Australian East Coast Road Trip- The Ultimate Guide
Are you dreaming about taking one of them road trips everyone is talking about? Do you want to see what the East Coast of Australia has to offer? This is the ultimate guide for you Australian East Coast road trip. One of the most epic road trips in Australia is the East Coast. This is a road trip that many Australian visitors, especially backpackers, do as it is easy to plan and make it exactly the way you want it. East Coast has something for everyone – parties, nature, beaches, skyscrapers, and rainforests. You can also do it by public transportation, your own or a rental car or even hitchhiking. Let us help you plan the epic road trip that you will never forget with our guide that covers all the best spots between Cairns to Sydney.
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How to get around?
There are different options on how to travel the East Coast. If you wish for the ultimate freedom, the best way to do it is to buy a car – that way you can use as much as time as you want and you can save money in accommodation if you camp. If you want to save yourself from the stress of buying and selling a car, Australia has multiple companies renting cars and campervans, for you to choose a vehicle that fits your needs the best. For example Wicked Campers and Jucy are good options for your Australian East Coast road trip.
If you wish to use a more sustainable way of travel, a great option is to do the Australian East Coast road trip by bus. The most popular places (all the destinations mentioned below!) can be reached by bus. You can buy a Travel Pass from Greyhound, they have a few different options. Many solo travelers find the Travel Pass a good option for them.
There are also train connections on the East Coast organized by Queensland Rail Travel and NSW TrainLink. If you are short of time or wish to do only parts of the East Coast, flights are going everywhere. Some travelers might also find the best way for them is to use car shares – you can find groups about sharing lifts on Facebook or a few websites are helping to organize them.
Cairns
Cairns is the heart of tropical Queensland. It is the place where the Great Barrier Reef meets with the world´s oldest rainforest, Daintree rainforest. Cairns is the best place in Australia to go waterfall hunting as there are many of them around.
Cairns therefore makes a great place to start your East Coast road trip and we would recommend spending at least 3 days to explore the beautiful surrounding of Cairns.
Budget tip: Rent a car or explore Cairns region with your own car instead of taking organized trips.
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Where to stay in Cairns:
Where you find us – Tropic Days – We stayed here during our both visits to Cairns and we LOVED it. This hostel is €35 a night for a private room and two people. They also offer a bed in a dorm and the prices are from €11 a night. Another option is Mad Monkey, especially if you are after a good party!
Mid-range – Pacific Hotel Cairns – This hotel is located on Cairns Esplanade overlooking Trinity Harbour. It is close to shopping, restaurants and Esplanade Lagoon. The prices start at 69€ per night.
Daydreaming – Shangri-La Hotel – a five-star hotel in the center of Cairns in a good place to base yourself to explore Cairns for a few days. The price comes in on €118 a night.
Townsville and Magnetic Island
350 km south from Cairns is Townsville, a lovely town and a gateway to Magnetic Island. Townsville is a nice place to stay for a night and to go see the Castle Hill Lookout, but we wouldn´t recommend spending longer than a day here. What you can´t miss is a trip to the World Heritage-listed Magnetic Island.
On Magnetic Island, or ”Maggie”, you can find beautiful and secluded beaches and peaceful walks. You can easily spot koalas if you keep your eyes on the trees as Magnetic Island has North Queensland´s largest Koala population.
What to do in Magnetic Island: Go do the Forts Walk and admire the view from the lookout. Walk from Radical Bay to Horseshoe Bay and relax in the secluded Balding Bay on the way. Visit Geoffrey Bay in the evening to spot the adorable rock wallabies! (Please do not feed them as it can cause harm to their health!) Go see the sunset in the Horseshoe Bay or if you have a 4×4, drive to the less-visited West Point. Magnetic Island is also an ideal place to go snorkeling or kayaking, though check beforehand the stinger season. Magnetic Island is easy to go around by the public bus (day pass $7,40) or many like to rent a car. You can catch a ferry departing from Townsville to Magnetic Island several times a day. The return ticket costs $30.
Budget tip: Book your ferry ticket to Magnetic Island online as it is cheaper than buying from the office.
Where to stay:
Townsville – Civic Guest House – This hostel has a really good location, close to the centrum and right next to Castle Hill. This is a relaxed hostel with a good vibe. The hostel offers both dorms and private rooms. The prices start at 13€ per night.
Magnetic Island – Arcadia Beach Guest House – Located 15 minutes walk from Nellie Bay Ferry Terminal. You can enjoy a pool with a view of the ocean and a shared BBQ area. The prices here go from 42€ per night.
Whitsundays
Probably one the Queensland´s most famous places are the Whitsundays Islands and it’s gem Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven Beach has been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and not without a reason – it’s white silica sand and clear blue water make a dreamy combination that you won’t forget about. Make sure to visit the Hill Inlet lookout to get the whole view of this pristine beach.
A popular way to enjoy the Whitsundays is to go for a cruise. There are multiple companies offering trips. so you should find a cruise that fits your wishes, whether you are after a luxury cruise or a backpacker trip. Most of the boat trips offer snorkeling and a visit to Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet lookout too.
If you want to experience Whitsundays from a different perspective, you can go for a scenic flight. This is also a way to see the Great Coral Reef from above, which makes a magnificent view. You can also spot the heart-shaped natural composition of reef, ”Heart Reef”.
Budget tip: If you want to do the Whitsundays Cruise, make sure to pick one that you can bring your own alcohol. Espescially if you like to PARTY!
Where to stay in Whitsundays:
Where you find us – Nomads Airlie Beach – Located only five minutes away from Airlie Beach this makes the perfect place to stay if you are on a budget. The hostel also has a pool and the prices are from 16€ per night for a bed in a dorm.
Mid-range – Airlie Beach Hotel – This hotel is located right in the center of Airlie Beach town, all the rooms have air-conditioning and a balcony that offers a view out over the ocean. The prices go from 70€ per night.
Daydreaming – at Water’s edge resort – This is an apartment hotel, located 100 meters from Airlie Beach village. The apartments offer stunning views over the Coral Sea and Whitsundays Island. The prices are from 109€ per night.
Bundaberg
Bundaberg might be familiar to many in the form of a rum bottle, but it is also a city worth a stop during the East Coast road trip. The city is also a great base to go exploring Lady Musgrave Island and Lady Elliot Island and it is the most southernmost gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Bundaberg gives you a great opportunity to go see nesting and hatching sea turtles. Mon Repos Regional Park has the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles in eastern Australia, so if you happen to be around during the turtle season, this is a must-see in the area.
Oh and back to the rum! Bundaberg is, of course, the home of Bundaberg rum and all the friends of rum can make a tour to the Bundaberg Rum Distillery.
Budget tip: If you are camping, there is a free camping area in the middle of the town. It’s called Hinklers Lions Park.
Where to stay in Bundaberg:
Where you find us – Bunk Inn Hostel – This hostel is located just 3.7 kilometers from the famous Distilaberg Rum Distillery. They offer free parking and free bikes to borrow. The prices are from 22€ per night.
Mid-range – Railway Hotel Bundaberg – This hotel is located seven minutes with a car from Distilaberg Rum Distellery and they have a free parking area. The prices start at 43€ a night.
Daydreaming – Takalvan Motel – This place is located 1.5 kilometers from city center and the prices start from 96€ per night.
Fraser Island
World Heritage Listed Fraser Island is a unique destination. as it is the world’s largest sand island and it offers stunning natural beauty. Fraser Island has over 250km of sandy beaches, massive sand dunes and rainforest and along with gorgeous places like Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, and Indian Head. You will also most definitely spot some dingoes running around!
Most people explore Fraser Island through an organized trip. But it is also possible to take your own car there. You need to buy a permit to drive there and you can only get around by a 4×4. If you book a tour to Fraser Island, we would recommend choosing at least a 2-day trip as one day is not enough to see all the beauty of the Island.
Budget tip: There is no cheap way to do Fraser Island, but some tours are cheaper than others. If you’re okay with sleeping in a tent, check out, for example, Pippies Fraser Island Tours!
Noosa
Noosa offers a lot of activities but also gorgeous beaches and good food just for relaxing, and is therefore a popular place for tourists. It is also a great place to do some watersports. Everything from kayaking to snorkeling and during whale migration, you might even be lucky enough to spot a humpback whale.
You can also enjoy the walking trails in the Noosa National Park and have a dip into the magical Fairy Pools. Make sure to be early in the morning at the pools if you want to enjoy it without other swimmers! If you are up for a challenge, you can do the Cooloola Great Walk, an epic 88km walk from Noosa to Rainbow Beach.
Budget tip: As traveling the east coast can get bit pricey, make sure to save money by cooking your own food.
Where to stay in Noosa:
Where you find us – Nomads Noosa – Located both near the beach and the national park, this is the perfect place to stay if you are on a budget. They have a pool and also offers free a drink every evening. The prices start from 29€ per night.
Mid-range – Halse Lodge – Prices going from 68€ per night. This hotel is located 300 meters from the Main Beach and 500 meters from Little Cove Beach. Here you can also find a kitchen that you can use and that way save some money and not eating out every day.
Daydreaming – Seahaven Noosa Beachfront Resort – Holiday apartments offer direct access to Noosa’s main beach. There are also facilities like a heated pool and spa pool. The prices in this place go from 154€ per night.
Brisbane
This riverside city is a great place to spend a few days during your trip. Go see the cute koalas and other Australian animals in the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Besides that you can stroll along the lovely South Bank or enjoy delicious food in the EatStreet!
Budget Tip: Brisbane is an easy city to explore by foot, so save your coins, skip the bus and enjoy the city by foot.
Where to stay in Brisbane:
Where you find us – Bunk – Located 1.6 kilometers from the city center and the prices go from 12€ per night. That also includes breakfast, can it even get any better?
Mid-range – Great Southern Hotel Brisbane – This hotel is located in the heart of Brisbane and a five-minute walk to the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The prices start from 59€ per night.
Daydreaming – Stamford Plaza Brisbane – For 111€ per night, you can stay at this luxury hotel with a view over Brisbane River. The location is in the heart of Brisbane and the hotel has four restaurants to choose from.
Surfers Paradise
If you haven´t surfed during your Australian trip yet, now is the time! Surfing in Surfers Paradise is a must on the Australian East Coast road trip. It has the white beach and skyscrapers right next to each other and this view you can admire with a 360-degree view from the SkyPoint Observation Deck. If you´re not scared of heights, you can also do Australia´s highest external climb in the SkyPoint Climb!
Budget tip: To be honest, our budget tip is not to stay long in Surfers Paradise. It is a popular holiday destination and staying longer here will definitely lighten your wallet, so we would recommend keeping your visit here short.
Where to stay in Surfer Paradise:
Where you find us – Surfers Paradise YHA – Located just 2 minutes walk from the beach, this is the optimal backpacker’s hostel where you can find a good party and maybe even some new friends.
Mid-range – voco Gold Coast – an IHG hotel – Four minutes’ walk away from the beach you will find this hotel. The hotel offers rooms with hinterland or ocean views. You can in the hotel enjoy the spa pool, heated pools, and massage if you would like. The price starts at 77€ per night.
Daydreaming – Q1 Resort & Spa – Official – The luxury Q1 Tower Gold Coast apartments each feature a kitchen, spa bath, and laundry. Some of them also offer a balcony with a panoramic ocean view. The prices go from 134€ per night.
Byron Bay
We met a few people telling us that Byron Bay was the best place in Australia they had been to, so that set our expectations quite high! We only spent a few days in Byron Bay, but we really did enjoy ourselves. Beautiful beaches and good food – how could that disappoint us!
In Byron Bay is the most Eastern tip of Australia, so make sure to go admire the beautiful sunrise (or sunset if you´re not up for waking up so early) at the iconic Byron Bay lighthouse. You can do the walk up to the lighthouse or choose the easy way (which we did) and drive up with your own car.
Byron Bay is also a hub for some cool festivals, which you might want to check out if you are visiting there during the right time!
Nimbin is a peculiar little village about an hour’s drive from Byron Bay and a small detour on the Australian East Coast road trip. If you have time, do a day trip to this hippie haven. Stroll around in the small shops and see the colorful (and psychedelic) murals and artwork.
Budget tip: Save your pennies and just go and enjoy the vibes on the beach. Take a trip to see the sunset by the lighthouse.
Where to stay in Byron Bay:
Where you find us – Backpackers Inn On The Beach – With prices starting at 20€ per night and only 11 minutes walk away from the beach, this is the perfect place if you are traveling on a budget. The hostel also provides you with free shuttle and free bikes.
Mid-range – Glen Villa Resort – Located 2-minutes walk from the city center this accommodation. Glen Villas offers fully self-contained cabins with en-suite bathrooms and kitchenettes. The prices go from 55€ per night.
Daydreaming – Byron Palms Guesthouse – Located 10 minutes walk away from the beach you will find Byron Palms Guesthouse. Here you can enjoy the garden, shared lounge, and kitchen. The prices start at 99€.
Sydney
Sydney is a perfect spot to finish (or start if you wish) your Australian East Coast road trip! Everyone has seen the photos of the Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the white sanded Bondi Beach. With a vibrant city center and over 100 beaches, make sure to spend at least a few days to explore Australia’s biggest city. Check out more from our Sydney guide!
Budget Tip: On Sundays, you can travel all day in Sydney with only $2.80, so make sure to take advantage of this and go explore!
Where to stay in Sydney:
Where you find us – Wake Up! Sydney – This hostel is located opposite Central, Railway Station. It is set in the heart of Sydney’s backpacking hub and surrounded by nightlife and travel shops.
Mid-range – Song Hotel Sydney – Located in Sydney CBD with less than 10 minutes’ drive to both the Botanical Gardens and The Rocks. You will find a lot of restaurants and cafes around this hotel. The price starts from 75€ per night.
Daydreaming – Park Regis City Center – Located in Sydney CBD and offers a rooftop pool and a view deck with a stunning view. The prices here start at 133€ per night.
