Keen to be cruising down sundrenched beaches, diving into turquoise waters, and hiking through ancient rainforests? East Coast Australia is the ultimate adventure playground, with something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned Aussie traveller or a first-timer to the land down under, this iconic coastline is the perfect place to make lifelong memories. 

It’s hard to go wrong on Australia’s East Coast, but we reckon there are some unique spots that you absolutely don’t want to miss. These are Stray Australia East Coast Adventure tour faves, places that our guides and tour guests rave about, and that always end up on the post-tour highlight reel.  

Unmissable East Coast Adventure Spots 

Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef: A Tropical Paradise 

Cairns is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s natural treasures. Great Barrier Reef is famous for a reason – it's the world’s largest coral reef, and the only living thing visible from space! Dive into an underwater world full of tropical fish, turtles, dolphins and other marine life. Snorkel among colourful coral reefs, take a glass-bottom boat tour, kayak or paddleboard, there’s so many ways to explore. Take a scenic flight to grasp how massive the Great Barrier Reef is, it’ll blow your mind.  

If you're feeling like a jungle adventure, head to the Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Trek through lush, green landscapes, spot unique wildlife and cool off in crystal-clear waterfalls. Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the reef, is a must-visit for nature lovers. 

Tip: Don't miss the chance to skydive over the stunning coastline for the most scenic adrenaline rush ever! 

The Whitsundays: An Island-Hopping Paradise 

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 tropical islands that look like something out of a movie. The most famous of island is Whitehaven Beach, where the white silica sand is incredibly soft, and reflects the heat of the Australian sun (making it cool to walk on even in the middle of summer, no sprints between the sea and your towel needed here!). You can sail to the islands, snorkel through the clear ocean, or throw down a towel to sunbathe on secluded beaches. 

For a truly unforgettable experience, spend a night or two on a luxury yacht. Stargazing from the deck, swimming in secluded bays, and waking up to stunning sunrises should be on everyone’s East Coast Australia bucket list. 
 
Tip: The pure silica sand of Whitehaven Beach can be used to clean gold or silver jewellery! Just rub your hands together with your jewellery and a small amount of wet sand between them. Eco-friendly jewellery cleaning made easy.  

K'gari / Fraser Island: An Island of Contrasts 

If we’re talking about unmissable East Coast adventures, we’ve got to mention K'gari. Named K'gari by the Indigenous Butchulla people, Fraser Island is a massive sand island of deep blue lakes surrounded by cool rainforests, gorgeous beaches and native wildlife (keep an eye out for wild dingos). 

One of the coolest ways to see the K’gari National Park is on a 4WD tour. This is a favourite activity on Stray Australia adventure tours, where you’ll see K’gari's most iconic sights from Lake Boorangoora (Lake McKenzie) and 75 Mile Beach to the World Heritage-listed rainforest and the historic Maheno Shipwreck. You can even learn to drive a 4WD yourself! This is going to be one of the best experiences of your whole trip and is definitely the coolest way to explore this world-heritage-listed National Park. 

Tip: Glamping under the stars on K’gari / Fraser Island is an awe-inspiring experience. There’s little light pollution here, so you’ll be treated to a magical view of the Southern hemisphere’s constellations. If you’re a morning person, visit The Pinnacles Coloured Sands at dawn. As the rising sun splashes over these dramatic rock formations it highlights over seventy-two shades of red, orange, and yellow in the iron-rich clay.  

Byron Bay: A Laid-Back Paradise 

You can’t take an East Coast adventure tour without learning how to surf, and Byron Bay is the perfect place to raise the waves! This chilled-out coastal town with a hippy vibe is all about relaxing, surfing, and soaking up the sunshine.  
 
Start your day with an ocean swim, before taking a sea kayaking or snorkelling trip to look for dolphins and tropical fish, or catch some waves at one of Byron Bay's famous surf breaks.  

There’s plenty to do on land as well. Hike to Cape Byron Lighthouse, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, for awesome ocean views, or spend a lazy day wandering through bohemian shops, cafes, and markets.  

Byron Bay is an unmissable East Coast spot for foodies. Vegetarians and vegans are in luck here, with tons of delicious plant-based cafes and restaurants (Our favourites include the Cardamom Pod for lunch and No Bones for dinner). We recommend eating your way around the Saturday twilight markets as well, there’s live music and cute boutique stalls to browse for souvenirs. 

Tip: Byron Bay’s motto is "cheer up, slow down, and chill out”. Let the local atmosphere sink in and just go with the flow!  

Daintree Rainforest: A Prehistoric World 

Daintree Rainforest is epic, and an unmissable destination for adventures on Australia’s East Coast. One of the largest rainforests in Australia, it’s also one of the oldest rainforests on Earth! This ancient ecosystem is home to a huge range of plants and animals, including rare and endangered species. 

You can explore the Daintree rainforest on a guided tour, hike through lush trails, take a river cruise, or chill out on one of the beautiful beaches. Don't miss the chance to spot awesome Australian wildlife like cassowaries, crocodiles, and tree kangaroos.  

Tip: Cape Tribulation is a fantastic place to visit, where the Daintree rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. There are plenty of hiking and walking trailheads from Cape Tribulation, including the Mardja Botanical Walk which is perfect for wildlife spotting.  

Hunter Valley: Wine & Dine in the Vines 

Imagine this: rolling hills, awesome vineyards, and world-class wineries. Now add in delicious food, live music, and good vibes. That's the Hunter Valley. 

You can taste-test some of Australia's finest wines at iconic wineries like Tyrrell's and Brokenwood. Fuel up with gourmet grub at top-notch restaurants. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, soar through the sky in a hot air balloon and catch a sunrise that'll blow your mind. 

The Hunter Valley is the perfect place to let loose, make some memories, and have a taste of some of the best vino in Australia. 
 
Tip: Go wine tasting at an organic winery. One of Australia's largest producers of award-winning organic, vegan, no-added-sulphur wines is in the Hunter Valley, and their organic philosophy aims to produce amazing wines while limiting environmental pollution and leaving the land in the best condition. 

Unique Experiences: Beyond the Ordinary 

Wherever your East Coast adventure tour takes you, there are some uniquely Aussie experiences you won’t want to miss. We like to include these in our Stray Australia tour itineraries. 

Life's an adventure,  don’t miss out! 

So, there you have it – a glimpse into the unmissable destinations that await you on the East Coast of Australia. From the vibrant cities of Cairns and Byron Bay to the stunning natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Fraser Island, this iconic coastline has it all. 

Ready to start your own East Coast adventure? Book a Stray Travel tour and let us take care of the details. With our expert local guides, varied accommodation, and exciting activities, you're guaranteed an unforgettable Australian holiday.