10 Days on Australia’s East Coast: The Ultimate City-to-Beach Itinerary

Days 1–3: Brisbane

Rooftop Bars, River Walks & Sunshine

Brisbane feels like everyone’s cooler, more relaxed friend. It’s warm, easy to get around and somehow manages to feel busy without ever feeling overwhelming. Start your trip slowly here with long lunches, rooftop drinks and riverside walks.

For travellers looking at flights to Brisbane from NZ, Brisbane is the perfect place to begin your East Coast Australia road trip.

Suggested Plan

• Explore South Bank and the Brisbane River.

• Head to Howard Smith Wharves for sunset drinks under the Story Bridge.

• Spend an evening in Fortitude Valley enjoying Brisbane nightlife.

Must Visit

• South Bank – Brisbane’s riverside hub filled with restaurants, bars, markets and skyline views.

• Howard Smith Wharves – One of Brisbane’s best sunset spots, sitting directly beneath the Story Bridge.

• Story Bridge – Brisbane’s most iconic landmark and skyline viewpoint.

• Fortitude Valley – The place to go for nightlife, hidden cocktail bars and live music.

Must Go To Eateries

• Agnes – Famous for its creative wood-fire cooking.

• Felons Brewing Co – Perfect for waterfront drinks and sunset vibes.

• Hellenika – Poolside Greek dining at The Calile Hotel.

• Death & Taxes – A hidden underground whisky and cocktail bar.

Local Tip

• Head to Howard Smith Wharves just before sunset — the atmosphere at golden hour is unreal.

Days 3–5: Gold Coast

Pick up your hire car and make the short drive south to the Gold Coast. Once you hit Burleigh Heads, you’ll immediately understand why so many people end up extending their stay here.

For many travellers booking Air New Zealand flights to the Gold Coast, this is the stop that steals the show.

Suggested Plan

• Spend your mornings at Burleigh Heads and Palm Beach.

• Beach hop between Burleigh, Currumbin and Surfers Paradise.

• Finish the day with rooftop drinks and beachside dinners.

Don’t Miss

• Burleigh Heads – Surf, headland walks and trendy cafes.

• Surfers Paradise – The Gold Coast’s iconic beachfront strip, packed with nightlife and energy.

• Palm Beach – Boutique cafes and a slower coastal vibe.

• Currumbin – Stunning beaches, creek swims and relaxed afternoons.

Where To Eat & Drink

• Rick Shores – Famous for beachfront dining and spicy margaritas.

• The Tropic – Bright coastal dining made for long lunches.

• Palm Springs Burleigh – Great brunch and coffee near the beach.

• Justin Lane – Rooftop drinks, pizza and sunset views.

Local Tip

• Whether you’re looking at flights from Wellington to Gold Coast, flights from Christchurch to Gold Coast or cheap flights to Gold Coast from Auckland, adding an extra day here is never a bad idea.

Day 6: Byron Bay

Beach Days, Boutique Cafes & Coastal Energy

Leave the Gold Coast behind and continue your road trip south into Byron Bay. Byron somehow manages to feel both relaxed and buzzing at the same time.

Suggested Plan

• Explore Byron’s boutique shopping and cafes.

• Spend the afternoon at Main Beach.

• Head to Cape Byron Lighthouse for sunset.

Don’t Miss

• Cape Byron Lighthouse – Australia’s most easterly point with incredible coastal views.

• Main Beach – Perfect for swimming and relaxing.

• The Farm Byron Bay – A relaxed hinterland-style food and lifestyle destination.

• Jonson Street – Byron’s main strip, filled with shops, bars and cafes.

Where To Eat & Drink

• The Balcony Bar & Oyster Co – Cocktails and seafood in the heart of Byron.

• Bayleaf Cafe – One of Byron’s most popular brunch spots.

• Light Years – Stylish Asian fusion dining.

• Beach Byron Bay – Coastal dining with incredible ocean views.

Local Tip

• Byron Bay accommodation books out quickly, especially during weekends and school holidays.

Day 7: Port Macquarie

Coastal Walks, Beach Cafes & Relaxed Road Trip Energy

Continue your road trip south along one of Australia’s most scenic coastal drives towards Port Macquarie. This relaxed beachside town is the perfect overnight stop between Byron Bay and Sydney.

Suggested Plan

• Stop at coastal lookouts and beach towns along the drive.

• Explore the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk.

• Spend the afternoon at Town Beach or Lighthouse Beach.

Don’t Miss

• Coastal Walk – Stunning ocean views and beachside scenery.

• Town Beach – A relaxed beach close to town.

• Tacking Point Lighthouse – Incredible coastal views and whale watching opportunities.

• Koala Hospital – A unique local wildlife experience.

Where To Eat & Drink

• Bills Fishhouse – Stylish seafood dining using local produce.

• Sandbox – Beachfront coffee and brunch spot.

• The Stunned Mullet – Elevated dining and local seafood.

• Bandwagon Cafe – Great coffee before continuing the drive to Sydney.

Local Tip

• Take your time driving from Byron Bay to Port Macquarie, some of the best parts of the trip are the unexpected beach stops and roadside cafes.

Days 8–10: Sydney

Harbour Views, Coastal Walks & City Energy

Finish your road trip in Sydney, one of the world’s most iconic harbour cities. After days of beach towns and coastal drives, Sydney feels energetic, exciting and impossible not to love.

Suggested Plan

• Walk the Bondi to Coogee coastal track.

• Explore Circular Quay and The Rocks.

• Catch the Manly Ferry for incredible harbour views.

• Spend your evenings enjoying rooftop bars and harbour dining.

Don’t Miss

• Bondi to Coogee Walk – Sydney’s most iconic coastal walk.

• Circular Quay – Home to the Opera House and some of Sydney’s best harbour views.

• The Rocks – Historic laneways, pubs and markets.

• Manly Ferry – One of the best ways to experience Sydney Harbour.

Where To Eat & Drink

• Icebergs Dining Room & Bar – Famous Bondi dining overlooking the ocean.

• Shell House – Stylish rooftop dining in the CBD.

• The Grounds of Alexandria – One of Sydney’s most popular brunch destinations.

• Cantina OK! – Tiny cocktail bar famous for its margaritas.

Local Tip

• Don’t over-plan Sydney. The best days usually involve ferry rides, long lunches and wandering into random bars you never meant to find.

The Best Way To Start Your Australia East Coast Road Trip? Fly Air New Zealand

One of the easiest parts about planning an Australia East Coast road trip is getting there. With regular Air New Zealand flights to Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney from cities across New Zealand, it’s easy to build an itinerary that works around the type of holiday you want.

You can:

• Fly into Brisbane and road trip south to Sydney.

• Or do the trip in reverse by flying into Sydney and making your way north through Port Macquarie, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast before finishing in Brisbane.

Whether you’re booking:

• Flights to Brisbane from Auckland

• Flights to Gold Coast from Christchurch

• Or Air New Zealand flights to Sydney

Travelling across the Tasman is quick and easy.

With short flight times, multiple direct routes and easy connections from around New Zealand, you can go from your normal routine to beach mornings, coastal drives, rooftop bars and harbour sunsets in just a few hours.

If your ideal holiday includes:

• Beach mornings

• Coastal road trips

• Rooftop drinks

• Harbour sunsets

• And a slightly concerning amount of good coffee and food

Australia’s East Coast might just be the perfect trip.

Book your Air New Zealand flights with Mix & Match today!