• Home
  • Contact
  • Work with Me
  • Start a Blog
  • Shop
↑
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

  • About
    • About Me
      • About Jess
      • Yearly Roundups
      • 101 in 1001 Goals
    • Work with Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
    • USA
    • Worldwide
  • Resources
    • Travel
    • Blogging
      • how to start a travel blog
      • tips for new bloggers
      • write me a guest post!
  • Work With Me
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
You are here: Home / australia/south pacific / East Coast Australia Road Trip Spots and Activities

East Coast Australia Road Trip Spots and Activities

last Updated: February 26, 2018
australia road trip sydney

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Pin it 0
Tweet 0
Share 0

Thinking of taking an East Coast Australia road trip soon?! You’re in the right place! Read on for the top east coast road trip spots and activities throughout Australia.

1) Start in Cairns

Being the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, you absolutely cannot miss Cairns on any East Coast Australia road trip! With over 2300 km of coral and other marine life, this opportunity is too good to pass up! After you’ve done your fair share of snorkeling (and/or diving), head a bit north to Daintree National Park, full of mountainous rainforest, gorges, and beaches. Did you know that Daintree is the oldest tropical rainforest in the world?! For quite spectacular views, take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a gondola ride over the rainforest.

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

2) Go Sailing in the Whitsundays

heart-reef-1649218_1920 (1)

Next up, the Whitsunday Islands, characterized by a dense rainforest, tons of hiking trails, and spectacular white sandy beaches. Don’t miss Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Whitsundays, snorkeling in some stinger suits (and with a massive stretch of coral and marine life, don’t miss it!), and laying out to get some sun. Most of the islands in the area are uninhabited, but consider staying in Airlie beach, the central hub of the Whitsundays.

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

3) Go Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

If you’re visiting the East Coast of Australia between July to November, you’re in for a treat. Whale watching boats go out daily to observe the humpback whale migration season, so don’t miss it! Hervey Bay is also a wonderful hub for exploring Fraser Island.

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

4) Hang out on Fraser Island

If freshwater lakes, sand islands, and panoramic viewpoints are your thing, you have got to make a stop at Fraser Island (there’s tons of things to do here!). This huge island boasts over 120km of sandy beaches, and loads of beaches and swimming options at Lake McKenzie, Lake Wabby, and lots of freshwater pools – a wonderful place to camp! Make sure to head to the island’s easternmost tip, Indian Head, for some of the best views from the whole island! In addition, visit the Cathedrals for their famous ribbons of colored sand!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

5) Resort it up in Noosa

It’s time to officially relax! This resort area on the southern Sunshine Coast has exactly that – tons of resorts to choose from, with beaches known for their heavy surf and tons of cute cafes and boutiques. Want to hit the trails? You’re in luck – a beautiful coastal trail runs north past the beaches, and you can even spot some koalas around Tea Tree Bay!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

6) Brisbane

beach-1222080_1920

Being the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a spot that absolutely cannot be missed! And this city, being located on the Brisbane River, provides visitors ample scenic viewpoints! Don’t miss out on the Brisbane Botanical Garden, located in Mt. Coot-tha, as well as the Glass House Mountains, which are perfect for hiking if you absolutely love wonderful views!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

7) Gold Coast

Another area to check out known for it’s long sandy beaches, great surfing spots, and intense system of canals and waterways. Up for a day at a theme park?! You’re in luck! Dreamworld, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild are all located along the Gold Coast! Hiking more your thing? Go check out the trails across Lamington National Parks, where you may even see some rare birds in the rainforest!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

8) Byron Bay

Another whale watching opportunity! Between June and November, you can see humpback whales from headland viewpoints, including Captain Cook Lookout. Another sites to include on your Byron Bay bucket list include Cape Byron Lighthouse, Cape Byron, and Wategos Beach!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

9) Last stop in Sydney

sydney-363244_1920

Phew, this East Coast Australia road trip is almost over! Sydney, being one of Australia’s largest cities, is a wonderful last stop! Don’t miss the epic Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbor, Circular Quay, Harbor Bridge, and the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden! Up for a thrill?! Head to the Skywalk, which offers 360 degree views of the city itself and surrounding suburbs. And trust me, even if time is running out, you can still do SO much with only 48 hours in Sydney!

[divider style=”thin” title=”” text_align=””]

If you have even more time, definitely head down a bit more south, as there are numerous gorgeous day trips to take from Melbourne, another Australian city not to miss!

What’s the best way to get around? Driving is definitely a top choice! And if you want to save some money and think you’ll be road tripping a lot throughout the years, buy a used campervan! You’ll save loads on accommodation costs, and many even have full kitchens!

Have you taken an East Coast Australia road trip? What was your favorite spot?!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Pin it 0
Tweet 0
Share 0

Filed Under: australia/south pacific, feature Tagged With: australia, road trip, sydney

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

hey there

Hi, I’m Jess. Professional wanderluster and trip planning aficionado. I teach 9-5 professionals how to maximize their limited time off with carefully planned out itineraries, long weekend inspiration, and general travel planning tips.

About 101 in 1001 Contact

love to travel?

Sign up for itinerary inspiration, travel tips, and more!

No spam, only fun!

About International USA California Itinerary Planning Resources Travel Shop

Favorite Travels

A Charming Day Trip from Mérida to Izamal, Yucatan: Mexico’s Magical Yellow City

Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal

Everything You Need to Know About Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Tulum Itinerary: Mexico’s Popular Boho Chic Beach Town

A Perfect 10 Days in Portugal: The Best Portugal Itinerary You’ll Ever Find

Travel Recaps

'13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 '19 '20 '21 '22

Start a Blog!

for only $3.95/month! Save Now

Guide to San Francisco

We've compiled a list to help guide you through one of our favorite destinations!

All First Timers Guide Things to Do What/where to Eat Sweets and Treats Jess’s Itinerary

You may also love...

Planning an epic Northern California road trip and looking for the best stops to make?! I’m here to show you all the highlights (think redwoods, deep blue lakes, and freshly shucked oysters)!
Best California Road Trips: The State’s Most Prettiest + Memorable Drives
25+ Overnight Road Trips from San Francisco: Easiest Escapes from the City
An Epic Canadian Rockies Itinerary: From Calgary to Jasper and Beyond

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO and FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

California. California
Greece. Greece
Mexico. Mexico
Hawaii. Hawaii
A Passion And A Passport Logo

About

  • About Jessica
  • 101 in 1001 Goals
  • Contact
  • Work With Me

Resources

  • How to Plan a Trip
  • Fave Travel Companies
  • Shop My Faves
  • Start a Blog

Destinations

  • World Travel
  • USA Travel
  • California
  • BLOG

California

  • San Francisco
  • Northern California
  • Southern California
  • Central Coast
©2023, A Passion and A Passport. About Work With Me Privacy Policy Back To Top
Design by Pixel Me Designs