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Travelling the east coast of Australia is a bucket list item for so many people, but with so much to see the idea of planning this trip of a lifetime it can be overwhelming! 1Cover is here to help. We’ve scoured the East Coast for the best places to see and things to do and compiled all of our tips into this handy guide. The best trip for you will vary depending on what you’re looking to achieve from your trip, but we’re giving you a great base to start from.
The weather will vary across Australia at all times of the year, so when you go will depend on where you’re starting your trip and where you’re heading.
The best time to hit Cairns is between August and September, as the weather won’t be too hot, and will likely be dryer with less rain than other times of the year. A little further south in Brisbane, September to November are ideal months for warm, dry weather; with the rest of the southern parts of the country, like Sydney and Melbourne, being at their best in the summer months.
So, a great example of timing for a trip starting north in Cairns is, kicking off in September for 2 months on the East Coast, hitting Brisbane in November, and then using the summer months of December and January to explore Victoria and New South Wales.
Accommodation and Transport
There are so many ways to do the East Coast, the best option will all be dependant on both your budget and flexibility. In terms of accommodation, there are options to suit all budgets up and down the east coast. From backpacker friendly hostels to luxury resorts, and everything in between, you can really tailor your accommodation to your wants and needs.
One way to combine these two logistical matters is to rent a camper van. The price of these rentals will vary depending on the time of year, but generally speaking, as this takes care of transport and accommodation, it is a budget friendly option. This also gives you a bit of freedom as you’re free to stop and sleep when you need without adding extra stops and towns to your drive. Not the most comfortable or spacious option though so bare this in mind!
There are heaps of tour companies running east coast trips across Australia. These are a great option as they remove the need to deal with the logistics and research related to the trip, but they can get quite expensive. Another potential issue with these trips are you’re tied to the groups schedule, so if you’re enjoying a particular stop you don’t have the ability to choose to stop and explore more.
Hiring a car is sort of a happy medium, it gives you the freedom to make your own plans and schedule, without removing the comfort of sleeping in hotels or hostels along the way. Car hire excesses can get very expensive if you do have an accident, so including car hire excess coverage in your travel insurance is a good idea if you’re going this route.
Overview
We will dive into the must do’s of each stop, but these are our main must see locations:
Cairns is your starting point in this itinerary, and it one of the main places you need to see on your trip. Cairns is a relatively small spot, but it serves as the start or finish of most people’s trips, and as a result, there’s a whole lot going on in a small area. This is the gateway to the great barrier reef, a heaving party spot for backpackers and a stunning haven for nature lovers.
Duration: 3-5 days
Must-do’s:
Scuba dive or snorkel at the Great Barrier Reef: This is Cairns biggest and most unique attraction, and a bucket list activity for a lot of people. Overnight and day tours are available, you’ll be brought down by professional divers and instructors to see the reef’s diverse sea life.
Daintree Rainforest: This 1200 square kilometre rainforest is not only the largest in Australia, but the oldest in the whole world. There’s millions of species of plants and animals living here that are unique to the area, as well as crocodiles, tree kangaroos, cassowaries and more. You can even cruise down the river on eco friendly vessels to get a scenic view of your surroundings without disturbing the wildlife.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway: Make sure you grasp this unique opportunity to soar above the treetops of the rainforest on this breathtaking cableway. If the cableway isn’t your thing, hop on the Kuranda scenic railway instead and wind through the mountains between Cairns and Kuranda.
The next stop is Port Douglas. Port Douglas is a charming seaside town, boasting scenic beaches, cute boutiques and café’s and stunning food and drink. This stop can be all about adventure, or all about relaxation. If you didn’t get to the Great Barrier Reef, or the Daintree rainforest while in Cairns, these are both also accessible from Port Douglas.
Duration: 1 day
Must Do’s:
Mossman Gorge: Mossman Gorge is a stunning scenic walk. You can complete self guided walks or join a tour like the Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk, led by the local indigenous Kuku Yalanji community. Mossman Gorge is more than just a scenic walk, the area is steeped in history and culture, so take the opportunity to learn as much as possible about your surroundings while you’re there.
Four mile Beach: Four mile beach is the ultimate relaxation spot in Port Douglas. The coastline stretches as far as the eye can see, with crystal clear waters and golden sand, its the ideal place to kick back and relax after all your travels and adventures.
Rainforest Habitat: This award winning, eco-certified nature park is one of the top rated attractions in Port Douglas. Observe Australian wildlife in their natural habitats, and have the opportunity for up close encounters with some local species. With Wetlands, Rainforest, Savannah, Nocturnal and Woodlands habitats, you’ll have the chance to see a super diverse array of animals. The Rainforest Habitat also contributes heavily to conservation efforts, so you’ll be doing a little bit of good for Australian wildlife by visiting.
To get to Magnetic Island you’ll have to get to Townsville first and hop on a ferry. You can bring your vehicle on the ferry with you. Magnetic island is pretty small but very scenic and jam packed with things to see and do. This is one of the quintessential east coast destinations that’s packed with Australian wildlife, culture and landscapes.
Duration: 2 days
Must Do’s:
Scuba Diving: Magnetic island is an ideal scuba spot for beginners, with shallow waters, accessible dive sites and an abundance of qualified dive instructors. Along with the Great Barrier Reef reaching all the way to this area, there are also stunning shipwreck sites to explore. If scuba diving seems a bit intense, there are also heaps of amazing snorkelling spots around Magnetic Island.
Geoffrey Bay: Head to Geoffrey Bay to see the local rock wallaby population up close and personal. These adorable guys come out around sunrise and sunset and are often seen greeting visitors on the beach, so be sure to pay them a visit. Geoffrey Bay is also one of the top rated snorkel spots in Queensland, so be sure to join the trail for the chance to see not only gorgeous coral and fish life, but the Moltke wreck and a WWII bomber jet propeller.
Sea Kayak: The sea kayak tours in Magentic Island are super educational and informative, with a focus on being eco-friendly and leaving no footprint on the marine life. Join a sunset or sunrise tour to see Magnetic Island at its very best. Keep an eye out for marine life like turtles!
Airlie Beach is your next stop, serving as the gateway to your ultimate island adventure in the Whitsundays. Lounge on the sands of Whitehaven Beach or set sail across the Whitsunday Passage, there's no shortage of adventures to be found in the Whitsunday’s. Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays offer the best in relaxation and adventure alike.
Duration: 2-5 days
Must-Do’s:
Scenic Flight: Taking off from the Whitsunday’s airport the scenic flight tours are an iconic activity in the Whitsunday’s. Look out your aircraft window for a birds eye view of all 74 of the Whitsunday Islands. Choose your tour carefully to ensure you get a window seat, and get to fly over the iconic Heart Reef. Tours vary in duration and distance so be sure to compare providers and prioritise your needs.
Hamilton Island Cruise: Soak up the beauty of Hamilton Island and Whitehaven Beach from the comfort of a comfortable ferry or catamaran. Hop off at Whitehaven Beach and relax, swim or snorkel. You can also walk to the Solway Lookout to get a scenic view of the islands.
Turtle Spotting Bay Cruise: Set off from the marina and sail around the Whitsunday’s to look for Dugongs, sting rays, sharks and turtles! You can choose sunset or sunrise cruises, just make sure to research what time of day your favourite creatures are likely to be visible. Some cruises will bring you siteseeing on the shores of Airlie beach, Pigeon Island and Cannonvale foreshore.
This World Heritage-listed wonderland is best known for its pristine beaches, and rainforests. Explore Kgari Island a playground for nature lovers and adventure seekers with the opportunity to kick back on the most gorgeous beaches or head on adrenaline inducing adventures. Whether you're cruising along the sandy highways or spotting wildlife in its natural habitat, every moment on Kgari Island is unique.
Duration: 3-4 days
Must-Do's:
Lake McKenzie: This is the most visited natural site on K’gari Island. Filled only by rainwater, the lake is not fed by streams or the ocean, the pure white sand keeps the water fromm draining away. The water in the lake is crystal clear and so pure it doesn’t supoort mch life. The lake is set up for visitors with toilets and showers nearby, so you can set up camp and stay for the day.
Maheno Shipwreck: The Maheno was a trans-Tasman liner on its way to a Japanese wrecking yard when it crashed. The hull now lies about 10km north of Happy Valley and is now one of the most popular tourist sites in K’gari Island. This site is visually haunting, and so is an absolute must-see (and shoot) for photographers.
4 wheel driving: Due to the sandy landscape of Kgari, it is only accesible by 4 wheel drive. Embarking on a 4WD tour of Kgari Island is an exciting way to explore its diverse landscapes and hidden treasures. Led by experienced guides, these tours can take you off-road to iconic spots like Seventy-Five Mile Beach, freshwater lakes, and cultural sites. With rugged terrain and stunning scenery, a 4WD tour offers a thrilling adventure and a deeper understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage-listed island paradise.
Bonus Tip: K'gari has a large dingo population, which while stunning to spot from afar, can be quite dangerous so be aware of where you camp and where you store your food if you're staying outdoors on K'gari.
A little further south on the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a laid-back coastal town that's all about good vibes. With beautiful beaches, and chilled-out atmosphere, it's the perfect spot for a relaxed few days. Cruise down Hastings Street for some shopping and dining, catch waves at Main Beach, or explore the stunning trails of Noosa National Park, there's so much to do. From luxury resorts to cozy beachside cafes, Noosa has something for everyone.
Duration: 2-4 days
Must-Do's:
Beach horse riding: Head to Teewah Beach on the north shore of Noosa for guided horseback riding tours. These tours are suitable for beginners, and older children (above 7 years old) so this is truly a family friendly event. Head up to the hinterlands for a trail ride and the chance to get up close and personal with the nature of Noosa.
Australia Zoo: Close by in Beerwah, about an hours drive from Noosa, the late Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo offers a unique opportunity to see the most iconic animals Australia has to offer. The zoo focuses on convservation efforts, and is home to over 1,200 animals found in Australia, the African Savannah, South-East Asia and the tropics. Australia Zoo is unique in its ethical approach and conservation projects, as well as being an iconic Australian location, so bundle into the car or train from Noosa and spend a day in the wild!
Wooroi Trails: The Wooroii Trails are a network of cycling trails in the Tewantin National Park. There are trails for beginners, the glider and secrets trails, and experienced riders, the trailblazer and milkmaid trails. You can hire bikes at the local bike shop to ride through the rainforest environment, so no need to stress about equipment.
Byron Bay is a bohemian paradise known for its laid-back vibe, stunning beaches, and vibrant cultural scene. Surfers flock to its legendary waves, while travellers from all walks of life come to immerse themselves in its unique blend of alternative lifestyles and natural beauty. Whether you're exploring the bustling markets, indulging in delicious cuisine at eclectic cafes and restaurants, or simply soaking up the sun on the golden beaches, Byron Bay has an irresistible charm and endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation.
Duration: 2-3 days
Must Do’s:
Cape Byron Lighthouse: Heading to Cape Byron Lighthouse is a no-brainer when you're in Byron Bay. It's like a postcard come to life. Take a scenic stroll along the coast to get to the lighthouse and soak in those epic views. Once you're at the top, make sure you snap some killer shots of the ocean stretching out before you. The lightouse is an absolute must for photography enthusiasts, nature lovers and hikers.
Wategos Beach: Wategos Beach is a must see while you're in Byron Bay. Just a short stroll from the town center, this beach is a true coastal paradise. Picture perfect waves rolling in, golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, and those laid-back Byron vibes in the air. Whether you're keen to catch some waves, soak up the sun, or just chill with friends, Wategos has got it all. Plus, the views of the Cape Byron Lighthouse in the distance are just the cherry on top.
Whale Watching: If you're in Byron Bay between May and November, you're in for a treat as this is peak whale watching season. Head out on a boat tour and get up close and personal with these majestic giants. It's an experience you won't soon forget, as you watch humpback whales breach and play in the waves right before your eyes. Even from the shore, you can often spot them cruising past, so keep your eyes peeled while you're chilling on the beach. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for an epic Instagram shot, whale watching in Byron Bay is an absolute must-do.
There you have our curated tips and must do's for the East Coast of Australia. Whatever way you decide to explore the coast we're sure you'll have a memorable trip full of wildlife, adventure and relaxation. Anything can go wrong in the Australian outback, and 1Cover will be here to help, so make sure you have purchased your travel insurance policy before you set off on your epic east coast adventure.
Tara wrote this article. A passionate traveller and writer dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content.Learn more about Tara.
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