Welcome to the East Coast Australia tours page. Arguably the most well known tour route in Australia, embarking on an East Coast tour of Australia is the perfect way to explore the varying terrain. From the topical rainforests, to the pristine beaches as well as paradise at the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Stretching for most of Queensland, the East Coast offers travellers the chance to explore the native wildlife, take in the more tropical areas of Tropical North Queensland including the Daintree and Cape Tribulation. Who knows – you might even spot a cassowary whilst on your travels!
East Coast Australia Tours Guide
- Must Visit Places For Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers
- Must Visit Destinations For Couples
- East Coast Australia Average Cost Summary
- Ultimate East Coast Buckets List and Average costs
- The Best Time of Year to Travel on East Coast Australia Tours
- East Coast Australia Research Tips
- East Coast Australia Festivals
Must Visit Places for Backpackers and Working Holiday Makers
Things to do in Sydney
Possibly topping the list of the best cities in Australia; there will be little hesitation in traveling to Sydney. The Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, and The Sydney Opera House have obviously risen to the highest level of travel status and not to mention attractions like Bondi Beach as well as Manly Beach and Palm Beach which has everyone running for the shore to get a touch of the Aussie bliss. Whether you are looking to learn to surf in Sydney or perhaps party in Sydney, check out festivals in Sydney and then even brush off your hangovers with an English Sunday Roast at one the best pubs Sydney, this city truly bends to everyone’s taste and in no way could it ever disappoint a single East Coast traveler.
10 Things to Do in Sydney
- Sydney Harbour Bridge
- Sydney Harbour
- The Opera House
- Sydney Botanical Gardens
- Kings Cross
- Bondi Beach
- Manly Beach
- Palm Beach
- Blue Mountains
- Ku Ring Gai Chase National Park
Things to Do in Byron Bay
“Obviously Byron Bay”
What man or woman alive does not travel from Sydney to Byron Bay on their East Coast Australia Adventures – Not a single one! If it doesn’t go without saying, it doesn’t go on the bucket list of top destinations on the east coast Australia and if you have not already started to eye up Byron Bay as your next best destination in New South Wales, then you need this article more than you can imagine. The itinerary for Byron is pretty straightforward… Learn to Surf in Byron Bay, Chill, Eat and Drink, and try not to make drunken mistakes! The best surf camps in Byron Bay are not hard to come by, the best places to eat in Byron Bay are all literally within a stone’s throw and if you are looking for all the top things to do in Byron, you literally just have to rock up and allow yourself to be swallowed by all the Byron Bay hype.
Top Things to Do in Byron Bay
- Learn To Surf in Byron Bay
- Visit the Markets in Byron Bay
- Festivals in Byron Bay
- Visit one of the many great pubs in Byron Bay
- Walk up to the Byron Bay Lighthouse
- Get loose at one of the backpacker bars in Byron Bay
Things to Do in the Gold Coast
As your next place from Byron Bay, The Gold Coast will push you over your hippie hump; undoubtedly acquired in Byron, and will have you drinking G and T’s in a tailored made. The Gold Coast is of course amongst the best places in Queensland and although it is just outside of Brisbane this city shows off an act of their own. The beaches in The Gold Coast are literally the next level from anything you have seen before and naturally, finding accommodation in The Gold Coast is as easy as finding your own hands – This city is well prepared for the travelers dying to reach its shores.
Top Things to Do in The Gold Coast
- Warner Bros Movie World
- Sea World
- Dream World
- Learn to Surf in The Gold Coast
- Skypoint Observation Deck
- Springbrook National Park
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Things to Do in Brisbane
This is what feels like the start of tropical Queensland as it can feel quite humid, but what there is no mistaking or second-guessing, travelling to Brisbane is like reaching the gateway to heaven. Imagine the party at heaven’s gateway – same thing! Between Brisbane to Cairns is everything a traveller could hope for but Brisbane will do its damnedest to make sure you never leave because it’s just that good. If you are wondering what the best things to do in Brisbane are then make sure you do not skip this incredible city.
Top Things to Do in Brisbane
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- South Bank
- Mount Coot-tha
- Glass House Mountains
- Brisbane City Botanic Gardens
- Check Out The Big City Night Life
Things to Do on Fraser Island
Either getting here via Rainbow Beach to Fraser Island or Hervey Bay to Fraser Island you’ll be provided with a proper send off. If you are looking for tours on Fraser Island then be prepared to be marooned with mania! Amongst all the Islands off of Queensland, it is only here where you experience the most outlandish Fraser Island 4WD Tours, mixed with Outback Camping and very possibly becoming the main highlight of your Queensland Adventure.
Tours most commonly fix you up with food and accommodation on Fraser Island but are cautious that you don’t share with the dingos because when it runs out, there’s only you left to eat (just kidding – kinda).
Things to Do in The Whitsundays
Here there is no mistaking it, you’ve reached the North Tropics, one of the top destinations in Queensland, of which will no doubt offer you the best tours in Queensland and is arguably the most beautiful place on the planet – how about that then – Big Statement right!. Accommodation in the Whitsundays is usually found at Airlie Beach, which ironically, is where all the backpacker party shenanigans happen. Once you dust off the night before, tours to The Great Barrier Reef, Snorkel Tours around the 74 islands off the Whitsundays and Sailing Charter Tours are all within your reach and all within the realm of the greatest things to do in Queensland, well heck, even Australia!
Top Things to Do in The Whitsundays
- Whitehaven Beach Tours
- Hamilton Island
- Boat Haven Beach
- Whitsunday Sailing Tours
- Hire Jet Skis
- Party in Airlie Beach
Things to Do in Cairns
North Queensland is riddled with pockets of travellers havens and from everything between Sydney to Cairns, Cairns is going to compete with every single top destination on the East Coast of Australia! If you are looking for the best things to do in Cairns; this place is so alive with tourism that tours in Cairns are easier to find and impossible to hide from. Tours in the northern regions of Queensland most commonly involve the Great Barrier Reef or the Daintree Rainforest but Cairns is also partial to the odd bungee jump and other kinds of mayhem. Places to party in Cairns are endless and all the best hostels in Cairns will have no problem with pointing you in the right direction!
Top Things to Do in Cairns
- Sky Rainforest
- Palm Cove
- Great Barrier Reef Tours
- Rainforest Nature Park
- Bungee Jumping
- Barron Falls
- Visit Fitzroy Island
- Cairns Night Markets
Things to Do in Port Douglas
Travelling from Cairns to Port Douglas is one of the greatest coastal drives in Australia but what it is you’ll experience on arrival is the calmer and more tranquil version of Cairns. Although Port Douglas as much smaller, Tours in Port Douglas are just as popular and even just an hour north from Cairns, Port Douglas has greater access to tours in the Daintree Rainforest and Tours in Cape Tribulation. There are plenty of great hostels in Port Douglas and equally, there are amazing bars and restaurants in Port Douglas. This may very well be the last destination on your east coast adventure but Port Douglas will have you thinking it’s just begun!
Top Things to Do in Port Douglas
- Daintree Rainforest Tours
- Cape Tribulations Tours
- Port Douglas Wildlife Habitat
- Indulge in the Endless Restaurants
- See How the Locals Get Down in The Evening
Must Visit Destinations for Couples
The Chances are, if you are travelling in a couple, you will still be interested in all the destinations above. However, there is still more to explore and for these destination you may wish to take specific deviations from the backpacker route to give a little couples-flair to your adventure.
New South Wales
Wine Tasting
Without a doubt, if you are travelling with your loving partner, then Wine Tasting in places like Hunters Valley, Hastings River and Tumbarumba. Click here to find out more!
Beach Hopping in Sydney
Does it get better than chilling next to your partner in the sun and looking out to pristine waters? No, it does not! Which is why you will most certainly want to do some beach hopping when you are in Sydney. Beaches that you absolutely should not miss out on you ask? This should have you covered!
Sydney Bridge Climb
The best way to finish you time in Sydney off is to get an epic photo for the memory books at the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge. Some moments simply have to be captured and this is one of them!
The Gold Coast vs The Sunshine Coast
Sure you will find countless of Backpackers in both the Gold Coast and The Sunshine Coast but these destination simply cannot be missed out on. Plus there is plenty to do for couples. Here is everything for the Gold Coast through to The Sunshine Coast.
MT Tamborine National Park
Travelling North from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain is only 36km from Southport via the Pacific Highway and Oxenford–Tamborine Road. This basically means you could be enjoying a coffee with breakfast in the morning and still get to this incredible national park before lunch.
Surfers Paradise
1, because beaching it up never gets old and 2, this is a perfect chance to see if Surfers Paradise does what it says on the tin and get yourself out in the ocean to catch some waves. These are the kinda memories which you’ll be able to bring home and be thankful that you jumped into the deep end for a try!
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A perfect chance to grab a close encounter with Australia’s native animals. If its Australian, cute and or deadly, then you’ll be able to find it here in this incredible wildlife sanctuary.
Brisbane
Brisbane was always going to make the cut no matter your age, preferences or budget. Brisbane has something for everyone and if you are travelling in a couple, the CBD has every level of romance, dining and shopping your hearts could desire.
Noosa
Noosa is again another place which should always be visited no matter who you are travelling with, you budget or you age. If you do have some extra cash put away then Noosa can most certainly cater for finer tastes or quite simply walks along the coastal path. Noosa is so pretty and charming that if you are travelling in a couple, perhaps you can put this place above some others. There is also the Food and Wine festival which is mind blowing! 16 to 20th of May, so be sure to plan your trip around this because it is epic!
Tropical Queensland
Again, many of the backpackers destinations still very much have something special for everyone but throughout Queensland there are few destinations to get a more personal experience.
Rainbow Beach
Rainbow Beach is a hotspot for hopping over to Fraser Island on Fraser Island 4WD Tours, which obviously, you won’t want to miss. But also, Rainbow Beach is so stunning and almost exclusive to the never any more than a couple hundred people at any given time, this is definitely a place to unwind and have the sunset all for you selves.
Agnes Water
This is where the tropics really start to meet the sea and if you like camping, surfing and small charming towns, this place is definitely worth a stop if you are travelling in a couple. It is also worth resting up here for a while because from here there is a massive drive ahead.
The Tablelands
Try find a place more astonishing than here, it can’t be done! As the Tablelands is on the way to Cairns, slightly inland, then it is the perfect deviation for those travelling as a couple. Each summit opens to yet another mind blowing horizon!
Cook Town
As you will undoubtedly pass through Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation you will also find that this is usually when the backpacker migration stops and they either turn back down the coast, cut across the find Northern Territory Tours or look for their farm work in Australia. Don’t miss the chance to take a couples retreat away from the backpacker crowd in the blissful haven of Cook Town!
East Coast Australia Average Cost Summary
Average cost for a camper van hire per night / per week / per month$20 – $30 Per Night$140 – $210$600 – $900
Average cost for car hire per night / per week / per month$15 – $25 Per Night $105 – $175 Per Week$420 – $700
Best Companies to Hire From
Average Cost for Accomodation
Average cost for a hostel dorm room 1 night /3 night /7 nights $15 – $25 Per Night £45 – $75 Per 3 Nights $105 – $175 7 Nights
Average cost for a private room in a hostel 1 night / 3 night / 7 nights$45 – $70 Per Night $135 – $210 Per 3 Nights $315 – $490Average cost for a 3-4 Star hotel or Boutique hotel1 night / 3 night / 7 nights$70 – $150 Per Night $210 – $450 Per 3 Nights$490 – $1050 Per 7 Nights
Average cost for a campsite 1 night / 3 night / 7 nights$10 – $25 Per Night$30 – £75 Per 3 Nights$70 – $175 Per 7 Nights
Average Cost for a Bus or Coach From
Sydney to Byron Bay $100 – $200
Sydney to Gold Coast $150 – $240
Sydney to Brisbane $180 – $250
Sydney to Noosa (Fraser Island) $200 / $270
Sydney to Whitsundays(Airlee Beach) $450 / £550
Sydney to Mission Beach $500 / $600
Sydney to Cairns $550 / $650
Gold Coast to Brisbane $20 / $30
Brisbane to Noosa £20 / $35
Brisbane to Whitsundays $200 – $300
Brisbane to Cairns $300 – $400
Learn to Surf in Sydney
Best Surf Camps in Byron Bay
Learn to Surf in The Gold Coast
Learn to Surf in The Sunshine Coast
The Best Time of Year to Travel on East Coast Australia Tours
The Australian whether and climate variations are to say the least; sitting on the hardcore end of the spectrum! The best time of year to visit Cairns is slightly more important to consider than when it is you are situated in Sydney. Winter in Cairns is bliss, whereas summer in Cairns is a life planning around getting to the nearest Aircon. To make the most of the whole journey, it is popular to reach Sydney at the beginning of spring and work your way north as Tropical Queensland will have not yet reached its humid rainy season and will still be summer; but not unbearable in the slightest.
East Coast Australia Research Tips
Travelling on your East Coast Australia Tours is a journey best started after you have gathered as much information and inspiration as possible.
Check Out These Travel Instagrams for More East Coast Australia Travel Information
Quite simply, these insta bloggers are going to serve as your main point of motivation. If you want to know how you should be exploring the East Coast of Australia and even the rest of the world; then get browsing through these.
Paul Fleming(42,000 followers)
Gary Norris(129,000 followers)
Lauren Bath(383,000 followers)
Tim Denoodle(14,000 followers)
Check Out The Facebook Pages for East Coast Australia
These Facebook pages will be one of your most utilised tools when it comes to travel research, travel community communication, finding work and even finding a ride!
BBMLive Travel
Sydney Backpacker
Byron Bay Backpackers and Travellers
Brisbane Backpacker Resort
Cairns Australia Backpackers and Travellers
East Coast Australia Festivals
Splendor in the Grass
When: End of JulyWhere: North Byron ParklandsWebsite: www.splendourinthegrass.com
Field Day
When: January 1 (New Years Day) Where: Sydney Website: www.facebook.com/FieldDay
Harbor lifee
When: Beginning of November
Where: Sydney
Website: www.fuzzy.com.au
Lost Paradise
When: Over New Years Eve
Where: Glenworth Valley, New South Wales (75 minutes outside Sydney)
Website: www.lostparadise.com.au
Groovin the Moo
When: End of April / Beginning of MayWhere: Oakbank, Bunbury, Benoigo, Canberra, Maitland, and TownsvilleWebsite: www.gtm.net.au
East Coast Australia Bucket List Destinations
Sydney to Cairns Tours
If you’re planning an East Coast Australia tour you’ll know the most popular route is Sydney to Cairns.
East Coast Australia Tours
Whitsunday Island Tours
Explore this tropical paradise with Awesome Whitsundays’ great range of packages! Right in the heart of one of Australia’s greatest treasures, the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, are the Whitsunday Islands, all white sanded and wonderful.
Surrounded by the calm, warm waters of the Coral Sea, there are 74 tropical islands making up the Whitsundays, and each one you visit with Awesome Whitsundays is part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park. The abundance of pristine beaches, marine and wildlife, incredible views, and the sheltered turquoise waterways make it the perfect place for sailing or cruising.
Great Barrier Reef Tours
Ocean Safari offers an exhilarating ride to snorkel the pristine untouched Great Barrier Reef off the Daintree Coast at Cape Tribulation.
This half day eco tour visits two different snorkel destinations, each with an extraordinary array of marine life and coral species.
After a fast 25 minute ride, you are ready to snorkel two fabulous locations at Mackay and Undine Reefs. On most days, the rainforest can be seen along the mainland beach whilst snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef alongside sea turtles, which are found in abundance swimming over reefs full of colourful coral, along with myriads of tropical fish, eagle rays, giant clams and starfish.
Paradise Tour of the Whitsundays
Red Cat Adventures bring the ultimate bucket list experiences to travellers exploring Australia.
The Whitsundays is a prime hot spot in Queensland, attracting thousands of tourists every single year which is why Red Cat Adventures have been tailoring tours like the Ride to Paradise Tour to ensure travellers of all kinds get to experience the best of The Whitsunday Islands.
Whitehaven Beach Tours
Each Ocean Rafting day includes an exhilarating ride to world famous Whitehaven Beach, pristine snorkelling reefs and guided Whitsunday Island National Park walks, all in one day!
The semi rigid inflatable vessels are super fast allowing you to experience a fun ride, adventure and education amongst the natural beauty of the Whitsunday Islands. Ocean Rafting’s Whitehaven Beach tours visit the “Wild Side” of the Whitsunday Islands, the uninhabited islands with beautiful natural scenery brimming with marine, bird and animal life.
With small groups, you’ll be able to experience the tropical paradise away from the crowds and 70% of the vessel is shaded, ensuring you’ll be protected from the unforgiving Aussie sun.
Dropbear Adventures – Fraser Island 4×4 Tours
K’gari, more popularly known as Fraser Island, is located of the East Coast of Queensland, Australia. Local Aboriginal people have long known the island as K’gari and recently succeeded in having the name recognised officially. We believe the story behind the Aboriginal name for Fraser Island, about a female spirit who was turned into this sandy island, enhances our understanding of this beautiful place.
K’gari effortlessly amazes you with her beauty and abundant nature. Her feminine, curvaceous landscapes will have you seduced into serenity, her calming nature will see you relaxing on her pure white beaches surrounding crystal clear lakes and feeling her peaceful energy on a walk through her cool rainforests.
Brisbane to Cairns Northbound
Victoria has the Great Ocean Road, New South Wales has Bronte and Bondi, but head further north up Australia’s east coast and it’s a whole different kettle of fish. Queensland offers one coastal paradise after another: the atmospheric dunes of Fraser Island, the impossibly white beaches and blue waters of the Whitsundays, and the colourful coral tapestry of the Great Barrier Reef.
But before you delve into that legendary world wonder, The Adventure Tours Australia will detour inland to discover Tully Gorge National Park, where the the Jirrbal and Gulnay people have nurtured the rainforest for thousands of years, and make tracks for the lush green hills of the Atherton Tablelands. With four-star accommodation throughout, this one unforgettable east coast adventure.
Fraser Island Tours From Rainbow Beach
If you’re planning a trip along the East Coast of Australia, then Fraser Island is a must on your itinerary.
It’s here where you’ll find the world’s largest sand island sporting a 75 mile long beach – aptly named 75 Mile Beach – as well as a real life shipwreck, dingos, crystal clear lakes and so much more.
So what’s the best way to see all that Fraser Island has to offer? Well, we suggest taking a group tour so you don’t miss a thing. On Dropbear Adventures 3 Day tour you can explore at ease as well as experiencing probably the best three days of your life – or at least travels!
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway is a must do Cairns attraction that is easily accessible from Cairns, Palm Cove, Port Douglas and the Atherton Tablelands.
Enjoy a truly unique perspective of Australia’s World Heritage listed Tropical Rainforest as you glide just metres above the pristine rainforest canopy before descending to explore the forest floor at Red Peak and Barron Falls Station. Discover, encounter and immerse yourself in The World’s Most Beautiful Rainforest Experience
GREAT EAST COAST TOURS FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS
Jungle Surfing Through The Daintree Rainforest
Zipline between six tree canopy platforms and stand heart-to-heart with nature in the world’s oldest rainforest.
You would struggle to find this adventurous experience anywhere else, and is something that will definitely land in your bucket list.
Just a short drive north of Cairns in the Tropical North of Queensland, this exhilarating experience is truly unique, and there is no better way to see and explore the rainforest from a new angle high above the rainforest floor.
Sleep Overnight On The Great Barrier Reef
With Awesome Whitsundays you can make your way out to the Reefworld Pontoon situated on the outer Great Barrier Reef atop Hardy Reef for a reef experience unlike any other. The Hardy Reef is just one of the many thousands of smaller coral reefs that make up the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s here that you’ll discover an abundance of tropical fish, from tiny ones to even giant gropers. The vibrant subaqueous garden is where you will also have the chance to spot unicorn fish, cuttlefish, moray eels, parrotfish, marine turtles and reef sharks if you’re lucky.
Day Trips From Port Douglas
Planning a self drive trip to Tropical North Queensland? If so, Port Douglas makes for a nice place to use as your base whilst you explore what TNQ has to offer.
A stay in Port Douglas promises gorgeous views of 4 Mile Beach as well as many nearby attractions to keep you busy during the day. Here’s our edit of the best day trips from Port Douglas.
Discover the best things to do in Queensland
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