Australia East Coast Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,592 reviews)- Choose from 50+ Australia East Coast tours
- 2,000+ verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
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Table of contents
- The best Australia East Coast tour packages
- What people love about Australia East Coast Tours
- Travel Australia East Coast your way
- Top operators in Australia East Coast
- Australia East Coast tours for every group
- Top Australia East Coast travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Australia East Coast
- Contact our Australia East Coast travel experts
The best Australia East Coast tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar
UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE
193 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great week, despite the weather. Tim did whatever possible to make the week as good as possible.”
AlexGalloway, traveled in March 2022
The coastal route from Sydney Harbor to Newcastle reveals dolphin habitats near One Mile Beach, with stays at Ultimate Basecamp. Visitors can sandboard at Stockton Dunes, watch bottlenose dolphins in Nelson Bay, and walk the stunning Coogee to Bondi coastal path.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Bondi Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Ultimate Travel From
- US$821
- Mega Sale
Ancient forests of Lamington lead to Mount Cordeaux's abandoned goldmine. Traditional ceremonies await at Yellow Pinch lookout, while wildlife roams Tamborine National Park. The day ends with sunset wine tastings overlooking Mount Barney.
Duration 5 days Destinations Gold Coast, Tamborine National Park, Main Range National Park, Mount Barney National Park, Lamington National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $1,655
15% Off- US$1,407You save $248
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
74 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was the most amazing time for me here in Australia. Everything was being taken care of by Ultimate and Eli, so for us the only thing what we had to do was have fun.”
Femke, traveled in March 2024
The grand coastal route from Sydney to Cairns unfolds with harbor cruises, Byron Bay surfing, Fraser Island 4x4 adventures, and Whitsunday sailing. Includes 40 nights in quality hostels, professional guides, and 15 meals.
Duration 43 days Destinations Sydney, Bondi Beach, Manly, Blue Mountains, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser IslandSee all destinations Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Ultimate Travel From
15% Off- US$3,728
Premium accommodations at Holiday Inn Potts Point and Rainbow Getaway Apartments anchor this Sydney to Brisbane coastal adventure. K'gari Island paradise, Hunter Valley wineries, and Byron Bay's coastal charm await, shared with maximum 16 travelers.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane Age Range 30 to 90 year olds Operator Via Travel Australia From
15% Off- US$2,898
Best of Sydney & Blue Mountains
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well organized with great events along with plenty of personal time to further explore.”
Gregory, traveled in February 2024
Sydney's iconic harbor bridge stands sentinel over this urban adventure. Guests stay at ibis Sydney World Square, ride the world's steepest railway at Scenic World, and savor a 6-course degustation dinner cruise aboard MV Sydney 2000.
Duration 6 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains Age Range 8 to 82 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
15% Off- US$1,137
What people love about Australia East Coast Tours
Did my Ultimate OZ week back in Jan 2015 and loved it! Was a great way to start my move to Australia and my travels. Tour guides were awesome and so fun, kept the group happy and well looked after. Everyone in the office was great, they seemed to know the answer to every question any one had - so helpful! Sorted out all my stuff for me so was hassle free when I got to Oz. The tour itself was great! My favourite parts of the week were definitely the boat cruise and Basecamp! Josie is so cute! The Ultimate party was also so fun! All in all the whole week was fantastic, the tour was excellent and so much fun, such a great way to start in Australia, and loved having all my banking, sim card etc all set up for me ready, such a great idea. Everyone was awesome and so helpful and I know I can count on them if I ever have any questions or need any help during my whole stay in Australia. Definitely feel part of the Ultimate family now :) Would definitely recommend, 10/10 :)
UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE
- East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
Alright ultimate! Amazing way to see the east coast with everything you could want provided. Accommodation was always nice and clean and the itinerary is perfect. Chloe was the most amazing tour guide who we all had so so so much fun with! A great friend and guide. The whole trip would not have been the same without her contributions to us as a group :)
- Best of Sydney & Blue Mountains
Well organized with great events along with plenty of personal time to further explore.
Travel Australia East Coast your way
Our week-long Sydney starter tours hit the sweet spot between city life and outdoor discovery. You'll join harbor cruises with BBQs right on board, try your hand at sandboarding in the coastal dunes and get up close with Australia's unique wildlife. For those with more time, our East Coast routes stretch 5-6 weeks, giving you plenty of space to really sink into each stop. Travelers tell us they love how these trips mix guided activities with free time to explore. You'll sail through the crystal waters of the Whitsundays, camp under a blanket of stars in the Noosa Everglades and learn about Aboriginal culture deep in the Daintree rainforest. Our guides make it special by sharing local secrets and creating a fun group vibe that keeps everyone connected.
See all Explorer toursSelect from our extensive range of 45 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Australia East Coast with our expert guides leading the way.
See all Fully Guided toursExplore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through Australia East Coast. We have 17 adventures that vary from 4 days to 91 days. With the greatest number of departures in April, this is also the most popular time of the year.
See all Partially Guided tours
Top operators in Australia East Coast
UltimateOz really stands out for travelers exploring Australia solo or in their 20s. From what our customers tell us, the guides know their local areas inside out and the activities hit all the right notes - you're out on Sydney Harbour one day and sliding down massive sand dunes the next. If you're keen to catch some waves, Mojosurf keeps things affordable without cutting corners on quality. Their camps at Spot X and Byron Bay are exactly what you want in a surf school - skilled instructors who make learning fun and a casual vibe that helps everyone relax into the experience. G Adventures runs a solid route from Brisbane up to Cairns, and while some of our travelers mentioned their guides' knowledge varied a bit, the trip itself packs in some of Australia's best spots. You'll get out to Fraser Island and cruise through the Whitsundays, which gives you a proper taste of Queensland's coast.
- 5.0 (22,799 reviews)
"All the best places.
- Tours
- 3 tours
- Age range
- 12 to 90 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 1h
- Response rate
- 96%
- Average price
- $312
- 4.5 (974 reviews)
"The best experience of my life. This was my first tour I had ever done and it certainly will not be my last with the ultimate company. I had Sam P as my tour leader, he made the whole experience so easy and I felt relaxed the whole time. Not only did he excel at the expectations of his job but he also became a friend during this time. He looked after all of us from the moment we met until when we said our goodbyes. He made this tour group into a family and created memories for all of us that I’m sure we will carry with us forever. Of course there were some incidents, that were no fault of Sam’s including delayed grey hounds. One in particular causing people who were participating in the scenic flight Overall, the tour was a success in every
- Tours
- 7 tours
- Age range
- 18 to 35 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 28h
- Response rate
- 95%
- Average price
- $186
- 4.5 (11,928 reviews)
"Have had better experience trekking other places. Guide was ok and not excellent
- Tours
- 5 tours
- Age range
- 5 to 99 years old
- Adventure type
- Explorer
- Response time
- 6h
- Response rate
- 88%
- Average price
- $381
Australia East Coast tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
55 tours in Australia East CoastExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Australia East Coast. We have 55 adventures that vary from 3 days to 91 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
5 tours in Australia East CoastVisit Australia East Coast with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities.
Private / Personalized
20 tours in Australia East CoastOur private tours start in Sydney where local Aboriginal guides show you around The Rocks before you head out to taste wines at Australia's original vineyards in Hunter Valley. These tours are built around real cultural connections and close-up wildlife experiences - you'll visit koala hospitals, walk through ancient rainforests and enjoy private dining at Burleigh's best beachfront spots. What makes it special is you choose what suits you - maybe surfing lessons or wine tasting, coffee plantation visits or local gin distillery tours. The guides adapt everything to match your interests while hitting those essential experiences like the Byron lighthouse walk and also the Tamborine Mountain Skywalk.
Top Australia East Coast travel itineraries to fit your plans
The week-long Sydney to Brisbane journey packs in plenty of real Australian experiences. Our travelers love learning about The Rocks from Aboriginal guides, sipping wines at Hunter Valley's historic vineyards and checking in on recovering koalas at Port Macquarie's hospital. Up in Byron Bay, you'll paddle through the marine park where dolphins and turtles often pop up to say hello. Our guides are great at getting everyone clicking while sharing local secrets about each stop. Our customers tell us they really enjoy how we mix planned activities with free time to explore places like Byron's beaches and Brisbane's riverside spots.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, Brisbane, Noosa, Hervey Bay, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Townsville, Lucinda, Mission Beach, Cairns
See all tours
Ten days from Brisbane to Cairns gives you a proper mix of outdoor action and cultural connections. You'll start by exploring Noosa's coastal paths, then head to Fraser Island for sand driving adventures and swimming in crystal lakes. The overnight train north to the Whitsundays is a real highlight - you'll spend your days sailing and snorkeling around untouched islands. We've added special touches like early morning visits to local sunrise spots and genuine welcomes from Indigenous communities. Our travelers often mention how their guides help everyone bond while making sure no one misses out on the included activities.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Sydney, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Lamington National Park, Gold Coast, Brisbane
See all tours
Two weeks from Sydney to Cairns lets you really dig into each place you visit. Starting with Aboriginal walks through The Rocks and wine tasting in Hunter Valley, you'll head north to meet the koalas in Port Macquarie and catch some waves in Byron Bay. The journey includes 4WD exploring on K'gari (Fraser Island), sailing the Whitsundays and also diving into the Great Barrier Reef. Our customers love how these longer trips give them time to properly experience each spot, with standout moments including hands-on First Nations experiences, close wildlife encounters and plenty of ocean time. We've balanced active days with cruisy ones where you can explore at whatever pace feels right.
TourRadar recommends visiting:
Sydney, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Byron Bay, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, 75 Mile Beach, Brisbane, Airlie Beach, Atherton, Great Barrier Reef, Mission Beach, Cairns
Demographics
Our Sydney starter tours are perfect for anyone traveling solo - you'll get airport pickup, a place to stay and instant travel friends without any hassle. The week-long programs are really social, with harbor BBQ cruises, sandboarding in massive dunes and city walks that help you figure out where everything is. If you want something longer, the 5-6 week East Coast trips give you loads of time to bond with your group while making your way from Byron Bay up to Cairns. People keep telling us they love how the Ultimate tours mix planned activities with free time, plus the guides are great at getting everyone talking and having fun from the first day.
The East Coast multi-week trips are super popular with young adults - they're packed with surfing, beach time and plenty of social activities. You'll stay in really good hostels that have great facilities, reliable Wi-Fi on the buses and direct beach access in spots like Byron Bay. Our customers love how we balance organized activities like private harbor cruises and surf lessons with enough free time to do your own thing. There's real adventure too - driving 4WDs across Fraser Island, sailing through the Whitsundays and getting up close with marine life on the Great Barrier Reef. For the social side, we organize bar crawls in Sydney and Surfers Paradise that help everyone meet new people and have fun together.
Our boutique comfort tours hit the sweet spot for senior travelers by mixing culture with nature at a comfortable pace. You'll stay in quality accommodation while local guides share their knowledge through well-planned activities. The tours take you to koala sanctuaries where you'll learn about conservation efforts, include wine tasting sessions in the Hunter Valley and connect with First Nations culture through guided walks and welcome ceremonies. What our travelers really appreciate is how we mix comfort with real experiences - one day you might spot dolphins from a coastal trail and the next you could be walking through ancient rainforests. There's always enough time to properly explore each place without feeling like you need to rush.
Solo Travelers43 tours All tours for Solo Travelers- Couples25 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)21 tours All tours for Young Adults
- Seniors (50+)13 tours All tours for Seniors
Best time to visit Australia East Coast
- Spring 2025
Spring temperatures create ideal conditions for our most popular East Coast journeys. The Brisbane to Cairns routes are particularly good - our travelers tell us the Great Barrier Reef snorkeling conditions are perfect and the Whitsundays sailing through turquoise waters is at its best. Fraser Island really comes alive in spring too. You'll drive 4WDs along 75 Mile Beach, cool off in Lake McKenzie's crystal waters and often catch migrating whales from Indian Head lookout. The weather lets you properly enjoy both beach time and rainforest walks. We also see high demand for boutique tours mixing Sydney's main sights with Hunter Valley wines, where mild temperatures make outdoor tastings and garden walks extra pleasant.
- 49 tours
- popular 50 tours
- 49 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer is prime time for our beach-focused tours with plenty of ocean swimming to beat the heat. The Byron Bay surf camps fill quickly - our instructors are patient and the conditions are ideal, with complete beginners usually standing on their boards within just a few days. If you're starting in Sydney, our packages mix harbor swims with coastal walks and beach visits, while longer East Coast routes let you really sink into summer. You'll camp under stars in Noosa, snorkel alongside turtles on the reef and join group beach barbecues. Early lighthouse walks and social evenings help you dodge the strongest midday sun.
- 47 tours
- 47 tours
- popular 49 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn gives us some of our most varied touring experiences, with comfortable temperatures perfect for mixing activities. Our 6-week East Coast routes are especially popular, combining Daintree rainforest hikes with Aboriginal cultural experiences. The mild weather means you can still swim at most stops but without summer's intensity. Wildlife viewing really picks up on our Sydney to Brisbane routes - travelers regularly spot koalas around Port Macquarie and dolphins off Nelson Bay. The balance of outdoor activities and cultural experiences works particularly well in autumn's gentle conditions.
- popular 50 tours
- 50 tours
- 49 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings some excellent touring options along Australia's East Coast, with cooler weather that's perfect for certain activities. Our Sydney tours really shine this time of year - you can pair city exploration with Blue Mountains day trips where the crisp mountain air makes hiking comfortable and you'll often spot kangaroos during early morning walks. Harbor cruises run throughout winter with smaller crowds, giving you clear views of the Opera House and Bridge. We see lots of gap year participants joining winter programs, where they mix surf lessons with sandboarding and wildlife spotting without summer's intense heat. The shorter days lead to great social connections, especially during pub crawls and evening activities.
- 18 tours
- 41 tours
- popular 43 tours
Contact our Australia East Coast travel experts
Tetiana
Expert in Australia East Coast at TourRadar
Tetiana is one of our seasoned Australia East Coast Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Australia East Coast tours answered!
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