This is a guest post from Zara Lewis. Zara is a regular contributor at ripped.me, a traveller and a mother of two. Originally from Chicago, she found her place in the sun in Perth, Australia. Passionate about spreading the word about fantastic places to visit and creating a better world for the generations to come.
With almost 18,000 kilometres of beaches, beautiful coral reefs, rich wildlife and amazing tourist sites, the East Coast of Australia is a dream destination for many travellers. From Sydney in the south to Cairns in the north, the East Coast will surprise you with all the wonders of Australia you might desire. It’s rich with hiking tracks, marine sports and luxurious resorts and beaches. So, come to the Land Down Under and explore the East Coast yourself making sure not to miss these picks.
Start at the Beginning
No matter how you want to explore the East Coast—backpacking, road tripping or by any other means, Cairns is a great place to start your adventure. This northern city is a perfect way to get familiar with the chill Aussie lifestyle while relaxing by the beach, sampling the Australian cuisine and getting a taste of the rich nightlife scene. There are also many interesting activities to experience just outside the city. For instance, you can make an excursion to Atherton Tablelands and see some beautiful waterfalls and lakes.
The Star of Australia — The Great Barrier Reef
If you’re a marine lover and love to explore what’s beneath the surface, then you must visit the Great Barrier Reef. Luckily, it’s quite hard to miss with its 2,300 km of length and close to 3,000 individual coral reefs! This reef is home to over 400 different species of coral, countless types of fish and a variety of crustaceans and mollusks. And if you’re up for a bit of adrenaline, just know that there are 134 species of shark roaming the waters!
Visit Brisbane
Brisbane should be a must-stop on your East Coast trip. It’s packed with different activities from museum and gallery tours to some super exciting nightlife opportunities. It’s also quite close to many picturesque beachside towns, so you can base yourself in Brisbane and explore the surrounding towns and beaches very easily.
Chill at Byron Bay
However, if you want to experience the real, unaltered and raw Aussie beach life, you must travel to Byron Bay. This coastal town is surrounded by plenty of perfect surf points and relaxing beaches that will teach you how to unwind and enjoy life. It’s also one of the most luxurious spots frequented by rich and famous, so if you want to treat yourself and feel pampered, book luxe Byron Bay accommodation and live like royalty for a few days! You’re bound to get perfect service, enjoy stunning views and feast on some of the best Aussie meals! Plus, Byron Bay is not only about relaxing. You can also book whale-watching trips, go diving, learn to surf or catch a trophy fish.
Explore Sydney
Of course, you can’t leave Australia without visiting the iconic Sydney! There are so many things to do and see that you’ll want to stay at least a couple of days in this harbour city. Don’t miss a harbour ferry to see the city from the water. You’ll sail the harbour, see the famous Opera House and pass the Harbour Bridge. One great experience for all adrenaline lovers is the Harbour Bridge climb. Once you reach the top of the bridge, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the harbour and the city and learn about Sydney from experienced guides. If what you love is beaches, surfing and cocktails, visit Manly, Bondi, Coogee and Bronte beaches for a taste of beach life. All in all, Sydney has something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to linger!
Travel the Great Ocean Road
Further down south, just outside Melbourne lies the location of one of the best road-trip destinations in the world. The Great Ocean Road will treat you to amazing views of winding beaches, thick forests and hidden bays. So, don’t rush the ride, take your time to soak up the scenery and enjoy the freedom of the open road!
These are just some of the best things you can do and see on the East Coast. Of course, many other adventures are waiting for you there, so don’t hesitate to explore east Australia at your own pace and take as many stops as you like!