This is a guest post by Ryan Martin – contact me if you’re interested in writing for Backpackingmatt.com.
Imagine road tripping with your best friends along the world-famous Eastern Coast of Australia. You have the open road, fresh Aussie mountain air, and endless deserted white sand beaches Throw a surfboard on the rack and I don’t think you’ll ever leave.
I ultimately left Australia; yet is sure wasn’t easy.
For a couple months in 2010, I traveled the entire eastern coast of Australia with two of my English mates. Throughout this trip, I came across some unbelievable vistas. Sit back and enjoy:
7 of the Most Spectacular Views in Australia
1) Twelve Apostles
To get to the 12 Apostles, you’ll need to take the Great Ocean Road, Australia’s equivalent to Highway 101 in America. The views along the drive are gorgeous, but nothing compares to the Twelve Apostles.
The huge rocks that jut out of the ocean seem almost unnatural. And as you walk along the cliff edge, look down to see the backs of birds gliding in the wind. It’s a true natural gem. If you surf, bring a board to catch some waves along the drive.
2) Sydney
While most people have seen a photo of the Sydney Opera House, it still doesn’t prepare you for seeing it with your own eyes. The Opera House is one the most idyllic monuments in Australia, so it’s a must for anyone backpacking in Australia.
If you wanna catch a show, great. Just be prepared to put a second mortgage on your home to do so.
3) Blue Mountains
Unanimously voted as a World Heritage site, the Blue Mountains are a great place to camp, watch the sunset, or just take in some amazing views.
The series of cliffs and gorges are blanketed in Eucalyptus. These Eucalyptus give off gases that quite literally give a blue hue to the horizon.
4) Byron Bay
Byron Bay is an absolute backpacker’s haven.
Party at Cheeky Monkey, lounge on the beach, shop, or surf in the waves. Byron Bay has got it all. Just be prepared to get sucked in. I’m one of many who lost a few days of my life to Byron Bay.
5) Indian Head, Fraser Island
Unfortunately, they don’t let you bomb around the world’s largest sand island in your own rented 4×4 anymore. Instead, you have to be escorted by a guide in a caravan. Luckily for me, I was in one of the last groups able to explore the island on our own.
On the far end of the island is Indian Head, where you can look down and see the shadows of sharks swimming below. In the evenings, sunset over the horizon is nothing short of spectacular as you camp next to wondering dingos.
6) Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays are home to the world’s whitest and finest sand. In fact, it’s the sand that made the lens for the Hubble Telescope. The contrast between the azure waters and ghost white sand is mesmerizing.
The sand is so fine, you can even use it to clean your teeth. Just be sure not to swallow.
7) Great Barrier Reef
I’ve never seen water so blue as that in the Northeast of Australia. It sometimes hard to distinguish the blue of the water to the blue of the sky. As the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef does not disappoint.
Some of these views are compounded in beauty when you throw in a gorgeous pink and orange sunset; others are just plain amazing in their own right.
Don’t take my word for it. Get on a plane and check them out yourself.
I promise you won’t regret it.
About the Author: Ryan has been backpacking around the world since 2005 and has recently launched FollowMeEverywhere.com to combine his love of travel with work. If you like his stuff, feel free to subscribe, and if you know anyone looking for a travel writer, travel photographer, or travel guide, let him know. Follow him on Twitter: @RyanMartin07
Backpacking Matt 
They don’t let you do self-guided tours of Fraser anymore!!! Brutal! I suppose I can understand how they came to this decision…I am guessing it was just a few too many people got a little crazy and spoiled it…but that is too bad. I was in Australia for a few years in the “olden days” of 97-00, and Fraser was one of the highlights.
Thanks for also including Byron Bay. It was my home at the time, and brought back great memories!
Cheers…
I loved the Whitsunday Islands!! I’ve made it to most of these places but will definitely have to go back soon to see the rest.
No more solo treks on Frasier!!! What a bummer that was definitely on the top of my list of things to do when I lived in Sydney. Glad I got it in…
Never did make it to Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. Can’t wait to go back!
What about ayers rock? I am really in love. With this view. Arlie beach?
Didn’t know about the self-guided tours not beign allowed anymore on Fraser Island, didn’t make there last time. I really loved the views in Sydney and the Blue Mountains!
@Skott & Shawna- Agreed. Byron Bay is gorgeous and has such a good vibe. I’m sure OZ has changed a lot from 97-00!
@Steve- Ya no solo treks because people kept hurting and/or killing themselves on the island by driving like maniacs! It’s too bad because I’m doing it along is much better than on a tour in my opinion.
@Karina- I never made it to the interior of OZ. I stuck to the east coast, BUT I hear Ayer’s rock is meant to be amazing. I’m sure it probably would have made the list if I had visited.
@Tijmen- Ya I think a lot of people overlook the Blue Mountains but it’s a truly special place and quite close to Sydney. Always good to get some fresh mountain air every once in a while!
Wow, the Blue Mountains look gorgeous! I’m hoping to visit Australia in the next year and a half, so I’m bookmarking this page to come back to when it comes time to plan. 😉
I was lucky enough to visit the Whitsundays last year and loved it so so much.
I ought to have said, the rest are all on my list for future visits!
Beautiful places! I’ve never been to Australia, but this post has made me want to pack up and head directly for some outdoor adventures and these spectacular views!
Great post Ryan! Am adding all of these to my to-do list once I FINALLY make it to Australia (if ever). They all look beautiful!
I am leaving my home of Australia in little over 3 weeks on a one-way ticket to SE Asia and now I have just realised that there is so much I want to see before I leave but I have no time!
It is always the way: visitors to a country see more of it than someone who has lived there their entire life!
Great places, I missed a few last time I was there, but I’ll make sure I get to see them all next time I visit!
Great pics man! Those 12 Apostles are without a doubt my favorite of the bunch!
@Abbey-Thanks!
@Kenan-I know exactly what you mean. I think my next adventure is going to check out the USA. I’ve seen so many other places around the world, yet haven’t checked out things in my own backyard!
@Scott-Agreed. The 12 Apostles are pretty amazing. You just have to time it so that you get there on a day with good weather!
Very nice places, but I would title this post “most spectacular views of East Australia”.
Australia looks so awesome, it’s always close to the top of my list. I really can’t wait to go there. Blue Mountains and the Twelve Apostles look so cool!
I’ve been and saw all of these other than the 12 Apostles (never did the Great Ocean Road) when I backpacked the east coast of Australia.
Everything was so gorgeous! I especially loved Byron Bay! Really fun and definitely a backpacker’s haven. Australia’s my favourite country in the world and I can’t wait to go back someday!
All gorgeous views. The 12 Apostles is my favorite though. And now, I have yet around reason to head to Australia…to brush my teeth in the sands of the Whitsunday Islands.
We’re coming to the end of our 8 month trip through the whole of Australia. Believe me when I say the Western Australia & the Red Centre is even more spectacular than all of the places mentioned here … Broome, the Kimberleys, the beaches of Esperance, the Bungle Bungles, nothing beats that.
Concerning Fraser Island: We just spent 4 days & 3 nights camping and driving around Fraser Island beach driving with our own vehicle. (Which was absolutely fantastic.) I don’t know why people think it’s not possible anymore. Maybe some rental companies have restrictions now? Anyways, buying and touring Outback Australia in a real 4WD is definitely the number one thing to do down here.
And now I’m going to pack my gear; we’re leaving for a trip to the outer great barrier reef tomorrow. I’ve so fallen in love with this country.
@Jurriaan Glad to know there is more beauty in Australia — I trusted that was the case, though these 7 views are sure tough to beat! Thanks for the update on Fraser Island – it must just be some rental operators that have the restriction in place. Glad you’re enjoying Auzzie!
I’ve never been to Australia, but it must be one of those countries that literally take your breathe away. Gorgeous shots!
Some amazing photos there. I’ve only been to two of those places, but there are so many more that are well worth seeing too. Australia has some of the most unique and diverse places in the world!
Aaron
I’m in Oz at the moment and I’m staying right next to the blue mountains but I am yet to know I have become a bit slack on my tourism. Love the blog some great advice. xx
I have been to most of the places above except Whitsunday and Fraser Island. I was a bit busy with travelling oversea in the last 3 years but will go to that two places soon.
With twelves apostles, you can make it as a day trip but you won’t see the best from. It takes 4.5 hours drive from Melbourne through Great Ocean Road and 3 hours to drive back. Two days would be great for it. You can enjoy the Great Ocean Road and the sunset at Twelves Apostles.
Great Barrier Reefs – You need at least a week. Too many Reefs to visit. Requirement: You need to know how to swim to enjoy it. Else you won’t enjoy it as much as everyone else.
You need to visit Tasmania and Western Australia too. They won’t let you down.
Australia is a good country for backpacker/tourist. We not only have good scenery but we also have good food and coffee. Proud to call Australia as my home.