Gold Coast & Nature Discovery

Arrive into Brisbane, pick up your car and drive an hour south to the vibrant Gold Coast. Start your adventure with a stay in the wonderful Hilton hotel, a chic retreat just steps from the vibrant Surfers Paradise Esplanade.  Spend your days soaking up the sunshine, savouring the fantastic cuisine and exploring the world-famous theme parks. 

Travel Designers recommendation: For a culture fix, visit the (free of charge) Jellurgal Cultural Centre at Burleigh Heads to learn about the local Yugambeh people. 

Leave beachside life behind and travel north-west to the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Arrive at your private cottage nestled in the bushland; with two of the walls made from floor-to-ceiling glass, you can enjoy guaranteed panoramic views of the epic mountains.

Breathe in the fresh air and explore your picturesque surroundings by horseback, on a walking trail or even try abseiling. As a site of national importance to the Aboriginal people, you can soak up some culture and spectacular views of the spiritual area, still dotted with historic ceremonial sites. 

Travel Designers recommendation: The Glass House Mountains can be visited year round.  In summer (Dec-Feb), the hills offer respite from the heat on the coast whereas the winter (Jun-Aug) is quieter and the best time to spot wildlife. Spring (Mar-May) is ideal for hiking. 

Accommodation: Glass on Glasshouse

Journey just an hour to the picturesque coast and arrive at the beautiful Peppers Noosa Resort. A haven of stunning beaches, lakes and national parks, Noosa offers both relaxation and adventure.

Perhaps take a lesson in paddle boarding, kayak the everglades or, if in the right season, swim with the majestic humpback whale; a rare and unforgettable experience. With rich lakes and beaches surrounding Noosa, the area offers some of the freshest seafood on the coast; indulge in crayfish, oysters and prawns aplenty.

Travel Designers recommendation: If you’re keen to see a koala in the wild, head to Noosa National Park or look in the trees behind Tea Tree Bay. 

Drive two hours north to Hervey Bay where you'll leave your car before spending the next few days uncovering the Nature Coast's most idyllic islands; eco-friendly Lady Elliot and the biggest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. Hop over to World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, with magnificent rainforest, crystal-clear lakes and untouched wilderness just waiting to be explored. Fly to the marine-life haven of Lady Elliot Island, known as the home of the gentle manta ray, and take your time exploring the magical underwater world that surrounds the picture-perfect islet. 

For the full itinerary, click here.

Travel Designers recommendation: If you’re a diver (or want to try diving)? Add an extra night on Lady Elliot Island to allow for the recommended 24 hours between your last dive and your return flight. 

Accommodation: Lady Elliot Island & Kingfisher Bay Resort

Return back to Hervey Bay from your island adventure and travel two hours south to the riverside capital city of Brisbane. Enjoy a full day trip to famous Australia Zoo, where you'll have the opportunity to meet koalas, wombats and kangaroos up close. In your spare time, perhaps wander along the vibrant South Bank, visit the art gallery or indulge in the eclectic food scene.

Check out of your accommodation and drop your car at the airport ready for your return home. Alternatively, why not speak to one of our Travel Designers about extending your stay in Australia?

Travel Designers recommendation: Pre-book your dinner Otto restaurant in Brisbane for breath-taking views of the Story Bridge and modern Italian cuisine. They also offer a BYO lunch on Saturday!