Day 1: Arrive at Sunshine Coast
Upon arrival at the Sunshine Coast Airport, Maroochydore you will make your way to the car rental desk to collect your vehicle before driving to the beautiful Noosa Heads.
Noosa Heads combines natural beauty with award-winning restaurants and a sleepy-town atmosphere. Listed as an official Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, Noosa is home to a range of pristine natural environments - from waterways full of birdlife to rocky headlands where you can watch whales swim past. Noosa's Main Beach is one of the only north-facing beaches on the east coast of Australia and is calm on most days, Noosa River connects with a series of beautiful lakes and is best experienced by canoe, kayak or river cruise. After exploring the natural wonders, head to Hastings Street - a relaxed, pedestrian-friendly thoroughfare where locals and visitors enjoy shopping, alfresco dining and people-watching.
Day 2: Day at Leisure in Noosa
Today is at leisure and an opportunity to do some independent exploring, or just relax.
Day 3: Drive to Hervey Bay
Today you will make your way from Noosa to Hervey Bay, a drive which takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes (non-stop) however, there will be plenty of place to stop off at along the way including Gympie, famously known as the town which saved Queensland from bankruptcy when James Nash first discovered gold. The town of Gympie is the golden gateway to many other treasures, such as the beautiful Rainbow Beach, which was recently named one of Australia’s top beaches as well as Tin Can Bay.
Continuing on you will head to Maryborough. Steeped in history, Maryborough tells its stories from the past through striking art, statues, heritage buildings, memorials and museums’ surrounding what was once one of Australia's largest ports.
Finally you will arrive in Hervey Bay, the stepping off point to World Heritage listed Fraser Island and the location of some of the world’s best whale watching encounters (late July to early November).
Day 4: Ferry to Fraser Island
Today you will drive to River Heads Jetty where you will leave your car and jump aboard the ferry which will take you across to Fraser Island.
World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is a rare and beautiful destination at the most southern end of the Great Barrier Reef, offering a refreshing change from the hustle of mainland Australia and the resort islands of Queensland’s north. Once there, explore the hundreds of tracks that criss-cross the world's largest sand island. Immerse yourself in the ancient rainforests that flourish in the dune valleys, see the coloured sand cliffs on Seventy-Five Mile Beach or the mirrored lakes ringed with gold, which tempt even the most reluctant swimmers. A major attraction for visitors is the annual migration (Aug-Oct) of majestic humpback whales through the waters of Hervey Bay en route to feeding grounds in Antarctica.
IMPORTANT: You will need to check in at least 40 minutes prior to the ferry departure. There are secure car park facilities adjacent to the reception and are open from 8.00am-6.30pm. Upon check in you will be issued with a secure pin number to gain access. Please note that there is a cost to use these facilities.
Day 5: Full Day Fraser Island Tour
This 8.75 hour tour provides you with the opportunity to learn about the natural and cultural history of Fraser Island. Swim in the crystal clear blue waters of Lake McKenzie, the island's most beautiful perched lake. From Central Station, walk along the banks of Wanggoolba Creek as it flows silently through the rainforest. Marvel at the tall, majestic satinay trees of PileValley. Drive along spectacular Seventy Five Mile Beach. Stop to swim in the cool, fresh Eli Creek. This swift flowing creek, the largest on the eastern beach, spills 80 mega litres of water into the ocean every day. Visit the Maheno shipwreck and marvel at The Coloured Sands of the Pinnacles. See an ancient forest being uncovered as Stonetool Sand Blow moves across the island. You will then return to your accommodation.
Day 6: Day at Leisure in Fraser Island
Today is at leisure and an opportunity to do some independent exploring, or just relax.
Day 7: Return to the Airport
Today you will board the ferry for the return journey to Hervey Bay where you will collect your car and return to Sunshine Coast airport to return your car and depart.
