21 breathtaking highlights on the east coast of Australia🐨🏖️🌊

The following places (listed from south to north) are the most famous spots that belong on every bucket list of an Australia East Coast road trip. I have visited and explored all of these places myself on my own trip to Australia. The links in the text will take you to the articles I have written about the individual places and in which I give even more specific tips.

You can find all Australia East Coast highlights here on the map:

Melbourne

The most liveable city in the world

Melbourne, the second largest city in Australia, is considered the most liveable city in the world according to The Economist – and rightly so! With its charming mix of urban lifestyle and European flair, it delights visitors from all over the world.

From the trendy cafés and street art in the laneways to the relaxed atmosphere, Melbourne also impressed me the most among Australia’s major cities. Here you can feel the pulse of a creative and cosmopolitan metropolis!

Popular activities in Melbourne that you shouldn’t miss out on:

• Street art tour with a street artist
• Complete tour of the city
• From Melbourne: Wilson’s Promontory Wilderness Tour
• From Melbourne: Puffing Billy Steam Train & Wildlife Tour
• From Melbourne: Great Ocean Road Day Tour
• Melbourne: Yarra Valley Wine, Beer/Gin & Choc Tour with lunch

Melbourne’s skyline is not the only thing that impresses. If you have more time, it’s also worth considering a road trip to the Great Ocean Road, which lies to the west of Melbourne. You can do this in 1 to 2 days.

Wilsons Promontory National Park

Breathtaking nature and wild animals

This beautiful natural paradise lies to the east of Melbourne. I experienced one of my most beautiful sunsets in Australia here.

The park is home to wombats, emus and kangaroos, which you can observe in their natural environment. There are also pristine beaches and breathtaking stretches of coastline.

The best tours to Wilsons Promontory National Park:

• From Melbourne: Wilson’s Promontory Wilderness Tour
• Wilson’s Promontory National Park day tour from Melbourne

In Wilsons Promontory National Park you have the opportunity to encounter many of Australia’s animals in the wild.

Narooma

Lonely coasts and relaxed flair

Narooma may be a small town at the south-eastern tip of Australia, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. Here you can unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.

The surrounding area attracts visitors with secluded coastal stretches, hidden bays and historic mining villages that were once shaped by the gold rush. A real insider tip for anyone who loves nature and history!

Canberra

The Capitol of Australia

Australia’s capital is often skipped by many tourists to Australia. However, I think you should have seen the city at least once, as it was created entirely on the drawing board. There are many museums and galleries here and Canberra is also the center of Australian politics.

The must-do activities in Canberra:

• Canberra: City Highlights day tour with entrance fees
• Canberra: Best of Wildlife Tour
• From Canberra: Winery, distillery and tasting tour with lunch

Figure Eight Pools

Natural pools with spectacular views

The natural pools near Burning Palms beach in the Royal National Park are famous for their special shape. They look like a figure eight.

However, they are located on a dangerous cliff that you should never enter, especially at high tide. You can find a few safety tips here.

Sydney

The cosmopolitan city with opera and Harbour Bridge

When you think of Australia, Sydney probably comes to mind first – and for good reason! The vibrant metropolis inspires with its iconic opera house, the majestic Harbour Bridge and a unique mix of city life and nature that you can only find here.

The best Sydney activities:

• Opera House Guided Tour with ticket
• Guided Harbour E-Bike Tour
• City & The Rocks 3.5-hour historical tour
• Harbor Sunset Kayak Tour
• Bondi Beach: 2-hour surf lesson for every level
  

Blue Mountains

Mystical eucalyptus mist and pure nature

Just a short drive from Sydney, the impressive Blue Mountains await you – a natural paradise that takes its name from the essential oils of the eucalyptus trees that envelop the air in a bluish haze.

Here you can marvel at spectacular rock formations such as the famous “Three Sisters”, hike through lush rainforests and enjoy the tranquillity of this breathtaking landscape.

Cool activities in the Blue Mountains:

• From Sydney: Blue Mountains, Scenic World All Inclusive Tour
• Blue Mountains: Abseiling and canyoning experience
• From Sydney: Blue Mountains tour with waterfall hike and lunch

Coffs Harbour

Beaches, bananas and relaxed vibes

Coffs Harbour may not be one of Australia’s best-known cities, but it is ideal as a stopover on the way north. The region is known for its extensive banana plantations, which give it a special charm. There are also beautiful beaches that are perfect for a break by the sea.

The Coffs Harbour: Big Banana Fun Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the region. The park is famous for the giant banana that is the region’s landmark

Byron Bay

Hippie flair, surfing and breathtaking sunsets

Byron Bay is a wild mix of surfer town and hippie nest with a pleasantly alternative flair. There are lots of interesting people walking through the streets and on the beaches. You can also enjoy the fantastic view from Australia’s easternmost point.

The best activities in Byron Bay:

• Byron Bay: Behind The Bay Waterfalls & Hidden Gems Day Tour
• From Byron Bay: Half-day tour to learn to surf
• Byron Bay: Whale-watching boat trip with a marine biologist
• From Byron Bay: Half day trip to Crystal Castle

Gold Coast

Scyscraper, beach, surfing & party

The Gold Coast is the biggest tourist magnet in Australia and stands for: Beach, surfing, party. Pictures of the skyline of Surfer’s Paradise, a district of the Gold Coast, are particularly well-known.

The skyline of Surfer’s Paradise is particularly well-known, a district that offers an unmistakable image with its impressive skyscrapers right by the sea. Although the city is not to everyone’s taste, the mix of urban hustle and bustle and paradisiacal beaches makes it a unique experience

The most action-packed and coolest Gold Coast activities:

• Surfers Paradise: Surf lessons on the Gold Coast
• Surfers Paradise: 2-hour Gold Coast Sightseeing Cruise
• Gold Coast: snorkeling with turtles
• Gold Coast: 55-minute extreme jet boat ride

Brisbane

A city full of life and culture

As the third largest city in Australia, Brisbane is one of the fastest growing regions in the world. Although I personally found other cities in Australia even more fascinating, Brisbane still has a lot to offer.

The city boasts a vibrant culture, beautiful parks and a relaxed atmosphere that makes it well worth a visit. The South Bank Parklands and riverscapes are a particular highlight!

Brisbane activities that will make your stay special:

• North Stradbroke Island: day trip with wildlife & beach time
• The best walking tour in Brisbane
• Brisbane: Attractions & Sightseeing Segway Tour

Australia Zoo

Experience Steve Irwin’s legacy up close

Do you remember Steve Irvine? The crocodile tamer from TV who died a few years ago after being bitten by a Stingray. Australia Zoo, located north of Brisbane, is one of Australia’s most famous tourist attractions. There are lots of animals here and also really good shows, e.g. with crocodiles or rather large birds. I have been there myself and can highly recommend the Australia Zoo. However, admission is not a bargain at 50 AUS dollars.

The surrounding region is also very beautiful. The Glasshouse Mountains are perfect for a panoramic photo or two.

Sunshine Coast / Noosa

Relaxation, beaches and national parks

The Sunshine Coast impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and is a quiet alternative to the busy Gold Coast. I was particularly taken with Noosa, the charming little town in the north of the region.

Here you can relax on the beach, hike through the picturesque Noosa National Park or go on an unforgettable kayak tour through the fascinating swamps.

Do these activities in Noosa:

• Noosa: Afternoon drive through the Noosa Everglades
• Noosa Heads: 2-hour surf lesson with local instructor
• Noosa Heads: Ocean Rider Dolphin Safari

Fraser Island

The largest sand island in the world

Fraser Island is a very special place in the world. It is the largest sand island on earth. You can expect a breathtaking backdrop of white beaches, dense rainforests and crystal-clear freshwater lakes. I experienced one of my greatest adventures in Australia here on a 3-day jeep tour. You shouldn’t miss this island on your road trip.

Start a Fraser Island tour from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach:

• From Hervey Bay: K’gari, Fraser Island 2-day bus tour
• Hervey Bay to K’gari/Fraser Island 3-day tour (beach house)
• Rainbow Beach: 3-day K’gari (Fraser Island) 4WD adventure
• Hervey Bay: K’Gari (Fraser Island) 5 days of ultimate adventure

Agnes Water and Town of 1770

Last surf spot before the Great Barrier Reef

Agnes Water and the neighboring Town of 1770 are the perfect place to ride the waves one last time before you reach the Great Barrier Reef, where there are no more waves.

The surf courses in Agnes Water are particularly affordable and ideal for beginners who want to take their first steps on the board. Here you can learn to surf in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoy the beautiful coastline at the same time

You can do that here:

• The town of 1770: Lady Musgrave Island snorkeling day trip
• City 1770: Coastal tour in the afternoon
• Day trip for diving on the southern Great Barrier Reef

Whitsundays

Paradise islands in the turquoise sea

From the relaxed Airlie Beach, you can go on a variety of tours in the beautiful island region of the Whitsundays.

There are day trips by speedboat, sailing trips over several days and you can even be dropped off on a desert island. You should definitely visit the whitest beach in the world – Whitehaven Beach.

These tours are absolutely top:

• Airlie Beach: Whitehaven Full day eco-cruise with buffet
• Whitsundays Ocean Rafting Tour: Snorkeling, Hiking & Whitehaven
• Airlie Beach: Tandem skydiving with beach landing
• From Airlie Beach: Whitsundays scenic flight with pick-up

Townsville and Magnetic Island

Discover koalas and dream beaches

Townsville is the largest city in Australia’s northern tropics and the perfect starting point for a trip to Magnetic Island.

The island is a true paradise with idyllic sandy beaches and one of the best places to see koalas in the wild.

These activities on Magnetic Island are very popular:

• Magnetic Island: Snorkeling discovery tour
• Magnetic Island: Sailing tour at lunchtime
• Magnetic Island Five Beach Bay 90-minute jet ski tour

Mission Beach

Palm trees, sandy beaches and parachute jumps

A detour to Mission Beach is a good idea. This palm-fringed beach is very large and beautiful.

For the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to book an exciting skydive with a skydive company – an unforgettable experience over the turquoise waters!

You have to try out these activities at Mission Beach:

• Mission Beach tandem skydive
• Reef & Island | Outer Reef & Dunk Island | Mission Beach
• Mission Beach: Tully River half-day whitewater rafting

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef

The tropical gateway to a wonder of the world

Cairns is the beating heart of Australia’s tropical region and the perfect base for adventure. You can book almost anything here – from skydiving and rafting to exciting rainforest tours and island excursions.

But the real highlight is of course the Great Barrier Reef, which you can easily reach from Cairns. A paradise for divers and snorkelers that you should definitely not miss!

However, you can also take tours to the Great Barrier Reef from other cities, such as Townsville or Port Douglas.

The best activities in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef:

• Cairns: Outer edges of the Great Barrier Reef scenic flight
• From Cairns: Great Barrier Reef half-day snorkeling tour
• Cairns: Tandem skydive from a height of 15,000 meters

Port Douglas

Luxurious coastal flair and rainforest adventures

Cairns is not the end of the east coast. It goes much further north. Port Douglas is a small, very idyllic tropical town with a beach, jungle and relaxed atmosphere.

From here, you can also book tours to the Daintree Rainforest. The route from Cairns to Port Douglas is also well worth seeing. You can stop at many beaches along the way – but beware of the crocodiles that lurk here in both salt and fresh water.

These Port Douglas activities are often booked:

• Port Douglas: Snorkeling trip to the Outer Great Barrier Reef
• Cape Tribulation Ocean Safari Tour
• Port Douglas: Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation Tour

Daintree Rainforest

The oldest rainforest in the world

The oldest rainforest in the world is certainly worth a visit if you’re ever in the area. You can easily travel to Cape Tribulation by car or on a bus tour.

However, you will need a 4WD jeep for the more remote parts of the rainforest further north, as the paths become increasingly difficult.

Which highlights along the east coast of Australia are still missing from this list? What are your favorites? Feel free to write them in the comments.