7-Day Australia East Coast Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Australia East Coast tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Day Australia East Coast Itinerary, incl. Sydney and Byron Bay

  The Australian coastline beckons for 7 days, from Sydney's Harbour to Spot X Surf Camp in Arrawarra, Byron Bay's beaches, and Brisbane's Daisy Hill Koala Centre. Four unique destinations offer surf lessons and wildlife encounters.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Sydney

    Start your East Coast adventure in Sydney with two full days to explore Australia's largest city. "Taking the ferry to Manly Beach was perfect - got amazing city views and found this incredible acai bowl place recommended by our guide." Visit The Rocks district early morning to avoid crowds and do the iconic Coogee to Bondi coastal walk which takes 2-3 hours. Book your Sydney Opera House tickets online before you go. Prices range from $43-185 USD and popular times often sell out.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Spot X Surf Camp, Arrawarra

    Take the 9-hour train ride north to Arrawarra. Pack light since there's a strict one-bag policy and excess baggage costs AUD 15. You'll stay in unique teepee-style rooms at Spot X Surf Camp. The morning surf lesson is short at under an hour in the water. Want more time? Budget for extra lessons. You can join guided bush walks with indigenous guides in the afternoon to learn about native plants. "The teepee accommodation was so cool, and the surf instructors were really patient with beginners," one traveler shared.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Byron Bay

    Byron Bay is a 3-hour drive away. Start your visit with a walk to Cape Byron Lighthouse, Australia's easternmost point and a prime spot for whale watching in season. The town is easy to explore on foot with plenty of surf shops and organic cafes. Stay at Wake Up hostel for free surfboard rentals to practice what you learned. Looking for more adventure? Try dolphin kayaking or skydiving for around $409 USD. Bring water and sun protection for the morning lighthouse walk it gets quite humid.

    
  • Day 7

    Brisbane via Daisy Hill

    The final 4-hour drive takes you to Brisbane with a stop at Daisy Hill Koala Centre. While wild koala sightings aren't guaranteed the rescue center offers reliable viewing opportunities. Your tour wraps up in Brisbane afternoon. "Check out Southbank and Queen Street after dark - the city really comes alive," suggests one traveler who extended their stay.

    

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• Welcome to Sydney

  This 7-day trip along Australia's East Coast starts and finishes in Sydney, staying at WakeUp! hostel and Surf Camp. Head to Jervis Bay's white sand beaches for a dolphin-watching cruise, then catch your first wave at Seven Mile Beach with Surf Camp Australia. There's coastal views from Sea Cliff Bridge, plus an Aboriginal Heritage Walk.

  

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  • Sydney Australia

  • Sydney Australia

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• 7 Day Sydney Itinerary, incl. Sydney CBD and Port Stephens

  Seven days of coastal beauty stretch from Sydney's iconic harbor to Blue Mountains wilderness. The route covers Bondi's surf spots, Manly's esplanade, and six coastal beaches, featuring guided city walks, wildlife spotting, and Jamison Valley views.

  

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  • Day 1

    Sydney CBD

    Start your Sydney trip with a transfer from the airport to your city center accommodation. Walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens in the early morning before it gets too hot. Get your best Opera House photos from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair. For dinner, skip the expensive seafood spots in Darling Harbour and head to Chinatown for better-priced local food.

    
  • Day 2

    Sydney Harbour

    Take a morning catamaran cruise around Sydney Harbour. The small groups mean you'll have plenty of room to move around. Bring sunscreen and a light jacket since the harbor breeze can be tricky. You'll stop at quiet bays for swimming with clear views of the Harbour Bridge. The cruise includes a BBQ lunch, which saves you money on expensive harbor restaurants.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Port Stephens

    Take the 2.5-hour bus to Port Stephens after Sydney's morning rush hour ends. Book an eco-cabin near One Mile Beach but remember to pack insect repellent - mosquitoes come out at dusk. Visit the Stockton Sand Dunes for sandboarding and wear closed shoes because the sand gets very hot. The Mt. Tomaree hike offers great coastal views. It's a steep 2-hour round trip but the path is easy to follow.

    
  • Day 5

    Shoal Bay & Return

    Go dolphin watching in Shoal Bay early in the morning when the water is calmest. One visitor noted: "The dolphins were incredibly playful, especially near the bow of the boat. Bring a waterproof camera!" Head back to Sydney in the late afternoon to get settled.

    
  • Day 6

    Bondi Beach Day

    Walk the Coogee to Bondi coastal path (2-3 hours one way). Leave Coogee before 9 AM to avoid crowds and heat. Bring water and sun protection since there's limited shade. Swim at Bondi's north end where the water is calmer. Skip the tourist restaurants on the beach and try the local spots on Hall Street for dinner.

    
  • Day 7

    Sydney Exploration

    Use your last day to see anything you missed. Start in The Rocks - try the weekend markets for breakfast if they're open. Find affordable lunches at Westfield Sydney or World Square food courts. Consider a sunset ferry ride to Manly ($10 one way) and sit on the harbor side for the best city views.

    

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