East Coast Australia

This is one of the most popular backpacking places in Australia and the world. Along the way you will see the most iconic places from the great ocean road to the great barrier reef. This 4.000 kms. from Melbourne to Cairns are a must on every backpacker who visits Australia.

Best time to visit?

Fisherman´s Lookout, Byron Bay

Because of the long distances, weather could be very different from one state to the other.

• Summer (December- January) brings the warmest temperatures all over the route.
• Winter (June – August) for Melbourne and Sydney can get quite cool and wet while October to March should be very sunny.
• Byron Bay to Cairns wet season hits from November to March. The rest of the year should by dry.

Best time to visit would be from September to December where you can get the best weather all over the coast.

How much time does it take?

If you want to do the entire route you should take at least 3 weeks to complete the 4.000 kms and not be rushing. If you are flying between spots, you may do it in less time. Consider the time spending to get to and from each destination when you make your plans.

4 – 6 weeks are suggested to travel more comfortably and be able to do and see everything.

What´s the starting and finishing point? – What to visit?

Cabins on Brighton Beach

The full route is from Melboure to Cairns or Cairns to Melbourne but you can do the complete way or just the section you want. You should consider where is your arrival and departure place in Australia to plan your route. Cars and Campervans can be picked up and drop off at different places.

Melbourne: The most artistic and cultural city. What to do:

• Check the famous graffiti on Hosier Lane
• Visit Brighton Beach Cabins (can be reached by public transport)
• Take the Great Ocean Road (can be reached by tour or by your car)

Sydney: Full of things to do so you can spend some days here. Some of the must do things on the city:

• Cross Harbour Bridge
• Visit Opera House
• Take Ferry to Manly
• Enjoy Bondi Beach
• Visit Blue Mountains (if you have time)

Byron Bay: Famous for it´s chilled vibes and great surfing spot for learners. Some things to do:

• Enjoy the beach and give a try on surfing
• Watch a sunset from Cape Byron Lighthouse
• Take a day trip to the hippie village of Nimbin

Noosa: A surf culture town sorrounded by a national park. What to do:

• Try some surfing
• Relax on the beach
• Check the markets

Fraser Island: Australia´s largest island. You can take a day tour from Noosa, Brisbane or Rainbow Beach. Budget travellers can go on a 4WD vehicle but it has it´s risks. You cancamp or stay at a hostel. What to do on the island:

• Enjoy the amazing Lake Mckensie
• Driving along famous 120 kms. beach
• Check for dingoes

Arlie Beach / Whitesundays: A nice tropic vibe town. Known for being the departure point to sail to the Whitsundays. What to do:

• Party on one of the bars
• Take a day trip to Whitehaven or a 2 day / 2 night sailing trip
• Visit hamilton Island

*Tours can be cancelled due to weather conditions (wind) so you must consider some extra days just in case.

Cairns: Famous for being the gateaway to the Great Barrier Reef. What to do:

• Visit Cape Tribulation passing through Port Douglas
• Dive in the Great Barrier Reef

Other optional places to visit can be checked on the map

How much does it cost?

Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse, Sydney

How much you spend will depend on your budget. The costs you must consider are:

• Accomodation (Hostel): $20 – $40 AUS
• Lunch & Dinner: $15 – $30 AUS (Restaurant) – 5$ – $10 AUS (cook your own)
• Car Rent: $50 – $75 AUS / Day
• Campervan Rental for 2: $70 – $150 AUS / Day
• Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass: From $529 AUS
• Gas: $1.25 AUS / Liter

How do you get around?

Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays

• Renting a Campervan: Really popular between backpackers and travellers. Mostly couples. A good way of exploring your own way. There are some free camping zones in the outsides of the cities. Most places inside will charge for parking, including hostels.

• Buying a Campervan: As crazy as is sounds, it´s actually common between backpackers that spend long time in Australia, specially the ones with a Work and Holiday Visa. Just recommended for people that have enough time to look for a buyer afterwards and get your money back.

• Bus Pass: Popular and cheaper, specially for solo travellers. Greyhound and Premier both offer flexible Hop On Hop Off passes throughout the whole route. Check their website for prices, timetables and to book in advance (specially on high season)

• Tour: A quick, easy and effective way if you are running on a hurry. Also a good option if you feel nervous on travelling on your own or you just don´t feel like organizing everything. Not very popular because you lose flexibility.

• Airplane: Not really common to do it this way. You can just reach bigger cities (Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradise and Cairns). Just recommended f you are really on a hurry.

Where do you sleep?

Blue Mountains, NSW

Hostels are very popular in Australia. You can find many options in all major destinations along the East Coast. Some hostels offer flexible passes to be used for certain amount of nights along your way so you can save money. Check on Base and Nomads for these deals.

Free campings are also a good option but not as popular as hostels. Camps offer a paid app and book guids with all camp sites.

Tips and Considerations

Harbour Bridge, Sydney

• Book your transport, accommodation and tour ahead of time, unless you have plenty of time or you are on a flexible plan.

• Australia is very strict with traffic rules and fines can be really expensive. Respect maximum speed and traffic signals, wear seatbelt at all time and have a valid english language licence.

• Be aware of wild animals (mostly at night) on the road, specially kangaroos. They cause high amount of accidents and are not covered by insurance.

• Try to keep your gas tank full, specially on long distance destinations such as Arlie Beach and Cairns. Avoid any risk on not being able to reach the next gas station.