Things to do in East Coast Australia

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
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Top places to visit

1. Sydney Opera House

Mention Sydney, and the Sydney Opera House will almost certainly come to mind. This 20th century architectural masterpiece is one of the most instantly recognisable buildings in the world. Whether you are coming to enjoy one of its world-class productions or you just want to see this iconic building, no visit to Sydney would be complete without a trip to the opera house.
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Sydney Opera House featuring boating, music and a city

2. Circular Quay

Getting around this bustling metropolis and tourist paradise, you’re likely to cross paths with Circular Quay at some point during your travels. Located between two of the city’s most unmistakable landmarks, the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the quay is easy to find, even for first-time visitors.
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Circular Quay showing street scenes, a sunset and a square or plaza

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

Along with the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s iconic sights. Apart from its function as car, train and pedestrian access between the northern and southern shores of the city, the bridge has become more than a feat of engineering; it is synonymous with the city itself. The bridge is also a key part of Sydney’s New Year’s celebrations, taking centre stage of the fireworks extravaganza based around its structure.
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Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

4. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is the tree-lined boardwalk along the foreshore in the city of Cairns. It overlooks the Trinity Inlet and the Coral Sea on one side, and is lined with restaurants and gardens on the other. It has bike paths and walking trails, playgrounds, barbecues, exercise areas and a salt-water lagoon.
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Cairns Esplanade which includes swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

5. Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park full of thrilling rides, stunts and encounters with movie and comic-book stars. This fantasyland is next door to the Village Roadshow Studios and includes a super-sized water tank for film shoots. Kids will be thrilled to walk among the costumed superheroes and cartoon characters who roam the park and give performances throughout the day.
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Movie World which includes rides

6. Manly Beach

Manly Beach may sound like an odd name, but it was actually named after the rather attractive, virile indigenous people who were first encountered in the pioneering days of Australia. The beach itself has also been something of a pioneer, being one of the first resorts in Australia where people could swim and surf. Today, the location is better known as a salubrious Sydney suburb offering an idyllic lifestyle to natives and visitors alike. If you’re looking for some of the best historical architecture Australia has to offer, some of the best beaches in the world, exquisite dining, indulgent shopping, or a good healthy bush walk, Manly Beach has really got it all.
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Manly Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town

What to do in East Coast Australia

Popular places to visit

Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

Take in a performance or just take in the splendour of one of the world’s most famous buildings.

Sydney Opera House
Circular Quay which includes a city, general coastal views and a sunset

Circular Quay

Under the gaze of the magnificent Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transport hub is a terminal of unexpected beauty.

Circular Quay
Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

An iconic structure on a beautiful harbour with breath-taking views at any time of day or night. Climb it, walk it, photograph it or just stand back and admire it.

Sydney Harbour Bridge
Cairns Esplanade which includes swimming, a luxury hotel or resort and a pool

Cairns Esplanade

Stroll along the boardwalk surrounded by palms tree and landscaped gardens and watch the sun set over the Coral Sea.

Cairns Esplanade
Movie World showing rides

Warner Bros. Movie World

Watch stunt shows, get on superhero rides, enter the Ice Age 4D Experience and take a splash in the Wild West at Australia’s theme park version of Hollywood.

Warner Bros. Movie World
Manly Beach featuring swimming, a beach and boating

Manly Beach

Resplendent with golden sandy beaches, crystal blue seas perfect for swimming and surfing, and the best bars, shopping and views around. Welcome to Manly Beach.

Manly Beach
Star Casino featuring signage and a sunset

Star Casino

Why not roll the dice by visiting Star Casino where you can enjoy the entertainment at this popular casino in Sydney? Amble around this vibrant area's waterfront or experience its acclaimed art scene.

Star Casino
Hastings Street featuring street scenes as well as a large group of people

Hastings Street

Located in the heart of Noosa Heads, this beachside street is a chic enclave of cosmopolitan cafés, resort-style accommodation and designer shopping.

Hastings Street
Surfers Paradise Beach which includes skyline, general coastal views and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise Beach

This stretch of beach is known for its regular sets of rolling waves, with high-rise hotels and bustling nightlife along the sandy shore.

Surfers Paradise Beach

Areas of East Coast Australia

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Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(13 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

Sydney Central Business District
Surfers Paradise which includes a sunset, a sandy beach and a city

Surfers Paradise

Visit one of Australia’s most popular vacation spots and dive in the waves, spot humpback whales, go shopping or enjoy the fun family attractions and nightlife.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach showing a skyscraper, skyline and a sandy beach

Broadbeach

Visit one of Queensland’s most popular holiday spots with sparkling beaches, scenic canals, high-rise hotels, nightclubs, festivals and modern malls.

Broadbeach
Darling Harbour which includes a city, a bay or harbor and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4/5(1 area review)

Once the site of disused railway yards and dilapidated wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects has breathed life into this location once more.

Darling Harbour
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Brisbane Central Business District

Discover the beating heart of the capital of the Sunshine State with its shiny high-rises, subtropical parks, funky rooftop bars and classy riverside restaurants.

Brisbane Central Business District
Noosa Heads showing a sandy beach and tropical scenes

Noosa Heads

Some of the east coast's best beaches, beautiful hinterland and stylish restaurants make this upmarket, ocean-front town one of Australia's favourite destinations.

Noosa Heads