One Week. Five Destinations. Zero Compromise.
Designed for travellers who want every East Coast highlight without the month-long commitment.
Australia's eastern seaboard packs an extraordinary amount of variety into a single, sun-drenched corridor. Within a thousand kilometres you can stand beneath the soaring sails of the Sydney Opera House, learn to surf on Byron Bay's legendary breaks, hand-feed rainbow lorikeets on the Gold Coast, cruise Brisbane's river at dusk, and wade into the crystalline shallows of Noosa's Fairy Pools — all in the space of seven days. Our East Coast Express tour distils the best of that coastline into a carefully paced itinerary that moves fast enough to keep things exciting, but lingers long enough at every stop for real discovery.
This is not a bus window tour. You will bodyboard at Bondi, walk the Cape Byron lighthouse trail at sunrise, explore subtropical hinterland rainforest, sample Brisbane's booming small-bar scene, and paddle a kayak through Noosa Everglades — all with a small group of like-minded travellers and a guide who grew up somewhere along this coast.
We keep group sizes to a maximum of sixteen. That means everyone gets a window seat on the coach, personal attention from your guide, and the flexibility to adjust the schedule when a pod of dolphins shows up off the headland or a local market is too good to drive past. It also means you will leave with genuine friendships. Our returning guests tell us that the people they met are as memorable as the places they saw.
- ✓ 6 nights accommodation (hostels & boutique stays)
- ✓ All inter-city transfers in air-conditioned coach
- ✓ Welcome dinner in Sydney
- ✓ Surfing lessons (Byron Bay & Gold Coast)
- ✓ Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary entry
- ✓ Guided city tours of Sydney & Brisbane
- ✓ Noosa Everglades kayak half-day
- ✓ Expert tour leader for the full 7 days
Your 7-Day Itinerary
Every day balances guided highlights with free time so you can explore at your own pace.
Sydney — Icons, Beaches & Welcome Dinner
Check in to your harbourside accommodation and join your guide for a walking tour of Sydney's greatest hits. You will cross the Harbour Bridge on foot for jaw-dropping Opera House views, stroll through the historic Rocks precinct, and ride the coastal walk from Bondi to Bronte — arguably Australia's most photographed stretch of sandstone cliff path. By late afternoon you will have earned your first swim at one of the ocean pools that dot the headlands. The day wraps up with a welcome dinner at a buzzy Surry Hills restaurant where you will meet your fellow travellers, hear the week's plan in detail, and toast to the journey ahead.
Sydney → Byron Bay — Coastal Drive & Surf Lesson
An early-morning departure takes you north along one of Australia's most scenic coastal highways. We make a lunch stop at a charming river town before arriving in Byron Bay by mid-afternoon. You will have time to settle in, grab a local açai bowl, and soak up the town's famously laid-back energy. In the late afternoon, your first included surf lesson takes place at Tallows Beach — wide, forgiving, and perfect for beginners. As the sun drops behind the hinterland, the lighthouse glows pink above you. An optional group dinner at a beachfront restaurant rounds out the evening, but you are equally welcome to explore Byron's buzzing dining strip on your own.
Byron Bay → Gold Coast — Lighthouse Walk & Surfers Paradise
Rise early for the Cape Byron lighthouse walk — a 3.7-kilometre loop trail that passes through rainforest, along cliff edges, and arrives at Australia's most easterly point just as the first light hits the ocean. Dolphins are regularly spotted from the viewing platforms, and between June and November humpback whales breach offshore. After the walk and a relaxed breakfast in town, we head south across the border into Queensland and arrive at the Gold Coast by lunchtime. The afternoon is yours: explore the high-energy boardwalk of Surfers Paradise, take the SkyPoint observation deck for 360-degree views, or simply stretch out on the sand and recharge. The Gold Coast hums with energy, and this free afternoon is your chance to plug into it.
Gold Coast — Surf, Wildlife & Free Choice
A full day to dive deeper into the Gold Coast. The morning kicks off with your second included surf lesson at one of the coast's south-facing breaks — waves here tend to be a little punchier than Byron, so you will feel the improvement in your pop-up. After lunch, we head to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an immersive encounter with koalas, kangaroos, and the sanctuary's famous wild lorikeet feeding. Hold a koala for a once-in-a-lifetime photograph, hand-feed kangaroos in the grasslands, and learn about ongoing conservation programs from the sanctuary's wildlife officers. If theme parks are more your style, the afternoon can be swapped for a self-guided visit to one of the Gold Coast's internationally famous parks — your guide will help arrange transport and tickets. Evenings on the Gold Coast are vibrant: rooftop bars, night markets, and live music are all within walking distance.
Gold Coast → Brisbane — River City Culture
A short morning transfer brings you to Queensland's capital. Brisbane has undergone a remarkable cultural transformation over the past decade, and your guided walking tour covers the best of it: the lush South Bank parklands and man-made Streets Beach, the vibrant laneways of Fortitude Valley, the riverside Gallery of Modern Art, and the leafy botanic gardens that sit right beside the central business district. Lunch is at your leisure — your guide will recommend anything from a hole-in-the-wall laksa joint to a rooftop cocktail bar, depending on your mood. The late afternoon is free for museum hopping, shopping in the James Street precinct, or joining an optional sunset river cruise. Brisbane is one of Australia's most underrated cities, and this day is designed to show you why it deserves far more than a bus transfer.
Brisbane → Sunshine Coast — Noosa, Everglades & Coastal Trails
The penultimate day delivers what many guests call the tour's most beautiful destination. We drive north to the Sunshine Coast and head straight to the Noosa Everglades for a half-day guided kayak adventure through one of only two everglades systems on the planet. Paddle silently beneath overhanging paperbark trees, spot sea eagles and kingfishers, and absorb the extraordinary stillness of this protected waterway. After lunch, we continue to Noosa Heads — a town that pairs world-class surf with boutique dining and a national park that begins where the main street ends. Walk the Noosa National Park coastal track to spot koalas drowsing in the eucalyptus canopy, then cool off with a swim at the impossibly pretty Fairy Pools. Your final night is a celebration: the group gathers for a farewell dinner at a Hastings Street restaurant overlooking the ocean.
Sunshine Coast — Morning Bliss & Departure
No alarms today. Wake at your own pace and make the most of one final Sunshine Coast morning. Early risers can join your guide for a dawn beach walk or a last dip at Noosa Main Beach. By mid-morning we begin the relaxed transfer back to Brisbane Airport or the city centre for departure. The coach ride doubles as a reflection session — swap contact details, share your favourite photos, and collect your guide's curated list of local recommendations for anyone planning a return trip. Tour ends in Brisbane by 12:00 PM, giving you time to catch an afternoon flight or extend your stay.
Golden hour on the East Coast — every evening is a show.
Activities & Highlights
Everything below is included in your tour price. No hidden extras, no upgrade pressure.
Surf Lessons
Two professionally coached sessions — one at Byron Bay and one on the Gold Coast — with all equipment provided.
Wildlife Encounters
Full entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary including koala photo, kangaroo feeding, and lorikeet frenzy.
City Walking Tours
Expert-led explorations of Sydney (Harbour Bridge, Rocks, Bondi) and Brisbane (South Bank, laneways, galleries).
Everglades Kayaking
Half-day guided paddle through the Noosa Everglades — one of only two everglades systems on earth.
Cape Byron at Sunrise
Walk to Australia's most easterly point and watch the first light of the day from the iconic lighthouse.
Welcome & Farewell Dinners
A Surry Hills restaurant in Sydney and a Hastings Street ocean-view dinner in Noosa bookend the week.
Moments from the Road
Tap any image to expand.
Catching waves at Byron
Koala encounters
Bondi coastal walk
Noosa Everglades kayak
What Our Travellers Say
Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 214 verified reviews.
A perfect mix of city, beach, and adventure. The itinerary is packed but never rushed — there was always free time to explore on our own. Loved every single moment.
★★★★★ — Sarah M., London, UK
Great value for a short trip. The surf lessons and wildlife experience at Currumbin were absolute highlights. Our guide, Jake, was the best — funny, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about our experience.
★★★★★ — Tom W., Toronto, Canada
I was nervous about a group tour but the small size made it feel like travelling with friends. The Noosa Everglades kayak was my favourite — so peaceful, so beautiful. Already recommending this to everyone.
★★★★★ — Mei L., Singapore
If you only have a week in Australia, this tour is it. We saw five incredible places, learned to surf, cuddled a koala, and made lifelong friends. Cannot recommend highly enough.
★★★★★ — Lukas & Anna, Berlin, Germany
What to Pack
Travel light — you will be moving between destinations. Here is what you actually need.
Essentials
- Comfortable walking shoes (you will cover 8–12 km some days)
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+)
- Reusable water bottle (1 L minimum)
- Daypack for beach and walk days
- Valid ID or passport
Recommended
- Light rain jacket or poncho (subtropical showers are brief but sudden)
- Hat and polarised sunglasses
- Evening outfit for farewell dinner (smart casual)
- Portable charger for camera and phone
- Insect repellent for the Everglades kayak
We Provide
- All surfing equipment (board, wetsuit, rash vest)
- Kayak, paddle, and life jacket for Everglades
- Snacks and water on all coach transfers
- Day-by-day digital itinerary and guide's mobile number
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you book.
What destinations does the tour cover?
The 7-Day Express Tour travels from Sydney through Byron Bay, Gold Coast, Brisbane, and ends on the Sunshine Coast (Noosa). You will experience iconic beaches, subtropical national parks, vibrant city culture, and laid-back coastal towns along the way.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely — around half our guests travel solo. The small group size (maximum 16) makes it easy to connect with others from day one, and the mix of group activities and free time means you are never forced into anything. A solo supplement applies for private room accommodation; otherwise you will be paired with a same-gender roommate at no extra cost.
What fitness level is required?
Moderate fitness is ideal. The most active days involve the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk (approximately 6 km), the Cape Byron lighthouse loop (3.7 km), and the Noosa National Park trail (up to 5 km). Surf lessons are adapted to all levels. If you have concerns, please contact our team to discuss — we are happy to tailor the experience where possible.
What type of accommodation is included?
We use a mix of well-reviewed hostels (private twin or double rooms, not dorms) and boutique guesthouses. All accommodation is centrally located, clean, and comfortable. If you prefer a single room, a solo supplement is available at the time of booking.
Are meals included?
A welcome dinner in Sydney and a farewell dinner in Noosa are included. Breakfasts are provided at most accommodation stops. Lunches and other dinners are at your own expense, giving you the freedom to explore local food scenes. Your guide provides daily restaurant and cafe recommendations tailored to every budget.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure for a full refund. Cancellations 7 to 14 days prior receive a 50% refund. Within 7 days, no refund is available. We offer flexible rescheduling at no additional cost if you notify us more than 14 days in advance. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Can I extend my stay at any destination?
Yes. Many guests choose to add extra nights in Byron Bay or Noosa. Let us know at the time of booking and we can help arrange additional accommodation at partner rates. You would simply rejoin the tour when it passes through, or end the tour early and make your own way home.
Is this tour family-friendly?
The 7-Day Express is designed for adults aged 18 and over. The social atmosphere, pace, and included activities (particularly the surf lessons and group dinners) are geared toward young adults and independent travellers. For family-friendly Sunshine Coast experiences, take a look at our single-day tours.
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