One Month Itinerary For The East Coast Of Australia
Published: June 2024
Updated: July 2024
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This itinerary includes the following route: Melbourne - Great Ocean Road - (back to) Melbourne - Phillip Island - Wilsons Promontory - Canberra - Blue Mountains - Sydney - New Castle - Port Macquarie - Byron Bay - Noosa - Gold Coast - Hervey Bay (Fraser Island) - Airlie Beach (Whitsunday Islands) - Townsville - Magnetic Island - Cairns (Great Barrier Reef).
The East Coast of Australia truly has so much to offer, and is designed incredibly well for backpackers, making it a popular travel destination, especially during the warmer months. In this piece, I give you my recommendation of how many days to spend in each part of the East Coast, from Melbourne all the way to Cairns. Growing up in Australia, I have travelled the East Coast multiple times, and I would recommend a four-to-six week minimum trip allowing you to spend a few days in each location, without feeling too rushed. I will give you some idea’s of both free and paid activities to do in each destination and my favourite hostels for you to stay at - all hostels mentioned can be booked via the HostelWorld app.
Four to six weeks will allow you to experience some of the best parts of Australia, including the incredible Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, a 4-wheel-drive along famous Fraser Island (K’Gari), The Blue Mountains, the picturesque Whitsunday Islands and even a penguin parade in Phillip Island. You can of course make the trip shorter or longer based on the time you have to travel, and you can choose to do this trip from top to bottom (Cairns to Melbourne), or bottom to top (Melbourne to Cairns). This itinerary is based on a self-drive trip, and includes the approximate driving time between each town.
I personally prefer doing this trip from the bottom to the top (Melbourne to Cairns) over a month duration, as it will slowly get warmer as you get to the top of Australia. Personally, my favourite time to travel the East Coast is in November and early-to-mid December, as the weather is just perfect (not scorching hot, and not too chilly), and right before peak season hits over December & January, as peak season brings a price increase in almost everything.
In Australia, our Summer months are from December to February, however you can expect warm temperatures in New South Wales and Queensland from October to April. Victoria is generally colder, which is why I would suggest starting in Melbourne and working your way up to the hotter weather. If you are not sure which mode of transport to choose for the East Coast, I have another blog piece providing some options, which can be found by clicking here.
So, let’s get started!
Melbourne (2-4 days)
Fly straight into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport and catch a SkyBus into the CBD, check in to your hostel, and start exploring the huge city of Melbourne. Melbourne boasts a huge variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and cafes (and in my opinion, the best coffee). There are an abundance of free and paid activities to fill in your day, and a buzzing night life, so I would recommend allowing two or three days to explore some of the best parts of Melbourne.
Hostel Recommendations: Nomads St Kilda, Flinders Backpackers, Space Hotel
Free Things To Do:
Walk around and explore the beautiful city of Melbourne
Walk along the Yarra River
Visit Federation Square
Botanical Gardens
Queen Victoria Market
State Library Victoria
Visit St Kilda Beach
Watch the sunset from Point Ormond (this will not disappoint)
Paid Things To Do:
Eureka Sky Deck
Melbourne Zoo
Melbourne Aquarium
Melbourne Museum
Luna Park Melbourne
Try the delicious Melbourne coffee
Note: The next few stops (Great Ocean Road, Wilson’s Promontory & Phillip Island) are not always included in the usual backpacker East Coast Trip in Australia - however if you do have the extra week to see these places, and you love hiking, seeing waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife, including Kangaroo’s, Koala’s, Birds, Wombats and sometimes even Whales, then you won’t want to miss out on these next few stops! However, if you are short on time, you can head straight from Melbourne to Canberra.
Driving Time: Melbourne to (the start of) The Great Ocean Road - Approx. 1 Hour
Great Ocean Road (2-5 days)
The Great Ocean Road is a long stretch of road (around 240 kilometers long) full of coastal sightseeing opportunities, including stunning surf beaches, waterfalls and historical structures. It is best seen via car - if you have your own car or van then you can create a self-drive itinerary over two-to-five days to see the main highlights - If you do not have a car, then I would recommend joining a tour group through Get Your Guide. They provide one-day and multi-day sight-seeing tours to see the highlights of the Great Ocean Road. It is approximately a one hour drive from Melbourne to the start of the Great Ocean Road (Torquay), however if you go right to the end of the Great Ocean Road (Allansford), you will be around 5-6 hours away from Melbourne, so ensure you account for an extra day to make your way back to Melbourne. The Great Ocean Road is a very winding road, and can cause motion sickness in some people, so you may want to split the driving up with another friend, or simply join a tour group if you are not feeling confident in driving.
Hostel Recommendations: YHA Apollo Bay, Anglesea Backpackers
Another popular accommodation option amongst backpackers along the Great Ocean Road is camping in caravan parks in Torquay, Apollo Bay & Lorne, which can easily be found via a quick google search, and booked individually via the website of each caravan park.
Some of the highlights along the Great Ocean Road include:
Torquay
Bells Beach (surfing capital of Australia)
Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery
Anglesea
Lorne (make sure to hike to some of the beautiful waterfalls including Sheoak Falls & Erskine Falls)
Great Otway National Park
Apollo Bay
Cape Otway
Twelve Apostles
Loch Ard Gorge
Port Campbell
The Arch
The Grotto
Driving Time: Melbourne to Phillip Island - Approx. 2 Hours
Phillip Island (2 days)
After you have been along the Great Ocean Road, and have made it back to Melbourne - the next stop is Phillip Island. Only two hours from Melbourne, Phillip Island is famous for the daily sunset penguin parades, where the little penguins make their way across the sand at dusk. There are a variety of tickets available for the penguin viewing at Phillip Island, ranging from $30 - $120 AUD, depending on your budget and how many days you have in Phillip Island. You will need at least one night in Phillip Island to watch the penguins at sunset, and then head off the next morning to our next stop - Wilsons Promontory National Park.
Hostel Recommendations: YHA Phillip Island, The Island Accommodation (or caravan park camping)
Free Things To Do:
Pinnacles Lookout
Visit Cowes Beach
Cape Woolamai Walk
Paid Things To Do:
Watch the sunset Penguin Parade
Phillip Island Wildlife Park
Koala Conservation Reserve
Nobbies Centre
Driving Time: Phillip Island to Wilsons Promontory - Approx. 2 Hours
Wilsons Promontory (2-3 days)
Once you arrive in Wilsons Promontory, check in to your chosen accommodation. Again, camping is common for backpackers in Wilsons Promontory - in Tidal River, or in the Wilsons Promontory Holiday Park, which is just outside of the National Park.
Spend your time in Wilsons Promontory exploring the beautiful National Park, and venturing on hikes that will lead you to some of the most beautiful views and beaches in Victoria.
TIP: download an offline map of Wilsons Promontory National Park from their website before you enter, as there is little-to-no phone service in parts of the park, and you will need to keep track of where you are.
Accommodation Recommendations: Tidal River Cabins, Tidal River Lodges, Tidal River Campground Wilsons Promontory Holiday Park.
Free Things To Do:
Wilsons Promontory National Park (day entry is free, if staying overnight, you will need to book your accommodation online via the Wilsons Promontory National Park Website)
Within the National Park, make sure to visit the following spots:
Squeaky beach (yes, the sand actually squeaks!)
Mount Oberon Summit
Fairy Cove
Whisky Bay
Paid Things To Do:
Tickets can be booked via Get Your Guide, for the following:
Take a cruise to the extraordinary Skull Rock
Whale Watching Cruise
Wilderness Cruise
Driving Time: Wilsons Promontory to Canberra - Approx. 8-9 Hours
(I recommend staying in Lakes Entrance for a night to break up the driving time - in Lakes Entrance you can visit the amazing Buchan Caves). The hilly scenery from Wilsons Promontory to Canberra is quite beautiful and you will likely see a few Wombats along the way.
Another option is to make your way back to Melbourne first, and then head straight to Canberra from Melbourne.
Canberra (1-2 days)
Our next stop after Wilsons Promontory is Canberra. I personally did not find that there was a lot to do in Canberra itself, it is mostly sightseeing around the city, but is still a nice stop-off along the East Coast. Canberra holds the stunning Parliament House, as well as the National Gallery of Australia and the National Zoo & Aquarium.
Hostel Recommendations: The Village Canberra
Free Things To Do:
View Parliament House
National Gallery Of Australia
National Botanical Gardens
Lake Burley Griffin
Mount Ainslie Lookout
Paid Things To Do:
National Zoo & Aquarium
Capital Brewing Co
Driving Time: Canberra to Blue Mountains - Approx. 3 Hours
Blue Mountains (2-3 days)
If you have the extra time, definitely spend a couple of nights camping in the picturesque Blue Mountains, where you can spend your time hiking in nature and exploring waterfalls and waterholes.
If you are shorter on time, then you can take a day trip to the Blue Mountains from Sydney, which can be booked online here, to see some of the highlights such as the Three Sisters Echo Point pictured above, and some of the incredible waterfalls found within the Blue Mountains.
Hostel Recommendations: YHA Blue Mountains Katoomba - (or camp in the Katoomba Falls Tourist Park)
Free Things To Do:
Three Sisters Walk
Katoomba Falls
Giant Stairway
Blue Mountains Botanical Gardens
Paid Things To Do:
Jenolan Caves
Scenic World Blue Mountains
Driving Time: Blue Mountains to Sydney - Approx. 1 Hour
Sydney (2-3 days)
After your relaxing time spent in nature in the Blue Mountains, our next stop is the capital of New South Wales - Sydney. Sydney is the largest city in Australia, and very popular amongst visiting backpackers, with the mix of city-life and beach-life combined in one. There is an abundance of free and paid activities to fill in your day, and a buzzing night life to fill in your evenings.
Hostel Recommendations: Wake Up! Bondi Beach, Wake Up! Sydney Central, YHA Sydney Central
Free Things To Do:
View the Sydney Harbour Bridge
View the Opera House
Bondi Beach to Coogee Beach Walk
Visit Bronte Baths
Visit Manly Beach
Visit the famous Bondi Beach (from the Bondi Rescue TV show)
Paid Things To Do:
Climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge
Take a tour inside the Opera House
Sydney Aquarium
Luna Park
Australian Museum
Taronga Zoo Sydney
Driving Time: Sydney to Newcastle - Approx. 2.5 Hours
Newcastle (1-2 days)
After the big city life in Sydney, the next town is Newcastle. In Newcastle, you can check out the main beach, and the instagrammable Bogey Hole (a sea bath). Newcastle is a great stop-over town to break up the driving time, and to rest for a day or two before moving on.
Hostel Recommendations: YHA Newcastle Beach, Backpackers Newcastle
Free Things To Do:
Take a walk along the Newcastle Memorial Walk
Visit the Bogey Hole (sea bath)
Visit the Newcastle Beach
Walk to Nobbys Lighthouse
Driving Time: Newcastle to Port Macquarie - Approx. 3 Hours
Port Macquarie (2-3 days)
After Newcastle, we will drive a few hours to Port Macquarie, where you will find a beautiful coastal walk to fill in your morning. Port Macquarie has a shopping centre for you to stock up on essentials, and also a popular fish & chip shop (Off The Hook), where many locals gather and eat their fish & chips whilst watching the sunset from the beach. After Port Macquarie, we are heading to the famous Byron Bay!
Hostel Recommendations: Port Macquarie YHA (or camping in the Port Macquarie Breakwall Holiday Park)
Free Things To Do:
Tacking Point Lighthouse
Relax on the beach
Walk the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk
Paid Things To Do:
Stoney Aqua & Action Park
Facade Escape Room
Grab some fish ‘n’ chips and watch the sunset from the beach
Wildlife Park
Driving Time: Port Macquarie to Byron Bay - Approx. 4 Hours
Byron Bay (4-5 days)
Ahhh the beautiful Byron Bay - I have to say Byron Bay is my favourite spot along the East Coast. The first time I visited, I immediately fell in love with the relaxed and laid-back nature and people of Byron Bay. There are over 10 hostels in Byron Bay - making it a hot spot for backpackers and travellers, which means you are likely to run into plenty of like-minded travellers throughout your time in Byron Bay.
You will find most backpackers exploring Byron Bay in the morning, sun-baking on the main beach soaking up the afternoon sun, and then heading out to party at night. Byron Bay holds the best duelling piano bar (much more than just two people playing a piano), the atmosphere of the piano bar is something you just have to experience whilst visiting Byron Bay - sing your heart out with your new traveller friends!
Hostel Recommendations: With over 10 hostels to choose from, these are my favourite hostels that I have stayed at in Byron Bay: YHA Byron Bay, Wake Up Byron Bay, Surf House
Free Things To Do:
Take the scenic walk up to Cape Byron (Byron Bay Lighthouse) for sunrise
Visit the Stone & Wood Brewery
Soak up the sun on the Main Beach
Visit Tallow Beach
Visit Watergos Beach
Visit Minyon Falls & Killen Falls
Visit the town of Nimbin (a famous hippie destination)
Paid Things To Do:
Go surfing (many hostels in Byron Bay offer surf board and bike hire)
Sing your heart out at The Piano Bar (The Northern Pub) at night
Get breakfast at The Bay Leaf Cafe (my personal favourite cafe, especially love their iced chocolate)
Driving Time: Byron Bay to Noosa - Approx. 3.5 Hours
Noosa / Rainbow Beach (3-5 days)
Next on our East Coast Trip we are heading a few hours north to the wonderful Noosa. Noosa is another one of my favourites where I made so many dear friends along my travels. When visiting Noosa, I highly recommend visiting the National Park, where you can view the famous fairy pools (just like the photos above), where you will often spot dolphins jumping through the water nearby. Noosa is also a popular spot for surfing and farmers markets. Most of the hostels in Noosa also have nightly events planned including the popular silent disco at KB’s. If you have never experienced a silent disco, this is the place for it!
Hostel Recommendations: Bounce Noosa, Noosa Flashpackers, Nomads Noosa
Free Things To Do:
Noosa National Park (famous Fairy Pools)
Go surfing
Noosa Main Beach
Noosa River
Visit the Farmers Markets
Visit Sunshine Beach
Laguna Lookout
Paid Things To Do:
Join a tour to the famous Rainbow Beach
Driving Time: Noosa to Gold Coast - Approx. 2.5 Hours
Gold Coast / Brisbane (1-2 days)
After Noosa, we head to the Gold Coast in Queensland, home to sandy beaches and the many theme parks listed below. Many backpackers also take the day tours to the paradise that is Moreton Island, whilst staying in the Gold Coast. Make sure to experience the city of Brisbane, which often hosts night markets with an abundance of entertainment and street foods.
Hostel Recommendations: Bunk Brisbane, Selina Brisbane, YHA Brisbane City
Free Things To Do:
Explore Burleigh Heads
Visit the famous Surfers Paradise
Visit Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Visit a night market in Brisbane
Paid Things To Do:
Skypoint Observation Deck
Hit some balls at Top Golf
Dreamworld Theme Park
Wet ‘n’ Wild Theme Park
Movie World Theme Park
Sea World Theme Park
Driving Time: Gold Coast to Hervey Bay - Approx. 4.5 Hours
Hervey Bay / Fraser Island (K’Gari) (2-3 days)
From the Gold Coast, we head to Hervey Bay - a popular departure point to visit the incredible Fraser Island (traditionally known as K’Gari). Fraser Island companies provide many options for both full-day and multiple-day tours. Many backpackers choose to spend a night or two on Fraser Island where you can experience the true Australian nature of 4-wheel-driving, camping in tents, and spotting dingoes along the beach, which can be booked here.
Hostel Recommendations: Flashpackers Hervey Bay
Free Things To Do:
Explore the town of Hervey Bay
Walk along the Urangan Pier
Take a walk along the Hervey Bay Esplanade
Paid Things To Do:
Join a one day or multi-day tour to Fraser Island
Reef World Aquarium
Visit Lady Elliot Island
Driving Time: Hervey Bay to Airlie Beach - Approx. 10 Hours
Note: If you are driving this route on your own - I would suggest stopping overnight in a town on the way to help break up the drive, and reduce driver fatigue, such as Yeppoon, or Rockhampton which is about halfway between Hervey Bay & Airlie Beach.
Airlie Beach / Whitsundays (3-5 days)
Next, we visit the beautiful Airlie Beach, with a buzzing nightlife and a variety of tours to the picturesque Whitsunday Islands. Airlie Beach is the main departure spot for those visiting the Whitsunday Islands. ‘Get Your Guide’ provides a variety of package options when visiting the Whitsundays - you can choose from one day tours, overnight tours, sailing tours and more. Most backpackers I have met tend to join the overnight party boat tours, or simply opt for a one day tour.
Hostel Recommendations: Nomads Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach Magnums (adults only, more party-like)
Free Things To Do:
Hang out at the Airlie Beach Lagoon
Go window shopping down the main street
Soak up the sun on the beach closest to the Marina
Visit the Airlie Beach Marina
Visit the markets (usually held on weekends)
Paid Things To Do:
Visit the incredible Whitsunday Islands
Join a jet-ski tour around the bay
Airlie Beach Sky Diving
Go ocean rafting
Driving Time: Airlie Beach to Townsville - Approx. 3.5 Hours
Townsville / Magnetic Island (2-3 days)
After you have visited the picturesque Whitsunday Islands, our next stop is Townsville. Majority of backpackers come to Townsville just to see the incredible Magnetic Island. You will need to first arrive in Townsville, and then catch the ferry to Magnetic Island. I would recommend staying on Magnetic Island for one or two nights minimum, and exploring the beauty of the Island during the day. You can download a map of the island, and choose where you would like to start exploring, there are a variety of beaches where you can swim & snorkel, a bunch of cafe’s and restaurants, and you may even come across a few rock wallabies. You can also choose different modes of transport around the island - including hire cars, bus passes, scooters and more.
Hostel Recommendations: Selina Magnetic Island, Nomads Magnetic Island
Free Things To Do:
Snorkel coral reef sites around the island
Visit the rock wallabies
Hike around the island to incredible views
Paid Things To Do:
Book a trip to Magnetic Island here
Visit Magnetic Island Brewery
Grab a bite to eat at the various cafe’s and restaurants
Visit the Koala Park
Driving Time: Townsville to Cairns - Approx. 4.5 Hours
Cairns / Great Barrier Reef (4-5 days)
Our last stop along the East Coast of Australia is Cairns. Whilst there is not a heap to do in the city of Cairns itself, there are endless activities to do from Cairns, including island trips, the absolutely incredible Great Barrier Reef (this is a must), and you can even see some real life crocodiles in action in the Daintree Rainforest.
Hostel Recommendations: Mad Monkey, The Village
Free Things To Do:
Visit Palm Cove (30mins from Cairns, on the way to Port Douglas)
Visit Port Douglas (1 hour from Cairns, pass through Palm Cove on the way)
Explore the Cairns Esplanade & Lagoon
Cairns Botanical Gardens
Paid Things To Do:
Join a tour group to visit the Great Barrier Reef
Join a tour group to visit the Daintree Rainforest & Mossman Gorge
Take a day trip to Fitzroy Island
Take a day trip to Green Island
Have a ride on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Experience the stunning Kuranda Scenic Railway
Visit the Butterfly Sanctuary
Visit Hartley’s Crocodile adventures
That brings us to the top of the East Coast of Australia, so many places to see and so much beautiful scenery to take in. If you are travelling the East Coast soon, I hope you have the most amazing time! If you have any questions, please comment below, or you can find me on Instagram! :)