A Comprehensive Tour of Eastern Australia: An 8-Day Ultimate Aussie Adventure

Australia is vast and rich in natural beauty. To visit the entire country in one go, you not only need a generous budget but also ample vacation time—otherwise, it’s quite challenging to explore the world’s sixth-largest country all at once.

So, how can you make the most of your trip to Australia with limited time? If it’s your first visit, a journey through Eastern Australia is actually one of the easiest and most rewarding itineraries. In addition to exploring three key cities on the eastern side of Australia—Melbourne, the Gold Coast, and Sydney—you’ll also get to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the eastern coastline. Plus, adventures into the pristine jungles, nostalgic rides on vintage steam trains, and mine shaft cable car journeys are all must-visit highlights.

How to explore Australia? Take a look at our suggested 8-day Eastern Australia itinerary.

• Day 1 / 2: Taipei → Brisbane → City sightseeing → Queensland Museum → Gold Coast


• Recommended attraction: City Hall

City Hall is the former official residence of the Mayor of Brisbane. The grand, high-ceilinged lobby features classical murals, polished marble staircases, mosaic floor tiles, and crystal chandeliers, all contributing to an atmosphere that is both luxurious and elegant. Adjacent to it stands a 92-meter-tall clock tower, a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture that was once the tallest building in Brisbane. Though it no longer stands out among the nearby skyscrapers, visitors still enjoy taking the retro elevator up to experience a taste of the past.

• Recommended attraction: Lamington National Park

Located inland from the Gold Coast, about 45 kilometers away, Lamington National Park is a rich tropical rainforest park spanning 20,000 hectares, making it the largest subtropical rainforest area in Australia. Many visitors come here to enjoy the 160-kilometer network of natural walking trails. The park also boasts 500 waterfalls and natural gorges. Its unique geography attracts a wide variety of bird species, making birdwatching a popular activity.

• Recommended attraction: Surfers Paradise

Nearly as famous as the Gold Coast itself, Surfers Paradise is a must-visit destination for every traveler. Its stretch of golden beach, extending for tens of kilometers, along with excellent surfing conditions, draws many surf enthusiasts. Coupled with the high-rise holiday apartments and hotels built along the shore, plus lively shops and shopping malls, Surfers Paradise has become a modern beachside resort destination.

• Recommended attraction: Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha, located in the suburbs of Brisbane and standing about 323 meters above sea level, offers a great vantage point to view the city. The mountain also features restaurants and the Lutta Café, where you can enjoy a drink or sandwich while sitting at a well-positioned outdoor table to fully appreciate Brisbane’s rustic charm intertwined with rich natural beauty.