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Ultimate East Coast Australia Travel Guide – Best Places to Visit, Eat, Stay & Travel Tips
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items After spending 6 weeks travelling up Australia’s East Coast by Greyhound bus, this guide highlights the best hostels to stay in, must-visit destinations, top things to do, and the best places to eat along the route. Packed with personal tips and insi...
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Best Hostels on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
Best Places to Eat on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
Best Activities & Experiences on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
Stay Connected in Australia with a eSIM 🇦🇺
Best Hostels on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
I spent 6 weeks travelling up Australia’s East Coast at the start of 2025, staying in hostels along the route. Every one on this list I’ve personally stayed in, so you’re getting honest recommendations from my own trip. Whether you’re looking for soc...
I stayed at Drifter in North Melbourne and loved the chilled, social atmosphere. It’s a great base for exploring the city, meeting other travellers, and joining organised events or pub nights. Clean, friendly, and centrally located — perfect for back...
Drifter Hostel – North Melbourne
One of my favourite hostels in Bondi Beach, Sydney! Modern and clean with comfy dorms, a social rooftop, and the perfect location to explore the beach and cafés. Great vibes for backpackers looking for an easygoing stay.
Little Drifter – Bondi Beach Hostel, Sydney
A lively, social hostel right in Sydney’s city centre, perfect for backpackers looking to meet fellow travellers. Daily events, a fun bar, and a prime location opposite Central Station make it easy to explore the city while enjoying a vibrant hostel ...
Wake Up! Sydney Central – City Centre Hostel, Sydney
A surf-focused hostel on the Coffs Coast in Arrawarra, perfect for backpackers looking to catch waves and meet fellow travellers. Dorms, cabins, and teepee-style tents are just steps from the beach, with surf lessons, kayaking, volleyball, and evenin...
Spot X Surf Camp Hostel – Arrawarra, Coffs Coast, New South Wales
A vibrant, boutique hostel just 100m from the beach in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Bunk Surfers Paradise offers modern, air-conditioned dorms and private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, USB-equipped lockers, and private balconies. On-site amenities...
Bunk Surfers Paradise – Gold Coast, Queensland
A modern, award-winning hostel in the heart of Brisbane, offering stunning views of the Brisbane River and CBD. Located near major attractions like Suncorp Stadium and South Bank, it’s an ideal base for event-goers and explorers. Facilities include a...
YHA Brisbane City – Brisbane, Queensland
Modern and clean with comfy dorms, a social rooftop, and a relaxed vibe. Perfect for backpackers looking to explore the beaches, cafés, and coastal walks while meeting fellow travellers.
Little Drifter – Byron Bay Hostel, New South Wales
A hidden gem along the Greyhound route! Many travellers don’t realise Agnes Water is a stop on the 16-hour bus journey, but Banana Hostel is perfect for splitting up your trip. Comfy dorms, a relaxed vibe, and close to the beach make it a great spot ...
Banana Hostel – Agnes Water, 1770, Queensland
I stayed at Nomads Airlie Beach during my East Coast trip, and it was such a fun and social spot. Right in the heart of town, it’s perfect for meeting fellow travellers, joining bar crawls, and relaxing after a day exploring the Whitsundays. Clean, f...
Nomads - Airlie Beach, Queensland
One of my favourite hostels in Australia! Right on Magnetic Island’s beach, Nomads has great social vibes, fun evening events, and comfy dorms. Perfect for backpackers looking to relax, meet others, and enjoy sunrise views over the water.
Nomads Hostel – Magnetic Island, Queensland
Nestled in the rainforest near Bingil Bay, Jackaroo Treehouse has spacious dorms, a large pool, and a social, relaxed vibe. Perfect for backpackers looking to unwind, meet fellow travellers, and enjoy nature while still being close to the beach.
Jackaroo Treehouse Rainforest Retreat – Mission Beach, Queensland
A legendary party hostel in Cairns! Gilligan’s is perfect if you’re after social vibes, nightly events, and meeting fellow travellers. Dorms are comfortable enough to recover after a big night, and the location is ideal for exploring Cairns and nearb...
Gilligan’s Backpackers – Cairns, Queensland
Best Places to Eat on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
I ate my way up Australia’s East Coast during my 6-week Greyhound trip, from street food markets to healthy cafés and local hidden gems. Every spot on this list I’ve personally tried and loved, so you know they’re worth adding to your itinerary. Whet...
Spice Alley is a foodie laneway filled with hawker-style stalls serving authentic Asian street food. From Thai curries and Singaporean noodles to dumplings and Japanese bites, it’s the perfect spot for cheap eats in Sydney with a lively atmosphere da...
Spice Alley – Sydney’s Asian Street Food Haven
If you’re craving fresh sushi in Byron Bay, It’s Sushi is the place to go. I loved the vibrant rolls and quality sashimi, all made with care and super fresh ingredients. Perfect for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or takeaway to enjoy on the beach.
It's Sushi - Byron Bay
A bright and stylish café in the heart of Byron Bay, Combi is known for its organic, plant-based menu. From colourful smoothie bowls and fresh juices to speciality coffee and raw treats, it’s the perfect spot for a healthy brunch or a quick refuel be...
Combi Café – Byron Bay
Create your dream fries at Chip ‘n’ Mix in Noosa Heads — choose your type of hot chips, then go wild with toppings from crunchy pulled beef to house-made guac. A must-visit for comfort food lovers and anyone wanting something indulgent & fun.
Chip ‘n’ Mix – Noosa Heads – Fully Loaded Fries Bar
A must-visit foodie destination in Brisbane! Located in Hamilton, Eat Street Northshore is a vibrant market built from over 180 repurposed shipping containers, offering a diverse range of international cuisines, live music, and local art. Open Friday...
Eat Street Northshore – Brisbane’s Iconic Shipping Container Food Market
Bold, fresh, and flavour-packed Tex-Mex in Noosa Heads! Taco Boy delivers on tacos, burritos, nachos, and rice bowls with generous guac and salsa. Great for casual eats, takeaway or a relaxed dinner when you want something tasty and affordable.
Taco Boy - Noosa Heads - Mexican Eats
Rusty Pelican in 1770 is a must-visit for seafood lovers. I tried their calamari, and it was honestly the best I’ve ever tasted — perfectly tender and full of flavour. The relaxed coastal vibe and fresh seafood make it a highlight stop when exploring...
1770 Rusty Pelican | Seventeen Seventy QLD
Mexicairns was such a fun night out in Cairns! I loved the vibrant atmosphere, creative cocktails, and tasty Mexican dishes. With games like shuffleboard and a lively vibe, it’s perfect for groups of friends or anyone looking for a relaxed evening wi...
Mexicairns - Cairns
Best Activities & Experiences on Australia’s East Coast 🇦🇺
During my 6-week trip up Australia’s East Coast, I tried everything from kayaking with dolphins in Byron Bay and diving on the Great Barrier Reef to exploring markets, hiking trails, and hidden gems along the route. This list covers the best activiti...
Paddling through Sydney Harbour at sunrise is an unforgettable experience. I joined a sunrise kayak tour and loved seeing the Opera House and Harbour Bridge from the water in the calm morning light. Perfect for solo travellers, couples, or anyone loo...
Sunrise Kayak Tour – Sydney Harbour
Visiting the Sydney Opera House is a must, and taking the behind-the-scenes tour made it even more special. I even got to hear an orchestra rehearsal, which was incredible! Perfect for music lovers, architecture fans, and anyone wanting an insider lo...
Sydney Opera House Tour – Behind the Scenes
Climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge was one of the most thrilling experiences of my trip. The 360° views over Sydney, the Opera House, and the harbour at sunrise were absolutely unforgettable. Perfect for adventure seekers and anyone wanting a unique ...
Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb – Adventure Experience
Kayaking in Byron Bay with dolphins swimming alongside was one of the highlights of my trip. Paddling through the calm waters and spotting marine life up close made it a magical morning. Perfect for nature lovers, solo travellers, or anyone seeking a...
Dolphin Kayak Tour – Byron Bay
A sunset cruise in Surfers Paradise was such a relaxing way to end the day. Cruising along the Gold Coast waterways with the skyline in the background and the sun setting over the city felt unforgettable. It’s perfect for groups of friends, couples, ...
Sunset Cruise – Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Taking the ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island was such an amazing day out. With the Adventure Day Pass, I got to try activities like snorkelling, sandboarding, and kayaking all in one trip. It’s the perfect way to escape the city and experience on...
Moreton Island Return Ferry & Adventure Day Pass – Brisbane
Visiting Australia Zoo from Brisbane was such a fun and easy day out. With the transfer and entry ticket included, I didn’t have to worry about transport and could spend the whole day exploring the zoo. From the famous Crocoseum show to seeing koalas...
Australia Zoo Transfer & Entry Ticket – Day Trip from Brisbane
Kayaking through the Noosa Everglades was such a peaceful experience, surrounded by calm waters and incredible scenery. The highlight was stopping at the Stingray Sanctuary, where I saw wild stingrays gliding right beneath my kayak. It’s a unique act...
Noosa Everglades & Stingray Sanctuary Kayak Tour
Jumping out of a plane over the Whitsundays was hands-down one of the most thrilling experiences of my East Coast trip. The views of the turquoise waters, islands, and beaches from above are unforgettable, and the adrenaline rush is something every a...
Tandem Skydive Over the Whitsundays – Airlie Beach
Taking a scenic flight over the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef from Airlie Beach was honestly one of the most incredible experiences of my trip. Seeing the turquoise waters, Whitehaven Beach, and even Heart Reef from above gave me a whole new...
Whitsundays & Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight – Airlie Beach
Sailing to Whitehaven Beach on the Providence was a highlight of my East Coast trip. The day sail included stops for snorkelling in the clear waters and exploring the pristine beaches, making it an unforgettable way to experience the Whitsundays. Per...
Providence Whitsunday Sailing
Snorkeling around Magnetic Island was such a fun and memorable experience. I got to explore colourful coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish in the clear waters of Queensland. Perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike, it’s a must-...
Magnetic Island Snorkel Discovery Tour – Queensland
Rafting down the Tully River was one of the most adrenaline-filled parts of my Australian trip. The half-day tour had rapids that got the heart racing and calm stretches where I could take in the lush rainforest scenery. Perfect for thrill-seekers an...
Tully River White Water Rafting – Mission Beach, Queensland
Exploring the Daintree Rainforest, Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation in one day was an absolute highlight of my trip. Walking through ancient rainforest, spotting wildlife, and seeing where the rainforest meets the reef made it unforgettable. Perfe...
Daintree, Mossman Gorge & Cape Tribulation Day Trip – Cairns
Spending the day on Fitzroy Island was a relaxing highlight of my trip. I enjoyed hiking through tropical rainforest, lounging on the beach, and snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect escape from Cairns for a mix of adventure and ch...
Fitzroy Island Day Trip – Cairns, Queensland
If you're seeking an adrenaline rush in Cairns, the Guided Jet Ski Tour is a must-do. I opted for the 60-minute tour with Terra Marine Adventure, cruising through the scenic Trinity Inlet. The experience was exhilarating, with the thrill of high-spee...
Cairns Guided Jet Ski Tour – 30 or 60 Minutes Adventure
If you're looking for a budget-friendly way to explore the Great Barrier Reef, this all-inclusive day trip from Cairns is a fantastic choice. I joined the Reef Experience tour, which included a free introductory or certified scuba dive, snorkelling, ...
All-Inclusive Great Barrier Reef Day Trip with Scuba Dive – Cairns
Stay Connected in Australia with a eSIM 🇦🇺
Stay online across Australia with eSIMs – easy, reliable mobile data for travellers and backpackers.
Never worry about roaming charges while exploring Australia! Airalo eSIMs make it easy to stay online, navigate, and book your adventures on the go. Perfect for backpackers and travellers who want reliable mobile data across the country.
Stay Connected in Australia with Airalo eSIMs