Australia had always been on our travel bucket list—fun-loving people, stunning nature, and the promise of adventure. So, when we planned a trip to the Women’s World Cup Final, we decided to turn it into a full exploration of Australia’s East Coast. We avoided driving due to the country’s left-side road system, which stresses me out, and instead used planes, tour buses, and plenty of walking. Here’s a rundown of our journey, filled with iconic landmarks, wildlife encounters, and unexpected culinary experiences.
1. Sydney: A City with Iconic Views
Our journey started with a long, 14-hour flight to Sydney. After battling jet lag, our first goal was simple: find food. We followed this with a half-day city tour to fight off sleep and get a feel for Sydney. Though the tour wasn’t spectacular, it was an easy way to see the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, and neighborhoods like The Rocks and Paddington.
The next day, we tried something different—a climb to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. As someone who’s not usually adventurous, it was both thrilling and challenging. The climb was safe, and well-organized, and offered unmatched views of the Opera House and city skyline. If heights make you nervous, rest assured—you’re harnessed in the whole time!
2. Blue Mountains: Nature’s Retreat
Our third day in Australia was spent exploring the Blue Mountains. We started at Sydney Zoo, where we got early access to see the koalas having breakfast—an intimate, crowd-free experience. Sydney Zoo stood out for its care of animals, with many free-roaming creatures, including kangaroos and emus.
After the zoo, we headed to the Blue Mountains’ scenic viewpoints like King’s Tableland and Scenic World, where cable cars offer panoramic views of the Three Sisters rock formation. We also enjoyed a short boardwalk hike and snapped some photos at Wentworth Falls, a beautiful cascading waterfall.
3. Adelaide and Kangaroo Island: Wildlife Galore
From Sydney, we flew to Adelaide for one reason: Kangaroo Island. This secluded spot is a trek—a two-hour bus ride followed by a two-hour ferry trip—but it’s worth the effort.
One of our first stops was Raptor Domain, where we attended a birds of prey presentation and even got to hold an owl! Next, we visited Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Clifford’s Honey Farm for a taste of local goods. The day ended with a serene visit to Pennington Bay, followed by wine tasting at False Cape Wines.
The highlight of Kangaroo Island was feeding kangaroos at the wildlife park. The next day, we visited Seal Bay Conservation Park to see sea lions in their natural habitat. We also explored Remarkable Rocks, Admirals Arch, and the Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, where we fed more kangaroos. It was a perfect end to our time on the island.
4. Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef: Underwater Wonders
From Adelaide, we flew to Cairns—pronounced “Cans,” as locals are quick to correct. Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders. We opted for a trip to Green Island, which was a rough boat ride but rewarded us with clear waters and coral viewing from a glass-bottom submarine. We even spotted a black-tipped reef shark!
In addition to the reef, we explored the nearby rainforest and saw cassowaries, giant crocodiles, and some massive spiders. The rainforest is dense with exotic creatures, making it both fascinating and a little eerie.
5. Brisbane: Finishing with a Bang
Our final destination was Brisbane, where we climbed Story Bridge— another one of only three climbable bridges in the world. While the climb was fun, it felt a bit less secure than the Sydney climb, adding to the adrenaline rush.
Brisbane also has a vibrant brewery scene, and we visited Felons Brewing, which offers an incredible view of the Brisbane Bridge. Our last day was spent at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where we had a behind-the-scenes experience feeding kangaroos and even preparing food for platypuses. Holding a koala here was a fitting end to our Australian adventure.
Final Thoughts: A Packed Itinerary with Unforgettable Moments
Australia’s East Coast offered diverse experiences, from iconic landmarks and thrilling climbs to intimate wildlife encounters and local flavors. If you’re planning a similar trip, be prepared for long days, but know that the effort will be worth it. Australia’s charm lies in the unexpected moments, whether it’s feeding a kangaroo, seeing a platypus, or simply enjoying a cold beer with a view.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. For a more detailed day by day, itinerary check out our 10-Day Eastern Australia Itinerary.
Chad can be summed up by his idea of a perfect day: Waking up early to watch the sunrise over the mountains, warm cup of coffee in hand then grabbing his camera and fly rod, hitting the trail to explore some uncharted territory followed by cold beers and campfire steaks. Chad is often joined on his adventures by his wife, Tori, and their dog, Kona.