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.

Click on the thumbnail to view brochure.		Click on the thumbnail to view map.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 the Great Walks of Queensland on Fraser Island or through the rainforests and mountains of the Gold Coast and Sunshine 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.

Scale to the top of Brisbane city’s iconic bridge on one of only three bridge climbs in the world, or 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 adrenalin-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. Get your heart pumping tobogganing down huge sand dunes, jet ski along man-made canals or skydiving over breathtaking beaches.
If you’re heading inland there are also a number of local adventures to choose from including hot air ballooning over beautiful country and hinterland regions, or the opportunity to experience rugged country life mustering cattle, shearing sheep and milking cows at a farm stay.

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 your own private beach, fall asleep in a rainforest tree house, or look out over the city from the window of your five-star hotel room. Pampering experiences are also in no short supply along The Great Sunshine Way with an ever-increasing range of spa resorts and day spa facilities. Enjoy a facial beside a waterfall, experience traditional Aboriginal treatments and products or enjoy a massage on the beach as the waves gently roll in. 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 of course, a holiday in Queensland wouldn’t be complete without a spot of well deserved shopping! Wander through arts and crafts markets, shop at chic boutiques for designer labels, or check out the art galleries in the hinterland regions 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 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 from the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast to Lady Elliot Island on the Southern Great Barrier Reef or Fraser Island
• 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