Complete East Coast Australia Itinerary: Sydney to Cairns
Planning an East Coast Australia trip? From Sydney’s famous harbour to the tropical Great Barrier Reef, Australia’s East Coast is packed with beaches, wildlife, islands and unforgettable adventures.
Here is the perfect East Coast Australia itinerary for backpackers and young travellers.
SYDNEY
Start your East Coast adventure in Sydney. Visit the Sydney Opera House, walk across the Harbour Bridge, relax at Bondi Beach and complete the scenic Bondi to Coogee coastal walk.
We recommend spending at least three days exploring the city.
Add Port Stephens onto your itinerary too!
BYRON BAY
Travel north to Byron Bay, one of Australia’s most popular backpacker destinations. Learn to surf, explore the beaches and walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for incredible coastal views.
Allow two to three days to enjoy Byron’s relaxed lifestyle.
SURFERS PARADISE
Next, head to the Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise is known for its long beaches, nightlife, shopping and nearby theme parks.
Spend around two days here before continuing to Brisbane.
BRISBANE
Explore Brisbane’s riverside precincts and city life. Visit Australia Zoo as one of Australia’s biggest buckest list experiences.
NOOSA
In Noosa, walk through Noosa National Park, look for koalas and relax on beautiful Main Beach. Visit the fairy pools and enjoy a laid back lifestyle.
We recoemmend 2 to 3 days in Noosa.
K’GARI
No East Coast Australia itinerary is complete without visiting K’gari, the world’s largest sand island. Explore freshwater lakes, rainforests, sand dunes and beaches on an unforgettable 4WD adventure.
Most travellers spend two or three days on the island.
AIRLIE BEACH AND THE WHITSUNDAYS
Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. Sail between tropical islands, visit Whitehaven Beach and snorkel in crystal-clear water. Jet ski or do the iconic scenic flight over the Whitsundays to see it from above.
Allow at least three days for Airlie Beach and your Whitsundays sailing trip.
MAGNETIC ISLAND
From Townsville, take the short ferry to Magnetic Island. Spend your time exploring hidden beaches, hiking the Forts Walk, spotting wild koalas and enjoying the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Hire cars and jeeps to explore the island.
Two to three days is ideal for Magnetic Island.
MISSION BEACH
Continue north to Mission Beach, a peaceful tropical stop known for its palm-lined beaches, rainforest and adventure activities.
Spend one or two days relaxing by the beach, exploring the surrounding rainforest or trying skydiving with views over the coast.
CAIRNS
Finish your East Coast adventure in Cairns. Snorkel or dive on the Great Barrier Reef, explore tropical waterfalls and visit the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
Spend at least four days in Cairns to experience the best of Tropical North Queensland.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA’S EAST COAST?
Three to six weeks is ideal for travelling between Sydney and Cairns while including Magnetic Island and Mission Beach. Travellers with less time can move faster, while those with more time can slow down and spend longer in each destination.
Travelling with a group tour is one of the easiest ways to experience the East Coast. Your accommodation, transport and activities are organised, leaving you more time to enjoy the adventure and meet other travellers.
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