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It’s no secret, the East Coast of Australia is really something else. Dotted with some of the world’s most unique islands and tranquil rainforests, to those amazing bustling beachside towns and cities, there are so many places to start your Australian Bucket list going! But don’t get hung up on it’s popularity, the East Coast is no backpacker cliche; in fact there are so many ways to get ‘off the beaten track’ in this incredible region that it can be hard to narrow it all down! That is where Sven comes in. We have developed a list of the ten places you can’t miss on the East Coast.
With a buzzing nightlife, year-round sunshine and backpacker vibes, it’s no wonder Cairns is the ultimate destination to start or finish an East Coast tour. As the gateway to world heritage-listed areas like the Great Barrier Reef and Cape Tribulation rainforest, Cairns is bursting with endless entertainment and activities.
This quaint beach side village is a great place to jump from a plane or brave the raging torrents of white water rafting. The local Tully River is packed with jaw clenching grade 3-5 rapids. It’s lined with rainforest and steep gorges making it the best spot for white water rafting in Australia! For those with working holiday visas, it is relatively easy to pick up seasonal fruit picking work on the local banana farms.
Only a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is home to the largest koala colony in Northern Australia. Magnetic Island’s National Parks, coral reefs, beaches and bays make it a stunning place to visit and explore. Snorkel, Kayak, hike or take one of the cheapest learn to dive courses in Australia.
Whether you want to party your days away or you’re on the more adventurous side, you can’t come to Australia without exploring The Whitsundays and snapping a shot at Hill Inlet. For those short on time, a good day trip will allow some serious sun-soak time on unmissable Whitehaven Beach, but if you have the time, an overnight Whitsundays Sailing trip is really a no brainer. It’s like the southern hemispheres version of Croatia!
This unique and laid back seaside town boasts great hostels, pristine beaches, an extensive range of wildlife and lots of fun activities. Take a wild ride on your very own chopper motorbike with Scooteroo, chill with the kangaroos, kayak with the dolphins or try out surfing.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, just let that sink in, it’s massive! If you were thinking of doing it in just one day, you’ll need to either sacrifice soaking in the deep Champagne Pools, or swimming in Lake McKenzie’s dazzling crystal clear waters. This is why we really do recommend allowing 3 days to see Fraser Island. Guided tours don’t have to be boring, in fact, if you do a Tag-along Tour, you’ll not only get to camp on the island, but you can drive 4x4’s all over it in a crew jam packed with other young, fun travellers.
With its beautiful beaches, lush hinterland and pristine river you will love Noosa! This cool surfie town is a great place to relax for a while. Visit the Steve Irwin Australia Zoo or explore the Everglades in the near by Great Sandy National park. California cool mixed with Noosa style, Hiring an Electric Bike from our store in Noosa is a fun easy way to explore township and surrounding area.
We can’t tell you how many times we hear backpackers say their favourite place in Australia is Byron Bay. With it’s chilled vibes, beautiful beaches and a fun little party scene, it’s easy to see why people get stuck in this little town. Local Surf School’s will pick you up right from your hostel and hunt down the perfect wave for you to learn on.
Sydney needs no introduction. It hosts the stunning Sydney Harbour so you can have a typical tourist photo for your family to stick on the fridge and then move across to the always cool Bondi Beach to soak up the sun before partying away all those memories you just made at King’s Cross, Sydney’s nightlife hub. When it’s time to leave the city strap on your hiking boots and hit up the Blue Mountains.
It’s a little further down the East Coast but boy is it worth the extra hours spent on a bus. Melbourne is the culture capital of Australia so be ready to be surrounded by good food, boutique bars and laneways filled with street art. Only a few hours drive from the city is the famous Great Ocean Road, where you can see the magnificent twelve apostles or Phillip Island where you can squeal at penguins plodding along.