Australia’s East Coast is a traveller’s dream, offering stunning beaches, lush rainforests, vibrant cities and incredible wildlife. But such a huge country can feel a little overwhelming to plan and it can be tough to know which parts are worth visiting, and which you should drive straight through… luckily at My Adventure Project, we are certified Australia experts and have put together the ultimate 5 week guide to travelling the East Coast of Australia!
Looking for a quicker whirlwind tour of Aus, or want to extend your trip to cover even more ground? We’ve got tours to suit every traveller – check them out on our website or chat to our travel experts directly!
Let’s dive into our ultimate 5 Week Guide to the East Coast of Australia!
Day 1 – 4: Sydney
Start your journey in one of Australia’s most famous cities – Sydney! Grab your photos of the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, shake off the jet lag from the comfort of the golden sands of Bondi Beach and sip on cocktails at Darling Harbour as you settle into into Aussie life.
Must Do:
- Walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge for panoramic views of the Opera House and beyond
- Walk the Bondi to Coogee Coastal trail for scenic views
- Take the ferry across to Manly Beach and spend a day discovering this vibrant little beach town
- Take a day trip to the famous Blue Mountains, stopping by a wildlife park full of typical Aussie animals en route.
Days 5–10: Byron Bay
Next up, take the overnight bus to Byron Bay which is a coastal town famous for its laid back, bohemian vibe. It offers up beautiful beaches, world class surfing and a variety of boutique markets and shops to explore.
Must Do:
- Walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse at sunset or sunrise at Australia’s easternmost point – keep an eye out for dolphins and whales too!
- Feel like a true Aussie and take a surf lesson
- If you are visiting between June and November, head out on a whale watching tour!
- Get out the town and chase waterfalls on a Byron Surrounds tour!
Day 11: Surfers Paradise
Experience a different vibe at the heart of the Gold Coast, with high rise buildings, a buzzing nightlife and golden beaches ideal for sunbathing and surfing.
Must Do:
- Admire the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Spend a Sunday morning exploring the Beachfront Markets
- Go bar hopping along the popular Cavill Avenue
Day 12- 14: Brisbane
Head on to Queensland’s capital, a riverside city with a chilled atmosphere, thriving food scene and variety of cultural and outdoor activities.
Must Do:
- Cool off at Beach Street Lagoon
- Cuddle some koalas at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Enjoy a drink at a bar overlooking the famous Story Bridge
- Take a Brisbane River Cruise for a unique view of the city
Days 15–17: Noosa
Next up: Noosa. A gorgeous and chilled out beachside destination, famous for its National Park coastal walks, boutique shopping and chilled waters.
Must Do:
- Explore the beautiful Noosa National park and spot some wild koalas!
- Relax at Noosa Main Beach, or grab a paddle board to make the most of the calm waters
- Browse the boutique shops on Hastings Street
- Go kayaking through the Noosa Everglades – the only Everglades in the world you can kayak through!
Day 18: Rainbow Beach
Head to the picturesque town named for its colourful sands – Rainbow Beach! It is best known for being the gateway to Fraser Island, and its rainbow themed steps leading down to the beach.
Must Do:
- Grab a photo with the rainbow themed steps
- Head up to Carlo Sand Blow for a unique sunset over the dunes
3. Relax on Rainbow Beach
Day 19 – 20: Fraser Island (K’Gari)
Drive across the sand, camp out under the stars and discover the world’s largest sand island and UNESCO World Heritage Site – Fraser Island! Featuring crystal clear lakes, towering rainforests and unique wildlife – this is a place you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Must Do:
- Swim in the clear waters of Lake McKenzie
- Drive a 4WD through the sand along 75 Mile Beach
- Float down Eli Creek, a natural lazy river on K’Gari
Day 21- 22: Rainbow Beach
Head back to the beautiful Rainbow Beach for a day relaxing on the beach before heading onto…
Day 23: Airlie Beach
A busy tropical town that is best known for being the launching point for the Whitsundays! Expect lively nightlife, serene lagoons and easy access to island adventures.
Must Do:
- Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Explore the Airlie Beach weekend markets, with local produce and hand crafted souvenirs.
- Make the most of the lively nightlife
- Test your nerves and take an iconic skydive!
Days 24–26: Whitsundays
The Whitsundays is a stunning archipelago of 74 islands located right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and are home to turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and some incredible marine life. This is definitely a must see on your East Coast adventure!
Must Do:
- Head off on an overnight sailing tour of the Whitsundays
- Discover the gorgeous white silica sands of Whitehaven Beach
- Walk up to Hill Inlet Lookout for breathtaking views of the swirling sand formations
- Take a scenic flight over the Whitsundays to see the sand formations from above, and spot the famous heart shaped reef!
- Go snorkelling and explore the coral reefs and marine life
Day 27: Airlie Beach
Head back to Airlie Beach for another day spent relaxing at the lagoon, browsing the shops or bar hopping, before jumping back on the coach to…
Days 28–30: Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is located just off the coast of Townsville and is a gorgeous, serene little island known best for its rugged landscapes, vast range of wildlife and relaxed atmosphere.
Must Do:
- Hire an infamous ‘Barbie Car’ and drive yourself around the island
- Start your morning by completing the Forts Walk, where you can learn more about how the island was using during WW2, and where you can usually spot wild koalas!
- Head to Horseshoe Bay to kayak, paddle board or simply relax on the palm tree lined beach.
- Feed the wallabies at sunset at Geoffrey Bay
Days 31–35: Cairns
Finally, finish up your East Coast adventure in tropical Cairns- the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, waterfalls and the oldest rainforest in the world.
Must Do:
- Take a boat trip out to the Great Barrier Reef and either go snorkelling or scuba diving
- Relax in the Esplanade Lagoon in the town centre
- Take a trip out to see the oldest rainforest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest
- Ignore previous advice and go waterfall chasing! Keep an eye out for the most photographed waterfall in Australia, Millaa Millaa, which also features in Peter Andre’s ‘Mysterious Girl’ music video.
This 5 week East Coast itinerary offers you the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure and cultural experiences – whether you’re looking to spend your days relaxing on picturesque beaches, exploring vibrant cities or chasing adrenaline – we’ve got you covered.
This is the exact itinerary for My Adventure Project’s 36 day tour, meaning we can plan and book the entire thing for you and eliminate any stress all together! Sound good? Get in touch with our travel experts today!
Happy Exploring,
Saz
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