Australia’s East Coast is one of the most iconic travel routes in the world, spanning over 2,500 kilometers from Cairns in the north to Sydney in the south. While there’s still some debate about whether it’s better to travel the coast from north to south or vice versa, I’ve done it both ways – first with a three-week trip from Brisbane to Sydney in January, and later with a one-week journey from Brisbane to Cairns in mid-July.

Traveling along this route, you’ll quickly fall in love with its beautiful coastal towns and endless possibilities – whether it’s surfing in Byron Bay, spotting koalas in the wild on Magnetic Island, or flying over the Great Barrier Reef. And since it’s such a popular route, getting around is also quite convenient. Grab Greyhound Australia’s Whimit Travel Pass or Premier’s Value Pass to explore the coast on a hop-on, hop-off basis, or rent a campervan with JUCY or Travellers for the freedom to travel also off the beaten track.

Let me take you with me from cosmopolitan Sydney in New South Wales all the way up to tropical Cairns in Northern Queensland. Read on for my favourite stops along this incredible coastal route, including personal highlights, must-sees, recommended lengths of stay, and accommodation tips. Of course, no matter how much time you have, it’s impossible to see everything the East Coast has to offer. I ended up skipping a few popular stops like Fraser Island (K’gari), the Whitsundays, and Airlie Beach, but that’s just a reason to come back again.

Sydney

3-4 nights | Stay at Stokes Beach House Manly or Wake Up! Central

With its many iconic sights, Sydney is a must-visit on any East Coast adventure and probably one of the easiest cities to get to from abroad. Start with the world-famous Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, explore the little laneways of The Rocks, and relax at one of the many laid-back beaches, such as Bondi or Manly Beach.

My personal highlights were definitely the ferry rides from the CBD to Manly and back during golden hour, and the Coogee to Maroubra walk, which is less crowded than the more popular Bondi to Coogee coastal walk. For the perfect sunset spot, head to Green Point Reserve in Watsons Bay – also a great place to enjoy some classic fish and chips. If you still have time, a day trip to the Blue Mountains is 100% worth it.

Newcastle

2 nights | Stay at YHA Newcastle Beach

Newcastle is the perfect blend of a relaxed, local atmosphere with plenty to see and do. Picture incredible beaches and coastal walks – minus the crowds you’d encounter in Sydney. Spend your day soaking up the sun at Merewether, Nobbys, or Bar Beach, grab a great coffee on Darby Street, and wander along the Bathers Way coastal walk, stopping at King Edward Park and the historic Bogey Hole along the way.

Wrap up your afternoon with a sunset drink at Queens Wharf by the water. I also loved the mix of heritage and creativity in town, especially around the old railway station, where you’ll find the Newcastle Museum, as well as the nearby Newcastle Art Gallery. If you can spare another night, consider a day tour to the nearby Hunter Valley to indulge in some of Australia’s best wine and vineyard experiences or Anna Bay to discover that there are camels Down Under.

Port Macquarie

2 nights | Stay at Beachside Backpackers

Much like Newcastle, Port Macquarie is a laid-back coastal town that’s often overlooked on the classic East Coast itinerary. But it offers a great mix of history, wildlife, and beautiful beaches and is well worth a stop. One of my highlights was a morning visit to the Koala Conservation Hospital, where I finally got to see koalas being fed and learn the touching stories of how each one ended up there.

Another unforgettable experience was my first Aussie surf lesson at Flynns Beach. If want to sample local wines and dive into the region’s heritage, head to Douglas Vale Historic Homestead & Vineyard. Be sure to walk the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk, with a scenic lookout stop at Flagstaff Hill, and finish your day by watching the sunset from Tacking Point Lighthouse.

Byron Bay

4-5 nights | Stay at The Surf House

While I originally planned to stay for just four days, Byron Bay completely drew me in and I ended up staying a whole week. It wasn’t just the vibe, but also the loveliest group of girls I met at the hostel on my first day that made me not want to leave.

Thus, we spent the week doing nearly everything together – from a sunrise kayaking tour, hoping to spot dolphins, to a hike up to Cape Byron Lighthouse, and some of the funniest, most unforgettable nights out at the Piano Bar, where I also discovered my love for margaritas. Most days were spent sunbathing at the beach – whether it was Wategos, Byron, or Tallow Beach – or wandering through the buzzing Byron Farmers Market. One morning, I even watched the sunrise at Belongil Beach, which was truly magical and worth getting up so early.

Gold Coast

2-3 nights | Stay at BUNK Surfers Paradise

While some might say the Gold Coast is overrated, I still had a great time and reuniting with friends from home made it even more special. One of my highlights was hiking through Burleigh Head National Park, where the lookout offered one of the most stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline.

I also visited the Q1 Tower for more panoramic night views that really showed how unique this stretch of coastline is. Of course, I couldn’t skip exploring the nightlife in Surfers Paradise, hopping between bars for a fun night out. But I also spent a lot of time just walking the Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Walk, dipping in and out of beaches along the way, and simply soaking up the sun.

Brisbane

3 nights | Stay at Roamer Brisbane

Brisbane was where I kicked off my first East Coast trip and where I got to reunite with my Aussie friend Monique. Together, we explored the city’s riverfront charm: strolling along the South Bank, sipping drinks at Felons Brewing Co. beneath the Story Bridge, and soaking in the views from Kangaroo Point.

We wandered through Fortitude Valley, cruised the Brisbane River on the free CityHopper water taxi, and ended one evening watching the sunset from Mt Coot-Tha. We also packed in some fun extras such as a creative paint & sip class, an unfortunately very rainy day trip to the Sunshine Coast and Noosa with a stop at the lively Eumundi Market, and a delicious bottomless brunch at Rita’s in Teneriffe.

Magnetic Island

3 nights | Stay at Bounce Magnetic Island & Koala Park

I kicked off my second East Coast journey with a relaxing stay on Magnetic Island, just off the coast of Townsville. After flying into Townsville, I caught the SeaLink ferry across to Nelly Bay from where bus line no. 250 takes you to other corners of the island.

My time in this tucked-away paradise was filled with spotting koalas in Magnetic Island National Park, hiking up to The Forts for breathtaking views, and catching both sunrise and sunset at Horseshoe Bay. Alongside my friend Melissa, I also explored the island’s laid-back charm with visits to Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay. Before heading north to Cairns, I wrapped up my stay with a rooftop lunch at the Ardo Hotel in Townsville and didn’t only say goodbye to the island but also to Melissa.

Cairns

3-4 nights | Stay at Little Drifter Cairns

While I didn’t pack my days in Cairns with too many activities, I really enjoyed soaking up the tropical atmosphere up north. I spent time strolling along The Esplanade, relaxing in the sun by the waterfront promenade, and took a laid-back afternoon trip to the charming beachside village of Palm Cove.

However, the main reason I came to Cairns – and by far the most unforgettable, breathtaking experience – was a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef. Although I didn’t make it to the Daintree Rainforest this time, Cairns is also the perfect base for exploring one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, where you can spot exotic wildlife on guided walks and learn about the region’s rich Aboriginal culture.