

Day 16 - 17: Spot X Surf Camp, Arrawarra. Get stuck into the Aussie lifestyle with a couple of days in beachfront surfing haven, Arrawara. A stop at a surf camp is the perfect way of getting your skills on a board up to scratch.

Day 18 - 19: Brisbane. Discover Queensland’s sunny capital, including the dynamic cultural precinct, Story Bridge, and Streets Beach. Take a ferry along the Brisbane River, meet local wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and treat yourself to some mouth-watering street food at East Street Markets.

Day 20-21: Noosa. Slow down and live the beach life in friendly Noosa, with its sugary beaches, lakes, and lush hinterland. Ride the waves, explore the Noosa Everglades by kayak, pick up some quirky souvenirs or a cronut at the Eumundi markets, or take a hike in Noosa National Park.

Day 22: Rainbow Beach. Marvel at the surreal coloured sand dunes that give this dreamy sub-tropical town its name, take a hike up Carlo Sand Blow for panoramic views, or strap on some walking boots and take on some of the Cooloola Great Walk.

Day 23-24: K'gari. Discover the unique landscapes of K’gari, from the pristine Lake McKenzie to the Maheno Shipwreck. Spend your days scrambling up sand dunes, sandboarding, and swimming, and your nights camping and stargazing.

Day 25: Hervey Bay. Experience the unspoilt coastline, and pristine nature of Hervey Bay. As the world’s whale-watching capital it’s an amazing place to take a cruise to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat (seasonal).

Day 26: Bundaberg. Take a tour of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and sample some local spirits. If you’re visiting during turtle season, head to Mon Repos for a unique opportunity to see turtle hatchlings.

Day 27: Agnes Water. Unwind on the beaches of Agnes Water, hitting the surf, or just soaking up the sun. Away from the ocean, explore the vibrant local markets and enjoy the town's relaxed atmosphere.

Day 28: Townsville. A tropical city set round a striking pink granite monolith, Townsville is as naturally beautiful as it is cultural. Visit the Strand for a seaside promenade, and hike up to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city and Magnetic Island.

Days 29 - 30: Cairns. Finish up in fascinating Cairns. Dive or snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, explore the Daintree Rainforest, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Esplanade. It’s an unforgettable end to your East Coast adventure.

Please note: Your pass is valid for 30 days of consecutive travel from your first travel date. Your first day of travel must start within 12 months of your pass purchase date. The pass is non-transferrable. Download our trip notes to find out more.