With its stunning coastline, epic adventures, and various iconic landmarks, it’s no wonder the East Coast of Australia is one of the most popular road trip destinations ever! Whether you’re an avid adrenaline junkie, a professional sun seeker, or a certified nature enthusiast, this dreamy stretch of paradise has something for everyone.
If you’re looking to travel the East Coast of Australia, Backpacker Deals has all the expert tips and guidance you need to make your road trip dreams come true. Check out our complete guide to the East Coast below and allow our team to help you create the ultimate road trip itinerary today!
How We Can Help
As a seasoned team of travellers, we know there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to planning the perfect trip. That’s why we decided to create our exclusive East Coast Package Builder so our customers can obtain personalised road trip itineraries that are expertly designed to meet their needs. You know what kind of adventure suits you best, and we’re here to give you the local insights and professional resources you need to make your dream road trip a reality!
Whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple, a group of friends, or one big family, you can rest assured that we have the passion, expertise, and insider knowledge to help you organise the perfect adventure. Try our East Coast Package Builder for yourself, or keep on reading for even more exclusive insights into planning the road trip of a lifetime!
Step 1: Choose How You Want to Travel
The first step for any great adventure is choosing how you’d like to travel, and your road trip across the East Coast of Australia is no different! There are multiple ways to travel along the East Coast, and you don’t necessarily need a license or a whole lot of money to get around! Check out the most popular travel options below and allow Backpacker Deals to help you find the perfect mode of transport for your adventure.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus
As the most cost-effective travel option, hop-on-hop-off buses are an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers who want to drive up the East Coast without driving up the price.
These buses will take you to both big cities and small towns, giving you an authentic taste of East Coast life and Aussie culture throughout your journey.
If this sounds like your ideal travel style, we can help you secure the perfect hop-on-hop-off bus pass for your trip. Simply tell us how long you’d like to spend travelling along the East Coast and we’ll find the perfect multi-day bus pass for your adventure. From there, you can hop on and hop off the bus as you please and explore each destination on your bucket list at your leisure. Easy!
Hire a Campervan
If you’re looking for a little more freedom on your road trip and would prefer to choose your own path, hiring a campervan is a great choice!
This option is perfect for travellers who like to take each day as it comes and is highly popular amongst couples, friendship groups, and families seeking flexibility on their adventure.
If you’re keen on travelling this way, Backpacker Deals can help. All you have to do is let us know your start and end location along with your travel dates and campervan preferences. From there, we’ll get to work finding a vehicle that meets your travel requirements and has all the creature comforts you need during your East Coast road trip!
Not Sure Which Travel Option is Right for You?
If you’re having trouble deciding how to travel, we’ve got you covered! Whether you need help weighing up your options or you’re hoping to explore other forms of transportation that better suit your requirements, we can provide the support you need. Get in touch with our team today to discuss your options and allow us to help you plan a smooth journey!
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Step 2: Explore Different Activities Across the East Coast
Before you begin your East Coast Australia road trip, it’s a good idea to take a look at the different types of activities you can enjoy on your journey. Then, once you’ve got a list of all the things you’d like to do, you can plan them all in advance so you don’t risk missing out! Researching these activities will also help you better plan your itinerary so you know exactly how much time you’ll need in each location. Nobody likes feeling rushed, right?
Need a little travel inspiration to get started? We’ve got you covered! Check out our list of the most popular East Coast experiences below and find the perfect activities for your road trip today!
Learn How to Surf
Have you really been to the East Coast if you haven’t gone surfing? This righteous water sport is a way of life in Australia, and as firm believers in engaging with the local culture everywhere we go, we’d highly recommend hopping on board!
Whether you’re a complete beginner or a surfing aficionado (aka a Righteous Dude), we have a range of rip-roaring adventures for you to enjoy, including introductory lessons, action-packed surf camps, and more.
Chase the Adrenaline
If you’re the type of friend who’d rather spend their weekend jumping out of a plane or diving with sharks instead of meeting up for a few drinks or a leisurely picnic, then we’ve got two questions for you.
First of all… WHY?! Just kidding (kind of)! Secondly, are you ready to experience the ultimate thrill-seeking adventure?! If your answer is a resounding “HECK YEAH!”, then you’re in luck!
The East Coast of Australia is packed with all kinds of adrenaline-filled experiences, from epic skydives and heart-pounding bungy jumps to riveting off-road expeditions, jet boat adventures, and more. Reach out to our team today and allow us to help you plan your most hair-raising adventure yet!
Spot Unique Aussie Wildlife
The East Coast of Australia is a haven of diverse wildlife and fascinating native species. From Phillip Island and the Blue Mountains to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, this unique corner of the world is every nature lover’s dream.
Whether you’d prefer to spend your time watching wildlife from afar or getting up close and personal with Australia’s most iconic creatures, we’re sure to have the perfect adventure for you.
Spot little penguins as they waddle onto the beach, swim alongside whales and dolphins, explore ancient rainforests and secluded water holes, and reconnect with nature in endlessly beautiful ways.
Set Sail on a Boating Adventure
When you’re planning a road trip across the East Coast of Australia, hopping on a cruising or sailing adventure somewhere along the way is a must-do activity. There’s truly no better way to experience everything that makes this beautiful destination so iconic.
Hop on a whale-watching adventure, take a luxurious sunset cruise, or enjoy an overnight sailing trip and witness the beauty of the East Coast from a whole new perspective. Whatever kind of trip floats your boat, you can count on us to help you find the perfect experience somewhere along the way!
Discover Diverse Underwater Worlds
The East Coast has some truly spectacular marine life, so why not jump in and explore it all on a diving or snorkelling adventure?
Discover the Great Barrier Reef’s colourful corals, explore Moreton Island’s iconic Tangalooma Wrecks, swim with whales on the Gold Coast, or snorkel with turtles in Byron Bay.
Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, the East Coast of Australia is jam-packed with endlessly exciting adventures for all ages and every skill level. Allow our team to help you find the perfect trip for you and dive headfirst into the vibrant underwater world of the East Coast today!
Step 3: Plan Your Trip Around the Top East Coast Locations
Some of the country’s most iconic destinations can be found along the East Coast of Australia, and every road trip map should include these places as essential stops along the way. If you’re not sure which must-visit locations need to be included in your itinerary, you can find them all below!
Melbourne
Melbourne, Victoria's vibrant capital, is an unmissable spot for anyone exploring the East Coast, with many road-trippers choosing to either start or finish their journeys here. Filled with culture and history, this city is renowned for its vibrant lifestyle, world-class dining, and iconic laneway art, promising endless adventure and opportunity to all who visit.
Stroll through Federation Square, indulge in the flavours of Queen Victoria Market, take in the colourful street art down Hosier Lane, or visit Phillip Island for an enchanting day of wildlife spotting. Whatever type of adventure you’re looking to have, this city is the perfect place to begin or close out your Aussie road trip.
Sydney
Sydney, Australia's dazzling harbour city, is a real highlight of the East Coast.
Famous for its legendary Opera House and iconic Harbour Bridge, this iconic destination offers a wealth of rich history and stunning architecture just waiting to be explored.
Learn to surf at Bondi Beach, visit the Rocks to explore Sydney’s past, or walk around Circular Quay to see the breathtaking views that put this city on the map. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture lover, or simply an avid explorer seeking new adventures, this bustling metropolis is guaranteed to be a memorable stop on your journey.
Byron Bay
Immerse yourself in the laid-back lifestyle and renowned surf culture that Australia does so well with a trip to the beautiful coastal town of Byron Bay.
This idyllic destination is known for its stunning seaside, distinct wildlife, vibrant arts scene, and carefree way of life, offering a dreamy escape into nature to anyone who visits.
Surf at Byron’s Main Beach, explore the town’s eclectic shops and cafes, or complete the beloved Cape Byron Lighthouse walk for spectacular ocean views that seem to go on forever. With its lush hinterland, gorgeous beaches, thriving local markets, and lively festivals, Byron Bay is one stop you won’t want to miss on your East Coast adventure.
Brisbane
Ah, Brisbane… Queensland’s sunny capital… As a Brisbane-based team, it might seem a little biased when we say this bustling city is our favourite on the East Coast, but we just can’t help it! As a particularly lively capital, you’ll find countless things to do in Brisbane, from discovering its hidden laneway bars and charming museums to exploring its stunning gardens and mountain vistas.
Catch a show at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, experience the vibrant nightlife at picturesque riverside venues, or enjoy a seaside escape without leaving the city at Southbank’s iconic Streets Beach. However you choose to spend your time, we’re sure you’ll come to love Brisbane just as much as we do by the end of your time here.
K’gari
K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) is a dream destination that deserves to be on every road tripper’s bucket list, and lucky for you, it’s located right along the East Coast! Take your road-tripping experience up a gear and discover the island’s boundless beauty on a thrilling off-roading adventure to its most iconic landmarks.
As the world’s largest sand island, this UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with wild adventures, gorgeous animals, and breathtaking natural landscapes just begging to be explored. From the crystal blue waters of Lake McKenzie to the golden sands of 75 Mile Beach and the ancient rainforest of Central Station, K’gari showcases nature's marvels in an unforgettable way.
Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands
Located further north along the East Coast of Australia, Airlie Beach and the Whitsunday Islands promise the perfect getaway for travellers seeking island bliss and exciting adventures.
With brilliant turquoise waters, world-famous white sandy beaches, and exceptionally lush greenery, visiting this charming slice of paradise is like stepping into a postcard.
Go jet skiing across the beautiful Coral Sea, sail around the phenomenal archipelago of the Whitsundays, visit the famous Hamilton Island, or relax on the pristine sands of Whitehaven Beach. From the lively atmosphere of Airlie’s town centre to the luxurious islands of the Whitsundays, this magnificent haven promises something for everyone.
The Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, and Beyond
No East Coast road trip would be complete without a visit to Queensland’s tropical north!
This is the ultimate destination that every East Coast adventurer dreams of, and considering everything it has to offer, it’s not hard to see why!
From the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforest to the laid-back city of Cairns, the seaside village of Port Douglas, and the stunning mountain town of Kuranda, endless adventure awaits.
Discover it all on your East Coast Australia road trip and allow Backpacker Deals to introduce you to everything that makes these unparalleled destinations so famous.
Got a Specific Kind of Adventure in Mind?
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, a culture vulture, a foodie, or… ah, you get it… Whatever kind of traveller you are, our dedicated team can help you plan an East Coast Australia itinerary that ticks every single box on your road trip checklist. Simply tell us what kind of adventure you’re looking to have, along with any experiences you’re desperate to try, and we will help you build the phenomenal trip you’ve been dreaming of.
Plan Your East Coast Trip with Backpacker Deals Today!
Well, what are you waiting for? Your dream adventure awaits! Check out our exclusive Custom Package Builder or get in touch with our team and start planning the ultimate Aussie road trip with Backpacker Deals today!
