10-Day Australia East Coast Tour Packages
The USA East Coast is full of amazing sights to see and a real buzz you won’t get anywhere else. Of course, you have to head to New York and check out the major sights, but what about Boston, DC, Charleston, or Florida? It’s a huge area, and you’ll see so much. You’ll see that New England is so different from the Mid-Atlantic region, and the South is also completely distinct. Beaches, culture, food, and a truly addictive vibe!
Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Australia East Coast tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar
8 Day East Coast Australia Itinerary, incl. Sydney and Brisbane
From Sydney to Brisbane, 9 key destinations unfold over 8 coastal days. K'gari's Boorangoora Lake, Hunter Valley wineries, and Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital showcase natural wonders, with stays at Beachcomber Byron Bay and Rainbow Getaway Apartments.
- Day 1
Sydney
Begin in Sydney's Potts Point area. Arrive by mid-afternoon to settle in before the 6 PM welcome meeting. The neighborhood is well-connected by public transport and has plenty of restaurants within walking distance perfect for your first night when dealing with jet lag.
- Day 2
Hunter Valley & Newcastle
Head out by 8 AM to avoid Sydney traffic. The wildlife park is a 2-hour drive north. Wear sturdy shoes as you'll walk on rough terrain while visiting kangaroos and koalas. Plan your Hunter Valley wine tasting after lunch to avoid the busy morning crowds. Stay at the Lucky Hotel in Newcastle's historic district right in the center of this bustling port city.
- Day 3
Port Macquarie
Take the 4-hour Pacific Coast drive to Port Macquarie's Koala Hospital. Visit between 3-4 PM to watch the afternoon feeding by volunteers. Walk the foreshore at sunset to spot wild dolphins. Pack binoculars if you have them. Stay at the El Paso Motor Inn where you can walk to nearby restaurants.
- Days 4-5
Byron Bay
Start with the First Nations experience at Niigi Niigi (Sealy Lookout) in the morning when the forest is most active. Get to Byron Bay by mid-afternoon to visit Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's easternmost point. The walk up is quite steep. Take the shuttle if walking is difficult. The Beachcomber Resort puts you close to beaches and cafes. If you're visiting during whale season (June-October) book a morning whale watch when the water is calmest.
- Day 6
Noosa & Rainbow Beach
Start early as you enter Queensland. Visit Noosa National Park in the morning and look for koalas before noon when they're most visible. Bring lots of water as the coastal track gets hot. Watch sunset at Rainbow Beach's Carlo Sand Blow just 10 minutes from Rainbow Getaway Apartments.
- Day 7
K'gari (Fraser Island)
Your 4WD adventure starts early. Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack light for the day. The 75 Mile Beach drive schedule changes with the tides. Try to reach Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) before other tours arrive. The sand gets very hot so wear proper shoes.
- Day 8
Brisbane
The 3-hour drive gets you to Brisbane by late morning. Take a CityCat ferry from South Bank to New Farm for great city views at regular transit fare prices. The tour wraps up mid-afternoon. South Bank has excellent riverside restaurants and night markets (Friday/Saturday) if you want to end with a memorable dinner.
Oz Intro
Sydney Harbor marks the start of 10 days covering Byron Bay's surf spots, Surfers Paradise's mangroves, and Brisbane's lagoon. Dolphin watching, sunrise lighthouse walks, and SUP lessons create memories across 4 iconic destinations.
10 Days in East Coast Australia, incl. Sydney and Brisbane
Morning yoga sets the tone for 10 days of coastal adventure from Sydney Harbor to Brisbane's Mount Coot-tha. Byron Bay's surf spots and Surfers Paradise mangroves complement lighthouse walks and SUP tours across 4 major cities.
- Days 1-3
Sydney
Start your Australian adventure in Sydney, where airport transfers take you to your city center hostel. Spend your first morning at Sydney Harbour. A good tip is to visit the Opera House before 9 AM to avoid crowds and get great photos. "The morning coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte Beach was incredible," one traveler shared. "Go early and bring water - it gets hot quickly, but the views are worth it." Get an Opal card for easy public transport to beaches and attractions.
- Days 4-6
Byron Bay
Take an overnight coach north to Byron Bay. Pack some warm clothes as the buses can get cold. You'll have three days to learn surfing with included lessons. One traveler said: "The surf instructors were super patient and got everyone standing by the end of the session." Make time for the sunrise lighthouse walk. It's a bit of a climb but you'll see the first rays hitting mainland Australia. The town is easy to walk around, but good shoes are important for beach trips.
- Days 7-8
Surfers Paradise
Head north to Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. You'll get to try jet boating for amazing skyline views. Wear clothes that can get wet. The nightlife here is excellent, especially on Cavill Avenue. Visit the Q1 observation deck right before sunset for the best city views and photos.
- Days 9-10
Brisbane
End your trip in Brisbane. Cool off at Streets Beach in South Bank Parklands, the only inner-city beach in Australia. You'll likely have your final dinner in the West End, which has lots of great restaurants. Brisbane works well as a starting point if you want to see more of Queensland.
Australia East Coast 10 Day Tour Packages You'll Love
Sydney to Brisbane – 8 Day Boutique Tour
Oz Intro
Oz Intro + Work
Sydney to Brisbane Adventure (14 destinations)
Sydney, Byron Bay & Brisbane Adventure - 10 days
Sydney to Brisbane with K'gari Fraser Island & Byron Bay - 8 Day Comfort Tour
Sydney to Noosa (Until Mar '27)
18 to 35s One Week from Sydney to Brisbane
Sydney to Brisbane Adventure - 8 days
Coastal Explorer
