The East Coast of Australia! The most popular route of all backpackers who make their way Down Under. And that is also understandable, because everyone who travels to Australia at some point, I can only recommend to go on the trip and explore the East Coast, because there is so much to see and experience that you should not miss in your life.

Whether alone or with friends: there are many ways to travel the east coast of Australia. You have the option of renting a car or a camper to stop anywhere you want or you can buy a hop on / hop off bus ticket.
There is also a large selection of accommodation and camping sites, where there is certainly something for everyone.

From coastal walks along the ocean, to snorkelling in the world’s largest coral reef to relaxing on one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Australia’s east coast is sure to be an absolute travel highlight for everyone. Here I picked out 12 things you should’t miss on a trip along the coast:

Visit the McKenzie Falls

In the middle of The Grampians National Park are the famous McKenzie Falls. The McKenzie Falls are one of the largest waterfalls in the state of victoria. After a small descent of many steps you will find yourself in front of the giant waterfalls. Here you can take great photos or just listen to the splashing of the water and the sounds of nature. If you are lucky, you can also spot a rainbow.

Make a road trip along the Great Ocean Road

One of the most beautiful coastal roads is the Great Ocean Road in southern Australia between Melbourne and Adelaide. The road is 243 kilometers long and has a breathtaking nature to offer. Here you can enjoy a road trip with a great view of the sea. You can make a stop and take great photos of all the highlights at the most different locations. Some of the most interesting stops along the coast road include the Gate of the Great Ocean Road, the Twelve Apostles, Teddy’s Lookout, London Arch and Loch Ard Gorge.
If you want to take the time to explore the coast, you should rent a car or a camper and visit the Great Ocean Road in several days.

Relax at Hyams Beach

Just 200 kilometres south of Sydney is the world’s whitest beach: Hyams Beach in Jervis Bay. Here you can lie in snow-white sand and enjoy the view of turquoise blue waters. You also have the opportunity to explore the different bays of Jervis Bay.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Sydney, a day trip to Jervis Bay is worth it.

Walk up to Byron Bay’s Lighthouse

At the most easternmost point of Australia is the lighthouse of Byron Bay. Although it takes a bit of perseverance to climb the steep path up to the lighthouse, there is a magnificent view of the sea from there and all along the way. In the morning, with a bit of luck, you can also watch some dolphins in the distance.

Visit the Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise is famous for its skyline as its miles of sandy beach. For a good reason, a district at the Gold Coast is called Surfers Paradise, because on the endless beach you can learn how to surf. You can also just lie on the beach, explore the city, or drive up to the Q1 Tower observation deck and admire the city and beach from far up. Surfers Paradise has so much to offer that you will certainly not get bored in your time there.

Explore Noosa’s National Park

One of the most beautiful national parks in Australia is in my opinion the Noosa National Park. Here you can walk the Coastal Walk right by the sea and enjoy breath-taking views. During the hike you should keep your eyes open for nature-dwelling koalas.
At the Fairy Pools, which are located right by the sea, you can make a stop and take some great photos (but keep in mind that swimming in natural pools may be dangerous and best done under the supervision of experienced tour guides).

Go swimming in the Lake McKenzie

Lake McKenzie is located in the middle of the world’s largest sandy island, Fraser Island, north of Brisbane. Here you can lie in the sand and enjoy the view of the blue lake in bright sunshine. You can even go swimming in the lake and swim to the nearest shore. Unlike other waters in Australia, you don’t need to be afraid of dangerous animals.
The only way to reach the lake is with a 4×4 camper. From Rainbow Beach, a ferry crosses to the Sand Island. It follows a long drive along 75 Mile Beach, until finally an adventurous forest trail leads to the lake.

Stroll around Airlie Beach

In the state of Queensland between Brisbane and Cairns right on the Great Barrier Reef is the small town of Airlie Beach. Airlie Beach serves as the gateway to the Whit Sundays. Here you can explore the village and its shops, swim right on the beach in the lagoon or take a walk under palm trees along the beach. You can also go skydiving or fly with a helicopter over the Whitsundays and the Heart Reef.

Sail the Whitsundays

One of the best three days of my life will forever be sailing along the Whitsundays. Whether you’re lying in the warm water at Chalkies Beach, taking a short walk through Paradise, snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef, enjoying views from various Lookout Points, exploring Whitehaven Beach or sailing into the sunset on the deck of the ship. You can experience it all on the Whitsundays! This will forever be one of the most beautiful experiences of your life.

Hike around Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is an island just off the town of Townsville. From there you can reach the island quickly by ferry. There are many ways to explore the island itself: you can bring your own car to the island, rent a car (Magnetic Island is famous for its pink Barbie cars) or buy a bus ticket for a small fee.
The island has a lot to offer: from numerous hiking trails to beautiful beaches. One of the most beautiful things you can experience on the island is the wildlife of Australia: You can see and meet kangaroos, koalas or wallabies up close in their natural habitat.

Go snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef lies off the north-east coast of Australia and is the largest contiguous collection of more than 2900 individual coral reefs on earth. Whether in Cairns or anywhere else, the Great Barrier Reef is so large that you can explore it from many places in Northern Australia. Here you can experience the most diverse fish species at close range while scuba diving or snorkelling or go on the search for a turtle or a shark. Everyone will be amazed by the sight of the reef!

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Where the Rainforest meets the Ocean: At the end of the east coast, north of Cairns is the Daintree Rainforest. You can take a boat trip across a river to look for crocodiles, swim in safe waters, observe interesting animal species up close and if you like, spend a night in the middle of the rainforest in a nice place. From Alexandria Lookout Point you have one of the most beautiful views: far across the rainforest to the great ocean. This trip to the tropical rainforest is something you will never forget.