3-Week Australia East Coast Tour Packages
What if you could do the US East Coast in three weeks while hitting the highlights? New York museums are overwhelming in the best way, check out the Boston Freedom Trail tracing history, and Miami art deco pastels. Don’t miss the Washington monuments, Charleston’s preserved past, and food shifting lobster rolls to key lime pie. Variety in abundance.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Australia East Coast tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar
15 Day Australia Itinerary, incl. Melbourne and Cairns
Iconic landmarks from Sydney Opera House to Blue Mountains National Park mark the start of this eastern journey. The route encompasses Port Macquarie's Billabong Zoo, Byron Bay's lighthouse trails, and Gold Coast beaches.
- Days 1-3
Melbourne
Begin your Australian adventure in this cultural hub. Start with the famous laneways on day one. Visit Hosier Lane to see street art and grab coffee at Brother Baba Budan on Little Bourke Street before 10am to skip the crowds. Take a guided city tour on day two covering Eastern Hill's historic buildings and Queen Victoria Market. Get there by 8am when the produce is at its freshest. Day three is yours to explore. Take the free City Circle tram to see the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Days 4-5
Sydney
Book a morning flight to Sydney before 11am to avoid Melbourne's traffic. Spend your first afternoon around the harbor area. Get your Opera House photos from Mrs. Macquarie's Point for perfect shots. Take the city tour the next day including Bondi Beach. Remember strong sunscreen as the Australian sun is powerful even on overcast days.
- Day 6
Blue Mountains
Get your rental car and drive to the Blue Mountains. It's about 2 hours from Sydney, but plan for 3 hours if leaving during morning rush hour between 7-9am. Visit the Three Sisters lookout early or late to avoid crowds.
- Day 7
Hunter Valley
Head north to Australia's premier wine region. A previous visitor shared: "The cellar door tastings at Audrey Wilkinson gave us amazing valley views. Book the first tasting of the day at 10am - you'll have the place almost to yourself."
- Day 8
Port Macquarie
Drive 4 hours along the coast to this beach town. Stop by the Koala Hospital at 3pm to see the feeding and learn about their work.
- Day 9
Byron Bay
Travel 4.5 hours north to Byron Bay. Try a morning kayak tour to watch for dolphins. The 7:30am tour offers the calmest water and best wildlife spotting.
- Days 10-11
Gold Coast
An hour's drive brings you to the Gold Coast's beaches. Take the included lunch cruise to see the city from the water. Plan Surfers Paradise activities before 11am, when the sea breeze picks up.
- Days 12-15
Cairns
Return your car and fly to tropical North Queensland. Take the full-day Great Barrier Reef tour to Moore Reef. Pick the 7am trip for better underwater visibility before afternoon winds arrive. On your last day, enjoy Breakfast with Koalas at Hartley's Crocodile Park when the animals are most active during morning feeds.
16 Days in Australia East Coast, incl. Sydney and Cairns
Surf lessons at Spot X, indigenous culture on K'gari Island, and Whitsundays sailing create memorable moments in this 16-day coastal adventure. The package includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with stays in hostels and overnight trains.
- Days 1-2
Sydney
Begin in The Rocks historic district to see Sydney's harbor-front attractions. "The Harbour Bridge climb was an unforgettable experience." Visit Bondi Beach before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Take the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi for incredible ocean views. The walk takes about 2.5 hours.
- Days 3-4
Spot X Surf Camp
Board the morning train to Coffs Harbour (9 hours) and transfer to Spot X Surf Camp. Book morning surf lessons when the waves are calmer. Join the evening kangaroo trek to see wildlife at their most active. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for surfing.
- Days 5-6
Byron Bay
Travel three hours to Byron Bay at Australia's easternmost point. Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise. The path is steep but offers excellent whale watching from May to November. "The lighthouse walk at dawn was magical - we spotted dolphins playing in the waves below."
- Days 7-8
Brisbane & Fraser Island
Drive 4 hours to Brisbane then catch the morning ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island). You'll need a 4WD to explore the world's largest sand island. Most people book tours. Make time to swim in Lake McKenzie's clear waters. Bring insect repellent and water shoes.
- Days 9-10
Noosa
Walk the Noosa National Park coastal track in the morning to spot koalas. The full trek to Hell's Gate lookout takes about 2.5 hours. "The coastal path can be slippery after rain," one traveler warns. "Wear proper walking shoes."
- Days 11-13
Whitsundays
Take the overnight train to Airlie Beach to access the Whitsundays. Book your Whitehaven Beach boat trips well ahead. Ocean rafts offer access to the best snorkeling spots. "Take motion sickness pills before the boat trip, even if you don't usually need them."
- Days 14-16
Cairns
Drive 7 hours north to Cairns. Book Great Barrier Reef trips for your first days in case weather forces cancellations. Go on morning tours for calmer waters and better snorkeling. "The outer reef has better visibility - worth the longer boat ride."
East Coast Highlights - 3 Week | ULTIMATE
The iconic Sydney Opera House launches this 21-day coastal route to the Great Barrier Reef. Memorable stops include Byron Bay lighthouse, Fraser Island lakes, and Whitsundays beaches, featuring surf lessons and sailing adventures.
Sydney Australia
388 miByron Bay Australia
45 miSurfers Paradise Australia
44 miBrisbane Australia
108 miRainbow Beach Australia
35 miFraser Island Australia
448 miAirlie Beach Australia
15 miWhitsunday Islands Australia
310 miCairns Australia
98 miGreat Barrier Reef Australia
98 miCairns Australia
