Great Beach DriveAustralia’s Nature Coast

Queensland, Australia

Great BeachDrive

BRISBANE

SYDNEY

Fraser CoastSunshine Coast

EU MUN D

I-NO O

SA

M1

Lake Borumba

Lake MacDonald

LakeCooroibah

Mary River

LakeCootharaba

BORUMBA MOUNTAIN 624m

KENILWORTHBLUFF 456m

MT KANDANGA 576mMT COOROY 427m

MT TEITSEL 454m

MT WOLVI 387mCOONDOO 289 m

BR

UC

E

HIG

HW

AY

Great Sandy National Park

MT PINBARRENNATIONAL PARK

MapletonNambour

Sunshine Coast Airport

Coolum Beach

Noosa Heads

M1

M1

Yandina

Bli Bli

Imbil

Cooroy

Pomona

PinbarrenCooran

Teewah Coloured Sands

Gympie

Inskip Point Hook Point

Rainbow Beach

FRASER ISLAND

GreatSandyStrait PACIFIC

OCEAN

KidmanCreek

Kenilworth

River Heads

Maryborough

Hervey BayChilders

KingfisherBay

Lake McKenzie

Eurong

Central Station

MT BAUPLENATIONAL

PARK

NORTH

SOUTH

EASTWEST

M1

M1

POONANATIONAL PARK

Tin Can Bay

Eumundi

To Caloundra & Brisbane

Tewantin

To Cairns

ToIndian Head

CORALSEA

Maleny

Maroochydore

Montville

Great Sandy Biosphere

Noosa Biosphere

Bruce Highway

Great Beach Drive

Beach Driving

Vehicle Ferry

Whether you prefer luxury accommodation, camping under the stars, or you’re simply ready for an adventure, the Great Beach Drive has something for you.

Hire your own 4WD vehicle*, or for those who want the experience of driving on sand but with the added reassurance of a trained guide close by, tag-along tours offer a great compromise. Fully guided touring itineraries are offered by a number of companies from budget to luxury, and are also outlined on page 7 of this guide.

Imagine...the freedom and pure exhilaration of driving on miles and miles (and miles) of white sandy beach. Sparkling Pacific Ocean on one side and natural Australian bushland on the other. Escape the boring bitumen and try a unique once in a life time driving experience on Queensland’s Great Beach Drive!

The Great Beach Drive connects the Sunshine Coast with Fraser Island (K’Gari) and the Fraser Coast and forms a large part of Australia’s Nature Coast.

With over 200 kilometers of stunning beach driving, you’ll be surrounded by whales, turtles and rare bird species. This tourist drive is steeped in Australian indigenous and pioneering history and encompasses two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, a World Heritage Marine park and the largest sand island in the world.

Great Beach DriveAustralia’s Nature Coast

Permits are required

Always check tides

QLD

2

www.parks.nprsr.qld.gov.au/permits/

www.msq.qld.gov.au/Tides/Tide-tables.aspx

Great Beach Drive 3

Great Beach Drive3 Day Itinerary

Did you know? Fraser Island (K’Gari) is the largest sand island in the world

Day One Pick up your 4WD and check in with Queensland Parks and Wildlife at the Great Sandy Information Centre, 240 Moorindil Street, Tewantin, to purchase permits, check weather, sand conditions and tide times.

Take the vehicle ferry from Noosa to Noosa North Shore, southern gateway to the Great Beach Drive. Take the third sand exit onto one of the most exhilarating highways in the world.

You are now entering the Great Sandy Biosphere so stop for a picnic morning tea at the coloured sands at Teewah.

Continue north to Inskip Point and check tide times before proceeding into Rainbow Beach, where your very own camp will have been set up for you for the night by Rainbow Ultimate Camping. Packages include complete setup and pack down of your campsite (pitch & pack), camping permits and everything needed to cook, sleep and eat with. Watch the sunset from your tent and enjoy a night under the stars!

Inskip Peninsula Recreation Area lies opposite the southern tip of Fraser Island (K’Gari), at the entrance to Tin Can Bay. Bounded by the Pacific Ocean on its eastern side and the sheltered waters of Tin Can Bay and Great Sandy Strait to the west, most of the peninsula is managed for nature-based recreation.

Overnight Accommodation Rainbow Ultimate Camping www.rainbow-beachhire-a-camp.com.au

Day Two Leave your tent behind and head north from Inskip Point across to Hook Point, the southern end of Fraser Island (K’Gari).

Enjoy a scenic drive and if time permits head north to Eli Creek and the Maheno Shipwreck.

Check into your accommodation at Eurong Beach Resort.

Overnight Accommodation Eurong Beach Resort

www.eurong.com.au

Day Three

Depart Eurong and head inland on the Great Beach Drive, across the island towards Kingfisher Bay Resort. Stopping at Central Station, home to a logging community of more than 100 people in the 1920’s. Walk along the boardwalk that fringes the silently flowing and crystal clear Wanggoolba Creek.

Drive into magnificent Lake McKenzie, one of the most well-known freshwater lakes on the island, with its pure white sand and crystal clear water. Continue on to Wanggoolba Creek and take the vehicle ferry to the mainland, arriving at River Head. From here it is a short drive in to Hervey Bay.

Hervey Bay is a water sports mecca, so spend the afternoon on the water learning to kite surf, jetski or kayak or head out on a fishing charter or dolphin watching cruise.

Overnight Accommodation Mantra - Hervey Bay

www.mantra.com.au

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Naturally Luxurious Great Beach Drive4 Day Itinerary

Day 1Arrive into Sunshine Coast airport, and be met by your private car and a driver for your transfer to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, taking time to stop at Kondalilla Falls National Park. The falls (named after an Aboriginal word meaning ‘running water’) drop 90m through dense subtropical rainforest - an area that is home to 100 different species of birds. Visit the charming towns of Montville and Maleny for stunning views, rainforest walks and fresh local produce. Enjoy lunch at Flame Hill Vineyard while tasting some of South East Queensland’s finest wines.

Next stop, prior to your check in, is Maleny Botanic Gardens, situated on 110 acres, surrounded by magnificent rainforest with spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains.

Check into your luxury accommodation at Spicers Clovelly Estate (Montville) or Spicers Tamarind (Maleny) and enjoy an afternoon of pampering in Spa Anise (Spicer’s Tamarind) or for a luxury bed and breakfast experience, Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat, Montville.

Spicers offers transfers between the two properties for dinner reservations. Choose from the degustation menu at the award winning ‘Long Apron’ Restaurant at Spicers Clovelly Estate or ‘The Tamarind’ restaurant at Spicers Tamarind, specialising in modern Asian cuisine that tips its well-deserved Chef Hats awards to Western presentation and palates.

Overnight Accommodation Spicers Clovelly Estate www.spicersretreats.com

Spicers Tamarind www.spicersretreats.com/spicers-tamarind-retreat

Narrows Escape Rainforest Retreat www.narrowsescape.com.au

Day 2Enjoy your leisurely breakfast, check out and be met by your private car and driver for the drive north to Noosa and the start of your 4WD personalised touring experience with Surf and Sand Safaris, complete with gourmet hamper.

Cross the Noosa River on the vehicle ferry at Tewantin and disembark at Noosa North Shore.

Stop to view the coloured sands at Teewah and then onto Double Island Point. Head up to the lighthouse to look for humpback whales migrating along the Queensland coastline to Hervey Bay from during July-November.

Drive into Rainbow Beach, nestled between Fraser Island, Cooloola National Park and the expansive Pacific Ocean. Here you will be unable to tear yourself away from the breathtaking 360 degree views that greet you from atop the massive Carlo Sandblow, a natural moonscape of sand, derived from Cooloola’s ancient sands that have accumulated and eroded over thousands of years, creating a sand covering of over 15 hectares. Join your hosts from Rainbow Ocean Palms as they take you on a guided sunset walk up to the Carlo Sandblow complete with sunset drinks and gourmet nibbles. Enjoy watching the spectacular sunset over Tin Can Bay.

Return to Rainbow Ocean Palms and enjoy your into your 1-3 bedroom penthouse accommodation.

Overnight Accommodation Rainbow Ocean Palms Penthouses www.rainbowoceanpalms.com.au

Great Beach Drive 5

Day 3Wake up to the sounds of the local birdlife before being picked up in style by Fraser Experience in their luxurious, air conditioned 4x4 H3 Hummer, heading for Fraser Island (K’Gari).

This small group touring experience (maximum 4 passengers in a vehicle), includes morning tea, an individual picnic hamper lunch on one of Australia’s most spectacular beaches and sumptuous afternoon tea including champagne and chocolates. The tour highlights include:

• Central Station rainforest • Lake McKenzie • Famous 75 Mile Beach • Eli Creek • The Coloured Sands and The Maheno Shipwreck

Door to door service is a trade mark of this experienced tour company who will take you to your Hervey Bay accommodation at

Akama Resort, nestled among lush tropical gardens exuding an atmosphere of peace and tranquility and just a stone’s throw from the Marina bars, club, shopping, beaches and restaurants where fine food will titillate even the most discerning palette.

Overnight Accommodation Akama Resort www.akamaresort.com.au

Day 4Take the time to enjoy breakfast complete with water views at Enzo’s on the Beach on the esplanade in Hervey Bay before transferring by private car to Hervey Bay Airport for the next leg of your journey.

Did you know? All male whales sing the same whale song and the song changes each year.

Day 1 Arrive into Hervey Bay from the north, perhaps following a romantic interlude on Lady Elliot Island.

In season, experience the best whale watching Australia has to offer with a half day cruise with Tasman Venture (April - November). Get up close and personal with the majestic humpback whales in Hervey Bay’s world heritage marine park, and enjoy very close encounters with these giants of the sea. The luxurious 20 metre catamaran is especially designed for whale watching, with clear viewing decks, underwater viewing windows, hydrophone, unique viewing platform and underwater camera. Out of season, you can have a similar experience with dolphins.

Enjoy dinner and sunset drinks with views along the Esplanade or, if overnighting at Akama Resort take the short stroll across the road to Hervey Bay Marina with offers a variety of dining options.

Alternatively, check into your romantic bed and breakfast accommodation designed for relaxation and reconnection.

Overnight Accommodation Alexander Lakeside B&B www.lakesidebedandbreakfast.com.au

Akama Resort www.akamaresort.com.au

Villa Cavour www.villacavour.com.au

Variety of dining options available in Hervey Bay.

Day 2 Rise and shine early for your pick up with Fraser Experience Tours. Tour Fraser Island (K’Gari) in a Hummer that promises exclusivity and style and personalised service from experienced and friendly guides. Tour highlights include:

• Central Station rainforest • Lake McKenzie • Famous 75 Mile Beach • Eli Creek • The Coloured Sands • The Maheno Shipwreck

Arrive at Kingfisher Bay Resort and relax with a couples massage at the Kingfisher Natural Therapies salon.

Overnight in a roantic villa at Kingfisher Bay Resort and enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner at Seabelle Restaurant where you can sample exclusive Australian indigenous foods.

Overnight Accommodation Kingfisher Bay Resort www.kingfisherbay.com

Day 3Have a day of rest or relaxation at Kingfisher Bay Resort or alternatively tailor your own tour with a personal driver and take in some of the lesser known locations and sights of Fraser Island (K’Gari). The staff at Kingfisher Bay Resort will be delighted to customise the trip to suit your tastes - sandy secluded beaches, bush walking, valleys with giant trees, shipwrecks or if you just want a spot with a view to take some happy snaps – they’re happy to accommodate. Picnic lunch is included with options to add a bottle of bubbly or nice wine if the mood takes you.

In the evening enjoy the four-hour fireside dining experience called Flames of Fraser. (Wed and Fri only).

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Naturally Romantic Great Beach Drive5 Day Itinerary

Did you know? Aboriginal legend known as “dreamtime” tells us that the coloured sands were formed as part of a very poignant love story, that unfortunately did not end well.

Sip sparkling wine as a mango-coloured sun sets over the Great Sandy Strait before indulging in a bush tucker taste sensation as day turns to dusk.

Overnight Accommodation Kingfisher Bay Resort www.kingfisherbay.com

Day 4Hire your own 4WD from Kingfisher Bay Resort and drive across the island and join the Great Beach Drive south along 75 Mile Beach to the southern most part of the island, Hook Point and take the 4WD across on the barge to Inskip Point and into Rainbow Beach.

Be sure to take a picnic rug and enjoy the magnificent sunset from the top of Carlo Sandblow.

Head back into Inskip Point (10 minutes’ drive) to your romantic private campsite, where your deluxe tent (and champagne) is awaiting your arrival.

Variety of dining options available in Rainbow Beach.

Overnight Accommodation Rainbow Beach Ultimate Camping www.rainbow-beach-hire-a-camp.com.au

Day 5Wake up with the birds and enjoy the feeling of not having to pack up your tent, just set off when ready, to explore the remainder of the Great Beach Drive.

Depart Rainbow Beach ensuring that you check the tide times and beach conditions before driving the Leisha Track to Double Island Point, taking the time to walk up to the

lighthouse for spectacular panoramic views.In season (Jul to Nov), spot a humpback whale as this part of the coast becomes a “Whale Highway” as the humpback whales migrate up the Queensland coast and into Hervey Bay.

This stretch of the highway is home to the Great Sandy Biosphere, supporting 38 different species of shorebirds (18 of which have migrated from overseas).

Head south along the Great Beach highway to Noosa North shore and our other Biosphere, the Noosa Biosphere– stopping at the coloured sands at Teewah.

Take the vehicle ferry from Noosa North Shore into Noosa.

Overnight Accommodation Noosa International Resort www.noosainternationalresort.com

Great Beach Drive 7

Tour CompaniesCool Dingo Tours – www.cooldingotour.com

Drop Bear Adventures – www.dropbearadventures.com.au

Fraser Explorer Tours – www.fraserexplorertours.com.au

Fraser Experience Tours – www.fraserexperience.com

Fraser Island Adventure Tours – www.fraserislandadventuretours.com.au

Noosa Safaris – www.noosasafaris.com.au

Palace Adventures – www.palaceadventures.com.au

Rainbow to Noosa Shuttle – www.rainbow2noosa.com

Surf and Sand Safaris www.surfandsandsafaris.com.au

The Discovery group – www.thedriscoverygroup.com.au

Tag along ToursFraser’s on Rainbow Beach www.frasersonrainbow.com/fraser-island-tag-along

Nomad’s Fraser Island Tours www.nomadsfraserisland.com/nomadsfraserisland/fraser-island-tours-%7C-tag-along

Pelican 4 x 4 Hire and Tag Along Tours www.pelican4x4hire.com.au

4WD Hire CompaniesAdventure Centre – www.adventurecentre.com.au

All Trax 4WD Hire – www.fraserisland4x4.com.au

Atlas 4WD Hire – www.atlas4WDhire.com.au

Aussie Trax 4WD Hire – www.fraserisland4wd.com.au

Fraser Magic 4WD hire – www.fraser4wdhire.com.au

Noosa2Fraser 4WD Beach Hire – www.hire4wdnoosa.com.au

Safari 4WD Hire – www.safari4wdhire.com.au

• The Great Beach Drive is suitable for 4WD vehicles only

• Avoid driving for 2 hours either side of high tide (only drive on low tide)

• Permits to drive are required

• To experience it at its best we recommend taking a mid week drive

Please be aware

Man and the Biosphere

For more information visit www.australiasnaturecoast.com