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Routes along the East Coast of Australia

Enjoy some of Queensland's greatest coastal attractions: from the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef to the pristine islands and rainforests in the national parks.

Drive along surf beaches, visit exciting theme parks and the lush interior of the Gold Coast, watch whales from Hervey Bay, drive a 4x4 to Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, and see manta rays and sea turtles on Mon Repos, near Bundaberg (Nov-Feb). Snorkel or dive the reef in search of shipwrecks near Townsville. The vibrant colors, smells and sounds of the amazing coastline will stay with you long after your trip in Australia is over.

Highlights of the East Coast

Gold Coast

This world-famous vacation destination offers 70 kilometers of sun-drenched beaches, World Heritage-listed rainforests, amusement parks, shopping malls, nightlife and a relaxed lifestyle. Surf world-class waves at Broadbeach, Kirra and Main Beach. Snorkel or dive to the shipwreck of the Scottish Prince on the shore of Main Beach. Laze on the golden sands of Surfers Paradise, where you can then stroll through the stores, cafes and restaurants of lively Cavill Avenue.

Gold Coast Hinterland

Meander through the world's largest stretch of subtropical rainforest in Lamington National Park. Discover spectacular views and waterfalls and a deep valley lined with palms and ancient Antarctic beech trees in Springbrook National Park. Or fully enjoy an oasis full of waterfalls and a rainforest rising 560 meters in Tamborine Mountain National Park.

Brisbane

Brisbane combines a cosmopolitan culture of theater, festivals and restaurants with a laid-back way of life. Lush parks and gardens, sandstone cathedrals and steel and glass skyscrapers make the city a fascinating combination of old and new. Roam the art galleries and museums, swim in the lagoon at South Bank or take a boat ride on the Brisbane River. Explore Brisbane's boutiques and bars or drive to nearby Moreton Bay for all kinds of water adventure.

Noosa

Explore the seaside boutiques and bistros on Hastings Street and stroll the scenic boardwalk. Eat fresh produce from the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland, from pineapple and lychee to bamboo stalks and mangrove crabs. From the beach, you can fish, jet ski, water ski, surf and sail. Canoe, kayak or cruise the Noosa River to the Noosa Everglades. Make your way between the beach and the bush on one of the many hiking trails in Noosa National Park and enjoy panoramic views at the many vantage points.

Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay is a harbor town and seaside resort about a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane. The bay was more originally named "Hervey's Bay" by James Cook when he sailed past it on May 21, 1770. The bay is named after naval officer Augustus Hervey. Between July and November, you can see whales playing in the warm waters on the shore.

Fraser Island

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Discover colorful sand cliffs, rainforests rising from the sand and clear lakes. Drive a 4x4 to the sand cliffs of the Cathedrals and on hundreds of sand trails that connect Fraser Island's lakes, rainforests and natural attractions. Swim in Lake McKenzie and Lake Boomanjin and let the fast-flowing Eli Creek carry you to the ocean.

Bundaberg / Mon Repos

Visit Bundaberg, where the turtles of Mon Repos are just one of many attractions. Between mid-November and February is the best time to see turtles laying eggs, while the newly hatched hatchlings leave their nests in mid-January and they crawl out to sea for their first dip in the water.

Lady Musgrave and Lady Elliot Islands

During the summer months, some turtles lay and hatch their eggs on the nearby Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands, the southernmost islands of the Great Barrier Reef. You'll also find spectacular spots for snorkeling and diving to the coral reef and sandbars to swim among giant manta rays and fish. Dive, snorkel, fish in and hike to the reef on day trips.

Town of 1770

This peaceful coastal town is named after the year it was discovered by Captain Cook. It is surrounded on three sides by the Coral Sea and Bustard Bay.

Cania Gorge National Park.

Discover high sandstone cliffs, ancient canyons and caves and rich vegetation on one of the park's many bushwalks.

Capricorn Caves

Explore these spectacular limestone caves while hiking, exploring or abseiling.

Yeppoon

This cute tropical village is located at the gateway to the Capricorn Coast. North of it you will find the Byfield National Park,where you can bushwalk through fragrant, green rainforest and huge sand dunes, bird watch, fishing and canoeing.

Whitsundays

Don't miss the Whitsundays, 74 pristine palm-fringed islands in the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. Soak in the lively atmosphere of backpackers on Airlie Beach or head to Whitsunday Island to walk on the white, silica sands of Whitehaven Beach. Cruise the fantastic Whitsundays in a sailboat or a rented boat with skipper.

Eungella National Park

Hike through the rainforest from Finch Hatton Gorge, spot platypuses in Broken River and glide on a cable through the rainforest foliage.

Magnetic Island

On Magnetic Island, which is largely a national park, you can hike, swim, dive, jet ski, fish, play golf, bus walk and ride horses. It is just 25 minutes by catamaran from Townsville. Dive to the Moltke wreck at Magnetic Island and to the huge SS Yongala Shipwreck, which sank in 1911, killing everyone on board.

Girringun National Park.

Visit Wallaman Falls, Australia 's highest continuous waterfall up close. This national park is part of the traditional areas of the Warrgamaygan Aboriginal people, the Nginba Warrgamaygan Ngarji.

Mission Beach

The quiet and pleasant seaside town of Mission Beach is best known for its beautiful sandy beach that offers stunning views of the offshore islands. To the west of Mission Beach is Tully Bridge. Here the Tully River crosses the coast road, the river known for White Water Rafting. Off the coast near Mission Beach are Dunk Island and Bedarra Island. These are hilly islands covered with tropical rainforest and fringed by idyllic sandy beaches.

Tully Gorge National Park.

In Australia's wettest area, you can whitewater raft on the river. Heavy rainfall ensures plenty of water in the Tully River and panoramic views of lush, tropical vegetation. Upstream, the river flows through a narrow gorge and there are some impressive rapids. You can also follow one of the many park walks for spectacular views of the tropical rainforests and river rapids.

Port Douglas

This small seaside town is the perfect base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's Outback and the rainforests of Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation. The Daintree National Park is a unique place in the world, as two World Heritage Sites meet: the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. From Cairns, you can reach the Daintree Rainforest in less than two hours' drive.