THE ITINERARY
Sun, sea and relaxation... and so much more in Queensland
YOU’LL find beaches and waves in abundance Down Under, but for those in search of a little peace and tranquillity after the events of 2020, Queensland has a wealth of rejuvenating experiences on offer. Take some inspiration from these feel-good travel itineraries for an unforgettable adventure in 2021.
HIT THE ROAD
NOTHING quite compares to the freedom of hitting the open road, and Queensland’s diverse landscapes offer truly spectacular scenery to not only admire, but also to stop off and explore along the way. Australians also drive on the left-hand side of the road, making a road trip through this stunning state familiar and accessible.
If you’re planning a slightly longer stay, the 15-day Savannah Way road trip is a must. This journey begins in Cairns, a vibrant city that acts as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest, two of the five UNESCO World Heritage Sites you can find in Queensland.
From here, you’ll spend two weeks driving across the dusty red Outback and through gold mining ghost towns as you tick off three more of Queensland’s World Heritage Sites. These are Fraser Island; Gondwana Rainforests; and Riversleigh Fossil Site in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, with fossils dating back 25 million years.
For those with less time, there are plenty of incredible routes that can be done in 24 hours. The Boonah day trip, for example, takes you from Brisbane through cattle country and mountain regions to Boonah, a little town with oodles of charm. Soak in the quaint architecture of this remote destination, and prepare a picnic at Hummingbirds Natural Pantry & Cafe before setting off for a hike up nearby Mount Mitchell or the famous Scenic Rim Trail. Drop by the Spicers Peak Lodge before the day is over for an award-winning meal.
INDIGENOUS ENCOUNTERS
TRULY connecting with the surrounding landscape is best experienced through the culture and history of the Traditional Owners.
Australia’s indigenous culture is the oldest living culture in the world, dating back more than 50,000 years.
Both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people proudly welcome tourists to share their history and way of life, so you can do more than just spectate – you can become a part of it.
In the Daintree, forage for bush tucker on a tour with Walkabout Cultural Adventures or experience a healing treatment at Daintree Eco Lodge, harnessing the pure waters of a nearby sacred waterfall, followed by a massage down by the water cascades.
From the rainforest in the Tropical North to the islands of The Whitsundays further south, gain a different perspective by climbing aboard the Ngaro Indigenous Cultural boat tour by Whitsundays Paradise Explorer.
Traditional Ngaro indigenous guides share the stories and history of the Ngaro tribe – an ancient sea tribe with strong traditions and customs. Learn how they hunted and sourced bush tucker, try your hand at throwing handmade fishing spears and enjoy a delicious gourmet lunch, including damper and refreshing billy tea on the beach after an informative and relaxing bushwalk.
Similarly, Saltwater Eco Tours offer an at-sea experience on the Sunshine Coast, but here you’ll learn traditional sailing techniques from the local Kabi Kabi, or
THE ECO EXPERIENCE
WHILE we were on pause and dreaming of our next getaway, nature had the chance to reset. When the world does start turning again, many of us will consider how we can tread a little more lightly. But offsetting your flights isn’t the only way of giving back when you visit Queensland.
Over 1,000 national parks, marine refuges, forests and other protected areas thrive in the northeastern region of Australia, and you can help protect all of them by opting to stay in one of Queensland’s numerous eco-resorts.
From Nightfall campsite in Lamington National Park, where you can forage for your own produce and dine on organic foods, to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat in the Scenic Rim region, where you can reconnect with nature on guided green safaris, you can see out your stay in sustainable luxury.
One of the most popular sites to visit while you’re in Queensland is, of course, the Great Barrier Reef – but did you know that in doing so, you’re helping to protect it? Sign up to visit the reef with a reputable tour operator and you’ll automatically contribute to its conservation through the Environmental Management Charge, or Reef tax included in your ticket price, which helps preserve the reef and the amazing marine life that dwell there.
Another way to give back during your stay is to hike the Climate Change Trail at Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, developed in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll learn about the island’s unique ecosystems, and understand how climate change is affecting them, and how you can make changes to your everyday life to help make a difference. After this informative experience, you can enjoy a picnic on the beach.
Heading out to Big Sky Country is a must for those in search of a rejuvenating escape
RELAX AND RECHARGE
SOMETIMES all we need from a holiday is the opportunity to switch off and reset.
Heading out to Big Sky Country is a must for those in search of a rejuvenating escape. From the Millaa Millaa Falls nestled deep in the Atherton Tablelands and the crystal-clear water cascades of Mossman Gorge in the lush green Daintree Rainforest, to the breathtaking expanse of Lamington National Park on the Gold Coast and the majesty of the Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast, the rich, diverse Queensland landscape provides plenty of opportunity to disconnect and recharge.
Whether it’s flying above a 100-million-year-old rainforest, hiking or cooling off in a secret swimming hole, how you switch off your body and mind while there is entirely up to you.
For a one-stop detox shop, however, you can’t go wrong with Queensland’s Gold Coast – the home of wellness retreats. Book into the likes of the Nirvana Wellness Sanctuary or Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, where you can tuck into cleansing, wholesome meals to reinvigorate your body, meditate out in the sunshine and treat yourself to endless spa treatments. Bliss.