The ultimate East Coast Australia road trip guide! A customizable adventure that includes Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, and more.
Australia’s East Coast is the perfect place for beach lovers and adventurers to complete an epic road trip.
Silky white sand and clear blue waters line pretty much the entire East Coast, with dense forests and hills framing the charming surf towns that lie beside the ocean.
I’ve created this East Coast Australia Road Trip Guide to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Because I live in Australia, I’ve traveled from Melbourne to Cairns in little bits and pieces. I’ve never done the entire coast at once, mainly because I don’t feel rushed as this is my home now!
But for travelers, I do recommend seeing as much of the East Coast as possible. There are so many amazing places, and there are tons of amenities along the way.
East Coast Australia Road Trip On A Budget
An East Coast Australia road trip is easy to do on a budget!
If you save money on accommodation by camping or sleeping in your campervan, prepare most of your own meals, and prioritize free activities, you can easy drive around Australia cheaply.
Petrol will likely be your biggest expense. And the cost of car hire if you need to rent a vehicle. But it’s all worth it!
Browse rental car prices in Australia!
Where to stay on Australia’s East Coast
I highly recommend a campervan where you can sleep in the car for your East Coast Australia road trip. It suits the outdoorsy lifestyle and is more convenient than packing up a tent constantly.
But camping is also a great option if you don’t have a car with space for a bed. You often have to pay for campsites whether you’re in a tent or in a van. But you can also find some free spots on Free Camping Australia.
If you don’t want to camp in the car or in a tent, you can also stay in hostels or hotels.
There are some great hostels along Australia’s East Coast, especially in the touristy spots. If you’re in a small town, there may be no hostels in which case you would need a hotel or Airbnb.
But you can easily find comfortable and affordable accommodations on Booking.com. Look for apartment rentals, motels, holiday rentals, cabins, and everything in between.
Also consider a work exchange in Australia to further save money on accommodation before or after your road trip!
Find the best places to stay on Australia’s East Coast online via Booking.com!
Eating on a budget
Try to prepare most of your own meals using cheap ingredients from budget grocery stores like Aldi. Dining out is very expensive in Australia!
Things like tuna wraps, pastas, and eggs are easy to whip up yourself at a campsite cheaply.
Free activities
Because Australia’s East Coast is packed with beautiful beaches and hiking trails, most of the landscape can be enjoyed for free.
Enjoy the free things and supplement with fun tours if you wish like Whitsundays sailing tours, Great Barrier Reef tours, or a K’gari 4WD tour.
Check out my ultimate Australia Budget Travel Guide for the best ways to save money.
How long does it take to road trip East Coast Australia?
Most people would recommend 6 weeks or more for an entire East Coast Australia road trip from Melbourne to Cairns.
This leaves ample time to explore each area you’re in without rushing.
But you just have to plan your own schedule and decide how long you want in each place.
Again, an entire East Coast Australia road trip is a massive journey. If you don’t have 6 weeks to spare, you can just do parts of this itinerary. Or skip some stops!
Some fun but smaller road trip ideas include:
- Melbourne to Sydney
- Melbourne to Great Ocean Road
- NSW South Coast
- Sydney to Brisbane
- Brisbane to Cairns
- Cairns to Daintree Rainforest
So here is a brief outline of a classic East Coast Australia road trip.
I’ll include the famous hotspots, like Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach, and Cairns. I’ll also mention some less touristy spots in between that I personally love.
For adventures further north, check out:
For things to do south of Sydney, check out:
For anyone interested in living and working in Australia, check out:
East Coast Australia Road Trip Guide (Melbourne to Cairns)
This east coast Australia road trip guide will begin in Melbourne and end in Cairns.
Again, feel free to alter this itinerary to make it fit your schedule. Be sure to look up driving times in advance, as the distances between places in Australia can be much larger than you might think.
I also recommend getting an eSIM so you can have data on your road trip. This makes it super easy to stay connected and get maps, music, and entertainment while you tackle those long hours of driving.
Check prices for an Australia eSIM with Saily!
Melbourne
After Sydney, Melbourne is the next most popular place for travelers to begin an Australia trip.
It’s a vibrant city full of art, culture, history, architecture, parks, cafes, and more.
Indulge in some cocktails at a rooftop bar, sample the amazing coffee, and wander through the city’s epic laneways to admire the street art.
Melbourne is a very cool spot, but the weather is nicest in summer!
Favorite activities in Melbourne:
- Admiring the city skyline from the Shrine of Remembrance
- Strolling past the colorful Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes
- Wine tasting on the Mornington Peninsula
Travel tip for Melbourne:
Definitely go see the Great Ocean Road if you have time! I highly recommend doing this as a separate road trip and camping so you can escape the day trip crowds.
You might even see some koalas in the wild, which is absolutely amazing.
Bermagui
Bermagui is a tranquil coastal town on the south coast of New South Wales.
This is a lovely place to stop for a picnic, a stroll through the town, and a swim in one of the ocean pools.
The town has a beautiful coastline where you can often spot seals playing in the waves, or whales in winter!
Favorite activities in Bermagui:
- Swimming in the Blue Pool
- Hiking the nearby trail to Horse Head Rock
Jervis Bay
After driving along the coast of Victoria and southern New South Wales, stop off in the magical oasis of Jervis Bay.
Located just 2 hours of south of Sydney, Jervis Bay has some of Australia’s most beautiful beaches.
Among them is Hyams Beach, which has some of the whitest sand in the world. Do the White Sands Walk to get the best views of Hyams and the other neighboring beaches.
Favorite activities in Jervis Bay:
- Whale watching in winter
- Scuba diving or snorkeling off the coast
- Exploring Huskisson town center
- Hiking the White Sands Walk
Travel tip for Jervis Bay:
There are some incredible campgrounds in Jervis Bay, particularly in Booderee National Park.
I personally love Green Patch Campground, where you can walk right out onto a deserted, pristine, white-sand beach.
Blue Mountains
The Blue Mountains are one of my favorite places in Australia. There is vast, untouched wilderness and it’s really easy to escape the crowds.
Though you will have to detour slightly from your East Coast Australia road trip, I think it’s worth it.
The mountains are about 1.5 hours inland from downtown Sydney.
If you do make the trip out, I recommend staying for at least a day or two. This gives you time for some incredible hikes, waterfall swims, an overnight stay in a charming mountain town, and the chance to see sunrise or sunset.
Favorite activities in the Blue Mountains:
- Hiking – view the list of my favorites here
- Lookouts – view the list of my favorites here
- Waterfalls – view the list of my favorites here
Travel tip for the Blue Mountains:
If you are going to stay overnight, I recommend Blackheath.
Katoomba is the main tourist town in the Blue Mountains, and it’s close to the famous Three Sisters Lookout.
But I think Blackheath is slightly more charming. It’s quieter and lots of my favorite hikes start from Blackheath, such as Hanging Rock and Porters Pass.
Sydney
Take at least a few days to enjoy the world-famous city of Sydney!
The iconic sights in Sydney Harbour are incredible in real life, such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbor Bridge, Botanic Gardens, and more.
Try to get out to the coast if you can, whether it’s touristy spots like Bondi or Manly or a quieter suburb like Cronulla, Maroubra, or Palm Beach.
For more ideas, try these top things to do in Sydney and these non touristy things to do in Sydney.
Favorite activities in Sydney:
- Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
- Hike to the Barrenjoey Lighthouse in Palm Beach
- Explore the Rocks Markets
- Sunrise or sunset at the Sydney Opera House
- Beach day in Cronulla
Travel tip for Sydney:
If you’re driving through Sydney CBD, be wary of tolls. The city centre has some super expensive tolls, some that are up to $20.
To save money, make sure you choose a toll-free route on your road trip.
Stop 14: Newcastle
The second biggest city in NSW, Newcastle is known for its busy harbor and amazing beaches.
We hung out around the beach the whole time, so I can’t say much about what goes on inside the city.
But the two beaches I enjoyed most are the huge Merewether Beach and the quieter Nobby’s Beach.
Favorite Activity in Newcastle:
Walking along the raised platform of the Memorial Walk.
This walkway has plaques and images that commemorate Australian soldiers who fought in past wars. The view of the city and ocean below is stunning.
Port Stephens
Port Stephens is a quiet town with a harbor, beaches, mountains, nature reserves, and more.
It’s also one of the best places for whale watching during the winter months of May to November.
Other fun activities include sandboarding, snorkeling, swimming with dolphins, hiking, and eating fresh seafood.
Read next: 12 Amazing Things To Do In Port Stephens
Favorite Activity in Port Stephens:
Hiking up to the Tomaree Head Mountain Summit for sunrise. The hike takes less than an hour and the views are insane!
Forster
Located in mid-north New South Wales, Forster is yet another coastal town with rich national parks neighboring the rippling waves of the Pacific.
Popular beaches here include Boomerang Beach and Bluey’s Beach.
There are plenty of campsites in Booti Booti National Park, some with hot showers.
Favorite Activity in Forster:
Watching the sunrise over the glassy surface of Wallis Lake.
Crescent Head
Crescent Head is a popular holiday spot for surfers and families in NSW.
It can get crowded on weekends and in summer so be sure to book your campsites in advance.
The beach has crystal clear water, fun waves for surfing, and lots of amazing shells.
Favorite Activities in Crescent Head:
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Enjoying the serenity
Travel tips for Crescent Head:
Also be sure to walk up to the big headland on the edge of the area. You get amazing views of the coastline and campsite!
Iluka
For a bit of peace and quiet before getting to Byron Bay, Iluka is perfect.
This tiny seaside village has a soothing atmosphere. The Iluka Nature Reserve has plenty of walking tracks for enjoying the serenity of nature.
Favorite Activity in Iluka:
Practicing my sports photography skills while Matt surfed amazing waves at the Breakwall.
Byron Bay
This trendy hipster town is crowded with cool shops, great food, and stunning beaches.
The coastal walk to the Lighthouse is perfect for viewing all the natural beauty that thrives on the outskirts of the busy town center.
On this walk, I noticed the effort that the community here makes to protect the environment, with recycling bins and cigarette disposal stands scattered everywhere.
There are also lots of little signs educating people about the whales and dolphins that live near the area, showing respect for the local wildlife.
Favorite Activities in Byron Bay:
- Walking the coastal track to Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Surfing at The Pass
- Driving 30 minutes outside town to Killen Falls
Travel Tips for Byron Bay:
If you have lots of time in Byron Bay, there are so many fun activities to do.
You can go on a sea kayaking tour, go skydiving, or even go on a full-day wildlife safari.
Byron Bay is another popular place for learning how to surf. Book your surf lesson here!
Lamington National Park
Once you cross the border into Queensland, I recommend doing a little bit of time inland to explore the Hinterland. Located about an hour inland from the Gold Coast, Lamington National Park is truly incredible.
Steep winding roads allow you to climb higher and higher over the sprawling greenery below.
I have to thank my friend from Brisbane for taking us here. Our van would have struggled on those uphill hairpin turns.
Favorite Activity in Lamington National Park:
Hiking to Moran Falls and watching the sunset over the valley from the top of the waterfall.
Rainbow Bay and Snapper Rocks
Rainbow Bay is a gorgeous collection of beaches boasting great waves and picturesque scenery.
We only hung out here for an afternoon. But it’s a great spot for anyone who wants to surf, swim, or soak in the sun.
It’s also a quieter alternative to the Gold Coast’s busy beaches.
Favorite Activity in Rainbow Bay:
Hike the short coastal walk from Snapper Rocks to the grassy hill that overlooks Duranbah Beach.
Then chill out here and watch all the good surfers ride the pumping waves.
Gold Coast or Burleigh Heads
Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most famous beach cities. There are epic beaches, nightlife, and theme parks here.
On our East Coast Australia road trip, we chose to skip the Gold Coast and opt for the quieter beaches nearby. The city is just a bit hectic for my taste.
But I absolutely love the nearby suburb of Burleigh Heads. We spent three days here because we loved it so much!
Right next to the main beach is a long stretch of running/walking track and plenty of grassy space for fitness and picnics.
The waves are fun and the small national park on the headland has an easy, enjoyable walking trail.
Right next to the beach is a big park and campground with instant hot water and barbecues.
Favorite Activity in Burleigh Heads:
At the northern end of the running track, there is a small, steep hill that leads to a wonderful lookout.
You can see Burleigh Heads to the south, and the skyscrapers of the Gold Coast to the north.
Brisbane
This thriving city is the capital of Queensland, and its large size means it’s full of sightseeing and nightlife.
There are amazing markets where you can feast on different cuisines, and lots of top-rated museums.
You can do river cruises, hike to the nearby Mount Coot-tha, or hit the town at night.
Brisbane is an epic city and there is so much to do.
Read my article “22 Fun Things To Do In Brisbane” for more inspiration!
Favorite Activities in Brisbane:
- Exploring the Riverside Markets on Sunday
- Strolling along the South Bank for lovely views and nice places to eat
- Visiting the Epicurious Gardens for local produce
Travel Tip for Brisbane:
Stradbroke Island is supposed to be amazing and I wish we had the chance to go there. The same goes for Moreton Island.
If you have time, I recommend taking a day trip to one of Brisbane’s surrounding islands. Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island are both beautiful!
Kondalilla National Park
As you drive through the Sunshine Coast, I recommend heading inland to explore the Hinterland.
Sunshine Coast has amazing beaches, but you’ve likely already seen many and you’ll see more in Noosa.
Drive through Kondalilla National Park if you have time!
Located in the Blackall Mountain Range, this rich forest is overflowing with some of the tallest, most majestic trees I’ve ever seen.
Favorite activity in Kondalilla:
Hike the 4.7km long Kondalilla Falls Circuit Track, which loops around a giant waterfall.
You can view the falls from afar and eventually get right up next to it at the bottom of the circuit.
Travel tip for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland:
On your way to Kondalilla National Park from Brisbane, stop in the town on Montville on the way. It’s adorable and has some quirky shops and rustic architecture.
Noosa
Noosa is crowded, but with good reason.
The rugged headland known as Noosa Heads juts out into the turquoise ocean, curving in and out to create enclosed beaches with perfectly shaped waves.
The town center exudes a feeling of luxury, with expensive restaurants and golden tea lights filling the vibrant streets.
I also had the best poke bowl of my life here at a little cafe called Raw + Rice. 10/10 recommend!
Favorite activities in Noosa:
- Hiking the Coastal Walk that snakes around Noosa Heads National Park
- Surfing on a longboard at Tea Tree Bay
- Enjoying the view from the Laguna Lookout
Travel Tip for Noosa:
If you want to learn how to surf in Australia, Noosa is a great place to learn.
The waves are clean, smooth, and small.
You can book a 2-hour surf lesson for $75 AUD (pretty cheap for Australia). Book your lesson here!
K’gari (Fraser Island)
K’gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world. There is some crazy wildlife and nature here that you can’t find anywhere else.
See wild dingos and giant trees growing out of the sand. Admire historic shipwrecks and swim in natural rock pools.
K’gari is home to the famous Lake McKenzie, a perched lake formed from rainwater surrounded by fine, velvety silica sand.
Favorite activities on K’gari:
- Swimming in Lake McKenzie
- Hiking to Lake Wabby and strolling across the golden dunes
- Walking through the forest at Central Station
Travel tip for K’gari:
You can only visit K’gari with a 4WD because the island is made entirely of sand. So if you’re driving a normal car on your East Coast Australia road trip, you’ll have to either hire a 4WD or join a tour.
Though I’m often all for doing things on your own without the crowds, booking a tour is much easier and actually cheaper.
Tours include all your national park permits, transport, accommodation, and food. A 3-day, 2-night tour is the best value for money!
Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays
For those who didn’t notice, I just jumped a huge section of Australia’s East Coast. From K’gari, it’s a 10-hour drive north to Airlie Beach.
So there is a whole section of Central Queensland that I skipped. I just haven’t been to any of this area, and I haven’t heard too many things about it.
I have heard that some people like Agnes Water, Rockhampton, and Yeppoon.
So anyway, Airlie Beach is 100% one of the best places to stop on an East Coast Australia road trip.
It’s the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, home to dazzling white sands, tropical jungle peaks, and sapphire waters. Here is where you’ll find the iconic swirling sands of Whitehaven Beach, as well as the glorious Hamilton Island.
Favorite activities in the Whitsundays:
- Mainland hikes around Airlie Beach like Mount Rooper and Honeyeater
- Day trip to Hamilton Island
- Snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef
- Beach day on the absolutely breathtaking Whitehaven Beach
- Scenic flight over Heart Reef
Travel tip for the Whitsundays:
Similar to K’gari, the best value you can get for exploring the islands is an overnight tour.
They may be more expensive than day tours up front, but the value is better.
On an overnight tour, you get accommodation, food, and activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. You also have more time in the islands, where you can admire the sunrise and sunset at sea. It’s truly magical!
I did Whitsunday Adventurer and had an amazing time with 2 days and 2 nights on the ocean.
Cairns
Cairns is the unofficial capital city of Tropical North Queensland. You’ll arrive and be hit with a wall of heat and humidity, but it’s all part of the experience.
Cairns is a laid-back city that has cool street art, markets, and nightlife. There is amazing nature, culture, and wildlife right outside the city in places like Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands.
And of course, it’s the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef!
Favorite activities in Cairns:
- Exploring Kuranda
- Chilling at the Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Buying fresh fruit at Rustys Markets
- Indulging in the fun backpacker nightlife
Travel tip for Cairns:
If you have time to venture further north, do your Great Barrier Reef tour from Port Douglas.
You’ll likely have fewer crowds on the reef. And I’ve heard that parts of the reef are healthier and more preserved in Port Douglas than in Cairns. I personally loved my reef tour from Port Douglas!
And if you drive from Cairns to Port Douglas, you can stop in charming places like Palm Cove.
I also highly recommend going even further north to the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest tropical rainforest on Earth.
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That concludes my East Coast Australia road trip guide!
Before traveling to Australia…
- Visit iVisa.com to get your tourist visa online!
- I also recommend getting affordable travel insurance at Squaremouth Insurance! I’ve always had a great experience with them! (Read my Budget Traveler’s Guide To Travel Insurance for more info on that topic!)
- Interested in living and working in Australia?? Check out my Ultimate Guide To Working Holiday Visas In Australia (First and Second Year).
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For more travel tips to help you on your adventures, check out these articles:
Budget Traveler’s Guide To Travel Insurance
Best Time To Visit Australia: A Complete Guide
50 Budget Travel Tips: How To Travel The World Cheaply
Why I Always Use An eSIM For Travel
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