Put together a playlist, stock up on snacks and hit the great open road on your way to some of Australia’s best-loved destinations, says writer Kate Gazzard.
The East Coast of Australia is made for travel with its internationally renowned beaches, centuries-old rainforests and curated cities. With 3000kms to explore down the east side of Australia, a road trip will get you into the action like nothing else.
So you don’t miss out on a single must-see destination, we’ve compiled a complete list of the most popular places to adventure through, from the metropolitan city of Melbourne to the laidback beachy neighbourhood of Byron Bay and the tropical northern shores of Port Douglas.
1. Melbourne
Melbourne earns its spot on the list as one of Australia’s most popular cities, full of culture, creatives, sport, music and more.
From the artistic graffiti-accented laneways, addictive café culture (Melbourne’s known as the coffee capital of the country), historic shopping arcades and world-class restaurants, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained (and well fed).
Whether you want to catch a game of footy at the iconic MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground), walk beside the water along St Kilda Beach, view the city skyline from above at the Eureka Tower, or try out one of the hundreds of rooftop bars scattered throughout the city, Melbourne is bound to get you excited for what’s to come.
2. Sydney
Another day, another famed Australian city to explore. Perhaps the most recognisable city, thanks to its impressive Harbour Bridge and architecturally designed Opera House, Sydney is definitely one of those ‘must see’ sights.
Whether you’re a laidback explorer looking to cruise the harbour, or a foodie salivating at the thought of their next meal in one of Sydney’s trendiest restaurants, a couple of days here is just what your east coast road trip needs.
A trip to Sydney wouldn’t be complete without a visit to one of the city’s many beaches. From the super popular Bondi Beach and Manly Beach to the lesser-visited area of Cronulla, you have your pick of sandy shores to explore.
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3. Brisbane
Brisbane may get overlooked for its more laidback and tropical neighbours (such as Surfers Paradise and Noosa), but it’s worth a visit even just to sit back at its inner-city South Bank Beach and soak up the city’s distinct vibe from either Sydney or Melbourne.
There’s plenty to do in Brisbane. Take in Queensland’s tropical weather by taking a ferry over the gentle waters of the Brisbane River, stroll through a gallery or sample local produce at one of Brisbane’s best restaurants. This family-friendly city will set you up perfectly for the next leg of your east coast Australia road trip.
4. Byron Bay
If you think you’ve been to the prettiest place in Australia, but you haven’t stepped foot in Byron Bay then prepare to have your mind blown and your camera roll filled up. Known for its relaxed vibe, this beach town remains firmly on travellers’ bucket lists thanks to its abundance of spas, yoga retreats, plant-based cafes and restaurants bursting with freshly caught seafood.
From hitting the surf in the early morning – check out one of Byron’s quirky cafes for a delicious cold brew to properly wake you up – to hiking your way to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for an epic sunset, Byron Bay is one of those special destinations for the solace and relaxation you’re sure to find walking its streets and sitting on its beaches.
5. Noosa
You may have visited multiple stylish beach towns in your travels, but you haven’t set foot in one quite so captivating as Noosa. Once you set sail along its coastline or take to the trails in Noosa National Park, you’ll understand why it deserves a spot on this list.
Noosa also boasts plenty of urban activities along its Main Street. Explore the local and international stores and boutiques, eat out at an upmarket Noosa restaurant or sit back with a drink and a view at one of the many ocean-side bars.
6. Rockhampton
Away from the coast, over in central Queensland, Rockhampton offers a little diversity to east coast adventure. Built on the Fitzroy River, this cruise-y city showcases old-timey Queensland and the best of the state’s natural landscapes.
Visitors can learn about the area’s history and culture at one of its art galleries, the railway museum and the Heritage Village (a reproduction of the town in the 1850s-1950s). After you’ve learnt about the region, nearby Great Keppel Island is the local favourite beach and takes you right back to the coast.
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7. Townsville
You’d be forgiven for thinking your East Coast Australia road trip can’t get any better, but Townsville will quickly prove you wrong and have fun while doing it. Not only does this tropical town boast 320 sunny days every year (yes, you read that right), but its laidback vibe and natural landscapes promise to be the perfect next stop on your adventure.
Where the mountains meet the coast, Townsville is one of the best spots to enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer. Proving that she did her best work in this tropical destination, Townsville is full of secluded spots like the Big Little Crystal Creek watering holes, Jourama Falls and easy-to-challenging hiking trails like the Goat Track Summit Trail guaranteed to gift you with the most epic of views to keep you busy.
8. Cairns
Far up north, Cairns is a place where the weather’s hot and the landscapes are even hotter. You’d be forgiven for thinking Cairns is just a jumping-off point for adventures to the Great Barrier Reef, but this tropical Far North Queensland town has a lot more going for it with well-loved sites like Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.
Definitely a destination you want to cross off, Cairns promises natural wonders to explore and plenty of native animals to ooh and ahh over, from the sleepy koala bear lazing in the region’s eucalyptus trees to the colourful cassowary making its way over the rainforest floor. Consider riding the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway to see the city from a different perspective.
9. Airlie Beach
If there’s a destination along the coast that knows how to have a good time, it’s Airlie Beach. The Whitsunday Islands (where Airlie Beach is located) offers the best landing pad to take in the Coral Sea from above or embark on a day tour to the Great Barrier Reef.
Active adventurers can also try their hand at sea-kayaking, Segway riding or sail boating. If you’d rather use your feet for exploring, strolling along the town’s main street to the markets or ocean-side lagoons is a local option.
10. Port Douglas
While this tropical holiday spot offers easy access to some of the world’s most beloved natural wonders – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – it also makes for a perfect final road trip destination in its own right because of its undeniable beauty. Not only is Port Douglas known to have one of the best beaches in Australia (Four Mile Beach we’re looking at you) but it’s also filled with trendy restaurants all offering delicious meals featuring fresh, Queensland produce.
If that’s not enough to convince you to end your adventure in this laidback town, you can also head out on a hiking tour through the rainforest, take a cruise along the river, catch sight of a massive crocodile (in a perfectly safe and supervised setting), or swim among brightly coloured fish and over uniquely shaped coral on a snorkelling trip you’re going to remember forever.
Explore East Coast Australia with an Intrepid local leader guiding the way.
This article was originally published in July 2023.
