Along Australia's east coast: from Sydney to Cairns

A small and charming coastal town on the mouth of the Hasting River, Port Macquarie has much to offer despite its size. With beaches surrounding both sides of the town which are popular with surfers as well as swimmers, and a Koala Hospital focused on the conservation of the native animal, it is definitely worth spending a few days here. To top it all off take a walk to the Tacking Point Lighthouse which offers views over the stunning coastline - just make sure to visit at sunset for the full experience.

Famed worldwide for its surfing beaches, Byron Bay is a must for those looking to take advantage of the excellent waves of Australia’s coastline. The town has more to offer than just beaches though, and its laid-back atmosphere attracts a mixture of creatives, families and backpackers. Watch humpback whales from one of the viewpoints or go scuba diving in the clear waters before relaxing in a local pub and enjoying the vibrant community of Byron Bay.

Australia’s third largest city and the capital of Queensland, Brisbane is a friendly yet cosmopolitan destination. Combining all of the amenities of a big city with great weather and large green spaces within its centre, Brisbane is sure to charm its visitors. Enjoy the thriving culinary scene and lively nightlife after a day of exploring the excellent cultural attractions such as the Gallery of Modern Art, and soak up the down-to-earth vibe of the city.

The perfect base for visits to nearby Fraser Island, Hervey Bay is located on the coast in southern Queensland. A popular and unspoiled town, it’s worthwhile spending a couple of days relaxing on its excellent sheltered beaches and enjoying the cosy cafes and restaurants on its picturesque promenade. Hervey Bay is also known as one of the best whale watching spots in the world, with frequent sightings of the majestic creatures from its shores.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Rockhampton is a true sun-soaked paradise. As well as the great weather, the varied landscape of the area means that visitors can enjoy numerous different outdoor activities. There are many concerts, theatre performances, events and festivals throughout the year and the Rockhampton Art Gallery is also worth a visit, and make sure to hike up to the Mount Archer National Park in the northeast for incredible views over the city.

Airlie Beach is ideally located as the base for those visiting the Whitsunday Islands, one of Australia’s most beautiful and breathtaking destinations. The mostly uninhabited islands are home to white sand beaches and dense rainforests, as well as being situated on the Great Barrier Reef. Airlie Beach itself is located by a lagoon, with hotels and cafes lining the pretty waterfront where holidaymakers can relax before or after a trip to the islands. Offering something for every type of traveller, Airlie Beach is a worthwhile stop.

Lying just off the coast of this sunny city is the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest and most impressive coral reef system. Although the reef is what draws in most visitors, the city itself has a picturesque waterfront esplanade known as ‘The Strand’, as well as a wildlife sanctuary home to koalas, wombats and crocodiles and the Reef HQ Aquarium which is also home to a sea turtle hospital. Take a stroll along the newly designed riverway and stop in one of the bustling cafes to enjoy the atmosphere of Townsville.

Cairns sits in tropical North Queensland and is best known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. The city combines a relaxed coastal atmosphere with easy access to world class natural attractions. Visitors can unwind at the Esplanade Lagoon or explore the vibrant waterfront lined with restaurants and cafés. Nearby, the ancient Daintree Rainforest offers lush landscapes and unique wildlife experiences. A scenic journey to Kuranda reveals waterfalls and traditional markets. Cairns is ideal for travelers seeking both adventure and laid back tropical charm.