Things to do in Eastern Australia

Find and book activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Sydney Opera House showing a bay or harbor, modern architecture and a monument

3. Melbourne Cricket Ground

Find out where sports history is made when you visit the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), known affectionately as “the G” to its regular revelers. The MCG has provided the setting for some of the most momentous events in Melbourne’s long and rich sporting heritage. Check out a match or a sports event at the immense stadium and explore the National Sports Museum. Take a tour and enjoy the views from one of the G’s bars and cafés.
Learn more
Melbourne Cricket Ground showing autumn leaves

4. Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park full of thrilling rides, stunts and encounters with movie and comic-book stars. This fantasyland is next door to the Village Roadshow Studios and includes a super-sized water tank for film shoots. Kids will be thrilled to walk among the costumed superheroes and cartoon characters who roam the park and give performances throughout the day.
Learn more
Movie World which includes rides

5. 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.
Learn more
Sydney Harbour Bridge featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge

6. Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market is one of the largest open-air markets in the Southern Hemisphere, and undoubtedly the best market in Melbourne. Here, you’ll find more than 600 stalls selling a mix of fresh produce, seafood, clothing, souvenirs and knick-knacks. For fashion lovers this is a great place to find bargains, one-off and vintage items.
Learn more
Queen Victoria Market featuring signage, markets and street scenes

7. 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.
Learn more
Cairns Esplanade which includes a pool, swimming and a luxury hotel or resort

What to do in Eastern Australia

Book Eastern Australia hotels on Expedia Australia

Discover the most popular places to visit in Eastern Australia

Image for Crown Casino

Crown Casino

4/5(228 reviews)

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
Image for Circular Quay

Circular Quay

4.5/5(1,399 reviews)

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

Circular Quay
Image for Sydney Opera House

Sydney Opera House

4.5/5(1,512 reviews)

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
Image for Melbourne Central

Melbourne Central

4.5/5(501 reviews)

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
Image for Melbourne Cricket Ground

Melbourne Cricket Ground

4.5/5(139 reviews)

Australia’s premier stadium is a symbol of Melbourne’s sporting heritage, drawing thousands of fans to cricket, football, rugby and soccer matches and events.

Melbourne Cricket Ground
Image for Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World

4.5/5(61 reviews)

Watch stunt shows, get on superhero rides, enter the Ice Age 4D Experience and take a splash in the Wild West at Australia’s theme park version of Hollywood.

Warner Bros. Movie World
Image for Sydney Harbour Bridge

Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.5/5(1,379 reviews)

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
Image for Queen Victoria Market

Queen Victoria Market

4.5/5(381 reviews)

Explore this huge open-air market to enjoy Melbourne’s freshest produce and best bargain shopping.

Queen Victoria Market
Image for Cairns Esplanade

Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(253 reviews)

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

Cairns Esplanade

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)

Explore the magnificent Southbank riverfront, experience the city’s cultural charms in the arts precinct and see a glimpse of colonial history in central Melbourne.

Melbourne Central Business District
Sydney Town Hall which includes city views, heritage architecture and a city

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(1,320 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Sydney Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Circular Quay and Sydney Opera House, and jump on the metro at Martin Place Station or St. James Station to see more of the city.

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

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(269 area reviews)

Once the site of rusting railroad yards and wharves, one of Sydney’s greatest urban renewal projects now buzzes with museums, boutiques and eateries.

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)

Discover the beating heart of the capital of the Sunshine State with its shiny high-rises, subtropical parks, funky rooftop bars and classy riverside restaurants.

Brisbane Central Business District