East Australia Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best East Australia tour packages
- What people love about East Australia Tours
- Travel East Australia your way
- Best tour companies for East Australia tours
- Popular East Australia Cruise Ships
- Discover East Australia tours for every budget
- East Australia tours for every type of group
- Top East Australia travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit East Australia
- Contact our East Australia travel experts
- What our customers ask about East Australia Tours & Trips
The best East Australia tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaEast Australia travel expert at TourRadar
Sydney to Cairns Adventure (22 destinations)
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The variety of activities was excellent, something for everyone. I would definitely do another tour with Intrepid.”
Shana, traveled in October
The iconic East Coast route stretches from Sydney's Opera House to Cairns' reef adventures. Newcastle's beaches, Byron Bay's lighthouse, K'gari's Lake McKenzie, and Whitsundays' Whitehaven Beach await. This 2600km journey features unique stays and cultural experiences.
Duration 14 days Destinations Sydney, Hunter Valley, Cessnock, Port Macquarie, Dorrigo National Park, Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay, Springbrook, Gold Coast, BrisbaneSee all destinations Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $7,105
20% Off- NZ$5,684You save $1,421
East Coast Explorer: 5 Week | ULTIMATE
106 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“My favorite part was K'gari. I already miss the people I met and above all my group leader Jenn.”
Sarah, traveled in November
This 36-day adventure from Sydney to Cairns showcases Australia's best. Byron Bay's waves, Fraser Island's beaches, Whitsundays' turquoise waters, and Great Barrier Reef snorkeling create unforgettable memories. Includes 33 nights accommodation and professional guides with 4.8 rating (100+ reviews).
Duration 36 days Destinations Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Noosa, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Whitsunday Islands, Airlie Beach, Magnetic IslandSee all destinations Age Range 18 to 35 year olds Operator Ultimate Travel From $6,042
10% Off- NZ$5,438You save $604
UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE
193 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“They support you throughout your whole year in Australia, with jobs, advice, mail service and most importantly travels!”
Calum, traveled in November
A private catamaran cruise in Sydney harbor sets the tone. The Ultimate Basecamp near One Mile Beach serves as home base. 4WD sandboarding at Stockton Dunes, dolphin watching in Nelson Bay, and the stunning Coogee to Bondi coastal trail await.
Duration 8 days Destinations Sydney, Newcastle, Bondi Age Range up to 35 year olds Operator Ultimate Travel From
10% Off- NZ$1,294
Best of Sydney & Blue Mountains
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Well organized with great events along with plenty of personal time to further explore.”
Gregory, traveled in February
Sydney Opera House and Blue Mountains National Park anchor this eastern adventure. Central ibis Sydney World Square provides comfortable lodging, while Scenic World's attractions, native wildlife encounters, and MV Sydney 2000's harbor cruise dining create memorable moments.
Duration 6 days Destinations Sydney, Blue Mountains Age Range 8 to 82 year olds Operator Australia and New Zealand Travel Company From
10% Off- NZ$1,941
The trails of East Australia wind from Lamington's UNESCO heritage to Mount Mitchell's summit. Take part in Aboriginal ceremonies at Yellow Pinch lookout, rest in eco-conscious homesteads, and wander Tamborine's subtropical rainforest with expert guides.
Duration 5 days Destinations Gold Coast, Tamborine National Park, Main Range National Park, Mount Barney National Park, Lamington National Park Age Range 15 to 99 year olds Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,530
15% Off- NZ$2,150You save $380
What people love about East Australia Tours
- Oz East Coast Adventure 28 Days
Shannon as a tour leader was perfect in every way. She took care of everyone and held the group together in a good way! This tour was amazing, of course there were some parts that was hard, but we made it through and had a lovely time!
Ultimate Oz is an awesome way to meet new people and have the best introductory week to kick off your Australian adventures. You will meet the most beautiful, awesome, like-minded people who will become friends for life, who you will want to travel with in the future. One of my favorite parts of the week is the Harbor boat Cruise, its one of the first times you are with getting to know people in your group really well, and you are just chilling on a boat with a BBQ, beers, good company, good music and you get the chance to jump off the boat and swim in the Harbour! Its awesome how can you be unhappy on a boat?! THEN you go to BASECAMP which is great!! You get out of the busy city and into nature, you relax and get to know your group even better and have the most fun EVER! From sand boarding to surfing and body boarding, to beach parties to nature walks, from BBQ to soo much pizza, it has something for everyone and guaranteed you will have the best time! The infamous Kangaroo selfies can be taken, Koalas can be spotted in the trees, there is even a reptile show where turtles and other exciting reptiles can be seen and held! Would recommend this week to anyone especially solo travels as its a great transition to travelling life! Thanks Ultimate Oz I love you!
UltimateOz - Gap Year | ULTIMATE
- Sydney to Cairns Adventure (22 destinations)
Was a great tour the second week is definitely the better week though as you are round the coast, Fraser Island and the Whit Sundays are just beautiful. My group were amazing Andrew our tour guide was fabulous especially as we were the last tour for a while as the Coronavirus hit Australia during our tour. So he would be losing his job as soon as the tour finished. Despite that he kept us all motivated and we had a fantastic time. Amazing tour
Travel East Australia your way
Explore a wide diversity of coach / bus tours through East Australia. We have 9 adventures that vary from 3 days to 21 days. With the greatest number of departures in October, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Discover hidden gems and off-the-beaten paths with over 203 adventures available in East Australia.
Select from our extensive range of 167 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through East Australia with our expert guides leading the way.
Explore a wide diversity of partially guided tours through East Australia. We have 52 adventures that vary from 3 days to 91 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
More travel styles:
Best tour companies for East Australia tours
Based on what our travelers tell us, both UltimateOz and Intro Travel run really solid East Coast tours. People consistently mention how smoothly everything runs, how much the guides know their stuff and the great social vibe with other travelers. UltimateOz is particularly helpful for newcomers to Australia - they'll sort out practical things like your bank account and phone setup, which takes a lot of stress out of arriving. Intro Travel's 28-day route is quite comprehensive and includes everything you'd want to experience - you'll learn to surf at Byron Bay and drive 4x4s around Fraser Island, among other activities. If you're short on time or prefer more upscale accommodation, G Adventures runs a nice 3-day option along the Great Ocean Road and through the Grampians. You'll stay in quality hotels and enjoy proper sit-down meals rather than the typical backpacker fare. The route hits all the main spots and our travelers say it's well worth the higher price point for the comfort level. What's nice about all three companies is they've really nailed the balance between organized activities and free time to explore. The guides know when to step in with information and when to let the group do their own thing.
View operators
Popular East Australia Cruise Ships
Discover East Australia tours for every budget
The east coast has some really solid budget-friendly tours that deliver great experiences without breaking the bank. There's a popular 3-day route from Adelaide to Melbourne that combines Grampians hiking with Great Ocean Road exploring - our travelers constantly mention spotting wild koalas and kangaroos along the way. Two excellent 10-day options connect Brisbane to Cairns, taking you through K'gari's massive sand dunes, out sailing in the Whitsundays and into the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling. Our guides on these routes get constant praise for knowing their local areas inside out and creating a fun group vibe. The 7-day Sydney to Brisbane coastal trip includes surf lessons at Byron Bay and authentic indigenous cultural experiences, while a focused 3-day option zeros in on the Great Barrier Reef with multiple snorkel sites and marine expert guides.
Our luxury tours focus on intimate small-group experiences where comfort and exclusive access make all the difference. The premium 10-day Sydney-Cairns journey includes private wildlife encounters, carefully selected boutique stays and naturalist guides who really know their stuff. Another standout mixes Melbourne's hidden laneways with private Great Ocean Road touring and visits to select wineries. There's also a focused Sydney and Blue Mountains option featuring harbor cruises, Aboriginal guided walks and elaborate six-course degustation meals. Our travelers regularly point out how perfectly paced these days feel, with guides who consistently go the extra mile.
East Australia budget tours
East Australia tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
209 tours in East AustraliaThe longer group tours really shine at creating connections while covering the coast's best bits. Our 28-day Sydney to Cairns journey gives everyone proper time to bond - you'll learn to surf in Byron Bay, sail through the Whitsundays and explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest together. There's also a 20-day option that mixes work opportunities with group adventures, which works perfectly for working holiday makers looking to settle in. Our customers often tell us how these extended group tours lead to real friendships, especially through shared experiences like overnight train rides, beach camping sessions and group dinners.
Small Group
29 tours in East AustraliaSmall group tours keep things personal with just 8-16 people max. The 14-day Sydney to Cairns route includes special access to wildlife sanctuaries and indigenous communities that larger groups can't manage. Our 7-day Brisbane to Cairns journey gets lots of love for its boutique accommodation choices and ability to adapt based on what the group wants. Travelers particularly value how the smaller numbers let guides share deeper local knowledge about culture, wildlife and those special spots you won't find in guidebooks.
Private / Personalized
35 tours in East AustraliaPrivate tours put you in control with full customization and exclusive experiences. The comprehensive 12-day east coast journey lets you set your own pace while including Great Barrier Reef snorkeling, indigenous guided walks, wildlife encounters and coastal drives. Another option connects Sydney's harbor scene with Hunter Valley's heritage wineries and Byron's surf culture. The guides on these tours are particularly good at picking up on individual interests and adjusting the day accordingly - whether that means extra wildlife photography time or finding that perfect local café.
Top East Australia travel itineraries to fit your plans
The Adelaide to Melbourne 3-day route along Great Ocean Road and through the Grampians hits the sweet spot for quick getaways. Our travelers particularly enjoy mixing up the walks - there's a nice 2km trail to McKenzie Falls and a more challenging 4.5km climb to the Pinnacle lookout. The guides really shine here, sharing solid knowledge about local wildlife, aboriginal history and the area's geology. Over in Sydney, another excellent 3-day option takes you into the Blue Mountains where you can ride the world's steepest railway and get close to native koalas, echidnas and saltwater crocodiles at Featherdale Wildlife Park. For reef lovers, there's a focused Great Barrier Reef explorer that gives you three full days to experience different reef zones, with chances to snorkel and dive among 1,500 fish species and also 411 types of hard coral.
The week-long Brisbane to Cairns routes keep topping our booking charts. You'll catch waves in Byron Bay's surf lessons, navigate K'gari (Fraser Island) by 4WD and sail through the Whitsundays. Our customers really like how the schedule flows - one day you're exploring coral reefs, the next you're taking it easy in Mission Beach or discovering the waterfalls and lakes of Atherton Tablelands. The guides get great feedback for their deep knowledge of local plants, animals and aboriginal culture, while making sure everyone from different ages and abilities feels part of the group.
Ten days gives you just enough time to properly experience the east coast highlights. From Sydney, you'll start with aboriginal cultural insights at The Rocks before heading up through wine country. Our travelers always love visiting the koala hospital in Port Macquarie, then it's on to surf lessons in Byron Bay and dolphin kayaking. The Brisbane to Cairns route is another solid choice, with extended stays on K'gari and also in the Whitsundays. The overnight train journey north is a highlight - people love waking up to those tropical views. Both routes give you plenty of chances to spot wild koalas, kangaroos and also marine life.
Demographics
If you're traveling solo, our gap year and working holiday tours tend to create natural friendships. The week-long Sydney programs hit the right note by mixing practical help with social stuff - you'll join harbor trips, camp on beaches and explore the city with other solo travelers who often become friends. When you stretch it out to 5 weeks along the east coast, you end up sharing some pretty cool moments like learning to surf in Byron Bay, sailing through the Whitsundays and spending nights under the stars on Fraser Island. Our travelers tell us they love how the schedule gives them both organized activities and also free time to do their own thing. The Brisbane to Cairns route works really well if you like having some structure but also want the freedom to explore with new friends.
For couples, we've got some nice routes that blend active moments with comfortable stays. Around Sydney and the Blue Mountains, you can have those special moments - dining on the harbor, staying in lovely boutique spots and taking private walks through ancient valleys. Going north from Brisbane to the Whitsundays, couples get their own slice of paradise with private beach access in Byron Bay, sunset sailing and close encounters with wildlife. If you're heading to the Great Barrier Reef, our premium tours include marine experts who really know their stuff, lovely stays in Port Douglas and private dinners right on the beach. What works well is how these tours give you both group activities and also plenty of time just for two.
The younger crowd loves our active, social tours that pack in unique experiences. On the Sydney to Cairns backpacker routes, you'll go from sandboarding to harbor cruises and also exploring Sydney's night spots with your group. Working holiday makers get both practical support and social activities, while the longer east coast journeys create real friendships through shared moments - from surfing lessons to sailing trips and beach camping. The Brisbane to Cairns stretch is particularly popular with this age group; you can go from white water rafting to skydiving, then spend evenings out in Airlie Beach and also Cairns.
Our senior travelers really enjoy the slower-paced small group tours that focus on culture and comfort. In Sydney, you'll get harbor cruises and historical walks with knowledgeable guides, plus comfortable hotels that put you right where you want to be. Along the Great Ocean Road, our guides share detailed stories about local history and wildlife while keeping things relaxed. The Cairns tours hit just right - you'll explore the Great Barrier Reef with marine experts, travel on comfortable boats and learn from naturalist guides who make every moment count. Our travelers appreciate how they can enjoy cultural insights while choosing activities that match their energy levels.
Australia's east coast really works for families, especially when you're looking to mix wildlife with comfortable places to stay. The Blue Mountains trips let everyone go at their own pace - you'll walk through valleys with expert guides, get close to kangaroos and koalas at sanctuaries and ride what turns out to be the world's steepest railway. Our families particularly like the Great Ocean Road where you can spot wild koalas in the trees and take guided walks through some really old rainforests. Up in Cairns and Port Douglas, kids get excited about real crocodile spotting on river trips, taking the Skyrail right over the tops of the rainforest and also trying out snorkeling in the calmer parts of the Great Barrier Reef. The guides are great at adjusting things so everyone from tiny tots to teenagers stays interested.
- Solo Travelers139 tours
- Couples87 tours
- Young Adults (18 - 39)29 tours
- Seniors (50+)64 tours
Best time to visit East Australia
- Summer 2025
Summer brings the east coast water activities to life, especially around Cairns. You'll spend your days exploring the Great Barrier Reef's coral gardens with marine biologists who explain the reef ecology while you spot sea turtles and tropical fish. The Sydney tours mix city discoveries with ocean activities to beat the heat - harbor sailing, coastal walks and also surfing lessons. Our boutique Brisbane to Cairns tours balance adventure with culture nicely, combining indigenous guided walks, wildlife encounters and also rainforest exploration.
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- popular 116 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Autumn is perfect for longer trips up Australia's east coast, and our Brisbane to Cairns adventures get consistently good reviews this time of year. The 5-week journeys mix surfing in Byron Bay, Whitsundays sailing and Great Barrier Reef exploration - the cooler temperatures make outdoor activities much more pleasant. Sydney tours combine city life with nature, offering wild dolphin spotting, sandboarding and also guided bush walks. The multi-day Whitsundays sailing tours really shine in autumn, with a nice balance of water activities and also island exploration.
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- popular 142 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter is ideal for exploring Australia's east coast and our Sydney tours between May and August are consistently popular. You'll get to watch humpback whales migrate past during 4WD trips on K'gari (Fraser Island). The well-designed tours start in Sydney's local neighborhoods before heading to basecamp near One Mile Beach - it's a great spot for wild dolphin watching, running down massive dunes on sandboards and joining guided bush walks. The Whitsundays sailing tours work really well in winter too, with calm waters making it perfect for snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and finding secluded beaches. Our longer east coast journeys get great feedback for balancing outdoor activities, cultural experiences and also mild winter weather.
- 115 tours
- 110 tours
- popular 117 tours
- Spring 2026
Spring makes extended east coast exploration really enjoyable, and our travelers keep rating the Brisbane to Cairns routes as their top picks. The 5-week journeys give you proper time in each spot - you'll take surfing lessons in Byron Bay, sail through the Whitsundays and also discover the ancient Daintree Rainforest. Sydney-based tours shine with harbor cruises, coastal walks and native wildlife encounters. The spring weather creates just the right conditions for hiking the Noosa Coastal Track, swimming at Lake McKenzie on K'gari and also exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
- popular 124 tours
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Contact our East Australia travel experts
Laura
Expert in East Australia at TourRadar
Laura is one of our seasoned East Australia Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about East Australia tours answered!
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+64 4888 0182What our customers ask about East Australia Tours & Trips
What's Really the Best Way to Get Around Australia's East Coast?
The Greyhound coaches are honestly great for travelers watching their budget you get these flexible hop-on-hop-off passes that let you explore at your own pace. Flying between cities is definitely faster if you're short on time and lots of our travelers actually mix it up they'll fly between Sydney Brisbane and Cairns then use the Greyhound to check out all the spots in between. For a proper 5-week East Coast adventure you're looking at spending somewhere between 2500 and 4500 AUD which really isn't bad when you think about everything you'll see.
How Much Time Do You Actually Need for an East Coast Australia Trip?
Most people who've done it will tell you 6 weeks is the sweet spot it gives you enough time to really soak in everything from Sydney up to Cairns without rushing. You can properly explore the major cities hit up Byron Bay cruise around the Whitsundays and spend quality time on Fraser Island. If you've only got 3-4 weeks that's doable too but you'll need to be a bit pickier about what you want to see. There's this great 3-day tour from Adelaide to Melbourne along the Great Ocean Road and through the Grampians that'll set you back about 500-800 AUD.
What Kind of Local Cultural Experiences Can You Actually Join In?
There's this really special Welcome to Country ceremony on K'gari (Fraser Island) with the Butchulla people that's just incredible. The local custodians welcome you to their land through traditional songs and stories it's one of those genuine experiences you won't find in typical tourist spots. In Red Rock you can join a First Nations cultural walk where Gumbaynggirr guides share their stories teach you about native plants and show you traditional bush tucker it's hands-on and really authentic.
Where Are the Best Natural Areas Outside the Cities and How Do You Get There?
Beyond the obvious Great Barrier Reef there's this amazing spot called Crowdy Bay National Park just north of Sydney. You've got these gorgeous beaches dramatic cliffs and these hidden coves plus hiking trails for everyone. Keep your eyes open for whales and dolphins offshore and you'll probably spot kangaroos hopping around the bush. Dorrigo National Park is another gem you can get there via the Waterfall Way it's got these incredible waterfalls and it's actually got plants that date back to when Gondwanaland was still around.
Which Secret Routes Do Experienced Travelers Take Around East Australia?
The Waterfall Way between Bellingen and Dorrigo National Park is this incredible alternative route people love it because you're driving through this amazing subtropical rainforest that's actually left over from ancient Gondwanaland. You get these stunning waterfall views and glimpses of wildlife you won't see on the main highway. For cycling enthusiasts the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail is perfect it's got different terrains country backroads and works for both new riders and more experienced ones you can even use e-bikes if you want.