AUSTRALIA'S EAST COAST

I've fallen completely in love with Australia's East Coast after exploring it twice now – first in October 2022, and most recently in late 2024 when I decided to focus on island-hopping along the Great Barrier Reef. There's something magical about this coastline that keeps drawing me back!

My recent journey began in Brisbane at The Point before flying to Lady Elliot Island for two incredible nights in a reef suite. This tiny coral cay sits at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, and swimming with manta rays here was genuinely one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Watching these graceful creatures glide past me underwater felt like being in another world entirely.

From there, I headed to K'gari (Fraser Island) and stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort. As the world's largest sand island, K'gari is unlike anywhere else – we bounced along 75 Mile Beach in a 4WD, cooled off in the impossibly clear waters of Lake McKenzie, and I even spotted a dingo from a safe distance!

If I had to pick a favourite spot (which is nearly impossible), Heron Island would win my heart. I spent three wonderful nights there and loved being able to step directly onto the reef at low tide. The island does important work with turtle conservation too, and the stargazing was simply breathtaking without city lights spoiling the view.

Hamilton Island offered a different vibe with my self-catering apartment giving me the flexibility to either cook or enjoy the island's lovely restaurants. The Whitsundays region is ridiculously photogenic – Whitehaven Beach with its swirling white sands looks exactly like those perfect postcards!

I've also explored Green Island (perfect for a day trip from Cairns), and Magnetic Island where a 10km hike rewarded me with sightings of wild koala families – such a special moment! Of course, no Queensland trip would be complete without visiting Australia Zoo, where Steve Irwin's conservation legacy lives on.

My journey continued north to Cape Tribulation Safari Lodge, where I experienced something truly special – the ancient Daintree Rainforest literally meets the Great Barrier Reef. Going crocodile spotting on the Daintree River was both thrilling and slightly terrifying – these creatures are seriously impressive up close!

A place many travellers overlook is Yeppoon, a charming coastal town near Rockhampton. It makes the perfect stopover between Brisbane and Cairns, with access to Great Keppel Island – a quieter, less-visited slice of the Great Barrier Reef that feels wonderfully peaceful.

My top tip for anyone planning their own Australian adventure is to remember just how massive the country is! Don't try to see everything in one trip – each region deserves time to be properly explored and enjoyed. Driving is wonderfully straightforward (on the left, just like home), and the current exchange rate makes Australia surprisingly affordable for dining, shopping and activities.

Australia truly delivers on its bucket list promise – whether you're face-to-face with marine life on the Great Barrier Reef, spotting koalas in the wild, or watching the sunset paint the sky from a beautiful coastal viewpoint. It's a place that gets under your skin in the best possible way, and I'm already dreaming about my next visit to explore the west coast and Uluru!

Having explored Australia's stunning East Coast twice now, I'd be thrilled to share my insider knowledge to help create your perfect Australian adventure.

Whether you're drawn to the Great Barrier Reef's underwater wonders, the unique wildlife experiences, or those picture-perfect beaches, Australia offers something truly special. Visit me at our Sevenoaks branch, ring me on 01732 914 900, or email sevenoaks@ashdowntravel.co.uk to start planning your own Australian journey – it might just become your favourite destination too!

Warmest wishes,

Dhara

< Older Post

Newer Post >