A vibrant view of Sydney Harbour Bridge with Luna Park and sailboats highlighting the iconic skyline.
6 stops · 1 countries · ~2,185 km

The East Coast Australia

Sydney to Cairns up the Queensland and New South Wales coast: surf towns, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, mostly by Greyhound. The best hostels at every stop, and how to get to the next one.

Photo: Donovan Kelly on Pexels.

🗺️ stops
6
🌏 countries
1
🛏️ hostels
125
💸 best cheap bed (Cairns)
€9.43

The route

Map © OpenStreetMap contributors, OpenFreeMap. The line joins the stops in order; it is not a road or flight path.

Stop by stop

  1. Getting to Byron Bay · ~624 km as the crow flies

    • Greyhound coachabout 11–13 hSeveral departures a day from Sydney Central.
    • Fly to Ballina, then bus or taxiabout 1 h 15 min flight

    ✈️ Search flights SYD → BNK

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Intrepid Travel, Rome2Rio.

  2. Getting to Brisbane · ~143 km as the crow flies

    • Coach (Greyhound and others)about 3–4 h

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Greyhound Australia, Busbud.

  3. Getting to Noosa · ~120 km as the crow flies

    • Coachabout 2–2.5 h

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Greyhound Australia, FlixBus.

  4. Getting to Airlie Beach · ~814 km as the crow flies

    • Overnight Greyhoundabout 16–21 hDepartures late morning to late afternoon, arriving the next morning at the Port of Airlie.

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Omio, Busbud.

  5. Getting to Cairns · ~484 km as the crow flies

    • Coach (Greyhound, Premier)about 10–12 hDaytime departures, arriving Cairns in the evening.

    Times are typical ranges; operators change schedules, so check before you book. Sources: Greyhound Australia.

FAQ

What is the East Coast Australia?

Sydney to Cairns up the Queensland and New South Wales coast: surf towns, the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef, mostly by Greyhound.

How long is the East Coast Australia?

About 2,185 km in straight lines between our 6 stops (Sydney, Byron Bay, Brisbane, Noosa, Airlie Beach, Cairns); real road and rail distances are longer.

Which countries does the East Coast Australia go through?

Australia.

Where is the cheapest good hostel bed on the East Coast Australia?

Cairns: Mumma's Hostel Cairns, rated 9.2 on Hostelworld, from €9.43 a night (the lowest dorm price among hostels rated 8+ from 50+ reviews, 11 October 2026).

Hostel prices and ratings from Hostelworld's public listings (11 October 2026). Distances are straight-line between city centres. AirConnect may earn a commission if you book through our links, at no extra cost to you.