Experiences

The Great Sunshine Way

Experience the very best of Australia in Southern Queensland through the Great Sunshine Way.

Discover our vibrant capital city Brisbane, World Heritage-listed national parks including Fraser Island, the stunning Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast and the beautiful Southern Queensland Country.

The Great Sunshine Way shines with warm and friendly people, beautiful weather, incredible natural wonders and exhilarating adventure. Cuddle a koala, get close to migrating humpback whales, visit hinterland rainforests and white sandy surf beaches. Whether you desire secluded luxury, exciting city life or a fun holiday, the Great Sunshine Way is a must do Australian experience for all.

Feel welcome, free and alive when you visit the Great Sunshine Way in sun filled Queensland, where Australia shines.

 

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Experience the very best of Australia in Southern Queensland through the Great Sunshine Way.

Discover our vibrant capital city Brisbane, World Heritage-listed national parks including Fraser Island, the stunning Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast and the beautiful Southern Queensland Country.
The Great Sunshine Way shines with warm and friendly people, beautiful weather, incredible natural wonders and exhilarating adventure. Cuddle a koala, get close to migrating humpback whales, visit hinterland rainforests and white sandy surf beaches. Whether you desire secluded luxury, exciting city life or a fun holiday, the Great Sunshine Way is a must do Australian experience for all.
Feel welcome, free and alive when you visit the Great Sunshine Way in sun filled Queensland, where Australia shines.

Natural Encounters

Home to World Heritage-listed wilderness and rich with opportunities to see wildlife at first hand, The Great Sunshine Way offers some of Australia’s most diverse ways to experience nature at its best.
Appreciate the region’s glorious beaches, spectacular geological formations, crystal clear lagoons and ancient rainforests on foot:

• Spend a few hours, or a few days, walking among beautiful national parks
• Trek one of three Great Walks of Queensland in the region
• Hike through the rainforests and mountains of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Hinterlands.

Whether you want to see Australian wildlife in the wild, World Heritage-listed natural attractions or experience breathtaking landscapes, The Great Sunshine Way offers a taste of Australia’s most diverse habitats and up close and personal ways of experiencing nature.

• Cuddle a koala or hand feed kangaroos and wild dolphins
• From July to November take to the waters off Hervey Bay and see humpback whales at play
• Experience the Great Barrier Reef on it southerly island, Lady Elliot Island, which is within easy reach of the Fraser Coast

Local Adventures

Release the adventurer in you and enjoy everything that’s on offer along The Great Sunshine Way. Get your heart racing or simply have fun trying some new adventures unique to the region. Brisbane is a city that thrives on its sunny climate and offers heaps of unique experiences for visitors:

• Scale to the top of Brisbane city’s iconic Story Bridge on one of only three bridge climbs in the world before abseiling off the top
• See the city from a completely different perspective as you kayak along the Brisbane River past beautiful cityscapes and nature reserves.

The local islands and nearby coastal regions offer a myriad of adrenaline-pumping adventures from fantastic snorkelling and diving sites where you can swim amongst colourful fish and ship wrecks to driving a 4x4 off road along some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Some of the more adrenaline fuelled activities are also on offer in this region:

• Get your heart pumping tobogganing down huge sand dunes
• Jet ski along man-made canals  
• Skydive over breathtaking beaches

If you’re heading inland there are also a number of local adventures to choose from such as  

• hot air ballooning over beautiful country and hinterland regions
• experiencing the rugged country life mustering cattle, shearing sheep and milking cows.

At the end of your day, simply sit back and relax with the locals in a country pub.

City Life

Immerse yourself in the relaxed, outdoor lifestyle of two of Australia’s most vibrant and progressive cities - Brisbane and the Gold Coast. The Great Sunshine Way incorporates both these modern cities in addition to coast, country and hinterland regions.

Brisbane is quickly gaining a well-deserved reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting cities. As the capital of the Sunshine State, this bustling metropolis epitomises the Queensland outdoor lifestyle. Beautiful lush parklands are dotted throughout a city whose art, dining and shopping scenes are all thriving. To feel the energy and optimism, just take a wander through any one of the buzzing riverside precincts, including the family-oriented South Bank, funky West End and trendy New Farm.

The Gold Coast on the other hand offers an inviting blend of action, fun, nature and relaxation. Spend your days lazing on the beach, screaming around theme parks, exploring huge outdoor shopping precincts and driving through the luscious hinterland region. Whatever route you choose, one thing is sure, both cities will excite, intrigue and be highlights of your Great Sunshine Way experience.

Fun in the Sun

The year-round warm sun and clear blue skies make it easy to immerse yourself in the relaxed outdoor lifestyle that typifies the Southern Queensland region.

Head to Brisbane where you can laze beneath shady palms and take a dip in Australia’s only inner-city beach and crystal clear lagoon. Or visit the beautiful coastal regions to swim off patrolled beaches, learn to surf, play beach cricket, hire a jet ski, or simply relax on the beautiful warm sands. The Great Sunshine Way also features seven incredible theme parks promising fun for the whole family. Jump on a roller coaster, splash out at a water park or go nose to nose with Australia’s wildlife at one of the many animal encounters. And at the end of a long day what better way to finish than at a typical Aussie pub. Sit back, soak up the atmosphere and share a yarn and a cold beer with the locals.

Laid-back Luxury

With luxury resorts and hotels, shopping to rival anywhere in the world, wineries, spas, championship golf courses and top quality food and wine, The Great Sunshine Way boasts some of Australia’s premium holiday experiences.
Stay in a stylish holiday house with private beach, sleep in a rainforest tree house, or enjoy indulge at an award-winning luxury hotel. Pampering experiences are also in no short supply along The Great Sunshine Way with a wide range of spa resorts and day spa facilities offering traditional and unique treatments in stunning natural surroundings.
From first class restaurants to fresh seafood on the beach, cooking classes and stunning hinterland wineries, there’s something to whet everyone’s appetite. And for that spot of retail therapy, wander through arts and crafts markets, shop at chic boutiques for designer labels, or check out the art galleries in the hinterland regions. You’ll be sure to find that perfect Queensland souvenir to take home for family and friends.

Getting Around

Various modes of transport are available on the Great Sunshine Way so it's easy to combine different transport options in one itinerary. Here are some tips to make your journey more than just a drive.

• Take the Tilt Train anywhere between Brisbane and Hervey Bay for a fast and relaxing way to explore the coast
• Join a local day tour to one of many tourist attractions, wine areas, national parks or beaches
• Organise a charter flight for personalized, quick transport to your chosen destinations
• Ferry around Moreton Bay and the surrounding islands from Brisbane
• Embark on one of three Great Walks - through the Gold Coast’s World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest, on Fraser Island or the Sunshine Coast

Must Do Experiences

• Experience the energising outdoor adventures of Riverlife Adventure Centre on the Brisbane River
• Take a tour down the river on one of the many boats, cruises and ferries that service the city
• Climb the Story Bridge and abseil off it for the ultimate urban thrill
• Try Queenslander’s favourite ale, XXXX, at Queensland’s oldest brewery
• Follow the food and wine trails for fresh produce and cellar door wines in the Southern Queensland Country
• Cuddle a koala or hand feed kangaroos and wild dolphins throughout the region – at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Tangalooma, just to name a few
• Visit Australia Zoo, the home of the late Crocodile Hunter – perfect as a day trip ex Brisbane or Noosa. 
• Go on a whale watching cruise along the Fraser Coast from July to November – tours also depart from Brisbane and the Gold Coast
• Explore the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef at Lady Elliot Island – within easy reach of the Great Sunshine Way
• Kayak the peaceful waters of the Noosa Everglades – an undiscovered gem just North of Noosa
• Discover the world’s largest sand islands – Fraser, Moreton, North and South Stradbroke – all within easy reach of Brisbane
• Discover the rare beauty of ancient Gondwana Rainforests on a guided tour of World Heritage-listed wilderness areas in the Hinterland 
• Unwind with a spa treatment at a worldclass resort or rainforest retreat
• Experience a contemporary interpretation of Queensland’s Indigenous dance cultures and enjoy a captivating night-time performance at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary