G’day I’m Tony, a seasoned traveller from Liverpool, UK. Like many I left the boring life and cold weather behind me setting my sights on travelling the East Coast of Australia with next to no plan on where I was going or what I wanted to do. I am now happy to say that I have travelled the East Coast of Australia many times learning all the tricks and best ways to get around practically whilst meeting many different people along the way who have helped me shape my adventures and travels.
As with many things in life the first step was always the hardest, so here are my top tips and tricks on making my dreams of travelling into reality.
Top Places To Visit Along East Coast Australia
Before starting your journey it is always best to think about where you want to go. Now that I have been up and down a handful of times I have the idea of the best stops along the coast and what to do in each location.
Sydney
Great place to start (or end) your trip as it’s a big city with amazing sights and always has something going on for everyone. Whether it’s a night out on your agenda or a soaking up the sun in the beautiful beaches Sydney has to offer, there is never a day you will have nothing to do. My ideal day in Sydney consists of swimming at either Bondi or Bronte beach then heading into the city to walk around the famous Sydney Opera house then getting ready for a night out hitting all the best happy hours across the city before heading back to Darling Harbour to enjoy the firework display.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is your first real taste of Aussie culture. A great place to catch waves and learn how to surf this Australian town is known for good weather and relaxing. Local attractions include the serene main beach, Piano Bar and Chris Hemsworth who is often spotted around town. Shoes are very much optional here. Byron Bay is also home of the most westerly point of mainland Australia at the Cape Byron Lighthouse, one of the most instagramable sunrises on the coast.
Gold Coast
Now you’ve learned to surf, Gold Coast is the next location with the famous and aptly named Surfers Paradise beach, a 2km stretch of sand along this coastal town that enjoys an average of 300 sunny days a year! You can enjoy the views of the whole area up Skypoint tour, the tallest tower in Australia. Nightlife in Surfers Paradise is also fantastic, however if you’re more of a thrill seeker the amusement parks Dream World and Warner Bros. Movie World are close by with some of the fastest rides in Australia.
Brisbane
The next city up the coast, Brisbane, has lots to offer. The city itself has great views and is home to the famous dessert shop Brooki, selling hand made cookies, brownies and brookies, (a combination of both!). Situated just off the coast is Moreton Island a fantastic spot to snorkel and sand surfing, for any Scooby Doo fans this was the location for Spooky Island in the 2002 Scooby Doo movie. Brisbane is also the best opportunity to meet the Irwin family as the Steve Irwin Australian Zoo is only a train ride away with the likes of Robert, Bindi and Terri hosting the daily crocodile shows feeding the very same crocs that Steve Irwin himself would feed.
Noosa
Another fantastic location for nature and scenery. The Noosa Everglades are a unique Australian wetland system, renowned for their glassy mirrored waterways, tannin-stained dark waters, and incredible biodiversity. Home to more than 40% of Australia’s bird species, they are also the only Everglades in the world free of crocodiles and a must do whilst in Noosa. Another must-do trip you can do from Noosa is K’gari Island (Fraser Island), the biggest sand island in the world. This is one of the two main trips you should take whilst travelling the East Coast (the other being the Whitsundays). Whether you want to do a day trip or like most, do the overnight trip where you will meet a host of other backpackers like yourselves, camp on the island and drive 4×4 cars on the sand. Visiting many freshwater swim spots such as Lake McKenzie and Lake Wabby, along with popular freshwater creeks such as Eli Creek and Wanggoolba Creek. You can also visit the very photographic Champagne Pools which offer a safe, naturally occurring saltwater swimming spot where waves fizz over volcanic rocks. K’gari is one of the most memorable spots on the coast and everytime I have gone I have had a different experience.
Airlie Beach
The next main stop along the coast, Airlie Beach, has lots of activities to offer such as; jetskiing, scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, skydiving and of course, the Whitsundays. The Whitsundays overnight trip will stay with you for the rest of your life. An overnight sailing trip through the Whitsundays is one of the best ways to explore the islands and reef. You’ll spend your days cruising between turquoise bays, snorkeling vibrant coral reefs, and stopping at highlights like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, the second most photographed area in Australia. Evenings are relaxing on board, watching the sunset, stargazing from the deck, and sharing meals with fellow travellers. Accommodation is usually in shared cabins or bunks on the boat, giving it a true backpacker, social atmosphere. The trip offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and your first taste of the Great Barrier Reef. The boats are usually BYOB and host a nice evening party so make sure you bring your cameras and nice clothes to show off to your friends and family back home.
Townsville
Though Townsville itself has a great night life most use it as a stop off to get to Magnetic Island (Maggie Island). Maggie Island is a great destination to see your classic Australian animals in the wild. While koalas are spread across the island, they are most often seen on The Forts Walk, which features a large population within its mixed eucalyptus trees, the island has the most densely populated area in Northern Australia for koalas. In the evening you can head over to Geoffrey’s Bay to spot wallabies.
Cairns
Cairns is where the East Coast starts to feel truly tropical. Hot days, palm-lined streets, backpacker bars everywhere, and an atmosphere that screams adventure. For most travellers, Cairns is all about two huge bucket-list experiences: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also one of the best places on the coast to base yourself for adrenaline activities and wildlife encounters. If there is one thing you must do in Cairns, it’s getting out onto the Great Barrier Reef. Whether you’re a certified diver, trying scuba for the first time, or just want to snorkel, Cairns has dozens of boats leaving daily. Most day trips include snorkelling, diving, equipment, lunch, and multiple reef sites. You’ll spend the day surrounded by colourful coral, tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks, and sometimes even rays. Cairns isn’t just the reef, it’s also surrounded by ancient rainforest. A day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation takes you into one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, where jungle meets reef. You’ll visit waterfalls, swim in freshwater creeks, walk through dense rainforest, and learn about Aboriginal culture and bush tucker.
Cairns has loads of good hostels close to the centre. Gilligan’s, Mad Monkey, and Global Backpackers are popular for social vibes. Expect dorm beds to range roughly $30–45 AUD per night depending on season. Gilligan’s is also the main backpacker club, with theme nights and cheap drinks. There are also chilled bars along the Esplanade for sunset beers.
Conclusion
Travelling the East Coast of Australia completely changed my life, and I honestly believe it can change yours too. From sunrise swims to long bus rides, new friendships, and unforgettable adventures, every stop along the coast offers something different and special. You don’t need a perfect plan, endless money, or loads of experience, just an open mind and a willingness to say yes. Whether you’re chasing waves in Byron, sailing through the Whitsundays, diving the Great Barrier Reef, or simply sharing a beer with new mates in a hostel common room, the East Coast has a way of giving you exactly what you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve been sitting on the fence, take this as your sign, book the ticket, pack the bag, and start the adventure. The rest will figure itself out.
