13 Days East Coast Islands & Rainforest (QSC)

Set in New South Wales at the mouth of the Hastings River, the vibrant coastal town of Port Macquarie ticks all the holiday boxes. With its pristine rivers and lakes and thirteen regional beaches, it's a great place enjoy a range of watersports, catch a fish for dinner, and watch migrating humpback whales in season. History aficionados can discover impressive historical sites such as Timbertown while food lovers can indulge in a range of culinary delights including the famed Hastings River oysters and some award-winning locally produced wines. Enjoy a scenic coastal walk, visit one of the superb surrounding nature reserves, make friends with a Koala at the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital, or sign up for the exhilaration of skydiving or flying in a fighter jet. Port Macquarie is a top-quality, well-equipped seaside resort town.

If you’re looking for that postcard-perfect experience of Australia, the Gold Coast is where you want to head. Sparkling high-rises overlook gold-sand beaches fringed by some of the most perfect surf in the world. Whether you like the idea of a relaxed snorkel or scuba dive to take in local turtles, seahorses and other marine species; or a high-octane experience on jet skis and power boats, the waters here cater for it all. When you’ve had your fill of sun and sea, you can get your adrenaline pumping at one of the many theme parks in the area, or enjoy the culinary offerings of the Gold Coast’s highly-rated restaurants.

Lying just 130 kilometres north of Brisbane on the eastern fringe of Australia, Noosaville is a popular Sunshine Coast retreat. A relaxing and laid-back destination, Noosaville boasts lovely river views (the Noosa River runs through town), great shopping and dining options (particularly at Gympie Terrace) and a host of outdoor activities in its immediate surrounds. Safe swimming is available at Noosa Main Beach, and there are a wealth of boutiques and organic food stores in the trendy area known as the Industrial Estate. Boat or kayak on the river or nearby Lake Weyba, before heading into the Noosa National Park, an expansive area with scenic walking trails and rugged, remote beaches to explore. Finally, Noosaville’s lovely Foreshore area is home to pleasant walking, cycling and jogging paths.

Hervey Bay in Queensland is known as the Whale Watch Capital of the World and provides an idyllic gateway to Fraser Island, a captivating World Heritage Site. There are at least 16 walking trails in the area, perfect for exploring the region’s hidden gems and well-known attractions. While whale-spotting boat tours are the primary drawcard, active types will delight in the chance to walk, rollerblade or cycle along the photogenic, 14km long Hervey Bay Esplanade, which extends from the Urangan Harbour at the eastern end of the city to Gatakers Bay in the west, and the town’s seafront position facilitates an array of water sports including sea kayaking, skiing, sailing and fishing. A wonderful art gallery, great selection of pubs and numerous fantastic restaurants complete the package.

Straddling the Fitzroy River in northeastern Australia, Rockhampton is known as the beef capital of Australia due to its extraordinary number of cattle, and here is plenty more on offer in this charming riverside town than merely incredible steaks. Founded in 1853, the town boasts some delightful historical architecture including heritage post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals and quaint private homes. Popular tourist attractions in the region include the Rocky Markets, the Mount Archer National Park, the Botanic Gardens, Olsen's Caverns, Cooper Downs Cattle Station, the Rockhampton Art Gallery, and a number of outstanding local beaches. The concentration of well-preserved old buildings, the tree-lined streets, and the lazy Fitzroy River running peacefully alongside Quay Street; all make this gracious and elegant coastal city one of the finest destinations in all of Queensland.

Idyllically located on the Great Barrier Reef, among the exquisite Whitsundays Islands, Hamilton Island is one of Australia´s most outstanding and desirable holiday destinations. The island is best known for its spectacular white-sand beaches and the fantastic coral and marine life which can be seen while snorkelling or scuba diving just offshore. While a small portion of the island has been developed as a tourist destination, most of the land remains untouched and offers scenic landscapes inhabited by an array of Australian animals and birdlife. Must-see attractions include the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, which is the most photographed beach in Australia due to its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Popular activities on offer include golf, swimming, sailing, and watersports, as well as discovering the island’s numerous cultural exhibitions and performances.

Set roughly halfway between Cairns and Townsville on the idyllic Queensland coast, the laidback seaside town of Mission Beach is comprised of four distinct villages, connected by a magnificent palm-fringed stretch of beach. These little hamlets offer a wide range of sophisticated restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, and boutiques fringing the lively main street of Porter Promenade. The town is sandwiched between the impressive aquatic playground of the great barrier reef and the spectacular World Heritage rainforest providing endless opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor adventures including kayaking, fishing, rainforest hiking, jet skiing, crocodile spotting, snorkelling and scuba diving. If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, you can indulge in some white water rafting in the exquisite Tully Gorge or an exhilarating tandem skydive for adrenaline junkies.

Once a sleepy sugar-milling town, Cairns in North Queensland is now a vibrant cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, and lush rainforests cover the surrounding areas. Make the most of this coastal paradise by cycling along the 14 kilometres of sandy beachfront, or rafting through rapids to view the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include visiting Cooktown for a taste of history or taking a scenic drive through the farmlands, stopping at village markets along the way. In the town centre, visit the Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history, or relax at Cairns Esplanade for a perfect seaside dining experience coupled with a romantic sunset.