The Ultimate Solo Female Guide to Traveling Australia’s East Coast
"When one travels around the world, one notices to what an extraordinary degree human nature is the same, whether in India or America, in Europe or Australia." - Jiddu Krishnamurti
The Lonely Planet was practically my bible before my first trip to Australia. Endless highlighting on all the spots I didn’t want to miss, without a clue as to how I would get from one spot to the other! During my inital two months in Australia I lived in a hostel, and was lucky enough to meet my fair share of backpackers who already travelled the east coast. Many said the east coast is a backpacker’s haven, packed with sociable travellers. After only a short amount of time in Australia, I completely agreed.
Facts to Consider
Where do you want to start; at the top or bottom of the land down under? Take it from me, back tracking your steps is a pain in the arse!
Depending on how much time you have, will determine which transport you take, and how many nights you’ll spend at each location. If you only have 2-3 weeks it can be done, but there won't be much time to relax.
No, there will not be wild dingos and kangaroos jumping around everywhere. Mind you this is the east coast not the outback we are talking about.
Many assume Australia is summer all year round, but because of the country size, and depending on the time of year it can get chilly. Pack accordingly.
There’s heaps of places to visit. If you have the time and finances then by all means, explore more. This list is short and sweet because, deciding what to do can be overwhelming. If you’re on a time crunch or can’t afford every tour, at least be sure these 9 experiences are on your list.
Camp in the Daintree Rainforest
Australia's rain forest offers a great deal of adventure worth checking out. Home to some of the oldest vegetation on the planet (I don't know what you'll do with that information ,but it's cool, right?)🤓 Gorgeous beaches and trails to explore, that are surrounded by the never-ending greenery. 😲 If you plan to stay over night, camping is the most common way to do it. A part of traveling is getting off the grid every once in a while, don't be scared to roam where the wi-fi is non-existent.
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
Wandering into the mystic deep sea of the Great Barrier is a bucket list experience, no matter how worldly you might be 😌 This is the place to get your perfect under water selfie. If you can, spend at a week in Cairns exploring the different diving locations the reef has to offer. If being in the sea isn`t for you, hop in a helicopter ride to see just how unreal the landscape is from birds eye view. 😮
Sky dive at mission beach
Tip: If you book multiple tours with one company for your east coast trip, they'll most likely reduce the price of sky diving. I booked my tours through Wicked Travel
Sky diving amongst backpackers in Australia is as common as drinking goon (cheap bagged wine.)😂 It's on everyones bucket list, and we're all doing it! The only east coast beach you can actually land on after falling from the sky, is Mission beach. An extra bonus to this location is the insanely-gorgeous views of the Great Barrier Reef from way up high! 😍
Sail the Whitsunday Island's
Image by Yoshio Tomii / Getty Images
Before I went to Australia I fantasied about sailing the Whitsunday islands, from above sheltered by the Great Barrier Reef they're particularly good for sailing around. The date of my tour happen to fall on my birthday, and it's still my most memorable birthday to date. Australia is lined by beautiful beaches, but nothing can top, White Haven Beach 😍 It`s a beach you'll travel across the country to lay on, because it shines like diamonds when the sun hits. If snorkelling with sea turtles is on your bucket list, here's the place where you're most likely to cross it off your list.
Tip: I recommend a one night, two day sailing tour. It can be booked through any travel agency. During high season (November-Februar) book well in advance.
4X4 Fraser Island
Tip: If you plan to drive, plan ahead and be sure there's a vehicle you can drive; request automatic if you need one.
It's the largest sand island in the world and also the only known place where rainforest grows in sand. (how cool!) Cruising around sand dunes in a 4x4 was exhilarating. So many beautiful locations on the island such as, McKenzie Lake where the sand's so soft it's said to clean silver! I recommend camping, typically this experience is for the laid-back travellers. A trip to Fraser Island is not complete without spending a night star gazing into the clear black sky. Dingos will be running around the beach. This is a tour that will be hard to compare to anything else you`ll do in Australia, I promise. 😊
Relax in Noosa
Tip: Laguna lookout is the best place to watch an incredible sunset
A small surf town located along the Gold Coast . It's a popular spot for backpackers, travellers or Australians on vacation. There's a very contagious "no worries" energy here. Everyones here for a good time! There's many beaches in Noosa area to choose from, I highly recommend Sunshine beach; a white sand beach that stretches for 15 kilometres.
Explore and surf in Byron Bay
Tip; book a hostel in advance, the good ones book up fast!
Ask most backpackers after their east coast trip where they loved most, and the typical response would be "Byron Bay". A surf town with a chill atmosphere. Home to many hippies with relaxed attitudes, "no worries mate." is all too real here. Planted on the coast of a beautiful long white sand beach Byron has many excursions to offer. From snorkeling, surfing and sky diving, to chilling out on the beach all day. It`s easy to see why so many damn backpackers get stuck here! 😉
Spend a week in Sydney
Tip: Do the coastal walk from Coogee beach to Bondi, an hour from sunset, that's all I have to say 😍
This city needs it`s own chapter entirely because I have so much to say, but here is why I think Sydney is fantastic; the variety of beaches within the city limits is unbeatable! There's many gorgeous beaches to hang at such as, world famous Bondi, Manly, Coogee and Bronte. A trip to Sydney isn't complete without visiting the Circular Quay harbour for iconic views.
Tip: Do the coastal walk from Coogee beach to Bondi, an hour from sunset, that's all I have to say 😍
Drive down the great ocean road
When you get to Melbourne make sure you plan a day trip down the great ocean road. The 12 Apostle’s formation in the water is a sight in nature you won’t see often, or quite frankly anywhere else. It you're lucky you might even spot baby penguins!