Where should I go on the East Coast of Australia?
This post has been crafted to help travellers interested in travelling to the East Coast of Australia. For those who are unaware of its hidden gems, best things to do, places not to be missed…in summary my recommendations are as a Spanish traveller that had the same questions and has now travelled the East Coast of Australia several times with different budgets.
I’m going to focus on the extension from Sydney to Cairns. I will highlight the must-see locations not to miss and solve the main question: where should I go on the East Coast of Australia?.
Sydney, The harbour and Eastern suburbs
An amazing starting point for your travels. It has an international airport and has a lot to offer. There are many Australia tours and travel agency Sydney based that can help on day experiences or extended trips. Or you can decide to travel with your own transport. Whichever you choose to go with, this summary of Australia East Coast must see’s will be relevant.
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My favourite activities to do in Sydney to feel like a local:
- Bondi Beach and its coastal walk, through to Coogee beach. I lived in North Bondi and it’s a place I will never forget. If you are there towards the end of the day, head to the North Bondi grass area where you’ll get magnificent sunset views overlooking the beach, surfers on the water and the coolest vibe. I also love the coastal walk starting at Bondi beach and taking you all the way to Coogee beach. It’s around 2 hours one way. If you have limited time, at least make it until Bronte beach, that will take you 30 minutes one way. It’s one of the most Beautiful coastal walks, great for people watching, feeling the breeze in your hair, and even doing a little bit of exercise, what could be better!
- Taking the ferry line and going anywhere like Manly or Cockatoo island to get a feel and a cheap ride along this amazing harbour.
- At night go for drink at the Opera bar, just under the Opera House. Its where I used to finish every Friday after work for a few drinks. Great vibe, amazing views, and a great local experience.
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Dorrigo National Park
A beautiful and astonishing tropical rainforest where you can get immersed into nature. World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest. Its 6 hours north from Sydney. A great spot to go hiking and relax amongst nature. It’s quite unknown by tourists and makes it a great escape to discover waterfalls, ancient scenery, swimming holes under waterfalls, and great hikes. You can check individual activities to plan your time there here.
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Byron Bay, the bohemian lifestyle
I think everyone falls in love with Byron bay for many different reasons. I have been many times and love it every single time. I have been with friends, family, romantic gateway… It’s 8 hours north from Sydney, and 4 hours from Dorrigo National Park.
Best activities in Byron bay?
- Long walks at the beach surrounded by peace, waves, dolphins if you’re lucky and amazing sunsets.
- I like improving my surfing skills as waves are unlimited and there are many surf schools to get classes from.
- Also, there are many yoga studios and I love joining a few classes while there.
- You can spend half a day on a diving trip to Julian Rock Nature Reserve. Many diving places to choose from, so do your own research on the time of year you are planning to travel. Home to turtles, wobbegongs, leopard sharks, nurse sharks, big moray eels, blue groupers, cod, rays and many other species. The depth range is from 12 to 18 metres.
- Last but not least, go shopping! Plenty of cool shops and boutiques for all budgets. I recommend checking when the market is on to find great deals and unique pieces of clothing or home decor. Plus, Byron is known for its very healthy homemade food and smoothies.
Whitsunday Islands
A day trip from Airlie beach is the minimum you should do to discover the uniqueness of this archipelago of 74 islands. Here you’ll find the Australia East Coast must see Whitehaven beach. A spectacle of nature, remoteness and peace. Check the water streams next to the beach for stingrays. There are many extended East Coast Australia packages that offer a day to explore the Whitsundays. Or you can organise a tour from Airlie beach.
Cairns, gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
It’s a great place to discover these two must see locations of Australia:
- The Great Barrier Reef. The largest coral reef system in the world. Home to marine life diversity. A must do in Australia. Great opportunity for divers and everyone just interested in snorkelling. Its shallow waters make it a great place for both. Many travel agency Cairns based to help you organise your day tour or liveaboard. For all budgets and needs! In my opinion, I have been on a big boat with many tourists where all is included for the day. It’s a good way to discover the great barrier reef if you have limited time. If you have more time and you are a diver, I recommend a liveaboard experience for a couple of days. More relaxed, less people, and you’ll be taken to less crowded spots.
- The Daintree Rainforest. As Sir David Attenborough said: ‘One of the places that is really extraordinary is northern Queensland’. A jungle to get lost and amazed by its wonders. A place I’ll never forget. It’s hard to describe the feeling, and impossible to forget. Check this video to get a feel. In terms of how to discover it, you can look for an Australia tour packages or organise your trip yourself. I have done both. You can rent a car or camper, or research escorted and guided tours. There are swimming holes, beautiful locations where the tropical jungle meets The Great Barrier Reef. Please be cautious as it’s a very dangerous beach area as crocodiles live there. However, if you follow the recommendations it’s a very safe.
If you would like to get any specific recommendations, you can reply on the comments below and I’ll be more than happy to help you out.
If you are looking for East Coast Australia tour packages, I recommend for you to check what Via Travel has to offer.
They are an Australian family-owned business. Their guides are all local and all experiences and accommodation has been carefully handpicked by the owners. All their Australia tours have been crafted with love and passion. And all Australia East Coast tours being offered include unique experiences to make you feel like a true local, and sleep in well chosen accommodation every day. This takes away the hassle of you having to plan a trip, where to stay and which experiences to book, plus you’ll have a wonderful guide and other friendly travellers to share experiences with. Price-wise, I think they offer great packages with most inclusions. If you have the time and low budget, maybe better to plan by yourself. If you have the budget and not much time, I really recommend checking their Australia tours.
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