{"id":55793,"date":"2025-07-29T17:07:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-29T07:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=55793"},"modified":"2025-12-09T02:05:13","modified_gmt":"2025-12-08T15:05:13","slug":"10-epic-spots-to-stop-at-on-your-east-coast-australia-road-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/10-epic-spots-to-stop-at-on-your-east-coast-australia-road-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Road trip ready: 10 epic spots to visit on your east-coast Australia adventure"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><strong>Put together a playlist, stock up on snacks and hit the great open road on your way to some of Australia\u2019s best-loved destinations, says writer Kate Gazzard.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"\/australia\/east-coast-australia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">East Coast of Australia<\/a> is made for travel with its internationally renowned beaches, centuries-old rainforests and exciting cities. With 3000kms to explore down the east side of <a href=\"\/australia\">Australia<\/a>, a road trip will get you into the heart of the action like nothing else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So you don\u2019t miss out on a single must-see destination, we\u2019ve compiled a complete list of the most popular places to adventure through, from the metropolitan city of <a href=\"\/australia\/melbourne\">Melbourne<\/a> to the laidback beachy neighbourhood of <a href=\"\/australia\/byron-bay\">Byron Bay<\/a> and the tropical northern shores of <a href=\"\/australia\/port-douglas\">Port Douglas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"product_wrapper ipf-no-title\"><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"PZSVC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/PZSVC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzsvc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">East Coast Australia Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">19 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzsvc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"PZYSC\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/PZYSC.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzysc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Real Australia<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">17 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzysc\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"product\" style=\"width:33.333333333333%;\" data-code=\"PZSB\"><div class=\"product-inner\"><div class=\"product-img\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/ipf\/PZSB.jpg\" width=\"100%\" height=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzsb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-name\">Sydney to Brisbane Adventure<\/a><\/div><div class=\"product-footer\"><div class=\"product-footer-left\"><span class=\"product-days\">7 days<\/span><\/div><div class=\"product-footer-right\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/trips\/pzsb\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"product-btn\">View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Melbourne<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Melbourne earns its spot on the list as one of Australia&#8217;s most popular cities, full of culture, creatives, sport, music and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the artistic graffiti-accented laneways, addictive caf\u00e9 culture (Melbourne\u2019s known as the coffee capital of the country), historic shopping arcades and world-class restaurants, you&#8217;re sure to find plenty to keep you entertained (and well fed).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03.jpg\" alt=\"The Sydney Harbour at night with Bridge and Opera House lit up.\" class=\"wp-image-87061\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_Sydney_day-01_03-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sydney Harbour is well worth a visit at night to see the Harbour Bridge and Opera House<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Sydney<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a laidback explorer looking to cruise the harbour, or a foodie salivating at the thought of their next meal in one of Sydney\u2019s trendiest restaurants, a couple of days here is just what your east-coast road trip needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A trip to Sydney wouldn&#8217;t be complete without a visit to one of the city\u2019s many beaches. From the super popular Bondi Beach and Manly to the lesser-visited area of Cronulla, you have your pick of sandy shores to explore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Brisbane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Brisbane may get overlooked for its more laidback and tropical neighbours (such as Surfers Paradise and <a data-wpil=\"url\" href=\"\/australia\/noosa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Noosa<\/a>), but it\u2019s worth a visit even just to sit back at its inner-city South Bank Beach and soak up the city&#8217;s distinct vibe from either Sydney or Melbourne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s plenty to do in Brisbane. Take in Queensland\u2019s 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\u2019s best restaurants. This family friendly city will set you up perfectly for the next leg of your east-coast Australia road trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more:\u00a0<a href=\"\/adventures\/how-to-travel-on-country-in-australia\/\">How to travel Australia as a non-Indigenous person<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02.jpg\" alt=\"The famous Byron Bay lighthouse at sunset.\" class=\"wp-image-87062\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_new-south-wales_Byron-Bay_day07_02-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The walk to the Cape Byron Lighthouse offers a great sunset view<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. Byron Bay<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think you\u2019ve been to the prettiest place in Australia, but you haven\u2019t 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\u2019 bucket lists thanks to its abundance of spas, yoga retreats, plant-based cafes and restaurants bursting with freshly caught seafood.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From hitting the surf in the early morning \u2013 check out one of Byron\u2019s quirky cafes for a delicious cold brew to properly wake you up &#8211; 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\u2019re sure to find walking its streets and sitting on its beaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5.\u00a0Noosa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You may have visited multiple stylish beach towns in your travels, but you haven\u2019t 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\u2019ll understand why it deserves a spot on this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 oceanside bars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01.jpg\" alt=\"A glimpse of the beach from the national park while surfers sit by the waves.\" class=\"wp-image-87063\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia_queensland_Noosa-NP_01-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Noosa&#8217;s coastal national park is loved by hikers and surfers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. Rockhampton<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;s natural landscapes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visitors can learn about the area&#8217;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&#8217;ve learnt about the region, nearby Great Keppel Island is the local favourite beach and takes you right back to the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. Townsville<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019d be forgiven for thinking your East Coast Australia road trip can\u2019t get any better, but Townsville will quickly prove you wrong. 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 epic views to keep you busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Read more:\u00a0<a href=\"\/adventures\/trip-in-my-home-country-australia\/\">How travelling in my own country felt as inspiring as a trip overseas<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-87065\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Cairns-group-orientation-tour-board-walk-ferris-wheel-1-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cairns sits right in the Australian tropics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. Cairns<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Far up north, Cairns is a place where the weather\u2019s hot and the landscapes are even hotter. You\u2019d be forgiven for thinking Cairns is just a jumping-off point for adventures to the Great Barrier Reef, but this tropical <a href=\"\/australia\/far-north-queensland\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Far North Queensland<\/a> town has a lot more going for it with well-loved sites like Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. Airlie Beach<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s a destination along the coast that knows how to have a good time, it\u2019s Airlie Beach. The <a href=\"\/australia\/whitsundays\">Whitsunday Islands<\/a> (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 <a href=\"\/australia\/great-barrier-reef\">Great Barrier Reef<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Active adventurers can also try their hand at sea kayaking, Segway riding or sail boating. If you\u2019d rather use your feet for exploring, strolling along the town\u2019s main street to the markets or oceanside lagoons is an option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing.jpg\" data-rel=\"penci-gallery-image-content\" ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing.jpg\" alt=\"A woman poses with snorkel and flippers on a boat in the Great Barrier Reef\" class=\"wp-image-87066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing-425x239.jpg 425w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing-1170x658.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Intrepid-Travel-Australia-QLD-Port-Douglas-traveller-on-boat-snorkelling-stinger-suits-posing-585x329.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A snorkeller exploring the Great Barrier Reef<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10.\u00a0Port Douglas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While this tropical holiday spot offers easy access to some of the world\u2019s most beloved natural wonders \u2013 the <a href=\"\/australia\/daintree\">Daintree Rainforest<\/a> and the Great Barrier Reef \u2013 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\u2019re looking at you) but it\u2019s also filled with trendy restaurants all offering delicious meals featuring fresh, <a href=\"\/australia\/queensland\">Queensland<\/a> produce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If that\u2019s 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\u2019re going to remember forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Explore <a href=\"\/australia\/east-coast-australia\">East Coast Australia<\/a> with an Intrepid local leader guiding the way. <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Put together a playlist, stock up on snacks and hit the great open road on your way to some of Australia\u2019s best-loved destinations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16234,"featured_media":87067,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[455,1313],"tags":[26,3056,161,308,3135],"class_list":["post-55793","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature","category-guides","tag-australia","tag-new-south-wales","tag-queensland","tag-road-trip","tag-victoria","ipf_region-australia"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.3.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Road trip ready: 10 epic spots to visit on Australia&#039;s east coast | The Good Times by Intrepid<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How do you explore a country as big as Australia? Split it in half and embark on an epic east-coast Australia road trip.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/10-epic-spots-to-stop-at-on-your-east-coast-australia-road-trip\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Road trip ready: 10 epic spots to visit on your east-coast Australia adventure\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How do you explore a country as big as Australia? 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