The East Coast of Australia is packed full of incredible destinations and activities so planning your trip to Australia can be pretty tough!

However to help make sure you don’t miss out on the best bits here are 15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities that you should definitely fit into your travel plans!

 

15 East Coast Australia Must Do Activities

Learn To Surf

Australia and surfing go hand in hand – so whilst you’re travelling Australia there’s no excuse not to give it a try! Whether you just opt for a half day surf lesson in Byron Bay or go all out with a Mojo Surf Trip up the coast from Sydney or a full blown surf camp in Yamba make sure you get amongst the waves, throw some shakkas and feel the stoke!

 

Sail The Whitsunday Islands

One of the most popular East Coast Australia must do activities – sailing on the Whitsundays is something you’ll never forget! Snorkel the beautiful reefs and soak up the stunning views from the Hill Inlet Lookout over Whitehaven Beach – whether you just head out on a Whitsundays day trip or jump on board an overnight Whitsundays sailing adventure this slice of Oz will pack your camera full of amazing pictures!

 

Cruise Around Fraser Island

Along with the Whitsundays, Fraser Island is the other East Coast Australia must do!

Cruise around the worlds largest sand island exploring spots like the world famous Lake Mackenzie, Indian Head Lookout and the Maheno Shipwreck.

For the most adventure a 3 day Fraser Island Camping Safari is the way to go but there are days trips and Fraser Island hostel option too.

 

Explore Magnetic Island

One of the most under rated stops on the East Coast, Magnetic Island is somewhere that should easily make your East Coast Australia must do list. Situated just off the coast of Townsville this amazing little island is best explored by “Barbie Car or Mote” and it’s only around 30 mins from one side of the island to the other!

Snorkel amazing beaches, take in sunset from epic lookout points, spot wild koalas or even party at the monthly Full Moon Party.

Grab one of our Magnetic Island Package deals for the easiest way to explore the island, which include return ferry transfers, accommodation, snorkel hire, welcome drink and even a koala cuddle at the Bungalow Bay YHA!

 

The Great Barrier Reef

No trip to Australia is complete without a visit the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and this epic natural wonder should be one of your top stops on the East Coast.

Cairns is the main base for a lot of Great Barrier Reef day trips but if you’re looking for less travel time and less busy snorkel spots then check out the Great Barrier Reef Trips from Mission Beach too.

For those on a budget the snorkel trips are the best value for ticking the Barrier Reef off your bucket list – but it’s also the perfect place for an Introductory Scuba dive or you can even complete your full open water dive course in Cairns too!

 

Scuba Dive

And talking of scuba diving, the warm tropical waters of Australia are the ideal place to give it a go for the first time – with plenty of options for introductory scuba dives or full scuba dive courses too.

And of course there are a huge array of dive sites and locations for those more experienced scuba divers as well.

Our two favourite spots for scuba diving have to be Byron Bay and The Great Barrier Reef though – with both locations offers heaps of marine life for all levels of diver.

 

Kayak with Dolphins

Everyone loves dolphins right?! Well why not hit the water and kayak alongside them in Byron Bay? This is one of the top spots in Australia for dolphin spotting and combined with a picturesque paddle around the stunning beaches of the area and an ocean view of the famous lighthouse this is certainly an East Coast Australia must do – and best of all it wont break your budget either!

 

Whale Watching (June – October)

If you’re travelling the East Coast of Australia during June to October you’ll be lucky enough to have the chance to witness the annual Humpback whale migration – with these gentle giants giving amazing displays all along the coastline.

Hervey Bay and Byron Bay are the best bets for a memorable day whale watching though – but if you’re lucky you’ll also catch them on the Barrier Reef, Whitsundays and Fraser Island too.

 

The Great Ocean Road

If you love a good road trip then the Great Ocean Road is certainly and East Coast Australia must do – the stretch of road from Melbourne to Adelaide is one of the best coastal drives in the world!

For the best experience hire a campervan and take at least 3 days to explore it, but if you’re pushed for time or on a budget check out some of the amazing Great Ocean Road day trips from Melbourne.

 

Grab A Selfie At The Sydney Opera House

No trip to Australia would be complete without a visit to the world famous Sydney Opera House and this global icon is selfie heaven!

Wander around Circular Quay for some alternative views or grab the ferry across to Manly Beach and grab some snaps from the water.

Of course if you want to splash out and treat yourself you can also check it out from the Sydney Harbour Bridget Climb too!

 

Sunsrise Or Sunset At Byron Lighthouse

Byron Bay is the most Easterly Point of Australia and the lighthouse walk is one of the best free actives that the East Coast has to offer.

Wander long the coastal path past famous surf spots like The Pass and Wategos Beach keeping an eye out for dolphins surfing in the waves along the way.

But for the best experience make sure you make it to the Byron Bay lighthouse for sunrise or sunset – it’s well worth the effort!

 

Skydive

If you want to really get your adrenaline going there’s not much that can beat jumping out of a perfectly good plane and ticking skydiving off your bucket list!

Australia has some epic skydive locations too – with Mission Beach, Airlie Beach and Byron Bay being the top pics, although skydiving Mission Beach is the most popular with amazing views along the coast and a beach landing.

 

Chill In The Forest At Cape Tribulation 

The only place in the world where two world heritage sites meet – Cape Tribulation is home to the incredible Daintree Rainforest AND the Great Barrier Reef!

Wander through the forests, spot wild crocodiles and laze around on stunning beaches – whether you choose a Cape Tribulation day trip form Cairns or opt to spend a few nights up there exploring a bit more and indulging in activities like kayaking or jungle surfing it’s worth heading that bit further north for.

 

Swim In A Waterfall

Nothing quite says tropical holiday like a picture swimming in a waterfall does it?!

Well luckily Australia has heaps to choose from and you’ll be spoilt for choice all along the East Coast.

If you want to go all out though a Cairns Waterfall tour through the Atherton Tablelands visits some of the best – including the famous Milla Milla Waterfall which featured in the herbal essences hair flick advert and was even the backdrop for Peter Andres “Mysterious Girl” music video!

 

Meet The Locals

If you travel Australia and don’t take the time to chill with some of the local wildlife you’re doing something wrong – who doesn’t want to kick back with a kangaroo, come eye to eye with a crocodile, kayak with dolphins or cuddle a koala?

Tick them all off the list with a trip to the famous Australia Zoo, or visit less crowded options like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an up close and personal experience with some of Australia fluffy or scaly residents!

 

Need help planning your Australia trip?

Chat to our travel experts and we’d be happy to help or simply fill out our East Coast Custom Package form and create your perfect trip!

 

Have you explored Australia?

Any other things you’d add to our East Coast Australia Must Do list?