Best Things to Do On An East Coast of Australia Road Trip

No trip to Australia is complete without travelling the East Coast! This long stretch of Australian coastline is by far the most popular backpacker's route in Australia and is not to be missed. There is truly something for everyone on the East Coast, whether you want high adrenaline activities or to simply relax and top up your tan at the beach, you won’t be disappointed. To help you plan your trip I have made a list of my all-time favourite things to do along the East Coast.

Cairns
Cairns is a great place to either start or end your trip along the east coast. This is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and a visit this natural beauty is a must while in Australia! There are so many ways that you can visit the reef from taking a boat tour, snorkelling and scuba diving, or even taking a helicopter ride above the reef! While you are in Cairns you should also take the time to get out of the hustle and bustle of the main town and take a trip up the coast to Cape Tribulation and visit Daintree Rainforest. Here you can see some of Australia’s most famous wildlife including crocodiles - it really is not to be missed!

Mission Beach
A couple hours south of Cairns along the east coast is the small town of Mission Beach. If you’re an adrenaline junkie I would definitely recommend spending 1 or 2 nights here. Here you can skydive over the Great Barrier Reef and land right on the beach - now that is pretty cool! And if you’re not quite done after skydiving then why not take a trip to the Tully River. Here you can have a go at white water rafting through the rainforest.

Airlie Beach
Airlie beach is not only a great town full of shops and bars, it is also the ideal starting point for visiting the Whitsunday Islands. The Whitsunday Islands are the pinnacle of many travellers East Coast itinerary and that is really no surprise as they are one of the most stunning locations along the East Coast. Spending an afternoon on the pristine white sands of Whitehaven beach - which is voted to be one of the best in the world -  was one of my favourite experiences. To explore the Whitsundays you have the choice of either doing a liveaboard boat or take a day trip out and swim and snorkel at fantastic inner reef sites.

Fraser Island
Another awesome place that you can’t miss when travelling the East Coast is Fraser Island. A 2 day tour here is essential if you have the time. As the largest sand island in the world, a day simply isn’t enough to marvel at the dingos, take a dip in the pure waters of Lake Makenzie, and cruise over the sand dunes. Never has driving around been more fun.

Brisbane
For a quick city break along the east coast why not stop for a couple days in Brisbane. Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and the third largest city in Australia. With the amazing weather and natural beauty, Brisbane really has it all. Take a trip to Moreton Island, cuddle a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and for a great view over the city and to see why people love it here so much, climb the Story Bridge.

Gold Coast
South of Brisbane you will find Australia’s Gold Coast and the world renowned Surfers Paradise. This is a really fun coastal town with loads to do including surfing (naturally), shopping, catching a tan on the beach and there is great nightlife! Beyond the beaches and Surfers Paradise you can find the Springbrook National Park which has some of Australia’s most fascinating flora and fauna.The Springbrook National Park is set in a majestic mountainous region behind the iconic Gold Coast city is famous for having the largest concentration of Australian glow worms! So why not take a trip here and witness the glow worms illuminated at night.

Bryon Bay
This hippy trippy paradise is a must do on your East Coast itinerary with stand out independent local shops, cafes and restaurants, it really is a breath of fresh air. I would recommend at least three days here, though many people end up staying longer - and it’s not hard to see why! It is also a perfect spot to learn surfing,a classic Aussie sport- immerse yourself in the culture and get amongst the waves. Or why not take in the stunning views from above with a skydive?

Sydney
Sydney is arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the world and you are spoilt for choice with activities to do here. Take in the iconic views of the opera house and blue mountains by doing a Sydney Harbour bridge climb or beach hop from Bondi to Coogee and all the other amazing beaches that Sydney has to offer.
A trip to the Blue Mountains by coach goes without saying. Particularly when you’ve overdosed on beaches while on the east coast, this dramatic mountain range is a beautiful break from the sand! Learn the legend of the 3 sisters, embark on some stunning hikes and check out Katoomba scenic world. If hiking is not your thing then why not check out the Hunter Valley. For wine lovers, the Hunter Valley is one of Australia's best and oldest wine regions. You can also try some of the local cheese and chocolate here - what’s not to like!

Melbourne
Arguably Australia’s cultural capital, Melbourne is a chic more urban stop on the east coast. You will be spoilt for choice of cafe’s and restaurants to dine in and the nightlife scene is equally as amazing! A sunset trip to St Kilda beach is definitely worth it to see the penguins waddling across the beach to retire for the night. Also take a trip to the Grampians National Park and drive down Australia's most famous coastal road - The Great Ocean Road. You can explore the Great Ocean Road in a day from Melbourne and see the 12 Apostles and take in the amazing coastal landscape. However, if you have the time, I would recommend hiring a car or campervan and spending a few days along this coastal road to really take in the scenery and enjoy all that the Great Ocean Road has to offer.

So there you have it, your ultimate guide to all the best spots along the East Coast! You can do this route in either direction depending on the season and of course add in or take out as many stops as you wish. I would recommend taking at least 2-3 weeks on this backpackers route to really take in all the country has to offer and check out routes off the beaten track. Check out our East Coast Australia Trip Combo to start planning your trip of a lifetime!