7 must-see east coast destinations for your Australian road trip

Australia's east coast is a wild, wave-crashing, kangaroo-hopping adventure waiting to happen. Picture yourself shredding the gnarly waves on sun-kissed beaches or trekking through dense bushland, home to critters as unique as a kookaburra's laugh. It's where the rugged outback meets the sophisticated charm of the Sydney Opera House. This stretch is an adrenaline junkie's dream, loaded with untamed wildlife and heart-thumping escapades. So, chuck on your boardies, smear some zinc on your nose, and get ready for a road trip that's as Aussie as a meat pie at a footy match. Whether you're carving up the surf at Bondi or having a yarn with the locals in a laid-back Sydney pub, this coastline is an epic tale of adventure, Australian style.

1. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef

Kick off your Aussie adventure at the legendary Great Barrier Reef, a colossal underwater kingdom teeming with life. This isn't just any old coral reef — it's the mammoth of them all, so massive you can spot it from space. But hey, you're not here to gaze at it from afar. Dive into the action from Cairns aboard a swanky catamaran, rubbing fins with sea turtles, friendly stingrays, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish in their natural playground. Craving an eagle-eye perspective? Scoot over to Airlie Beach and hop on a chopper. Soar above this aquatic wonderland, where the view is nothing short of spectacular. And when it's time to dial it back a notch, mosey over to Whitehaven Beach.

2. Go swimming at Millaa Millaa Falls

After soaking up the coastal vibes, it's time to venture inland to Millaa Millaa, a gem tucked away in the Atherton Tableland. This outback town is the gateway to an untamed world of lush rainforests and raw, mountainous terrain. Here, the air's as fresh as a coldie on a hot day, and the landscapes are straight out of an adventurer's daydream. Head into the heart of Wooroonooran National Park, where Mother Nature's been busy. You've got volcanic backdrops that look like they're straight out of a blockbuster, and waterfalls that thunder down from a dizzying 59 feet (18 meters). Get ready to dive into natural pools and let the current sweep you through exhilarating cascades. This is the kind of wild swimming you won't find just anywhere. It's an authentic Aussie bush experience — rugged, raw, and ridiculously fun.

3. Enjoy amazing views on Fraser Island

Once you’re done diving into a world of exotic marine life, hop back in your trusty ride and drive down the coast. Stop wherever you like — there’s no shortage of gorgeous coastline to enjoy. When you’ve had your fill of views, head to Fraser Island for a day of tropical trails. Hint: you’ll have to park your car and hop on a ferry, but it’s worth it. A World Heritage Site ripe for exploring, this untouched sanctuary is home to the Great Sandy Strait, a pristine sand dune that guarantees spectacular views. And make sure to have a camera handy. You’ll spot dolphins, dugongs, and dingos — even humpback whales if you’re lucky.

4. Search for lost treasure on Moreton Island

Strap in, mates, because the haul from Fraser Island to Moreton Island is a fair dinkum epic road trip — we're talking about a solid 11 hours of tarmac time. So, load up your playlist with some Aussie bangers and pack enough snacks to feed a footy team. Once you roll up to Moreton Island, you're in for a ripper of a time. Head straight for the Tangalooma Wrecks — not just any old shipwreck, but a snorkeler's paradise where you can paddle through history and play treasure hunter in crystal-clear waters. It's like diving into a pirate tale, but with more sunscreen and less scurvy. Then, it's time to crank up the adventure dial with some sand tobogganing — think of it as surfing a dune instead of a wave. Hold onto your hats because it's a wild ride! And if that's not enough to get your adrenaline buzzing, take a 4X4 for a spin around the dunes. It's like a rollercoaster, but you're in the driver's seat.

5. Surf the Gold Coast

Oi, surf's up! Just a cruisy three-hour roadie from Moreton Island, and you'll hit Surfers Paradise, the holy grail of Aussie surf spots. Here, the waves are as inviting as a cold tinny on a scorching day. Sure, you might be a bit of a kook (that's surf lingo for newbie), but don't sweat it. Everyone's stoked to catch a wave here, beginner or pro. Throw yourself into the surf and have a crack at hanging ten. And remember, in Australia, giving it a go is what counts. After you've had a fair shake at riding the waves, shake off the salt and head to a local wildlife sanctuary. This is your chance to get up close and personal with the locals of a furrier kind. Fancy hand-feeding a ‘roo or having a squiz at a koala? You can do it all here. Once you're done making furry friends, it's time to hit the town. So, freshen up and dive into the night — Aussie style.

6. Soak up incredible views on Byron Bay

Righto, after you've done the rounds on land and sea, it's time to crank things up a notch — it's time to conquer the sky! Chuck a U-ey south and head for an hour down to Byron Bay, your launchpad for the ultimate sky-high adventure. Strap in and brace yourself for a tandem skydive that'll knock your socks off — we're talking a whopping 15,000 feet (4,752 meter) drop! That's higher than a kangaroo's leap, mate. As you freefall, you'll cop an eyeful of some of the most jaw-dropping coastal views in Oz. Picture it: the endless blue ocean, pristine white beaches, and the lush green of the hinterland all blurring into one epic panorama. Once you've floated back to terra firma, it's time to take it down a notch. Kick back, relax, and soak in the Byron vibes — you've just ticked off a major bucket list item. Maybe grab a cold one, find a cozy corner at a beachfront café, and just bask in that post-jump buzz. After all, where else can you jump out of a plane in the morning and be sipping a flat white by the beach in the afternoon? Only in Australia, mate.

7. Get cultured in Sydney

After soaking up the laid-back vibes in Byron Bay — where the living's as easy as a Sunday arvo — gear up for a roadie down to Sydney. It's a fair ten-hour drive, but worth it. First up, hoof it up the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Trust, the view's more stunning than a quokka selfie. And for the 'gram? It's gold. After you've had your fill of high-altitude marveling, mosey on over to the Sydney Opera House, and snag a ticket to the Opera Australia. That's the cherry on top of your Sydney sundae. So, go on, dive into the Harbour City and live it up like a Sydneysider.