2 Months East Coast Australia
- travelwithmil
- Nov 26, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 17
Port Douglas & the Daintree Rainforest (4-5 Days)
Start your East Coast adventure in Port Douglas, a charming tropical town. Spend a few days unwinding by the beach or using Port Douglas as a base to explore more of the Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss a visit to the Mossman Gorge in the nearby Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Take a guided walk through the gorge, swim in the crystal-clear waters, and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region.
Points of Interest
Relax in this tropical paradise and use it as a base for more reef and rainforest tours.
Visit the Mossman Gorge and take a river cruise to spot crocodiles.
Hire a car or van to explore
Waterfalls, beaches, sunrises, sunsets
Book activities around Port Douglas & the Daintree Rainforest via Get Your Guide.
Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef (5-7 Days)
No East Coast adventure is complete without visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Spend a week in Cairns, your gateway to the reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Whether you choose to snorkel or scuba dive, you’ll be amazed by the vibrant coral and diverse marine life. Cairns is also a great base for trips to Cape Tribulation and the Atherton Tablelands, where you can explore lush rainforests, swim in waterfalls, and spot native wildlife like cassowaries and tree kangaroos.
Points of Interest
Go snorkeling or scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef.
Take a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.
Explore the Atherton Tablelands for waterfalls and wildlife.
Scenic Helicopter Rides
Bunjee Jump
Book activities around Cairns & the Great Barrier Reef via Get Your Guide.
Townsville & Magnetic Island (3-4 Days)
Head further north, stop in Townsville, a tropical city with a laid-back vibe. Spend a few days exploring the city's waterfront promenade, The Strand, before taking a ferry to Magnetic Island. Here, you’ll find quiet beaches, hiking trails through eucalyptus forests, and a chance to spot wild koalas. Rent a 4WD to explore the island's hidden gems or simply relax by the water.
Points of Interest
Discover the tropical city of Townsville and its Strand waterfront.
Take a ferry to Magnetic Island for hiking, wildlife spotting, and beautiful beaches.
4WD to explore west point
Koala board walk
Selina bird feeding
Book activities around Townsville & Magnetic Island Magic via Get Your Guide.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays (4-5 Days)
Next, sail into paradise with a visit to the Whitsunday Islands. Base yourself in Airlie Beach and embark on a 2-3 day sailing trip through the turquoise waters of this island chain. Don’t miss Whitehaven Beach, known for its powdery white sand and mesmerizing views at Hill Inlet.
Points of Interest
Take a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands.
Visit Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet for breathtaking views.
Skydive or scenic helicopter ride
Book activities around Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays via Get Your Guide.
Noosa, Sunshine Coast (3-4 Days)
Just north of Brisbane lies the Sunshine Coast, known for its crystal-clear waters and scenic hikes. Spend a few days in Noosa, a coastal town with a stunning national park where you can walk along the cliffs, spot koalas in the trees, and swim in idyllic coves. For hiking enthusiasts, the Glass House Mountains offer dramatic landscapes and rewarding views.
Points of Interest
Visit Noosa for hiking and beautiful beaches.
Explore the Glass House Mountains for scenic hikes.
Fairy pools
Hire boat along canal with friends with drinks and food for the BBQ onboard.
Book activities around Noosa, Sunshine Coast via Get Your Guide.
Fraser Island (3-4 Days)
Prepare for a wild adventure as you head to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Spend 3-4 days here and explore its endless 4WD tracks, swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lake McKenzie, and take a dip in Eli Creek. The island is also home to shipwrecks, dense rainforests, and native wildlife, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers.
Points of Interest
Go on a 4WD adventure on the world's largest sand island.
Swim in Lake McKenzie and float down Eli Creek.
Book activities around Fraser Island via Get Your Guide.
Brisbane (3-4 Days)
Arriving in Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, you’ll find a lively yet relaxed city with plenty to do. Over 3-4 days, stroll through South Bank, visit the City Botanic Gardens, and take in panoramic views from Mount Coot-tha. Animal lovers will want to visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary for a chance to cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos.
Points of Interest
Discover Brisbane's South Bank, City Botanic Gardens, and Mount Coot-tha.
Take a day trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to see koalas and kangaroos.
Book activities around Brisbane via Get Your Guide.
Gold Coast (3 Days)
Travel down to the Gold Coast, where city life meets beach paradise. Spend a few days enjoying the sun-drenched Surfers Paradise, exploring the chic restaurants and nightlife, or visiting one of the area’s famous theme parks, such as Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World.
Points of Interest
Explore Surfers Paradise and other beaches.
Visit the theme parks like Dreamworld or Warner Bros. Movie World.
Shopping mall
Book activities around Gold Coast via Get Your Guide.
Byron Bay (3 Days)
Next, head to the iconic surf town of Byron Bay. Spend 3-4 days enjoying its laid-back atmosphere, yoga classes, and stunning beaches. A hike up to Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise or sunset offers breathtaking views. If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins or whales.
Points of Interest
Enjoy relaxed beach vibes, surfing, and yoga classes.
Visit Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunrise or sunset views.
Book activities around Byron Bay via Get Your Guide.
Central Coast & Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley (3-4 Days)
Before soaking in Sydney’s urban buzz, head north to the Central Coast. Spend 2-3 days exploring charming beach towns like Terrigal** or Avoca, where you can relax by the sea or catch some waves. Afterward, venture into Hunter Valley, Australia’s premier wine region. Enjoy vineyard tours, wine tastings, and gourmet dining amid rolling hills and vineyards. It’s the perfect way to unwind before the next leg of your journey.
Points of Interest
Explore beaches and towns like Terrigal or Avoca on the Central Coast.
Spend a few days in the Hunter Valley, Australia’s famous wine region. Go on winery tours and tastings.
Book activities around Central Coast & Wine Tasting in Hunter Valley via Get Your Guide.
Discovering Sydney and Surrounds (5-7 Days)
End your journey in Sydney, one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Australia. Spend 5-7 days here exploring the architectural marvels of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, wander through the historic Rocks district, and soak in the lively atmosphere at Circular Quay. For beach lovers, the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk offers stunning ocean views and a glimpse of Sydney’s beach culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit Taronga Zoo, or hop on a ferry to Manly for more scenic beauty.
For nature enthusiasts, take a day trip to the Blue Mountains, located just a couple of hours from Sydney. Here, you’ll find rugged landscapes, impressive waterfalls, and a variety of hiking trails, including the famous Three Sisters rock formation.
Points of Interest
Explore the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, and The Rocks.
Relax at Bondi Beach and take the coastal walk to Coogee.
Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains (3 hours away) for hiking and scenic views.
Visit Taronga Zoo or take a ferry to Manly.
Explore New Town
Around Christmas, check out the Christmas Eve boat party, Boxing Day races, New Year’s Day festival and more.
Book activities around Sydney via Get Your Guide.
Final Thoughts
This 2-month itinerary is the perfect way to experience the best of Australia’s East Coast. From iconic landmarks and pristine beaches to ancient rainforests and the underwater wonder of the Great Barrier Reef, there’s something for everyone. So pack your bags, get ready for an adventure, and enjoy the endless wonders that await along Australia’s stunning East Coast!
Emilia Singh
Personal Blog
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