Exploring Australia’s East Coast: Sydney — Brisbane

Sydney: cool café culture, seaside fun, and majestic mountains

If you’ve read our guide to the Melbourne — Sydney portion of Australia’s East Coast, you’ll already be armed with ideas for experiencing some of Sydney’s top attractions. Here we present additional highlights you won’t want to miss before continuing your trip north.

First up, head to The Rocks — a historic, hip-and-happening neighbourhood of cobbled streets, cool cafés, galleries, museums and harbour views.

Talking of harbour views, take the 30-minute ferry to Manly Beach for more of those on a sweeping scale. 

On arrival, you’ll find yourself in a buzzy beachside suburb with a totally different vibe from the city centre. The surf is sensational, the nightlife energetic, and there are top coastal walking trails in the area as well.
For wilder walks, take a trip to the Greater Blue Mountains — a UNESCO World Heritage area of cascading waterfalls, majestic rock formations and epic forest rails just two hours from the city by train. 

Where to stay

For a sustainable stay and amazing views of Sydney’s iconic sights, check out YHA Sydney Harbour. This modern property boasts a rooftop bar with views of Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House.

Alternatively, for easy access to transport connections, stay in YHA Sydney Central. With an on-site bar, café and rooftop pool, it’s ideally located for travellers who want to see top sights and explore further afield.

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

Newcastle: Art Deco elegance and laidback beach life in a hipster heaven

Two hours north of Sydney, Newcastle (AKA Newie) is Australia’s second oldest city and a modern-day hipster-friendly metropolis. As such, it’s loaded with laidback charm and historic attractions, including its iconic Art Deco ocean baths.

With six beaches, stacks of street art, craft brewers and indie boutiques, few cities offer such an inviting array of experiences.

When you want to enjoy the great outdoors, head to Blackbutt Reserve and Hunter Wetlands National Park to hike, bike, see native wildlife, and kayak in mangroves.

Where to stay

Located a block from the beach in a beautifully-appointed heritage-listed building, YHA Newcastle Beach is eminently affordable, and charming with it.

In more good news for travellers on a budget, this welcoming place offers free surfboard and bike and scooter hire, and hosts free social events. And you can get here from Sydney for under $10 using an Opal card.

Booti Booti National Park: beautiful beaches and bush walks on a peninsula of plenty

Stunningly-sited between the ocean and Wallis Lake, Booti Booti National Park is a paradise of headlands, lush rainforest, and pristine beaches that might actually take your breath away.

With its name derived from the local Worimi Aboriginal word for “plenty of honey” (butibuti), it certainly lives up to expectations of plenty. By which we mean plenty of picture-perfect scenery and soul-stirring trails.

While you’ll almost certainly want to spend some of your time chilling out on the sublime beaches, don’t miss the Booti Hill and Wallis Lake Walking Track. Running between Seven Mile Beach and Elizabeth Beach, this 8km looped trail traverses palm groves, rainforest and woodland.

Editor’s tip: visit in winter to watch whales migrating along the coast. 

Port Macquarie: coastal adventures, koalas and Birpai culture

An energetic city with nine beaches, Port Macquarie sits pretty at the mouth of the Hastings River. For a sense of its natural beauty, take the Port Macquarie Coastal Walk — between May and December you’ll most likely spot whales along the way. 

Showcasing Port Macquarie’s natural diversity, the rainforest boardwalk at Sea Acres Rainforest Centre is another must-visit attraction. Here, high in the forest canopy, you’ll see the likes of scarlet robins, goanna lizards, and koalas — Port Macquarie boasts the highest population of koalas on Australia’s east coast.

To appreciate how the Birpai Traditional Custodians of the land lived in harmony with the rainforest, take the centre’s Aboriginal cultural tour.

Where to stay

 With a cosy courtyard and poolside cabanas, YHA Port Macquarie feels more like a resort than a conventional hostel. Stay here for friendly affordability close to bars, beaches and top surf spots, plus free bodyboard hire and $5 all-day bike rental.

Nambucca Heads: chilling, surfing, kayaking and mountain biking

Located where the meandering Nambucca River meets the South Pacific Ocean, Nambucca Heads is the friendly hub of the Nambucca Valley region.

Alongside its 23 km coastline — with beaches to suit surfers, swimmers, families and fishers — Nambucca Heads has 80 km of waterways to kayak.

Still finding your surfing feet? Head to sheltered Shelley beach. The crystalline water and gentle break are ideal for novices. Meanwhile, South Beach will satisfy experienced wave riders.

Editor’s tip: adrenaline junkies will want to visit Jacks Ridge Mountain Bike Park — 14+ km of hand-built wooden trails in ­Nambucca State Forest.

Byron Bay: warm vibes, big icons and high-octane adventures 

With its name conjuring the stuff travellers’ dreams are made of, the reality of Byron Bay certainly lives up to its rep.

Home to the most easterly point of Australia and the iconic Cape Byron lighthouse, Byron is best known for its beautiful beaches, bohemian vibe and thriving food scene.

When it comes to getting active, take your pick from kayaking, hang-gliding, cycling and surfing. Or how about enjoying underwater adventures in Julian Rocks Marine reserve, or exploring the National Parks of the Bryon Bay Hinterland?

Where to stay

For resort ambience on a hostel budget, look no further than YHA Byron Bay. Located in Byron’s beating heart — close to the beach and Cape Byron Lighthouse — it’s chic and friendly, with a pool, BBQ area, and private en-suite rooms if you don’t fancy sharing.

Looking for a more traditional backpacker vibe? YHA Cape Byron has your name all over it. Centrally located, this lively joint rents bikes and surf and boogie boards.

Coolangatta: surf, dive and dine in style on a laidback stretch of the Gold Coast 

With its name deriving from the indigenous Jerrinja word for “beautiful place” or “splendid view”, Coolangatta is the southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast. 

A World Surfing Reserve with over 20km of breaks, it’s clear what draws most visitors here. But be assured there’s more to do in Coolangatta besides catching waves.

For incredible views, take a sky-diving trip, or follow the Greenmount Walking Trail from Coolangatta Beach to Point Danger — a prime place to spot whales in winter.

Meanwhile, divers will adore Nine Mile Reef. Located off Tweed Heads, this is a top spot for sharks, with resident bottom-dwelling wobbegongs joined by leopard sharks in summer and grey nurse sharks in winter. 

Where to stay

 500 metres from the Gold Coast airport, YHA Coolangatta boasts an inviting beachy ambience and offers surfboard and bike hire. Moments from Kirra Beach, there’s an on-site swimming pool and games room, and it’s just 40-minutes’ drive from Surfer’s Paradise.

Brisbane: uncover culture, cuisine and Aboriginal heritage in Queensland’s capital

A great way to get your bearings in Brisbane — capital of the Sunshine State — is to stroll its beautiful riverside boardwalk. 

Stop off at the heritage-listed Howard Smith Wharves to eat in riverside restaurants or rest up in a floating bar beneath the iconic Story Bridge. Travellers with a head for heights might want to tackle the Story Bridge Adventure Climb.

Culture vultures won’t want to miss devoting a day to the Southbank. Here world-class galleries, museums and theatres sit alongside Streets Beach and the 17-hectare South Bank Parklands.

While in town, we also recommend uncovering Meeanjin (Brisbane) in the company of an Aboriginal guide. Walking tours and cultural performances unveil the heritage and art of the Turrbal people in authentic style.

Where to stay

Wondering where to bed down in Brisbane without breaking the bank? Offering fine views of the Brisbane River and skyline from its rooftop bar and pool, YHA Brisbane City sits top of the city’s accommodation tree.

Wheelchair accessible, with a wellness space and co-working area, it’s close to the South Bank, Suncorp Stadium and Gabba cricket ground.

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 Brisbane — Cairns leg.

To save 10% on your accommodation, don’t forget to sign up as a member on the YHA Australia site.

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