People climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge

10 days of thrills along Australia’s East Coast

Sydney - Coffs Harbour - Brisbane - Cairns

Ten days, four cities and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure along Australia’s East Coast. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient rainforests, scale a national monument or trade a smile with a crocodile, book a multi-city trip with Qantas Explorer to find more thrills for less.

Qantas Explorer Adventure Map
Aerial view of Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge

Days 1 - 3: Sydney

Home to epic mountain ranges, iconic beaches and the world’s most recognisable harbour, Sydney offers a huge range of experiences to kickstart a trip you’ll never forget.

Our recommendations:

  • Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
    Earn yourself unparalleled views of one of the world’s most infamous harbours and scale the arches of the Harbour Bridge. For an even more memorable experience, we recommend booking the sunrise or sunset tour.
  • Jet between the bays
    Keen to see as much as possible? Hop aboard a jet boat in Circular Quay and hold on tight as you take a high-speed tour of the harbour and Sydney’s stunning coastline.
  • Abseil down a waterfall in the Blue mountains
    Few things raise the heart rate like lowering yourself off a cliff edge. Take a day trip out to the mountains for a breathtaking perspective on some of Sydney’s most stunning views.
Group paddle boarding in Coffs Harbour

Days 3 - 5: Coffs Harbour

Hop aboard a short flight north and arrive in the coastal city of Coffs Harbour. Home to beautiful beaches, hidden waterfalls and the infamous ‘Big BananaOpens in a new tab or window’, Coffs Harbour is a must for those seeking authentic adventures.

Our recommendations:

  • Become an expert in bushcraft survival
    Construct shelter, forage for food and learn ancient Aboriginal cooking methods as you go back to basics and immerse yourself in the Australian landscape.
  • Go rafting through lush rainforests
    Grab a paddle and head to the Upper Nymboida River for one of Australia’s best whitewater rafting experiences as you plunge into rugged gorges and glide through tranquil pools.
  • Take a 4WD for a spin on Boambee Beach
    Rent a 4x4, grab a surfboard, pack some stuff for a barbecue and head down to Boambee for the ultimate Aussie beach experience.

 

How to get there:

Fly (Non-Stop) from Sydney to Coffs Harbour with Qantas (1h 15min) and save with Qantas Explorer.

Brisbane city skyline and Story Bridge

Days 5 - 8: Brisbane

Welcome to the Queensland capital of Brisbane. Here the weather is typically warm and sunny year-round, meaning there is an abundance of outdoor activities within the city itself and the subtropical beaches and towns around it.

Our recommendations:

  • Scale the Story Bridge
    If you didn’t climb Sydney’s Harbour Bridge, or perhaps just fancy conquering all the big bridges on the East Coast, Brisbane’s Story Bridge offers 360-degree views of the city skyline, the Scenic Rim and even the bays out to the east.
  • Jet ski along the Brisbane River
    One exhilarating way to experience the city is by jet ski, where you’ll rip between skyscrapers, past huge mansions and alongside luxury yachts. Of course, there’s always the ‘CityCat’ ferry services if you’d rather take it all in at a more leisurely pace.
  • Find the ultimate playground in the Gold Coast
    Just an hour away from Brisbane you’ll find the Gold Coast, home to long sandy beaches, winding canals and some of Australia’s best theme parks including Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild and Warner Bros. Movie World.

 

How to get there:

Fly (Non-Stop) from Coffs Harbour to Brisbane with Qantas (1h) and save with Qantas Explorer.

Vlasoff Cay, Great Barrier Reef

Days 8 - 10: Cairns

One of the best places to base yourself for some tropical adventures, you can take day trips to the world’s oldest rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, and a range of other exciting locations perfect for ending your trip on a high.

Our recommendations:

  • Dive into Mossman Gorge
    Occupying a corner of the Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is a boulder-strewn valley filled with thundering waterfalls, boardwalk trails and natural swimming holes perfect for diving in after a long walk.
  • Cruise with crocodiles in Cape Tribulation
    Northern Queensland has its fair share of wildlife, none more intimidating than the saltwater crocodiles that lurk in the mangroves and warm themselves on sandbanks. Join a boat tour for an up-close experience with these iconic reptiles.
  • Explore one of the seven wonders of the natural world
    No trip to Queensland is quite complete until you’ve strapped on a snorkel and plunged into the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can swim alongside turtles, vibrant coral and millions of tropical fish year-round.

 

How to get there:

Fly (Non-Stop) from Brisbane to Cairns with Qantas or Jetstar (2h 25min) and save with Qantas Explorer.

Explore Everywhere with Qantas Explorer

Book an international Economy flight to Australia or New Zealand through Qantas Explorer and you can save on flights within each country. So, if you plan on landing in Sydney and exploring Australia’s East Coast, Qantas Explorer can help you find more thrills for less.

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To make a multi-city booking, add your flights to Australia or New Zealand.

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Add flights around Australia or New Zealand, ending with your flight home.

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Check your itinerary, select 'book' and proceed with payment.

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Important information

Disclaimer: Qantas Explorer fares must be booked in conjunction with a Qantas international fare to Australia or New Zealand, and have the same validity as your international ticket. Savings are based on a comparison with the year-round fare. At times, there may be sale fares available that may be cheaper than the Qantas Explorer fare for that routing. To include Qantas Explorer fares for your trip to Australia or New Zealand, you can choose the multi-city option when making your booking. 

Disclaimer: Prices based on payment at qantas.com. Prices exclude carrier charges, fees and taxes, which will vary depending on your departure and destination points. Prices may fluctuate if taxes or foreign exchange rates change. Fares may not be available on all flights or days. Some flights are operated by partner or subsidiary airlines. Additional airport taxes and fees may be required for alternative routings. Offer is subject to availability at the time of booking.

Disclaimer: View the Qantas Explorer fare rules.