Travelling the East Coast of Australia: the Best Places to Visit

From cool cosmopolitan cities to laid-back surfer towns, idyllic islands and lush rainforests, the east coast of Australia has it all. Perfect for backpackers, families and couples alike, it's the kind of destination that caters to every kind of traveller. Whether you fancy racing across sand dunes in a 4x4, snorkelling among colourful coral reefs, surfing on world-famous beaches or spotting koalas in the wild, travelling the east coast of Australia is an unforgettable experience.

But with so much to see and do, planning a trip to Australia's east coast can be overwhelming. And that's where we come in. This handy guide covers everything you need to know about travelling the east coast of Australia, including the best places to visit along the way.

When is the best time to travel the east coast of Australia?

The best time to visit the east coast of Australia depends on where you're heading and what activities you plan on doing.

In Australia, summer runs from December to February. Visiting during summer is great if you're looking for the hottest weather. The south in summer is hot and sunny making it perfect for beach days. However, in the north it can get extremely hot and humid during this period - it's also the wet season here so you can get heavy showers. Another thing to note about summer in Australia is that it's also stinger season - don't worry, you can still snorkel but you'll just need to wear a stinger suit.

In contrast, winter in Australia runs from around June to August - the same as UK summer. During this period, it’s the dry season in the north with a tropical climate. However, it can be a lot cooler in southern areas of Australia such as Sydney and Melbourne.

Spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May) are some of the best times to visit the east coast of Australia. Temperatures are warm but not too hot, there’s less rain and humidity, and fewer crowds too.

• Australian winter: June to August
• Australian summer: December to February
• Wet season: November to April
• Dry season: May to October

How to travel the east coast of Australia

There are a few options when it comes to travelling Australia’s east coast. At the end of the day, it all comes down to your personal preference, how much time you have and your budget. The east coast of Oz is huge! It spans around 4500 miles so if you're not stopping off regularly, be prepared for long journeys in between your destinations.

Travelling by bus

Cheap, sociable and convenient...Travelling by bus is definitely one of the most popular ways to travel the east coast of Australia. Hop-on hop-off buses such as the Greyhound bus provide a safe and handy way to explore the east coast. Due to it being one of the cheapest ways to travel Australia, it's especially popular with backpackers. So if you're travelling alone, the Greyhound bus is a great way to meet like-minded travellers. Most people do the same route so you end up seeing the same people again and again! They also stop at all the must-see attractions including popular towns and cities. And the best part? You can just sit back and enjoy the ride!

Pros:

• Cheapest option as you can save on fuel
• A good way to meet other travellers
• Overnight journeys are an option so you can save on accommodation costs
• A relaxing way to travel - read a book, listen to a podcast or chat away.

Cons:

• Not as flexible - you can only stop in destinations that the bus stops at

Travelling by campervan

Picture this: driving with your best friend, music blasting, the sun shining and stopping off wherever you like, whenever you like – well, that’s what you get if you travel the east coast of Australia by campervan. Although some campervans can be expensive to hire, they also double up as accommodation so you can save money on that.

Pros:

• Freedom to travel wherever you like
• Doubles up as accommodation so you can save money
• Allows you to do popular road trips like the Great Ocean Road

Cons:

• Can be expensive to hire and need to factor in fuel costs
• Hard if you're not used to driving a campervan
• Not as social as travelling by bus

Travelling by car

If you've dreamt of road tripping around Australia with your friends or family, stopping off at different destinations and soaking up stunning scenery as you go, a car may be your best bet. Like a campervan, it allows you the freedom to travel where and when you like but without having to adjust to driving a new type of vehicle. It's also a great option if you fancy driving the Great Ocean Road.

Pros:

• Freedom to travel wherever you like
• Can stop at remote or harder to reach destinations
• Can be a budget-friendly option if you're in a group
• Great if you want to drive the Great Ocean Road

Cons:

• Need to factor in accommodation costs
• Not as social as travelling by bus

Travelling by plane

Short on time? Then it is possible to fly between some destinations on the east coast of Australia such as the main cities.

Pros

• Convenient if you're only visiting certain destinations and you're short of time

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Flying means you will miss out on a lot of destinations
• You'll won't experience the scenery that comes with a drive

How long to travel the east coast of Australia

The longer the better! There’s so much to see and do on the east coast of Australia that we’d recommend spending as long as you can here. We'd say at least 4-6 weeks.

If time isn’t on your side though, then we’d say you need a minimum of 2 weeks to see the highlights. To help you plan your east coast of Australia itinerary, we've put together the best places to visit on Australia's east coast so you can choose which ones best suit your plans - although we'd recommend doing them all!

The best places to visit on the east coast of Australia

Cairns

Cairns is often the starting point for an Australian east coast adventure. It’s located in the north of Queensland and acts as a gateway to some of Australia's most incredible natural wonders. Because of this, Cairns is more of a base for adventures with many travellers heading here for tours of the Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral reef system, or Daintree Rainforest, the oldest living rainforest in the world.

That's not to say the city doesn't have anything to offer. Its lagoon is probably the highlight - take a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool or tuck into a typical Aussie barbie beside the water. Rusty's Market is also a must-visit with a cool vibe and fresh local produce. Come evening, the Night Markets are a great spot to grab a bite to eat, or if that's not your scene, Cairns is also home to plenty of restaurants and bars.

Top things to do in Cairns

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Take a scenic walk through Daintree Rainforest
• Ride above the treetops on the SkyRail
• Relax at Cairns Esplanade
• Browse Rusty's Market

Townsville/Magnetic Island

Fancy sailing to a tropical island? From Townsville, you can hop on a short ferry to Magnetic Island. If you fancy spending your days swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing, hiking or just soaking up stunning scenery, then you'll love Magnetic Island with its chilled laid-back vibe. If that wasn't enough to convince you, it's also known as one of the best places in Australia to spot koalas, making it a top choice for wildlife lovers!

Top things to do on Magnetic Island

• Spot koalas on the Forts Walk and see ruins from World War II
• Enjoy a swim at Alma Bay
• Soak up the sunset at Horseshoe Bay
• Feed rock wallabies at Geoffrey Bay

Airlie Beach/Whitsundays

Airlie Beach is the starting point for your Whitsundays adventure. Personally, we don’t think a trip to the east coast of Australia is complete without visiting the Whitsundays – it’s paradise! The Whitsundays are made up of 74 islands including Hamilton Island and Daydream Island, and you can book a sailing excursion for a day, night or a few nights departing from Airlie Beach. There's a tour to suit everyone, from budget-friendly to luxurious options, so you can easily find something that suits you.

Whitehaven Beach is the main point of call. It's only accessible by boat so it feels like your own little slice of paradise when you arrive. Think sugar-white sands and the clearest of waters. The sand is literally so pure and fine that it doesn't even get hot. But a trip to the Whitsundays isn't all about Whitehaven Beach. The journey is just as exciting as the destination – sail through the coral-filled waters, sip goon with fellow travellers, watch the sunset over the ocean and sleep under the starry skies.

Back at Airlie Beach, you’ll find a sun-soaked lagoon for swimming and a range of shops and bars. As it's a base for the popular Whitsundays, it can get quite lively here on an evening, with hostels and a big backpacker crowd.

Top things to do at Airlie Beach/Whitsundays

• Visit Whitehaven Beach
• See the amazing views from the Hill Inlet Lookout
• Explore the islands on a sailing boat
• Go snorkelling
• Relax at Airlie Beach Lagoon

Fraser Island

Want to experience the world’s largest sand island? Just like Whitsundays, a trip to Fraser Island is an absolute must whilst you're travelling the east coast of Australia. Full of sand dunes, freshwater lakes, never-ending beaches and lush rainforests, the wild beauty of Fraser Island is a nature and adventure-lovers dream. There are a few places in Australia that offer tours to Fraser Island but we'd recommend heading to Hervey Bay and taking a 20 minute ferry to the sand island.

Getting around Fraser Island is all part of the fun. The only way to explore is by 4x4 - you can either do a guided tour or drive one yourself. Although you can explore Fraser Island in a day, we'd recommend staying at least a night or two to really experience the magic of the island. Camping here is an extraordinary experience but if that's not your kind of thing, there are lodges and resorts too.

Top things to do on Fraser Island

• Drive a 4x4 along the 75 Mile Beach highway
• Float down Eli Creek
• Spot whales from Indian Head
• Go sandboarding on the dunes
• Take a dip in the beautiful Lake McKenzie
• Swim in the Champagne Pools

Noosa

Nestled on Australia's Sunshine Coast, Noosa offers the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. The coastal town is known for its natural beauty, world-class surfing and exciting foodie scene. 

It's located right by Noosa National Park, a protected area with walking trails, amazing wildlife and natural rock pools. The beaches in Noosa are also pretty special with white sands and turquoise waters with sheltered options perfect for swimming along with surf-friendly stretches for riding the waves. If that wasn't enough, the town is also home to one of two everglades systems in the world. 

Outdoor adventures aside, Noosa town is also home to boutique shops, cool cafes and great restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to chill out and relax on your way down the coast.

Top things to do in Noosa

• Explore Noosa National Park
• Go surfing
• Kayak through the Noosa Everglades
• Get a bite to eat and listen to live music at Eumundi markets
• See the crocodiles at Australia Zoo

The Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is probably just how you picture Australia – golden sandy beaches, great surfing, a relaxed vibe and a whole lot of sunshine. If you’re going to base yourself anywhere, then we’d recommend Surfers Paradise where glistening skyscrapers line the sun-kissed shores of the Gold Coast. 

Surfers Paradise Beach is full of life, with surfers, sunbathers and joggers making the most of this beautiful setting. If you’re less about beaches and more about rainforests, the Gold Coast has you covered too. Head inland to the Gold Coast hinterland where you’ll find lush rainforests and waterfalls.

Beyond its natural beauty, Surfers Paradise is widely known for its buzzing nightlife with bars and clubs coming alive when the sun sets. But the Gold Coast is suited to families too, with wildlife sanctuaries and amazing theme parks including the Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld.

Top things to do on the Gold Coast

• Enjoy the views from the SkyPoint Observation Deck
• Sunbathe on Surfer's Paradise Beach
• Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland
• Have some fun at the theme parks
• Enjoy a night out at Surfer's Paradise

Brisbane

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is located around an hour away from the Gold Coast. With amazing weather all year round and a laid-back vibe, Brisbane makes a great addition to your east coast of Australia itinerary. 

South Bank Parklands is one of the city's highlights with a manmade beach and green spaces with picnic areas and BBQs - it's the perfect place to relax in the midst of the city. The CBD (central business district) is the heart of the city with museums, a great shopping scene and markets. Although you'll find plenty of other cool spots outside of the centre too such as the West End, a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood with a live music, quirky cafes and farmers markets.

You can easily walk around the city but if you fancy exploring it a little differently, just hop on a ferry and sail along the river. The city is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Gold Coast and Moreton Island.

Top things to do in Brisbane

• Take a photo with a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Relax at South Bank Parklands
• Explore the West End 
• Sail along Brisbane River

Byron Bay

If laid-back bliss is what you’re looking for, Byron Bay will be right up your street. This cool surfer town is all about chilled-out hippie vibes with wellness retreats, organic restaurants, juice bars and buskers on the beach. It’s a place that’s quirky, cool and colourful. 

The surfing scene is famous in Byron – climb up to Cape Byron Lighthouse and watch the Aussies ride the waves. And if you fancy joining in, there are plenty of surf schools here. If you’re more about sunbathing than surfing, Byron Bay’s beautiful beaches have you covered too, with soft sun-soaked sands backed by greenery. Go inland and you’ll find lush rainforests and waterfalls too, along with hippie towns like Nimbin – perfect for an unique day out. 

At night in Byron, things are just as exciting. Whether you fancy wining and dining in a delicious restaurant, tapping your feet to reggae on the beach or dancing until dawn in a late night bar, there’s something for everyone here.

Top things to do in Byron Bay

• Enjoy the views from Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Go surfing at famous surf beach The Pass
• Take a day trip to Nimbin
• Relax at Main Beach
• Tuck into delicious food at one of the town's picture-perfect cafes
• Explore the lush landscapes of the Byron Hinterland

Sydney

If you’re heading to Australia’s east coast, you can’t not visit Sydney. The Australian capital is a must for every kind of traveller, from adventure seekers to foodies and beach lovers alike. The must-sees in Sydney are never-ending, from iconic landmarks like Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, to famous beaches like Bondi.

As well as shopping and dining, popular activities in Sydney include the Bondi to Coogee walk - it's around a 2-3 hour walk but you can stop off for a refreshing dip or a bite to eat along the way. Plus, the scenery is beautiful! Manly Beach is also a must - just hop on a ferry across the harbour and take in the glorious views of the Opera House.

If you fancy escaping the city, the Blue Mountains are a popular day trip from Sydney with their waterfalls, bushwalks, mountain towns and the famous Three Sisters rock formation.

Top things to do in Sydney

• Pose by Sydney Opera House
• Walk across Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Visit Bondi Beach and the Insta-famous Bondi Icebergs
• Do the Bondi – Coogee walk
• Sail to Manly Beach
• Take a day trip to the Blue Mountains
• Explore the historic streets of The Rocks
• Sit back and relax in the Royal Botanic Gardens

Melbourne

Bursting with culture, Melbourne is Australia’s hip artsy city. It’s got a cool European vibe, reflected in its architecture, diverse food scene and vibrant café culture. There’s so much to see and do in Melbourne, from museums and galleries to graffiti-adorned lanes, café-lined streets, beautiful botanic gardens and bustling food markets. There are beaches too, including the famous Brighton Beach and St Kilda.

Melbourne is also home to sporting events such as the Australian Open along with cool festivals that show off the city's cool arts scene. 

From here you can also head south to Torquay, the starting point for the Great Ocean Road – an unforgettable road-trip adventure!

Top things to do in Melbourne

• Take photos of the colourful beach huts at Brighton Beach
• Spot the penguins at St Kilda
• Admire the graffiti on Hosier Lane
• Experience the city's cafe culture on Degraves Street
• Sample delicious food at Queen Victoria Market
• Enjoy the peace and quiet at the Royal Botanic Gardens

The east coast of Australia should be on everyone’s bucket list. From the untamed beauty of Fraser Island to the picture-perfect town of Byron Bay and the vibrant city of Melbourne, the east coast of Australia offers a diverse range of experiences. Ready for a once in a lifetime adventure? Book your trip to the Australia's east coast today.