Epic East Coast Australia bucket list experiences from Melbourne to Cairns

Australia has such diverse landscapes that it will surprise you just how much there is to do when exploring the East Coast from Melbourne to Cairns.

This popular backpacker route has so much to offer with exciting wildlife experiences, amazing coastline and restaurant and nightlife options that will have you pretty busy.

Take a look at over 40 top things to do;

Sydney Harbour

Explore Sydney Harbour and take a photo in front of the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Sydney bridge. Walk along the harbour and take in the views of the city and water side by side.

The harbour is packed full of bars and restaurants offering you the perfect opportunity to dine and drink with a great view.

The opera house is also the back drop of an exciting nightly lazer show that no visit to Sydney is complete without.

Those looking for an additional bucket list experience can climb Sydney bridge and take in the almighty views from this perspective.

Whitsundays

Off the coast of Queensland Australia you will find the beautiful Whitsundays islands. The best way to explore this natural beauty is by joining one of the many boats that head out daily and allow you to spend the night or a few nights at sea.

The waters and reefs are inhabited by a vast array of marine life due to the Whitsundays place within the Great Barrier Reef. Most of the boats that head out offer snorkelling and scuba dive options and you will be in awe of what you find underneath the water.

Great Barrier Reef

No visit to Australia’s East Coast would be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the worlds largest reef system. Cairns is packed full of tour operators offering you the opportunity to snorkel and scuba dive in the reef.

Many other options for viewing the reef can also be selected such as helicopter tours, sky dives and hot air balloon rides. The reef from above is a collage of colours and you be treated to views of marine life and oral reefs.

Source: Greatbarrierreef.org

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and the perfect place to head on an adventure tour. Several tour operators depart via ferry in adventure jeeps. Once you leave the ferry in your jeep you will be able to visit some exciting stops such as Lake McKenzie a fresh water pool with clear blue waters, the perfect place for swimming and cooling down in the heat. Panoramic views from Indian head of the choppy waters below and the shipwreck which makes for some exciting viewing.

This is an adventurous bucket list experience you will not want to miss and a part of Australia that  should for sure hold a spot on your list.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island is a tropical paradise located off the coast of Townsville, Queensland. Accessible via boat and ferry you will be in awe of the soft sandy beaches and blue waters that form the rim of this island. The island itself is a national park and the rock formations leading to beautiful view points over the bays are the ideal place for a photo. The location along the Great Barrier Reef ensures you will be treated to the beauty of the underwater world that has made Magnetic Island famous.

Source: Australia.com

Philip Island penguin parade

A short scenic drive from Melbourne you will come to Phillip Island well known for its beautiful wildlife. For sure the most famous animal to grace Phillip Island is the penguins. Every evening at sunset you will be treated to the spectacular view of the penguins making there way from the water and in land for the evening.

This is a once and lifetime bucket list experience and chance to see a natural occurrence up close and personal.

Source: Visit Melbourne

Byron Bay surfing

The beaches in Byron bay are not to be missed. Filled with wildlife and gigantic waves to head on in and explore the surf.

The hippy town of Byron Bay itself is filled with cute coffee shops, sustainable clothes brands and gorgeous beaches you will not want to miss stopping by.

Source: Surf galaxy

Bondi Beach

This world famous beach on Australia’s East Coast is hub of activity offering huge waves for the surf lovers and white sands for beach goers to tan the day away. The nearby iceberg pools offer a welcome sight to swimmers and the whole area is a trendy hub of restaurants and bars to be explored after a long day at the beach.

Koala Sanctuary

The Koala Sanctuary on Australia’s East Coast is the perfect place to head to get up close and personal with koala’s and give them your best cuddle.

These amazing animals are a huge part of Australia’s culture and brand and a visit to Australia is not complete without one.

Source: Koala.net

Cape Tribulation

The cape Tribulation road runs through Northeast Queensland and splits the beach from the rain forest. Within the area you can explore rain forest activities such as zip lining and trekking, whilst the beach offers reefs and soft sandy beaches.

Source: Zannavandijk.co.uk

Great Ocean Road

This National Heritage site is a 243-kilometre road along the south-eastern coast of Australia. No visit to Australia is complete without renting a car or camper van and taking off down the Great Ocean Road.

The twelve apostles are a top sight to be seen in and you will be in awe of the rick formations as you drive and explore. This is the ultimate road trip.

Source: National Geographic

Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk

This beautiful coastal walk is the perfect way to spend an afternoon taking in the scenery from Sydney’s Bondi beach to Coogee. You will be treated to beautiful views of cliffs, beaches and rock pools with plenty of photo opportunities.

The path way is flat and even and the peaceful walk is perfect for people of all ages.

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Source: Sydney Expert

Sunset at St Kilda beach

Melbourne’s seaside town St Kilda is the perfect place to come and enjoy the beach whilst exploring the city and well worth staying through to sunset and the sunset position allows for optimal views over the pier and beautiful colours take the skies.

Enjoy a local beer on the sand or take in the views from a nearby bar or restaurant.

Source: Melbourne private tours

Sunrise hike to Mount Warning

This 1157 meter high mountain is an excellent hike when exploring Australia’s East Coast. The mountains location on a volcanic crater make for interesting hiking.

We think the best time to hike is to reach the summit is in time for sunrise to be treated with excellent colours above the clouds.

The hike itself takes about 4 hours, so you will need to leave in the hours of darkness.

Source: Byron Bay Adventure Tours

Noosa National Park

This national park located in Queensland Australia offers excellent scenery and beach scapes to explore. The national park boast wildlife experiences, coastal walks and swimming experiences such as snorkelling and diving.

Visit Queensland

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains nearby to Sydney is a National Park consisting of mountains and sand stone rock formations waiting to be explored. The Echo Point lookout has panoramic views of Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters. The way the light falls on the mountains at certain times of the day allows the mountains to look blue playing host to there name the Blue Mountains.

You can explore the mountains by hiking, rock climbing and from above in a helicopter.

Source: Planet Ware

Manly Beach

You can reach Manly beach by catching a boat from Sydney Harbour and enjoying the views from the boat as the towering buildings of Sydney leave you in the distance and you come to see the small town of Manly.

Manly is world famous for surfing, so much so that the world championships for surfing have been held here. This is great place to take a lesson or just observe the pros and the locals.

The beaches are breathtaking and the clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Enjoy the town with a spot of shopping, eating fish and chips on the seafront or grabbing a drink with the view.

Source: Sydney.com

Hunter Valley wine tasting

The Hunter Valley is the East Coasts wine region and wine lovers will be in there element as they explore the various wineries and vineyards.

Book a tasting and food pairing and also spend time exploring the landscapes and the vines. You will not be disappointed.

Source: Ultimately Sydney

Sydney Harbour cruise

Take in the views of Sydney Harbour from the water and enjoy the views of the Sydney Bridge, The Sydney Opera house and the high rise city buildings that make the cities financial district.

This is the perfect way to escape the crazyness of the city and sip on a drink as you take in the city.

Source: Australian cruise group

Mt Coot lookout Brisbane

The best place to take in excellent views of Mt Coot from Brisbane is from the Mt Coot-tha lookout point. Once you have made it to the top enjoy the 360 degree views of Brisbane and Mount Coot.

The top of the lookout point is home to restaurants and coffee shops for you to really take in the views and enjoy.

The views are totally different at day and night and you can enjoy the city light at nighttime.

Source: Your Brisbane

Noosa Fairy Pools

No visit to Noosa National Park is complete without a visit to the Noosa fairy pools. These idyllic swimming spots and pools are located a 45 minute walk along the beach from Noosa’s main beach.

The rock pools fill with water from the ocean as the waves crash and allow for clear blue pools to swim and float and enjoy this natural treat.

Source: Beach addicted

Harvey Bay Whale watching

Harvey Bay offers the perfect spot to view Humpback whales from July-November each year. The warm waters attract the young and pregnant whales before they head further afield to the antarctic.

Hop on board a local tour boat and enjoy spotting whales and trying to catch that awe inspiring picture.

Source: Viator

Byron Bay lighthouse

The active lighthouse in Byron Bay is also now Heritage listed. You can take a trip to the lighthouse take a look inside and also enjoy the views of Byron Bay from above.

Visiting at sunset is a perfect time to see the skies turn an array of colours.

Source: Visit NSW

Fitzroy island

Located 29 kilometres south of Cairns, Fitzroy Island resembles a tropical island surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef.

The islands location on the Great Barrier Reef make it perfect for snorkelling and scuba diving as well as taking off on a sailing trip. Further inland there is loads to do such as walking and hiking to view points and setting off in search of the islands wildlife.

For those looking for a quieter change of pace simply hire a canoe t explore the clear blue waters.

Source: Fitzroy Island

Noosa Everglades

The best way to explore the Noosa Everglades is by boat. Take your own kayak or hop on board a tour boat and explore 60 kilometres of water stretched through Noosa. The narrow water canals allow for excellent views of the forestry at the edges of the water and you will also be in awe of the wildlife spotting opportunities both inland and in the water from your boat.

Source: Visit Noosa

Skydive over the Great Barrier Reef Heart

The heart shaped coral in the Great Barrier Reef is an excellent place to sky dive and enjoys the views from up above. You will be in absolute awe of the shades of blue in the water and reefs that you area treated to as the reef comes into view as you free fall from above.

Source: RTW Backpackers

Wild dolphins and turtles at Morton Island

Hop into the water with these beautiful creatures on Morton Island just off of Brisbane. Spend the day swimming and snorkelling in the water with wild dolphins and turtles as they show you their natural habitat.

The crystal clear waters allow for amazing viability and this is a bucket list experience you will not want to miss.

Source: Flight centre

Kayak with dolphins in Byron Bay

You will also be able to explore beautiful dolphins at Byron Bay and you kayak through the wavy waters and watch the dolphins catch and wave. The friendly bottle nose dolphins love the human interaction and you will see them swimming, jumping and twirling through the water.

Source: Get your guide

Surf at Surfers Paradise

Nothing quite screams surfing more than a beach called Surfers Paradise where you can hang 10 and catch a wave whilst admiring the views of the high rise buildings further inland.

Take a surf lesson if your a beginner or if not paddle out and catch a wave. Those looking for a calmer pace can watch the locals from the beach and catch a tan.

Source: Gold coast bulletin

Sydney’s Iceberg Pools

These beautiful blue iceberg pools that sit alongside Bondi Beach are the perfect place to go for a dip and unwind. Swim close to the edge to feel the spray of the waves or further in to enjoy the calm waters as you step away from the madness of Bondi beach.

The site is also home to a sauna and cafe the perfect spot for a day of relaxation.

Source: Pop sugar

Visit the Kangaroos at Hillborough National Park

Casuarina Beach inside Hillborough National Park offers you the opportunity to get up close and personal with wallabies and kangaroo’s.

The best time to visit is during sunrise where the sky is coloured with a magical backdrop and the kangaroos are present looking for food in the tide.

Source: Escape.com

Explore the East Coast by Camper van

One of the best ways to explore the East Coast is by camper van. The freedom of your own van allows you to stop wherever you wish along the road and take in the scenery at your own pace.

Waking up to the views of the coast line whilst drinking your morning cup of coffee is also a major plus. Australia has so many free parking spaces as well as paid camp sites where you will be sure to meet other like minded travellers taking the same journey as you.

Source: Australia backpackers guide

Sky dive at Mission beach

A Mission Beach sky dive allows you all of the views of the Great Barrier reef whilst you free fall and pull the shoot before a great beach landing.

Jump from 15000 feet as you marvel at the view below.

Source: Mission beach tourism

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow beach is most popular to tourists before they head off on their Fraser Island adventure. The small seaside town is cute and offers small cafes and bars to explore.

The beach itself if beautiful and given its name Rainbow beach because of the rainbow like colours that can be seen in certain lighting across the sand rocks and cliffs.

Source: Australian traveller

Climb Sydney Bridge

Explore Sydney from a brand new angle as you climb the iconic Sydney Bridge. With several climbs to choose from you can explore the sampler, summit express or summit as you choose the right adrenaline level for you.

This is a bucket list worthy experience that will have you testing your physical ability as you enjoy almighty views of the city and harbour.

Source: bridge climb

Milla Milla Falls

Located in the Australia Tablelands Milla Milla Falls is a World Heritage site which is popular with tourists from the Herbal Essences advert in which the model flips her hair in the falls. You will no doubt see many tourists practising their hair flip for the iconic photo.

The second reason for Milla Milla Falls popularity is from the music video from Peter Andre’s Mysterious girl. You will be filled with nostalgia as you look on at the falls.

The sheer beauty and force of the falls is not to be ignored and the water is perfect for swimming.

Melbourne Street Art

The back streets of Melbourne are packed full of street art which gives the city the arty atmosphere is has become famous for.

Take a stroll through the street art hot spots such as Johnson Street and Rose Street and look on in awe at the colourful images and capture some images.

Source: Timeout

Mackenzie Falls

Mackenzie Falls is one of the biggest flowing waterfalls on the East Coast and you can enjoy viewing the falls from the walkway that allows you access to several viewing points to get the best shots.

Story Bridge Brisbane

Take a walk up to Story Bridge Brisbane and take in the excellent views of Brisbane city from the bridge. Visit in the day and then again at night to catch the lights glowing from the city buildings in the city.

Source: Wikipedia

Kuranda Hippie Rainforest Village, Cairns

This mountain side village in the tropical rain forest north of Cairns. Get to the village by  the sky rail and take in the almighty views of the rain forest as you reach the village. Once you have arrived explore the hippie style village and explore the shops, cafes and restaurants to really fell the vibe of this place.

Source: Kuranda.com

White water rafting, Cairns

The white water rapids that run through the World Heritage Rain forest make Cairns the rafting centre of Australia. Hop in a raft and hold on tight as this thrill experience  has you exploring the natural beauty of the Rain forest whilst enjoying the adrenaline fulled drops and turns.

Source: deepblu.com

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