Traveling along Australia’s East Coast was a rollercoaster of beaches, cities, adventures, and sunsets. Here’s how I’d rank all the places I visited — including the highs and the lows.
4/10 – Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)
– Kinda ugly, didn’t like the beach
+ Some people say other spots on the Gold Coast are better
5/10 – Brisbane
– Big city, not really my vibe
-> Didn’t stay long, maybe it would have grown on me
6/10 – Sydney
+ Opera House & Botanical Garden
+ Bondi Beach
+ Nightlife (but expensive and closes early)
– Was sick of it after a week
– Not a big city girl
– Bad weather when I was there
7/10 – Tasmania (overall)
+ Absolutely beautiful nature, sunsets, and outdoor vibes
+ Real traveler experience: sleeping in the car with Mara, minimal phone service, just reading and chilling in the evenings
– No proper sleeping equipment → often lived on bread, cheese & cookies
– Few hostels, expensive, and cold (even in February!)
7/10 – Noosa
+ Good party at Nomads Hostel, pretty beaches, surf, nice beach walk
+ Stayed in a boring YHA hostel
7.5/10 – Great Ocean Road
+ Stunning scenery, blue water, surfers watching
– Very touristic
Tip: Rent a car — see more than just the Twelve Apostles. Check my TikTok @lifeassaar for hidden gems
7.5/10 – Phillip Island
+ Good hiking spots, penguins!!!
– Touristic, small
Tip: Go to a small beach next to the penguin parade, watch in the dark, don’t take photos — much more authentic
8/10 – 1770 / Agnes Water
+ Beautiful beaches, chill vibe, lovely walks
– Not much to do, small town
8/10 – Cairns
+ Surprisingly nice, good vibes, weather was great
+ Lots to do: Great Barrier Reef, rainforest adventures
+ Party vibes
8/10 – Airlie Beach
+ Pretty, fun parties, nice shops
– Not much to do except Whitsundays and the lagoon
8.5/10 – Melbourne
+ Loved Melbourne! Amazing coffee, breakfast spots, food, markets
+ Alternative European vibe, Fitzroy area was so cute
+ Flinders Hostel was perfect
– Beaches aren’t great, no surfing
- Stayed one and a half months
9/10 – Magnetic Island
+ Beautiful nature and wildlife
+ Renting a car was super fun
– Stayed only 2 nights, would have loved more
10/10 – Byron Bay
+ Loved the beaches, surf, weather, vibe, people, lighthouse
+ Backpackers Inn hostel was amazing
+ Small town → everyone knows each other, super friendly
View from the lighthouse
Absolute favorite!!
10/10 – Whitsunday Islands
+ 3-day sailing trip = heaven
+ Swimming, snorkeling, turquoise water
⚠️ Check the season — avoid rain season
11/10 – Fraser Island
+ Honestly the ultimate adventure: camping, driving 4×4, nights around the fire, amazing people & guide
Can’t recommend enough!!
Summary / Takeaways
- Best vibes: Byron Bay, Whitsundays, Magnetic Island
- Nature heaven: Tasmania, Great Ocean Road
- City girl check: Melbourne & Sydney (but Sydney felt overwhelming for me)
- Party hotspots: Sydney, Airlie Beach, Noosa
- Hidden gems / authentic adventures: Fraser Island, Phillip Island, 1770 / Agnes Water
