Heading to eastern Australia for 7 days and need help planning your trip? Check out this itinerary of how I spent 7 days visiting the eastern Australian cities of Sydney, Cairns and Brisbane. Note that this itinerary includes inter-country flights to get in-between the cities.
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- Intro
- Recommended Tours & Activities
- Eastern Australia 7-Day Itinerary
- Day 0: Arrive Sydney
- Day 1: Sydney – Skyscraper, Harbour Cruise & Historic Rocks
- Day 2: Sydney – Bridge Climbs & Garden Walks
- Day 3: Depart Sydney, Arrive Cairns
- Day 4: Cairns – Relax & Explore the City
- Day 5: Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
- Day 6: Depart Cairns, Arrive Brisbane
- Day 7: Brisbane – Day at Australia Zoo
- Day 8: Depart Brisbane
- Final Words
Check Out
Intro
Australia’s vibrant cities, diverse landscapes, and unique wildlife make it an unforgettable destination — even if you only have a short time to explore. This 7-day itinerary takes you through three of Australia’s most iconic cities: Sydney, Cairns, and Brisbane. It includes exploring the sparkling Sydney Harbour, the tropical waters of the Great Barrier Reed and Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo.
Note that this 7-day itinerary is jam-packed with activities to see as much of Australia as you can in a short amount of time. So of course, feel free to tailor this itinerary to fit your own interests, pace, and/or schedule.
Recommended Tours & Activities
Book unforgettable experiences and check out the below recommended tours, activities and attractions that are mentioned throughout this post:
- Sydney Harbour Sightseeing Cruise Morning or Afternoon Departure
- Sydney BridgeClimb
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
- Australia Zoo Day Trip from Brisbane
Eastern Australia 7-Day Itinerary
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this east Australia itinerary. The points are color-coordinated as:
- Day 1 Points of Interest → BLUE
- Day 2 Points of Interest → YELLOW-ORANGE
- Day 3 Points of Interest → RED (AIRPORTS)
- Day 4 Points of Interest → TEAL
- Day 5 Points of Interest → PURPLE
- Day 6 Points of Interest → RED (AIRPORTS)
- Day 7 Points of Interest → BRIGHT YELLOW
- Day 8 Points of Interest → RED (AIRPORT)
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE EAST AUSTRALIA MAP:
| Action | Description / Step-by-Step Instructions |
|---|---|
| Click a Colored Star Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
| Click the STAR ☆ right of the “East Australia“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing* |
| Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer) | In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “East Australia” → Click it to open the Map |
| *To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone) | In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “East Australia” → Click it to open the Map |
Day 0: Arrive Sydney
“Day zero” is your arrival at Sydney airport (SYD) in Sydney, Australia. Get to your hotel, check-in, and settle in. Your 7-day itinerary in Australia begins now!
For more details of how the next 2 days will look like in Sydney, check out my more detailed post Perfect 2-Day Itinerary in Sydney (with BridgeClimb).
Day 1: Sydney – Skyscraper, Harbour Cruise & Historic Rocks
For your first full day in Sydney, explore Sydney’s Central Business District (CBD). Here, you can go up the Sydney tower for panoramic views and shop in its shopping precinct on Pitt Street Mall.
Then, head to the famous Circle Quay area to board a Sydney Harbour Cruise! You’ll get incredible views of Sydney from the water, with views of CBD’s skyscraper, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and the Habour Bridge.
Afterwards, continue exploring the Circular Quay area and stop for a drink at the Opera Bar, a bar with amazing views of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Then walk to the Rocks and explore these historic streets and treat yourself to a dinner with a view.
RELATED: Sydney Harbour Cruise: A Relaxing Way to See the Harbour City – Review
Day 2: Sydney – Bridge Climbs & Garden Walks
Spend the first half of the day doing a thrilling bridge climb on Sydney’s Harbour Bridge! This experience takes about 3hours and you’ll be so glad that you did it! The 2 hour climb itself isn’t too strenuous and the views are incredible! It is completely safe, fun, and staff climb leaders guide and direct you the entire time. Not only that, but they also provide commentary about the bridge, and the history and culture of Sydney.
Then in the afternoon, take a nice and relaxing stroll exploring the Royal Botanic Garden. Be sure to head out towards the Mrs. Macquarie’s Point where you can get views of both the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. This point is also considered to be one of the best photo spots in the city too!
Then end your garden stroll at the Opera House, where you can get great sunset views of the Opera House and of the Sydney skyline. Find dinner nearby and toast to your wonderful 2 days well spent in Sydney.
RELATED: BridgeClimb Sydney: Is it Worth It & Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Day 3: Depart Sydney, Arrive Cairns
On the 3rd day of your 7-day Australia itinerary, you will check out your Sydney hotel and make your way to the Sydney Airport (SYD). Catch your short domestic flight to Cairns (CNS) and get to your Cairns hotel. Check-in, settle in, and prepare for the next 2 days.
For more details of how the next 2 days will look like in Cairns, check out my more detailed post 2 Days in Cairns: A Perfect Tropical Getaway Itinerary.
Day 4: Cairns – Relax & Explore the City
Spend some time relaxing at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon and exploring the coastal city of Cairns. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a large swimming pool with free entry and lifeguards patrolling. It is a nice introduction to this coastal city where you can relax in the waters, enjoy the views of the Coral sea, and get some sunbathing in before heading out to the reef the next day.
After you had your pool and sunbathing fix, then walk around and explore the city! You can walk along the waterfront and choose from one of the many waterfront restaurants to eat at. Then make your way to the Cairns Nights Market and grab some dessert while you explore the market and shop for some Australian souvenirs.
RELATED: 2 Days in Cairns: A Perfect Tropical Getaway Itinerary.
Day 5: Cairns – Great Barrier Reef Day Tour
A trip to Cairns would be incomplete if you don’t have a Great Barrier Reef Adventure! Visiting the Great Barrier Reef is a huge bucket list experience of mine so I made it a point to spend a day on the reef.
The best way to experience the Great Barrier Reef is with a professional tour, such as on the Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns tour. Not only is the entire staff personable and knowledgeable, but the entire tour is extremely organized and I’m so glad I did it!
The Great Barrier Reef tour includes so many optional activities and I recommend doing as many as you can to maximize your fun experiencing one of the world’s natural wonder. You can snorkel, scuba dive (introductory & certified), take a helicopter ride, or ride a semi-submersible! Not only that, but a hot lunch is also included.
RELATED: Great Barrier Reef Adventure with Down Under Cruise & Dive from Cairns – Everything You Need to Know
This is a full day tour where you depart in the morning, and return to Cairns in the evening. Once back on land, have a hearty dinner and gain back all the energy you used up while having fun in the sun and exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Day 6: Depart Cairns, Arrive Brisbane
On the 3rd day of your 7-day Australia itinerary, you will check out your Cairns hotel and make your way to the Cairns Airport (CNS). Catch your short domestic flight to Brisbane (BNE) and get to your Brisbane hotel. Check-in, settle in, and prepare for the next day at Australia Zoo!
For more details of how the next day will look like in Brisbane, check out my more detailed posts
Australia Zoo: My Itinerary, Best Tips & Favorite Moments.
Day 7: Brisbane – Day at Australia Zoo
Spend a day at Australia Zoo, the Home of the Crocodile Hunter and famously founded by the legendary Steven Irwin and his family. If you’re like me and grew up watching the show Crocodile Hunter then visiting Australia Zoo is a must visit when in Queensland, Australia. Not only that, but Australia Zoo’s mission in animal care and wildlife conservation makes it one of the best ethical zoos out there.
You can get to Australia Zoo from Brisbane by booking a “day trip transportation tour” such as the one linked here. If you choose to go with this, then you’ll have 6 hours to explore the zoo.
RELATED: Best Way to Get From Brisbane to Australia Zoo
Be sure to plan your day according to your interests as well. For example, since I was in Australia, I wanted to prioritize seeing Australian native species that I was interested in the most. So I prioritized seeing animals such as the Quokka, Koala, and Kangaroo to name a few. For my itinerary of how I explored Australia Zoo, check out Australia Zoo: My Itinerary, Best Tips & Favorite Moments.
Day 8: Depart Brisbane
Sadly, your time in Australia has come to an end and it’s time to depart Brisbane and head back home or to your next destination. Hopefully your time in Australia has made you wanting to come back again for more and maybe for longer!
Final Words
In just 7 days, this itinerary gives you a taste of Australia’s incredible variety, from world-famous landmarks in Sydney to the underwater marvel in Cairns and the incredible Australian animals in Brisbane. Each stop offers its own unique flavor of the Aussie lifestyle. Even if your trip is brief, following this 7-day itinerary captures what makes Australia a dream destination. Bon Voyage!
Have you been to Eastern Australia?
What was your experience like – Let me know in the comments below!
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