A Guide to Using Greyhound Buses for an East Coast Australia Trip

Travelling the East Coast of Australia is a rite of passage for backpackers and travellers from around the world. From the surf beaches of Byron Bay to the Great Barrier Reef, the route is packed with unforgettable experiences. And one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to explore it all? Greyhound Buses.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your East Coast adventure using Greyhound.

🗺️ What is Greyhound Australia?

Greyhound is Australia’s most well-known long-distance bus company, with routes that cover most of the country — especially the popular East Coast route between Sydney and Cairns.

It’s ideal if:

• You don’t want to drive or rent a campervan

• You’re travelling solo or on a budget

• You want flexibility without sacrificing comfort
  

🚍 Why Choose Greyhound?

✅ Flexible travel — with passes that let you hop on and off at your own pace
✅ Comfortable buses — A/C, reclining seats, power outlets, free Wi-Fi
✅ Eco-friendlier than flying
✅ No parking, fuel, or hidden costs

🎟️ Greyhound Pass Options

1. WHIMit Pass (Unlimited travel by days)

• Travel as much as you like for a set number of days (7, 15, 30, 60+)

• Great for flexible, open-ended trips

• Example: 30-day WHIMit Pass = approx. $349 AUD
  

2. Point-to-Point Tickets

• Book a direct route (e.g. Brisbane to Airlie Beach)

• Best for short segments or travellers with fixed plans
  

3. East Coast Travel Passes (Sydney to Cairns or vice versa)

• Pre-set route with hop-on hop-off flexibility

• Usually valid for 3 months

• Prices start around $400–$500 AUD depending on stops and direction

💡 Tip: WHIMit is the most flexible if you want to travel spontaneously or take detours inland.