Exploring Australia’s East Coast: Brisbane — Cairns

Encompassing extraordinary natural sights (among them the Noosa Everglades, K’gari (Fraser Island), and the Great Barrier Reef), the Brisbane — Cairns portion of Australia’s East Coast is something else. Here we present some of the best places to make a beeline for along this stretch, along with affordable YHA Australia accommodation that befits the outstanding nature of their locations.

Brisbane: idyllic islands and majestic mountains 

While our guide to the Sydney — Brisbane portion of Australia’s East Coast showcased top spots in the city itself, here we share unforgettable activities that can be enjoyed just beyond Brisbane.

For a whopping variety of experiences, North Stradbroke Island is hard to beat. Known as Minjerribah to its traditional owners — the Quandamooka people — you can reach this stunning spot in under 30 minutes by boat from Brisbane.

On arrival, divers will be wowed by Manta Bommie, one of Australia’s best dive sites. Famed for its manta rays, you’ll most likely see tonnes of turtles and reef sharks here, too. Meanwhile, walking the island’s historic Goompi Trail with a local Indigenous guide is a rewarding way to discover Quandamooka culture and heritage. 

Alternatively, take a day trip from Brisbane to Mount Glorious and bushwalk through Maiala National Park. 

Where to stay

Serving stunning views of the Brisbane River and skyline from its rooftop bar and pool, YHA Brisbane City can’t be beaten on location or value for money. Close to the Suncorp Stadium, Gabba Cricket Ground and South Bank, it’s also wheelchair accessible, and has a wellness space and co-working area.

Planning to visit Stradbroke Island? Chances are you’ll want to linger longer than a day. So, look to book a stay in YHA Stradbroke Island. Not only does it offer relaxed beachfront accommodation, but there’s a scuba dive centre on site.

Editor’s tip: to save 10% on your accommodation, sign up as a member on the YHA Australia site.

Noosa Heads: exquisite culture, cuisine and unexpected adventure

Reachable in around two hours from Brisbane, one the joys of Noosa Heads (apart from being drop-dead gorgeous) is that it can be all things to pretty much all people.

With a laidback vibe, and heaps of chic boutiques, bars and galleries, you could split your time between Noosa’s beautiful beaches and socialising.

On the other hand, Noosa is no stranger to adventure. Take your pick from kayaking, abseiling, sky-diving, exploring the Noosa Trail Network, and catching waves in a World Surfing Reserve. And that’s not even the half of it. 

Editor’s tip: to dine and shop in style after a day adventuring, head to Hastings Street. Boasting effortlessly stylish boutiques, bars and places to eat, and bordered by Noosa Main Beach, the Noosa River and Noosa National Park, it’s clear why it was voted Australia’s Best Main Street.

Noosa Everglades: pristine nature, enchanting avian life and sublime scenery 

Though just 30-minutes’ drive from Noosa Heads, the Noosa Everglades is worth devoting a decent amount of time to in its own right. 

Gateway to the Great Sandy National Park, and one of only two Everglades in the world, it’s a pristine wilderness of waterways, wetlands and freshwater lakes. A UNESCO Biosphere that’s home to over 40% of Australia’s bird species. 

The best way to appreciate the enchanting magic of the Noosa Everglades — an area that’s long been protected by its Kabi Kabi traditional custodians — is to kayak the waterways. 

Where to stay

25-minutes north of Noosa (free shuttle available), YHA Noosa Everglades offers affordable cabins, safari tents and glamping tents, with an on-site micro-brewery, bar and bistro, and hire of water-sports equipment.

Add to that its location in Great Sandy National Park, and abundant resident animals (monitor lizards, kookaburras, echidnas and a crew of kangaroos), and this place amounts to a hands-down winner for wildlife-lovers.

Hervey Bay: world-class whale-watching and the world’s largest sand island

Sitting within the UNESCO-designated Great Sandy Biosphere, Hervey Bay’s rep as Australia’s number one whale-watching spot was cemented when the World Cetacean Alliance named it the world’s first Whale Heritage Site. 

As such, it’ll come as no surprise that whale-watching is the number one activity around these parts. Visit between July and mid-October to see the biggest hordes of humpbacks.

Another highlight here is K’gari (AKA Fraser Island). At 122 km long, this is the largest sand island in the world — a UNESCO recognised jewel of shifting sand dunes, rainforests and lakes.

Where to stay

For cosy comfort and quiet (apart from the resident peacocks!), YHA Hervey Bay makes a brilliant base. With resort facilities — swimming pool and jacuzzi; tennis and basketball courts — it’s set in tropical gardens, and offers family rooms and private rooms at pocket-pleasing prices.

Agnes Water and 1770: see the southern Great Barrier Reef from charming towns

Located at the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, the coastal towns of Agnes Water and 1770 serve a satisfying smorgasbord of sublime beaches, and sensational surf and snorkelling. For the latter, take a trip to Lady Musgrave Island.

Back on land, hike or bike the 3km Red Rock Trail. To bag the best chance of spotting nesting turtles along the way, visit in November or December. 

In good news for nature lovers, Eurimbula National Park is also within easy reach. Alongside walking its epic trail, explore Eurimbula Creek by canoe at high tide.

Where to stay

200 metres from the beach, YHA 1770 boasts a welcoming backpacker vibe, and a bounty of on-site benefits, including a games room, swimming pool, and great-value surfboard and bike hire. The accommodation rates are pretty great, too.

Rockhampton: Indigenous culture, colonial history and national parks 

Steeped in colonial history, Rockhampton was founded in 1858 on land owned by the Darumbal people. Visit the beautiful Dreamtime Cultural Centre to find out about the Darumbal people and Torres Straits islanders.

Alongside its historic attractions, Rockhampton is famed for being Australia’s capital of beef (three million head of cattle call this region home). History and beef aside, Rockhampton has plenty to satisfy lovers of the great outdoors.

For example, Blackdown Tableland National Park presents 47,000 hectares of land graced by gorges, waterfalls and pools. The traditional homeland of the Ghungalu people, the park also hosts ancient Indigenous rock art. 

Where to stay

A short walk from the Fitzroy River, YHA Rockhampton is perfectly-placed for travellers who want to be close to the action without paying centre-of-town prices. With an outdoor area and pool, it’s also great on the social front.

Airlie Beach and the Whitsundays: idyllic beaches, islands and the Great Barrier Reef

Gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef, Airlie Beach makes a mighty fine base. 

Alongside enjoying its picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches, warm waters and cool markets, explore the rainforest trails and waterfalls of Conway National Park.

Then there’s the wonders of the Whitsundays — a paradisiacal constellation of islands 55 km off the coast. Unsurprisingly given their closeness to the Great Barrier Reef, diving and snorkelling are the order of most days. That and thanking your lucky stars you’re actually here. 

Editor’s tip: while it’s easy to be distracted by the sublime sea and reefs, take a wildlife tour of the Whitsunday region to see hundreds of huge salties — AKA saltwater crocodiles, the world’s largest reptile.

Cairns: unique tropical adventures and Aboriginal heritage

Kicking off with the obvious, Cairns is best known for its access to the Great Barrier Reef — cue extraordinary diving and snorkelling trips.

For sublime scenery and adventure beyond the water, Kuranda sits top of the tree — quite literally. This “village in the rainforest” is home to wildlife-rich trails and the 1891-built Kuranda Scenic Railway, with the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offering an incredible way to experience the forest canopy and return to ground. 

More rainforest magic awaits in Daintree. At 135 million years old, this is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, no less. 

Along with significant Queensland national parks, management of Daintree has been handed back to its original Eastern Kuku Yalanji custodians. Take a cultural tour to learn more. 

Where to stay

For tropical ambience and amenities at backpacker prices, YHA Cairns comes highly recommended. Though close to the heart of town, and just a short walk to Cairns Marina, its tropical gardens exude a gorgeous away-from-it-all vibe.

The swimming pool, BBQ area and regular events — from Indigenous cultural evenings to outdoor movie screenings — are also a boon.

Planning to explore all of Australia’s East Coast? Read our run-down of the Melbourne — Sydney portion, and discover what to do and where to stay on the Sydney — Brisbane leg.

Also, sign up as a member on the YHA Australia site to save 10% on your accommodation.

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