Add these spots to your East Coast trip
If you’re mapping out your East Coast Australia itinerary and only hitting Byron, Fraser, and the Whitsundays… you’re missing out.
Don’t get us wrong, the classics are classic for a reason, but some of the best experiences lie off the beaten path. Here’s your guide to the hidden gems of East Coast Australia—the kind of spots that don’t show up on the average travel blog, but are worth every detour.
Beyond the East Coast
Tiny towns with big personalities
There’s something about small Aussie towns that hits different. Maybe it’s the slow pace, the no-BS attitude, or just the fact that everyone says hi to you on the street. These are the kinds of places we ended up staying longer than planned.
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Agnes Water & 1770 (QLD): These twin towns sit right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef but somehow still feel under the radar. The beaches are perfect for beginner surfers (cheap lessons everywhere), and 1770 is one of the only places on the East Coast where you can watch the sunset over the ocean. Rent a kayak, take a reef tour, or just hang out on the headland at golden hour—it’s a vibe.
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Bellingen (NSW): If you’re doing the Sydney to Byron route, add a night or two in Bellingen. It’s tucked in the hills behind Coffs Harbour and feels like a mix of mountain town and hippie hideaway. There’s a river running through it (you have to go for a swim), great local cafés, and a weekend market including live music.
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Eumundi (QLD): Everyone knows about the markets, but not everyone sticks around—and they should. Just inland from Noosa, Eumundi has a proper creative buzz, plus microbreweries, street food, and forest hikes nearby. Come for the day, stay for the beer.
Remote beaches worth the drive
You don’t have to go far off route to find stretches of sand with barely a soul in sight. These spots are usually where we’d pull over just to “check it out” and end up spending the whole afternoon.
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Pebbly Beach (NSW): Not far from Batemans Bay, this place is textbook chill. Think grassy picnic areas, waves rolling in, and wild kangaroos that laze around like they run the place. Come early in the day if you want it to yourself.
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Five Rocks Beach (QLD): This one’s for the more adventurous—only accessible by 4WD and completely off grid. But if you’re road tripping and up for the mission, it’s absolutely worth it. You’ll find huge sand dunes, crystal-clear water, and no reception (bliss). Bring everything you need and leave it better than you found it.
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Cape Hillsborough (QLD): You’ve probably seen the sunrise kangaroo photos online—but what those photos don’t show is how peaceful this whole area is. Stay at the campground right on the beach and you’ll wake up with wildlife literally on your doorstep. Bonus: there’s a short hike nearby that gives you a killer view over the bay.
National parks that barely get a mention
We’ve hiked our fair share of Aussie trails—and some of the best ones weren’t even marked properly on the map. These national parks are full of surprises, and perfect if you’re after a bit of nature without the crowds.
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Conondale National Park (QLD): Nestled in the hinterland behind the Sunshine Coast, this park is full of forest trails, waterfalls, and camping spots. One of our favourite finds here is the Strangler Cairn—an art installation hidden deep in the bush. If you’re into remote campsites and swimming holes with rope swings, this is your park.
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Yuraygir National Park (NSW): Stretching along the coast between Yamba and Coffs, Yuraygir is low-key one of the best places for multi-day hikes. You’ve got beachside campsites, lagoon crossings, and lookout points with dolphins cruising past. And because barely anyone’s heard of it, you often have it to yourself.
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Bulburin National Park (QLD): Never heard of it? Most people haven’t—and that’s the point. This is the largest patch of subtropical rainforest in Central QLD, and it feels completely untouched. It’s not the easiest to access, but that’s exactly why you’ll want to go. Quiet trails, bird calls, and proper Jurassic Park vibes.
