Things to do in Eastern Australia

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

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Top places to visit

1. 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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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.

2. 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 modern architecture, street scenes and central business district

3. 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.
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Movie World which includes rides

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

5. 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.
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Queen Victoria Market showing street scenes, outdoor eating and markets

6. 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.
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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.

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.
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Cairns Esplanade featuring a pool, a luxury hotel or resort and swimming

What to do in Eastern Australia

Popular places to visit

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Crown Casino

4/5(61 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 galleries and fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Crown Casino
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Sydney Opera House

4.5/5(293 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
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Circular Quay

4.5/5(313 reviews)

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

Circular Quay
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Melbourne Central

4.5/5(172 reviews)

You can enjoy some retail therapy with a trip to Melbourne Central, a favourite shopping spot in Melbourne. Discover the top-notch restaurants and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Melbourne Central
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Warner Bros. Movie World

4.5/5(10 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
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Sydney Harbour Bridge

4.5/5(317 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
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Queen Victoria Market

4.5/5(133 reviews)

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

Queen Victoria Market
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Melbourne Cricket Ground

4.5/5(68 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
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Cairns Esplanade

4.5/5(57 reviews)

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

Cairns Esplanade

Areas of Eastern Australia

Melbourne CBD showing outdoor eating

Melbourne Central Business District

4.5/5(400 area reviews)

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Melbourne Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Melbourne Central and Collins Street, and jump on the metro at Melbourne Central Station or Flagstaff Station to see more of the city.

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

Sydney Central Business District

4.5/5(343 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 showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
Darling Harbour showing city views, a city and night scenes

Darling Harbour

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

Known for its captivating waterfront views and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Darling Harbour. Check out top attractions like Star Casino and Australian National Maritime Museum, and jump on the metro at Pyrmont Bay Light Rail Station or The Star Station to see more of the city.

Darling Harbour
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Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Are you interested in beautiful gardens, stunning river views and popular shops? A visit to Brisbane Central Business District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Roma Street Parkland and Eagle Street Pier.

Brisbane Central Business District