A Taste Of: Queensland and Sydney - Forests, beaches and Fraser Island

The quintessential Aussie city, Sydney with its surroundings is truly a world in itself and the only city in Australia to show its two hundred years of European history in the old stone walls of The Rocks. A unique city that lives beyond its sparkling harbour and beaches, and shows its true soul in the diverse neighbourhoods, with a sophisticated cosmopolitan population, but also the largest Aboriginal community of any Australian city.

Fraser Island: it is the largest sand island in the world, almost entirely covered by rainforest. Here lives the purest breed of dingo that remains in Eastern Australia, and during the right season, it is a privileged place to spot humpback whales with their calves.

Noosa: it is a refined and romantic tourist destination located at the eastern tip of the Sunshine Coast. You fall in love with its beaches, the river, the green hinterland, the relaxed atmosphere, the elegant boutiques, and small restaurants. Throughout the year, a series of festivals, events, and markets brighten up the days.

(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: characterized by dense rainforest, ancient trees, waterfalls, gorges, and caves. It is a paradise for birdwatchers. There are over 150 km of trails, lookout points, and picnic areas. Don't miss a walk on the Tree Top Walk, suspended 15 meters above the ground, among the treetops.

Lamington National Park > Brisbane (155km / approximately 2.5 hours). Life in Brisbane takes place outdoors. The capital of the state of Queensland, also known as the Sunshine State, invites you to experience the city through food, art, and adventure. A fascinating blue lagoon in the city center? Exactly. Streets Beach, an artificially created beach, offers white sand, crystal-clear water, and refreshing swims. South Bank is Brisbane's cultural district, hosting world-class theater performances. Under the Story Bridge, one of the city's most iconic structures, on the banks of the Brisbane River, there are several places to eat or have a beer: Howard Smith Wharves is the ideal place for a drink and dinner; Felons, a brewery-pub with outdoor seating and river views.

Hamilton Island: One of the 74 tropical islands off the coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, in the Whitsunday archipelago. It is the largest of the inhabited islands (4.5km in length and 3km in width). It is located 16 km from the coast and about 80% of the island is covered in tropical vegetation, inhabited by many animals, including kangaroos and parrots. The island is a true holiday village, with a wide range of accommodations and buildings, from skyscrapers to bungalows, amidst vast gardens, on the beach or marina. It has 16 restaurants and takeaways, offering different cuisines, and 6 swimming pools. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef (about an hour's boat ride away) and nearby islands depart daily, and there are many sports activities available: water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, tennis, fishing, hiking, whale watching (from mid-July to September), scenic flights, and diving. Climate: Hamilton Island is located at the same latitude as Mauritius. In the hottest months (December, January, and February), the average temperature is around 30°C, while in winter (June, July, and August) it is around 23°C.