From beautiful cities to rich and fascinating wildlife, the East Coast truly has it all, offering some of the most classic and authentic Australian experiences.
Whether you decide to station yourself in one spot or even explore deeper with exciting road trips, there’s no question you’ll encounter awe-inspiring coastlines, stunning skylines, and breathtaking natural surroundings wherever you go. While Australia’s East Coast is filled with incredible experiences, here are just some of the most fantastic things you can see and do in this area:
Drive down the Great Ocean Road
If you decide to go to Australia for its endless road trip opportunities, the Great Ocean Road is simply a must. This iconic route is nearly 250 miles long, taking you approximately 5 hours to cover the stretch from Nelson to Torquay. Winding along the breathtaking coastlines, the Great Ocean Road takes you through the impressive rock formations of the Twelve Apostles, the beautiful Great Otway National Park ideal for a relaxing stop, charming seaside towns like Port Fairy filled with quaint historic cottages, as well as endless koala spotting opportunities, particularly near Kennett River. Don’t miss the Cape Otway lighthouse either; it’s the oldest one in Australia.
Try surfing at Byron Bay
Whether you’re a digital nomad attempting to make the most of Australia or simply an enthusiastic tourist looking for unique experiences, surfing is absolutely essential when visiting the country. The cool, relaxed, and surfy atmosphere of Byron Bay is the ideal place to try it. With a number of stunning beaches to choose from and various places for renting equipment and booking surfing lessons, the sunny Byron is truly perfect for relaxation, unwinding, and enjoying some unique surfing opportunities. Clarkes beach is great for beginners, Watego’s is suitable for longboarders, The Pass can be enjoyable for surfers of all levels, while Tallow beach is a good spot for escaping the busy Byron crowds.
Go boating in Sydney Harbour
Sydney is one of the most impressive cities in Australia, and possibly the world. From the stunning Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge to Bondi Beach and Circular Quay, the city is filled with stunning skylines that are best experienced from the sea. That is why you might want to find a great boat hire in Sydney that suits your personal tastes and needs. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly charter boat or even a private luxury yacht, hiring a boat is truly the best, most special way to explore one of the most incredible harbours in the world, right here on Australia’s East Coast.
Go wine tasting at Hunter Valley
For wine enthusiasts or those who simply enjoy quality local products, Hunter Valley is truly ideal for sampling brilliant wines. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, it can be a great stop if you’re going on a road trip or even an interesting weekend trip on its own. Hunter Valley is known for its Semillon and Shiraz, with many wineries providing free tasting sessions, as well as a number of unique vineyards from larger commercial producers to smaller local ones. If you want to pair quality wine with some delicious nibbles, Hunter Valley is also home to a chocolate company and an olive centre, all of which can be explored on a relaxing bike ride.
Explore the street art in Melbourne
Melbourne is another wonderful city with plenty to do and see. Joining a walking tour and exploring the city’s stunning street art is among the most popular activities, but Melbourne has much more to offer than just urban beauty. You can go kayaking down the Yarra River, relax on the beach at St Kilda, try the city’s mind-blowing food, or simply stop at one of the many charming coffee shops or rooftop bars. If you visit Melbourne in the local summer months, its markets come alive in the evenings with bars, food stalls, and live music, while the nearby Phillip Island provides a more unique experience with its famous adorable penguins.
Interact with animals at Kangaroo Island
The wildlife destination of Kangaroo Island is often called a zoo with no fences, as it offers some truly incredible opportunities for spotting native Australian animals in their natural habitat. While you will surely see plenty of kangaroos around the island, you might also encounter koalas hiding in the trees, wombats scampering across the ground, as well as fur seals and sea lions around the shore. In the evenings, the bats fly, penguins stir, and you might even spot some possums sneaking in the bushes. Kangaroo Island also provides plenty of outdoor activities like quad biking and wildlife tours, making it ideal for nature lovers and families alike.
Wrapping up
From enchanting urban surroundings to stunning natural experiences, Australia’s East Coast truly has something to offer for everyone. The only issue you might encounter is deciding which one of the incredible destinations above to visit first.