Backpackers on Australia’s east coast can be as busy or relaxed as they like hiking through rainforests, experiencing white water rafting, swimming on world famous beaches to relaxing in some of Australia’s most idyllic getaways.
But with so much on offer, it is sometimes difficult for backpackers to work out the best way to experience Australia’s east coast. This guide has been developed for backpackers looking to visit Australia or backpackers who have just arrived in Australia and looking at how they should spend their time.

How much time does it take to travel along the East Coast of Australia?

The east coast of Australia spans across thousands of kilometres and is actually larger than a lot of countries that backpackers come from. Even travelling between Cairns and Sydney non stop in a car will take the average backpacker 33 hours to drive non-stop. But the key for backpackers is to not rush their journey along the east coast of Australia but rather take their time and experience everything that is on offer.

When travelling along the east coast of Australia most backpackers find themselves visiting Cairns, Airlie Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Sydney and Melbourne. The best thing about these destinations is that there is plenty of work on offer for backpackers who are on working holidays in Australia. This allows backpackers to stop in these locations and not only earn some much needed money but also take the time to explore and experience all that is on offer.
For backpackers who are visiting the east coast of Australia but are time poor, they can easily travel from top to bottom in three weeks and still have sufficient time to stop and experience the major tourist spots.

What is the best way to travel along the East Coast of Australia?

There are so many ways to travel along Australia’s east coast from buses and trains to planes and camper vans. Each travel option provides its own benefits to backpackers in regards to flexibility and convenience.

Many backpackers travelling along the east coast either purchase a cheap car or even hire a camper van. With these two travel options, backpackers are able to travel along the east coast at their own pace and stop where they want for as long as they want. This method is extremely popular for backpackers who have a current licence.

For backpackers who are willing to forego flexibility and convenience there is also the option to have a guided tour along Australia’s east coast. While being on a guided tour prevents backpackers from doing exactly what they want it is an ideal opportunity to travel and be shown the highlights of the east coast.

East Coast Accommodation

There are many accommodation options for backpackers travelling along Australia’s east coast from camping grounds, backpacker hostels, motels and even five star resorts. The choice is ultimately up to the individual backpacker and what fits in with their needs.

Most backpackers travelling along the east coast of Australia tend to opt for backpacker hostels as they are located in all major areas and are relatively cheap for backpackers on a budget. Another benefit of backpacker hostels is that people get to meet like minded travellers and gain new friends as well as having opportunities to find out about casual backpacker jobs.

The Best Places to visit along Australia’s East Coast

MELBOURNE

Known as the cultural and musical capital of Australia, Melbourne is a popular destination for backpackers. With cultural precincts and bustling laneway cafes, Melbourne offers backpackers a bustling cosmopolitan destination. When backpackers are finished enjoying the entertainment on offer, there is the opportunity to visit Melbourne’s beautiful beaches and attractions such as Luna Park in Saint Kilda.

While visiting Melbourne, backpackers also have the option to travel along the Great Ocean Road which is known to be home to some of Australia’s most pristine beaches and captivating scenery.

SYDNEY

Home to Australia’s Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney is arguably Australia’s most famous backpacker destination. From the busy entertainment precincts in Sydney’s CBD to world famous beaches such as Bondi and Coogee there is something on offer to cater to tastes of all backpackers.

Just under an hours drive from Sydney, backpackers can also experience the breathtaking scenery found in the Blue Mountains. For those who don’t want to venture further than the City of Sydney itself, backpackers can travel around Sydney Harbour by ferry and view the houses of Australia’s rich and famous as well as seeing some of Australia’s most significant historical sites.

BYRON BAY

Considered as one of Australia’s top surfing destinations, thousands of backpackers flock to Byron Bay each year. Most backpackers arrive in Byron Bay after catching the 12 hour over night bus from Sydney and head to straight to Australia’s most easterly point, Cape Byron, where from the vantage point of the lighthouse they can overlook the long stretches of coastline and usually dolphins frolicking in the waves.

Byron Bay is also known for its trendy nightlife with bars and clubs lining the Byron Bays main street. Whether backpackers are looking for nightly entertainment, an intense surfing experience or watching whales and dolphins swimming around Cape Byron, there is something on offer for all backpackers in Byron Bay.

GOLD COAST

Just an hour’s travel north of Byron Bay is Australia’s Gold Coast. The Gold Coast has become known as a favoured destination for backpackers on their journey along Australia’s east coast. The Gold Coast is known for its 24/7 nightlife and long stretches of beaches for backpackers to relax and unwind during the day.

The Gold Coast is also home to Australia’s major theme parks such as Movie World, Sea World, and Dream World. As a major tourist destination there is much on offer for all backpackers regardless of their interests and tastes.

BRISBANE

Located just 50 minutes north of the Gold Coast is Queensland’s capital city Brisbane. As a city situated on the River backpackers have an ideal opportunity to explore all that Brisbane has to offer by ferry stopping in South Brisbane’s Southbank. Southbank is home to Queensland’s Performing Arts Centre, Gallery of Modern Art, lagoon swimming pools and the iconic Ferris wheel.

For those looking for trendy restaurants and bars, backpackers will find everything they are looking for in the Fortitude Valley which is situated only 10 minutes from Brisbane’s CBD. The Fortitude Valley is considered to be Brisbane’s premier nightclub precinct and is word renowned for its late night entertainment and street performers.

NOOSA

About 2 hours north of Brisbane on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, backpackers exploring the east coast will find world famous Noosa. Noosa is situated on the banks of the Noosa River and its main beach Noosa Beach is surrounded by the Noosa National Park.

While the environment in Noosa is quieter than most other tourist hotspots, it is considered to be a tranquil destination where lovely restaurants and small bars can be found. Many backpackers visiting Noosa also take the opportunity to visit Australia Zoo which was originally opened by well renowned conservationist Steve Irwin, before he tragically passed away.

FRASER ISLAND

Fraser Island is the world’s largest Sand Island and known as an idyllic spot for four wheel driving and fishing. While there are few amenities such as bars and restaurants in the area, backpackers visit Fraser Island for the opportunity to explore its beaches and in land lagoons. Fraser Island is a must see location for any backpacker wanting to experience an island getaway like no other.

AIRLIE BEACH

Airlie Beach is a favourite destination for thousands of backpackers visiting Australia. Not only is Airlie Beach the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands it is also small beachside side known for its outrageous nightlife.

Airlie Beach also provides a unique opportunity for backpackers to undertake sailing boat charters to visit the islands of the Whitsundays and also to scuba dive on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. For such a small location there is so much to do for backpackers and most find that to take in all that Airlie Beach has to offer a 7 night stay is preferable.

CAIRNS

Known as the Adventure capital of Australia, Cairns provides backpackers with a multitude of opportunities. From white water rafting, watching crocodiles, bungy jumping through to scuba diving and rainforest tours, Cairns has it all.

Also known for its extensive nightlife with restaurants, bars and clubs, Cairns is a must see destination for all backpackers visiting Australia. With its very own international airport, Cairns is also the last destination for many backpackers before they return home.

Conclusion

The east coast of Australia is by far the most popular destination for all backpackers who visit Australia. With so much on offer the travel itinerary for backpackers travelling along thee east coast of Australia is only limited by their imagination. All backpackers have to decide is the types of opportunities they would like to experience and then choose where and for how long they would like to spend in each location.

The biggest consideration for backpackers is how long they actually do have to explore the east coast of Australia. This will obviously identify to the backpacker how long they can
spend in each location and choose their destinations accordingly. By following this guide backpackers will have an understanding of what is on offer in each of the locations that they will find along Australia’s east coast.

There is so much on offer for backpackers along Australia’s east coast which undoubtedly makes it Australia’s number one destination for all backpackers. Most people have images of backpackers spending all of their time in places like Bondi Beach. The reality however is that backpackers find most of their most valuable memories of their trip to Australia come from travelling the east coast of Australia. By researching and asking other backpackers, those backpacking up the east coast of Australia will be able to make the most of their Australian backpacking holiday.