Discover all the iconic highlights of the Australian East Coast with our Ultimate East Coast Highlights tour from Sydney to Great Barrier Reef.
From Melbourne to Cairns, we’ll explore the best of Australia’s East Coast. You will get to experience Melbourne before heading to Sydney and continuing the adventure through to Cairns!
Join us as we explore the Highlights of the Australian East Coast from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef before embarking on a Unique Outback Experience.
How long is an East Coast Australia tour?
Ultimate’s East Coast tours range from 21 days (3 Week Highlights) to 50 days (7 Week Explorer), depending on the route and number of stops.
What’s the difference between guided and self-guided East Coast tours?
Guided tours include a tour leader and set itinerary throughout; self-guided packages (like East Coast Essentials) include accommodation and transport but let you set your own pace.
Where do East Coast Australia tours start and finish?
Most run Sydney to Cairns; some depart from Brisbane or Melbourne instead, also finishing in Cairns.
How much does an East Coast Australia tour cost?
Self-guided packages start from $2,499 AUD, and fully guided group tours start from $4,599 AUD, depending on trip length and number of stops. All prices are a “from” rate per person.
Is there a female-only option?
Yes. We run a female-only East Coast departure (36 days) for travellers who prefer an all-female group environment. It follows the same major highlights as our standard tours with the added comfort of travelling alongside other women. Prices start from $5,599 AUD.
Can I customise my itinerary?
Yes — use our East Coast Package builder to mix and match stops, add extra nights, or tailor the route to your travel dates and interests. You can also book a free travel planning session with our team for a fully personalised recommendation.
What’s the best time of year to do an East Coast tour?
Australia’s East Coast is a year-round destination, but many travellers prefer the drier, milder months (roughly April to October) for the northern stops like Cairns and the Whitsundays, and the warmer months (October to March) for Sydney, Melbourne, and Byron Bay. Our travel planning team can help you pick departure dates that match the weather and events you’re after.
Australia’s East Coast is where road trips turn into stories you’ll be telling for years to come. Running from Sydney all the way up to Cairns, this legendary route is loaded with laid-back beach towns, world-class surf breaks, buzzing cities, island hideaways, hidden waterfalls, rainforest trails, and everything in between.
At Ultimate, we take care of the logistics so you can focus on the adventure. No stressing over transport, accommodation, or what to do next — just more freedom, more unforgettable moments, and more stories worth bringing home. This is your trip, your way, made effortless.
The East Coast has so much packed into it that going it alone often means missing the best parts — or losing hours to planning instead of exploring. Going fully guided with Ultimate means every transfer, stop, and activity is sorted before you even land, so you spend your time living the trip, not organizing it.
You’ll travel with a crew who know the route inside out, from the best lookout for that sunrise photo to the local secrets most visitors never find. You’ll also have a built-in group of fellow travelers, turning solo trips into instant friendships and shared adventures. And with everything from accommodation to activities bundled in, there are no surprise costs or last-minute scrambles — just a seamless journey from Sydney to Cairns, taken care of from start to finish.
695-699 George Street.
Sydney, NSW 2000
ABN: 91 133 215 166
