East Coast Australia has long been a well-trodden route for travellers. And there’s no prizes for guessing why – this part of the world is home to some of the most amazing natural landscapes, wildlife and experiences out there! Here are some of BackHackers’ Top 14 of East Coast Australia…
1. Sydney
Sydney is commonly mistaken as the Capital City of Australia. And rightly so, it has so much of the world’s attention on it for all the right reasons. Famous zoos, Opera Houses and Bridges galore, this city has so much to offer you nearly forget about any other place around! If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city streets, why not plunge into the surf scene at Bondi beach. This area is also a great social hub – especially for the travelling community!
2. The Great Barrier Reef
This underwater wonderland stretches for more than 2000km off the Queensland coastline. To get up close and personal, make sure you snorkel or dive amongst this teeming reef. Maybe you’ll meet some friends down there, such as your local friendly sea turtle, sharks, rays, tropical fish and of course the beautiful coral itself. If you’d rather keep dry then at least get yourself on a sailboat, local flight or glass bottom semisubmersible!
3. The Daintree Rainforest
This magnificent rainforest is home to approximately 3000 species of plant life. Experience it on guided walks during the day or embark on a wildlife spotting tour by night. You can also take a 4WD trip, gallop on the back of a horse, kayak, or take a crocodile-spotting cruise. Whichever way you choose, you simply have to experience this unique beauty of an eco-system.
4. Melbourne
Follow the blue stone road all the way to hidden restaurants and distinctive craft and clothes stores. Enjoy quality Victorian beverages and local music while daydreaming over the Yarra river – the heart and soul of this wonderful city.
5. Byron Bay
Make sure to leave your grievances and niggles behind when reaching the boundary to this destination. Allow its laid back beach vibes to wash over you and enjoy the lazy stretches of beach, cute town and boho culture. If you’re not too busy surfing or exploring its scuba diving sites, check the calendar and make sure you’re there between June and November so you can spot humpback whales. Get yourself to headland viewpoints such as the Captain Cook Lookout for the best chances of seeing them.
6. Noosa National Park
Come for the faultless bays, the long waves adored by surfers or simply the unspoilt landscape. Take the scenic route to Hell’s Gate if you’re looking for a koala or head to Tea Tree Bay if you fancy some dolphin spotting. With 15kms worth of trails, plenty of jaw dropping landscape and nature to discover, and the chance of seeing dolphins and koalas, what more could you ask for?!
7. Fraser Island
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, an ecological wonderland home to wild dogs, opulent rainforest and freshwater pools. It stretches for over 120km and is a camping and ecotourism destination from heaven! Take a 4WD tour around the island but make sure you don’t smack your head into the top of the car – these tracks can get a little bumpy! Alternatively, camp out under the stars, take a dip in the freshwater pools, Lake McKenzie or Lake Wabby or head to one of the island’s viewpoints such as Indian Head.
8. Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland, sitting neatly on the Brisbane River. Head here for culture, food and music festivals. This river city is home to open air markets, beautiful boutiques and a bustling café scene. Experience the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art followed by dinner at an award winning restaurant, all under the looming peaks of Mt Coot-tha, which is home to the Brisbane Botanic Gardens.
9. Blue Mountains
If you like looking at ridiculously impressive mountains, set against dramatic landscapes, with the sound of crashing waterfalls and the smell of eucalyptus forests – this is the place for you! Follow signposted bushwalking trails into Jamison and Grose Valleys to explore this World Heritage Listed landscape. Discover Katoomba (a local town) or head to Echo Point where you’ll find the best views of the sandstone rock formation, the Three Sisters.
10. Great Ocean Road
Make sure to take a drive on the almighty Great Ocean Road! Follow its curves along breath taking beaches, through quaint towns and into dense rainforests. Don’t forget to stop at the limestone pinnacles of the 12 Apostles or for a world-class surf at Bells Beach. Spanning 400km from Torquay to Nelson, you’re bound to find some unforgettable views on this drive.
11. St Kilda
Head to St Kilda for a beachside ambience mixed with historic sea baths, a throwback to a glitzy past at Luna Park, and a windsurfer’s dream. This charismatic suburb is home to old European cake shops, fine-dining restaurants and a meld of live music.
12. Lady Elliot Island
This island is situated 46 nautical miles north-east of Bundaberg (have you tried their rum?!). At this peaceful and lovely eco-friendly resort island, experience the Barrier Reef by snorkelling straight off its shores. Head here between January to April when it’s hatching time and maybe you’ll get to see a baby turtle dart across the white sands. Or between June to October when the humpback whales will be passing by.
13. Canberra
It would be rude to not include the capital city of Australia on this list! Canberra is the country’s largest inland city with a population of 403,468. It’s home to plenty of museums, the National Gallery of Australia (make sure to check out their superb collections of Aboriginal Art), the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin.
14. Montague Island
This protected nature reserve is located off the shore from the South Coast region of New South Wales. Head here if you want to give back to nature! This reserve is home to fur seals, penguins and birdlife along with Sacred Aboriginal Sites. Here, you are able to pay to get your hands well and truly dirty! Stay overnight in the lighthouse keepers’ cottage and delve into conservation work and cooking chores – you also might get the chance to snorkel in its seas!
Love this!