The ULTIMATE 6-week Australia Itinerary of the East Coast & Beyond!

A backpacking trip to Australia is the ultimate dream destination: providing everything from rich First Nations culture, dazzling coastal cities, wonderful and whacky wildlife, dense rainforests, eclectic coral reefs and untouched beaches.

With the working world becoming ever more flexible and short sabbaticals booming in popularity, there’s no better time to get out there and embark your own Australian adventure.

Here is our epic 6-week Australia itinerary of the East Coast Australia and beyond.

⤷ Melbourne (4 days)

⤷ Alice Springs & The Outback (4 days)

⤷ Sydney (5 days)

⤷ Byron Bay (3 days)

⤷ Surfers Paradise (2 days)

⤷ Brisbane & Moreton Island (4 days)

⤷ Noosa (2 days)

⤷ K'gari (Fraser Island) & Hervey Bay (4 days)

⤷ The Whitsunday Islands & Airlie Beach (3 days)

⤷ Magnetic Island (4 days)

⤷ Cairns / Great Barrier Reef (7 days)

(4 days)

🛬 LAND INTO MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (AM) 🛬

DAY 1

Spend the day exploring all round the delightful nooks and crannies of Melbourne! Includes: Federation Square, Degraves Street laneway, Hosier Lane’s street art and Victoria State Library. Across the Yarra River, visit the majestic Shrine of Remembrance, Botanical Gardens and the Eureka Skydeck – the tallest viewing platform in the Southern Hemisphere!

DAY 2

Embark on a full-day tour destined for Phillip Island’s idyllic Summerlands for the Penguin Parade, where you can witness first-hand rare little penguins returning from the ocean to their beach burrows as darkness of night draws in.

DAY 3

A must do on any Australia trip itinerary to Melbourne is to travel the Great Ocean Road: an infamously scenic route along the south coast. Pass quaint towns, lush national parks, idyllic coves, lots of wildlife and key landmarks such as the 12 Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge.

DAY 4

A full-day tour to Wilsons Promontory Peninsula, a 3.5 hour drive from Melbourne city centre, is a must. Join a small hiking tour or scenic cruise to witness the natural beauty of the national park, and if you’re lucky, see wildlife such as wild wombats, seals, dolphins or even whales!

(4 days)

🛬 FLY FROM MELBOURNE TO ALICE SPRINGS AIRPORT (AM) 🛬

DAY 5

Arrive in Alice Springs. Spend the day looking around the town centre (buy your essential fly hat ready for your Uluru tour!), climb up Anzac Hill and visit the Reptile Centre.

DAY 6

Up bright and early to begin your booked 3 days (2 night) Uluru and Outback tour, the ideal amount of time to see all that the Outback has to offer. This includes: Kata Tjuta, magical Uluru sunrise and sunsets, swag camping under the stars, and Kings Canyon.

DAY 7

Continue your booked 3 days (2 night) Uluru and Outback tour.

DAY 8

End of booked 3 days (2 night) Uluru and Outback tour. Return to Alice Springs mid-afternoon before a guided sunset tour at The Kangaroo Sanctuary. Do pre-book this in advance when you know your dates, this is a must do on your 6 weeks Australia itinerary!

(5 days)

🛬 FLY FROM ALICE SPRINGS TO SYDNEY AIRPORT (AM) 🛬

DAY 9

Settle in before exploring around the Sydney districts! Start at the iconic Sydney Opera House (of course) before trailing the shoreline along to Darling Harbour and Campbells Cove. Make a stop at The Rocks district, pass the piers at Walsh Bay before enjoying a picnic at the idyllic Barangaroo Reserve.

If you can, try to tick an evening show at the Sydney Opera House off your bucket list!

DAY 10

Spend a day exploring the inner city! Meander your morning through the blossoming Botanical gardens before shopping in the CBD. In the afternoon, suit up for the ultimate Sydney experience: BridgeClimb!

DAY 11

Catch the fast ferry from Circular Quay to Manly for a beach-filled day out of the city! Grab a frozen yoghurt on The Corso before trailing the immense goldens sands of Manly Beach and Shelley Beach.

DAY 12

New day, new beaches! Catch the bus to the infamous Bondi Beach and Icebergs swimming pool before a scenic rugged coastal walk to Coogee. Pass the idyllic Tamarama Beach, Bronte Beach, Clovelly Beach, Gordon’s Bay and finally Coogee Beach. Treat yourself to a fish and chips before your bus back to Sydney.

DAY 13

Venture out on a full day tour of the Blue Mountains National Park. See the infamous Three Sisters rock formation as you soar across the Scenic World skyway!

(3 days)

🚌 CATCH THE OVERNIGHT GREYHOUND BUS FROM SYDNEY – BYRON BAY (PM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 13 HOURS DIRECT)

DAY 14

Arrive at Byron Bay early morning. Have a slow morning chilling at the Main Beach. Relax on the verge whilst being serenaded by soft live music. Fancy a wander? Get sandy toes along the beach until you reach The Pass viewpoint, spotting ample surfers and maybe a humpback whale in the distance!

DAY 15

Paddle out this morning on a sea kayaking tour, exploring the idyllic bays of Byron. If you’re lucky – you may even get up close and personal with a passing dolphin pod! Spend the rest of the day mooching around Byron’s vibrant centre, bursting with quaint bohemian stores, cafés and bars.

DAY 16

A must do when in Byron Bay is the walking trail to Cape Byron Lighthouse. Setting off from Main Beach, trace the boardwalks along the ever-changing seafront terrain. Take a snap at the “Most Easterly Point of the Australian Mainland” on route!

(2 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM BYRON BAY – SURFERS PARADISE (AM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 50 MINUTES DIRECT)

DAY 17

Surfers Paradise: Where golden sands and towering skyscrapers collide! Find a sunny spot on the 2km stretch of beach to relax in the sunshine, hydrate at an Irish bar and buy all the unique finds at the evening beach markets!

DAY 18

As the name suggests, Surfers Paradise is just that – a surfer’s paradise! Take full opportunity by partaking in a group or private surfing lesson! In the afternoon, be sure to venture up to the SkyPoint observation deck for unmissable panoramic views of the stunning Gold Coast!

(4 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM SURFERS PARADISE – BRISBANE (AM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 1 HR 30 MINUTES DIRECT)

DAY 19

Explore the hidden gems of Brisbane’s inner city on a big walking loop, including the Botanic Gardens, spotting water dragons at Roma Street Parklands, grabbing a riverside lunch at Eagle Street Pier before reaching the iconic Story Bridge.

DAY 20

Spend time at Brisbane’s South Bank: Stroll through the idyllic arbour walkway, relax at the urban Streets Beach and browse The Collective Markets. Fancy venturing further? Cross the river to Kangaroo Point for picturesque vistas and rock-climbing!

DAY 21

Crikey! Catch a train from Brisbane’s train station to Beerwah to spend the day at Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo.

DAY 22

The best until last! Take a full day tour to Moreton Island. Snorkel amongst the sunken Tangalooma shipwrecks, toboggan down sand dunes, spot countless turtles and dugongs on a marine discovery cruise and watch wild pelican feeding.

(2 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM BRISBANE – NOOSA (AM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 2 HR 20 MINUTES DIRECT)

DAY 23

On arrival, head to Noosa’s Main Beach. Shop eclectic fashion and craft stores down Hastings Street before a delicious lunch at Betty’s Burgers & Concrete Co. Leisurely trace the Noosa National Park coastal trail. Look out for the resident wild koalas at Tea Tree Bay!

DAY 24

Noosa is famous for its tranquil everglades and waterways. Take a morning cruise, kayak, or canoe tour to explore where 40% of Noosa’s bird species can be found!

(4 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM NOOSA – HERVEY BAY (PM)🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 4 HOURS DIRECT)

DAY 25

Begin your booked 3 days (2 night) K’gari (Fraser Island) tour. This, or even a well-scheduled 2 day (1 night) tour, is the ideal amount of time to see all key K’gari spots. Including: Lake Wabby, Maheno Shipwreck, Central Station, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Seventy-five Mile Beach, Indian Head and Champagne Pools!

DAY 26

Continue your K’gari tour.

DAY 27

Finish up your K’gari tour, arrive back to Hervey Bay late afternoon.

DAY 28

During June-September, you must do a full-day whale watching tour from Hervey Bay to see the inquisitive gentle giants, humpback whales, up close!

(3 days)

🚌 CATCH THE OVERNIGHT GREYHOUND BUS FROM HERVEY BAY - AIRLIE BEACH (PM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 13 HOURS DIRECT)

DAY 29

After a long Greyhound bus ride, treat yourself to a chill day at Airlie Beach lagoon. In the evening, stroll the scenic Bicentennial Walkway to stretch your legs. Both free things to do in Airlie Beach.

DAY 30

Set sail to the glorious Whitsunday Islands on a 2-day (1 night) tour.

DAY 31

Continue and return to Airlie Beach from your epic Whitsunday Islands tour.

(4 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM AIRLIE BEACH – TOWNSVILLE (AM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 5 HOURS DIRECT)

DAY 32

Catch the earliest Greyhound bus to Townsville, followed by a short Sea Link ferry to Magnetic Island. Pick up your pre-booked topless car to get around the island. Head to Picnic Bay beach for an idyllic beach with huge boulders!

DAY 33

Pop your boots on for The Forts walking trail in the centre of the island. Be rewarded with insane 360 views of Magnetic Island at the top. Keep your eyes peeled, because The Forts is home to the largest population of wild koalas in Northern Australia!

DAY 34

Head to Magnetic Island’s largest bay, Horseshoe Bay to simply relax or do some thrilling water sports! On the way back, spot off at Bungalow Bay for your chance to cuddle a koala and see other Australian wildlife.

DAY 35

Spend the day chilling around Arcadia. Snorkel in the clear waters of Alma Bay and go see the adorable wild rock wallabies just off Geoffrey Bay!

(7 days)

🚌 CATCH THE GREYHOUND BUS FROM TOWNSVILLE – CAIRNS (AM) 🚌 (DURATION: APPROX. 5 HR 40 MINUTES DIRECT)

DAY 36

Explore the city of Cairns: Go shopping, stroll the promenade or swim for free at the Cairns Lagoon. As evening draws in, head to the Cairns Library to witness hundreds of spectacled flying foxes fly off into the night before browsing the vibrant Cairns Night Markets.

DAY 37

Take a full-day tour to one of Cairns’ most idyllic offshore islands, Fitzroy Island. Snorkel the reefs, discover the inland trails or have a blast jumping on the sea trampoline!

DAY 38

Fitzroy gave you a taste, now’s your chance to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in its full glory! Take a cruise out to snorkel multiple areas of this iconic reef system.

DAY 39

Hop onto the Kuranda Scenic Railway for the most picturesque steam train journey you’ll take from Cairns. Explore the mountain village of Kuranda before soaring above dense heritage-listed rainforests on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway back down to Cairns.

DAY 40

You cannot miss Green Island, the smaller sister of Fitzroy Island. Famed mostly for its incredible snorkelling just off the beach, spot anything from parrot fish, green turtles, octopus, and even giant clams!

DAY 41

Thrill seekers – this one is for you! Venture from Cairns out to the Tully River for an exhilarating afternoon of adrenaline fuelled white-water rafting through Grade 3-4 rapids!

DAY 42

Take a tour up north to delve deep into the ancient Daintree rainforest, get sand between your toes at Cabe Tribulation and search for saltwater crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise!

And there you have it! Mission complete. We hope you have the best time on your own 6-week Australia Itinerary of the East Coast and beyond. If you want to delve deeper for more information and tips into each destination, you’re welcome to check out our other Australia blogs on TheFlainsTravel.com!