What comes to your mind when someone says the word – Australia. Are you thinking about The Great Barrier Reef or Fraser Island? Or perhaps Sydney’s Opera House. We bet you’re also thinking about expansive Australian beaches, thriving wildlife and cities brimming with culture and excitement. What if we said that all of the aforementioned things can be found in East Coast Australia? Well, it’s true. If you’re ever on an Australia East Coast tour, you’re almost certain to visit places like Whitsunday Islands, Fraser Island, the Great Ocean Road, Sydney’s Opera House and The Great Barrier Reef. The entire East Coast Australia has many more ‘must-sees’ that continue to attract travellers from all over the world. If you’re thinking about embarking on an all-Australia east coast tour, read this article to gain valuable insights on the East Coast of Australia.
Where Is East Coast Australia?
The East Coast of Australia, also known as the ‘East Coast Trail’ is a vast stretch of land along the eastern coastline between Cairns and Melbourne. Traditionally speaking, the East Coast of Australia begins in Sydney but due to Melbourne’s gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike, the southern city has now become a popular starting or ending point for many East Coast voyagers. For a short East Coast Australia road trip, travellers can explore regions between Brisbane and Cairns.
Quick Facts About East Coast Australia
- The coastline between Cairns and Melbourne is around 4000kms long.
- Bruce Highway is the major highway connecting Brisbane and Cairns.
- In order to travel along the coastline between Cairns and Melbourne, it’ll take you almost 50 hours of non-stop driving.
- It’s a common misconception that East Coast Australia is similar to the Outback of Australia. However, this is not true. Although it’ll take you long drives between each major tourist destination, you will find many petrol stations and little towns every 30 mins.
- The people living in East Coast Australia are incredibly laid back and friendly. Learn some easy Aussie slang in order to blend in well with the locals.
Weather
Many students think that the Australian weather is always warm and sunny all year round. Well, it’s not. Due to the massive size of this country, it could be snowing in one state and 35 Degrees in the next! So make sure you pack clothes for all types of weather! Popular East Coast Australian cities like Melbourne and Sydney can be quite cool during the winter (June to August), whereas areas spanning from Byron Bay to Bundaberg attract mostly sunny weather all year round. Once you head up north, you may need to prepare for the wet season. Bundaberg and Tropical North Queensland are areas where you’ll most likely need your raincoat and gumboots.
Places That Should Be On Your East Coast Australia Road Trip Map
Whether you’re road-tripping or travelling along the coast by bus, campervan or tour, here are some of the best places to visit in the East Coast of Australia –
| Place | Known For |
| Bondi to Coogee Walk | Best coastal walk in East Coast Australia. |
| Baxters Inn, Shady Pines | Ranked among the top 50 best bars in the world. |
| Gelato Messina, Cow Moon and Anita’s | Light, rich and creamy gelatos. |
| Byron Bay | Snorkelling with sea turtles. |
| Fraser Island | The largest sand island in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Royal National Park and the Blue Mountains | Natural beauty and wildlife. |
| Port Stephens | Great local beers, wine tours and samples. |
| The Great Barrier Reef | The world’s largest coral reef complex. |
| The Whitsunday Islands | Idyllic beaches, especially Whitehaven beach. |
| Manly Beach | International surfing competition and food & wine festivals. |
Popular Cities In The East Coast Of Australia
Melbourne
First off is Australia’s most cultural and artistically diverse city – Melbourne. This student-friendly city in Australia is known for its educational institutions, markets, rooftop bars, live theatre, live music and film festivals. One of the best things to do as a part of your East Coast Australia road trip is to explore Melbourne’s graffiti and coffee lined laneways. We also recommend a trip to Eureka Skydeck for an immersive 360-degree view of the city. Other activities include taking trips to St Kilda Beach, Luna Park, the Great Ocean Road and of course the iconic Twelve Apostles.
Sydney
There’s no denying that Sydney will be one of the most beautiful places on your Australia East Coast tour. It will take you at least 3 days to explore Sydney and its surrounds. One of the best ways to get those Instagram-worthy pictures is by purchasing a Ferry Ticket and cruising around Sydney CBD. Keep your camera handy as you will pass by some of Sydney’s most iconic attractions like the Harbour Bridge, Opera House and Manly Beach. We also recommend taking some time out to visit the beautiful Blue Mountains National Park, the Coastal Walk between Bondi and Coogee Beaches and Darling Harbour.
Brisbane
When you’re a student and you land in Brisbane, you will almost instantly notice the city’s lively night market scene. We recommend you pay a visit to one of the many bars and cafes located in the Westend suburb. In the mood for some island love? A trip to Moreton Island is a must! This island is a great place to indulge in fun activities such as spotting for dolphins, snorkelling and sandboarding. Some other cool jaunts for your East Coast trip Australia are Eagle Farm, Fortitude Valley and Storey Bridge.
Best Student Accommodation In Cairns, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne
When it comes to student accommodation in Australia, only one name rings the loudest – UniAcco. UniAcco is a unique cross border student accommodation platform where you can find a wide range of accommodation options near top Australian universities. Let’s take a look at the best student accommodation in the East Coast of Australia.
City – Cairns
UniLodge John Grey Hall
Address –
14-88 McGregor Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia
Room types –
- 6-Bed Apartment
- Studio Apartment
- Studio – Accessible
Accommodation Amenities –
WiFi, a microwave, an electric stove, a fridge, an AC, an ironing board, a laundry room, a theatre, a communal area, a study area, a games room, an on-site gym, 24/7 dedicated service, bike storage, CCTV security, a BBQ area, a garden, specially-abled access, car parking, an elevator and vending machines.
Price range –
$179 – $319/week
City – Brisbane
Unilodge Twelfth Avenue
Address –
42 Twelfth Ave, St Lucia QLD 4067, Australia
Room types –
- 1-Bed Apartment
- Studio Apartment with Private En-suite
Accommodation Amenities –
A couch, an electric stove, WiFi, a bookshelf, wooden flooring, a television, an AC, an on-site gym, a BBQ area, car parking, a communal area, a studying area, social events, a garden, an electronic key fob entry system and a games room.
Price range –
$345 – $445/week
City – Sydney
Macquarie University Village
Address –
122 Culloden Rd, Marsfield NSW 2122, Australia
Room types –
1, 2 and 5-Bed Apartments
Accommodation Amenities –
All-inclusive utility bills, WiFi, a laundry room, a microwave, a fridge, an eclectic stove, CCTV security, 24/7 dedicated support, a lounge, a communal area and a study area.
Price range –
$207 – $452/week
City – Melbourne
Student Village Melbourne
Address –
108-128 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053, Australia
Room types –
- 1 and 4-Bed Apartments
- Studio Apartment
- Large Studio Apartment
- Superior Studio Apartment
Accommodation Amenities –
WiFi, all-inclusive utility bills, a fridge, a laundry room, a microwave, an electric stove, social events, parcel receipt service, 24/7 dedicated support, a communal area, a study area and CCTV security.
Price range –
$338 – $514/week
