10-Day Australia Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Australia itineraries

Compiled by

SteffAustralia travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in East Coast Australia, incl. Sydney and Brisbane

  Australia's east coast highlights 4 major destinations - Sydney's harbor district, Byron Bay's surf spots, Surfers Paradise's coastal strip, and Brisbane's lagoon area. Activities include surfing lessons, lighthouse walks, mangrove paddling tours and a farewell dinner at Brisbane's waterfront.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Sydney

    Start in vibrant Sydney. Take an early morning walk through the Royal Botanic Gardens to shake off jet lag and get those perfect Opera House photos. "The harbour cruise was incredible - get there before 10 AM to avoid the midday heat and crowds." Your second day is perfect for exploring Bondi Beach and walking the coastal path to Bronte. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and a hat because the Australian sun is strong even when it's cloudy. On day three try jet boating in the morning. You'll love racing around Sydney Harbour at 80mph.

    
  • Days 4-6

    Byron Bay

    Take the overnight bus to Byron Bay. The trip takes about 8 hours. "Watching the sunrise from Cape Byron Lighthouse was humbling. Bring a shawl - it gets chilly in the morning." Book your surf lesson for day 5 when morning offshore winds create better conditions for beginners. The instructors are patient and helpful. Wear a rash guard under your wetsuit to protect your skin. You can join afternoon yoga sessions with ocean views but one visitor suggests "Book the morning class if possible - the afternoon heat can be intense."

    
  • Days 7-8

    Surfers Paradise

    It's a 2-hour bus ride from Byron to the Gold Coast's famous beach strip. Start with a morning jet boat tour to see the coast before the afternoon winds pick up. "The jet boating with views of Surfers Paradise's iconic coastline was a highlight." Stay in central Surfers Paradise for easy beach access but know it can get noisy on weekend nights.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Brisbane

    Finish your trip in Brisbane. The South Bank area offers free pools and BBQ spots that are perfect for your final days. Take a ride on the CityCat ferry to see the city from the water. One recent visitor notes: "The Brisbane Lagoon gets busy by midday - go early morning for the best experience." Spend your last evening having dinner at Eagle Street Pier while you watch the sun set behind the Story Bridge.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in East Coast Australia, incl. Brisbane and Cairns

  Natural wonders await across 6 destinations spanning 1,682km, with K'gari's 4x4 tours, Noosa National Park hikes, Whitsundays sailing, and Great Barrier Reef adventures. The package includes 7 major activities with varied transport options.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Brisbane

    Explore Queensland's capital by walking along the river through South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves. "The City Cat ferry gives you great views of Brisbane's riverside attractions." Consider staying in Fortitude Valley for good nightlife and transport options.

    
  • Days 2-3

    K'gari (Fraser Island)

    Take a 3-hour transfer to the world's largest sand island. Start with a Welcome to Country ceremony before exploring by 4WD. Visit Lake McKenzie for a swim and check out the Maheno shipwreck. One traveler noted: "The sunset beach walk was incredible, but bring insect repellent – the sandflies come out at dusk."

    
  • Days 4-5

    Noosa

    It's a 1.5-hour trip to this beautiful surf town. Take the coastal walk to Hell's Gate in the morning. Look for koalas in the eucalyptus trees along the way. A visitor suggested: "Start the hike before 9 AM to avoid the midday heat." Spend your second day surfing or browsing shops on Hastings Street before taking the overnight train north.

    
  • Days 6-7

    Airlie Beach & Whitsundays

    After arriving in Airlie Beach, spend time exploring the town and lagoon. Take a high-speed rafting tour through the islands the next day. According to one traveler: "The Whitsundays boat trip was the highlight – Whitehaven Beach's sand is impossibly white." Bring motion sickness tablets if needed.

    
  • Days 8-10

    Cairns

    The drive north to Cairns takes 7-8 hours but offers nice views. Use your time to explore the Great Barrier Reef or try white water rafting on the Tully River. Book reef trips ahead of time. One participant shared: "Despite being 'winter,' Cairns was still humid – pack light, quick-dry clothing." Stay in the city center for easy access to the lagoon and night markets.

    

  View itinerary

• 10 Days in Australia's East Coast, incl. Sydney and Brisbane

  Australia's coastal charm spans 4 major cities, offering surfing at Byron Bay, SUP tours in Surfers Paradise, and hiking Mount Coot-tha in Brisbane. Nine nights' accommodation, morning yoga sessions, and lighthouse walks cost approx. $120 per day including meals and activities.

  

  View itinerary Compare 10 days itineraries
  • Days 1-3

    Sydney

    Base yourself in Sydney's central district near the main hostels. Start your first morning with the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk before 9 AM to avoid crowds. Make sure to bring sunscreen and water since the Australian sun is strong even on overcast days. Spend your afternoon at Circular Quay and the Opera House. One traveler shared: "The harbor cruise was a highlight—try to get on an afternoon sailing to catch the sunset behind the Harbor Bridge."

    
  • Days 4-6

    Byron Bay

    Take the overnight bus to Byron Bay. It's about 9 hours north. Pick a beachfront hostel for easy access to surfing spots. You'll probably have your surf lesson at The Pass or Wategos Beach where beginners find gentler waves. A visitor suggests: "The sunrise lighthouse walk gets busy—start by 5:30 AM for the best experience and bring a light jacket as mornings can be chilly." You can walk everywhere in town so you won't need transportation.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Surfers Paradise

    A 2-hour bus ride takes you to the Gold Coast's main spot. The beach has year-round patrols which makes swimming safer. Book a morning jet boat trip when the water is usually calmer. According to one visitor: "The jet boating was incredible with breathtaking views of the coastline—just secure anything loose as it gets very wet!" You can walk from most hostels to the main nightlife areas which are known for their energy and atmosphere.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Brisbane

    Finish your trip in Brisbane an hour north by train. Visit South Bank's free public lagoon pool to unwind during your final days. Take a peaceful morning walk through the City Botanic Gardens or hop on the CityCat ferry for an affordable river tour. One recent traveler notes: "Don't miss the sunset from Kangaroo Point Cliffs—bring some takeaway and join the locals for perfect city views."

    

  View itinerary