A journey along the east coast of Australia guarantees an adventure full of variety. With our itinerary for the east coast, you’ll venture into the world’s oldest rainforest to search for unique flora and fauna, explore the paradisiacal Whitsunday Islands during a multi-day sailing trip, and tick off the most beautiful hotspots in Sydney. The vast east coast has been a popular travel destination for all kinds of travelers for decades. The nature is exotic, but the culture will make you feel right at home. It’s a unique combination that you won’t find in many other places.
Transportation for the East Coast Australia Itinerary
For your journey along the east coast of Australia, there are several transportation options. You can travel by bus, camper, or rental car. We chose to travel by rental car for the freedom it provided, and we enjoyed staying in hostels and hotels. Read our tips for traveling by rental car in Australia. Traveling by camper also offers freedom, but it’s less comfortable for such a long trip, so it needs to be a good fit for you. Lastly, you can also travel by bus. Greyhound Australia offers a hop-on, hop-off bus service along the popular spots on the east coast. It offers less freedom than a rental car or camper but is more affordable.
Determining the Direction of Your Route: North to South or Vice Versa?
The northern and southern parts of the east coast have different climates, so the best direction to travel depends on when you’re visiting. The best time for this route is in the spring or fall, with May and October being ideal months.
- Travel from September to November from north to south (Cairns > Sydney): This allows you to arrive just before the wet season starts in the north, and enjoy the first rays of Australian spring in the cooler south.
- Travel from April to June from south to north (Sydney > Cairns): Start in the south during Australian fall, then head north after the wet season ends, when the dry and pleasant weather begins.
How Many Weeks Do You Need for This Australia Itinerary?
The east coast of Australia boasts many beautiful places that are quite far apart. If you’re overzealous with your planning, you might end up with a rushed schedule. We chose not to over-schedule our trip and only traveled from Cairns to Sydney. No matter how much time you have for your trip, there’s always more to see. If you don’t have months to spare, you’ll need to make choices. For our itinerary, we recommend setting aside four weeks. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful destinations and provides a comfortable duration for the distances to be covered. If you have more or less time, feel free to adjust the route or the pace to your liking. In total, we traveled 4336 kilometers (2693 miles) with this itinerary.
Cairns
We kick off this itinerary with a visit to Cairns, often referred to as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. From the Cairns harbor, you can board a sailboat or speedboat and head to the world’s largest reef. Don your snorkel gear and marvel at an abundance of colorful fish and corals up close. Snorkeling or diving in the Great Barrier Reef is a must-do for your east coast Australia itinerary. Besides the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns offers plenty of other fun activities and day trips. Check out our tips for Cairns.
Daintree National Park (Cape Tribulation)
Welcome to the oldest rainforest in the world! Daintree National Park is our favorite destination along the east coast of Australia. This ancient forest is estimated to be 135 million years old, home to countless plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. It is the habitat for many species of frogs, snakes, wallabies, tree kangaroos, and crocodiles. You might even spot a cassowary, a rare flightless bird native to this region. Some travelers visit Daintree National Park as a day trip from Cairns, but if you have the chance, this unique spot deserves a multi-day stop on your itinerary. A visit requires some preparation, so read our tips for Daintree National Park before you go.
Atherton Tablelands
We stay in the tropical atmosphere, as after visiting Daintree National Park, we head to the Atherton Tablelands. This area is known for its many beautiful waterfalls, where you can often swim in turquoise pools. You’ll also spot unique animals here, including the platypus! You don’t need much time in the Atherton Tablelands, one or two nights is enough to explore the best spots. Stay in or around the sleepy village of Yungaburra, as it’s the perfect base to explore the highlights. Read our tips for the Atherton Tablelands to discover the best spots and cozy places to stay.
Good to know: You’ll need your own vehicle to explore the Atherton Tablelands. If you don’t have one, you can book the Atherton Tablelands day tour from Cairns.
Stop on the Way: Wallaman Falls
From the Atherton Tablelands, we head towards Magnetic Island, and if you leave early in the morning (and have your own transport), you’ll have time to visit Wallaman Falls. With a height of 268 meters (879 feet), this is the highest free-falling waterfall in Australia. A trail through the jungle leads you down into the valley, where you can witness the immense power of nature beneath the waterfall. If you feel like it, take a refreshing dip and then hike back up to continue your journey to Magnetic Island. Check out our tips for Wallaman Falls to get a good idea of the hike to the waterfall.
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island, located off the coast of Townsville, is a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches and crystal-clear water. The island is known for its granite rock formations, national park with hiking trails, and the largest wild koala population in Australia. You can also snorkel or dive at Geoffrey Bay and relax on the beach at Horseshoe Bay. It’s a small island, so you only need one or two days to explore the best spots.
Airlie Beach & Whitsundays
When you ask travelers who’ve been to Australia what you absolutely must not miss, a sailing trip in the Whitsundays will likely be mentioned. It’s one of the most beautiful places along Australia’s east coast. On a multi-day sailing trip, you’ll explore this paradisiacal archipelago with a fun group, rich in white beaches, viewpoints, and colorful snorkeling spots. As soon as you board, the enjoyment begins. The crew prepares delicious meals while you make new friends and enjoy the views over the ocean. The most beautiful spot you’ll visit is Whitehaven, an outlet of a massive river with crystal-clear blue water and pristine white sandbanks. In addition to sailing, you can also take a flight over the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach, which is an absolute must-do, as it’s the only way to see the unique shapes of the largest coral reef in the world. Read our tips for Airlie Beach and Whitsundays to learn more about both activities.
Agnes Water
To break up the long journey to Noosa, it’s a good idea to make a stop, and Agnes Water is perfectly located for that. We didn’t do much here except relax after the long drive. The next day, we continued on to Noosa, but along the way, we passed through Hervey Bay. If you’re traveling between mid-July and late October, it’s great to join a whale-watching tour from Hervey Bay. During this period, you’re almost guaranteed to spot whales, and the exciting part is that you might get very close to them.
Noosa
The coastal town of Noosa combines luxury with a laid-back surf vibe. It’s a bit like the Saint-Tropez of Australia, but even on a smaller budget, you can have a wonderful time here. You’ll find the perfect mix of nature and city. Noosa National Park is a lovely place for a morning walk along a winding coastal path. Along the way, you can spot koalas, whales, and dolphins. In the afternoon, stroll down the trendy Hastings Street, the place in Noosa for dining or shopping. There’s plenty more to do. Read our tips for Noosa to learn all about it.
Byron Bay
Byron Bay is definitely the most vibrant destination on your east coast Australia itinerary. If you have some extra time, this is the place where you’ll want to stay a little longer. The relaxed atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife will likely make you not want to leave. You can kayak with turtles and dolphins, surf the crystal-clear blue waves, and, of course, enjoy lots of delicious food. In Byron Bay, you’ll find all kinds of world cuisines, and just for the great restaurants, we’d love to come back here. Check out our tips for Byron Bay to discover the best hotspots.
Note: If you’re traveling from Noosa to Byron Bay, be aware of a one-hour time difference. Byron Bay is one hour ahead of Noosa.
Blue Mountains
After all the islands and surf towns, it’s time to head into the mountains. The Blue Mountains is a unique national park with many beautiful hiking trails, viewpoints, and waterfalls. The landscapes here are completely different from what you’ve seen so far. Towering cliffs, deep gorges, unusual rock formations, and dense eucalyptus forests dominate the landscape. Many unique animals live here, such as lyrebirds, black cockatoos, wombats, and swamp wallabies. If you’re a nature and wildlife enthusiast, a visit to the Blue Mountains should definitely be on your Australia itinerary. Read all our tips for the Blue Mountains and discover the best hikes and viewpoints.
Sydney
Welcome to Sydney, Australia’s largest city! This world-class city has everything to offer to close your trip in style. Walk through beautiful botanical gardens, relax on world-famous beaches, and admire the Opera House from all angles. Sydney is the perfect mix of culture and nature, and if you’re looking for something more adventurous, Sydney has you covered. You can climb the iconic 134-meter-high (439 feet) Harbour Bridge, then enjoy the best views of Sydney from the top. Check out all our tips for Sydney if you’re curious about other things to do.
Our Favorite Places to Stay at the East Coast of Australia
When traveling through Australia, you’ll want to stay at great accommodations where you get the best value for your money. Hostels and hotels can be quite pricey, making it sometimes tricky to find good accommodations without breaking the bank. We’ve searched for the best hotels and hostels for every destination along this itinerary. All of these spots are compiled in an overview with our favorite places to stay in Australia. These are all amazing accommodations that will make your trip extra special, and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
