What to See on the East Coast of Australia: Top Stops You Can’t Miss
Australia’s East Coast is packed with incredible sights and adventures, making it one of the most popular road trip routes in the world. From stunning beaches to unique wildlife encounters, there’s something for everyone. In just one month, we explored the highlights and discovered what to see on the East Coast of Australia. Here are the must-visit stops!
1. Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is a must for wildlife lovers. It’s one of the best places to spot kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat. During our visit, we spent a day on the island, hiking trails that led us to rock wallabies and kangaroos. Find out more in our post about Magnetic Island.
Fun Fact: Magnetic Island got its name because Captain James Cook thought it disrupted his ship’s compass—though no magnetic anomalies have ever been confirmed.
2. Whitsunday Islands
When thinking about what to see on the East Coast of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands are on top of the list. These islands boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Whitehaven Beach. Whitehaven Beach is made up of 98% pure silica, giving it its iconic white sand. Visiting in November? Be sure to wear a stinger suit to protect against jellyfish.
3. Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary offers an unforgettable experience: feeding kangaroos! The animals here have plenty of space, and visitors can assist during feeding time. For us, it was one of the most heartwarming highlights of the trip. The sanctuary focuses on education and wildlife conservation, making it a great ethical choice.
4. Sunshine Coast
A visit to the Sunshine Coast is a must for surfers and beach lovers. The long stretches of sand and consistent waves make it the perfect spot to catch some waves. Start your day early to enjoy quieter beaches and fewer crowds.
5. Glass House Mountains
If you’re wondering what to see on the East Coast of Australia beyond beaches, the Glass House Mountains are a great option. Just a short drive from the coast, these volcanic peaks are ideal for a day hike and offer stunning panoramic views.
6. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is a haven for surfers, with its golden beaches and vibrant vibe. However, it’s also a great spot for shopping and exploring the vibrant city life. The Gold Coast has 300 days of sunshine a year on average, making it a paradise for outdoor activities.
7. Port Macquarie
We didn’t visit the town of Port Macquarie itself, but went to the koala sanctuary that cares for injured koalas and releases them back into the wild. You can take a look at their facilities, and the staff are happy to chat and even show how new arrivals are cared for. However, koalas being prepared for release are off-limits to visitors, as they’re trained to become fully independent. Fun Fact: koalas sleep up to 18–22 hours a day to conserve energy due to their low-calorie eucalyptus diet. So you must be lucky to find these creatures in active state.
8. Blue Mountains
After exploring the city life of Sydney, the Blue Mountains are a peaceful retreat with scenic hiking trails. It’s a great place to reconnect with nature and enjoy spectacular views of rugged cliffs and eucalyptus forests.
9. Mount Kosciuszko
If you’re up for a challenge, add Mount Kosciuszko to your itinerary. It’s the highest peak in Australia, and we even saw some snow during our visit in November! Despite its title as Australia’s tallest mountain, it’s really easy to hike to the top, compared to other peaks worldwide.
10+11. Great Ocean Road
The Great Ocean Road is an iconic route filled with jaw-dropping coastal scenery. You’ll need at least two days to take in the highlights, like the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge. Stop frequently to enjoy hidden beaches, rainforest walks, and epic viewpoints along the way.
Extra stops
While focusing on what to see on the East Coast of Australia, don’t overlook major cities like Cairns, Sydney, and Melbourne. We did not include them in the list above, as we simple love nature over cities. However, each of these cities are really nice to visit. Planning a trip to Australia? See also our free Google Maps travel guide Australia!
