Things to do in Eastern Australia

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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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Eastern Australia must see attractions

1. Circular Quay

Circular Quay is situated in the small inlet of Sydney Cove, the official landing site of the First Fleet. Scottish political reformer Thomas Muir once had a cottage here, and for decades it was the city’s main shipping port. Today, it’s best known as the place to catch one of Sydney's iconic ferries, which travel all over the harbor. It’s also a great spot to take in incredible views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House.
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Circular Quay featuring general coastal views, modern architecture and a city

2. Sydney Opera House

Regularly listed as one of the greatest architectural works of the 20th century, the Sydney Opera House sits right on Sydney Harbour, and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The Opera House has several major resident companies including: Opera Australia, The Australian Ballet, Sydney Theatre Company and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Over 1 million people come here to enjoy performances each year, while millions more come just to admire the building, a symphony in itself.
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Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument

3. Sydney Harbour Bridge

The idea for the Sydney Harbour Bridge dates back to 1815, but work didn’t start until 1923. Famous for its distinctive arch and enormous pylons, the bridge was completed in 1932. This was the world’s widest long span bridge until 2012, and Sydney’s tallest structure until 1967. It contains over 6 million hand-driven rivets and, for each repainting, requires 7,925 gallons (30,000 liters) of paint.
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Sydney Harbour Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a sunset

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 a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

5. Rod Laver Arena

Whether you come to the Rod Laver Arena to see a tennis match during the Australian Open, cheer on another sports game or sing along with your favorite band under its retractable roof, you will be impressed by this top-of-the-bill events venue.
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Rod Laver Arena

6. Collins Street

Located in the heart of downtown Melbourne, Collins Street encapsulates the city’s reputation for quaint trams, sophisticated locals, fine dining and elegant architecture.
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Collins Street showing signage, street scenes and a city

What to do in Eastern Australia

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Eastern Australia

Circular Quay featuring general coastal views, modern architecture and a city

Circular Quay

Flanked by the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, Sydney’s transportation hub is one of the prettiest terminals in the world.

Circular Quay
Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument

Sydney Opera House

One of the world’s most famous buildings is surprisingly accessible; take in a show or just take a stroll to admire this astonishing building.

Sydney Opera House
Crown Casino

Crown Casino

Why not roll the dice by visiting Crown Casino where you can enjoy the games and entertainment of this top casino in Melbourne? Experience the acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Crown Casino
Marvel Stadium featuring a sunset, a bay or harbor and signage

Marvel Stadium

Catch an event at Marvel Stadium during your trip to Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Marvel Stadium
Melbourne Central

Melbourne Central

You can enjoy some retail therapy when you visit Melbourne Central, a favorite shopping spot in Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.

Melbourne Central
Sydney Harbour Bridge showing night scenes, a bridge and a sunset

Sydney Harbour Bridge

Stroll from end-to-end or climb to the top; either way, Sydney’s “Coat Hanger” serves up memories to last a lifetime.

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

Cairns Esplanade

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

Cairns Esplanade
Rod Laver Arena

Rod Laver Arena

Take a tour of Melbourne Park’s primary tennis court, come here to witness an exciting Australian Open tennis match or see a major pop concert.

Rod Laver Arena
Collins Street showing signage, street scenes and a city

Collins Street

Take a walk down Melbourne’s premier street, where historic buildings sit next to skyscrapers, and old-world private clubs rub shoulders with hip designer stores.

Collins Street

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Eastern Australia

Melbourne CBD showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(1,080 area reviews)

Discover a blend of contemporary and Victorian architecture, vibrant street art, and literary culture in this bustling city center. Explore famed alleyways, visit the State Library, and enjoy easy access to public transport hubs.

Melbourne Central Business District
Sydney Town Hall featuring heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 area reviews)

Historical and commercial heart of Sydney, the CBD boasts towering skyscrapers, lively café culture, and nightlife in areas like Darling Harbour. Explore parks such as Hyde Park and cultural institutions, while enjoying easy access to public transport.

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

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
Darling Harbour which includes central business district, night scenes and a bay or harbor

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

Adjacent to Sydney's city centre, Darling Harbour boasts a pedestrian precinct with attractions like the Australian National Maritime Museum and Chinese Garden of Friendship. Enjoy dining at Cockle Bay Wharf, explore Tumbalong Park, and access various transport options, including the Inner West Light Rail and ferry services.

Darling Harbour
Brisbane Central Business District which includes a river or creek, a sunset and a city

Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(304 area reviews)

Densely concentrated skyscrapers and parks define this central business hub, with attractions like City Hall, Story Bridge, and City Botanic Gardens. Enjoy seamless connectivity via road bridges, public transport, and the scenic Brisbane Riverwalk.

Brisbane Central Business District
Broadbeach featuring a high rise building, skyline and a 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