Put collectively a playlist, replenish on snacks and hit the good open highway in your method to a few of Australia’s best-loved locations, says author Kate Gazzard.
The East Coast of Australia is made for journey with its internationally famend seashores, centuries-old rainforests and thrilling cities. With 3000kms to discover down the east aspect of Australia, a highway journey will get you into the guts of the motion like nothing else.
So that you don’t miss out on a single must-see vacation spot, we’ve compiled an entire listing of the preferred locations to journey by way of, from the metropolitan metropolis of Melbourne to the laidback beachy neighbourhood of Byron Bay and the tropical northern shores of Port Douglas.
1. Melbourne
Melbourne earns its spot on the listing as one in all Australia’s hottest cities, stuffed with tradition, creatives, sport, music and extra.
From the inventive graffiti-accented laneways, addictive café tradition (Melbourne’s often called the espresso capital of the nation), historic purchasing arcades and world-class eating places, you’re positive to search out a lot to maintain you entertained (and properly fed).
Whether or not you need to catch a recreation of footy on the iconic MCG (Melbourne Cricket Floor), stroll beside the water alongside St Kilda Seashore, view town skyline from above on the Eureka Tower, or check out one of many a whole bunch of rooftop bars scattered all through town, Melbourne is sure to get you excited for what’s to come back.
2. Sydney
One other day, one other famed Australian metropolis to discover. Maybe probably the most recognisable metropolis, due to its spectacular Harbour Bridge and architecturally designed Opera Home, Sydney is certainly a kind of must-see sights.
Whether or not you’re a laidback explorer trying to cruise the harbour, or a foodie salivating on the considered their subsequent meal in one in all Sydney’s trendiest eating places, a few days right here is simply what your east-coast highway journey wants.
A visit to Sydney wouldn’t be full and not using a go to to one of many metropolis’s many seashores. From the tremendous fashionable Bondi Seashore and Manly to the lesser-visited space of Cronulla, you have got your choose of sandy shores to discover.
3. Brisbane
Brisbane could get missed for its extra laidback and tropical neighbours (comparable to Surfers Paradise and Noosa), nevertheless it’s price a go to even simply to sit down again at its inner-city South Financial institution Seashore and absorb town’s distinct vibe from both Sydney or Melbourne.
There’s a lot to do in Brisbane. Absorb Queensland’s tropical climate by taking a ferry over the mild waters of the Brisbane River, stroll by way of a gallery or pattern native produce at one in all Brisbane’s greatest eating places. This household pleasant metropolis will set you up completely for the following leg of your east-coast Australia highway journey.
Learn extra: The way to journey Australia as a non-Indigenous individual
4. Byron Bay
For those who suppose you’ve been to the prettiest place in Australia, however you haven’t stepped foot in Byron Bay then put together to have your thoughts blown and your digicam roll crammed up. Recognized for its relaxed vibe, this seashore city stays firmly on travellers’ bucket lists due to its abundance of spas, yoga retreats, plant-based cafes and eating places bursting with freshly caught seafood.
From hitting the surf within the early morning – take a look at one in all Byron’s quirky cafes for a scrumptious chilly brew to correctly wake you up – to climbing your method to the Cape Byron Lighthouse for an epic sundown, Byron Bay is a kind of particular locations for the solace and leisure you’re positive to search out strolling its streets and sitting on its seashores.
5. Noosa
You could have visited a number of fashionable seashore cities in your travels, however you haven’t set foot in a single fairly so charming as Noosa. When you set sail alongside its shoreline or take to the paths in Noosa Nationwide Park, you’ll perceive why it deserves a spot on this listing.
Noosa additionally boasts loads of city actions alongside its Essential Road. Discover the native and worldwide shops and boutiques, eat out at an upmarket Noosa restaurant or sit again with a drink and a view at one of many many oceanside bars.
6. Rockhampton
Away from the coast, over in central Queensland, Rockhampton affords a little bit range to east coast journey. Constructed on the Fitzroy River, this cruise-y metropolis showcases old-timey Queensland and the most effective of the state’s pure landscapes.
Guests can study concerning the space’s historical past and tradition at one in all its artwork galleries, the railway museum and the Heritage Village (a replica of the city within the 1850s-Nineteen Fifties). After you’ve learnt concerning the area, close by Nice Keppel Island is the native favorite seashore and takes you proper again to the coast.
7. Townsville
You’d be forgiven for pondering your East Coast Australia highway journey can’t get any higher, however Townsville will shortly show you unsuitable. Not solely does this tropical city boast 320 sunny days yearly (sure, you learn that proper), however its laidback vibe and pure landscapes promise to be the proper subsequent cease in your journey.
The place the mountains meet the coast, Townsville is likely one of the greatest spots to take pleasure in all that Mom Nature has to supply. Proving that she did her greatest work on this tropical vacation spot, Townsville is filled with secluded spots just like the Massive Little Crystal Creek watering holes, Jourama Falls and easy-to-challenging climbing trails just like the Goat Observe Summit Path assured to reward you with epic views to maintain you busy.
Learn extra: How travelling in my very own nation felt as inspiring as a visit abroad
8. Cairns
Far up north, Cairns is a spot the place the climate’s sizzling and the landscapes are even hotter. You’d be forgiven for pondering Cairns is only a jumping-off level for adventures to the Nice Barrier Reef, however this tropical Far North Queensland city has much more going for it with well-loved websites like Fitzroy Island, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge.
Positively a vacation spot you need to cross off, Cairns guarantees pure wonders to discover and loads of native animals to ooh and ahh over, from the sleepy koala bear lazing within the area’s eucalyptus timber to the colorful cassowary making its method over the rainforest flooring. Take into account using the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway or the Kuranda Scenic Railway to see town from a distinct perspective.
9. Airlie Seashore
If there’s a vacation spot alongside the coast that is aware of methods to have an excellent time, it’s Airlie Seashore. The Whitsunday Islands (the place Airlie Seashore is situated) affords the most effective touchdown pad to soak up the Coral Sea from above or embark on a day tour to the Nice Barrier Reef.
Lively adventurers may strive their hand at sea kayaking, Segway using or sail boating. For those who’d reasonably use your ft for exploring, strolling alongside the city’s foremost avenue to the markets or oceanside lagoons is an possibility.
10. Port Douglas
Whereas this tropical vacation spot affords quick access to among the world’s most beloved pure wonders – the Daintree Rainforest and the Nice Barrier Reef – it additionally makes for an ideal remaining highway journey vacation spot in its personal proper due to its simple magnificence. Not solely is Port Douglas identified to have among the finest seashores in Australia (4 Mile Seashore, we’re you) nevertheless it’s additionally stuffed with fashionable eating places all providing scrumptious meals that includes recent, Queensland produce.
If that’s not sufficient to persuade you to finish your journey on this laidback city, you may as well head out on a climbing tour by way of the rainforest, take a cruise alongside the river, catch sight of a large crocodile (in a wonderfully protected and supervised setting), or swim amongst brightly colored fish and over uniquely formed coral on a snorkelling journey you’re going to recollect perpetually.
Discover East Coast Australia with an Intrepid native chief guiding the way in which.
