Fraser island, foreste, spiagge e surf

Spread along the bends of the Brisbane River in the subtropical heart of Queensland, Brisbane is a sunny, fast-growing capital with a young and laid-back character. On the south bank of the river lies South Bank, an urban park with the swimmable Streets Beach, art galleries and the Wheel of Brisbane; across the water rise the city’s towers and the Botanic Gardens. The hills of Mount Coot-tha offer views over the city and bushland trails, while neighbourhoods such as Fortitude Valley and West End pulse with bars, markets and multicultural cuisine. A mild climate year-round favours outdoor living, from river cruises to day trips. Brisbane is also the gateway to the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast and to koala sanctuaries like Lone Pine. A city with a tropical flavour and infectious energy, it invites you to live outdoors under the Queensland sun.

Departure towards the north along the Bruce Highway, following an itinerary that allows access to deserted beaches, virgin forests, tropical islands, and fishing villages. Along the way, stop in Maryborough, known for some rare examples of typical architecture from the past centuries. Arrival in Hervey Bay, a base for excursions to Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. (Approximately 290km / 4.5 hours). Hervey Bay stretches along a sheltered stretch of the Queensland coast, protected by the calm waters of its namesake bay and renowned as one of the world's great whale-watching capitals. From July to November, humpback whales pass through these tranquil waters on their migration, offering close encounters that draw travellers from across the globe. Above all, the town is the gateway to Fraser Island (K'gari), the largest sand island on Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where rainforests grow on sand, wild dingoes roam the beaches and crystal-clear lakes such as Lake McKenzie invite a swim. Between long walks along the pier, fresh seafood and sunsets over the ocean, Hervey Bay is the perfect base from which to explore one of the most extraordinary corners of Australian nature.

Car retrieval and route along State Road 57 and the Bruce Highway to Pomona. From there, State Road 6 leads to the elegant Noosa (159km/2h). An elegant seaside resort on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Noosa combines golden beaches, rainforest and a refined, laid-back lifestyle. The heart of the town is Hastings Street, a lively avenue of boutiques, cafés and restaurants overlooking Main Beach, a gathering place for surfers and families alike. A short walk away stretches Noosa National Park, where coastal trails cross eucalypt woodland to reach hidden bays such as Tea Tree Bay, home to koalas and dolphins. Inland, the Noosa River Everglades invite kayak explorations through mirror-still channels. With its chic atmosphere and pristine nature, Noosa is a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation, sea and wellbeing.

(255km / about 3.5 hours). The legendary Bruce Highway is followed all the way to Brisbane. From here, continue along State Route 13 to the heart of Lamington National Park, part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area. Lamington National Park spreads across the green highlands of the Queensland hinterland, south of Brisbane, guarding at the heart of Australia's Gondwana rainforests a precious corner of nature recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Ancient subtropical rainforest, hidden waterfalls and a wealth of walking trails make it a paradise for hikers and birdwatchers. Among tree ferns, Antarctic beech and brilliantly coloured birds, the park offers views suspended among the clouds. An ideal destination to lose yourself in the continent's most ancient nature, far from the bustle of the coast.

Golden beaches, perfect waves and a bohemian spirit make Byron Bay one of Australia’s best-loved coastal destinations, in northern New South Wales. Its lighthouse, perched on Cape Byron, marks the easternmost point of the continent and offers one of the country’s most scenic sunsets, often enlivened by dolphins and, in season, migrating whales. The town cultivates a laid-back atmosphere of surfing, markets, organic cafés and a vibrant arts and food scene. Inland, the green hills of the hinterland hide alternative villages and waterfalls tucked into the rainforest. Byron Bay is an invitation to freedom, between sea, nature and creativity.