Australia's East Coast is a treasure trove of vibrant cities, stunning natural sights, and unique experiences. Over 11 days and 10 nights, we journeyed through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast, soaking in everything this beautiful region has to offer. Check it if you have visited these places in Australia, scroll down to read or you can treat this a local tour if you are in Aus!
Sydney
Weather:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F). Occasional heatwaves can push temps above 30°C (86°F).
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant, with temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 22°C (72°F).
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool, with temperatures ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F). Rarely drops below 5°C (41°F).
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm, with temperatures from 11°C (52°F) to 23°C (73°F).
Travel Tips:
1. Public Transport: Use an Opal card for seamless travel on trains, buses, ferries, and light rail.
2. Harbour Sights: Don't miss the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Consider a ferry ride to Manly for stunning views.
3. Beaches: Visit Bondi and Coogee for iconic beaches, but remember to swim between the flags.
4. Dining: Explore diverse food options in neighborhoods like Surry Hills and Newtown.
5. Events: Check out the vibrant festival scene, including Vivid Sydney in May/June.
Melbourne
Weather:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Warm to hot, with temperatures from 14°C (57°F) to 26°C (79°F). Can experience heatwaves.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Mild with temperatures between 11°C (52°F) and 20°C (68°F).
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool to cold, with temperatures ranging from 6°C (43°F) to 14°C (57°F).
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Variable, with temperatures from 9°C (48°F) to 19°C (66°F).
Travel Tips:
1. Tram System: Use the free tram zone in the CBD for easy travel. Myki card needed for travel outside this zone.
2. Café Culture: Explore the laneways and arcades for excellent coffee and unique shops.
3. Arts and Culture: Visit the National Gallery of Victoria and Federation Square for cultural experiences.
4. Sports: Experience a game of AFL or cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
5. Day Trips: Consider trips to the Great Ocean Road, Yarra Valley, or Phillip Island.
Brisbane
Weather:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, with temperatures from 21°C (70°F) to 29°C (84°F). Afternoon thunderstorms are common.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and more comfortable, with temperatures between 16°C (61°F) and 26°C (79°F).
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 21°C (70°F).
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm, with temperatures from 16°C (61°F) to 26°C (79°F).
Travel Tips:
1. River City: Use the CityCat ferries for scenic travel along the Brisbane River.
2. South Bank: Visit South Bank Parklands for swimming, dining, and cultural attractions like the Queensland Art Gallery.
3. Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking at Mount Coot-tha or the Botanic Gardens.
4. Markets: Check out the weekend markets for local crafts and food.
5. Day Trips: Explore nearby attractions like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Moreton Island.
Gold Coast
Weather:
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F).
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm and pleasant, with temperatures between 17°C (63°F) and 26°C (79°F).
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 21°C (70°F).
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Warm, with temperatures from 16°C (61°F) to 26°C (79°F).
Travel Tips:
1. Beaches: Enjoy famous beaches like Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads. Always swim between the flags.
2. Theme Parks: Visit popular parks like Dreamworld, Sea World, and Warner Bros. Movie World.
3. Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife in Surfers Paradise.
4. Nature: Take a trip to the hinterlands for rainforests and waterfalls, such as Lamington National Park.
5. Shopping: Check out Pacific Fair and Harbour Town for shopping sprees.
These tips aim to enhance your travel experience in each city, making the most of their unique features and climate.
Hotel:
Flight: Check Here
Day 1: Sydney - A Day by the Harbour
Morning: We landed at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport early in the morning, eagerly anticipating our adventure. After a quick 34-minute transfer, we checked in at the Ibis Budget Sydney East, our cozy home for the next few days.
Lunch:First stop, Sydney Fish Market (MAP)! Open from 07:00 to 16:00, this seafood haven is perfect for lunch. We indulged in fresh oysters, seafood platters, and delicious fried treats, with a budget of AUD 30 - 70 per person. The market is about a 23-minute drive from our hotel.
Recommended: Try Fish and Chips, Sushi and Sashimi, Seafood Platters, Grilled Fish, Seafood cooking classes if you have time.
Afternoon: Next, we explored the historic Queen Victoria Building (MAP),
just a 16-minute walk from our lunch spot. With its stunning architecture and charming shops, it was a delightful way to spend the afternoon (AUD 20 - 40 per person).
Recommended: Delicatessen Hall, Butcher's shop, Fresh Produce, Souvenirs Shopping, Bakery and Patisserie, Seafood Hall, etc.
Dinner:For dinner, we treated ourselves to French cuisine at Little Snail (MAP), a mere 2-minute walk from Darling Harbour. The ambiance and food were exquisite, costing around AUD 69 - 80 per person.
Recommended: Escargots, Steak Frites, Duck Confit, Ratatouille, Crème Brûlée, French Onion Soup, Croque Monsieur, Tarte Tatin, etc.
Evening:We ended our first day with a leisurely stroll around Darling Harbour (MAP), soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and city lights. (AUD 20 - 40 per person).
Recommended: Take a harbour cruise, Harbour Bridge, Sea life Sydney Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Sydney, etc.
Day 2: Sydney - Culture and Nature
Morning: After a 17-minute walk from our hotel, we started our day with breakfast at Joe Black (MAP). Their hearty options, priced between AUD 10 - 30, fueled us for a day of exploration.
Recommended: Joe Black's Breakfast (eggs, bacon, sausage, mushrooms, tomatoes)
Late Morning: A short 7-minute walk later, we reached the Australian Museum (MAP). Open from 09:00 to 21:00, this museum offers free entry and a fascinating glimpse into natural history.
Recommended: Dinosaurs, Wildlife of Australia, Indigenous Australians, Minerals and Geology, Pacific Cultures, Science and Technology, etc
Lunch: We enjoyed a picnic at the Royal Botanic Garden (MAP), just a 1-minute walk away. The serene surroundings were perfect for a relaxing lunch.
Recommended: Aboriginal Heritage Walk, Australian Native Garden, Begonia Garden, Brazilian Garden , Chinese Garden of Friendship, Herb Garden, Rose Garden.
Afternoon: Post-lunch, we took a leisurely 18-minute walk to the Sydney Harbour for a sightseeing cruise, booked via Getyourguide for just AUD 69 per person. The views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water were spectacular!
Evening:Our final stop of the day was the Sydney Tower Eye (MAP). (BuyTicket: Here) Open until 19:00, the panoramic city views were breathtaking. Tickets cost AUD 26.40, and for an extra thrill, we opted for the Skywalk experience.
Recommended: 360-Degree Views, Observation Deck, Skywalk X, Dining at 360 Bar and Dining
Burger is so great and I will be back for next time! It is a must!
Recommended: Luca's Famous Meat Pie, Juicy beef or chicken burgers with creative toppings, Chicken Wings Spicy or BBQ, Pork Belly Bites - Crispy, flavorful.
Day 3: Sydney - Blue Mountains Adventure
Morning: We grabbed a quick breakfast at Detour Espresso Bar (MAP) enjoy a cozy atmosphere and friendly service here, conveniently located 2 minutes from our hotel, spending around AUD 20 - 40 per person.
All Day: Today was dedicated to the Blue Mountains (MAP). We booked a GetYourGuide 1 day tour (Approx. AU$190 per person), which included visits to the Three Sisters Rock and other scenic spots. The natural beauty and fresh mountain air were invigorating.
Recommended: Three Sisters, Scenic World, Echo Point. And outdoor activities like Hiking, Bushwalking, Canyoning.
Other choices such as Leura Village, Norman Lindsay Gallery, Wentworth Falls.
Day 4: Sydney to Melbourne - Opera and Cityscapes
Morning: After checking out, we had breakfast at Uliveto Cafe (MAP)
Recommended: Avocado Toast, Eggs Benedict, Quiche Lorraine, Grilled Paninis, Salads
Late Morning: Our final Sydney stop was the iconic Sydney Opera House (MAP) before catching our flight to Melbourne. If you would like to have a guide, here is the recommended tour: Details
Afternoon: We flew to Melbourne, arriving in the afternoon. We checked in at Ink Hotel Melbourne Southbank
Day 5: Melbourne - Urban Exploration
All Day: Begin your day with a delicious breakfast at Bowery to Williamsburg (MAP) (approx. 20 minutes walk) (approx. AUD 20 - 30 per person)
Melbourne's vibrant city life awaited us. We visited the Melbourne Aquarium (MAP), here are some fascinating facts and exhibits to explore:
Shark Zone, Sea Dragons, Penguins, Crocodile Lair, Ocean Theatre.
We enjoyed a satisfying steak lunch at Rare Steakhouse Midtown (MAP)(approx. 17 minutes walk) (AUD 50 per person) before exploring the vibrant Federation Square (MAP), and Graffiti Street, all within walking distance. Each site offered a unique glimpse into the city's culture and creativity.
Rare Steakhouse Midtown (MAP), Recommended: Dry-aged Ribeye, Wagyu Rump, Grilled Scallops, Seafood Tower, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, Chocolate Lava cake, etc.
Conclude the day with a flavorful Asian dinner at Lucy Liu Kitchen and Bar (MAP) (approx. 15 minutes walk) (open 12:00 - 23:00, approx. AUD 50 - 70 per person).
Recommended: Dumplings, Bao Buns, Fried Chicken, Pork Belly Buns, Cocktail Menu
Day 6: Melbourne - A Day at Philip Island
All Day: Start our day with a coffee at ST. ALi Coffee Roasters - South Melbourne (MAP) (approx. 13 minutes walk) (open 07:00 - 18:00, approx. AUD 20 per person) before embarking on a memorable day trip via GetYourGuide to Philip Island (MAP), famous for its wildlife and stunning landscapes. Watching the Penguin Parade was a highlight of our trip.
Recommended:Penguin Parade, Seal Watching Grand Prix Circuit, Koala Conservation Centre, Cape Woolamai
Day 7: Melbourne - Markets and History
Morning: Queen Victoria Market (MAP) was our first stop, perfect for shopping and breakfast.
Afternoon: Next, we visited the Old Melbourne Gaol (MAP), immersing ourselves in the city's rich history and delve into the past.
Here are the recommend items on a visit to the Old Melbourne Gaol:
1. Ned Kelly's Cell: Visit the cell where Ned Kelly was imprisoned.
2. The Gallows: Explore the courtyard where executions took place.
3. Guided Tour: Take a guided tour to learn about the prison's history and significance.
4. Watchtower: Climb to the top for panoramic views of the prison.
5. Prison Yard: Walk through the prison yard where prisoners exercised and performed hard labor.
Enjoy a satisfying lunch at Cumulus Inc (MAP). (approx. 19 minutes walk) (approx. AUD 60 per person) before embarking on a flight to Brisbane (approx. 1 hour travel time) (16:05 - 18:15 flight time), a city known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning riverfront.
Upon arrival at Brisbane Airport (approx. 18:45 arrival time), make your way to your hotel, the Great Southern Hotel Brisbane (approx. 40 minutes travel time).
Settle in and savor a delectable Australian dinner at Malt Dining (MAP) (approx. 9 minutes walk) (open 12:00 - 22:30/23:30, closed Sunday and Monday, approx. AUD 60 per person).
Recommended: Oyster, Scallops, Wagyu Steak, Tartare, etc
Day 8: Melbourne to Brisbane - Wildlife Wonders
Morning: Start my day with a delicious breakfast at Coffee Anthology (MAP). We loved the scrambled eggs and coffee and the service was very great! (approx. 5 minutes walk) (open 07:30 - 15:30, approx. AUD 25 per person)
Afternoon: Our first Brisbane adventure led us to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (MAP). Holding a koala and feeding kangaroos were unforgettable experiences.
Recommended: Koala Enclosure, Australian Wildlife Arena, Birds of Prey Show, Koala Feeding, Kangaroo Feeding, Bird Feeding.
Evening: Afterward, we enjoyed panoramic views from The Wheel of Brisbane (MAP). Enjoy a delightful dinner at Patina at Customs House (MAP)(approx. 1 hour 4 minutes travel time) (open 12:00 - 22:30/23:30, closed Sunday and Monday, approx. AUD 20 - 60 per person)
Day 9: Brisbane - Museums and Parklands
Morning: We dove into Queensland's cultural heritage at the Queensland Museum (MAP). The exhibits were both educational and engaging.
Afternoon: South Bank Parkland (MAP) was a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon. We strolled along the river, relaxed in the gardens, and even took a dip in the man-made beach. The blend of nature and urban life here is truly special.
Dinner: Conclude the day with a flavorful Japanese dinner at Yummo Sushi (MAP) (approx. 10 minutes walk) (open 12:00 - 22:00, approx. AUD 30 per person).
Day 10: Gold Coast - Sun, Surf, and Sky
Morning: We made our way to the Gold Coast, about an hour's drive from Brisbane. SurfersParadise (MAP) eagerly awaited us with its golden sands and vibrant beach culture.
Afternoon: We soared to new heights at the SkyPoint Observation Deck (MAP). The 77th floor offers breathtaking views of the coastline and hinterland, a sight you won't want to miss.
Dinner: We enjoyed our relaxing dinner at House of Brews (MAP), actually the taste of foods were soso but the service was OK. Afterwards, back to hotel for the packing and say goodbye on last day!
Day 11: Brisbane - City Sights and Farewell
Morning: Back in Brisbane, we started our final day at the historic Brisbane City Hall (MAP). The clock tower tour provided a unique perspective of the city.
Afternoon: Our last stop was Queen Street Mall (MAP), the perfect place for some last-minute shopping and souvenirs. The bustling atmosphere and variety of stores ensured we found something for everyone back home.
Reflections on Our Journey
Our 11-day journey along Australia’s East Coast was a perfect blend of urban excitement, natural beauty, and cultural discovery. From the iconic sights of Sydney and Melbourne to the wildlife encounters in Brisbane and the sun-soaked beaches of the Gold Coast, every day brought new adventures and unforgettable moments.
Australia’s East Coast has so much to offer, and we left with our hearts full and our minds brimming with incredible memories. If you’re looking for a travel experience that combines the best of city life, nature, and unique local culture, this itinerary is a fantastic starting point.