At least once in your life, I really do hope you make it to the east coast of Australia.

I could honestly write a whole book on the must-visit places and unforgettable things to do in Australia – there are just so many. From natural beauty that will have your jaw on the floor to wildly diverse landscapes beyond just the stunning sun-drenched beaches you see across Instagram – this country has a way of capturing your heart, especially along the iconic East Coast of Australia.

Update: I wrote the book!!!! Find my 124-page Aussie Bible ebook here.

In this blog post, I’m going to highlight the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia, the best things to see on the East Coast of Australia and the best adventures to go on. This is the coastline that is so popular with international tourists and the most popular route for first-time backpackers in the country. In this blog post, you will get an idea of the must-see destinations and attractions that, in my eyes, you cannot head to Australia without checking off your list.

Why, you ask? Why is it that you have to go to Australia?

Well, if it isn’t the golden beaches, health-conscious cafes, outdoor living, relaxed culture or abundance of UNESCO World Heritage sites that draw you Down Under, then let it be the likes of Whitehaven Beach, the vineyards, the surfing or the endless road-trip possibilities.

Whether you’re heading over on a solo adventure to Australia, a backpacking adventure, a working holiday visa or just a holiday, you may be wondering where you should add to your bucket list for the East Coast.

Let’s tuck into the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia, shall we?

Here are the 14 best places to visit on the East Coast of Australia

Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a firm favourite on the East Coast, and for good reason. Byron Bay (or the Bay as locals call it) is the kind of place that has a habit of convincing travellers to stay longer than planned. From sunrise at Cape Byron Lighthouse, dolphin kayaking in the bay and surfing at The Pass, to lazy brunches, boutique shopping and live music lining the streets, there’s a real sense of magic and freedom around every corner. You’ll feel it the moment you arrive.

The best things to do in Byron Bay, honestly, are all about slowing down, leaning into the vibe, and soaking it all in.

• The best things to do in Byron Bay, Australia
• A complete guide to Byron Bay, Australia
• A weekend itinerary for Byron Bay

St. Kilda

There are not many destinations where I sit and think, ‘I could see myself here long term.’ But, with Melbourne, I did, especially St. Kilda.

St. Kilda is a small seafront town located in Melbourne, just outside the city centre. Trams run every 20 minutes into the centre, and you have the beach life right on your doorstep. You seriously have the best of both worlds. Combine that with the beachfront bars and live music venues, and you have the dream set up. Definitely one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia if you’re heading down as far as Melbourne.

Check out my guide to St Kilda here.

For everything you need to know about your trip to Melbourne, including where to stay, things to do, and all my top tips, check out my complete guide to Melbourne here!

Fraser Island

This is one you cannot miss. Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia.

Whether you join in with one of the many tours that run on this island or hire a 4X4 for yourself, you are going to fall in LOVE.

I have explored this island twice: once with Nomads Tag Along Tour (via RatPack) and once with Cool Dingos:

• For a proper backpacker vibe check out my experience with Nomads Tag Along Tour here. 
• For a more laid-back, couple-oriented and high-end accommodation experience, check out my experience with Cool Dingos here.

Here’s my guide to Fraser Island, helping you choose the best tour for you!

Diving or snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef

A world heritage site, seen from space, 400 types of coral, 10% of the world’s fish species, and the largest coral reef system on Earth… Whose bucket list ISN’T this on???

Unfortunately, mainly due to global warming, the Great Barrier Reef has suffered extensive damage, and is said to have halved the amount of space it covered initially. Perhaps this is one to tick off your list sooner rather than later. Apparently, you see fewer damaged areas if you dive or snorkel; if you want to snorkel, head south of Townsville, Queensland, where much of the coral has remained intact despite bleaching.

Get there and witness one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia, before it’s too late!

Road trip down the Great Ocean Road

I was so happy to tick this one off my bucket list in 2018. Grab a car or a van and a few friends and ride from Melbourne through to Adelaide. Pass the Apostles and cruise the Ocean Road with the music loud and the breeze running through your hair.

THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF. This is living. This is one of the absolute GOALS road trips and high up on the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia.

See my guide to planning your Great Ocean Road trip here.

Want to know more about hiring a camper van in Australia? Check out this post! 

Explore Sydney

Do I need to give Sydney an introduction?

Do I need to explain why this has to be on your bucket list? In fact, I’m pretty sure it already is. I’ve been 5 times now and simply cannot get enough of the outdoor lifestyle, beaches or energy that resides in the biggest city on the East Coast of Australia.

You’ll most likely be starting/ending your trip here as it’s where the International airport is so make sure you leave some time to explore. This is one of the best cities in the world to adventure through and one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia.

For everything you need to know about your trip to Sydney, check out my complete guide to Sydney here!

For more Sydney inspiration, check out the 25 best things to do in Sydney here!

Road trip to Hyams Beach

Take the Grand Pacific Drive down to some of the whitest sands in the world!

Another of the most beautiful and best things to do on the East Coast of Australia.

See my road-trip from Sydney to Hyams beach here.

If you’re backpacking Australia solo and feeling a little apprehensive, here’s my guide to solo travel in Australia!

Noosa National Park

Noosa is a popular place to start the legendary Fraser Island tours. If you do find yourself here, make sure you leave a couple of days to enjoy this little surf town. There are some gorgeous eateries on the beachfront and also the incredible Noosa National Park.

If you head out on one of the many walks on offer through the park, be sure to look up and out for some snoozy koalas hanging in the trees. Keep an eye out for the fairy pools and if you visit in migration season, watch out for the whales in the deep blue! Seeing koalas in the wild is one of the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia – without a doubt!

• A guide to Noosa, Sunshine Coast

On a backpacker budget? Here are 25 top tips for saving money and travelling on a budget!

Sail through the Whitsundays

It’s heaven on earth, and one of the prettiest places on the East Coast of Australia. The pictures do all the talking for this one: see all my photos of the Whitsundays and Whitehaven beach here (the few I’ve selected below barely scratch the surface). I’ve done the Whitsundays three times now, so to help you decide…

• See my experience of the Whitsundays on board the Atlantic Clipper here.
• Experience my tour of the Whitsundays with Contiki here.
• Relive my trip to the Whitsundays on board the Condor here.

Here’s my guide to the Whitsundays, helping you choose the best boat for you!

Get all of my top tips, favourite spots and Australia travel guides pinned conveniently onto one Google Map Legend. Purchase the Australia Google Map Legend here and get lifetime access.

Explore Blue Mountains National Park

With stunning views wherever you look. Whether you go on an organised tour or by yourself, this isn’t one to miss – I’ve done it three times now!

To see how I did my self-guided Blue Mountains trip, check out this post.

For my take on a group tour to the Blue Mountains, check out this post.

Do a Skydive

One for the thrillseekers… imagine doing a skydive in such a beautiful place! There are so many places you could skydive on the east coast of Australia: Mission Beach, Airlie Beach, Great Ocean Road, Sydney, Cairns, Noosa, Byron Bay… to name a few!

Click here to read my guide on skydiving in Australia to find out more.

On a backpacker budget? Here are my top tips for saving money when you’re travelling in Australia!

Explore the Hunter Valley wine region

Cheese, chocolate, wine, wildlife… what more could a girl want?! See my trip here. 

Wanting to drive yourself around Australia? Here’s a complete guide to planning your travel and transport in Australia!

Kick back on the beaches of Manly

Located on the northern beaches of Sydney, this beachside district is one of my faves. If you’re keen to explore the city but don’t want to be located in the heart of it – Manly is your destination. Just a 15-minute ferry from the city centre, you can wake up, surf and be in the city bars by afternoon.

• See my guide to Manly here
• A 4-Day Sydney Itinerary, Australia
• A Complete Guide To Sydney, Australia
• 20 of the best day trips from Sydney

Have you been to the East Coast of Australia?

What would you add to the best things to do on the East Coast of Australia? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring… 

Mollie Bylett