Australia’s Nature CoastNaturally Spoilt

Queensland Australia

Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast

Naturally SpoiltFrom the Glasshouse Mountains just north of Brisbane to the iconic Fraser Island – Australia’s Nature Coast is a destination spoilt by nature.Australia’s Nature Coast features two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves; 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, over 200 kilometres of pristine beaches, calm rivers and waterways with an abundance of birdlife.

Australia’s Nature Coast also 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.

RailFor a unique travel experience, Queensland Rail offers the high speed Tilt Train between Brisbane and Hervey Bay. 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

Self DriveIt’s easy to get 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

TransfersRegular mini bus transfers and private car transfers are available door to door from both Brisbane and Sunshine Coast airports.

How to get to Australia’s Nature CoastGetting here...Fly direct into Brisbane Airport (International and Domestic), Sunshine Coast (International and Domestic ) Airport or Hervey Bay Domestic Airport. Brisbane is located 90 minutes flying time north of Sydney.

Sunshine Coast Airport has daily services from Sydney and Melbourne serviced by Jetstar, Virgin Australia and Tiger Airways. Sunshine Coast Airport now welcomes international flights, with Air New Zealand scheduling twice weekly seasonal services from July to October.

Hervey Bay Airport has direct flights from Brisbane and Sydney serviced by Qantaslink and Virgin Australia.

Sunshine Coast - Located one hour drive north of Brisbane.

Fraser Coast - Located one hour flying time north of Brisbane or three hours drive.

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Glass House Mountains National ParkClimb, abseil or simply take in the spectacular view of the Glass House Mountains. Steeped in Aboriginal legend, the Glass House Mountains are a series of craggy volcanic plugs rising dramatically from the coastal plain. There are a number of panoramic lookouts as well as accommodation and dining options where you can sit and soak up the mystical beauty.

www.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/glass-house-mountains

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.

www.whaleone.com.auwww.liquidgetaway.com.auwww.storeylinetours.com.auwww.freedomwhalewatch.com.au www.bluedolphintours.com.au www.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au www.pacificwhale.com.au www.tasmanventure.com.au www.oceania.org.au

Fraser Island – Great Sandy National ParkRich 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 Resort and numerous Sunshine Coast locations each day. Alternatively join one of the adventurous Fraser Island Tag A-Long Tours. Hire a 4Wheel 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 Island Ferry and hike part or all of Fraser Island’s Great Walk. Discover the isolated and pristine west coast of Fraser Island and explore the Sandy Cape Lighthouse with Tasman Venture’s Remote Fraser Island Tour.

Great WalksThree of Queensland’s six Great Walks are 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.

www.derm.qld.gov.au

Must Do Experiences - Naturally!

Australia’s Nature Coast4 5Kondalilla Falls National Park

Spot a Koala - Noosa National ParkA 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.

www.visitsunshinecoast.comwww.derm.qld.gov.au/parks/noosa

Horse RidingThe experienced and the beginner horse riders can enjoy riding on stunning Noosa North Shore and along the shallow waters of Lake Weyba. Other options for a unique adventure are extended horse riding tours through hinterland trails.

www.equathon.com

Kayak and Canoeing AdventuresAustralia’s Nature Coast’s pristine waterways and beaches 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.

www.kayaknoosa.comwww.kanukapersaustralia.comwww.thediscoverygroup.com.auwww.enzosonthebeach.com.auwww.bluewaterkayaktours.com

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkThe 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 trip 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.

www.ladyelliot.com.au

UnderWater WorldUnderWater World is a multi-award winning all-weather tourist attraction. Be enticed by over 5,500 sea creatures including sharks, stingrays, seals and otters as you explore 11 unique zones. View the world-famous 2.5 million litre Oceanarium tunnel and interact with animals in Behind the Scenes Tour, seal swims, encounters and kisses, shark dives and a world first otter encounter

www.underwaterworld.com.au

Australia Zoo Crikey! There is no other zoo like Australia Zoo. With plenty of wildlife action every day including exciting croc shows, knowledgeable zoo keepers to chat with, and lots of drop-dead gorgeous animals that can’t wait to get up close and personal with YOU! Also onsite is the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital that runs five tours daily, and the new open-range Africa exhibit.

www.australiazoo.com.au

Dive the Ex-HMAS BrisbaneDive 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 27 metres. Another world renowned dive site is Wolf Rock in the Great Sandy Marine Park, a formation of four volcanic pinnacles where you can dive with large schools of Grey Nurse sharks.

www.scubaworld.com.auwww.sunreef.com.au

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Fraser Island

Day OneYour Australia’s Nature Coast adventure starts in the Fraser Coast, home to World Heritage listed Fraser Island and the bayside town of Hervey Bay, famous for thousands of migrating humpback whales from July to November.

Enjoy a day exploring Fraser Island in your self-hire four wheel drive or join a guided tour.

Accommodation on Fraser Island ranges from tent-safaris to ECO Certified resorts.

Day TwoTake a four wheel drive adventure on the sand highway along the edge of the ocean of Fraser Island’s spectacular Seventy-Five Mile Beach.

Alternatively, jump on a jet ski from Hervey Bay and ride to the island or view the island from above on a scenic flight before taking a tandem skydive. Dolphin cruises and sailing in the bay operate year round as well as kayaking, and parasailing.

Overnight on Fraser Island or choose from a wide range of accommodation available at Hervey Bay.

Day ThreeThis morning, head south via Rainbow Beach and experience the beauty of the Teewah Coloured Sands on a 4WD tour along the beach followed by a hang glide over the tumultuous Pacific Ocean at Rainbow Beach.

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.

Noosa offers a wide range of accommodation from self catering, budget through to luxury.

Day FourStart the day with a stroll through Noosa National Park and spot koalas in Australia’s native Eucalypt trees or try horse riding in 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 surf in a calm river before tackling the surf, have a kite surfing lesson or travel south to Mooloolaba for a dive at the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Marine Conservation Park.

Day FiveSpend some time in Caloundra kayaking, boating and fishing in the pristine protected waterways of the Pumicestone Passage before heading to the majestic Glass House Mountains. There are amazing views from many look outs or for the adventurous, climb or abseil the craggy peaks.

Sunshine CoastNaturally Refreshing The Sunshine Coast’s golden beaches stretch for over 100 kilometres and with beaches ranging from great surf breaks, to those with a vibrant atmosphere and lots of activities, to those in quiet sheltered waters, there is something for everyone.

In the green subtropical hills of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland are secluded coves, rainforests, waterfalls and quaint mountain villages. The Kondalilla Falls National Park and Glasshouse Mountains National Park showcase nature at its most spectacular.

Whether it’s koala or bird watching, whale watching or dolphin spotting, or walking among the Glasshouse Mountains, a naturally refreshing experience comes easily on the Sunshine Coast.

Fraser CoastWhere Nature Comes AliveThe Fraser Coast is a unique destination, filled with natural wonders. It boasts easy access to two World Heritage-listed icons, Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island and Lady Elliot Island, on the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Drive in a 4x4 along the edge of the ocean on Seventy-Five Mile Beach and explore spectacular coloured sands, freshwater lakes and towering rainforests.

Hervey Bay, Australia’s whale watching capital, offers an unparalleled up close and personal whale watching experience between July & November. The region is nature at its awe-inspiring best, with hundreds of kilometres of unspoilt beaches fringing the tranquil waters of the Great Sandy Marine Park.

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Naturally AdventurousNature and adventure go hand in hand on Australia’s Nature Coast

Naturally IndulgentNature and luxury blend brilliantly on Australia’s Nature Coast

Day OneStart your indulgent experience in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland visiting the charming towns of Montville and Maleny for stunning views, rainforest walks, fresh local produce, wineries and fine arts and crafts, before checking into one of the areas indulgent and luxurious lodges or retreats.

Day TwoStart 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 the best.

Day ThreeTransfer 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.

In the afternoon join a private 4WD tour of Fraser Island and then immerse yourself in the destination overnight, choosing from a range of premium accommodation options.

Day FourSpend the day on the calm waters of Hervey Bay either on a dolphin or whale watching cruise (July-November) exploring the Great Sandy Marine Park.

Enjoy sunset cocktails on a waterside deck of your luxury accommodation.

Naturally WildLovers of wildlife are spoilt for choice in Australia’s Nature Coast

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Day OneFirst 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.

Head to the Coast and stay in a room with fabulous views of the sea or hinterland.

Day TwoStart the day at UnderWater World at 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.

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.

Overnight in an ECO certified accommodation option in the Noosa region.

Day ThreeTravel onto Hervey Bay and enjoy an up close and personal experience with Australian native animals at the Fraser Coast Wildlife Sanctuary. Take a walk through the sanctuary where you will experience genuine Australian fauna such as dingoes, kangaroos, reptiles, emus, turtles and native birds and ducks.

Overnight in a room with a seaview at Hervey Bay and enjoy the sunset over the water from Urangan Pier.

Day FourHeading 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.

Naturally DrivenDiscover the hidden natural gems of Australia’s Nature Coast on a self drive Nature Trail

Day OneArriving at the Sunshine Coast Airport, collect a hire car and head towards at the Ginger Factory in Yandina, enjoying the delicious ginger flavours of this locally grown produce which is used in a huge variety of tasty treats.

Heading west, 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, situated on 110 acres, they are surrounded by magnificent rainforest with spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. The pathways also take you on an enchanting journey up to the majestic lookout and into the pristine rainforest.

Spend the night at one of the many fantastic Bed and Breakfasts you will find here.

Day TwoDrive back down the range to Caloundra and enjoy some of the many activities available in the Pumicestone Passage before heading up the coast to Buderim Forest Park to see the waterfalls.

Next stop is Mount Coolum, 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.

Sleep with the sound of the surf at one of Coolum Beach’s seaside accommodation choices.

Day ThreeDriving north about eight kilometres, you enter the Noosa Biosphere Reserve, which is 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 rain forest, heathlands, eucalypt forest, melaleuca wetlands, sand dunes and mangroves.

Tonight you can enjoy views of the beautiful Noosa River as you enjoy a twilight walk along the foreshore.

Day FourHeading north, you cross the border to the Great Sandy Biosphere which covers approximately 1.2 million hectares of land and marine area and contains many world renowned natural assets including World Heritage listed Fraser Island and RAMSAR listed Great Sandy Strait. Spend the time exploring the amazing natural biodiversity of this region with one of many tours.

Naturally FreeNature that doesn’t cost the earth in Australia’s Nature CoastTake a WalkFrom 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.

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.auwww.derm.qld.gov.au

On your BikeAustralia’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.

www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.auwww.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/web/our-fraser-coast/discovery-trails

Get WetAustralia’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, or jump on a board and ride a wave all the way in to shore.

Tall TimberMary Cairncross Scenic Reserve comprises 55 hectares of subtropical rainforest which overlooks the Glasshouse 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 BlowThis unique “moonscape” sand mass covers over 15 hectares, overlooks the towering coloured sands and is located just 2 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.

National ParksAustralia’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.

www.derm.qld.gov.au

Dolphin Feeding Tin Can BayHand 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 WatchingAustralia’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.

Naturally EcoWhat better way to experience Australia’s Nature Coast unique ecosystems than with some of the world’s best ecotourism operators. For more information on ECO certification visit: www.ecotourism.org.au

Fraser Coast

ToursKingfisher Bay Resort & Village Tours - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.kingfisherbay.com

Hervey Bay Whale Watch and Awesome Adventure - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.herveybaywhalewatch.com.au

Fraser Island Discovery - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.fraserislanddiscovery.com.au

AccommodationKingfisher Bay Resort & Village - Advanced

Ecotourism Certifiedwww.kingfisherbay.com

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.ladyelliot.com.au

Rainbow Oceans Palms Resort - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.rainbowoceanpalms.com.au

Sunshine Coast

ToursCruise Maroochy Eco Tours - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.cruisemaroochyeco.com.au

Equathon Horse Riding - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.equathon.com.au

Kayak Noosa - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.kayaknoosa.com

Noosa Everglades Discovery - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.noosaevergladesdiscovery.com.au

Off Beat Eco Tours - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.offbeattours.com.au

Scuba World - Advanced Ecotourism Certified www.scubaworld.com.au

Xperiences - Nature Tourism Certifiedwww.xperiences.com.au

AccommodationEumarella Shores Noosa Lake Retreat – Ecotourism Certifiedwww.eumarellashores.com.au

Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge - Advanced Ecotourism Certifiedwww.glasshouseecolodge.com

Sunshine Coastwww.visitsunshinecoast.com.auTel: + 61 7 5458 8800 Email: trade@scdl.com.au

Fraser Coastwww.visitfrasercoast.comTel: +61 7 4191 2600Email: info@tourismfrasercoast.com.au

Cooloola Tourismwww.cooloola.org.au

Tourism Noosawww.visitnoosa.com.au

Noosa Biospherewww.noosabiosphere.org.au

Great Sandy Biospherewww.greatsandybiosphere.org

Queenslandwww.visit-queensland.com

More Information?

Man and the Biosphere

Tea Tree Bay, N

oosa Nation

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