Australia immediately conjures images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange – and endearing – assortment of animals. While the country’s main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, fabulous beaches and fun events, it’s also a land of immense contrast and captivating nature. The nation offers something for just about everyone – from water lovers, desert wanderers and canyon climbers, to arts and culture buffs, historians, and foodies. The country’s vast size makes it almost impossible to take it all in during a single visit, but you can pick and choose a perfect holiday according to your personal preferences.
Flanking the Coral Sea in Queensland state, the Sunshine Coast extends north from Brisbane up to Rainbow Beach, named for its multi-coloured sand dunes. And in between there’s enough of that relaxed Aussie vibe to make you feel like a local in no time. Head to stylish Noosa for a morning surf lesson, followed by exotic afternoon drinks at a swanky beachside café; or make your way to Alexandria Headland for a rough-and-ready backpackers experience, skydiving or bodyboarding. The region is also a natural wonderland of rivers and lakes, subtropical forests and national parks. For some up-close wildlife action, a visit to Australia Zoo is a must.
Fondly known by locals as simply ‘Bundy’, this charming and gloriously laidback subtropical town rests peacefully on the Burnett River, 15 km from the coast. The town is surrounded by a number of diverse landscapes including pristine beaches, subtropical rainforests, and endless sugar cane fields. These remarkably scenic natural surroundings provide an ideal environment for a number of outdoor pursuits. Bundy is the kind of place where you can dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, cruise the remarkable Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands in a semi-submersible vessel, and make friends with a newly hatched baby turtle, all in one day. If that sounds rather too energetic for your tastes, you can indulge in a hefty dose of pampering at Lady Musgrave Island’s luxury eco-resort or simply lay out a towel on one of the area’s exquisite white powder beaches. With all of this and more on offer, Bundaberg offers a perfect balance between outdoor adventure and relaxed self indulgence.
Located in the Shire of Livingstone, Queensland, Byfield National Park presents a striking coastal landscape with vast sand dunes, rugged pinnacles, and lush rainforests. The park is just 25 minutes north of Yeppoon, making it a convenient escape into nature. Byfield is part of one of the largest unspoiled ecosystems on Australia's east coast and is the exclusive home to the rare Byfield Fern. The park's history is intertwined with conservation efforts to protect its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can enjoy activities such as bushwalking along the diverse trails, canoeing or swimming in the freshwater creeks, or exploring the massive parabolic sand dunes. Nearby, Byfield State Forest adds to the experience with picturesque recreation areas, including Upper Stony Creek and Water Park Creek, perfect for day trips. The small village of Byfield, known for its craft scene and cosy accommodations, serves as a charming gateway to this natural wonder.
Cape Hillsborough is situated in the state of Queensland on the northeast coast of Australia and is centred around the Cape Hillsborough National Park. This beautiful area, which consists of rugged coastlines, wide sandy beaches and tidal mangrove forests, is famous for the wild wallabies and kangaroos which come down to the beach at sunrise every morning to feed on the seed pods that have washed down to the shoreline. In addition to this unique sight, the area is also home to nesting sea turtles and more than 150 bird species. Active travellers will relish hiking trails in the towering eucalyptus forests, as well as great boating and fishing opportunities. A range of lodgings and campsites are available within the park, including the popular Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.
Situated on a tropical peninsula on the east coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach offers an array of activities to tick off your bucket list. With temperatures at a stable 32˚C for most of the year, popular leisure options include parasailing, skydiving, snorkelling, diving, boat tours and jetskiing. Just off the coast of Airlie Beach is idyllic Whitsundays Island and the Great Barrier Reef, with its spectacular diving opportunities. Visitors can spend relaxing days reading and sunbathing in and around Airlie Beach Lagoon, or discover the peninsula’s vibrant markets, beaches and rainforests. Airlie Beach maintains an energetic nightlife all year round, with bustling restaurants, pubs and clubs scattered along the main street.
Wedged between Ingham and Townsville in north Queensland, the Paluma Range National Park is an extraordinary, lush reserve boasting beautiful leafy rainforest, magnificent mountains and an array of alluring water sources. With its welcoming cooling air, the park provides welcome relief for visitors coming from the warmer coast, and the best way to cool down is in one of the rivers, streams, or waterfalls that decorate the area. The Jourama Falls are a must-see, with their pretty cascades and rapids and refreshing emerald pools. The Paluma Dam provides another wonderful spot and offers water skiing opportunities as well as swimming. For a good hike, explore Mount Spec above Big Crystal Creek. The park is particularly known for its birds - and lies in the Paluma Important Bird Area.
The Atherton Tablelands plateau, about an hour inland from Cairns, is a popular tourist area known for its timeless villages, delicious tropical foods, country markets and diverse wildlife. The area is blessed with spectacular waterfalls, some great hiking trails and the opportunity to see an array of exotic wildlife including platypus and tree kangaroos. Whether your passion is fishing or water skiing, bush walking, bird watching or gourmet food, the Tablelands is the place for a variety of fun adventures. Popular attractions include the famed Millaa Millaa Falls, volcanic crater lakes such as Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, the steam train at Ravenshoe, and Paronella Park with its lush tropical gardens and Spanish castle ruins.
A sleepy fishing village in the 60s, Port Douglas has evolved into a sophisticated modern town, and a more serene alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Hailed as a scuba-diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers miles of pristine palm-lined beaches, and plenty of shopping, wining and dining experiences. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.
