If your dream trip involves meshing the world’s most epic natural wonders with iconic city sights, then welcome to the East Coast of Australia! This 22-day (September-based) itinerary is what I’d recommend to tackle the vast East Coast, ensuring you hit every major landmark from the Sydney Opera House to the Great Barrier Reef. (This journey is one of two planned trips to see all of Australia’s highlights; this one covers Sydney and Queensland, while the other focuses on the South and West coasts.)
Day 1: G’day to the Harbour City
G’day, mate! You’ve landed in Sydney: Australia’s most famous harbour city. After a morning arrival, check into a stunning hotel like The Fullerton, Paradox Hotel, or the Four Seasons for that classic Opera House view. Spend the day slowly adjusting to the time switch while you get a lay of the land down under, soaking up the energy of the harborside.
Days 2-3: The Buzzing Hub
Sydney is an iconic, sprawling metropolis. Kick things off with a local-led private walking tour to peel back the layers and discover some of the city’s highlights and hidden gems. Later that day, treat yourself to a few hours on a quintessential Sydney Harbor cocktail cruise at sunset, complete with drinks, snacks, and live music– the perfect way to see the harbor and its famous landmarks, like the Opera House. Use the rest of your time here to truly immerse yourself. Browse The Rocks Market, get a 360-degree perspective from the Sydney Tower Eye, or do some people watching at Circular Quay.
Day 4: Gold Coast Hour
Time to fly up north to Queensland! Upon arrival at the Gold Coast, pick up your rental car and settle into a hotel in Surfers Paradise, like Rhapsody Resort or JW Marriott Resort & Spa. Later in the day, if you’re keen for a bit of action, hop on an e-bike and ride down to Burleigh Hill. This headland is a prime vantage point for whale watching right from the coast!
Day 5: Hang Ten and Sky High
Start your day by embracing the gnarly surf lifestyle with a two-hour lesson on the Gold Coast’s famous waves. You’ll be standing up on your board in no time! The city has a million things to offer, from massive shopping malls to casual beachside dining, so take some time to explore what makes this city famous. Before sunset, head to the Skypoint Observation Deck, located atop the tallest building in Australia. Watching the sun go down over the horizon and seeing the sky turn a golden hue over the coast really highlights how this place got its name!
Day 6: Brisbane Bridge
Drive just an hour north to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland. After checking into a great base like the Adina Apartment or Emporium Hotel, spend a few hours walking around and grabbing a bite to eat. Your evening calls for high-altitude thrills! Prepare for the incredible Story Bridge climb. It’s one of only three bridge climbs in the world! Climbing at dusk is absolutely unforgettable, rewarding you with spectacular panoramic views as the city lights reflect off the Brisbane River.
Day 7: The River City
Wake up ready to get familiar with the city and its famed river life! Spend the day exploring Brisbane’s most popular areas, hopping on a ferry to get between key destinations—it’s the best way to see the city. Check out the South Bank Parklands, Brisbane’s sprawling riverside oasis, complete with the famous Streets Beach (Australia’s only inner-city man-made beach). For incredible views, take a scenic ride on the Wheel of Brisbane, or head over to the Kangaroo Point Cliffs where you can watch people rock climb and abseil while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. Alternatively, dive into the culture and nightlife of Fortitude Valley, known for its bustling laneways, live music, and incredible dining scene.
Day 8: Do More on Moreton
Get ready for an epic adventure to Moreton Island National Park! Your day trip starts with a ferry ride that provides fantastic whale watching opportunities. The fun continues when you get to the island, with snorkeling and clear kayaking around the Tangalooma Shipwrecks. These fifteen wrecks were deliberately sunk to create a breakwall in the 1960s and now host an incredible amount of sealife, including sea turtles, dolphins, rays, dugongs (similar to manatees), and over 200 species of tropical fish. After a beach lunch, you’ll finish the day with the adrenaline rush of sand tobogganing. Sledding down the dunes, you can hit speeds up to 40mph!
Day 9: Wildlife Warrior
You’re heading to one of the most famous animal sanctuaries in the world: the Australia Zoo, founded by the legendary Steve Irwin. This zoo is massive! Throughout the day you can choose to meet lemurs or red pandas, interact with rhinos or otters, watch the famous Wildlife Warriors Show (featuring the crocs!), and cap it all off with a cuddly koala encounter. Be sure to visit their state-of-the-art animal hospital and feed the free-roaming kangaroos and wallabies in the Kangaroo Walk-About!
Day 10: Whitsundays Sunset
Time to fly out to tropical paradise! You’ll jet off to Hamilton Island, the idyllic base of the Whitsundays. After checking into a beautiful spot like The Sundays, your evening belongs to the sea. Head out for a catamaran sunset sail complete with drinks and nibbles– the ultimate way to kick off your time in these stunning islands.
Day 11: Whitehaven Beach Perfection
Today is dedicated to Whitehaven Beach, famous for its powder-soft, white silica sand. Your chill and grill excursion will cruise you to the island. You’ll take the essential short walk up to the Hill Inlet Lookout for that iconic view of the swirling blue water and white sands, then spend the afternoon playing beach games and enjoying a delicious Aussie barbie! The sand here is so pure that it stays cool to the touch, so you don’t have to worry about the bottoms of your feet burning!
Day 12: Heart Reef and Relaxation
This morning is pure magic: a scenic flight over the famous Heart Reef and the surrounding islands! You’ll soar above the Whitsundays and the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef, capturing unbeatable aerial views of the sweeping blue and white patterns and the perfectly heart-shaped coral formation. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the pools, beaches, bars, and tranquility of Hamilton Island.
Days 13-14: Immersed in the Reef
It’s time for an incredible overnight experience! Take a private morning ferry out to your all-inclusive reef stay. This amazing floating base gives you direct access to the outer reef for guided snorkeling and an up-close perspective of the coral via a semi-submarine tour. For the ultimate treat, you’ll stay the night in a Reefsuite, an exclusive underwater hotel room with glass floors and walls that let you sleep completely surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef’s mesmerizing marine life. The next afternoon, you’ll ferry back to the mainland and settle into your accommodation in Airlie Beach; Pinnacles hotel is a great option.
Days 15-17: Private Island in the GBR
Fly north from Airlie Beach (to Cairns or Townsville) for the ultimate indulgence. From there, you’ll take a private transfer flight to your all-inclusive, private island resort. Bedarra Great Barrier Reef and Orpheus Island Lodge are both incredible options. For the next two days, every marine activity is at your fingertips: snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and even fishing. For a deeper understanding of the ecosystem, take a tour of one of the reef’s research stations. This is utter relaxation and luxury!
Days 18-19: Into the Rainforest
Time for a dramatic change in scenery! You’ll travel back to the mainland, grab a rental car, and drive north to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continuously surviving rainforest in the world! Check into a fantastic base like Daintree Ecolodge. The next day, connect with the ancient ecosystem on a Mossman River Drift Experience. Gently floating down the crystal-clear river on your raft is a fun way to spot wildlife and enjoy the dense canopy. (Don’t worry, the water is too clear and shallow for crocs here!)
Day 20: The Ultimate Daintree Adventure
You didn’t really visit the Daintree Rainforest if you don’t do these activities! The excursion starts early, crossing the Daintree River by cable ferry. You’ll take a stunning beach walk at Cape Tribulation, which is the only place in the world where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the reef and the rainforest, actually touch! Then, the tour includes a high-flying ziplining tour through the canopy before lunch. Visit the Daintree Ice Cream Company, where all the ice cream is made with exotic, tropical fruits grown organically and watered naturally right on their farm! Finish the day with a thrilling wildlife river cruise safari in an exclusive section of the Daintree to search for saltwater crocs.
Day 21: Kuranda Scenic Journey
Get ready for one of the most scenic days on the trip! You’ll ride the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, a spectacular 1.5-hour journey up through the mountains, tunnels, and waterfalls of the Barron Gorge National Park. You’ll switch over at the top and return via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, gliding over the canopy for unbelievable views. After that, drive to Cairns; check into your hotel, like the Shangri-La or Novotel Oasis Resort, and prepare for your long flight home tomorrow.
Day 22: One Last G’day
Wake up one more day in the Land Down Under before heading to the airport for your long journey home, filled with memories of iconic city sights, vibrant reefs, and ancient rainforest magic!
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