Australia East Coast Tours & Trips
Could you handle Australia's east coast, though? We're talking Bondi surf lessons, sailing through the Whitsundays with that insane water color, exploring Fraser Island's sand dunes in a 4x4, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef before it's too late, wine tasting in Hunter Valley, and learning about First Nations culture in Gumbaynggirr. Sydney to Cairns properly done.
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- Choose from 50+ Australia East Coast tours
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Sebastian • traveled in December, 2025
Great Oz Tour I recently did the 10-day Oz Intro tour and had a great time. The itinerary was fun, with loads of places to see and plenty of group activities to get involved in. It was a really good mix of exploring and just enjoying the moment. Our tour guide Mia was awesome—super cheerful and always happy to help. She even organised a few extra optional activities outside the main plan, which made the whole trip feel even more flexible. Overall, a fun, easy-going tour with lots to do and a really good vibe. Would definitely recommend it to anyone thinking about travelling Australia.
Oz Intro - L
Loeki • traveled in February
Our tour guide and chauffeur was the best!!!!!
Sydney to Brisbane Adventure - T
Tess • traveled in December, 2025
I had the absolute best time on the 6-week East Coast trip! Everything was so well organised, which completely took the stress out of travelling and allowed me to just enjoy every single moment. From start to finish, the itinerary was balanced perfectly between included experiences and optional activities, so there was something for everyone. The included trips, like the Tablelands and the Whitsundays, were truly unforgettable and felt premium, while optional activities, like skydiving and breakfast with koalas (I highly recommend!!), added even more fun and personalised experiences. Accommodation throughout the trip was excellent, all comfortable hostels and then some really unique experiences like camping on K’gari, which ended up being one of the highlights of the trip for most people. A huge shoutout to our guide, Jack, who was phenomenal. His energy, passion, and enthusiasm brought the trip to life and made everyone feel welcome from day one. He was always checking in, supporting anyone who needed it, and keeping the vibes high, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. If you get Jack, you’re in for a treat ?? This trip was not only an incredible way to see Australia’s East Coast but also a truly memorable experience that exceeded all my expectations. If you’re thinking about booking, do it! You won’t regret it.
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
Traveler Photos & Videos from Australia East Coast tours
East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
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Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the WhitsundaysBorja
SMSophia
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
CGClaudia
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
DSDaniel
UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE
8 Day Livin' The Dream Surf AdventureSierra
Welcome to SydneyGaby
Oz Intro + WorkJosh
Table of contents
- The best Australia East Coast tour packages
- Travel Australia East Coast your way
- Best tour companies for Australia East Coast tours
- Australia East Coast tours for every type of 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
- What our customers ask about Australia East Coast Tours & Trips
The best Australia East Coast tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar
Oz Intro
1,536 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Absolutely fantastic would definitely recommend.”
Connor, traveled in September
Surfing instruction at Byron Bay combines with sunrise walks to Cape Byron Lighthouse and paddleboarding through Surfers Paradise's mangroves. Beachfront hostels host group BBQs, ending at Brisbane's famous Lagoon.
Duration 10 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator INTRO Travel From
- US$924
Sydney to Brisbane Adventure
11 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great accommodations, especially loved the Beachfront Motel in Byron Bay. It was a wonderful trip.”
Kenneth, traveled in March
Sydney's harbor opens a path to Brisbane's cityscape, featuring Hunter Valley wines, Port Macquarie's koala hospital, and Byron Bay's lighthouse. Wallis Lake cruise, Dangar Falls swimming, and indigenous experiences at Orara East State Forest complete the journey.
Duration 7 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, Brisbane Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- US$2,380
East Coast Australia: 6 Week | ULTIMATE
75 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“This tour was AMAZING! I had so much fun and our tour guide Eli made everything amazing.”
Faye, traveled in April
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, Port Stephens, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Airlie BeachSee all destinations Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
- US$4,352
Brisbane to Cairns Experience: Sand Dunes & the Whitsundays
30 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Whitsundays are beautiful, and Fraser Island is a truly special place.”
Daniel, traveled in December
The coastal path from Brisbane's Howard Smith Wharves to Cairns showcases K'gari 4x4 tours, Noosa National Park hikes, and Whitsundays sailing adventures. Hostel accommodation and various transport options included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Brisbane, Fraser Island, Mackay, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $2,399
17% Off- US$1,991You save $408
Duration 5 days Destinations Sydney Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $629
5% Off- US$598You save $31
Sydney to Cairns Adventure
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The variety of activities was excellent, something for everyone. I would definitely do another tour with Intrepid.”
Shana, traveled in October
This journey covers 2,500 km along Australia's east coast, starting with wine tastings in Hunter Valley's vineyards, then swimming in K'gari's turquoise Lake McKenzie and snorkeling at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Guided Dreaming tours with Aboriginal guides at The Rocks in Sydney offer authentic First Nations culture, along with Gumbaynggirr cultural experiences at Red Rock. Stays include comfortable cabins and hotels across 14 days, traveling with ages 15+, and group sizes are capped at 16 travelers.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
5% Off- US$5,590
Most of the Coast: Sydney to Cairns
38 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Great Barrier Reef is a must see!”
Emilia, traveled in September
Nine iconic destinations unfold from Sydney to Cairns. Surf lessons at Spot X, aboriginal culture on K'gari Island, and Whitsundays sailing create unforgettable moments. Multi-share hostel stays included, rated 4.9/5.0 from 35+ reviews.
Duration 16 days Destinations Sydney, Arrawarra, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa, Fraser Island, Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Islands, Cairns Age Range Ages 18-39 Operator G Adventures From $3,749
25% Off- US$2,812You save $937
Duration 4 days Destinations Brisbane Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $450
5% Off- US$428You save $23
Australia: City to Surf (Air Price Australia: City To Surf)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Great way to see Sydney and tick off some Australian bucket list items!”
Marie, traveled in January
Sydney's Opera House marks the start of an eight-day coastal adventure to K'gari's pristine beaches. Byron Bay surf lessons, Noosa Everglades eco-lodge stay, and Blue Mountains await. Designed for ages 18-35, with central hostels and expert Trip Manager guidance.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains, Bondi, Bondi Beach, Byron Bay, Noosa, Fraser Island, Brisbane Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Contiki From $1,381
10% Off- US$1,243+$134 upfront costsYou save $138
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
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 Ages 18-35 Operator Ultimate Travel From
10% Off- US$803
Travel Australia East Coast your way
Best tour companies for Australia East Coast tours
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.
Australia East Coast tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Top Australia East Coast travel itineraries to fit your plans
Demographics
Solo Travelers40 tours- Couples19 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)17 tours
- Seniors (50+)15 tours
Best time to visit Australia East Coast
- 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.
- 28 tours
- popular 43 tours
- 35 tours
- Spring 2026
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.
- 39 tours
- 36 tours
- popular 40 tours
- Summer 2026
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.
- 38 tours
- popular 40 tours
- 38 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2026
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 39 tours
- 39 tours
- 38 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!
- Choose from 76+ Australia East Coast tours
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+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Australia East Coast Tours & Trips
How do you get around those big East Coast cities - you know, New York, Boston, and D.C.?
Getting around the major cities isn't as tricky as you might think. New York's subway runs 24/7 which is super convenient and you'll find Boston's T subway covers pretty much everywhere you need to go though the hours change depending on which line you're taking. D.C.'s Metro is really efficient but heads up it closes earlier than New York's. You know what works really well? Mixing up public transport with walking tours especially in Boston where you can join these amazing Freedom Trail walks that take you right through revolutionary history and all the important historical spots.
What's the best way to experience nature beyond the city buzz?
The East Coast has some incredible natural spots once you step away from the urban scene. You've got to check out Acadia National Park in Maine with these stunning coastal views and hiking trails you can easily reach by car or hop on the park shuttle. Cape Cod's another gem with these beautiful beach towns and pristine shorelines - just drive over or catch a ferry. The Blue Ridge Mountains are perfect for both hiking and driving with loads of scenic stops and waterfalls you can easily access by car.
I've heard about the major spots, but what about those hidden East Coast gems?
While everyone's hitting the big cities there are these amazing places just waiting to be discovered. Salem Massachusetts is fascinating with its maritime history and those famous witch trials - you'll find great museums and historical walks there. Then there's Annapolis Maryland this gorgeous historic seaport with colonial buildings and sailing opportunities just a car or train ride from the major cities. For something really special head to North Carolina's Outer Banks where you've got these incredible beaches wild horses and lighthouse tours all accessible by car.
What kind of local experiences can visitors really get into along the East Coast?
You can really dive into the local scene in so many ways. Boston's Freedom Trail walks let you literally follow in revolutionary footsteps while discovering all these important historical places. Philadelphia's got this amazing art scene where you can catch performances at the Kimmel Center or explore these world-class museums. And New York's food scene is just incredible - join a food tour through Little Italy or Chinatown and you'll taste the real deal.
Should I book a guided tour or just hit the road on my own?
It really depends on what kind of traveler you are. Guided tours take care of all the details - like our UltimateOz Gap Year package that handles everything from airport pickups to accommodation plus these great Sydney tours including Opera House visits Harbour Bridge exploration a harbor cruise with BBQ time at Basecamp near One Mile Beach and even a pub crawl. Our customers love not having to worry about the details. But if you're more of a freestyle traveler doing your own road trip gives you total freedom to explore at your own pace and find those hidden spots though you'll need to plan things out yourself. Think about how you like to travel and go from there.