12-day Australian east coast adventure

Explore the vibrant Royal Botanic Garden – the oldest botanic garden in the Southern Hemisphere – and home to some of the harbour’s most spectacular views. Hear from the Traditional Custodians of the land during an Aboriginal walking tour.

Realise your inner curiosity at Sydney’s collection of museums and art galleries. Or, stroll around the cobbled laneways of The Rocks, a historic precinct home to beautiful heritage buildings, restaurants and cafés.

Follow the Barangaroo Foreshore (Wulugul) Walk to reach a collection of harbourside restaurants. On a warm summer’s day, dip into Marrinawi Cove, a dedicated swimming spot in the heart of Sydney Harbour.

Grab your ticket to the best view in the city with BridgeClimb. Don a harness and begin your ascent over the world’s largest steel arch bridge, just in time for sunset. Take in the magnificent 360-degree views of the harbour, bathed in a golden glow.

Beneath the white sails of the Sydney Opera House, the city’s culture comes to life in dance, theatre and symphonies. Head to the iconic Opera Bar, which is perched on the water’s edge, before catching a show.

Quay restaurant – winner of Three Hats (Australia’s version of Michelin Stars) for more than 20 years – couples Australia’s unique native ingredients with one of the country’s most iconic views. This is Australian fine dining at its best.

Capture Bondi from above on a Brunch n’ Fly experience. Enjoy 15 minutes of unbeatable views soaring over the city’s most celebrated sites. Land back in Rose Bay to enjoy a Champagne brunch by the ocean.

Brunch is a favourite Sydney pastime; think Australian-roasted coffee, acai bowls and of course, the famed avocado toast. After you’ve worked up an appetite, fill up your soul with a glorious Bondi brunch at The Depot.

Bondi’s blue waves attract surfers from all over the world, with both big and beginner-friendly surf spots. The instructors at Let’s Go Surfing help everyone get on a board – join them for a fun-filled lesson and feel the rush for yourself.

You won’t go far in Bondi before coming across a trendy boutique selling garments, gifts and jewellery. Make a beeline for Gould and Hall Street to browse boutiques such as Playa by Lucy Folk. If it’s a Sunday, visit the stalls at the Bondi Markets.

Uncover the city’s best beaches on the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk, where picture-perfect beaches meet rugged cliff tops and quaint cafés. Take the whole two to three-hour trail or flop down at your favourite beach for a swim, surf or snorkel.

The Three Sisters rock formation is a must-see, and there’s no better place to gaze upon it than from Echo Point Lookout. Reach the lookout via a wheelchair-accessible trail from the Echo Point Visitor Centre.

The Blue Mountains are breathtaking from above, but there’s nothing like immersing yourself in their raw beauty on a walking track. Take the 1.4km (0.8mi) Wentworth Falls track – perhaps one of the region’s most jaw-dropping walks.

Stop in at Scenic World to gain new perspectives of the national park. Ride above the canopy on the Scenic Skyway and Scenic Cableway, or cruise through the trees down to Jamison Valley on the Scenic Railway, the world’s steepest passenger railway.

Katoomba’s local brewery, Mountain Culture, is renowned for its tasty stouts, refreshing ales and feel-good atmosphere. In the afternoon, quench your hard-earned thirst on the sun-drenched balcony or inside by a picturesque window.

Head to the mountain town of Katoomba and check into your accommodation. Choose between quaint bed and breakfasts, cottages and beautiful resorts, like Lilianfels Resort and Spa. Treat yourself to a massage in the on-site spa.

Rise early for an energising start to your day. Just a 20-minute drive from the city centre sits the majestic Mt Coot-tha, where you can explore the lush Brisbane Botanic Gardens and watch the sunrise over the city skyline from Mt Coot-tha Lookout.

Find unrivalled views over Brisbane River and the surrounding city with a thrilling Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Ascend to the peak of the bridge as you learn the history of this impressive structure and spot some of Brisbane’s famous landmarks.

Head to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where exciting encounters with Aussie animals are held throughout the day. Say g’day to a koala, get to know the wonderfully weird platypus or snap a photo of a fearsome snake.

Discover Fortitude Valley’s 1960s-inspired California Lane, dotted with pastel-coloured cafés. Pick up a brew but save your appetite; the boutique Bakery Lane is just a few steps away and is equally adorable.

If the sun is shining in typical Brisbane fashion, wander through the idyllic South Bank Parklands or lounge at Streets Beach, a man-made city oasis where aqua-blue water meets a white sand beach dotted with palm trees.

When culture calls, get your fix at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). This museum is home to over 19,000 creations including a spectacular array of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Climb up one of Moreton Island’s impressive sand dunes with Moreton Island Adventures. You’ll slide and carve at high speeds down the dunes on a sandboard. If you’re looking to get your heart racing, this is the experience for you.

Climb high above the vibrant blue waters during an adrenaline-inducing parasailing adventure, soaking in the views of the island and watching out for wildlife as the wind lifts you into the sky behind a boat.

Venture just beyond the sandy shores to reach the Tangalooma Wrecks. This is a popular snorkelling spot with 15 sunken vessels, each home to a variety of marine life. A guided tour will provide you with a snorkel, mask and flippers.

Kick up the sand in your own private four-wheel drive along one of Moreton Island’s car-friendly beaches. It’s a real thrill driving right alongside the ocean. Pack a picnic and find a stretch of sand all your own.

Spend a night at Tangalooma Island Resort to soak up island life. Take advantage of the resort’s dining offering, lay by the pool with a cocktail in hand or use your cosy room as a base to adventure throughout the island from sunrise to sunset.

Embark on an unforgettable nighttime adventure with Sunset Safaris to experience the Tangalooma Wrecks in a whole new light. Take to the water in a transparent kayak and watch as your lights illuminate the shipwrecks beneath you.

Take the five-minute ferry over to Dent Island for an unforgettable round of golf at the Hamilton Island Golf Club, an 18-hole island course. Afterwards, recharge on refreshments and ocean views at the Clubhouse.

For a luxurious stay on Hamilton, you can’t go past qualia. Private pavilions come with infinity plunge pools that beckon for you to dive in. Bring your appetite to the resort’s Pebble Beach restaurant for a six-course degustation.

Take off on an exhilarating helicopter tour of Hamilton Island and the surrounding reefs with Hamilton Island Air, watching ribbons of blue and white pass below as your guide points out the area’s main attractions.

Grab a kayak and hit the water for an afternoon spent soaking up the salty air and blue water. Admire the views of Hamilton Island’s tree-covered peaks, spot marine life swimming beneath you and pause to dive into the cool ocean.

One Tree Hill is known as Hamilton Island’s most popular sunset spot – and for good reason. The grassy stretch creates an idyllic setting to lay a picnic blanket down as the sun transforms the island into shades of green and gold.

Marvel at the beauty of Whitsunday Island on a day aboard your own private charter to spot turtles, dolphins and sharks from the shore. And what's as impressive as the marine life? The stark white sand coating Whitehaven Beach.

The Whitsundays is home to the unique natural beauty of Heart Reef – almost perfectly shaped as the name suggests. You can reach the picture-perfect spot from Hamilton Island on a number of boat, helicopter or seaplane tours.

Get your adrenaline fix aboard an action-packed jet ski safari. Skim across the waters surrounding Daydream Island and South Molle Island. Keep your eyes open for turtles, whales and dugongs when you slow down to soak in the views.

Spend a night beneath the stars and above the ocean during a Reefsleep experience with Cruise Whitsundays. Snorkel among the corals, dine in the warm evening air and wake up to uninterrupted views of the Great Barrier Reef.

If you’d rather spend your nights on dry land, head to Long Island for a stay at the luxurious and sustainable Elysian Retreat. Sleep in your very own oceanfront villa and take advantage of the all-inclusive paddleboards, kayaks and snorkels.

Learning to sail is a lifelong skill, especially if you love a coastal getaway. Whitsunday Rent A Yacht will give you a crash course on how to sail smoothly. After, skipper a vessel to explore the idyllic islands at your own pace.

Make your way to Cedar Creek Falls, a hidden gem nestled on the edge of the Conway Forest National Park. Bathe in the tranquil pool beneath the waterfall, or head further into the park to uncover secluded bays and views of the neighbouring islands.

Leap from a plane over Airlie Beach with Skydive Australia. Feel a rush of endorphins from the moment you begin to fall, before allowing the fear to subside as you revel in the coastal views surrounding you from all angles.

You’ll be no stranger to an epic Australian sunset by now, but watching it from a catamaran bar is even more incredible. The two-hour Sunset Cruise will put you into holiday mode with plenty of drinks, nibbles and socialising.

Set in a prime waterfront location, Northerlies is a local favourite for crisp beers, great food and an even better atmosphere. Savour a seafood platter by the beach, gather around shaded picnic tables or dance the night away to live music.

Venture beyond Townsville’s lush sandy shores to reach the intriguing Museum of Underwater Art. Join a guided boat tour to dive down and discover dozens of underwater sculptures, skilfully designed to spark conversations about reef conversation.

Meander through Billabong Sanctuary to experience the daily routines of some of Australia’s most interesting wildlife. From fearsome crocodiles and cassowaries to adorable marsupials, you can easily spend a whole day here with the locals.

Just outside of Townsville, Paluma Range National Park holds a few lesser-known natural treasures. One of these is Ethel Creek Falls – an Insta-worthy swimming hole that you can reach during an epic cycling adventure.

For the best sunset views in Townsville, you can’t beat Castle Hill. Just short of reaching mountain status, this towering monolith is perched in the centre of the city, creating 360-degree views from the peak.

Venture one and a half hours from Townsville to Mungulla Station to spend an immersive day engaging with Nywaigi Aboriginal culture. Explore the complexities of traditional law and indulge in a traditional meal of produce cooked underground.

With gentle waves, quiet shores and abundant wildlife, there are few places better for enjoying lazy days by the beach than Magnetic Island. Grab a snorkel, some flippers and your towel and head out to one of the many bays and beaches.

Explore some of the Great Barrier Reef’s most famous dive sites during a snorkelling or diving adventure with ProDive Magnetic Island. Be sure to try your luck at spotting the Great Eight marine species, which includes turtles and giant clams.

Pull on your hiking boots and set out along the Forts Walk. You’ll pass World War II relics, diverse plants and, if you’re lucky, a koala or two. Although the walk is fairly relaxed, it will be the most enjoyable in the cool air of the morning.

Bed down in the chic Peppers Blue on Blue Resort to embrace the tropical atmosphere overnight. Pull up a pool chair under the shade of a leafy palm, have a classy cocktail overlooking the marina or treat yourself to a massage in the on-site spa.

Leisurely paddle out towards the sun just before it sets with Magnetic Island Sea Kayaks. Enjoy this moment of calm, with the water reflecting vibrant orange hues as Magnetic Island says goodbye to the last of the day’s sunshine.

Pop into the Cairns Aquarium to acquaint yourself with the species of the Great Barrier Reef. Wander past vibrant creatures, learn about the ecology of the reef and enjoy an after-hours twilight tour complete with a three-course dining experience.

For a truly unforgettable day, step into a helicopter with Jarramali Rock Art Tours and soar towards the wilderness surrounding Laura, home to the Quinkan people. See ancient rock art alongside Traditional Custodians and hear the stories they share.

Pay a visit to the nearby mountain town of Kuranda, which can be reached via the scenic Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Ride the town’s scenic railway and join Aboriginal guides at Rainforestation Nature Park to connect with local culture.

Take a leap of faith at the only bungy jumping location in Australia. Strap on your harness, take in sweeping views and prepare to get your heart racing, diving head-first into the lush rainforest surroundings.

One of Cairns’ most popular dining haunts, Tamarind offers a creative blend of regional cuisines that will have your taste buds dancing. Think seared scallops with tomato miso dressing, zesty kimchi risotto and Davidson plum panna cotta.

Before you depart from Cairns, swing by the popular Rusty’s Markets, which boast over 180 stalls. Savour fresh produce in the sunshine, explore quirky art and souvenirs and have a conversation with one of the friendly vendors.

Embrace the tranquility of the rainforest with a unique river rafting tour. Lie back on your raft and watch the green trees pass above you. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, including the elusive platypus.

Walk alongside a local Kuku Yalanji guide from Walkabout Cultural Adventures to experience the abundant mudflats between the rainforest and the reef. Grab a spear and try catching a mud crab for your lunch.

One of the must-see locations in the Daintree Rainforest is Mossman Gorge. Here, clusters of smooth granite boulders create tranquil pools that make for magical swims on a calm, sunny day. Before you arrive, stop in at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre.

Spend the final night of your east-coast adventure amid the serenity of Daintree Ecolodge. Dine beneath the trees at the exceptional Julaymba Restaurant and soak in treatments inspired by Kuku Yalanji healing practices at the Daintree Wellness Spa.