3-Week Australia East Coast Tour Packages

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Insider tips: Recommended 3-week Australia East Coast tour itineraries

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MelissaAustralia East Coast travel expert at TourRadar

16 Days in Australia East Coast, incl. Sydney and Cairns
Surf lessons at Spot X, indigenous culture on K'gari Island, and Whitsundays sailing create memorable moments in this 16-day coastal adventure. The package includes 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 4 dinners, with stays in hostels and overnight trains.
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- Days 1-2
  Sydney
  Begin in The Rocks historic district to see Sydney's harbor-front attractions. "The Harbour Bridge climb was an unforgettable experience." Visit Bondi Beach before 10 AM to beat the crowds. Take the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi for incredible ocean views. The walk takes about 2.5 hours.
- Days 3-4
  Spot X Surf Camp
  Board the morning train to Coffs Harbour (9 hours) and transfer to Spot X Surf Camp. Book morning surf lessons when the waves are calmer. Join the evening kangaroo trek to see wildlife at their most active. Don't forget reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard for surfing.
- Days 5-6
  Byron Bay
  Travel three hours to Byron Bay at Australia's easternmost point. Walk up to Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise. The path is steep but offers excellent whale watching from May to November. "The lighthouse walk at dawn was magical - we spotted dolphins playing in the waves below."
- Days 7-8
  Brisbane & Fraser Island
  Drive 4 hours to Brisbane then catch the morning ferry to K'gari (Fraser Island). You'll need a 4WD to explore the world's largest sand island. Most people book tours. Make time to swim in Lake McKenzie's clear waters. Bring insect repellent and water shoes.
- Days 9-10
  Noosa
  Walk the Noosa National Park coastal track in the morning to spot koalas. The full trek to Hell's Gate lookout takes about 2.5 hours. "The coastal path can be slippery after rain," one traveler warns. "Wear proper walking shoes."
- Days 11-13
  Whitsundays
  Take the overnight train to Airlie Beach to access the Whitsundays. Book your Whitehaven Beach boat trips well ahead. Ocean rafts offer access to the best snorkeling spots. "Take motion sickness pills before the boat trip, even if you don't usually need them."
- Days 14-16
  Cairns
  Drive 7 hours north to Cairns. Book Great Barrier Reef trips for your first days in case weather forces cancellations. Go on morning tours for calmer waters and better snorkeling. "The outer reef has better visibility - worth the longer boat ride."
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15 Day Australia Itinerary, incl. Melbourne and Cairns
Iconic landmarks from Sydney Opera House to Blue Mountains National Park mark the start of this eastern journey. The route encompasses Port Macquarie's Billabong Zoo, Byron Bay's lighthouse trails, and Gold Coast beaches.
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- Days 1-3
  Melbourne
  Begin your Australian adventure in this cultural hub. Start with the famous laneways on day one. Visit Hosier Lane to see street art and grab coffee at Brother Baba Budan on Little Bourke Street before 10am to skip the crowds. Take a guided city tour on day two covering Eastern Hill's historic buildings and Queen Victoria Market. Get there by 8am when the produce is at its freshest. Day three is yours to explore. Take the free City Circle tram to see the Royal Botanic Gardens.
- Days 4-5
  Sydney
  Book a morning flight to Sydney before 11am to avoid Melbourne's traffic. Spend your first afternoon around the harbor area. Get your Opera House photos from Mrs. Macquarie's Point for perfect shots. Take the city tour the next day including Bondi Beach. Remember strong sunscreen as the Australian sun is powerful even on overcast days.
- Day 6
  Blue Mountains
  Get your rental car and drive to the Blue Mountains. It's about 2 hours from Sydney, but plan for 3 hours if leaving during morning rush hour between 7-9am. Visit the Three Sisters lookout early or late to avoid crowds.
- Day 7
  Hunter Valley
  Head north to Australia's premier wine region. A previous visitor shared: "The cellar door tastings at Audrey Wilkinson gave us amazing valley views. Book the first tasting of the day at 10am - you'll have the place almost to yourself."
- Day 8
  Port Macquarie
  Drive 4 hours along the coast to this beach town. Stop by the Koala Hospital at 3pm to see the feeding and learn about their work.
- Day 9
  Byron Bay
  Travel 4.5 hours north to Byron Bay. Try a morning kayak tour to watch for dolphins. The 7:30am tour offers the calmest water and best wildlife spotting.
- Days 10-11
  Gold Coast
  An hour's drive brings you to the Gold Coast's beaches. Take the included lunch cruise to see the city from the water. Plan Surfers Paradise activities before 11am, when the sea breeze picks up.
- Days 12-15
  Cairns
  Return your car and fly to tropical North Queensland. Take the full-day Great Barrier Reef tour to Moore Reef. Pick the 7am trip for better underwater visibility before afternoon winds arrive. On your last day, enjoy Breakfast with Koalas at Hartley's Crocodile Park when the animals are most active during morning feeds.
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Ultimate Australia (Without Sailing (2024-2026))
Byron Bay's surf culture, K'gari's 4WD adventures, and Whitsundays sailing define this 20-day coastal journey. Accommodations vary from Sydney hostels to Noosa Everglades eco-lodges across 3000km of coastline.
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- Sydney Australia
  46 mi
- Blue Mountains Australia
  50 mi
- Bondi Australia
- Bondi Beach Australia
  388 mi
- Byron Bay Australia
  158 mi
- Noosa Australia
  69 mi
- Fraser Island Australia
  448 mi
- Show 2 more
- Airlie Beach Australia
  16 mi
- Whitsundays Australia
  148 mi
- Townsville Australia
  8 mi
- Magnetic Island Australia
  8 mi
- Townsville Australia
  175 mi
- Cairns Australia
  11 mi
- Kuranda Australia
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