This magnificent part of the world is known as “The Legendary Pacific Coast” (told you), and it’s one pretty amazing road trip with stops including Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast.
But, before you start planning your journey, you’ve got to know where to stop for a breather and to have your breath taken away. Read on for 7 amazing experiences on the The Legendary Pacific Coast.
1. See a Massive Sand Pit
The lovely Port Stephens doesn’t only have a bay twice the size of Sydney’s, it also boasts the Worimi Conservation Lands (Stockton Bight Sand Dunes). This excellent moonscape of moving dunes has great opportunities for sandboarding and quadbiking, as well as surfing and diving. Those last two are in the sea, not the dunes. Obviously.
2. Chill Out in Nimbin
Check out the vibrant colours and eclectic ambience of this strange and beautiful back street of Amsterdam... which has somehow found it’s way to the Australian East Coast. Expect hippy vibes, a laid back lifestyle and lapse rules.
3. Whale Watching
Everyone loves a massive aquatic mammal, and this coastline’s got them in spades. Aim for June – November for your chance to spot the Southern Right and Humpback whales on their annual migration. If you want to do something magical you might want to check out Australia volunteering programs where you can help marine conservation efforts.
4. Wake Up for Sunrise
Watching the sun rise from the glowing waves at Australia’s most easterly point is certainly one for the mental scrapbook. Definitely worth the effort of the early morning, no matter how much goon you’ve imbibed the night before. And the Pacific Coast really does have some of the most beautiful beaches in Australia - take photos and make all your friends and family jealous.
5. Surf’s Up
Although this stretch of coast is a mere 570 miles long (about as far as London to Paris and halfway back again) the surfing is legendary. You’ve got Newcastle, Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Yamba, Byron Bay, Kingscliff; the list goes on so its easy to see why this is one of the most popular surf destinations in Australia!
If struggling to stand up on a foam board on the rolling waves 1000s of miles from home doesn’t float your boat, we don’t know what will. Learning to surf here is one of the best things to do in Australia.
6. Work For It
If you want to spend some time earning Aussie dollars instead of leaking them like water the minute you step out of your door in the morning (seriously it’s like black magic), then you could do worse than applying for a working holiday in Australia and finding a job along The Legendary Pacific Coast. Pick up work (and fruit) at an organic farm, follow the harvest trail or shun the fields and head for the world of hospitality in Gold Coast.
7. Go Wild
The Gondwana rainforests run up the coast from Newcastle to Brisbane and contain within them parks, reserves, waterfalls, trails, ancient volcanoes, camp sites and really cool, rare ferns. The last one is probably only good if you’re really into ferns. Lots of top rated Australia tour companies offer trips here.
Plan Your Trip to the The Pacific Coast
If you want to go backpacking or take a gap year to Australia you really need to experience The Pacific Coast. You could independently drive the east coast of Australia, or consider bus trips or group tours. Whatever you do, just go and see this spectacular region for yourself!
