The Great Sunshine Way

Whether its the adrenalin rush of riding your first surf wave or sitting in silent contemplation of the Southern Cross (a star constellation only visible in the Southern Hemisphere), there’s a world of experiences waiting for you on the The Great Sunshine Way. Its one of the most diverse and exciting touring routes you could ever hope to make and you’ll return home with a thousand magical memories in your baggage. You can easily spend a full ten days exploring The Great Sunshine Way, but it can be just as exciting to take smaller loops out of the route and explore the coast, the country or hinterland either driving, by train or by taking a day trip on one of the many tours. Whatever you decide, there’s no room to tell you about every amazing experience you’re likely to encounter but here are just a few of the possible highlights.

Your trip will most probably start in Brisbane and there’s no better way to begin than with a few days spent enjoying its casual charms. You don’t have to go far for your first taste of adventure, either. In fact, its right on your doorstep. There can’t be many places in the world where you can rock climb and abseil in the heart of a city but Brisbane is one of them. Kangaroo Point Cliffs are popular with beginners as well as more experienced climbers and the views from the top are more than worth the effort of getting there. For something less strenuous, you can spend half a day kayaking along the Brisbane River. This is one capital city that really knows how to make the most of the river that runs through it. And there are literally kilometres of riverside paths which could have been made for roller blading and biking. In fact, come to think of it, they probably were.

From Brisbane, you have a choice of directions and a choice of transport. Get behind the steering wheel of your own hire car or simply hop on a train. The Tilt Train, designed to travel at high speed even when turning, and be more comfortable by reducing the centripetal force, is speedily becoming the most popular way to explore the coastal destinations of Southern Queensland. Even if you have hired a car, its a good idea to take a break from driving from time to time and sit back, while this very relaxing train whisks you through some amazing scenery to places such as Hervey Bay, Fraser Island and the stunning Whitsunday region. The latter is renowned for its tropical islands washed by peaceful blue waters and it makes the perfect stepping off point for an unforgettable visit to The Great Barrier Reef.

So where next? Well you could always go for gold. The Gold Coast is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Australia (or the world, according to some Australians). There are plenty of magnificent hotels both in terms of their scale and grandeur along with spectacular theme parks and lively, seemingly nonstop nightlife. In contrast to the sophistication, shopping and entertainment, venture into the hinterland and you’ll discover the largest surviving remnant of subtropical rainforest on earth. If its primeval peace and timeless tranquillity that you’re after, this is the place to find it.

Too long in the rainforest, of course, and you may find yourself - suffering from retail withdrawal symptoms. No worries. Simply schedule in a stop at Surfers Paradise for a shopping experience with a difference. The night markets overlooking the beach here spring into life as soon as the sun goes down every Wednesday and Friday and you can happily search for bargains at over 120 market stalls selling everything from locally made arts and crafts to make-up and music. Head further up the Sunshine Coast and the pace of life slows right down. Here there are more than 100 kilometres of sensational, unspoiled beaches, seaside resorts with real traditional charm and a fantastic variety of inland scenery which encompasses everything from rugged mountain landscapes to peaceful lakes and wetlands which are teeming with birdlife.

Noosa on the Sunshine Coast is a wonderful place to get to grips with the great outdoors. If you’re into surfing, the conditions at the protected cove beach come close to perfection and you can swim and snorkel in the clearest of clear waters here. If you want to spot some wildlife, take the trail around the headland and through the unspoilt bush of the National Park to watch koalas and goannas (large lizards that are not quite as cuddly as koalas). Alternatively, you can happily spend a few hours exploring, searching out rocky caves and discovering secluded beaches where you can lie back and admire sea views that are never anything less than spectacular.

Further north and you’re on the Fraser Coast, the gateway to Fraser Island. There are few places that can be described as truly amazing but this island is one of them. Listed since 1992 as a World Heritage Site, its the largest sand island in the world and stretches for over 120 kilometres along the Queensland coast. Its a place of exceptional beauty, with long uninterrupted white beaches, tall cliffs of coloured sand, sand dunes that can reach up to 240 metres in height and freshwater lakes of pure, crystal clear and surprisingly fresh water. When the original inhabitants gave this island the name of K'gari', they certainly knew what they were talking a about. The name means paradise.

If you’re paying a visit to Fraser Island, it would be a shame to miss the opportunity to stay at least one night amidst this unique landscape and you can do it in real style at Kingfisher Bay Resort. This 4 star resort overlooks lakes and bush land and comes pretty close to paradise itself, especially if you’re into boating, fishing, swimming, bushwalking, four wheel driving or simply beachcombing. And if all that sounds a bit too exciting at this point in your trip and you simply want a place where you can wind down and chill out, well you can do that too.

Hervey Bay is another destination on the Fraser Coast that you really cannot afford to miss. You can, quite literally, have a whale of a time discovering the regions marine life, here. In fact, its one of the finest places in the world for watching these great creatures of the deep. Not only do you get a rare opportunity to get close to them in calm waters rather than the open sea but the whales are not simply on their way through. They choose the bay to rest and recuperate on their migration to colder waters and the mothers can often be seen playing with their calves, teaching them the tricks they’ll need to survive in less hospitable conditions. Take a boat trip for a full day or half a day any time between August to October and you’re pretty much guaranteed a spectacular display from the gentle Humpbacks that you wont easily forget.

Whale watching is just one more of the amazing experiences that are strung out like precious pearls along The Great Sunshine Way. And they’re all waiting for you on your visit to Southern Queensland.

A great place to stay

If you want somewhere special to lay your head on your trip along The Great Sunshine Way, take a look at Kingfisher Bay Resort located on Australia’s World Heritage listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island. The 4 star resort overlooks lakes and bush land, a perfect paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, bushwalking and four wheel driving and just enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of Fraser Island. Multi award-winning ecotourism property Kingfisher Bay Resort is the place to pamper yourself after a hard day exploring the wilderness of Fraser Island. It is a unique holiday destination providing adventure and excitement but at the same time a casual atmosphere for the ultimate in relaxation.

A great way to travel

The Tilt Train is fast becoming the most popular way to explore Queensland's coastal destinations, especially for those not wishing to drive. If you're planning a shorter journey between south-east and central Queensland, the Tilt Train can connect you with most major holiday destinations like whale watching at Hervey Bay, spectacular Fraser Island and many other stops on The Great Sunshine Way. Travelling along the coast is extremely comfortable and quietly relaxing aboard Australia’s most modern train. The Tilt Train is the perfect way to move along Queensland’s coast, so you can explore one destination, then enjoy comfort and beautiful scenery on your way to the next.