East Coast Australia is a land stretching from the vibrant metropolis of Sydney in the South to the charming city of Cairns in the North. This captivating coastline offers diverse landscapes, unique adventures, relaxation and the best memories of your life.
If you want to explore Australia’s most exotic and fascinating cities and lifestyle, here is a guidance that will help you to plan your most adventurous trip fast and effortlessly.
Where to start?
Sydney
As the starting point of the East Coast Australia coastline and country’s largest city, you should start your trip from Sydney. The iconic Sydney Opera house and Sydney Harbour Bridge are must-see cultural places in the city. Bondi beach with it’s golden sands and world-class surfing, is also the most popular spot for tourists.
Top Places to visit in Sydney:
- Sydney Opera Theater
- Harbour Bridge
- Darling Harbour
- Queen Victoria Building
- Taronga Zoo Sydney
- Bondi Beach
Where to stay in Sydney:
The Grace Hotel – located close to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House, this hotel is the perfect place for exploring the city.
The Fullerton Hotel Sydney – situated in Sydney CBD, this hotel offers luxurious stay for a reasonable price.
Travelodge Hotel Sydney – this hotel offers budget stay in Sydney. Not situated close to the center, but if you’re trying to save money in your trip, this hotel would be perfect choice.
Byron Bay
continue your journey to the north where you will discover bohemian paradise that attracts free spirits and surf enthusiasts. Baron bay is perfect sport for those who seek for adventure and relaxation at the same time. It’s chill and laid-back atmosphere and relaxed people will bring serenity to your body and mind. And exploring an amazing Byron Bay Hinterland, where you will see lush rainforests and waterfalls, will make your trip adventurous and enterprising.
Top places to visit in Byron Bay:
- Cape Byron Lighthouse
- Tallow Beach
- Arakwal National Park
- Fisherman’s Lookout
- The Farm Byron Bay
Where to stay in Byron Bay
The Lord Byron – would be perfect place for relaxation since the hotel is located in the heart of Byron Bay, withing a tropical setting.
Waves Byron Bay – located near Main Beach, this hotel offers spacious suits and rooftop penthouses. Guests have free access to beach chairs and towels.
The Bower Byron Bay – hotel offers you luxury stay with it’s sophisticated suits, heated circular pool and lush tropical gardens around the accommodation.
YHA Byron Bay – offers you budget stay in the center of Byron Bay. It’s a backpacker accommodation with swimming pool, tropical garden and games room.
Gold Coast
Australia’s most glitzy, extravagant and vibrant city where Urban meets Nature is your next stop. 1 hour drive from Byron Bay and you will find yourself in Surfer’s Paradise, a suburb that is main entertainment center of the city. Surf beaches, bustling nightlife, shopping and etc. – there is everything you need for your trip. Visiting themed waterparks is a must in Gold Coast.
Top places to visit in Gold Coast:
- Dreamworld
- Warner Bros. Movie World
- SkyPoint Observation Deck
- Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
- Sea World
- Dracula’s Cabaret
Where to stay in Gold Coast
Meriton Suits Broadbeach – stay in luxurious accommodation just a 5 minutes walk from beach for a reasonable price.
Mantra on View Hotel – this hotel is situated in the heart of Surfers Paradise and is just 100 meters from the iconic Surfers Paradise beach.
Meriton Suits Southport – for the best views of Gold Coast’s surf beaches, hinterland and the marina, stay in Meriton Suits Southport.
Brisbane
a perfect day trip in Queensland’s capital is just an 1 hour bus drive from Surfer’s Paradise. Lying close to the banks of Brisbane River, you have opportunity to take a ferry trip and cruise along Brisbane River from the Southbank. You will take pleasure in some great sights of the city, Story Bridge and Botanical Garden. Then continue your day trip to Fortitude Valley for some shopping, beer and entertaining.
Top places to visit in Brisbane:
- Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
- Roma Street Parkland
- Story Bridge
- Botanical Garden
- Eat Street Northshore
Where to stay in Brisbane
Royal on the Park – Perfectly located in Brisbane CBD, directly opposite to the Botanical Garden, Royal on the Park would be perfect choice for those who want to explore the city for a walking distance.
Meriton Suits Brisbane – another centrally located hotel with a reasonable price, offers spacious suits and spectacular views of the city.
Ibis budget Brisbane Airport – if you’re looking for low-cost hotels in Brisbane, Ibis budget is one of them. Located near airport and just 20 minutes drive to the center, staying in this hotel would be wise decision for your budget trip.
Airlie Beach (the Whitsundays)
Continue your East Coast Australia trip to the north to Airlie Beach and find yourself in tropical paradise. The archipelago of 74 islands is popular for it’s year-round tropical weather, crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, water-front parks, vibrant restaurant and markets. If you are sailing enthusiast, you can explore Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach.
Places to visit in Airlie Beach:
- Coral Sea Marina
- Airlie Beach Lagoon
- Bicentennial Walkway
- Whitsundays Saturday Markets
- Airlie Bay
Where to stay in Airlie Beach
Nomads Airlie Beach – budget stay in just 5 minutes walk from Airlie Beach. Backpackers hostel offers an accommodation in tropical garden with swimming pool and volleyball court.
Airlie Beach Hotel – situated in the heart of Airlie Beach town center, this hotel is perfect spot for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, since it’s just 3 minutes drive from Abel Point Marina, which is departure point for snorkeling, diving, fishing and sailing.
Coral Sea Marina Resort – this will be your luxury stay in a waterfront hotel which is just a short stroll to the Airlie Beach.
Cairns
And your East Coast Australia adventure culminates in Cairns. This city is perfect gateway for adventurers as it offers an vast amount of adrenaline activities: skydiving, cable ski, bungy jumping, jungle surfing and more. Take a trip to Atherton Tablelands and swim in natural waterfalls. Then take a scenic railway and cable car to hidden rainforest village of Kuranda. The Great Barrier Reef is a must do in Cairns. Take a boat ride to the world’s largest coral reef and end your trip with the most impressive and unforgettable memories of your life.
Top Places to visit in Cairns
- Cairns Aquarium
- Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
- Kuranda Scenic Railway
- Cairns Botanic Garden
Where to stay in Cairns
Cairns Colonial Club Resort – little tropical paradise in Cairns, just 3.3 km away from central station, offers comfortable accommodation with swimming pool and tropical garden for a low price.
Shangri-La the Marina – 5 star luxury resort with a spectacular views of Marlin Marina will make your stay relaxing and refreshing.
Hotel Tropiq – another tropical paradise in just 2 minutes drive from Cairn’s Esplanade, with tropical gardens and pool, will be your best choice for your budget staying in Cairns.
