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Peregrine Travel Centre

Melbourne to Brisbane Adventure

Melbourne to Brisbane Adventure

From $ 6,150 AUD

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Description

Spot native wildlife as you travel along Australia’s scenic east coast and learn about First Nations culture. On this 13-day adventure from Melbourne to Brisbane, you’ll drive along the Bunurong coast to Wilsons Promontory, where you’ll walk along the Lily Pilly Gully Boardwalk and visit Squeaky Beach – known for its sand that squeaks when you walk on it. Venture through the picturesque Hunter Valley – one of Australia’s most popular winery regions and visit some cute and cuddly koalas in an animal hospital near Port Macquarie. Hang loose in the bustling beachside town of Byron, and learn about First Nations history from local Aboriginal guides.

Trip Name
Melbourne to Brisbane Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
13
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Travel to Wilsons Promontory – the largest national park in Victoria. Walk through the temperate rainforest and visit Squeaky Beach, known for its rounded quartz sand that squeaks when you walk on it.
  • Learn about the country’s rich First Nations history from Traditional Custodians during your Bilbaan Cultural Experience – a walking trail part of the Gateway to Bundian Way.
  • Spot Koalas in their natural habitat on Raymond Island. Learn about their leisurely lifestyle, their diet of eucalyptus leaves and how they communicate with one another.
  • Join a guided oyster tour on Pambula Lake and see how Sydney rock oysters are sustainably farmed. Learn about the area’s geology and culture from a local oyster farmer and taste some of the fresh shellfish.
  • Keep your eye out for kangaroos on your way to a wine tasting in the chilled-out Hunter Valley – a picturesque region in the rural hills of New South Wales – then take an easy hike through Crowdy Bay National Park.

Itinerary

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , ABORIGINAL & TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURAL EXPERIENCES & COMMUNITIES First Nations people have complex community obligations, and at times activities or experiences may be cancelled at late notice due to cultural commitments. In the case that we are unable to include planned activities with First Nations communities, we will endeavour to find a suitable alternative in the same or another destination on your trip.

Day 1 - Melbourne to Wilsons Promontory National Park
Welcome to Melbourne! Or Narrm in the language of the Wurundjeri people, who are the Traditional Owners of the land on which Melbourne is now located. Your adventure starts straight away with a welcome meeting at 9 am this morning. Travel to Wilsons Promontory along the Bunurong coast. When you arrive, head inland through the temperate rainforest along the Lily Pilly Gully Boardwalk. As you walk, look out for local wildlife like emus, wombats and kangaroos. Then, visit Squeaky Beach, known for its rounded quartz sand that squeaks when you walk on it! Listen for the sounds as you go and take in the surrounding granite boulders at either end of the beach. After, travel to Foster where you’ll spend the night.
Day 2 - Paynesville
This morning, walk the Corrigan Suspension Bridge Loop. Surrounded by South Gippsland wet forest and temperate rainforest, this is where the dinosaurs once roamed! You'll pass by several tall myrtle beech trees here – the descendants of the ancient gondwana beech forests dating back around 20 million years ago. Then, travel from Tarra-bulga to Rosedale, where you’ll stop for lunch. After, continue to Paynesville, where you’ll take the ferry to Raymond Island. When you arrive, follow the Raymond Island Koala Trail and see koalas in their natural habitat. Along the way, learn about their preferences for specific eucalyptus species, their leisurely lifestyle and the intriguing ways they communicate with each another.
Day 3 - Eden
Spend today exploring the Buchan Caves. When you arrive, join a guided tour through the Royal Cave with a local guide. Along the way, you’ll learn about the limestone sculptures, calcite-rimmed pools and baroque stalactites and stalagmites, which have formed through natural processes over thousands of years. This afternoon, you're free to relax at your accommodation in Eden or explore the area at your own pace.
Day 4 - Eden
Connect to Country on today’s Bilbaan Cultural Experience – a trail that is part of the Gateway to the Bundian Way. Starting in Jigamy, home to the Keeping Place, you’ll walk along coastal bushland with sweeping ocean views to the Pinnacles. Guided by Country Custodians, you’ll hear about their deep connection to Country, learning about the local Aboriginal community, their cultural practices and the local plants and wildlife. The rest of today is free for you to continue exploring Eden in your own time.
Day 5 - Jervis Bay
Begin today with an oyster tour on Pambula Lake near Merimbula. Here, you’ll see how Sydney rock oysters are sustainably farmed using modern aquaculture techniques and learn about the area’s geology from a local oyster farmer. After, you can taste some of the fresh shellfish caught along the way! Stop for lunch at the Merimbula Wharf Restaurant before continuing to Bermagui Blue Hole. When you arrive, walk down the cliff to the 50 m long seawater swimming hole, known for its sapphire-blue water and marine life, like sea stars, crabs and marine snails. Maybe dive into the pool or walk to the viewing platform and soak in the views over the pool and surrounding coast. Continue to your overnight accommodation in Jervis Bay.
Day 6 - Sydney
This morning, explore the famous white sand beaches of Jervis Bay. Start with a visit to Murrays Beach, world-renowned for its sands and calm, turquoise waters, then embark on the Governors Head walk to a lookout for stunning panoramic views of the bay and Bowen Island. Later, travel from Jervis Bay to Sydney. This is a bit of a long drive, so it's a good idea to get stuck into your book or watch the scenery pass you by. You’ll travel along the famous Sea Cliff Bridge – a 665 m long bridge that extends over the ocean. When you arrive in Sydney tonight, perhaps head out for dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 7 - Sydney to Hunter Valley
The second part of your adventure starts with a pick up at 9 am in front of your hotel. After, you’ll head out for a walkabout around The Rocks with a local Aboriginal guide. Walk through Hicksons Reserve, Campbells Cove and Cumberland Walk as your guide teaches you about this area's history, land and water use, and spiritual connection with the First Nations peoples. You’ll have amazing views of the harbour along the way, including Sydney Harbour Bridge and the CBD. After your journey into the Dreaming, grab some lunch before heading north to the famous winery region – the beautiful Hunter Valley. Once there, sit down for a wine tasting with a sommelier and listen to the history of the various wines and the winery. Next, head to Cessnock in the heart of the valley, our overnight location for tonight. Perhaps head out for an optional dinner in Cessnock to get to know your new fellow travellers.
Day 8 - Hunter Valley to Port Macquarie
Today, you’ll make tracks north along the scenic coastal route. Stop at Crowdy Bay National Park along the way and embark on a scenic hike through forests of heath, paperbark and swamp mahogany at Diamond Head, taking in views of golden beaches and dramatic rock faces. The quartz crystals in the cliffs sparkle in the sun, giving Diamond Head its name. Keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins off the coast as you wind your way by secluded coves, beaches, and mountains, and you may even encounter a mob of kangaroos on your walk. Later, continue your drive to your accommodation in Port Macquarie.
Day 9 - Port Macquarie to Red Rock
This morning, you’ll visit the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie, where you’ll meet the volunteers who work there and and learn about how this organisation provides care and treatment for koalas needing rehabilitation. Then, drive to Bellingen, where you might like to grab lunch and enjoy some free time. Continue to Dorrigo National Park via the gorgeous Waterfall Way, known for its lush, sub-tropical rainforest – the last piece of the ancient subcontinent Gondwanaland. Few places on Earth contain so many plants and animals relatively unchanged from their ancestors. Pop into the Rainforest Centre in the park, take a stroll along the skywalk or explore the rainforest with your group.
Day 10 - Red Rock to Byron Bay
Next up is Byron Bay – a laid-back surf paradise with boundless coastline, sand and friendly locals. But first, you’ll start your day with a walking tour of Red Rock with a local First Nations guide. Learn about the culture of the Gumbaynggirr people through stories, songs and the uses of native plants. Walk alongside The Solitary Island Marine Park Waterways and connect with Country as you learn more about the Dreaming. After, you’ll stop in Yamba where you might like to grab some lunch, before visiting Byron Bay Lighthouse for a unique photo opportunity and the chance to spot some dolphins, whales and other marine life.
Day 11 - Byron Bay
Get up early this morning if you want to catch the sunrise – they are pretty ace from Australia's most easterly point – but if you prefer, you can sleep in too! Today is free to do as you please so maybe hunt down the best cold-brew coffee from one of Byron’s quirky cafes, learn how to ride the waves with a beginner’s surf lesson, or hit the water with a guided sea kayaking tour of the Byron Bay Marine Park to see the beauty of the coastline while looking out for dolphins, turtles and whales and learning of the marine biology. Alternatively just hang out on the beach. Tonight, why not grab a drink at one of the local pubs or bars?
Day 12 - Gold Coast to Brisbane
This morning, head to The Farm – a collection of micro-businesses on a working farm focusing on growing, feeding and educating through community farming. Maybe grab some breakfast here and pick up a few things to have for lunch later on. Continue to Springbrook National Park and take a short walk to Natural Bridge rock arch which was formed by the force of the waterfall over the basalt cave. This afternoon, head to the famous Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast for some beach time before continuing onto Brisbane where you’ll spend the night.
Day 13 - Brisbane
After a group breakfast this morning, your trip comes to an end in Brisbane. If you’d like to stay longer, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 6,330-
05-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 6,195-
19-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 6,230-
16-11-202628-11-2026AUD $ 6,230-
30-11-202612-12-2026AUD $ 6,230-
14-12-202626-12-2026AUD $ 6,230-
11-01-202723-01-2027AUD $ 6,315-
25-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 6,315-
08-02-202720-02-2027AUD $ 6,150-
22-02-202706-03-2027AUD $ 6,150-
20-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 6,150-
04-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 6,150-
18-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 6,150-
15-11-202727-11-2027AUD $ 6,150-
29-11-202711-12-2027AUD $ 6,150-
13-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 6,150-
10-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 6,150-
24-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 6,150-
07-02-202819-02-2028AUD $ 6,150-
21-02-202804-03-2028AUD $ 6,150-

Accommodation

Motel (3 nights), Cabins (4 nights), Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle

Map

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More of activity:
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