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Australia’s Nature Coast

Australia’s Nature Coast is full of surprises, but perhaps none more so than its incredible diversity of flora and fauna. Most people are quick to point out the world-famous beaches, but the immense variety of natural wonder astounds both locals and visitors alike. Just a few kilometres from the busy coastal towns, you’ll discover nature bursting with colour, intricate textures and evocative sounds and smells.

Let us introduce you here to the places you can discover, or view our calendar of wildlife events for the region.

The Blackall Range

Around 90 minutes drive north of Brisbane, the Blackall Range is one of the most dramatic terrains in Queensland, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains, with lush valleys to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east. It is also home to Kondalilla National Park, where you can stroll amongs verdant rainforest, tall eucalypt trees, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges and boulder-strewn creeks.

There is plenty of bird life to enjoy including, among others, a variety of honeyeaters, cockatoos and parrots. Listen for the distinctive call of the eastern whipbird and enjoy watching peregrine falcons soaring beneath cliff-top views. Closer to the ground, keep your eyes peeled for echidna, goannas and frogs.

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat is the perfect hideaway from which to explore the whole area. Set against a backdrop of subtropical rainforest, the six luxurious cottages complete with large private verandahs allow you to immerse yourself in nature. Awake to the delightful dawn chorus and relax in a hammock while king parrots chatter on a nearby feeder. Frequent night-time visitors include ring-tailed possum and sugar gliders.

Hervey Bay and Fraser Island

Three hours easy drive further north you reach Hervey Bay, the gateway to Fraser Island. Accessible by ferry and navigable by 4x4, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the world’s largest sand island, and is recognised for its exceptional natural beauty. 250 kilometres of sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see and spectacular dune blow-outs – the dunes are constantly on the move in the prevailing winds – feature alongside ethereal rainforest. Wallum heathland, towering eucalypt forest, inviting azure and emerald-coloured freshwater lakes, and mangrove swamps all contribute to this wonderful mosaic landscape.

One of Fraser Island's most famous inhabitants is the dingo. Similar to a domestic dog in appearance, it is in fact more closely related to the Asian wolf. Those found on Fraser Island are believed to be some of the most genetically pure in Australia.

The island is home to another 47 mammals, many of which are nocturnal – these include the swamp wallaby, small-eared mountain possum and the delightful sugar glider (a marsupial possum). The wide range of habitats provides different food sources, nesting and breeding areas to more than 350 species of birds. Dolphins, dugongs, stingrays and turtles are regularly sighted off the island’s shores, and from August to October migrating humpback whales frequent the surrounding waters.

Kingfisher Bay Resort

Kingfisher Bay Resort is the perfect base from which to explore Fraser Island. A whole range of activities enable you to explore on foot, by kayak, four-wheel-drive vehicle, and even from the air.

Lady Elliot Island

Another gem of the area is Lady Elliott Island, the southernmost island in the Great Barrier Reef. Here you can snorkel with manta rays which inhabit the waters year round. Turtles nest on the island between November and March, whale sharks and humpback whales visit, and it is a paradise for birders.

Australia's Nature Coast really is full of surprises – but don’t just take my word for it, go and find out for yourself.

View our suggested itinerary to Australia's Nature Coast or contact us to find out how we can tailor a trip to suit your exact requirements.