The best way to see Australia
It’s a given that Australia has some of the hottest beaches in the world, so why not lap it up on a roadtrip?
That’s the idea behind a new initiative known as Australia’s Great Beach Drive, launched to provide over 200km of stunning beach driving, capturing the crème de la crème of our coastlines, scenery and wildlife.
The drive is slightly biased in that it only takes in Queensland’s Sunshine and Fraser coasts, but hey, these beaches are pretty gorgeous so why not?
The touring route is steeped in culture and Aussie history, covering two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage-listed Marine Park, and the largest sand island in the world.
Kicked off by the Sunshine and Fraser Coast tourism teams to jointly market their regions, the itinerary involves six drives that can be tailored to meet specific interests and time spans of visitors.
The new product provides full details of self-drive 4WD options or guided tours across the region, with fact-sheets and links available via the website.
“Not only is this a very exciting product to promote Australia’s Nature Coast, it is launched at a time when petrol prices have come down dramatically, making it a very affordable way of discovering the best of Australia’s coastline,” Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd’s COE Simon Ambrose said.
“The Great Beach Drive will be a showcase for the region’s spectacular beaches, sublime climate, dramatic scenery, our abundant range of water activities, our high quality seafood and our relaxed, laid back lifestyle.”
While subject to tidal and weather conditions, the Great Beach Drive is suitable for most experienced off-road drivers, and the sections or the entire route can be covered in anything from half a day, a long weekend to a full week, depending on the activities undertaken during the drive.
The drive revs up in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast, where travellers can cruise through the beachside village with a kayak, canoe or cruise of the Noosa Everglades.
They can then take to their four wheel drive (4WD) for a trek on the ‘beach highway’ to Rainbow Beach, where there’s always the chance they might spot wildlife in the form of whales, dolphins, birds of prey, kangaroos and monitor lizards.
Other pit-stops include Fraser Island, which is accessed by ferry, and boasts a feast of 4WD routes, as well as water and other adventure sports, along with Australia’s famous dingo.
The north point of the Great Beach Drive is the historic city of Maryborough, with beautifully preserved colonial streets that were home to the creator of Mary Poppins, and where visitors can follow in her footsteps on the Magical Mary Trail.
Fraser Coast Opportunities GM David Spear said the combo of accessibility and diversity has made the Great Beach Drive the best way to experience our coastal treasures.
“The range of itineraries will provide flexibility, allowing everything from long-weekends to those who want to explore the region in far greater depth.”
“We will build on the international renown of Fraser Island by offering a new structured product that will provide a very compelling structured itinerary that will allow visitors to discover the attractions of the Fraser Coast and surrounding region.”
For further information on the Great Beach Drive such as tide times, track conditions, safety guidelines, camping, permits and images visit www.australiasnaturecoast.com.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
australia fraser island great beach drive Sunshine CoastLatest News
Travel DAZE Exec Agenda REVEALED: top execs to speak on airline competition
As the industry reels from Bonza's implosion, it is more important than ever to ask the big questions.
Skroo says Rex will need deep pockets to fill lost Bonza slots
The door is open for Rex, and anyone else who wants to launch a regional Aussie airline...
Hilton Expands Presence in North Queensland with the signing of Hilton Garden Inn Townsville
Heading to a North Queensland Cowboys clash? Hilton Garden Inn Townsville is set to open, but not until 2026.
Amy Poehler joins Vivid Sydney event
Oh Joy! Hit comedian Amy Poehler will make an emotional appearance at the Sydney Opera House for Vivid.
Emirates unveils future plans with new hub at Al Maktoum International Airport
We've also been looking into our future. It involves plenty of famils, we hope.
Two thirds of Australians support introduction of tourism tax, survey reveals
Can you guess which generation was the most outraged at the news? Hint: It is exactly who you think!
“The consumer really just wanted more classic reward availability” – customers underwhelmed by Qantas FF shakeup
All this consumer wants is to sit behind someone that doesn't push their seat back to near-horizontal levels.
Aussie travellers warned of ‘significant’ visa shifts in destinations including Chile, US and Vietnam
To be honest are biggest advice for having a layover in the US, is just don't.
Profile: Delta CEO Ed Bastian
Bastian says the airline business isn't for the faint hearted. We're sure Alan Joyce would agree!
Final Call: Travel DAZE Exec early birds are about to expire
Much like the auctioneer at the hottest sale of the year, we're giving you one more chance to jump at this deal!
Forget the weekend! Experience Gold Coast launches mid-week travel campaign
Your boss might be a bit bothered if you jet off mid-week, but you'll be the envy of all of your Instagram followers.
Victorian Tourism Industry Council warns of losing tourism dollars to NSW & QLD
Trendy cafe's hidden in CBD laneways can only get so many tourism dollars, clearly!
AIME 2024 rustles up $330m for APAC economy
This figure is a 65 per cent increase on 2023, much alike The Nibbler staff's alcohol consumption.
Amex GBT to purchase CWT for $871m
It's big deals like this that get a firm handshake - hence the sore hands over at the CWT and Amex GBT offices.
Boeing cleanout: CEO, chair to go as safety crisis plagues the manufacturer
CEOs are falling thick and fast these days. We should have started up a bingo game with their headshots in the office.
Star boss resigns, admits retaining NSW casino licence unlikely under his leadership
The CEO resigned after 18 months in the role. 'Another one bites the dust' rumoured to be heard playing in Pyrmont.
Corporate Traveller swings amateur golfers around the globe for World Golf Competition
How're your golf skills? Consider yourself a Tiger Woods or often get quadruple bogeys? We take after the latter.
Corporate travellers to spend big on Melbourne F1 despite financial pressures
Part of the attraction is sick days after the event as corporate travellers suffer creaked necks and blown eardrums.
Bonza officially kicks off Gold Coast-Darwin route
The Flying Purple Thumb is back at it with another route. We swear, we're going to make this nickname stick!
South West Sydney Tourism launches Western Sydney Tourism Awards
Penrith's 3 consecutive NRL premierships wasn't enough? The people of Western Sydney could fill the trophy cabinet more!
Hotels vs. Airbnb: Industry leaders at odds over who should pay accommodation levy
There's not as much gore in the Hotels vs. Airbnb saga as there is in Alien vs. Predator, but it's just as thrilling!
Singapore Airlines revamps premium economy with new menu, amenity kit
Felt Singapore Airlines was lacking "the sauce" (as the kids say). Bolster belief in the carrier's je na sais quoi here.
Business Events Adelaide set for 20th Destination SA event
Destination SA turns 20! Hopefully it's not celebrated with vodka cruisers and vapes like most 20th birthdays.
Boeing’s woes delay massive Virgin Australia order
This delay means Virgin staffers will be without that new plane smell, inspiring us to sell it in a can.
All the winners from the 2023 Qantas Australian Tourism Awards
Somehow missed this news recently? Good thing you're subscribed to our fabulous newsletter!
Corporate international travel from Brisbane up 30% YOY: Flight Centre
Queenslanders seem keen to go somewhere that actually serves good beer! Sorry, we actually like Great Northern.
Amora Brisbane undergoes $30m remodelling, geared up for MICE offerings
When $30m goes into an amazing hotel to get it geared up for MICE offerings, that's amore!
Corporate Travel Management’s CEO Laura Ruffles steps down
CTM confirmed that Ruffles will be stepping down due to a personal health issue, effective immediately.
Qatar Airways crowned World’s Best MICE Airline at World MICE Awards
You could say Qatar Airways really 'nabbed the cheese' with this one! Alright, we'll see ourselves out...
Qantas, Jetstar & Virgin hike airfares as supplier costs inflate
Supplier increases means you'll pay more. It's like pass the parcel, but instead of getting a present, you owe money.
NSW Central Coast wins global sustainability award for promoting ecotourism at ITB
NSW Central Coast jumped the gun on St. Patricks Day and got the green celebrations going early!
PHOTOS: RuPaul’s Drag Race stars hit Kings Canyon for Priscilla’s 30th anniversary
The stars have renamed the iconic spot 'Queens Canyon'. No name change to the adjacent 'Priscilla's Crack', however.
Air NZ to suspend Auckland-Chicago route amid aircraft troubles
Sorry Kiwis, your craving for authentic deep dish pizza will go unsatiated (or you could just fly with another airline).
Tasmanian Premier promises to build the world’s largest chocolate fountain if re-elected
If only sticky 6-year-old children could vote. Then the Tassie Premier would be guaranteed a victory!
The staggering amount invested in 2022/23 Australian tourism projects revealed!
Any guesses on how much it was? We'll give you a hint: It's between $1 and $9 trillion (hope this helps).
Marriott’s Bonvoy Lounge makes it a 5-peat at Formula 1 in Melbourne
If Formula 1 is so good, then why isn't there a Formula 2? Oh there is one... Never mind.