LYD1A KERR

Ultimate 4-Week East Coast Australia Itinerary

The East Coast of Australia is an iconic travel destination, popular with plenty of backpackers and tourists alike! This was high up on our bucket list of things to do after completing the work portion of our working holiday visa. With the incredible landscapes, beaches, and cities along the way, I found three weeks to be the perfect length of time to see everything.

In this blog you will find details of how we used public transport, planes, and Greyhound buses to navigate between each location. You will also find lots of activities along with an itinerary for each place.

Summary of 4-week Australia East Coast Itinerary

Melbourne, 5 nights.

Great Ocean Road, 2 nights.

Sydney, 5 nights.

  • Transport: Fly from Melbourne to Sydney with Virgin or Jetstar.
  • Accommodation: The Ultimo

Blue Mountains, 2 nights.

Gold Coast, 3 nights.

  • Transport: Fly to the Gold Coast from Sydney with Virgin or Jetstar.
  • Accommodation: Peninsular Gold Coast (day trip to Byron Bay)

Noosa, 3 nights.

Brisbane, 3 nights.

Airlie Beach, 2 nights.

  • Transport: Fly from Brisbane to Prosepine Airport with Jetstar, or get the Greyhound bus.
  • Accommodation: Magnums Airlie Beach

Magnetic Island, 2 nights.

Cairns, 2 nights.

Cape Tribulation, 2 nights.

Port Douglas, 1 night.

Detailed 3-week East Coast Australia Itinerary with Activities

Side note, my parents joined us for the first section, starting in Melbourne, and ending in Brisbane. Because they had to get their return flight to the UK from Brisbane, they had to finish their leg of the East Coast here. But I didn’t want them to miss out on Noosa, or K’gari, hence the odd route. Of course you can modify the route to suit your timetable, and use this as a reference, but I just wanted to highlight that it can be done in a non-traditional order to eliminate any long overnight buses! 

Disclaimer: this blog post contains affiliate links, which if you choose to use them, help support my blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you for being here!

Melbourne

Our East Coast trip started in Melbourne, because we had just spent 8 months living and working here on our working holiday visa’s! I couldn’t recommend Melbourne more as a great place to base yourself, have plenty of activities to do, and great public transport which makes it all super accessible! You can read all about my Melbourne Must Do’s here.

Recommended length of time in Melbourne: 5 nights 

Transport

Fly into Melbourne Tullamarine International Airport, and use the SkyBus  to travel to the City Centre, or to St Kilda. Once you arrive, purchase a Myki card from a 7/11 so you can use the trams, buses, and trains.

Accommodation

MAC St Kilda by Melbourne Apartment Collection – my parents stayed here while we rented a small one bedroom apartment in the St Kilda area. The location was perfect for easy access to St Kilda, and the super convenient 96, 16, 64, 5 trams to the CBD. 

Activities 

  • Federation Square
  • Degraves Street Laneway
  • Hosier Lane’s street art
  • Victoria State Library
  • Shrine of Remembrance
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Eureka Skydeck
  • Food and drinks: Fifth Province, Village Belle, Naked for Satan, Calle Bakery

Itinerary

Day 1: We collected my parents from the airport, relaxed in St Kilda, explored the CBD and the Docklands via tram. We ate dinner at Village Belle, walked along the beach, then got drinks at the Espy. 

Day 2: We got the tram to the Shrine of Remembrance, walked through to the Botanic Gardens, then along the river into the city. We then explored the CBD some more: Federation Square, Hosier Lane, Melbourne Central shopping centre, Collins St. Dinner at Fifth Province in St Kilda. 

Day 3: We got the train to Parliament, Carlton Gardens, walked to Fitzroy, then had lunch at Naked for Satan, back to St Kilda for dinner.

Day 4: We walked around Albert Lake for the Formula One track, relaxed and packed our life’s belongings up to leave our flat. 

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road has plenty of scenic stops, viewpoints, and short walks, which are perfect for taking in all the sights.  

Recommended length of time on the Great Ocean Road: 2 nights (1 night in Apollo Bay, 1 night in Port Campbell)

Transport

We rented a car from SIXT, but you can find a suitable rental car here. 

Accommodation

Beachfront Motel – Apollo Bay  

Port Campbell Bay Villa 3  – Port Campbell 

Activities 

Stops along the way

  • Torquay
  • Anglesea
  • Aireys Inlet
  • Point Roadknight
  • Lorne
  • Teddy’s Lookout
  • Erskine Falls
  • Lower Kalimna Falls
  • Grey River/Kennett River (koalas)
  • Apollo Bay
  • Barham Paradise Scenic Reserve
  • Gibson Steps
  • 12 Apostles
  • The Razorback
  • Loch Ard Gorge
  • Port Campbell
  • London Bridge
  • The Grotto
  • Bay of Martyrs
  • Bay of Islands
  • The Arch
  • Warrnambool

Great Otway Rainforest

  • Beauchamp Falls
  • Hopetoun Falls
  • The Redwoods Otways
  • Otway Fly Treetop Adventures

Itinerary

Day 1: Melbourne to Apollo Bay (3 hours)

Drive to Torquay (1 hour 25 min). Drive along to Bell’s Beach and Addis Point (15 drive). Airey’s Inlet – split point lookout (10 min drive), Memorial Arch, Lorne (25 min drive). Lunch in Lorne, Teddy’s Lookout (my fav). Erskine Falls (15 mins drive from Lorne). Kennett River for a nature walk to spot koalas (20 min drive). Apollo Bay (30 min drive), check in, go out for dinner.

Day 2: Apollo Bay to Port Campbell (1-2 hours)

Maits Rest (20 min drive) 30 min loop rainforest walk. Castle Cove Lookout (20 min drive), Johanna beach. Gibson Steps (45 min drive) only at low tide. 12 Apostles, Razorback Lookout, Loch Ard Gorge, Tom and Eva Lookout, Mutton bird island lookout, Sherbrooke river watch point, The Bakers Oven. Port Campbell for lunch, check in to Airbnb. London Bridge, The Grotto, Bay of Martyrs, Bay of Islands. Return to Port Campbell for dinner.

Day 3: Port Campbell to Melbourne via Great Otways (3 hours)

Breakfast, make a packed lunch. Drive to Great Otway. Otway Fly treetop walk ($27 on day, decide if you want to do the hour long walk). Redwoods, Beauchamp Falls (1 hour difficult walk), Hopetoun Falls. Forrest Brewing Company. Geelong. Drop car back at car rental place. Dinner at Leonard’s House of Love in South Yarra. 

Sydney

Recommended length of time in Sydney: 5 nights

Transport

Fly from Melbourne to Sydney (1 hour flight), or get the Greyhound bus (12 hours). This one was a no brainer decision for us (we flew). 

Accommodation

The Ultimo – we stayed in this Chinatown hotel for 5 nights, and it was perfect! Super close to the trams into the city centre in 10 minutes.  

Activities 

  • Sydney Opera House
  • Darling Harbour
  • Campbells Cove
  • Walsh Bay
  • Barangaroo Reserve
  • Botanic Gardens
  • Ferry from Circular Quay to Manly
    • The Corso
    • Manly Beach
    • Shelley Beach
  • Bondi Beach
  • Icebergs swimming pool
  • Walk Bondi to Coogee via Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, Gordon’s Bay
  • Taronga Zoo
  • Watson’s Bay & Hornby Lighthouse
  • North Head
  • Hyde Park

Itinerary

Day 1: Darling Harbour, Queen Victoria Building, walk along the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House.

Day 2: Bondi Beach, Bondi Icebergs, Bondi to Coogee Walk, Coogee Pavillions.

Day 3: Ferry to Manly Beach, explore the area. 

Day 4: Unfortunately there was torrential rain at this point so we just took shelter in shopping centres…

Blue Mountains

Recommended length of time in the Blue Mountains: 2 nights 

Transport

Just a 2 hour train from Sydney, Katoomba is the perfect base to explore the Blue Mountains. We used the Hop On Hop Off  service, and also enjoyed staying on the bus for a full loop!!

Accommodation

Sky Rider Motor Inn – a motel approx 20 minutes walk from Katoomba, we managed to get a bus halfway there when we arrived. 

Activities 

  • Honeymoon lookout, 45 min walk to Echo Point for the Three Sisters (or just stay on the bus)
  • Katoomba Cascades (great spot for a packed lunch)
  • Cahill Lookout – there’s a trail here, but also some pretty viewpoints
  • Kiah Lookout, an hour walk to the Leura cascades bus stop so time this carefully!

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to the Blue Mountains

Day 2: Hop On Hop off bus around Katoomba (optional: Scenic World)

Day 3: Travel to Sydney Airport

Gold Coast 

Recommended length of time on the Gold Coast: 3 nights, including one day trip to Byron Bay

Transport

Fly from Sydney Airport to Gold Coast with Virgin or Jetstar. Alternatively there is a Greyhound bus, but with my carsick boyfriend and parents, flying was the much easier option. 

Accommodation

Peninsular Gold Coast – we stayed in the penthouse apartment here, and felt very fancy. We had loads of space, amazing views from the balcony, and were super close to Surfer’s Paradise.  

Activities 

  • Burleigh Beach
  • Burleigh Heads National Park Trail
  • Skypoint Observation Deck
  • Coolangatta waterways
  • Lamington National Park
  • Watch surfers at Snapper Rocks and Point Danger
  • Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Tamborine Mountain via wineries and distilleries
  • Springbrook National Park
  • Burleigh Farmer’s Markets

Itinerary

Day 1: Burleigh Heads National Park, Surfers Paradise

Day 2: Day trip to Byron Bay

Day 3: Travel to Noosa

Byron Bay 

Recommended length of time in Byron Bay: 1 day, or longer if you have time

Transport

Byron Bay Express – we got return tickets from Gold Coast to explore Byron Bay for a day.  

Activities 

  • Hike to the Cape Byron lighthouse: Cape Byron Walking Track
  • Wategos Beach
  • Main beach
  • Town centre for boutiques and shops
  • Walk to The Pass viewpoint
  • Beach hop: Byron Bay, Clarks Beach, Tallow Beach, Belongil Beach, The Pass
  • Dolphin Kayaking tour
  • Snorkel at Julian Rocks

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Byron Bay, walk to the lighthouse, lunch in the town, chill on the beach, get the bus back to Gold Coast.

Noosa

Recommended length of time in Noosa: 3 nights (including one day trip to K’gari)

Transport

We took the Greyhound bus from Gold Coast to Noosa via Brisbane. 

Accommodation

Wolngarin Holiday Resort Noosa – we stayed in a two bedroom apartment here, and really enjoyed it. There was a pool to cool down in, the apartment felt like a home and there was plenty of room. The location was ideal right next to a bus stop, with plenty of frequent buses to take us in to the main Hastings St and beach area. 

Activities 

Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Noosa Heads. Bar hop Main Street. Shop and eat at Hastings Street

Day 2: Noosa National Park, walk to Fairy Pools, head back to the beach to chill and cool off in the ocean. 

Day 3: Day trip to K’gari (Fraser Island) from Noos with Fraser Tours. 

Brisbane

Recommended length of time in Brisbane: 3 nights 

Transport

We took the Greyhound bus from Noosa to Brisbane.

Accommodation

Brisbane Oaks on Charlotte – we stayed somewhere a little fancier in Brisbane because it was my birthday!

Activities 

  • Walk: Botanic gardens, Roma Street parklands, Eagle Street Pier (lunch), Story Bridge
  • Manmade city beach at South Bank: urban Streets Beach, Collective Markets, Kangaroo Point
  • Food: New Shanghai in the Myer Centre on Queen Street
  • Botanic gardens
  • River boat to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
  • Stradbroke day trip
  • Bribie Islands day trip
  • Moreton Island – snorkelling day tour
  • Queen Street (eat and shopping)
  • Caxton Street’s bars (Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall)
  • Mount Coot-tha’s hiking trails and lookout
  • Newstead’s breweries – Green Beacon Brewing Co and Newstead Brewing Co
  • West End’s markets and boutique
  • Kangaroo Point Cliffs
  • Howard Smith Wharves to New Farm boardwalk

Itinerary

Day 1: Southbank, explore the CBD and surrounding areas

Day 2: Streets beach, Botanic Gardens, explore the city on the river ferries, see Story Bridge.

Day 3: Train to  Australia Zoo  (3 hour return journey with the full day spent at the iconic zoo). 

Airlie Beach/The Whitsundays

Recommended length of time in the Whitsundays: 2 nights for 1 full day on the Whitsundays

Transport

We flew with Jetstar from Brisbane to Prosepine airport, then got a shuttle bus from the airport to Airlie Beach, 

Accommodation

Magnums Airlie Beach – we got a private room in this hostel which is right on the main street, but feels like you are in a secluded rainforest.  

Activities 

  • Airlie Beach lagoon
  • Bicentennial Walkway
  • Whitsunday Sailing Trip – we chose Ocean Rafting, Southern Exposure for the extra beach time.  

Itinerary 

Day 1: Travel to Airlie Beach, explore the town.

Day 2: Ocean Rafting boat trip.

Day 3: Travel to Magnetic Island. 

I created this table to compare some of the boat trip options in the Whitsundays.

Magnetic Island

Recommended length of time in Magnetic Island: 2 nights 

Transport

We took the Greyhound bus from Airlie Beach to Townsville, then got the Sealink ferry to Magnetic Island. 

Accommodation

Magnetic Cabin – we stayed at this cute cabin in Horseshoe Bay, just a 10 minute walk from the bus stop which takes you all over the island.  

Activities

  • Picnic Bay with huge boulders
  • The Forts walking trail to spot koalas
  • Selina – bird feeding
  • Horseshoe Bay
  • Bungalow Bay
  • Arcadia – rock wallaby
  • Snorkel in Alma Bay
  • Geoffrey Bay – sunset the rock wallabies come out to the boulders

Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Horseshoe Bay

Day 2: Forts Walk, Bus to Picnic Bay at the other end of the island, then work way back via bus (Arcadia, Alma Bay, Geoffrey Bay). 

Day 3: Travel to Cairns via ferry back to Townsville.

Cairns

Recommended length of time here: 2 nights 

Transport

We took the Greyhound bus from Townsville to Cairns. 

Accommodation

Floriana Boutique Hotel – very fancy little boutique hotel with an even fancier looking restaurant below. We were very kindly greeted when we arrived extremely sweaty, and were extremely glad to find our room was stunning, and the shower was even better with all the fancy body wash and shampoo. 

Activities 

  • Esplanade Lagoon
  • GBR boat trip around Fitzroy Island
  • Kuranda Rainforest Skyrail – allow at least half a day
  • Cairns Lagoon
  • Cairns Night Markets
  • Atherton Tablelands for waterfall hopping

Itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Cairns (this took us a long time and we arrived after 8pm). 

Day 2: Boat trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef. We went with Passions of Paradise. 

Day 3: Pick up rental car to explore the Daintree Rainforest. 

This table compares some of the many options for Great Barrier Reef boat trips.

Cape Tribulation 

Recommended length of time in Cape Tribulation: 2 nights 

Transport

We rented a car from SIXT, but you can find a suitable rental car here. I recommend car rental for ultimate freedom, but there are plenty of day trips to the Daintree from Cairns:

Accommodation

Safari Lodge – we stayed in a cabin equipped with a private bathroom and aircon, and absolutely loved it. There was a real holiday park feel to this place, and we used the bbq’s and kitchen to cook ourselves dinner after buying groceries from the general store across the road. Perfect! 

Activities 

  • Hiking routes
  • Boardwalks: Dubuji, Kulki, Marrdja,
  • Ridge trail on Mount Sorrow (allow 6 hours and be v prepared)
  • Dubuji Boardwalk
  • Far North Escapes Night Tour of the Daintree Rainforest – a must do! Our tour guide was fantastic. 

Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Cape Tribulation, visit the Daintree Discovery centre. Settle in to accommodation. Do the Far North Escapes Night Tour.

Day 2: Do all of the boardwalks in the area during the day. They are all relatively short so it’s possible to do them all. Be aware of cassowaries! 

Day 3: Drive to Port Douglas. 

Port Douglas

Recommended length of time in Port Douglas: 1 night

Transport

We drove here on our way back to Perth in our rental car.

Accommodation

Port Douglas Motel – a quirky motel right near the centre of Port Douglas. The perfect place to base yourself during your time here! 

Activities 

  • Four Mile Beach
  • Trinity Bay Lookout
  • Flagstaff Hill
    • Snorkelling cruises
  • Macrossan street shopping precinct

Itinerary 

Day 1: We used Port Douglas as a stopover between Cape Tribulation and Cairns on our drive back. Understandably we were pretty tired by this point, and it was constantly raining, so we only explored Port Douglas briefly. 

Day 2: Drive back to Cairns and fly to wherever you need to go next. Fun fact, after this we headed to Port Hedland in Western Australia to volunteer with Flatback Turtles for 2 weeks!

Thank you SO MUCH for reading my East Coast Australia 3-week itinerary. I really hope it’s been useful. Let me know if you have any questions! My instagram and tiktok @ is lydiaonlocation. Alternatively, you can send a message using the “contact me” form on my home page. 

Thank you love you see you soon,

Lydia x 

Leave a comment