Queensland’s World-Heritage Escapes
Dreaming of your new year escape? Head north to the warmer climate of Queensland and warm up with a trip to these three unbeatable beachside destinations.
K’gari (Fraser Island)
Explore
This World Heritage-listed destination is the largest sand island on the planet, covering over 120 kilometres. A stunning location, K’gari (Fraser Island) has an abundance of beaches, lush rainforests and freshwater pools to explore. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints such as Indian Head, where you can see the sand cliffs of The Cathedrals and find new landscapes at every turn.
Discover the island’s history with a visit to the shipwreck of the Maheno, a Trans-Tasman liner stranded on the shore by a cyclone’s ferocious winds in 1932. The ship’s hull can be found around 10 kilometres north of Happy Valley on the island’s 72 Mile Beach. For a speedier exploration, take in the views with a 4WD run along this stretch of sand, which is an official national highway. However, beware of the high tides.
Stay
Kingfisher Bay Resort is renowned as the island’s first eco accommodation. Surrounded by views of protected wilderness, the resort’s buildings, which stand on stilts, emulate the nearby dunes to pay homage to K’gari's (Fraser Island) wildlife and surrounding ecosystems. The resort’s sustainable design blends with its heritage-listed natural surrounds and promotes the resort’s ethos for conservation. With a day spa and various ranger-guided activities on offer, this is an excellent base for your island stay.
Relax
You are sure to find a patch of sand along the many beaches to bask in the sun and listen to the waves. Alternatively recline in one of the most visited spots on the island – the Champagne Pools – named for the frothy bubbles left by waves filling up the rock pools at high tide.Hamilton Island
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The Whitsundays are the ultimate winter holiday destination, with mild temperatures year-round, and Hamilton Island is one of the only inhabited parts of this tropical archipelago. Immerse yourself in the island’s spectacular setting of white-sand beaches, tropical fish-filled waters and a quaint marina town. There is also a range of activities on offer not typical of a winter getaway, including plenty of water sports or a quiet snorkel to experience the region’s colourful underwater sea life.
A must is a trip to Whitehaven Beach, where the luminous sand has to be seen to be believed. It stretches for seven kilometres, and you will be mesmerised by the white silica sand as it squeaks between your toes. Also see the famous Heart Reef on a scenic flight over the beach.
Stay
Reef View Hotel is a terrific option, offering spacious, modern and centrally-located accommodation with beautiful views. Positioned opposite Catseye Beach, this hotel includes the use of water activity equipment such as kayaks, catamarans, stand-up paddle boarding and snorkelling gear. It also boasts a Pool Terrace Restaurant, swimming pool access and a relaxed venue called the Reef Lounge with live music to kick off each week.Relax
Hit the town’s shops for some retail therapy, and later visit the cafes to relax over delicious food and drinks. Grab an Australian staple – a meat pie – from Bob’s Bakery or head for the island’s main pool and swim right up to the Island Bar for some poolside relaxation.Port Douglas
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The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest, two of Australia’s iconic regions, there is so much to discover in this holiday spot. With a diverse range of adventures on offer from this popular town, it is easy to get lost in nature.
Fancy a trip to the reef? Visitors can snorkel with the marine life or board a semi-submersible vessel to view the coral and fish. Once you have experienced views of an Australian icon from below, soar above another. Travel over the trees on the Kuranda Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and see the rainforest from up high. Whichever viewpoint you choose, Queensland’s landscapes are varied and rich in colour.
Immerse yourself in this town’s culture with a visit to the local IronBar pub for a kangaroo burger and a spot of cane toad racing, or wander down the main street to peruse its chic boutiques.
Relax
Unwind with great walks to stunning lookouts across Four Mile Beach and venture to the historical Flagstaff Hill Lighthouse.
Discover the picturesque beaches and relaxed atmosphere that Queensland has to offer.