The East Coast in Australia is surely the most popular road trip route in the country. Many travellers cross it from Sydney to Cairns. But it is actually much longer than this simple stretch of coast and extends from Eden in the south to Cooktown in the north. More than 3600 km of varied landscapes await you. You will discover the most famous cities in the country, dream beaches and national parks of rare beauty. You can observe whales, dolphins, turtles, koalas and other emblematic animals. The East Coast will seduce you whatever your desire. Here are our tips to prepare your East Coast Australia road trip.
Table of Contents
How to visit the East Coast?
Between islands and paradise beaches, surf spots and incredible fauna, this road trip will not disappoint you. More civilized and developed than the rest of the country, this part of Australia will make you discover magnificent places. A road trip on the East Coast in Australia is very reassuring because you will find cities, amenities everywhere and easily. There is no perfect itinerary: it all depends on your desires, the season and the duration of your road trip. However, some spots are unavoidable.
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
One of the first steps is to get to the east side of the country. If you are nearby and have a vehicle, you can get there by road. The roads on this part of the country are very good and you don’t need a 4WD.
You can also fly to Cairns north of the East Coast. The ideal starting point, you can rent a vehicle or join an organised tour to discover the coast. If you prefer a slightly shorter road trip, you can land in Brisbane. You can also land in Sydney and travel north. International flights from Europe connect the main European cities to the cities on the East Coast. You can also take a national flight if you are already in Australia (from Perth, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra or even Darwin).
Rent a vehicle
If you don’t have a vehicle, hire one in Cairns, Brisbane or Sydney. This seems to be a great option for discovering the beauties of the coast. Book it in advance to choose and find your ideal vehicle because rentals are gone quickly, especially in high season.
The main suppliers are Britz, Apollo and Travellers Autobarn (you can get a discount here: promo code Travellers Autobarn). Otherwise, you can compare the rental offers for vans and motorhomes on the Motorhome Republic website.
💡 Good to know
Some companies charge additional fees for drivers under the age of 25.
If you do not drop the vehicle off in the same rental city, you will pay an additional charge (one-way fee).
5% discount on your campervan rental
Hire a campervan and benefit from a 5% discount thanks to our promo code with Travellers Autobarn: GuideEN.
Choose your vehicle
Unlike the West Coast, a road trip on the East Coast of Australia can usually be done with any vehicle. However, it depends on your route. Keep in mind that this will be your little rolling house for several weeks and that it is important that you feel comfortable in it.
First, ask yourself what type of vehicle suits your expectations best:
- A motorhome with all the utilities for those looking for comfort
- A van, smaller but well organized
- A campervan for a little more space and equipment
- A 4WD with a roof tent for the more adventurous and those who wish to visit Fraser Island in their own vehicle.
Also determine your vehicle according to the number of people, your budget, your desired comfort, etc.
Buying a vehicle
If you’re planning to go on a road trip as soon as you arrive in Australia, a great option is to go through backpackercars.com. They offer all types of vehicles for sale (cars, vans, and 4WDs) and can customize them according to your needs. The advantage is that all the mechanics are checked, the paperwork is in order, and you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive in Australia.
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By bus
You can choose to explore the coast by bus. You will have less freedom in the route, but it is also fewer things to manage: driving, refuelling, vehicle maintance etc.
Several bus companies are present on the East Coast:
- Greyhound: connects Canberra / Sydney to Cairns with stops along the coast
- Premier Motor Services: serves the entire coast from Eden to Cairns
If you opt for “hop on / hop off”, plan your itinerary well in advance because the buses do not run every day.
With an organised tour
There are many organised tours on the East Coast. This can be a good option if you are not in a vehicle, travelling alone or want to enjoy the coast without organising anything and just enjoy it!
You can opt for an organised tour with main points of interest and activities, or opt to move on your own to tourist points on the coast and then book tours. Note that bus companies also offer transport and tour packages on the East Coast.
Carpool or lift
You can find travel mates or fellow travellers who already have a vehicle, and are looking for people to join them and share the costs. There are a lot of ads on Facebook or Gumtree. Meet your travel mates before departure to make sure you have the same expectations, because once you leave, you will be together 24 hours a day!
Best time to visit the East Coast
The weather is always nice on the East coast! Summers are hot (+30C°) and winters are mild. The mid-seasons are the most pleasant to enjoy this part of the country. However, it will always depend on the location, as the climate varies.
Sydney is located in the temperate southern part of the country. The city experiences hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is around 20 °C. The hottest month is January and the coldest July. The climate in Sydney is pleasant throughout the year, however, the best time to explore this part of the country is spring.
Cairns is located in the tropical northern part of Australia. The city has a tropical climate. The dry season from May to October is a pleasant and warm period. The wet season from December to March experiences hot days with daily thunderstorms.
Generally, the climate on the East Coast is fairly favourable throughout the year. The most pleasant period for this road trip is therefore from September to November. The north experiences a tropical climate with a dry season (May to October) and a wet season (December to March). Better to avoid these months to make the most of your road trip.
The ideal time to visit the South of the country is in spring and summer. Then the North in autumn and winter. The best times to visit the East Coast are therefore the mid-seasons. That is to say between April and June, or between September and November.
💡 Travel Advice
The wet season lasts from late November to February in the north of the country. Some roads are at risk of being flooded and inaccessible. Plan your East Coast road trip in Australia accordingly.
How long should you plan?
The duration of your road trip depends on many elements: the direction in which you travel, your itinerary and your timetable. If you plan to do Sydney – Cairns, 4 weeks may be enough. If you want to start south of the coast and go north, plan at least a month and a half or even two if you want to take your time. Note that there are 3600 km between Eden (to the south) and Cooktown (to the north).
In general, try to plan wide so that you can linger a few days if you particularly like a place and want to spend more time there.
Why choose the East Coast?
Diversity of Landscapes: The East Coast of Australia offers an incredible variety of landscapes, from golden beaches to tropical rainforests, passing through cosmopolitan cities and idyllic islands.
Richness of Activities: Whether you are a fan of surfing, diving, hiking, or relaxing, the East Coast has something to satisfy all your desires. You can explore the Great Barrier Reef, hike in Daintree National Park, or enjoy the urban entertainment in Sydney and Brisbane.
Accessibility: The East Coast is well-served by road infrastructure, making road trips accessible and comfortable. Numerous rest areas, campgrounds, and gas stations line the route.
Best spots on the East Coast
You’ve no doubt heard of the Great Barrier Reef and its incredible marine life, or even Sydney and its opera house. Between big cities, national parks, heavenly beaches and thrilling activities, the East Coast has no shortage of incredible sites to discover. To help you plan your trip, here is a list of some of the best spots to explore:
Sydney
The most famous of Australian cities is obviously the most essential step of your trip on the East Coast. With more than 5 million inhabitants, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city with world-famous monuments such as the Opera House and the Harbor Bridge. It also has one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
Enjoy the hectic life of its centre or its charming neighbourhoods like The Rocks. Take a jog in the very large Botanic Garden and its breathtaking view of the bay. Discover its many museums and even Australian wildlife in the heart of the city. You can also relax on its many beaches, enjoy several walks along the coast or surf in the trendiest places of Bondi and Manly.
Blue Mountains
Just a 2 hours drive from Sydney, the Blue Mountains National Park covers 240,000 hectares. It includes forests, rivers, plateaus, waterfalls, or gorges … To visit this magnificent park you have the choice between several hiking trails.
Among the essentials, there are Three Sisters, the Wentworth Falls, the Evans Lookout. Katoomba and Blackheath are the main cities of the park and will each offer you magnificent views and a totally different landscape. The park is also the natural habitat of the emblematic animal of the national parks of New South Wales, the lyre bird which can imitate all the sounds it hears.
Jervis Bay
When you get to Jervis Bay you realize that heaven on earth is not just a dream. It is renowned for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, and stunning natural scenery. It is also a great place to spot dolphins and whales, which can often be seen swimming in the bay. You can join a 2 hour whale watching tour from mid-May to mid-November to witness the majestic beauty of migrating humpback whales.
The bay is surrounded by beautiful national parks and reserves, which offer a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and camping. The Booderee National Park is particularly popular, with its spectacular coastal views, bushwalking tracks, and cultural experiences ($13 for 2 days). For snorkelling, you will find a little more at South Hyams Beach, very popular for beginners and professionals.
Jervis Bay is also home to a number of charming towns and villages, including Huskisson, Vincentia, and Hyams Beach, which is famous for having the whitest sand in the world.
Port Macquarie
Port Macquarie is located 380km north of Sydney. The town is surrounded by natural beauty, with lush rainforests, stunning national parks, and picturesque waterways just a short drive away. One of the most popular attractions in Port Macquarie is the Koala Hospital, which cares for sick and injured koalas and educates visitors about these iconic Australian animals.
The city also has very pretty beaches to discover. Many museums and historic sites will teach you more about Australian history, such as the Church of Thomas Apostle built by the convicts in 1821.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is often described as the coolest city in Australia. A Bohemian atmosphere, surfing and an alternative culture make this city a place where you feel good and where you want to stay. At the same time dynamic and peaceful, this city bordered by the sea makes you want to land on the beach and do nothing but enjoy.
If you have some time, don’t hesitate to visit the small town of Nimbin. Located inland after a winding road, you will discover a unique atmosphere there. This well-known hippie town is famous for its cannabis shops and related products. While open-air sales are no longer common, you will be surprised by the clever tactics sellers use to attract your attention. With its colorful facades, strange graffiti, quirky local characters, and urban smells, you will likely leave the town feeling more relaxed than when you arrived.
Surfers Paradise
With its beauctiful beach, tall buildings, vibrant nightlife and amusement parks, Surfers Paradise is the must-see town on the Gold Coast. Here you will always find an activity to do regardless of the time of day or night. You can also take the time to climb to the top of the QDeck to enjoy a 360° view of the entire coast.
Surfers Paradise is a great place for both relaxation and adventure, with plenty of opportunities for water sports like surfing, jet skiing, and parasailing. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Gold Coast.
Brisbane
Located 25 km from the sea and built on the banks of the river of the same name, Brisbane is the capital of Queensland. It is a modern and lively city with an astonishing mix of architecture. The pointed roofs of Victorian churches rub shoulders with tall, coloured glass buildings.
With pleasant temperatures all year round, you can enjoy a stroll at any time in its Botanic Garden. Or cross to the other side of the river, in Southbank Park, to enjoy its artificial lagoon with a splendid view of the city. Take a map at the visitor centre at Queen Street Mall, the main avenue, the starting point for an efficient route to discover the city’s historic monuments and main centres of interest.
Noosa Heads
Noosa is a popular seaside resort on the Sunshine Coast for travellers. It is known for its stunning beaches, national park, and relaxed atmosphere. Noosa offers plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy, such as surfing, swimming, kayaking, and hiking. The town also boasts a variety of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops, as well as a lively arts and culture scene. One of the main highlights of Noosa is the Noosa National Park, which offers scenic coastal walks and the chance to spot wildlife like koalas, dolphins, and turtles. 334 hectares of tropical forest along the sea, you might as well say that the panoramic view is breathtaking!
Rainbow Beach
We mainly come to Rainbow Beach to enjoy its beach and its surf lessons. You can take the time to admire the rainbow-coloured cliffs that flow into the ocean or take a stroll on the large sand dune by Carlo Sandblow. From here you will have a beautiful view of the beach on one side and the Great Sandy National Park on the other.
It is also from Rainbow Beach that you can embark on a journey to the beautiful Fraser Island (K’gari).
Fraser Island (K’gari)
With 184,000 hectares, Fraser Island (K’gari) is the largest sand island in the world and the only place where trees grow in the sand. It is also home to the purest breed of dingos that you can see roaming 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 for 4WD you can go there with your own, with a rental or by participating in one of the many organised tours.
Swimming on site is strongly discouraged, but you can cool off in the Champagne Pools. Do not miss the famous Maheno wreck which is stranded on the 75 Miles Beach. Or The Cathedrals, a site made up of a series of colourful cliffs and Indian Head, one of the best places to watch dolphins, rays, sharks and whales during their migration.
Town of 1770 and Agnes Water
These two coastal towns at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef are perfect holiday destinations. You’ll find beautiful secluded beaches and coves, plenty of wildlife and a range of activities.
Whitsunday Islands
This archipelago groups 74 subtropical islands scattered along the coasts. The majority is uninhabited and are national parks, while a few others have large resorts. The town of Airlie Beach is the main departure point for the islands. You can visit them on excursions of 1 or more days. Or take a ferry which will drop you off on one of the islands.
It is also possible to discover the Whitsundays by plane, seaplane or helicopter to allow you to have an overview of the archipelago. Do not miss the famous Whitehaven Beach, its extraordinary 7 km long white sandy beach and its turquoise water.
Great Barrier Reef
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it covers almost 2,600 km. Stretching between Bundaberg and the northern tip of Cape York, the Great Barrier Reef can be discovered in two ways.
You can choose a trip of 1 or more days by boat to be able to practice diving or snorkelling. Or gain altitude and admire the coral formations by plane. The main departure cities are Cairns and Airlie Beach, popular for its Heart Reef.
Tours to the Great Barrier Reef
Find the best tours to the Great Barrier Reef. Read this article to find out more!
Magnetic Island
Set sail for this charming little island from Townsville. It’s a 20-35 minute ferry ride – $35 return for a passenger or around $250 for a vehicle depending on size and season. There’s no shortage of ideas for exploring every corner of the island: koala-watching hikes, scuba diving and snorkelling to marvel at the underwater life and the wreck of the SS Yongala (one of the world’s best diving spots), kayak, jet-ski and scooter hire, as well as encounters with the rock wallabies on the seafront.
Mission Beach
Located in the heart of a tropical rain forest, the Mission Beach resort is a city between sea and jungle. Lined with palm and coconut trees, its long main beach of fine sand is ideal for basking in the sun. Beware, however, of the many crocodiles and jellyfish that populate the waters. Protective nets are installed in certain places to allow people to be able to bathe.
You might encounter the legendary cassowary, the most dangerous bird in the world. Mission Beach also boasts a stunning 14 km beach lined with coconut trees. From there, experienced divers can explore the wreck of the “Lady Bowen.” Skydiving is also popular in the area, with jumps taking place over the sea and landing on the beach.
Atherton Tablelands
Located west of Cairns, this vast mid-altitude plateau offers beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Don’t miss Millstream Falls, 5 km west of Ravenshoe, the widest waterfall in the country. Do not miss the Waterfalls Circuit, a small 15 km road that leads to Elinjaa Falls, Zillie Falls and the superb Millaa Millaa Falls where a pool allows you to swim in this idyllic setting in the middle of the tropical forest.
The region is dotted with beautiful viewpoints including Halloran’s Hill Lookout and Millaa Millaa Lookout. You may be able to spot a platypus at the Platypus Park near the town of Atherton. Or feed rock wallabies at the Granite Gorge Nature Park near Mareeba.
Cairns
Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the city of Cairns is renowned for its peaceful ambience and tropical climate. This city of 150,000 inhabitants has a lot to offer those who come to visit it: an artificial lagoon, paradisical beaches and islands, a botanical garden, a lively and festive city centre, you can be sure that your visit to Cairns won’t be boring.
Daintree National Park
Accessible by ferry from Cairns or Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest is one of the oldest forests in the world. It will allow you to set off to explore Australian flora and fauna like an adventurer! Here you can see a variety of unique plant and animal species and feel connected to nature like nowhere else. To access Daintree National Park, you will need to cross the Daintree River aboard a small cable ferry ($47 / vehicle). Then a single paved road will take you to the magnificent Cape Tribulation Beach. Along the way, many small steps of about 2 km are offered to discover the lush tropical forest of the park. The 4WD can continue further north on the Bloomfield Track to reach the small town of Cooktown.
East Coast itineraries
Unlike its sister on the West Coast, the distances between cities on the East Coast are quite short. Yes, the East Coast is populated and you will find stores everywhere.
Choose your itinerary according to the season. If you are looking to enjoy pleasant temperatures all along the route, we advise you to leave from Eden or Sydney in the direction of Cairns if you are travelling between April and June, and vice versa if you are travelling between October and November. If you are travelling between these periods, choose the best compromise.
It may be interesting to end your road trip in Cairns which is one of the biggest cities on the East Coast in Australia since it will offer you more possibilities according to your needs. It will, therefore, be easier to find a job, sell your vehicle, etc. and you can fly there. You will be as close as possible to Asia. Flight tickets to Indonesia, for example, are relatively cheap from northern Queensland.
Where to sleep on the East Coast?
The East Coast has many large cities. You will be able to sleep at paid campsites or paid camp spots or go further inland to camp for free. For those who want to pitch their tent or sleep in their vehicle, wild camping is not allowed. In tourist areas, you risk a fine, or less serious, of being woken up by the rangers. So be careful.
You will find motels, inns or hostels offering accommodation all along the coast. The prices are very variable according to the standing, the season etc.
We advise you to download the Wikicamps application which will indicate the places where you can sleep, according to your criteria (presence of toilets/showers, free, possibility of making a fire, presence of a river, etc.).
Alternatively, you can use the Campermate app which is free but much less complete. You can also purchase Camp Australia Wide, a book of all free and paid campsites and campsites for sleeping all over the country.
Budget for a road trip on the East Coast
To fully enjoy your trip, you will need to plan your budget. Make sure you have the necessary budget and take enough money with you to avoid awkward situations. Here we give you some important points to consider when planning your road trip budget on the East Coast of Australia:
- Food supplies: $300
- Paid camps: $400
- Activities: $1,500
- Extras (restaurants, etc.): $300
- Petrol: 700$ (average as it will depend on your vehicle, consumption etc). The price of petrol varies a lot in Australia depending on the season.
With a rented vehicle
On average, vehicle rental for a month will cost you $3000 with insurance if you get it right. Obviously, this is an indicative price that varies a lot depending on the vehicle, the period and the agency you choose.
With your own vehicle
If you already own your vehicle, you will have no rental costs and your costs will, therefore, be less. You will still need to count: $700 in fuel. However, there may be additional maintenance costs which are not negligible.
By bus
The three companies that serve the East Coast are Greyhound, Premier and Stray. You can opt for a Hop On Hop Off Pass. This allows you to take the bus where you want and when you want to reach the cities of the East Coast.
Greyhound offers $450 Passes from Sydney to Cairns. From Melbourne, it will cost $550. Premier, it’s the cheapest company. It will cost you $255 from Sydney to Cairns. Finally, with Stray, the Sydney to Cairns Pass costs $1,100. This includes transportation but also a guide and activities such as Magnetic Island, Wine tasting in Hunter Valley or even a visit to the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie.
All-inclusive agency package
There are many packages with travel agencies. These offer packages with transport, usually by bus and tours to the main points of interest on the coast. Allow a minimum of $2,000 per person, prices can go up to $5,500 for the most complete packages.
By plane
If you have limited time, flying will be your best ally during your road trip. It is important to plan your road trip before you leave and identify the main stops along your East Coast itinerary. Then, look for domestic flights connecting these multiple destinations. The main cities with international airports are Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Cairns.
Domestic flight prices can vary depending on several factors such as booking period, demand, and the distance between different destinations. The best approach is to search and compare the prices of several flights to find the best deals. To give you an idea, you can find flights starting at $90 between Sydney and Brisbane, and from $150 between Brisbane and Cairns.
Complete guide to download
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
Practical information
Rent a Campervan or Motorhome
Main companies in Sydney:
- Britz
- Apollo Campervans
- Travellers Autobarn (5% discount available here: : Travellers Autobarn Promo Code)
- Jucy Rentals
- Let’s Go Motorhomes
- Cruisin’ Motorhomes
Main companies in Cairns:
- Apollo Motorhome Holidays
- Hippie Campers
- Travellers Autobarn
- Europcar
- Britz
- Avis
- Sixt
- Hertz
Rent a Car
- Avis
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Thrifty
Find your car at the best price thanks to this online comparator: www.airportrentals.com
For more information: Car rental in Australia
Travel insurance
Tips
- Road Trip Australia : Tips
