Australia’s East Coast is a must-visit for any traveler, offering stunning beaches, vibrant cities, lush rainforests, and unique wildlife experiences. Here are the top places you shouldn’t miss!
Download the Complete Guide for a Road Trip on the East Coast
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Preparations (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to visit on the coast
- The best tours & activities
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
Table of Contents
Sydney, NSW – The Iconic Aussie City
Well known and famous all around the world, Sydney should obviously be one of the most essential steps of your journey on the East Coast Australia. With over 4.5 million inhabitants, this cosmopolitan city combines world-famous landmarks such as the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, and with no doubt one of the most beautiful bays in the world. Enjoy the vibrant life of its center or its charming surrounding areas like The Rocks or Newtown. Enjoy a relaxing time in the large Botanic Garden with breathtaking views across the bay, or discover its many museums. You can even discover the Australian wildlife in the heart of the city at Darling Harbour. If you prefer you can also relax on its many beaches, enjoy several coastal walks or surf or head towards Bondi Beach or Manly for the trendiest places.
What to do?
Among the most popular activities to do in Sydney, here is what we recommend:
✅ Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views 🌉
✅ Visit Taronga Zoo to explore the Australian fauna and admire the city from the bay
✅ Visit the world-famous Sydney Opera House 🎭
✅ Relax on Bondi Beach & take the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk 🏖️
✅ Unlimited Skyfeast at Sydney Tower rotating restaurant to enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views while feasting on more than 30 international dishes from the open kitchen
Blue Mountains National Park, NSW – A Hiker’s Paradise
The Blue Mountains National Park covers 240,000 hectares, and comprises forests, rivers, waterfalls, gorges … And it is located just 2 hours from Sydney! When you arrive at the Echo Point, you will have an overlook over the famous Three Sisters, an unusual rock formation representing three sisters who according to Aboriginal legend were turned to stone. To visit this beautiful park you can choose between several hiking trails such as Wentworth Falls or Evans Lookout. Katoomba and Blackheath are the main cities of the area and will offer a magnificent point of view and a completely different landscape. The national park is also the site of natural habitation of the emblematic Lyre bird. This bird is capable of imitating any bird songs that he hears in the forest, as well as the unnatural sound made by humans.
What to do?
✅ Admire the famous Three Sisters rock formation 🏞️
✅ Ride the Scenic Railway, the steepest passenger railway in the world 🚆
✅ Hike to Wentworth Falls & explore the Grand Canyon Walk 🥾
✅ Abseiling or Canyoning Experience to discover the gem amongst the Blue Mountains canyons.
Jervis Bay, NSW – White Sand & Crystal Waters
With the most beautiful beaches in the world, super clear waters and white sand, Jervis Bay is the perfect place to relax and observe the many dolphins that live in the bay. Jervis Bay has been a Marine park for 18 years and has unique and healthy ecosystems in Australia. That’s why the crystal clear waters of Jervis Bay are home to over 100 bottlenose dolphins and humpback whales. You can easily book a tour to see those amazing creatures.
✅ Relax on Hyams Beach, famous for its whitest sand in the world 🤍
✅ Snorkel in Booderee National Park 🐠 ($13 for two days)
✅ Spot dolphins & whales in the bay 🐬🐋
Port Macquarie, NSW – Coastal Charm & Koalas
All koalas lovers should stop at Port Macquarie. You can visit a hospital for koalas for free. Port Macquarie has also very nice beaches and many museums and historical sites. Don’t miss the Church of Apostle Thomas built by convicts in 1821 to learn ore about the Australian history.
If you have time, spend some time exploring the Billabong Zoo in Port Macquarie. The zoo is committed to education and home to over 80 species of native and exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. During your visit, learn about the lives of the animals in the wild and conservation efforts.
✅ Visit the Koala Hospital, a rescue center for injured koalas 🐨
✅ Walk the Coastal Walk from Town Beach to Lighthouse Beach 🏖️
✅ Enjoy surfing, whale watching, and scenic lookouts 🌊
Byron Bay, NSW – Laid-Back Surf Town
The trendy city of Byron Bay is renowned for its cool atmosphere and relaxation centres. You will also appreciate its beautiful lighthouse and its amazing beaches. Cape Byron, only minutes from the city, offers a beautiful view of the coast and also a very good lookout for whale watching during the migration period. A walk will lead you to the Captain Cook Lookout, an observation platform located on a rock surrounded by the water!
✅ Catch some waves at Byron’s legendary surf beaches 🌊
✅ Hike to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for a stunning sunrise 🌅
✅ Enjoy Byron’s bohemian culture, local markets & wellness retreats 🧘
Gold Coast, QLD – Surf & Theme Park Capital
With its famous beach, tall buildings, its nightlife and theme parks, Surfers Paradise is the must-see of the Gold Coast. You will always find an activity to do no matter what time of day or night it is. You can also take the time to climb up the SkyPoint Observation Deck to enjoy a 360° view.
✅ Hit the famous Surfers Paradise Beach 🏄♂️
✅ Explore the lush hinterland at Springbrook & Lamington National Parks 🌲
✅ Visit theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld & Sea World 🎢
Brisbane & Moreton Island, QLD – City & Marine Paradise
Located 25 km from the ocean and built on the banks of the Brisbane river, this city is the capital of Queensland. It is a modern and vibrant city with an amazing mix of architecture where the roofs of Victorian churches got mixed with large coloured glass buildings. With pleasant temperatures, all year round you can enjoy a walk in the Botanic Garden. Don’t miss the other side of the river with Southbank Park to enjoy a swim in the artificial lagoon with views over the city. You can also visit the numerous museums in the area (all free).
What to do?
✅ Wander through South Bank & cruise the Brisbane River 🏙️
✅ Hand-feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Resort
✅ Go sandboarding & snorkeling at Moreton Island’s shipwrecks 🏝️
✅ Australia Zoo, home of over 1200 animals from around the globe.
✅ Story Bridge adventure Climb to venture to new heights on a 2-hour climb of Brisbane’s most iconic landmark. Take in a full 360-degree panorama of Brisbane and its surroundings.
Noosa Heads, QLD – Laid-Back Beach Vibes & National Park
Located on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa has a laid back beach style and enjoys a sub tropical climate. The excellent “Coastal Track” is a pleasant walk accessible from the main beach of Noosa Heads and leading to the National Park where you can see kangaroos, koalas, even some dolphins and in season (June to November) whales. If you have time for one trail in the National Park, make it the Coastal Walk (5.4 km each way). Follow the path with the ocean on your left to reach Boiling Pot.
✅ Surf at Noosa Main Beach or go kayaking in the Everglades 🏄♂️
✅ Hike the Noosa National Park Coastal Walk for epic ocean views 🥾
✅ Stroll through Hastings Street for boutique shopping & great dining 🍹
Rainbow Beach, QLD – Gateway to Fraser Island (K’gari)
Admire the coloured cliffs flowing into the ocean or walk on the large sand dune Carlo Sandblow offering a beautiful view of a beach on one side and on the Great Sandy National Park on the other side.
Book a tour to drive across a pristine stretch of white sand with a 4WD all the way from Noosa to Double Island Point. Admire the stunning scenery of the Great Sandy National Park, and take in the impressive views from the Double Island Point Lighthouse. Have a look out for turtles, sharks, manta rays, and dolphins in, along with humpback whales between June and October.
✅ Explore the Coloured Sands with vibrant hues along the coastline 🎨
✅ Go sandboarding or 4WD driving on the dunes 🚙
✅ Start your Fraser Island adventure from here! 🏝️
Fraser Island (K’gari), QLD – The World’s Largest Sand Island
With 184,000 hectares, Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world and the only place where trees grow in the sand. It is also the place of the most purebred dingoes which live freely on the island. To travel on the island you will need to take the ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach. Being only accessible to 4WD you can go with your own/rented vehicle or through one of the many organized tours. On site swimming is strongly discouraged, but you can refresh yourself in the Champagne Pools without any risk. Do not miss the famous wreck of the Maheno ship on 75 Miles Beach, the Cathedrals which is a series of brightly coloured cliffs, or Indian Head, one of the best observation point for dolphins, rays, sharks and whales during their migration.
✅ Drive a 4WD adventure on 75 Mile Beach 🚙
✅ Swim in Lake McKenzie’s crystal-clear waters 💙
✅ Spot wild dingoes & rainforest growing on sand dunes 🌿
Whitsundays & Airlie Beach, QLD – Tropical Paradise
The Whitsundays comprises 74 subtropical islands scattered along the coast. Most of them are uninhabited and are national parks. A few islands have large resorts for tourists. Airlie Beach is a small city and the main departure point to the islands. You can visit those islands via trips of one or more days or by taking a ferry that will take you to one of the islands. It is also possible to discover the Whitsundays by plane, seaplane or helicopter to enable you to have an overview of the archipelago. Do not miss the famous Whitehaven Beach, the 7 km beach of extraordinary white sand and turquoise water.
✅ Sail through the 74 Whitsunday Islands ⛵
✅ Walk on Whitehaven Beach, home to the purest white sand in the world 🤍
✅ Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef 🐠
Great Barrier Reef, QLD – World’s Largest Coral Reef
The World Heritage listed, magnificent reef, stretches almost 2600 km between Bundaberg and the Northern tip of Cape York. The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living thing on Earth and even visible from outer space. There are 2 ways to experience the reef: choosing a trip of one or more days by boat to go diving or snorkelling, or gaining altitude and admire the coral formations by air. The major cities to depart in order to discover the reefs are Cairns and Airlie Beach with its very popular Heart Reef.
✅ Snorkel or scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef 🐠
✅ Take a boat tour from Cairns, Port Douglas, or Airlie Beach 🚤
✅ Swim alongside turtles, reef sharks, and tropical fish 🐢
Great Keppel Island, QLD – Tropical Escape
Great Keppel Island, off the coast of Townsville, attracts visitors with its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and colourful coral reefs. To reach the island, Freedom Fast Cats run ferry transfers 7 days a week, departing Pier One, John Howes Drive, Rosslyn Bay.. The fare is $55 round trip, but the return trip can be changed if you want to extend or shorten your stay.
What to do on Great Keppel Island?
Many aquatic activities are available, such as exploring the coral reefs that run along the entire coast. From Monkey Beach (a 40-minute walk from Fisherman’s Beach), it is possible to explore them with a mask and snorkel: corals, turtles, rays, small sharks and a multitude of colourful fish. Shelving Beach, located just after Monkey Beach, is also a paradise for snorkelers. It is one of the best spots on the island to see turtles and many corals.
The hike not to be missed is the Mount Wyndham trail which offers access to a 360° view of the island. It takes about 3.5 hours to walk there and back. Another popular hike is the one that starts at Fisherman’s Beach and ends at Leeke’s Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches on the island. This is a 2.5 mile round trip.
✅ Relax on secluded, pristine beaches 🏖️
✅ Snorkel in the coral reefs right off the shore 🤿
✅ Hike to lookout points with stunning ocean views 🌅
Where to stay on the island?
The Great Keppel Holiday Village is a fabulous campsite where you can choose to stay in a private house, or a lodge with two double beds or two cabins for four people. For those on a limited budget, the campground also offers tent sites. You can use the showers, toilets, kitchen and all the snorkeling equipment for free.
Blackdown Tableland National Park, QLD – Hidden Gem in the Outback
The Blackdown Tableland National Park, in the Capricorn region of central Queensland, is home to a fascinating landscape of high plateaus, gorges and lush rainforest. The tablelands are rich in cultural significance for the Aboriginal Ghungalu and Bidjara tribes. Visitors can discover the rich Aboriginal art and rock paintings that tell the history and culture of these communities. The park also offers numerous walking trails that lead to impressive lookouts, including the Rainbow Waters circuit. With its unique blend of natural and cultural heritage, the Blackdown Tableland National Park is a treasure in the Capricorn region.
✅ Hike to Gudda Gumoo (Rainbow Falls) 💦
✅ Camp under the star-filled sky ✨
✅ Explore ancient Indigenous rock art sites 🖌️
Magnetic Island, QLD – Koalas & Secluded Bays
Embark on this captivating island adventure from Townsville. The ferry ride takes approximately 20 to 35 minutes, with a round-trip ticket costing $36 for a passenger or around $250 for a vehicle. Here, you won’t be short of ideas to explore every corner of the island: hiking to spot koalas, scuba diving and snorkeling to marvel at the marine life and the SS Yongala wreck (one of the world’s best dive spots), kayak, jet-ski, or scooter rentals, as well as encounters with rock-dwelling wallabies along the seaside.
✅ Spot wild koalas on the Forts Walk 🐨
✅ Rent a 4WD “Barbie Car” and explore the island 🚗
✅ Snorkel in Geoffrey Bay or relax at Horseshoe Bay 🏝️
Mission Beach, QLD – Tropical Getaway & Cassowary Spotting
Mission Beach is one of only a few spots in Australia where two World Heritage areas meet. The Wet Tropics Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. You can find the Cassowary here (the most dangerous bird in the world). Many walks are available from the city and will lead you in the heart of the dense rainforest. Mission Beach has also a beautiful 14km beach lined with coconuts where you can explore the wreck of “Lady Bowen“.
✅ Skydive over the beach for an unforgettable thrill 🪂
✅ See the rare cassowary, a prehistoric-looking bird 🦖
✅ Swim in the crystal-clear waterfalls nearby 💦
Atherton Tablelands, QLD – Waterfalls & Rainforests
Located west inland from Cairns, this vast medium-altitude plateau offers stunning scenery and abundant wildlife. You can discover falls, among them Millstream Falls, 5km west of Ravenshoe, the widest waterfalls in the country. The Waterfalls Circuit, a 15km narrow road leads to Elinjaa Falls, Zillie Falls or Millaa Millaa Falls, where you can swim in the heart of the rainforest. You may also be able to see platypus in Platypus Park near Atherton, or rock wallabies at Granite Gorge Nature Park near Mareeba.
✅ Chase waterfalls at Millaa Millaa, Josephine & Zillie Falls 🌊
✅ Swim in the volcanic Crater Lakes (Lake Eacham & Lake Barrine) 🏊♂️
✅ Spot the rare tree kangaroo in the lush rainforest 🌿
Cairns, QLD – Adventure Capital of the North
Cairns is the second largest city in Queensland. It is located in the heart of the “Wet Tropics” and enjoys a warm and humid climate all year round. This is a very dynamic city but mainly known as a departure point for trips on the Great Barrier Reef. Despite the heat, you cannot swim outside the artificial lagoon located on the seafront due to crocodiles and deadly jellyfish in the ocean.
✅ Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef 🐠 Glide over it on a scenic flight (40 minutes)
✅ Swim in the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon 🏖️
✅ Explore the Daintree Rainforest & Kuranda Scenic Railway 🚂
Daintree National Park, QLD – The World’s Oldest Rainforest
Daintree National Park, 100 km Northwest of Cairns became a World Heritage site in 1988. To access the National Park you will have to cross the Daintree River on a cable ferry ($23/vehicle). Then a single sealed road will lead you to the beautiful beach of Cape Tribulation. Along the way, there are many short walks for you to discover the lush tropical forest of the park. The 4WDs will be able to keep going north on the Bloomfield Track to reach the small town of Cooktown.
✅ Cruise the Daintree River and spot crocodiles 🐊 – Book your tour
✅ Walk along the Mossman Gorge for crystal-clear waters & rainforest views 🌲
✅ Visit Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef 🏝️
What is the best time to visit the East Coast?
The East Coast is vast, and the climate varies significantly from North to South.
Sydney is located in the temperate Southern part of the country. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters, with an average annual temperature around 20°C. The hottest month is January, and the coldest is July. Sydney’s climate is pleasant throughout the year, but the best time to explore the city and its surroundings is undoubtedly spring (from September to November).
Cairns is situated in the tropical North of Australia, which means it has a tropical climate. The dry season (May to October) is a pleasant and warm period, while the wet season (December to March) has hot days with daily thunderstorms. Be cautious if you decide to visit the Northern part of the coast during the wet season, as some roads may be flooded and inaccessible.
The climate on the East Coast is favorable year-round, but the most pleasant time for a road trip is from September to November. Be aware of the wet season in Northern Queensland with heavy rainfall between December and March.
As you can see, the ideal time is to visit the Southern part of the coast in spring and summer and the North in autumn and winter. Opt for the shoulder seasons like spring and autumn.
Our FREE 52-page guide brings together all the info you need for your East Coast Road Trip in Australia:
- Prepare your trip (seasons, budget)
- All the best spots to do on the Coast
- Tours & activities recommendations
- Spots to park and sleep in a campervan
