Australia’s Nature Coast
Naturally Abundant
Queensland Australia
Lady Elliot Island
Naturally Abundant
Australia’s Nature Coast – from the Glass House Mountains north of Brisbane to iconic Fraser Island….. it is a destination abundant in nature.
Fraser Coast Sunshine Coast
BRISBANE
The Sunshine Coast and Fraser Coast have formed an exciting partnership that incorporates the Gympie and Noosa regions, as well as the Great Sandy and Noosa Biospheres, to develop and promote the region as one unified, worldclass ecotourism destination and experience, named Australia’s Nature Coast.
How to get to Australia’s Nature Coast
Indian Head
Australia’s Nature Coast brings together a number of unbeatable natural experiences including two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves side by side; the Great Sandy and Noosa Biospheres which put on a nature display seen nowhere else in the world. World Heritage listed Fraser Island; Lady Elliot Island, the most southern island on the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef; 47 State and National Parks, Reserves and Forests, the most incredible up close and personal whale watching experiences, over 200 kilometres of pristine beaches, calm rivers and waterways with an abundance of birdlife.
Getting here...
Fly direct to Brisbane Airport (International and Domestic), Sunshine Coast Airport (International and Domestic ) or Hervey Bay Domestic Airport. Brisbane is located 90 minutes flying time north of Sydney.
FRASER ISLAND Hervey Bay M1
Kingfisher Bay Resort
Hervey Bay River Heads
Sunshine Coast Airport has daily services from Sydney and Melbourne serviced by Jetstar and Virgin Australia. Sunshine Coast Airport also welcomes international flights from Auckland, with Air New Zealand scheduling three times weekly seasonal services from June to October.
Lake McKenzie Central Station
Wanggoolba Creek
Turkey Island
Eurong
Maryborough
Great Sandy Strait
Hervey Bay Airport has direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney serviced by Qantaslink and Virgin Australia.
BRUCE H IGHWAY
PACIFIC OCEAN MT BAUPLE NATIONAL PARK
Hook Point Inskip Point
Sunshine Coast - Located one hour drive north of Brisbane.
Rainbow Beach
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Tin Can Bay
Fraser Coast - Located one hour flying time north of Brisbane or three hours drive.
Carlo Sand Blow
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GREAT SANDY NATIONAL PARK
For a unique travel experience, Queensland Rail offers high speed Tilt Train services from Brisbane, Rockhampton and Cairns to Maryborough West train station on the Fraser Coast. Coach transfers to Hervey Bay connect with many of the north and south bound trains. Train services also operate from Brisbane’s Central Station to the Sunshine Coast stopping at hinterland villages with connecting bus services to coastal areas. www.queenslandrail.com.au
Gympie M1
Lake Cootharaba MT PINBARREN NATIONAL PARK Pinbarren
Cooran
Pomona M1
Teewah Coloured Sands
Lake Cooroibah
Laguna Bay
Noosa Heads
Cooroy Lake Tewantin MacDonald
NOOSA NATIONAL PARK
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Imbil
Eumundi
Mary River Lake Borumba
Coolum Beach
Kidman Creek
Mapleton
Nambour
Bli Bli
MAPLETON FALLS NATIONAL PARK KONDALILLA NATIONAL PARK
Witta
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Buderim
Montville
Sunshine Coast Airport Maroochydore Mooloolaba
Conondale CONONDALE NATIONAL PARK
Maleny DULARCHA NATIONAL PARK
MOOLOOLAH RIVER NATIONAL PARK
Caloundra
Landsborough Beerwah MT COOCHIN NATIONAL PARK
LEGEND Great Sandy Biosphere Kilcoy
Noosa Biosphere
Lake Somerset
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Pumicestone Passage Marine Park
Glass House Mountains
D’Aguilar Elimbah
Mount Delaney
Wamuran Mount Mee
Caboolture
To Brisbane Airport
1. Experience the iconic beach and surfing
Moreton Island
heritage of the Sunshine Coast.
It’s easy to drive around and hire companies are plentiful. Whether it’s a car, four wheel drive, motorhome or motorbike, make sure you slip off the main road for a memorable road trip. Check Australian road rules and driving safety tips before you go by visiting. www.tmr.qld.gov.au
2. See the breathtaking views of the Glass
Transfers
4. Explore spectacular World Heritage listed Fraser
Regular coach services, mini bus transfers and private car transfers are available for door to door services from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Hervey Bay airports.
Bribie Island
Woodford
Airport National Park
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Top Four
Self Drive
Yandina Kenilworth
Take the time to discover the naturally abundant surrounds of Australia’s Nature Coast.
House Mountains and the stunning coastline from the subtropical Hinterland.
3. Immerse yourself with majestic Humpback
Whales in the calm protected waters of Hervey Bay or the ocean off Mooloolaba. Island and swim in pristine Lake McKenzie and walk through untouched rainforests.
Coolum Beach
Australia’s Nature Coast
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Buderim Rainforest Walk
Sunshine Coast Naturally refreshing
On the Sunshine Coast, the only thing more refreshing than the water is the relaxed lifestyle. Located approximately one hour’s drive north of Brisbane International Airport, or fly directly to the Sunshine Coast from Sydney or Melbourne, Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offers a unique blend of relaxed coastal lifestyle alongside lush subtropical rainforest. From the iconic Glass House Mountains to the Beach Highway and the Coloured Sands of Rainbow Beach, the region includes over 100 kilometres of pristine sandy beaches surrounded by coastal hubs such as the family friendly playground of Caloundra. Mooloolaba lies in the heart of the region and is within close distance of Maroochydore, just 4km up the coast. Beaches continue to Coolum Beach and into Noosa Heads, awarded UNESCO biosphere status, through to Rainbow Beach. From the safe, clean coastal towns to character filled hinterland hamlets, diversity in the region is abundant. To the west, the soul of the Sunshine Coast hinterland offers visitors a natural and unspoiled canvas on which to really uncover the natural assets of the region including walking trails, rainforests, an abundance of National Parks and Botanic Gardens. Finish the day in front of an open fire in the comfort of a boutique bed and breakfast or cottage style property.
Accommodation
Whether it is five-star beachfront luxury beachside apartments, international standard hotels, luxury lodge escapes, eco-accredited accommodation, quaint bed and breakfasts, golf and spa resorts, houseboats, budget accommodation including camping and caravan parks with stunning beachfront location and views or an exclusive private island, the Sunshine Coast offers accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Carlo Sand Blow
Taste Locally farmed, home-grown, organic and unique - you will find an abundance of quality food. From producers and waterfront restaurants to food festivals and cooking schools, the region is a foodie wonderland and guaranteed to tempt your taste buds. You can taste, tour, catch, cook, share and eat like a local.
Did you know?
The Sunshine Coast lives up to its name, enjoying an average of 300 days of sunshine per year and that you can swim in temperate waters all year round.
Tin Can Bay is one of the few places in Australia where dolphins can be hand fed in their natural environment.
The Pumicestone Passage is a protected Marine Park for migratory shorebirds, dugongs, marine turtles and dolphins.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is only 25 minutes’ drive from the coastline.
The Sunshine Coast is home to the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival and a variety of other major events and festivals.
The Sunshine Coast is home to one of only two everglades systems in the world, dense with unique birdlife and Australian wildlife.
The Sunshine Coast is home to 10 National Parks, three Botanic Gardens, a vast network of horse riding, cycling and walking trails, including the Hinterland 56 kilometre Great Walk.
It is a popular place for all watersports including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, kite surfing, and of course, famous for its surf breaks, including the new Noosa Surfing Reserve.
Swim with Humpback Whales at Mooloolaba from July to November. Pumicestone Passage
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Mooloolaba
Australia’s Nature Coast
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Taste
The Fraser Coast
Enjoying the culinary delights of the Fraser Coast is not just about its many wonderful restaurants and boutique cafes, but the many connections that can be made with our local food and wine in a variety of memorable settings.
Where nature comes alive
Located approximately three hours drive north of Brisbane International Airport, Queensland’s Fraser Coast is world famous for some of the most interactive up close and personal natural experiences on earth.
Seafood is definitely the centrepiece of the Fraser Coast food scene. Tuck into mouth-wateringly fresh morsels, including scallops, deep water Fraser Island prawns and blue swimmer crabs, on your plate within hours of being caught in local waters.
One day you are staring into the eyes of a massive humpback whale as she swims and plays around your boat or alongside you as you take part in a new immersive experience ... so tantalisingly close you can almost touch her.
Did you know?
The next you are standing dwarfed by ancient, gravity defying trees growing out of only sand as you explore the lakes, coloured sand dunes and towering rainforests of one of the most incredible islands World Heritage listed Fraser Island. A new day, and it’s another new iconic experience as you step off Lady Elliot Island to snorkel with giant manta rays and turtles among the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.
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Seventy Five Mile Beach on the eastern side of Fraser Island is a registered Australian National Highway where all regular road rules apply as well as a landing air strip for light aircraft operated by Air Fraser Island.
The iconic Urangan Pier in Hervey Bay stretches for almost one kilometre out to sea and is one of the longest in Australia. It was originally built in 1917 and used as a port to collect Fraser Island timber.
The Fraser Coast is the only place in Australia where keen anglers can catch all three of Australia’s iconic sports fish species, namely bass, bream and the legendary barramundi.
The Fraser Coast is one of a few places where you can experience three of the world’s most incredible natural experiences back to back, as well as enjoying a captivating mix of stunning beach retreats, historic streetscapes and hinterland hideaways.
Hervey Bay
Fraser Island
The author of the world renowned novel and now two box office smash hit movies Mary Poppins, P.L Travers, was born in Maryborough in 1899. In celebration of this, Maryborough hosts the Mary Poppins Festival in June of each year.
Lady Elliot Island is a key part of the Great Barrier Reef turtle habitat. Every year between November and March the green and loggerhead turtles lumber up the same beach on which they were born more than 50 years ago.
At any one time there could be several hundred whales taking a detour into Hervey Bay, where they make a temporary home for more than a week in the small marine environment of the bay. The whales stay in this tranquil safe haven of Hervey Bay for an average of 10 or more days. This stopover doesn’t happen anywhere else in the world.
Fraser Island
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Must Do Experiences - Naturally!
Did you know? Australia’s Great Beach Drive is located along the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts’ connecting with World Heritage listed Fraser Island. Experience a once in a lifetime journey, escaping the bitumen of the highway and driving along a white sandy beach surrounded by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and Australian bushland. (NB Four wheel drive access only).
Island Ferry and hike part or all of Fraser Island’s Great Walk. Discover the isolated and pristine west coast of Fraser Island and snorkel with turtles and dolphins in the crystal clear waters of Platypus Bay with a number of tour operators from Hervey Bay.
Great Walks Three of Queensland’s six Great Walks are located in Australia’s Nature Coast. The Great Walks of Queensland are a world-class system of walking tracks through Queensland’s protected areas. Cooloola, Fraser Island and Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walks offer a range of experiences, from short, easy strolls to half and full-day walks and extended overnight adventures.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Fraser Island
Noosa Biosphere Noosa Biosphere Reserve is a place of high biodiversity. More than 626 vertebrate fauna species have been recorded and there are 13 major types of vegetation, including rainforest, heath lands, eucalypt forest, melaleuca wetlands, sand dunes and mangroves. There are a many places well worth visiting in the Noosa Biosphere, including Noosa, Great Sandy, Tewantin and Woondum National Parks; lookouts at Noosa Heads and Mt Tinbeerwah, Noosa Museum at Pomona; the Cooroy Library and Butter Factory Arts Precinct; and the Noosa Regional Gallery.
The Great Sandy Biosphere The Great Sandy Biosphere Reserve offers impressive natural beauty and diversity. It is home for more than 7,500 recorded species of flora and fauna, half of Australia’s bird species and has greater fish diversity than the entire Great Barrier Reef. It also contains the world’s largest unconsolidated sand mass, highest perched dune fresh water lakes and tallest and most complex rainforests growing on sand; only to name a few of its many wonders.
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Glass House Mountains National Park
Rising from the low lying Sunshine Coast landscape, the domes, cones and spires of the Heritage Listed Glass House Mountains fascinate geologists, artists and visitors alike. Formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, the mountains are a series of craggy volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain, rich in diverse vegetation and home to a variety of birds and animals. Steeped in Aboriginal legend, the Glass House Mountains National Park attracts large numbers of visitors who come to climb, abseil, bushwalk, picnic or simply take in the spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains. Follow one of the many self-guided walks which range from 20 minutes through to half a day. There are a number of panoramic lookouts as well as accommodation and dining options where you can sit and soak up the mystical beauty.
Whale Watching (July to November)
From July to November experience the majestic migration of some 8,000 Humpback Whales. From Mooloolaba
and Hervey Bay, you can join a whale watching cruise. Hervey Bay is the whale watch capital of the world, for up close and personal whale encounters. You can also view the migration from various headlands across Australia’s Nature Coast. You can now get even closer to these amazing creatures with selected charter operators offering immersive and swim with whale tours, allowing visitors to take the plunge into the humpbacks’ domain and share life-changing connections with the gentle giants of the deep.
Fraser Island – Great Sandy National Park
The spectacular Maleny Botanic Gardens nestled in the Sunshine Coast’s hinterland offers magical views of the Glass House Mountains and also includes the 1000 square metre fully enclosed aviary. A wide variety of birds from Macaws to finches enjoy the waterfall, nests and your shoulders to rest on when you visit. Join one of the fully guided eco tour options to this region including a visit to this spectacular nature wonderland.
Spot a Koala Noosa National Park
A short stroll from Noosa’s fashionable Hastings Street you will find the sublime Noosa National Park, one of Queensland’s few coastal National Parks. Stroll through the park and spot
resident koalas dozing in the trees, swim or surf at coves and beaches found around the scenic headlands, and retreat into the cool forests of the inland tracks.
Horse Riding The experienced and the beginner horse riders can enjoy riding on stunning Noosa North Shore and along the shallow waters of Lake Weyba. Alternatively, horse ride along the crystal clear waters of Rainbow Beach with the coloured sands as your backdrop. Other options for a unique adventure are extended horse riding tours through hinterland trails.
Kayak and Canoeing Adventures The pristine waterways and beaches of Australia’s Nature Coast provide a perfect playground to venture out on a kayak or canoe. Take a guided tour of Caloundra’s Pumicestone Passage Marine Park, the Noosa Everglades, Noosa River, or open oceans around the Noosa National Park or hire your own in Hervey Bay to explore the Great Sandy Marine Park, the Maroochy River or Rainbow Beach.
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The wonder of the Great Barrier Reef is undeniable. The 40 minute scenic flight from Hervey Bay to the reef will probably be one of the shortest but most visually stunning you will ever take. Lady Elliot Island is a stepping stone to an unrivalled reef experience. Amazingly the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef is still comparatively unknown ensuring you experience this great wonder of the world without the crowds.
If your visit falls between November and March you could find yourself captivated by the green sea turtles during egg laying and hatching. This up-close encounter will be almost impossible to stop watching.
Dive the waters of Australia’s Nature Coast
Explore artificial reefs full of coral, fish and other marine life in Great Sandy Marine Park protected by Fraser Island. Imagine diving in the world’s biggest aquarium, the Great Barrier Reef and experiencing crystal clear water with an amazing array of marine life. PADI recently named Lady Elliot Island as one of the ‘Top five’ locations in the world to go diving with Manta Rays. Dive the site of one of Australia’s most distinguished warships, the ex HMAS Brisbane. The area has grown into an impressive artificial reef and lies at a depth of 28 metres. The wreck and its surrounds are now a protected marine park. Scuba dive with grey nurse sharks at Wolf Rock. This formation of four volcanic pinnacles found just off Double Island Point Queensland is considered to be one Australia’s top ten diving destinations. These pinnacles provide some fantastic diving with plenty of vertical gutters and overhanging ledges to explore and it’s a perfect site for multilevel diving.
Did you know? Australia’s Nature Coast boasts more than one third of Australia’s bird species, more than 150 rare or endangered species, and unspoilt habitats including mangroves, wetlands, rainforests and coastal heath.
Rich in diversity and natural beauty, World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. You can join one of the many Fraser Island Tours that depart Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach, Kingfisher Bay and Sunshine Coast locations, including Noosa each day. Alternatively join one of the adventurous Fraser Island Tag A-Long Tours. Hire a four wheel drive or take your own across on a Fraser Island Ferry and discover off-road four wheel driving. Take a scenic flight over Fraser Island to land on Seventy Five Mile Beach. Cruise across the Great Sandy Straits on a Fraser
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Drive Itineraries
Naturally Adventurous
Naturally Beached Explore the Great Beach Drive
Explore Rainbow Beach • Paragliding, hand gliding, skydiving, surfing, fishing, horseriding, walking or take a four wheel drive adventure. • Diving at Wolf Rock. • Surf Double Island Points longest right hand break. • Travel to Inskip Point where you will board the barge to Fraser Island. • Overnight Fraser Island.
Day Three
Explore Fraser Island • Join a Fraser Island tour, an adventure tag-a-long tour, or hire a four wheel drive.
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Day Five
Explore Maryborough • Birthplace of the famous novelist and creator of Mary Poppins. • Enjoy the experiences along the Magical Mary Trail. • Home to historical precincts and beautifully preserved colonial streets.
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Explore Hervey Bay • Safe sheltered waters make it an aquatic paradise perfect for year round swimming. • Activity options are endless including diving, sailing, water sports and fishing. • Visit cosmopolitan and alfresco cafes, shops, parklands, picnic areas, playgrounds, piers and a vibrant marina. • Overnight at Maryborough.
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• Visit Mary River with a number of water and outdoor pursuits. Mooloolaba • Overnight Tin Can Bay.
Day Six
For an unrivalled reef experience, spend the day on the Great Barrier Reef’s eco certified Lady Elliot Island, starting with a 40 minute stunning scenic flight from Hervey Bay. If your trip falls between November and March you could find yourself captivated by the green sea turtles during egg laying and hatching. Overnight on Lady Elliot Island or choose from a wide range of accommodation in Hervey Bay.
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Explore Noosa North Shore • Horseriding on the beach. • Visit Noosa Everglades on a kayak, canoe or cruise. • Travel on our Beach Highway from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Beach. • Spot abundant wildlife including whales, dolphins, birds of prey, kangaroos and monitor lizards. • Overnight Rainbow Beach.
FRASER ISLAND
Caloundra
Explore incomparable Fraser Island - the world’s largest sand island - travelling by your self-hire four wheel drive or join a guided tour. This World Heritage listed icon has ancient rainforests, over 100 fresh water lakes, huge sand blows, rock pools and an amazing 75 mile beach highway - complete with a shipwreck and cliffs of stunning coloured sands.
This morning head south via Rainbow Beach and experience the beauty of the Teewah Coloured Sands on a four wheel drive tour along the beach followed by a hang glide over the tumultuous Pacific Ocean at Rainbow Beach.
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Hervey Bay
Arriving on the Sunshine Coast, enjoy a leisurely boat cruise along the wilderness of the Noosa Everglades and soak up the natural surroundings of mangroves, birdlife and pristine waterways or do it yourself with an eco accredited kayak tour experience.
Rainbow Beach
Noosa offers a wide range of accommodation from self catering, budget through to luxury.
Teewah Coloured Sands
Day Five
Start the day with a stroll through the Noosa National Park and spot koalas in Australia’s native Eucalypt trees or try horse riding in verdant bushland. Alternatively you can join the Noosa Biosphere Cruise to explore this place where more than 626 vertebrate fauna species have been recorded. Then learn to surf or stand up paddle board in a calm river, have a kite surfing lesson or travel south to Mooloolaba for a dive at the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Marine Conservation Park.
Day Six
Spend some time in Caloundra kayaking, jet skiing, boating and fishing in the pristine protected waterways of the Pumicestone Passage before heading to the majestic Heritage listed Glass
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With over 100 kilometres of stunning beach driving, your company will be kangaroos, whales, turtles, dingos and rare bird species. The touring route is steeped in culture and etched in Australian history and covers two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage Marine Park and the largest sand island in the world.
Your Australia’s Nature Coast adventure starts in the Fraser Coast, home to World Heritage listed Fraser Island and Hervey Bay, famous as the stopover point for thousands of migrating humpback whales from July to November. During whale season, take a trip to experience one of the world’s closest encounters with the whales. Spend the day on or above the water with year round aquatic adventures including dolphin cruises, fishing, sailing, kayaking, and jet ski tours. Take in the spectacular aerial views of Fraser Island from above with a scenic flight or enjoy the thrill of a tandem skydive. Accommodation in Hervey Bay ranges from backpacker to luxury resorts.
Overnight accommodation on Fraser Island ranges from tent-safaris to eco accredited resorts.
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AUSTRALIA’S GREAT BEACH DRIVE is located along Queensland’s Sunshine and Fraser Coasts’ connecting with World Heritagelisted Fraser Island. Experience a once in a lifetime journey, escaping the bitumen highway and driving along a white sandy beach surrounded by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and Australian bushland.
• Take a scenic flight over Fraser Island or cruise across the Great Sandy Straits. • View famous sites including shipwrecks and freshwater lakes to take a dip. • Spot the native Australian Dingo. • Overnight Hervey Bay.
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Nature and adventure go hand in hand on Australia’s Nature Coast
Day One
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Caloundra Beerwah Glass House Mountains
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House Mountains. There are amazing views from many look outs and for the adventurous you can climb and abseil the craggy peaks explore the beauty of this pristine landscape on a self-guided walk or gather more knowledge and insights by joining a guided trek. Enjoy overnight accommodation at one of the many motels, bed and breakfast or ecolodges in the Beerwah-Glass House Mountains area.
Beerwah
Explore Tin Glass CanHouse BayMountains • Hand feed the rare Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. • Visit Poona National Park to view dolphins and explore tidal pools. • View wildlife at Tinnanbar with sea turtles and the second largest protected area for dugongs. • Overnight Noosa.
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Naturally Wild
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Lady Elliot Island
Lovers of wildlife are spoilt for choice in Australia’s Nature Coast
Day Two
Start the day at SEA LIFE Mooloolaba, where you can be kissed by a seal, dive with the sharks, or go behind the scenes and discover the life of an aquarist or spend the morning on the Maroochy River on an eco cruise though estuarine wetlands, home to a third of all Australia’s bird life species.
Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World
Naturally Indulgent
FRASER ISLAND
Hervey Bay
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Nature and luxury blend brilliantly on Australia’s Nature Coast
Day Two
Start the day with a holistic experience as you relax, revitalise and refresh at a day spa, wellness centre or health retreat. Spend the afternoon at a cooking school, learning to cook with locally produced ingredients. The natural beauty, healthy lifestyle and wonderful produce provide the perfect environment to learn from some of Australia’s best.
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Day Three
Day Three
Jump on an eco certified tour to Fraser Island, or travel on to the Fraser Coast
Travel north to Rainbow Beach where the forest meets the sea and luxury meets nature before heading across to Fraser Island for a scenic flight, taking off from Seventy-Five Mile Beach.
Day Four
Spend the day cruising the clear, calm waters of Hervey Bay either on a dolphin or whale watching cruise (JulyNovember) exploring the Great Sandy Marine Park. Tuck into mouth-watering seafood, including the famous Hervey Bay scallops, caught fresh in local waters,
Rainbow Beach
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Day Four
Heading south from Hervey Bay, drive just over an hour to Tin Can Bay, one of the few places in Australia where dolphins can be hand fed in their natural environment. The rare Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphins can be seen at the boat ramp at Norman Point each morning around 8.00am. Alternatively, hop on a 40 minute visually stunning scenic flight from Hervey Bay to the Great Barrier Reef eco certified Lady Elliot Island for an unrivalled reef experience. If your trip falls between November and March you could find yourself captivated by the green sea turtles during egg laying and hatching.
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Naturally Eco What better way to experience Australia’s Nature Coast unique ecosystems than with some of the world’s best ecotourism operators. For more information visit
www.australiasnaturecoast.com
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In the afternoon join a private four wheel drive tour of Fraser Island and then immerse yourself in the destination overnight, choosing from a range of premium accommodation options.
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Start your indulgent experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland visiting the charming towns of Montville and Maleny for stunning views, rainforest walks, fresh local produce, cafes, wineries and fine arts and crafts, before checking into one of the areas indulgent and luxurious lodges or retreats.
Overnight in an eco certified accommodation option in the Noosa region.
Enjoy overnight accommodation at Hervey Bay and soak up the glorious ocean views.
Hervey Bay
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Day One
In the afternoon travel north to the Noosa National Park, spotting resident koalas dozing in the trees or find yourself enjoying part of the Noosa Bird Trail at the Mangrove Boardwalk and Weyba Conservation Park to look for Great Egret, Mangrove Gerygone, Brown Honeyeater, and the Striated Heron who make their home here.
Continue to Hervey Bay and hire a stand up paddle board, kayak or canoe to discover dugongs, dolphin, turtles and a vast array of fish within the hidden depths of the bay’s clear, calm waters. Take an eco tour or diving tour to see coral and other marine life.
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Head to the coast and stay in a room with fabulous views of the sea or hinterland.
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First stop is Australia Zoo to get up close and personal with rare, endangered and much loved Australian animals. Take in an exciting show at the Crocoseum, or enjoy a tour of the Australian Wildlife Hospital.
and enjoy intimate wildlife encounters with some of Australia’s most iconic native animals at the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, near Maryborough. Pat a dingo in a safe controlled environment, feed kangaroos and emus and even cuddle a reptile.
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whilst soaking up the magical ocean views from one of Hervey Bay’s seaside alfresco cafes and restaurants. Enjoy sunset cocktails and overnight accommodation at one of Hervey Bay’s luxurious resorts or apartments.
Tin Can Bay
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Lady Elliot Island
Naturally Driven
Discover the hidden natural gems of Australia’s Nature Coast on a self drive Nature Trail
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situated on 110 acres, the gardens are surrounded by magnificent rainforest with spectacular views of the Heritage Listed Glass House Mountains. The pathways also take you on an enchanting journey up to the majestic lookout and into the pristine rainforest.
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Spend the night at one of the many fantastic Bed and Breakfasts you will find in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
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Day One
Arriving at the Sunshine Coast Airport, collect a hire car and head towards the Ginger Factory in Yandina (approximately 15 minute drive). Enjoy the delicious ginger flavours of this locally grown produce which is used in a huge variety of tasty treats. Heading west (approximately 30 minute drive), arrive at the Sunshine Coast Hinterland and take time to stop at Kondalilla Falls National Park. The falls (named after an Aboriginal word meaning “rushing waters”) drop 90m through dense subtropical rainforest - an area that is home to over 100 different species of birds. Next stop is the Maleny Botanic Gardens (approximately 20 mintue drive),
Day Two
Enjoy overnight accommodation at one of the many beach, river or hinterland options in Noosa.
Day Four
Driving north to the Fraser Coast region, you will enter the start of the Great Sandy Biosphere - 1.2 million hectares of outstanding natural beauty and diversity, including World Heritage- listed Fraser Island and RAMSAR listed Great Sandy Strait.
Drive back down the range (approximately 25 minute drive) to Caloundra and enjoy some of the many activities available in the Pumicestone Passage before heading up the coast to Buderim Forest Park (approximately 20 minute drive) to see the waterfalls.
Spot rare shorebirds, dolphins, dugong and turtles off the shore at one of Great Sandy Strait’s charming seaside villages such as Poona and Tinnanbar. Discover sailing conditions and stunning scenery, sand flats, beaches and mangrove-lined creeks that are perfect for fishing.
Next stop is Mount Coolum (approximately 15 minute drive), the world’s second largest rock, where the fitter and more adventurous can attempt the 1 hour walk to the summit for spectacular 360 degree views.
Next stop, explore the historic Mary River at Petrie Park, home to the rare Mary River Turtle and ancient lungfish. Continue to Hervey Bay, where white sandy beaches and sheltered waterways create perfect conditions for year round swimming, fishing, diving, windsurfing, kayaking and sailing.
Sleep with the sound of the surf at one of Coolum Beach’s seaside accommodation choices.
Day Three
Driving north about eight kilometres, you will enter the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, an area made up of 150,000 hectares of land and sea. Hop onto a Noosa Biosphere Cruise to explore this place of high biodiversity. More than 626 vertebrate fauna species have been recorded here. There are 13 types of vegetation, including rainforest, heathlands, eucalypt forest, melaleuca wetlands, sand dunes and mangroves. Tonight you can savour views of the beautiful Noosa River as you enjoy a twilight walk along the foreshore.
Drive time from Noosa to Hervey Bay is approximately 2.5 hours.
Day Five
Be one of the few to see the untouched and remote western side of Fraser Island with a tour to the hidden natural treasures of this World Heritage listed icon. Experience the Island whilst bush walking, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking and swimming and view wildlife such as dolphins, dingos, turtles and sea eagles in their natural environment. Enjoy overnight accommodation at one of the many options on World-Heritage listed Fraser Island or return to Hervey Bay.
Kondalilla Falls
Naturally Free
Nature that doesn’t cost the earth in Australia’s Nature Coast
Take a Walk
From Fraser Island to Caloundra you can choose from 27 different tracks within the beach, coastal, wetland and forest environments, from short leisurely strolls suitable for the whole family, to more strenuous medium to longer distance trails or even three to five day treks with overnight camps. These walks include three of the Great Walks of Queensland.
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House Mountains and is included on the National Estate Archive. A remnant of the rainforests that once covered the Blackall Range, the Reserve is a living museum of diverse plant and animal life which promises to delight with its tranquillity and beauty. Donate a gold coin to support this important reserve.
Carlo Sand Blow
On your Bike
This unique “moonscape” sand mass covers over 15 hectares, overlooks the towering coloured sands and is located just two kilometres from the Rainbow Beach village. Named by Captain Cook it is a wonderful spot to watch the sunrise or set with 360 degree views, as well as viewing spot for migrating whales from July to November.
Get Wet
National Parks
Australia’s Nature Coast has cycling tracks and trails for the leisurely afternoon ride through to the more extreme mountain bike adrenalin ride. By the coast, in the mountains or just an easy countryside ride, there is a cycling adventure for everyone.
Australia’s Nature Coast has some of the best beaches in the world. Rimmed with wide stretches of clean, white sand and a choice of surf or calm bays sparkling with warm water, most are patrolled by surf lifesavers. Rarely crowded with space for everyone to stretch out on the sand, play beach sports, swim, body surf, stand-up paddle or jump on a board and ride a wave all the way in to shore.
Tall Timber Rainbow Beach
Pumicestone Passage
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest which overlooks the Glass
Australia’s Nature Coasts boast 47 National and State Parks, Reserves and Forests. Escape to the cool refuge of cascading waterfalls, dip in a water hole, picnic under tall eucalypt forest or meander on one of the many walking trails.
Dolphin Feeding Tin Can Bay
Hand feeding of the rare Indo Pacific Humpback Dolphins is a must do and see. Head to the boat ramp at Norman Point each morning around 8.00am and interact with these beautiful animals.
Tin Can Bay is one of the few places in Australia where dolphins can be hand fed in their natural environment.
Bird Watching
Australia’s Nature Coast sits in an area which experiences the overlap of southern Australian birds and northern Australian birds and has a reported regional species list of more than 300. A wide variety of habitats from coastal estuarine to coastal heathland to rainforest and upland eucalypt forest, provide many locations you can easily see birds in the wild. The Great Sandy Strait is an internationally declared feeding ground for shorebirds as far away as Siberia.
Boating and Fishing
Australia’s Nature Coast waterways offer the setting for a perfect marine holiday. Yachts, houseboats, cruisers and even the humble tinny can all be hired from several places across the region including Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Fraser Island, Hervey Bay and Rainbow Beach. Many of the vessels can be skippered, or self-navigated for you to create your own boating adventure. From garfish to marlin and freshwater dams to the deep sea, Australia’s Nature Coast offers an abundance of fishing experiences which attract professionals and amateurs from around the world.
Australia’s Nature Coast
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For more information visit www.australiasnaturecoast.com
Man and the Biosphere
