East Coast Dreaming

Cairns to Sydney or Sydney to Cairns

And everywhere in between

A wonder of the world, architecture masterpieces, a coastline second to none…. its little wonder why East coast Australia is arguable one of the most popular backpacking destination in the world.  With such an easily accesible route option up and down the whole coast, you can make your trip as you see fit, and do what you want, when you want.  Accommodating and friendly hostels, the well travelled locals and many new backpacking friends will all help in creating a lifetime experience and something you will never ever forget.

The Regions (states):

Queensland a.k.a The Sunshine State – The tropical lifestyle of cairns, the snorkeling and diving of the Great Barrier Reef, sun tanning on the whitsunday Islands, partying on the Gold Coast and pretty much learning to surf wherever you want… The tourism capital of Australia, its breathtaking, its brilliant, its got true Aussie culture and the best pineapple and bananas in the world, so they say...

New South Wales  is where you reach the famous Byron bay.  While Bryon is the most famous beach North of Bondi beach in Sydney, there are many surfing villages on the east coast.  Some include Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Newcastle beaches and these all propose the aspects we love about the beach…waves, clean white sand and a chilled atmosphere to really relax and try out surfin some of Australia’s breaks.   One company doing the East coast in a cool way is Mojo’s ! www.mojosurf.com.  And Byron hosts a couple of really chilled music festivals worth checking out.

Sydney, the city many regard as Australia’s capital, has been consistently ranked in the top 10 of most livable cities in the world…..for very good reason too!  Hosting 2 architecture masterpieces, the sydney harbour bridge and the Opera house, the setting is set for Sydney to dominate your cameras memory card space.  Manly beach, Bondi beach, Circular Quay are just 3 major names that stick out of a coastline of greatness….you cant go wrong with Sydney, and on its day, it has to be up there with the best cities in the world.  The Bondi backpacking scene is very cool, with bondi beach flagged by The Bondi RSL and Iceberg’s, to well regarded watering holes, which are also great for an inexpensive meal…..otherwise fish n chips form the local shop on Bondi is what the Australian backpacking experience is all about.  Kajakman loves Bondi!

Probably the coolest thing you could do to capture the Aussie surfing experience, is with Mojo’s.

Check out the click below for further evidence.

Accommodation QLD

Cairns - Gilligan’s Hotel Resort and Backpacker :Gilligan’s resort is located in the Cairns city centre. This place would be as good a hostel as any where in the world. Resort type facilities. It is new, clean and a very impressive establishment. An excellent pool with a timber beer garden deck and good kitchen facilities.  Gilligan’s also has Cairns biggest Nightclub. You may pay a couple of dollars extra to stay at this hostel but take our word for it, you will not be disappointed.

Airlie Beach – Beaches accommodation offer some really cool budget offers right in the centre of the Whitsunday’s and gateway to the great barrier reef. www.beaches.com.au

Brisbane - Tin Billy’s – 462 George Street . Very central location just over the road from the Roma St transit centre. One of the newest in town. – Very clean – Swipe card security – Kitchen and laundry facilities – excellent job club- Pub down stairs with excellent meals – Fast internet –  Very good hostel.

Gold Coast - Sun & Surf BeachsideBackpackers - 3323 Surfers Paradise Blvd – The backpackers that is situated closest to the beach and also all the action. 100 Beds. Very clean with a excellent common room to meet other travelers.

Accommodation NSW

Byron Bay - Main Beach Backpackers : Best spot in town – cnr of the roundabout – 100m from beach next to subway and not the subway near Woolworths. Must book in summer. Walk in during winter. Not on hostelworld. Looks the best hostel in town. Great kitchen. Has about 70 beds

Coffs Harbour – Ausitel backpackers is defo the pick in Coffs. Perfectly located in the lively jetty area opposite the natural bushland of Coffs Creek, close to beaches, pubs, restaurants, cafes, supermarket, specialty shops and international marina.

Port Macquarie – Port Macquarie backpackers is in a great location and run by previous backpackers so they have made this for an enjoyable experience.  Great location and quite a homely feel to this place, and free pick up from train, bus or airport.

Newcastle – Backpackers by the beach is a fantastic location and pretty much 2 minutes walk to everything…beaches, pubs, bars, supermarket, food, restaurants and has a very good reputation.  Newcastle has had a major facelift in recent years and you want to enjoy it by staying at such quality backpackers.

Sydney –  Surfside backpackers has 2x great location on Sydney’s most famous beaches.  Bondi and Coogee have you right in the mix of the best Sydney has to offer.  Longstanding and quality reputation in a tough market, surfside stands up to the test on location, safety, cleanliness and certainly friendliness!