February 14, 2025
7 East Coast of Australia must-visit destinations for UK tourists.
Why Visit Brisbane.
Should This Aussie City Be on Every UK Traveler’s Bucket List?
Discover why visiting Brisbane and the East Coast of Australia are must-visit destinations for UK tourists.
Why Visit Brisbane? A Must-See Destination for UK Travelers
Brisbane offers an incredible combination of city life, outdoor adventures, and access to Australia’s top coastal destinations.
Best Day Tours from Brisbane
G’Day Adventure Tours – Bribie Island
Bribie Island is a hidden gem, offering 4WD beach adventures, pristine coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. Join G’Day Adventure Tours for an unforgettable island experience.
Best Weekend Getaways from Brisbane
Lady Musgrave Experience – Great Barrier Reef
Another reason why you should viait brisbane and the east coast of australia. Explore the stunning Lady Musgrave Island on a weekend trip. Snorkel, dive, and experience the best of the Great Barrier Reef.
Exploring the East Coast: Must-Visit Destinations
Bribie Island
A coastal paradise with white sandy beaches, 4WD tracks, and diverse marine life.
Bargara
A charming coastal town near Bundaberg, known for its beautiful beaches and easy access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
1770 & Agnes Water
The gateway to the reef with stunning beaches and adventure activities like kayaking and surfing.
Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays
Home to Whitehaven Beach and world-class sailing experiences.
Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef
The best place to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest.
Suggested Itineraries for UK Travelers
One-Week Brisbane & Surrounds
- Day 1-2: Brisbane city sights
- Day 3: Bribie Island tour
- Day 4-5: Gold Coast & Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park - Day 6-7: Sunshine Coast & Noosa
Two-Week East Coast Adventure
- Week 1: Brisbane → Bribie Island → Bargara → 1770
- Week 2: Airlie Beach → Whitsundays → Cairns
Travel Tips for UK Visitors
- Visa: UK citizens need an ETA or eVisitor visa.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (Sep–Nov) & Autumn (Mar–May)
Essential Websites & Travel Resources
Why These East Coast Destinations Belong on Your Aussie Holiday Itinerary
Brisbane is an absolute gem for UK travelers, but the adventure doesn’t stop there. Just beyond the city lies some of Australia’s most iconic destinations, each offering a unique slice of Queensland’s laid-back lifestyle. From island escapes to reef adventures and tropical rainforests, here’s why Bribie Island, Bargara, 1770, Airlie Beach, and Cairns should be high on your must-visit list.
Bribie Island – Where the Bush Meets the Beach
Why visit?
Bribie Island is the ultimate coastal getaway, just a short drive from Brisbane. It’s the only Queensland island connected to the mainland by a bridge, meaning no ferries or boats—just drive right in! What makes Bribie special is the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Top Experiences:
- 4WD Beach Adventures – Take a guided tour with G’Day Adventure Tours and cruise along pristine white sands, spotting wildlife like kangaroos and sea eagles.
- Pumicestone Passage – A haven for kayaking and dolphin spotting.
- Fishing & Boating – Cast a line off the jetty or join a local fishing charter.
- National Park Trails – Hike through coastal forests teeming with native wildlife.
Bribie is the kind of place where you can take it slow or go full throttle—it’s up to you. It’s also home to some classic Aussie pubs where you can grab a cold beer and a fresh seafood feast after a big day outdoors.
Bargara – Laid-Back Beach Town with a Side of Turtles
Why visit?
Bargara is a hidden paradise, sitting just outside Bundaberg. It’s famous for its stunning coastline, relaxed atmosphere, and being the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
Top Experiences:
- Mon Repos Turtle Encounter – Between November and March, witness sea turtles nesting and hatching at Mon Repos Conservation Park.
- Southern Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling – Easy access to stunning reef sites like Lady Musgrave Island (Lady Musgrave Experience).
- Bundaberg Rum Distillery – Take a tour and sample some of Australia’s most famous rum (Visit Bundaberg Rum).
Bar person behind the bar with different bottles of gin on show Kalik Moon Distilling - Cycling & Beach Walks – The Bargara Esplanade is perfect for a scenic stroll or bike ride.
Bargara feels like stepping back to a simpler time, where the beaches are uncrowded, the people are friendly, and the seafood is as fresh as it gets.
1770 & Agnes Water – Where Captain Cook First Landed
Why visit?
1770 (yep, that’s the actual name of the town) and Agnes Water are Queensland’s best-kept secrets. This region is known for its stunning beaches, untouched nature, and the southernmost surf spot in Australia.
Top Experiences:
- Sunset at 1770 – One of the few places on the east coast where you can watch the sun set over the water.
- LARC Amphibious Tours – Hop on an amphibious vehicle and explore the coastline like never before (Visit 1770 LARC! Tours).
- Surfing – The last surfable waves before the Great Barrier Reef begins.
- Kayaking with Dolphins – Paddle through crystal-clear waters alongside playful marine life.
1770 has that chilled-out, barefoot vibe that makes you want to stay longer than planned. It’s the kind of place where you wake up, grab a coffee, and let the day unfold naturally.
Airlie Beach & The Whitsundays – White Sands & Crystal Waters
Why visit?
Airlie Beach is the launchpad to the Whitsundays, home to some of the most jaw-dropping beaches on Earth. If you’ve ever seen a postcard of Australia’s coastline, chances are it featured Whitehaven Beach.
Top Experiences:
- Sailing the Whitsundays – A must-do! Join a multi-day sailing trip or a luxury catamaran tour (Explore Whitsundays).
- Whitehaven Beach & Hill Inlet – Pristine white silica sand that feels like walking on clouds.
- Scenic Flights – See the iconic Heart Reef from above.
- Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling & Diving – The reef here is vibrant, alive, and teeming with marine life.
Airlie Beach itself is a backpacker’s paradise, with a lively nightlife scene, waterfront dining, and a famous lagoon perfect for cooling off. If you’re chasing the ultimate tropical holiday, this is it.
Cairns & The Great Barrier Reef – Tropical Paradise at Its Best
Why visit?
Cairns is where the rainforest meets the reef, and it’s one of the best places in Australia for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.
Top Experiences:
- Great Barrier Reef Diving & Snorkeling – Take a boat trip to explore the world’s largest coral reef (Visit Great Barrier Reef Tours).
- Kuranda Scenic Railway & Skyrail – A breathtaking journey through the ancient Daintree Rainforest.
- Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation – Walk through the world’s oldest rainforest and spot cassowaries.
- Atherton Tablelands – A hidden gem with stunning waterfalls, volcanic lakes, and incredible local produce.
Cairns is tropical Queensland at its finest—hot, humid, and packed with things to do. Whether you want to dive into adventure or just sip a cocktail by the water, this place has it all.
Final Thoughts – Why Brisbane & The East Coast Belong on Your Bucket List
So there you have it—from the city vibes of Brisbane to the remote beauty of Cairns, this stretch of Australia is one epic adventure. Whether you’re a beach bum, an adrenaline junkie, or someone who just loves a good road trip, you’ll find something to love here.
Plus, Queenslanders are a friendly bunch—we’ll welcome you with a cold beer, a few laughs, and a guarantee that you’ll never want to leave.
So, what are you waiting for? Book that flight, grab your sunnies, and get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Need More Travel Info?
Check out these helpful resources:
- Tourism Queensland – Official state tourism site
- Australia Tourism – Australia’s national tourism board
- TransLink – Brisbane’s public transport system
- G’Day Adventure Tours – Bribie Island’s best day tours
Guided 4WD tour along the beaches of Bribie Island to experience the scenery, wildlife and history Guided 4WD tour along the beaches of Bribie Island to experience the scenery, wildlife and history
- Lady Musgrave Experience – Great Barrier Reef boat tours
Aerial view of the pontoon, nestled in the lagoon just off Lady Musgrave HQ.
Ready to make your Brisbane bucket list dream a reality? We’ll see you soon, mate!
Photo and videos thanks to Tourism and events QLD & G’day Adventure Tours