Top 5 destinations on the East Coast

Hey all,

Just an open thread here to find out where you would rate as the top 5 destinations to visit along the Esat Coast of Australia. I'm starting to plan my route for my trip in May and would be interested to find out where other travellers recommend for me to visits and what to look out for on the way, are there any hidden gems and what can I expect to find on my travels. Any suggestions are welcome. :-)

Happy posting
Aled

As I travelled from Cairns to Sydney on the East Coast, hence my five favourite spots are also from North to South.
I'm big into diving so that is a major point on my list, too:

Cape Tribulation/Daintree Forest/Mossman Gorge - very unique area up Far North in Queensland that features a wonderful National Park and beautiful beaches

Magnetic Island - If you need a break from the busy backpacker places, Magentic Island is the place to go. Great for hiking and relaxing.

Yongala Shipwreck - one of the best diving spots I have ever been to in my life.

Town of 1770/Agnes Water - a little bit out of the way but nonetheless a great place to learn how to surf and go diving at the Great Barrier Reef (Lady Musgrove Island). The hostel there called Cool Banana was the best on the East Coast in my opinion.

And last but not least number 5. It's really hard to nail it down, but I guess it would be the Whitsunday Islands.
Whitehaven beach is pristine and sailing around there is great.

Enjoy your trip !

Steff

Depends on the time of year, so I'll list both:
Summer (dec-feb)
1. Blue Mountains: Camping, hiking, swimming in rivers and canyoning
2. Heron Island: Beautiful coral gardens, amazing white beaches but expensive
3. Fraser Island: 4x4, swimming in pristine lakes
4. Jervis Bay: Avoiding school holidays, Jervis Bay is very beautiful for snorkelling, swimming and relaxing.

Winter (jun-aug)
1. Cairns area: Amazing snorkelling, great weather, hiking in the daintree, waterfalls and it's all close by
2. Whitsundays and Bowen: Sailing, camping, snorkelling and resorts if you like
3. Fraser Island: Same as above but not as warm
4. Blue Mountains: Cold, but still the same great hiking and camping
5. Snowy Mountains: Pretty much the only place you can ski in Australia

But really, you'll have a great time wherever you go!