On the Australian continent, Queensland hides a nature sanctuary. Located between the Glasshouse Mountains north of Brisbane and the spectacular and listed Fraser Island, Australia's Nature Coast is a family destination for exploring breathtaking landscapes, between national parks, reserves, forests and hundreds of kilometres of pristine beaches. And to make the most of this dream spot, you will have to respect the 10 commandments of the region. For your greatest pleasure!
The whales, you'll come closer.
Fraser Coast is known as the Australian whale capital. Indeed, the safe waters of the coast provide perfect opportunities to observe these 40-ton cetaceans up close.
To get close to them, head for Hervey Bay between July and early November. It's simply magical because about 7,000 humpback whales migrate to this coast on a journey of more than 6,000 km from Antarctic waters. A cruise to meet them and admire them jumping out of the water will be an unforgettable family outing
Wild dolphins, you will feed.
In Tin Can Bay, on the other side of Rainbow Beach, there are wild dolphins. Usually present between 7am and 8am at Norman Point, take your chance, go see them up close and you can even feed them. The Barnacles Café just across the street offers food packages for AU$5. Tin Can Bay is one of three sites in Australia where dolphins can still be officially fed in the wild. You can also take a kayak ride to get close to them, in the open sea. Magic! Magic!
The Fraser Island story, you'll go back up.
The island's history dates back to the early 19th century, when Captain Fraser ran aground his boat in the north of the island in 1836, and was only saved by the help of the Aborigines who welcomed the survivors until another ship arrived. Fraser Island trees were exceptionally water-resistant, so in the 1860s the Australians transformed the island into a huge lumber yard and deported the Aborigines to missions
The most great sandy island in the world, you will explore.
Today, Fraser Island is nothing more than a tourist destination preserved in its natural splendour. Fraser Island is 120 km long and 15 km wide and is the largest sandy island in the world. Since 1992, the island has been a World Heritage Site. Its surface is covered with vegetation, punctuated in places by sand dunes and freshwater lakes perfect for swimming. To protect this fragile earthly paradise, it is recommended to leave only your footprints behind and to take only pictures. It is indeed a spectacular vision that these herds of misters, horses returned to the wild, galloping along the beaches and in the virgin forests where also live dingoes (wild dogs), reptiles and turtles
Surfing, you'll learn how to surf.
Spinal image of Australia, surfing is also practiced in the region. And to think of yourself as the local legend Mick Fanning, heading for Fraser Island and the 75 Mile Beach spot. The tubes are waiting for you!
Underwater, you'll be amazed.
Lady Elliott Island, the first coral island in the Great Barrier Reef, is a paradise for all scuba diving enthusiasts (free or scuba diving) and benefits from the nature protection measures of the Great Barrier Reaf Marina Park. The lagoon is shallow and underwater visibility is generally excellent, making both adventurers and families with children happy (especially when turtles are out!). The Light House Boomie site, 100 m from the coast, is one of the best places to observe manta rays. It also hosts batfish, stingray and sea snakes
The twins, you'll get out.
On Lady Elliot Island, you can also get to know the thousands of seabirds that populate the island from September to March. The island is used as a breeding ground for green turtles and loggerheads as well as for more than 100,000 seabirds (madmen, terns, gulls, egrets...). Unmistakable!
Beautiful walks, you will do.
After the beautiful walks on Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach is also a must for hikers of all levels. Located between Noosa and Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach is a small town with lakes and a long golden sandy beach. It owes its name to the colourful sand cliffs that line the beach and illuminate the bay. So don't hesitate to walk along the cliffs from Cooloola Drive, cross the woods or climb the Carlo Sandblow dune to admire the sunset.... Spectacular! You can also practice horseback riding and take a trip to the beach where you can swim with your horses. Full moon nights are a unique experience. Not to be missed!
Glasshouse Mountains National Park is located 70 km north of Brisbane. It is a plain punctuated by volcanic dykes, chimneys of ancient volcanoes that were formed more than 25 million years ago. The park is home to many plant species such as orange tea trees, eucalyptus trees and endemic plants. It also has important significance for the Kabi Kabi people, traditional owners of the places. Walking it, climbing to the peaks of Tibrogargan and Beerwah Mountains at an altitude of 555 m, and staying in luxurious and charming cottages in the heart of the bush, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, is also an unforgettable excursion
From the local gastronomy, you will enjoy yourself.
It would be unfair to limit Australian cuisine to barbecues (which are essential) and fast food. Since the early 1980s, a new cuisine with Mediterranean (Greek, Lebanese, Moroccan, French, Italian...) and Asian flavours has developed in Australia. Called "fusion food" or "mod'Oz", it represents Australian gastronomy today. Nevertheless, this new cuisine is increasingly competing with Aboriginal cuisine (bushfood or bush tucker), which also has talented chefs. In the hinterland of the region, the small towns of Montville and Maleny, beyond their lush green landscapes, will delight lovers of good food. Between their renowned cooking schools, their charming bistros and their starred gourmet tables, the most demanding epicureans will be delighted. And what about its wine treasures? Australia has become a culinary destination. So, let's eat!
The party, you will do.
Hervey Bay is home to many festivals throughout the year. Gastronomes are particularly keen to attend the world-famous Noosa Food & Wine Festival. But the city is also a good spot to enjoy Australian nightlife.
Smart info
When? When? It can be visited all year round. The ideal periods are the intermediate periods: spring (April-May) and autumn (October-November).
The specialist. To better organize your trip to discover Fraser Coast and Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
AUSTRALIA ON THE CARD - More information on the website
