East Coast of Australia - 13 Days
Highlights
- Explore the quirky and cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne
- Learn to surf in Burleigh Heads, one of Australia's most iconic surfing destinations
- Visit the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest
- Spend lots of free time exploring at your own pace
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Day 2 | Melbourne City Sights Tour | Melbourne |
| Day 3 | Free Day in Melbourne | Melbourne |
| Day 4 | Fly to Sydney, Explore | Sydney |
| Day 5 | Sydney City Sights Tour | Sydney |
| Day 6 | Free Day Sydney | Sydney |
| Day 7 | Fly to Gold Coast, Free Afternoon | Gold Coast |
| Day 8 | Mount Tambourine National Park Hike, Wine Tasting & Gallery Walk | Gold Coast |
| Day 9 | Free Day in Gold Coast | Gold Coast |
| Day 10 | Fly to Cairns, Explore | Cairns |
| Day 11 | The Great Barrier Reef Cruise | Cairns |
| Day 12 | Free Day in Cairns | Cairns |
| Day 13 | Depart Cairns |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Melbourne
Welcome to Australia! Arrive at Melbourne Airport, then proceed to the designated shuttle area for pickup at your accommodation. You'll be met by a tour representative who will go through the upcoming itinerary and answer any questions you may have. The rest of the day is free. Head out to explore the city or rest after the international flight.
Day 2: Melbourne City Sights Tour
In the morning, enjoy a city sights tour to many of the top spots: Flinders Street Station, Federation Square, Queen Victoria Markets, and the Royal Botanical Gardens. Melbourne is Australia's cultural capital, with tons of art deco lanes and funky coffee shops on every street corner. The tour is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city before heading out to explore on your own.
Day 3: Free Day in Melbourne
Today is a free day to explore all that Melbourne has to offer. Head into the Yarra Valley, spend the day traveling along the Great Ocean Road, or head out to Phillip Island to see the fairy penguins come back from the sea at twilight.
Day 4: Fly to Sydney, Explore
This morning transfer to the Melbourne airport for your flight to Sydney. Once you arrive in Sydney, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, explore Sydney on your own. In the evening, join a pub tour to discover the alleys and cobbled streets of The Rocks, Australia's first European settlement. Hear the gossip, stories, and legends of the infamous neighborhood as you sample its finest brews.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 5: Sydney City Sights Tour
In the morning, head out for a tour of the city sights, including a repeat visit to the historic Rocks area and Mrs Macquarie's Chair for panoramic views of the harbor. Continue past Kings Cross and Double Bay to Watson's Bay and the famous Bondi Beach, where you'll have ample free time to explore.
Day 6: Free Day in Sydney
Today is another full day to explore Sydney. Get an adrenaline rush with a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge (it's safe, we promise!), or spend a relaxing day in the Hunter Valley sampling wines. You can also take a ferry to Manly Beach for a day in the Australian sunshine.
Day 7: Fly to Gold Coast, Free Afternoon
Enjoy a free morning before transferring to the airport for your flight to the Gold Coast, an area that's known for its laid-back lifestyle and incredible white sand beaches. Enjoy a free afternoon in the city or down by the water.
Day 8: Mount Tambourine National Park Hike, Wine Tasting & Gallery Walk
In the morning, take a peaceful drive through the Gold Coast's hinterland. Your guided sightseeing tour will continue on rainforest roads through Mount Tambourine National Park, home of the Bundjalung Indigenous people. Visit a tropical waterfall, go for a guided rainforest walk, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, as the park is home to many rare and unique animals.
After, enjoy a tasting of the local wine before visiting the famous Gallery Walk to see local artists showcase their art and crafts. In the afternoon, return to the Gold Coast.
Day 9: Free Day in Gold Coast
Enjoy a free day on the coast. Take a surfing lesson to learn to ride the waves at one of Australia's iconic surf destinations, or spend the day in popular Burleigh Heads and enjoy watching the pros work their magic on the boards.
Other options include a walk around the famous Burleigh Heads National Park Headlands, a visit to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or a day at Themeparks. You can also climb Q1, the highest point on the Gold Coast, for stunning views.
Day 10: Fly to Cairns, Explore
In the morning, fly to Cairns, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The rest of the day is free to discover this tropical haven.
Day 11: The Great Barrier Reef Cruise
Board a high-speed boat for a full-day cruise of the Great Barrier Reef. The world's largest coral reef is one of Australia's most famous natural landmarks and contains a rich abundance of wildlife and marine species. Over 3,000 individual reef systems, coral coves, and hundreds of small islands dot the coast. Thanks to its size and beauty, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. Unfortunately, due to pollution, climate change, and overuse, the sensitive coral is dying, and the reef is shrinking in size, so responsible eco-tourism habits are an absolute must to ensure the continuation of this unique ecosystem.
Enjoy breakfast and lunch aboard the catamaran, then head back to land in the afternoon.
Day 12: Free Day in Cairns
Today is a free day to discover the area. For a truly unique experience, head to Kuranda on the Skyrail Gondola, or even an exciting 4WD adventure tour to the incredible Daintree National Park.
Day 13: Depart Cairns
Enjoy the morning to unwind before transferring to the airport for your flight home.
More Great Australia Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Australia? Check out these other Australia itineraries, explore different ways to spend 13 days in Australia, or discover the best time to visit Australia.
Map
