Travelling up the East Coast of Australia is one of the worlds most popular backpacking routes – but what’s the best way to tackle it?
I’ve been getting a lot of email from readers lately asking about travelling the East Coast of Australia, an area of the world I’m pretty clued up on having spent heaps of time there over the last few years.
I’ve already chatted about how long you should take to travel the East Coast and how much you should budget for Australia so since it’s a topic a lot of you guys want more info on I thought I’d put together a stand alone blog post for you all showcasing some of the ways you can travel around on this awesome part of Oz.
So if you’re looking at heading that way – on a working holiday visa or just some time backpacking – there’s a heap of options for you to choose from…
Updated for 2023
What’s The Best Way To Travel The East Coast Of Australia?
Contents
Greyhound Australia
Out of all the options on the list, the Greyhound Australia Bus is easily the most popular – simple, easy and budget friendly!
They’ve had a few pass options in the past, but currently they have two Greyhound Bus Passes options for people looking to travel around Australia.
The first is the Greyhound WHIMit bus passes – which offers unlimited travel across the entire Greyhound network valid from 7 days to 3 months depending on the pass you choose – including backtracking and even their routes to/from the Red Centre!
This is perfect for those who aren’t sure of their plans but who have a set time frame in which to travel.
Price wise it really depends on your length of travel:
- 15 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $349
- 30 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $439
- 60 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $499
- 90 Day Greyhound WHIMIT Pass = $629
Secondly is the new Greyhound East Coast Australia Passes. They’re pretty similar to the WHIMit, however there are two main differences:
- The limited to routes between Melbourne and Cairns (so no Red Centre, NT or WA routes)
- They comes in 7, 15 or 30 day options – so they’re ideal for shorter trips.
Oh, and they’re slightly cheaper too:
- 7 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $249
- 15 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $319
- 30 Day Greyhound East Coast Pass = $389
The Greyhound Bus Passes tend to be the option of choice for self guided East Coast Australia Package Deals as they’re cheap, flexible and hit up all the major spots. Plus you can self manage your trips using their online portal – so you can quickly check bus times and reschedule your bus trips when your travel plans change.
This would be my personal choice if I was doing the East Coast again as it’s cheap, flexible and takes in all the major stops. If you’re looking for a full list of where the Greyhound stops check out this post – it’s also the option I suggest using for the trip in my How To Spend 1 Month In Australia, Sample Itinerary post
Premier Bus
The other main hop on, hop off style bus service is the Premier Bus. It’s the same as Greyhound in structure – running up/down the East Coast stopping at all the major destinations en route.
For the budget conscious the Premier Bus Passes are cheaper than Greyhound (roughly $100 per pass) so if money is the deciding factor this is the option to go with!
However with these savings come some disadvantages. Firstly you won’t be able to include Melbourne on any hop on hop off pass (although you can buy a Sydney to/from Melbourne pass with Greyhound on top) but more importantly is the fact Premier only has one departure per day compared with the multiple ones on Greyhound.
For some this won’t be an issue and the savings are worth it – but for certain route and overnight options this can be a huge inconvenience – especially into Noosa and Rainbow Beach when you have to attend safety briefings the night before your Fraser Island tour.
Still if you plan well and need the save as much money as possible it’s a solid option!
Stray Australia
2023 UPDATE: Unfortunately Stray Australia is currently not running their hop on, hop off options for 2023, but hopefully they’ll be returning soon!
The new kid on the block so to speak is Stray Australia (formally Loka Travel). The brainchild of the guy who launched Oz Experience and Kiwi Experience, it’s a hybrid and mid ground between the hop on, hop off bus passes and a full blown tour.
Basically it’s guided throughout, but you can hop off at any destination and extend your stay. This means it attracts a broad range of travellers – those who like to wing it and those who want some more structure, meaning there’s always a great group vibe and dynamic whichever pass you choose.
The Stray travel passes also mix it up a bit in terms of transport too – buses up to Noosa and then trains from there to Cairns. This cuts down travel time and also makes the journey heaps more comfortable too!
Stray Australia also takes in some more off the beaten track destinations too – including wine valleys and cattle farms. This means you’ll get to meet heaps of locals and see a different side to Oz.
They have now also launched the Freestyle Tour Passes too, which include your first nights accommodation in each stop and top tours like Fraser and Whitsundays, sos you can use them as a mini tour option as well. And with up to 12 months to complete your trip, it’s a great flexible option for those staying in Australia for longer.
A Guided Tour
If you’re travelling solo, are nervous or have a strict budget or time frame then a straight up tour through Australia might be a solid shout.
There’s heaps of different options on the market – including G Adventures and Intro Travel.
These usually work out more pricey than the bus pass options and are fixed times and dates – so it’s not for everyone. The fixed price and massive amount of inclusions do however have their advantage if you’re working within fixed time frames and money.
Personally I’m not a huge fan of the whole organised tour thing, especially since the East Coast of Oz is so much fun and easy to travel off your own back. Each to their own though and if it’s something you don’t feel comfortable doing solo or you really want to kick back and have all the key things organised for you this would be the option for you.
Campervan/Car Hire
If you want a bit more flexibility in your routing and really enjoy a road trip experience hiring a car or campervan could be worth a look.
The main advantage hiring a campervan in Australia is the fact you can obviously stop off wherever and you’re in control of your itinerary. Unlike buying a van it also means your hire is a fix cost (except fuel of course) and you don’t need to worry about selling it at the end.
If you add in breakdown and pay the extra for a full comprehensive insurance it also means there’s little in the way of worries about mechanics and what not too.
It can work out costly if it’s just a couple of people or over a long time period though and you do need to have set start/finish dates and places., but for shorter trips and groups it’s a great alternative way to travel.
I campervanned Perth – Darwin on the West Coast of Australia and it was heaps of fun, just don’t underestimate the travelling distances and times!
Check out companies like Spaceships, Jucy, Britz and Travellers Auto Barn – all of which have different models and prices. Or let the guys at RTW Backpackers find you the best deal with their Australia campervan hire enquiry form!
Buy A Campervan/Car
If you’re looking to be in complete control of your trip buying a campervan or car is the best option by far, in fact this is what I did on my working visa in Australia!
I bought a van, chucked a bed in the back, built a mini kitchen/BBQ thing and loaded my surfboard on the roof – easily the best travelling decision I’ve ever made!
HOWEVER this option does come with a rather hefty price tag and there are some serious pitfalls you need to avoid!
Do some homework before buying and it might even be worth paying a mechanic to check it over, the last thing you want is the engine to blow up 100km down the road after buying it…which actually happened to my buddy!
I lucked out with my van, the only extra cost was a replacement battery (because I left the lights on!) and sold it at the end of my trip with only a minimal loss. If I’d sold it in either Sydney or Cairns I would have easily made all of my money back!
Apart from dictating your own timescales and routes this option all means you can save some serious money on accommodation too.
There are heaps of spots around Oz where you can camp for free, although in key areas (like Sydney, Byron Bay and Melbourne) you may well have to pay for a camping spot, so keep that in mind.
If you’re sensible thought and buy a non graffiti covered car or van you can sneakily stay in residential areas to save some money.
I spent 3 weeks in Melbourne on a residential street and 2 weeks at Bondi Beach (amongst others!), just be quiet, considerate and don’t push your luck too much as they can hand out some hefty fines!
Vanlife isn’t always as Insta worthy as it might seem though so make sure you do your research and prepare for van life properly!
Find The Option That Suits You
As you can see no matter what your style of travel, budget or time frame there’s a good selection of ways to travel the East Coast of Australia – so check them all out and figure out which suits you best.
What I can say though is no matter which way you opt to travel around the East Coast is always full of treats and I’m sure you’ll be back for more…I’m always looking for a way to pencil it into my travel plans again!
If you’re heading there soon check out RTW Backpackers for heaps of awesome packages and travel passes. Or let me help plan your Aussie adventure with my East Coast Australia Trip Planner!
Click here for more info and to book your Australia travel options
Have you travelled the East Coast of Oz?
Which option did you go with or did you use an alternative I’ve not covered?
Aww, this brought back memories! I’ve done the buses, next time I want to use a campervan! Just need to learn how to drive … haha
The campervan is haps of fun – especially if you have a solid idea of where you want to head! Good luck with your test!
I’m looking at hiring a camper van to travel between Melbourne and Sydney. Any ideas on costs??
Hey Kerry – it really depends on size of the van, length of your trip and the season you’re heading there so it’s best to check out the sites for a quote.
Hi Kerry!! Its nice that you are planning to travel Australia!! I have travelled there once and booked online. I will recommend you to follow Aussie Campervans which offers best campervan suppliers for road trips in Australia. It consist of a huge collection of campervans , Motorhomes and RVs. There you can compare the rates in campervan on the basis of your requirement. Get a quote and enjoy the journey in the budget.
Now im thinking…….i land in sydney in january 2016…..do i do Sydney to Cairnes, or Cairnes to sydney? either way im flying back to the uk from sydney, will be using a greyhound pass in between. Whats the most popular? Which way do most backpackers go?
joe
Hey Joe – sounds like an epic plan to me! To be honest you’ll have to get a flight in between the two anyway so it’s more personal preference, you’ll follow the better weather up the coast to Cairns, but over 5 weeks it won’t make heaps of difference. There’s plenty of people going both ways so if you’re landing in Sydney I’d use that as your starting point!
great thanks, cant wait to get started! :)
Enjoy!
Hi Chris,
Have you heard much about the LOKA bus? They’re a lot more expensive but sound pretty fun rather than the greyhound bus. Hoping to do Sydney to Cairns next January but there are just so many options!
Thanks
Hey Nicky,
Yeah I’ve just patterned up with them on my other site – Epic Gap Year – actually after one of my buddies did it and had a blast! Greyhound is defo still the best option price wise but it depends what you want to get up to really, I think the LOKA fits the gap between bus pass and tour pretty nicely!
For more info check out http://www.epicgapyear.com/travel-passes or drop me an email
Hey Chris!!
I first read your blog in january and it’s one of the main reasons why I decided to book my east coast trip. Like I’ve always wanted to do it but I was so scared! I’ve been on the road for three weeks and I’m in byron bay now! I think I saw you walking on jonsons street two days ago and I was like WOw haha I got so excited it was like bumping into a celebrity!! On here it says you’re in byron so it could have actually been you! Well thanks for the inspiration! Have a great time
Caty
Hey Cate – stoked I convinced you to hit up the east coast – you loving it here?
Indeed I’m in Byron Bay at the moment – staying at Aquarius Hostel! Let me know if you’re around for a while and we’ll grab a beer!
hahahaha like a celebrity?! Awwww that made my day!
Hi Chris!
Just stumbled upon your blog and I love it! I’m currently planning my WHV year in Australia for June 2016 and I’m so excited It’s been my dream ever since I can remember. I’ll be starting at Adelaide and working my way up to Cairns. I’ll be working inbetween and I just wanted to ask if it’s easy to get a job out there and save money? I want to work for a few months and then spend the rest of the year with the money I’ve hopefully saved to travel and explore properly. Where would be the best place to settle and work for a couple of months? Thanks in advance!
Ellie x
PS- you’re hot!
Hey Ellie – first off thanks for the PS, totally made my day!hahaha!
Stoked to hear you’re heading to Oz, good on you for following your dream trip! The only thing I’d quickly mention is Adelaide will be pretty cold in July, so keep that in mind!
With finding work it really depends on how fussy you’re being and how proactive!haha! Land with your CV all ready to go and check out sites like seek.com.au to see whats around even before you land. Hostels are a great way to find jobs too and work for accommodation is an epic way to cut down your costs. Personally I’ve always worked in Byron Bay (love that place!) but there’s work everywhere if you’re prepared to put in the time finding it.
Basically if you want and put in the effort it you’ll find it!haha!
Let me know if I can help out at all!
Liked your comments about Oz Experience and Greyhound now being essentially the same thing.
Really good summary of East Coast trips!
I actually did the Premier bus and found it suitable for my needs. One bus a day. Timetable not too bad, met lots of fellow backpackers on there. I know it doesn’t have such comfy seats and Wi Fi like the Greyhound….but i enjoyed saving over $100!
hahaha it’s pretty true though hey Carla – same same but different!
Yeah Premier is a solid should too, although the single departures aren’t going to suit everyone, the savings might though!
Hi Chris
Quality blog I am flying to sydney on the 19th December so I ca be there for new years and then going to travel up the east cost.. Bit of stupid question really I know its going to be HOTTTTT but is there any clothing I will need other than shorts and and t shirts haha
Hey Kraig,
Stoked to hear you’re heading to Sydney for xmas and new year, it’s epic fun! I’d pack a hoodie and a pair of trousers too just to be safe – especially if you’re doing trips like Fraser Island as the evenings can get a little chilly if you’re camping!
Hi. Would you recommend buying the greyhound bus pass in the UK or when I get over to Australia? Thanks.
Hey Louisa,
It works out the same either way – check out http://www.epicgapyear.com/travel-passes for more info :)
Hey Chris,
Absolutely loving your blog! I’m planning my WHV year at the moment, starting May 2016! Very excited and the east coast is my no 1 priority! I may be traveling on my own, which is quite nerve racking, but it’l be an experience to remember! I was just wondering, what time of the year would you recommend for the East coast? I am thinking of doing my farm June-Aug and then setting off to work and travel :) Thanks for all your info on your site! Such a huge help!! :)
Hey Tina,
Nice to e-meet you and stoked you’re loving the blog! You’ll love the WHV experience in Oz, so much fun! With the East Coast it really depends how long you’re spending going up/down. Peak summer (Nov/Dec/Jan is best in the south for weather whereas ‘winter’ around June-Aug the weather will be better in the north.
If you need any travel passes check out my other site – Epic Gap Year – you can even get the Oz Essentials sorted for free
http://www.epicgapyear.com/destinations/australia/
hi chris,
my plan is to go traveling the east coast for 6 weeks from mid august – end of september via greyhound bus and i’m deciding on either doing melbourne to cairns or sydney to cairns, what would you recommend for the short time that i am there?
thanks rachel.
Hey Rachel,
I’d say you could easily do the Melbourne to Cairns route in that time, depending on what extra stuff you wanted to fit into your time in Melbourne. Check out my post on East Coast travel times for some sample itineraries and see which suits your plans!
Hey Chris.
Thanks so much for these guides – they’re incredibly helpful! Wonder if you could provide some advice please?
I’m looking at how to do Sydney to Cairns in 2 weeks this August with my boyfriend who is visiting me while I travel on my big trip away. What would you recommend as the best way to travel up the East Coast? We’ve looked at both campervan hire and greyhound passes and just aren’t sure of the best mode of transport to maximise the time we have in each place.
Thanks so much
Lyndsey
Hey Lyndsey – stoked the site is helping you out!
Hmmm with only two weeks to play with there’s a lot of ground to cover, have you thought about just doing a smaller stint with him, say Brisbane to Cairns? That way you spend less time travelling and more time enjoying stuff! Just an idea!
With that time frame though I’d say Greyhound is your best bet as you can make use of overnight bushes (like Sydney to Byron) so maximise your actually time in places.
I’ve actually just launched another site – OzBackpacker.com – so have a look around that and let me know fi you need any help packing everything together!
Take it easy
Chris
Hi! I’m coming to Sydney in March 2017 and booked my flight to Byron bay to start my east coast adventure! Not really sure I want to do one of thes ‘topdeck’ trips as there’s some activities I’m not fussed about and I want to go with the flow! Do you think that’s a good idea? And what travel service do you recommend? Greyhound or Loka? Thanks! :-)
Hey Chloe,
Stoked to hear you’re heading to Australia! If you’re looking for flexibility I’d maybe book an open dated package so you’ve covered the cost of the main trip (greta for budgeting) but can lock in the date when you know them for sure.
Greyhound v Loka is a tough call – Greyhound is heaps cheaper, but Loka is greta for meeting new people and experiencing some of the awesome Loka special stops!
If you need help booking anything check out my other site – RTW Backpackers – and I’ll sort you out with some discounts!
http://www.rtwbackpackers.com/tour-category/east-coast-packages/a
hi Chris
We are hoping to camper van from cairns down to Sydney with two children, aged 8 and 6 in tow… any recommendations in where to go to book … all seem pretty pricey…..many thanks
Hey Heidi,
The prices really depend on the van and time of year you’re going so it can rack up in price. Check out RTW Backpackers for some good options – the Jucy Condo is one of my personal recommendations;
http://www.rtwbackpackers.com/tours/jucy-campervan-hire-australia/
Really awesome tips, so much of it resonated with me from my own trip! All these ever-changing laws are so difficult to keep track of though, aren’t they?!
Awesome tips!! I think The best way to travel east coast of Australia that is planning!! If you travel not only Australia but other country you must follow your budget and plan!!
Thanks for helping tips Chris
Campervan for sure!
such a fun way to travel hey? Although admittedly not the cheapest!
Decided to explore Australia after a long time of dream. Glad to come up on this guide for a more clear view. Super-excited to start my journey. Let me know how to arrange a camper van so that it will be a more enjoyable experience.
Share Bus is also another option you didn’t mention. Its a shared rental of a minibus,trailer and camping equipment between a group of backpackers. The start/end dates are fixed but the rest is totally flexible to do what you want. Not expensive, plus you get a group of travel mates and everything needed for a camping road trip. You should check it out!