Australia Bus Pass
30 days of unlimited travel between Melbourne & Cairns
Book now for £49
Prices from
£259
259Group Size: N/A
Trip code: GRHD
Duration: 30 days
Explore Australia’s East Coast with this awesome 30-day bus pass. That’s 30 days for you to discover everything from Byron’s golden beaches and Sydney’s buzzing nightlife to Daintree Rainforest and the one-and-only Great Barrier Reef. Just sit back and relax, and let us take care of the driving! Start and finish anywhere between Melbourne and Cairns. Travel in any direction, and hop on and hop off as many times as you like! You’ll have 24/7 access to the online booking system so you can either pre-plan your trip, or wing it and book as you go. And with the option to cancel and rebook online up to one hour prior to departure at no extra cost, you’ll have total freedom to change your plans as often as you like. Add on our activities package for a 2 night surf stay in Byron, 3 nights on K’gari, and a sailing trip to the Great Barrier Reef. Get ready to write your own adventure!
Trip Highlights
- 30 days of unlimited bus travel between Melbourne and Cairns starting and finishing in any location in between
- Comfy coaches with free Wi-Fi, USB charge points, reclining seats, toilets, and air con
- Online booking management with total flexibility to book and make changes 24/7
- Start your travels up to 12 months from booking your pass
- Stay up to date with any changes to your coach’s arrival time with the online coach tracker
- Add on the activities package for fun inclusions in Byron, K’gari, and the Great Barrier Reef
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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.
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Online booking is unavailable for this trip
Online booking isn't currently available but if you'd like to enquire please use the form below. Alternatively if you'd like to discuss alternate trips or if you have any other questions please don't hesitate to contact us.Your first day of travel must commence within 12 months of your pass purchase date, but the trip start and end dates are up to you! Once you’ve bought your tickets, you’ll get access to an online account where you’ll have 24/7 access to book your seat on any of the coaches in real-time. That means you can either pre-plan your trip, or book as you go, and change your plans as often as you like. You can also start and finish your trip at any point between Melbourne and Cairns - it’s totally flexible.
Accommodation and meals are not included with this bus pass. The East Coast offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, hostels, vacation rentals, and campsites. The availability of these options may vary, so flexibility in your choice of accommodation can increase your chances of finding a place to stay. During high season in popular areas, we’d recommend that you book in advance where possible. Ask your travel advisor if you want suggestions on hostels or hotels.
If you book the activities add-on, you’ll get 2 nights of dorm accommodation in Byron Bay, and 3 nights’ camping on K’gari (not including bedding), as well as 2 breakfasts in Byron, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners in K’gari, and morning and afternoon tea, and a cold buffet lunch on the Great Barrier Reef sailing trip.
You must be 18 years old to sign up for the pass. You’ll need to bring some valid photo ID with you in case the driver asks you to present it when you’re boarding the bus.
All visitors to Australia (excepting those from New Zealand) will require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter. These must be applied for before departure, and if you’re planning on working in Australia whilst you’re out there you’ll need a Working Holiday Visa. Both visas can be applied for online. Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information. Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay.
Please note: Visa rules are subject to change. You should check with the relevant embassies before travelling.