VIP DESTINATION: EAST COAST, AUSTRALIA

Soft sand, blue seas, coral reefs, surf breaks, whales, markets and good coastal living await you all the way up Australia's East Coast. It's a popular overland trip for travellers landing in Sydney and heading up to Cairns. Many travellers get an old car to do the trip and simply bang some camping gear and a boogie/surfboard in the back. It's an easy set up for a fun trip. If you don't have your own vehicle Greyhound and Oz Experience offer a variety of affordable passes for the journey!

Here's a brief look at the route from South to North starting in Sydney, the main arrival point for most travellers. Please note summer temperatures can soar above 30 degrees at any point along this coast and the Australian sun, or rather the ultraviolet light is very dangerous, particularly to European travellers who might not be used to it. Please avoid sun exposure from 10am-2pm and always wear a hat, maximum protection sun block and protective clothing (ie. long shirts).

NSW

You'll want to hang around in Sydney for a few days as there is simply so much to see. Once you've taken in the main sights you could also spend a bit of time in the immediate area. You could visit the beautiful Blue Mountains for their famed caves, bush walking, historic railways, splendid waterfalls and other natural features. You could also head north of Sydney to the gorgeous Hunter Valley, a premier wine growing area.

From Sydney you could hop up to Port Macquarie, a popular seaside resort, and then on to Coffs Harbour renowned for its fishing, surfing, picnic spots and of course the Big Banana. You should also make an effort to get to some of the fantastic national parks in this area such as Bongil Bongil for mountain biking or Dorrigo for superb forest canopy walks.

Byron Bay is usually a stepping stone for most people along the coast, an attractive, alternative little hamlet a few hours south of the Queensland border. Byron is famed for its markets (1st Sunday of the month), being the most easterly point in Australia, a quaint little lighthouse, an array of fine beaches and plenty of active pursuits to choose from. If you enjoy the markets they move each weekend to The Channon (2nd Sunday), Nimbin (3rd Sunday) and Bangalow (4th Sunday).

While you're in the area it's definitely worth heading away from the coast to the NSW Hinterland for awhile to check out sights such as the famed Mt Warning, NSW's largest peak. You can camp near it and climb it in a few hours. You could also hang out in Nimbin, the hippie capital of Australia. Visit the museum, the theatre, try the local organic foods or time your visit for the markets (third Sunday).

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QUEENSLAND

The Gold Coast and Surfers Paradise need little introduction but are more a tourist's than local haven as most Queenslanders choose to holiday south of here or up on the Sunshine Coast. However if you like big theme parks and a bit of shopping and coastal fun it's a good spot.

Brisbane has come of age and while it doesn't have the big name sights of Melbourne or Sydney, most people agree it's a great stopping off point and a great place to live or work if you're running short of cash. There are lots of cafes or hostels you can work in and you absolutely must visit Southbank, West End, Fortitude Valley, Mt Coot-tha and the fabulous GOMA art gallery. You can also day trip to the Gold or Sunshine Coasts and Moreton Bay.

The beautiful coastal strip from Caloundra to Noosa is known as the Sunshine Coast and is packed with beaches, surf and cafes. Highlights include the Noosa National Park and Upper Noosa River area where there are famed coloured sands and beautiful river estuaries for boating. The coastline is also peppered with islands such as Moreton, Stradbroke and Bribie that are worth getting to. Boats provide access to the first two while Bribie has a bridge.

If you fancy a 4WD holiday then head to Hervey Bay, the gateway to UNESCO World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Fraser is a must see with massive sand dunes, enormous forests and fantastic lakes.

The Whitsundays are a group of 74 coral islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. Think yachting, boating, snorkelling, lying about, cocktails and ocean breezes. Whitehaven Beach is a superb must-see with 7km of pure white silica sand.

Of course there are tons of areas in between the Whitsundays and Cairns but many people make a beeline for this famed tourist spot. This is an awesome spot to get a scuba license or do some diving. Fitzroy, Green and Lizard Island are the closest to the mainland.

Just when you thought the East Coast was over let's tempt you with one last destination - the UNESCO world heritage listed the tropical rainforest of Daintree. Enjoy the river tours, rainforest walks and array of plants and animals or if you're not yet reefed out, there are plenty of sea activities to enjoy.

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LET US HELP YOU!

Wherever and whenever you go VIP has plenty of accommodation choices to keep you happy and there's plenty of options if you use the VIP card for savings on accommodation, tours and services.

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1. Take some lessons then you can surf the breaks anywhere along the coast
2. Visit the superb markets of Northern New South Wales including Byron, Nimbin, The Shannon and Bangalow
3. Get into the grooves at the Easter Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival, NSW
4. Climb Mt Warning, the highest point in NSW
5. Get out your boots and cowboy hats for the Tamworth Country Music Festival, NSW
6. Head over to Fraser Island for some fantastic 4WD action, QLD
7. Do a spot of snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef, QLD
8. Paddle your way up the Upper Noosa River to the superb Lake Cootharaba, QLD
9. Visit Steve Irwin's hangout at Australia Zoo, Beerburrum, QLD
10. Sit back on a yacht cruise around the superb Whitsunday Islands, QLD

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EAST COAST TOURS

There are many tours, packages, city packs and other discounts available with VIP on the East Coast:
> Bondi Surf Experience
> Sunlover Reef Cruise and Intro Scuba dive
> Great Barrier Reef Adventure in the Whitsundays
> Oz Experience Pass (for travel on the East Coast)
> Greyhound Australia 20 Day Pass
> Click here for a complete list of tours.

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