8 Ways To Travel Around Australia's Coast

The mainland Australian coastline extends for approximately 34,000 kilometres, which means there are plenty of beaches, bays, and rugged headlands you can explore.

From the shimmering sands of the Gold Coast and the beauty of the Great Ocean Road in Victoria, to the majestic sunrises in Broome and the vibrant coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll no doubt want to experience as much of it as possible.

But the big question is, how do you do that?

You can choose, for instance, to jump in your car and hit the road, or take a train, or even sail a yacht up and down the eastern or western seaboard. In fact, we’ve identified eight different ways you can travel around Australia’s coastal areas.

Hopefully, this list will provide you with plenty of inspiration for your next Aussie adventure.

1. Australian Coastal Road Trips

Road trips are hands down the most popular way to see the coast of Australia. What can be better than packing up your car, grabbing some snacks, and listening to your favourite Spotify playlist as you drive at your own pace?

The aforementioned Great Ocean Road drive is a classic journey that everyone should take once. It stretches from Torquay to Allansford in Victoria, and offers jaw-dropping scenery and iconic landmarks like the Twelve Apostles.

On an East Coast Australia itinerary from Sydney, you’ll find Byron Bay, Noosa, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays all waiting to be explored en route to Cairns. While a west coast trip can take you from Perth all the way to Exmouth and Broome.

The great thing about doing a road trip is that you can pull over in small towns, chat to locals, and discover beaches that don’t make it into the travel guidebooks.

A popular way of roadtripping is buying or hiring a car for the longest Australian leg. If the cost might be a little prohibitive for you, there are specific car loans for roadtripping that can get you started on your adventure and get you on your way, rolling across the country.

2. Campervan Hire in Australia

Want your bed, kitchen, and transport all in one? Then campervan hire in Australia could be perfect for you.

It is particularly well-suited to families, couples, or backpackers who want a little bit of home comfort while on the road. Not only will they get to save on accommodation costs, but they will also be able to stay in coastal holiday parks that offer superb views that look straight out to the ocean.

Imagine rolling out of bed and seeing the sunrise directly over the water. Or going straight into the surf for a bracing morning rush. Popular routes like Cairns to Brisbane or Sydney to Melbourne are well set up for campervans, and there are plenty of powered sites and rest stops along the way.

3. Scenic Train Journeys Australia

For those who prefer to sit back and watch the world roll by, there is no better mode of transport than trains. Australia is home to several scenic train journeys that connect inland towns with coastal cities, which gives you an excellent perspective of its different landscapes.

Sadly, not every section of the coastline is linked. However, you can pair train trips with shorter drives or local buses to get to where you want to go. For example, the Tilt Train in Queensland runs between Brisbane and Rockhampton, and connects you to the southern Great Barrier Reef region.

One of the main benefits of train travel is that you don’t have to worry about traffic. You’ll also have time to read, snooze, or simply stare out the window at the passing landscapes.

4. Cruises Around Australia

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cruise industry has really taken off in Australia. It provides you with a stress-free way to explore multiple destinations without having to constantly pack and unpack.

Cruises around Australia often call into places like Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns, Darwin, and Fremantle. Some even loop the whole country, which will enable you to see lots of its coastline.

Whilst onboard, you’ll find endless dining choices, a range of entertainment, and various recreational activities. You can sip cocktails by the pool one day and be snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef the next.

Admittedly, cruising might not give you the same local experiences as a road trip. However, there is no denying its unbeatable for the convenience and variety it offers.

5. Backpacking the Australian Coast

Backpacking is a rite of passage for many travellers, and the Australian coast is one of the best playgrounds for doing this. Indeed, there is an entire infrastructure of hostels, budget bus rides, and cheap flights that make it easy to hop from one beach town to the next.

Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have the most vibrant backpacker scenes. That said, it is in the most rural and remote areas where you can really make strong friendships and enjoy the chilled-out surf vibe.

6. Cycling the Australian Coastline

Image Credit: Tourism WA

If you are feeling adventurous, you could always choose to cycle your way along the Australian coastline.

Of course, you don’t have to do it all at once. Many people tackle sections at a time. That said, it is a good form of exercise and won’t cost you anywhere near as much as other transit methods on this list. Although it will take longer.

Popular cycling routes include stretches of the East and South Coast. Along which you’ll find good roads, campgrounds, and plenty of cafes to refuel. What makes this such an appealing option is that it brings you closer to nature. You’ll feel the sea breeze, hear the waves, and notice the little details you’d miss in a car.

If you are travelling to Perth, Western Australia, we highly recommend spending a day or longer on Rottnest Island and hiring an e-bike to ride around this ever so scenic island.

There is no denying it’s tough on your legs. But the rewards are definitely worth the endeavour.

7. Domestic Flights

Australia is such a huge country that sometimes flying is the smartest option. Domestic airlines from the likes of Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Jetstar will take you to major coastal hubs like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns, and Perth.

You can even fly to some regional, coastal airports like the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Coffs Harbour, Whitsunday Coast Airport and Hervey Bay. From there, you can branch out with car hire, local buses, or guided tours.

This option works well if you’re on a limited time but still want to see highlights of the coast. For instance, you might spend a few days in Sydney exploring Bondi Beach and Manly, then fly up to Cairns for a reef and rainforest adventure.

8. Guided Tours

If you’d rather not stress about the logistical side of things, guided tours are a great choice. From day trips out of cities to multi-day coastal adventures, there’s an option available for every traveller.

Tours often include transport, accommodation, and recreational activities, so all you literally need to do is show up. They’re particularly beneficial if you’re keen on learning more about the local history, wildlife, and culture in a region. That is because guides are usually full of stories and tips you’d never discover on your own.