Stretching just shy of 18,000 kilometres, Australia’s East Coast offers a wonderfully varied journey through landscapes, beaches and cities that travellers often only dream of exploring.
Covering four out of Australia’s eight states (the Northern Territory and ACT are technically territories, but let’s not be too pedantic), the East Coast takes you on a journey through the iconic sceneries of Victoria, ACT, New South Wales and Queensland.
Starting in the cultured city of Melbourne and finishing in the lush wilderness of the Daintree rainforest, this 17,996km Australian route is just as diverse as any of the world’s continents.
Here are the essential stops to add to your itinerary for the ultimate East Coast Australia road trip.
1. Melbourne, Victoria
Built up during the mid-1800s, Melbourne features ornate Victorian architecture and wide boulevards paid for by the prosperity of nearby gold mines.
Recognized as the arts capital of Australia, Melbourne is home to impressive national and international galleries as well as many independent studios. Hidden between the main business streets is a grid of meandering bohemian laneways and arcades, giving the city an intimate feel and providing shoppers with charming boutiques and cafes.
Be sure to check out the vintage shops and alternative bars of Brunswick St, the bustling strip that is China Town, the contemporary galleries of Federation Square and the beachfront – and penguins – of the coastal suburb, St Kilda. Melbourne’s diverse appeal is also reflected in its famous nightlife, with drinking holes ranging from graffiti-stained containers to exclusive roof-top bars.
Travellers wanting to get out of the city can explore the dramatic 300km coastline of the Great Ocean Road to the west, or the Dandenong rainforest just 40km east of the city.
2. Canberra, ACT
Despite being Australia’s capital city, Canberra has never been as popular with travellers as other East Coast cities. Built in the early 20th Century, Canberra does indeed lack the historical charm of Melbourne and Sydney, but behind the slightly clinical exterior of this purpose-built capital lays some interesting buildings. It’s worth spending just a day or two exploring the national art galleries, botanic gardens and government buildings.
3. Sydney, New South Wales
Sydney is justifiably Australia’s adopted capital. Built around one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours, from humble convict beginnings this city has grown into the country’s most assertive city. Not just home to the iconic structures of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, this is a highly energetic metropolis that visitors need a good few days to explore.
If you are planning to work in Australia this is one of the best cities to live in. There are riding the waves at Bondi Beach, sauntering around the city’s museums and galleries, taking a scenic harbour cruise and experiencing world-class cuisine all to fit in. But beware; this is a captivating city you just might never want to leave!
A mere 2 hours inland from Sydney is one of Australia’s greatest geological wonders; the Blue Mountains. Lining valleys and ravines are the eucalyptus trees which give this national park its famous blue haze. With a combination of dense vegetation and cascading waterfalls, no East Coast road trip would be complete without a visit to this registered World Heritage Site.
4. Byron Bay, New South Wales
A hippy’s paradise and a surfer’s playground, this coastal town indicates Australia’s most easterly point. Its reputation precedes itself, with many drawn to this laid-back utopia for its perfect climate, organic cafes, artsy shops and of course the promise of excellent surf.
We now leave New South Wales and enter Queensland…
5. Gold Coast, Queensland
As we cross over into Queensland we start to experience the glorious weather we most associate with the East Coast. Boasting on average 300 days of sunshine a year, the Gold Coast is a 70km strip of coastline home to Las Vegas-style nightlife (Surfers Paradise), hard-core surf (Burleigh Heads) and a series of subtropical national parks that make up the Gold Coast’s Hinterland.
6. Brisbane, Queensland
An unpretentious city, nothing about Brisbane shouts ‘look at me!’, but that’s its charm. With a subtropical climate, this modest city offers a slower pace of life whilst still offering the discerning traveller the culture and nightlife the East Coast is known for.
From the botanic gardens and the galleries, museums and theatres of the Queensland Cultural Centre which all line the sweeping Brisbane River, to central urban bars and rock venues, Brisbane is a confident but humble city.
7. Noosa, Queensland
Situated along the Sunshine Coast, outdoorsy travellers are attracted to this boutique surf town for its excellent coastal activities. Noosa National Park offers undemanding yet spectacular coastal walks, whilst those seeking adventure should head to Noosa River for a spot of kayaking, or a 3-day canoe tour up to the Great Sandy National Park. With up-market shops and top seafood restaurants, Noosa is one of the more chic East Coast towns.
8. Fraser Island, Queensland
This 120km long sand-island is like no other place on earth – literally. Completely unique, day or overnight trippers to this island can expect to be amazed by the surprising mixture of luscious rainforest, mammoth sand dunes, crystal clear lakes, unspoilt beaches and disappearing horizons.
Accessible only by 4WD and home to wild dingoes, sharks and treacherous ocean rips, this island is just as extraordinary as it is undeniably hostile.
9. Whitsunday Islands, Queensland
Accessible from the lively coastal village of Airlie Beach, this cluster of 90+ islands is located right in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Of the islands which are inhabited (most remain untouched) there are luxurious resorts, white sandy beaches and dramatic hill-walks to explore. But of course the real treasures here lie in the clear turquoise waters. A scuba-diving and snorkelling haven, day boat trips and overnight yachting excursions to see the tropical fish and colourful coral reefs are what draw in the crowds.
10. Magnetic Island, Queensland
Just 8km out to sea from the harbour-side settlement of Townsville (also Australia’s largest tropical town) lays Magnetic Island, or Maggie as it is often affectionately known. A real treat for hikers, Maggie offers an abundance of walking trails which take in the island’s wildlife – keep your eyes out for dozing koalas – and coastal scenes.
11. Cairns, Queensland
Its convenient location to the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree rainforest to the north and Atherton Tableland to the south help make Cairns the tourist capital of northern Queensland.
Whether soaking up the tropical atmosphere by the lagoon, enjoying the views from the Kuranda Scenic Railway, taking a snorkelling trip out to the reef or dancing the night away in one of the town’s renowned party hostels, Cairns offers travellers an all-Aussie experience.
12. Daintree Rainforest, Queensland
As one of the world’s oldest existing rainforests, Daintree is home to some of the most rare and diverse flora and fauna species. Providing everything from concealed crocodiles and inhospitable swamp-lands to quaint capes and short boardwalk trails, Daintree certainly offers the most extraordinary end to this East Coast journey.
Australia really is an amazing destination and the east coast is right up there with one of the best road trip destinations on the planet. Whether you fancy the trip of a lifetime, or spend a gap year in Australia, the east coast really is a must do. You can travel the east coast independently on public transport, rent a camper van or book Australia tours. Whatever you decide to do, just go!