Australia by bus - cheapest way to get the freedom feeling

Let's get the obvious one out of the way first: heading up the east coast is probably on your list for Australia. On the stretch between Sydney and Brisbane is where you'll find the best beaches and surf spots. Departing from Sydney, the first place you can get off is Newcastle. If surfing is your thing, we suggest doing so too, since both Newcastle Beach and Merewether Beach are popular surf spots. They're hardly hidden treasures, but a good way to start off your coastal adventure. From Newcastle it's only a few stops to Port Macquarie, where you'll be able to visit the Koala Hospital and enjoy the picturesque coastal walkway. Next up is Byron Bay (we're obviously skipping a few steps here, but just get off the bus if you find some gems along the way!) – a must-visit for surfers with world-class waves and an awesome laidback vibe you would expect from Australian coastal towns. We probably don't have to explain the attraction of Gold Coast and Brisbane to you, but this is definitely a place you want to get off the bus and start exploring. Get the big city feeling with the impressive skyline, combined with great beaches like Surfer's Paradise. 

If you want to continue your coastal adventure, possibly even up to Cairns, we suggest making your way to Airlie Beach next. This is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, where you can soak up the sun on some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. It's no surprise part of the movie ''Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales'' was shot here. When you made it this far, we suggest checking out Townsville. This is the perfect spot to explore the Great Barrier Reef with snorkelling and diving tours departing frequently. The nearby Magnetic Island is an adventure lover's paradise with plenty of wildlife (yes, even koalas!) to spot and stunning beaches to explore. We suggest to try rafting and paddle boarding here for a not too intense workout. Finally, Mission Beach is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after your epic journey along the gorgeous eastern coastline of Australia. With gorgeous beaches, rainforest hikes, and some of the best seafood around, this is the perfect place to end your adventure. If you're not ready to go home yet, backtrack to Townsville, from where you can head west into the Outback instead!

This route suggestion taking you through the wine valleys between Melbourne and Sydney is a lot shorter, but that makes it perfect to match up with the other options in this blog. Buckle up for lot's of food, drinks and culture! Start in Melbourne, where you can indulge in great coffee and cosy brunch spots like Workshop Brothers on the South Bank. Sip your coffee and enjoy the morning sunshine while taking in the views of the city. If you're more a fan of the bustling city center, try ''the Quarter'' on Degraves Street, perfect for a spot of people watching. After brunch, make sure to explore the city's vibrant street art scene and take a stroll through the iconic laneways. Next up, head to the Yarra Valley to taste some of Australia's finest wines and indulge in gourmet food experiences. The first stop after getting on the Greyhound is Albury, home to some of the freshest produce in the country. Make sure to stop at the local markets and pick up some treats for on the go. From Albury you can also visit Beechworth, and sample some of the region's cheese and taste the local craft beer scene. Once you reach Canberra, it's time to get active and explore Australia's capital city, visiting landmarks such as Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial. After all the sightseeing, land at Verity Lane market, where you can get great food from local businesses for fairly cheap prices. The last stop on your route is Sydney, where you can feast on some of the best seafood in the world at the iconic Sydney Fish Market, before climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge for breathtaking views of the city and its bay.