Incredible view over the Whitsunday Islands during our adventure trip to Australia

Denise's unforgettable adventure travel along Australia's East Coast

CATEGORY: Adventure Travel - 21 Days East Coast

COUNTRY: Australia

READING TIME: 6 minutes

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For many young people, traveling abroad and exploring a country as diverse as Australia is a lifelong dream — endless beaches, vibrant cities, unique wildlife, and boundless adventure. Denise turned this dream into reality. Over the course of 21 days, she traveled the East Coast of Australia with a group, collecting moments she’ll never forget. In her travel report, she takes you along for the ride.

The 21-day guided group tour through Australia was an adventure full of unforgettable moments and breathtaking experiences. From vibrant cities to untouched nature, this journey exceeded all expectations and left lasting memories.

Starting from Sydney to Byron Bay

The adventure began with a short city tour in Sydney. Highlights included the Opera House and Darling Harbour.

Byron Bay turned out to be a relaxed coastal town with a beautiful, wide beach. A true highlight was the early morning at the lighthouse, where we witnessed a stunning sunrise and were lucky enough to spot whales in their natural habitat – a real bucket-list moment! The koalas in the park were also absolutely adorable. Byron Bay became one of my favorite parts of the trip, and I would have loved to stay a few more days.

  • Intern Denise testing 4x4 cars off-roading on Australia's beach
  • A breathtaking view of the Sydney Opera captured by our intern Denise

Gold Coast, Frasier Island and beyond

The Gold Coast offered the chance to surf at Surfer’s Paradise. Even with some rain, surfing was an incredible experience and a lot of fun.

In Brisbane, a city tour took us to key landmarks such as the botanical gardens and the famous Brisbane sign. Visiting the Australia Zoo was another highlight, where we were able to pet koalas and kangaroos and watch an exciting crocodile show.

Camping on Fraser Island was truly unforgettable. Driving the 4WDs on sand took some getting used to, but the scenery – with dingoes on the beach and crystal-clear creeks – was breathtaking. Sleeping in tents under the stars and spending evenings around the campfire created a special atmosphere and brought the group even closer together. The Champagne Pools and Eli Creek were additional highlights.

  • Denise looking out of a plane window onto the Whitsunday Islands
  • Group of adventure tour participants on a boat in the Whitsunday Islands of Australia

Airlie Beach served as the starting point for our sailing trip to the Whitsunday Islands. The iconic Whitehaven Beach, with its pure white sand and turquoise water, felt like paradise. While snorkeling, we were able to spot turtles and colorful fish.

Another highlight was the scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. The vibrant colors of the reef and the chance to see whales and a turtle from above were simply indescribable.

The trip concluded in Cairns, where we took the Kuranda Railway (optional tour) through the rainforest and admired the stunning Barron Falls. Visiting the Koala, Butterfly, and Bird Parks was another great experience. The return by cable car over the rainforest offered breathtaking panoramic views. Overall, Cairns was the place I enjoyed the least, and I would have preferred to stay one or two days less. 

Despite minor inconveniences like a flat tire and some small issues with organization and guiding, this journey was a complete success. The diversity of experiences, the beauty of Australia’s landscapes, and the amazing group made these 21 days an unforgettable adventure. I would recommend this trip to anyone wanting to explore Australia in a comfortable and varied way.

Written by Denise - Adventure Travel Participant on the East Coast of Australia, with StudentsGoAbroad.

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