Had a great day out on the water. Wit was a hot day and the swim halfway really cooled us down! Learnt a lot about the Everglades from our guides and really enjoyed an excellent lunch! Would definitely do this again. Kym was very easy to contact.

We enjoyed kayaking on the lakes and rivers. We thought it was really nice to be in the nature and get away from the noisy townsfolk. It is good for our brain and soul.- my 8 year old daughters review The whole family thought that it was amazing to be out in the great outdoors. The lakes were beautiful and calm. We had great weather as well! We all enjoyed it so much! The swims in the rivers and lakes were wonderful and refreshing! It was great though we did get tired after a while. It was an amazing day!!- my 10 year old daughters review

Incredible experience for our whole work team. Guided by the amazing Jan who had the patience of a saint with us! Super lunch spread with a huge amount of local delicious treats. The best experience we’ve had as a team based on the sunny coast! Highly recommend Jan, Josh, Kris and the rest of his team for sure if you are ever on the SC.

10/10 from us for Kanu Kapers and Jan’s amazing guided tour of the Everglades. We had SO much fun, a truly stunning part of the world, Jan was so knowledgeable and a great tour guide. The lunch and morning tea provided were also primo. Would highly recommend! Jazz and Liam :)

Today we did the guided 1 day kayaking. Jan was a terrific guide with lots of interesting facts about the area. He was calm and encouraging throughout. Morning tea and lunch were generous and the Everglades were beautiful. Had a swim in the lovely warm water. I would really recommend this experience…. Fantastic!!!!

We did a self guided day out with Kanu Kapers and would highly recommend! It was great that you can arrange pick up from Noosa Main Street as we didn’t have a car. Communication before was great and Josh was very knowledgeable about the area and clearly a very experienced instructor. You get proper sea kayaks and quality gear. They have a wonderful sustainable ethos and would 10/10 recommend the scenery. Thanks for an epic experience!

Recently we did an overnight kayak camp and had the most amazing time. We were worried about the weather forecast but as it turns out the rain gave us still waters and cool breeze. We paddled as far as we possibly could then camped at a quiet space (I think camp 3) then hiked to the sandblow. The gear was great. All dry. And ample food storage, which is high on my priorities 🙃 . Overall I had the best 2 days away in a long time.

Great view and short walk from parking space. There 2 scenic lookout. Have to walk down towards the beach, but theres no connection to the beach.

Always face place of mine to visit. It is close to a km walk from the car park to the blow hole. Make sure you take the time and effort to get to the edge of the cliff over looking the ocean, it is a little tough if you have issues walking as very sandy and need some strength to get back up. Billion dollar views await !

Its huge and its beautiful. Amazing place for the sunset. Just 10 minutes walk from the car park. Close to Rainbow Beach. I would recommend everyone to Take water bottle and a big beach towel or picnic mat to sit and watch the sunset. We went there on a weekday so it wasnt that crowdy, it could be really crowdy in the weekends as it is very beautiful place. 👍

Such a wonderful experience, and a great find when travelling in this area. Quite an unusual area, but a great place for sand boarding, or even just rolling down the sand dune. Beautiful sea views at the coastal side with paragliding and the opportunity for whale watching, alongside beautiful green landscapes at the other. The sand blow is about a 5 minute walk from the car park, and definitely a must when in the area!

Very nice natural colours, pics are not edited.

Very good,a short walk 🚶‍♀️ from the carpark,enjoy your visit

Amazing. Love this location at sunset, and it can get quite busy here with people coming to have a drink and watch the sun set! Fun to boogie board down the sand dunes and wander around, see the water and beach below. It's a short walk from the carpark through the bush (300ish metres or so, maybe?) with some stairs along the way. Love this spot!

Sensational experience on this steam engine. Customer service from all staff was outstanding. The views from the carriage were fabulous. Stops at Amamoor and Dagun station were great thanks to those communities providing stalls at the stations. Well done to all the volunteers who contributed to make our trip memorable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We loved it — even more than we expected! We took my mum from England along with my two kids (11 and 13), and it was so nice to see them genuinely engaged in everything our guide, Ryan, shared. He was young, enthusiastic, and clearly passionate about steam trains and railways — it was wonderful to see that kind of excitement! The scenery was stunning, and the stops along the way were great. The cheese and wine tasting was a lovely touch too. We had such a fantastic day — highly recommend a trip on the Rattler! ❤️

We did the ‘Wizard’ experience on Saturday night. If I would change anything it would be to experience the steam train during the daytime. There was not a lot of experiences regarding it being a Wizard experience, that in hindsight made the night trip worth doing. The journey was great as was sunset. After that there was nothing to see. Seeing the turntable for the train to turn around was great.

What a great experience! The trip was relaxing, informative and enjoyable. The high tea on offer was enjoyable. The staff were all friendly and helpful. The cafe was a great start for brekky before the journey, the museum and the shop offered some insight into the history of rail.

🇦🇺Aussie Traveller we went on the Mary Valley Rattler today out of Gympie. The old Steam Train and carriages have been immaculately restored. The staff and Conductors are all Volunteers which is a great credit to all involved. Well worth the trip, it took about 1 hour each way. When we got to Amamoor they had a little market, music and a Cafe. We had a great day.

We recently stayed in the Gympie Hinterland and chose to do the Mary Valley Rattler Silver Bullet High Tea Experience as a family. We received a warm welcome and briefing at the Ticket Office and browsed the museum whilst waiting to board. The carriage itself was well-restored with comfortable padded seating to enjoy our journey. Our high tea was lovely, admittedly our teens did not enjoy the savoury foods, however us adults made up for it, and there was plenty to fill our bellies. The trip was pleasant and leisurely as we clattered along, enjoying the country landscape and deep insights from our guide John. Dagan contained a Cheese & Wine Tasting (which we could not stomach after our high tea), a street library, wood mill, and nature walk. On our return trip we visited the drivers cabin and received our custom chocolate to have with our bottomless tea / coffee service. Overall a lovely experience.

Great experience all round. Great food and coffee at Cafe, so if you have an early start, just have bfast there. Service is fast and top. Train experience was lovely with each carriage having it's own staff to advise of the history. Great day. Thanks to all the volunteers that makes this possible.

Fantastic morning learning & feeding the local dolphin population. Staff presentation was very informative, even the kids loved it. Cafe was closed on a monday morning so cant comment, but the menu does look good. Special shoutout to Peter, loved the pink bunny ears mate!

Didn't eat at the restaurant, but the dolphins feeding was great. The presentation starts at 7.00am with a brief information session, then the feed starts at 8am. Dont 🐝 too worried if you're running late. The feeding is very orderly with no need to rush or push to the front. They also rotate the front viewing so everyone can get a chance to see. You get one fish for $15, and it lasts maybe 2 minutes in the water with the dolphins, no petting allowed. Definitely better experience with wild animals than viewing in a zoo.

I was in absolute heaven being here last weekend. I loved it so much I returned the very next day. All volunteers were absolutely lovely and friendly ( including the 2 gentlemen at the front gate, to the lady with the long blonde hair who was taking the orders in the canteen, to Annette & Roger and every other volunteer on both of the days ) . We ordered brekkie on our first day and the vegetarian wrap and coffees were so nice too - very impressive. These volunteers all showed such a huge respect for the dolphins too and also ensure that they remain safe in their own environment and ……. they were so organised too. They were even better than the Brisbane Entertainment Centre as I was there on the Tuesday before and it was a mess !! Considering they are all volunteering too - it’s so impressive to see. :-) On the second day at Barnacles, the dolphins were very playful and on both days, they had also brought gifts on their rostrums, it was just adorable. I would highly recommend going there and feeding the dolphins too, it’s really worth your time and money.

One of my favourite places on earth... so special to he able to feed the wild dolphins, the volunteers are welcoming and just want you to experience the beauty of these dolphins 🐬 and in top of that the cafe serves the best food. Get there early so you do miss the Dolphins arriving

Quite a busy cafe during the dolphin feeding experience, so worthwhile getting your order in early, otherwise it can take some time to get served. Food portions looked sizeable, and the coffee was pretty reasonable too. Live music was playing out the front of the venue at around 8AM which was a nice addition.

Had a wonderful time at Barnacles with the family. Feeding the dolphins was a lovely experience for my little one, and for the adults too. The feeding sessions are well organised by the amazing team of volunteers, who deeply care about the animals and deliver a valuable message to visitors about conservation and respect for dolphins and wildlife in general. Peter is fantastic (he told us to say that lol); but seriously, he and all the volunteers are wonderful. The cafe provides nice coffee and breakfast, and pets are welcome which is a huge bonus for us. 100% recommended.

School holidays so it was very busy, if you have never seen a dolphin then it would be worthwhile. You can get close up, volunteers are very good and helpful. It’s a private business so all proceeds go to the business which is interesting given it’s all run by volunteers.

A registered highway. A runway. And an absolutely beautiful stretch of beach that can be driven along.

We loved driving along Seventy Five Mile Beach! We were lucky to see some wild dingoes on a few occasions, two of them running into the sea to lie in the water and cool themselves! Eli Creek, the Maheno Shipwreck and The Pinnacles were great stops along the way.

beautiful beach with the war wreck, possibility of taking a short flight over the area, overall beautiful experience

We came here on the beauty spots tour from kingfisher bay with Butch. He was an excellent guide. The endless beach was a sight to be seen.

Impossible to get sick of driving up or down the beach. From dingoes to air craft to see. Beautiful spots to stop and have a break.

High way made with sand with speed limit sign. Awesome! So cool to see 4WD running along the beach.

Vast and astonishing beach drive .. great sense of freedom and connection with nature .. just be mindful of higher tides

Lots of history and very well maintained, toilets are better here than lake mackenzie, the walk down to the creek is beautiful the water is clear however no swimming allowed in this creek.

Other then the massive storm, it’s one of the best camp spots I have ever been to. Family had a ball, facility’s were clean and the campsites were distinctly separated.

Great spot, in depths of shade so solar suffered a bit. Not that clear where to put RV but generous space when found a site. Wildlife pretty forward despite lack of dingos so do lock up bins and food

At this place you should go for the walk along the Wanggoolba Creek. Thias creek is flow on very fine white sand. The thing is sometimes you do not see the water as it is invisible clear. We did not use the camping area which is also closed by.

Central Station Rainforest is a great walk you are mainly walking on a boardwalk where you see many aged trees which are huge! There is a beautiful creek that runs through the forest which is a great site to see. There is a lot of history hear and you can read about it on different plaques along the way. “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.

This is the most disgusting campground. Filthy bathrooms, broken showers, smelt so bad you had to hold your hand over your nose to enter. I wouldn't use the toilets they are so terrible. Showers took the coins, no water came out, hardware hanging off the wall. It was like a scene out of Jurassic Park. The campground itself is unkempt. Dirty bins and dirty 'camp kitchen'.

I love this place in the Fraser Island. There are lovely plants especially the giant Staghorns

Lake McKenzie: A Fraser Island Gem You Can't Miss! If you're planning a trip to K'gari (Fraser Island), Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora) is an absolute must-see. This iconic freshwater lake lives up to every bit of its hype, offering an experience that's nothing short of breathtaking. The first thing that strikes you is the crystal-clear water. It's so incredibly pure, with a stunning blue hue that transitions to brilliant turquoise as you wade in. Composed entirely of rainwater, the lake's sandy bed and lack of marine life contribute to its remarkable clarity, making it perfect for swimming and simply marveling at its beauty. Getting there is an adventure in itself. The 4WD driveway to Lake McKenzie is a highlight for any off-road enthusiast. Navigating the sandy tracks through the island's interior adds to the excitement and truly makes you feel like you're earning that first glimpse of paradise. It's a fantastic experience for drivers and passengers alike, offering a taste of K'gari's unique terrain. Once you arrive, you'll find pristine white silica sand, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun. Whether you're taking a refreshing dip, picnicking on the shore, or simply enjoying the serene atmosphere, Lake McKenzie offers an unforgettable natural escape.

Best place we visited on our day trip to K'gari. Beautiful scenery and swimming in the lake is lovely.

Lake McKenzie on K'gari (Fraser Island) is a stunning perched lake with crystal-clear turquoise water and soft, white silica sand that feels like velvet underfoot. Perfect for swimming, the shallow waters are safe for all ages, though it can get deep quickly. The surrounding lush forest adds to the serene, postcard-worthy vibe. It’s a must-visit, but arrive early to avoid crowds, as it’s a popular spot. A short 4WD trip or hike from Kingfisher Bay, it’s an unforgettable natural wonder

we were on k'gari and you just can't miss Lake Mckenzie (Boorangoora). it is so beautyfull. so blue and you can see the bottem everywhere. so if you are there, just go to Lake Mckenzie (Boorangoora). :)

Lake McKenzie makes it probably the most visited natural site on the island. It is a ‘perched’ lake, which means it contains only rainwater, no groundwater, is not fed by streams and does not flow to the ocean. The sand and organic matter at the base of the lake form an impervious layer, preventing rainwater from draining away. The sand here is pure, white silica and is not only beautiful to look at but feels beautifully soft to walk on. The sand acts as a filter, giving the water its clarity and helping to make the water so pure it can support very little life. The blues and greens of the lake are endlessly fascinating and it’s well worth getting up early to look across it in the soft light of dawn. I have been here many times and it has always been an incredible place to be, but this particular visit was different as its the very first time I've really seen the true colours after receiving my colour correction glasses (I'm a colour-blind)... what did this mean? Hard to describe but it's like visiting for the first time again... Simply mind-blowing! #kgari #Queensland #Australia #frasercoast #igersfraserisland #kgaridraserisland

I went for a relaxing hike and ended up here. Decided to go for a swim, but didn't have a towel, how could you. Sad face. PS. The lake was VERY wet.

Such an amazing place. The water is crystal clear and so clean. It’s like swimming in a pool but without the chemicals in it. You’re not allowed to eat on the beaches but there are designated fenced picnic areas at the parking area. Also toilets which is wheelchair accessible. Only downside is that it’s very busy with tour buses and the road to get there is not in a good condition. Put this on your to do list!

It's OK and worth a visit but dont get too excited. Common destination on the island and gets very busy. Not very deep water and is very short. A broadwalk takes you to the beginning and then you walk back down the Creek. Party atmosphere at the outlet to sea. We were told its quiet compares to the summer but I found it too busy.

Remember only leave footprints. Great swimming hole or float down the creek. Bring something to float on. Toilets are there. Don't forget little planes land there also.

Excellent place to swim and relax. Bring a boogie board or floatie and everyone can float down the creek accessible via the board walk. There are also toilets on site.

It's a very nice and clean creek. The creek is a bit short but they have closed the upper parts of it for regeneration which is good. I'd recommend a visit if you are on Fraser Island. Great for families and kids.

Eli Creek is a natural water park you walk to one end of the board walk and can drift all the way to the end once you get in the water. The water is quite low and such a cool experience. It can get quite busy there also. “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.

Another must visit spot if you are heading to Fraser Island. Take a short walk up the boardwalk then walk (or float) down the pristine creek. A little cold - or some might say refreshing depending on what time of year you go. Gets busy with all the tour buses.

This is a natural pool amusement place , please be sure to bring a swimming ring ore anything c can let u floating things and float with the current, it is full of fun and the water very clear and fresh cool .I enjoyed my time here very much. Recommend it 👍

The Champagne Pools are a nice spot, but I would not say they are worth the hype. Similiar pools can be seen a lot of other places, they are shallow and not very swimmable. It is a nice beach and area, but there are way nicer places on K'gari I would prioritize spending more time.

We were luck enough to see the turtles 🐢 in mating season at the pools. It was absolutely amazing. The would have been at least 30 🐢 and babies. Beautiful site

Beautiful pools to have a swim. Try and visit as the tide is just past high and hang around until it gets lower!

A great view from the boardwalk at the top and lots of steps down to the actual pool which are just large sandy rock pools that the waves break over adding flowing water in. Lots of people swimming in them so be prepared to share the space

Nice great place to relax. Natural pools.

Beautiful place! My family and I had a great time swimming with the fish and enjoyed the view and it was fun to watch the champagne looking bubbly spirits when the waves hit the rocks. It was a wonderful experience. Don't forget to put on proper shoes, the walking track can be very hot. It was a beautiful 7 minute walk or maybe less. The drive was a bit bumpy but not as bumpy as Mackenzie Lake.

Make sure to bring sturdy footwear as the rocks are quite sharp. The views from the carpark to the pool were spectacular. It was a pleasure to walk along the hilly exposed path. It made what could of been a difficult walk into something to remember. We spent most of our time looking back at where we had just come from and planning where we would go next. The water was crystal clear and a great spot for a rest.

It was a great walk, but unfortunately, no dogs allowed. So my husband and I had to do the walking separately. The views to Fraser Island and the surrounding beaches were nice.

As the song goes "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" is perfect here, a fantastic leasurely walk, with stunning views of Hervey Bay

Travelling Aussies 🇦🇺 The Urangan Pier is a wonderful asset to visitors and the locals of Hervey Bay Stretching almost 870m into the bay from the Urangan foreshore, it’s a great vantage point and relaxing walk There’s usually plenty of parking, while you’ll enjoy the famous Pier Markets on Wednesday & Saturday mornings Often, visitors will see dolphins, turtles, stingrays, a family of ospreys and other wildlife from the Pier A number of outstanding local cafes & restaurants are also situated nearby, and the Pier is a great way to walk off a delicious meal or enjoy a hot coffee

A great place for a walk, if you are a fisherman the last 30 mtrs of the pier is in deep water and pelagic fish are commonly caught. On Sundays there are markets, coffee shops etc. Well worth a visit.

No dogs. I’d love to know how a dog walking on a pier could do any harm to it. It’s 2025, time for these archaic rules need to be abolished.

Best pier ever in QLD, wonderful views. Will not regret for few hours drive.

Beautiful walk along the 1.1 kilometer length. Great views. Coming off the end of the Wednesday market avenue was a nice touch. Great location and easy walk.

Loved hearing how world wide, award winning Bundaberg Rum is made from womb to tomb. How molasses is extracted from sugar cane and the product not used is turned back to the cane farmers to use as fertilizer for future crops. Very impressive operation which spans a great size and run by only 38 full time employees.

When you say Bundaberg you automatically think Bundaberg Rum and rightly so. This tour starts with a self guided tour of the Museum showing the history of Bundaberg rum which is very informative and jovial at the same time, and yes the polar bear is there. What follows next is a tour of where they make the rum. Our guides for the day were G and Taylor and they were fantastic, very knowledgeable and also full of “dad” jokes. Note you are not allowed to take cameras, phones, anything electrical whilst on the tour, this is for safety reasons. At the end of the tour you get to have two drinks of any of their range. Don’t worry if you are not normally a rum drinker as they will help you choose an alternative to your normal tipple. It is advised to book ahead as they can sell out. But I really think it is a must do when visiting Bundaberg.

Not being Rum drinkers we thought we’d take a tour and see if we could be swayed. The museum was really informative and an interesting part of Qld history. Our tour guide Jayden was a superstar! Funny (with all the Dad jokes) but full of information, fun and very upbeat. Great tour, great guide, great value with a couple of taste testers at the end. Were we converted?

It was an amazing experience, the staff were amazing, shoutout to our tour guide Deb for making it an unforgettable experience, I’d give them a 100 star rating if I could, I will definitely be going back to do it again and will be definitely going back and doing the blend your own rum experience

Amazing drink prices! Very very fair tour cost of $30 and you get 2 drinks at the end. So only really looking at like $5 for the entire tour. The most expensive spirit there only sets you back $12 and a mango cocktail sushi was $15. If you like Bundy it is a must to go.

Great place to go & learn about the history aswell as taste test all the softdrinks. Kids really enjoyed it too.

My friend and I joined the tour on a Friday and were pleasantly surprised by how fun it was. Amber and Sandy were both so cool and funny and they skillfully weaved in education with humour to keep our group laughing. Although we're both non-rum drinkers, we really enjoyed our tasting experience afterwards and spent even more time checking out the merchandise - they really have souvenirs for every type of person!

An incredible place to visit. It felt like a "bucket list" type experience. We flew from redcliffe for a 3 night visit. The snorkeling was incredible. The tide pool exploring was amazing. The flight in/out was a lot of fun and very scenic. The food buffet was really good and plenty of it too. Also the café and bar was well priced and the drinks were nice. I was concerned before we went that it was too expensive for what we were getting (my wife was really keen on taking our kids there). After been there I dont feel that way now. It was worth it for sure. Being able to wander out to one of the 3 idyllic snorkeling locations and find it empty, wade in and 10min later be swimming beside a white tip reef shark in crystal clear water is something hard to put a dollar value on. Walking through the tide pools with my kids as the sun sets and finding epaulettes sharks, morays, turtles and endless varieties of other fish and coral is another thing I can't really put a price tag on. It was just incredible. After 3 nights/4days we were all sad to leave. Other minor details: The accommodation was fine as we just treated it as a pit stop and place to rest our heads (we had an eco unit). There's no free wifi which I found odd in this day and age (wasn't a major for me).

This is an amazing place. The only downside for us, and it was a biggie, was that our “Reef” room was not air conditioned and it was sweltering until about 3am. The “sea breezes” did little to cool it down. It also meant we had to keep our windows at night listening to noisy bird politics. Now the good. We snorkeled and enjoyed several scuba dives and both were great. We saw lots of fish, eels, sharks, sea turtles and manta ray while diving. Visibility is good but not great. We were there in bird nesting season, so there were birds in every tree, some protecting eggs, some caring for their chicks. The food buffet had something for everyone and was tasty. Staff were helpful and courteous. All in all, a magical place to visit. We stayed four nights and felt that three would have been better.

This little coral cay is a piece of heaven! It exceeded all our expectations in every way. From the scenic flight to the island, (watching whales perform), to the beautiful and clean rooms (we stayed 2 nights in a reef room) to the delicious and diverse food, cocktail selection, amazing snorkelling (with mantarays, whales and turtles as well as tropical fishes) and warm weather, it had everything! We have travelled a lot and this one is one of our best trips, even though it was short. Thanks Lady Elliott Island! What an oasis!

The island delivered so much more than we expected. The snorkelling was amazing. We swam with turtles, rays, sharks, octopus, squid, manta rays and so many types and colours of fish. Our guides Brook, Erin and Georgia are very passionate about their work and make it more enjoyable (and educatiinal!) with their enthusiasm. Skippers Jack and Hannah made sure we didn't miss out on any opportunities while snorkelling. The food was delicious- my idea of not having a big lunch soon changed when I saw what was on offer! Mark was a very patient and tolerant Scuba teacher.

This is the most remarkable place to stay. The experience of snorkeling with beautiful manta ray, turtles, sharks and the amazing array of fish and coral all available straight from the beach. The facilities and staff are just fantastic.

A Memorable and Exclusive Reef Escape. If only the gifts and souvenirs had more options, we aould have brought a piece of the island back! We stayed a couple of nights in the Reef Suite (a little over AUD 1,500 per night). This is a truly exclusive and quiet place, I believe fewer than 150 guests stay here at a time, which makes it feel very private and special. The staff were all friendly, energetic, and super helpful, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The resort was exactly the short getaway we needed, and being right in the Great Barrier Reef made it unforgettable. The experiences themselves were incredible. We had never snorkeled before, and Oliver gave us excellent pool training — fun, encouraging, and confidence-building. He even prepped our new goggles a few times so they wouldn’t fog up. We snorkeled in the lagoon, joined a reef walk, and took a night glass-bottom boat tour where the corals glowed under UV light. The next day, we spotted turtles, octopuses, reef sharks, and more. Special thanks to Jon and another guide on the day glass-bottom tour who patiently reassured us when we struggled with technique. Their encouragement gave us the confidence to snorkel the full hour. That said, a few things could be improved, hence the 4 stars. The food was underwhelming for the price point, and we weren’t informed in advance that activities had to be booked, which could mean missing out. On arrival there was little orientation, so we had to figure most things out ourselves, even finding our room. No one told us baggage collection required an hour’s notice, so we ended up dragging our luggage across the grounds and leaving tracks in the coral sand (something we felt terrible about). What we appreciated the least was the stress over our connecting flight. We had informed staff at check-in that we needed to make a 1:45pm flight, and expected this to be taken into consideration. Yet no one seemed aware of it, and when our plane arrived late, we were reassured multiple times that we’d still land before 12:25pm. In reality, we touched down after 12:45pm, leaving less than an hour to catch our next flight. If we hadn’t desperately tried to check in mid-air (battling poor reception and repeatedly reconnecting just a few hundred metres above ground during flight) we would have missed the flight. We expected clearer communication and coordination to be a given. All in all, despite these hiccups, this was an extraordinary and unique experience. We’d absolutely love to return — next time with our family, so they can share it too.

Amazing place for nature lovers divers snorkelers, bird watchers, ocean lovers and people who want a peaceful place for some time out. Food is great and included in price, lots of GF, DF, vego and vegan options. Staff are lovely. Tours each morning at 7.30 and 1.15pm, as well as informative talks in the evening if you want to attend eg whales, manta rays. And a chance to swim with mantra rays, eagle rays, turtles, while listening to whale song. 4.30lm sunset drinks each night, first night we went we saw dolphins and whales. And nesting birds!

Had a great day on LARC-5! We did a 1hr afternoon tour and it was worth every cent. Fun and Entertaining and caters all ages from 5yo to 99yo! Must do family fun!

Great day out on the bay with our host, Mark. Laid back, laconic local. Very knowledgeable about the area. We did the 2 hour lunch tour. A wrap, fruit, biscuit and cold drinks included. Highly recommended.

Fabulous,amazing tour. Great value for money the guide Whitey and the Skipper Jono were so informative. The tour had it all from history of Bustard Lighthouse to wild life, seeing dolphins in the ocean so we joined them in the surf. 10/10 high recommend.

What a fabulous day out. It was amazing from beginning to end with Kev as our tour guide and Jono the skipper. Fantastic lunch and tobogganing down the sand dunes was so much fun. We loved the tour of the lighthouse and surrounds. If you’re at 1770 don’t miss out on this awesome day.

1770 LARC Tours was awesome. We did the 1 Hour Sunset Cruise but They offer other Tours Daily. Loved Our Guide, Loved the Tour.

✅️ What a hoot! A Paradise Tour with larc-aholics, a lighthouse with a keeper and a happy memory I will store internally forever. I went along for a ride and was taken on a flight. Good stuff highly recommend. Image shown: with Stuart Buchanan- Author of the book "Taxi" and other titles.

I expected it to be ok, but it was really good! Allow extra time, as the driver/captain? spots something interesting, he just charges into the ocean to check it out. Very good and entertaining commentary. The lunch was fruit with choice of chicken/ham or veg wrap A great couple of hours, would definitely recommend the tour 👍

East Shores is an absolute gem for families! The whole area is beautifully maintained and perfect for a day out with the kids. The water features are a huge hit and great for keeping little ones entertained. The kids’ playground is super clean and safe, and there’s heaps of space to run around. Toilets are spotless, which is a big plus, and there are plenty of water fountains to stay hydrated. For those into fitness, there’s a well-equipped outdoor exercise area, and everything is thoughtfully laid out. There are loads of BBQs and bins, which makes it easy to set up for lunch or dinner without any hassle. Parking has never been an issue either – there’s always plenty of space. Best of all, it never feels too crowded, even on weekends. Definitely one of the best family-friendly spots around!

Thoroughly enjoyed our many visits to "East Shores Parkland." Such a beautiful place to walk, relax, play, picnic, exercise, have a meal, cool down in the water playground, sit and people watch, or whatever you wish! Suitable and accessible to all ages and abilities with ample parking at both ends of park. The harbour is stunning at any time, but especially at sunrise and sunset! This would be one of the top attractions in Gladstone, thanks to the "Gladstone Harbour Board" and Regional Council. I highly recommend that you make the effort to come and explore these wonderful Parklands!

Clean and well kept nice shaded areas excellent for a stroll to either work up an appetite or to work off what you’ve just eaten

Visited and walked here several times whilst we were visiting Gladstone. Such a beautiful facility for everyone ❤️

When driving into Gladstone, we were slightly nervous, but we can across this precinct and it was great! Nice walk, had a lot of different things you could do. I loved the placards on facts about the port. We did the lookout which waa great! A must do if you are in this city.

Lovely addition to Gladstone. Park for all ages, nice walking tracks plus lots of areas for children to ran around. Fun water features anyone can cool down walking through them. We had a lovely lunch at the cafe (Auckland House). Recommend a visit.

A free splash park for the kids is excellent. More for preschool age and younger primary aged kids. Recommend bringing a comfy fold-up chair as the aluminium and concrete benches are pretty but not comfy.

Went for a walk after seeing the zoo. Lovely gardens (we didn’t see every section but enjoyed what we saw). The Japanese section was lovely. Next time I’d bring a picnic - plenty of spaces to unwind and there was a nice looking kids playground with undercover BBQ’s.

Well worth taking a stroll through the many different areas these gardens have to offer. Parking can be difficult to find, but if you drive down towards the lagoon it's not so busy there. Japanese Gardens were under maintenance, so didn't get to enjoy them. Combine these Botanical Gardens with the zoo next-door and you can have a relaxing enjoyable day!

Wow the playground is incredible! It gets raked and cleaned every day so it was tidy when we arrived in the morning! All gardens were spectacular, very clean tidy and green! Lots of love and work goes into the garden and you can tell!

Visited May 2025 The gardens are quite large. Being May there weren't many flowers in bloom making it a little visually boring . The plants around the floral clock needed a trim because you couldn't see it. I love Japanese gardens but I found this one without the wow factor. The banyan figs around the tea rooms provide lots of shade and are beautiful. Food is quite good from the tea rooms I had zucchini fritters with a small salad and my husband had the eggs benedict on a bed of bacon which he said was delicious. The blue eye honeyeaters and rainbow lorikeets jump on the tables wanting to be fed, you can almost touch them. There is a childrens playground not far from tea rooms but not close enough to keep an eye on your kids. Down at Murrays Lagoon many water birds along the banks and looking in the water from the wetland lookout are so many river turtles popping up looking for a feed. I would have liked to see information boards explaining the different gardens. The gardens are 33hectares which I googled is around 46 soccer fields (for those who need a comparison, as I did!) so plenty of room for riding a bike or a long walk. I'd like to think it is more appealing in spring. But none the less a good walk and a tea rooms a lovely place for a cuppa. Overall underwhelming.

Lovely place to have a walk/run. Plenty to see from plants, turtles down a murray lagoon. Large play park for the kids. Even coffee shop. Plenty toliets and park for all.

Great zoo and gardens. We needed more time than we had to fully explore the extensive gardens.

A great botanical gardens that offers some of the best scenery and walking tracks in the area

We had an absolutely fantastic day here. The caves were beautiful and easy to traverse with wooden stairs and suspended walkways over the most difficult areas. The acoustics in the Cathedral Cave were totally awesome. Candice, our tour guide, was very informative & enthusiastic with a dry sense of humour. She made the tour thoroughly enjoyable. All the staff were very helpful & friendly. The Capricorn Caves are easy to access, just a short drive from Rockhampton. The café & gift shop were great as were the fossil displays. We only booked the short tour but will definitely be coming back to do the longer tour next time. Highly recommended.

What a great experience. Our guide Flynn was spot on with his guiding and passion for his horticultural knowledge. Another one of those great "don't drive past" experiences. The fact that it's all privately owned and run add an extra tick in the box. We need to support these ventures.

The Cathedral Cave tour is always an amazing experience, and I often take visitors on that tour. On this occasion I was fortunate to do the "Whispers of the Caves" night tour... well I'd highly recommend it when they run the night tour again. A unique and impressive adventure that's for sure!

The caves were quite a treat to walk through with its lovely ambient temperature & collection of micro bats. Candice did a great job guiding everyone through as well. It was nice to bring my classical guitar and play in the Cathedral room!

Such a nice spot! After a full day in the sun, the caves felt like walking into nature’s air-conditioning. Super cool, refreshing, and the guide was funny and lovely. Highly recommend!

Cathedral tour was amazing! Tour guide was funny and engaging and very knowledgeable of the caves and critters in it! Definitely recommend and if I find myself back in the area will do one of their other tours for sure!

An amazing cave experience. We joined the 45 minute tour to the cathedral cave. Our guide was engaging and knowledgable. I loved listening to music played in the cave and visualing the challenges the explorer faced when he discovered it.

I've seen this in a few Queensland places now and a great alternative to the beach and waterways that can be dangerous. Good on you Mackay for providing a free pool and slides for families. It is also in a good location, across the road from the big shopping centre.

A great place to chill and relax, cooling off in the refreshing blue water. A fantastic safe place for kids to swim, slide and enjoy themselves… and best of all, it’s free!!

Pleasant, relaxing swim, not too crowded. The day I went there, the cafè had no coffee beans and the waterside was only open on the weekends. Otherwise a great time in the pool, close to shops. Staff and lifesavers were very friendly. Thank you 😊

Bluewater Lagoon is a great spot to cool off and relax. The pools are clean, the facilities are well-maintained, and there’s plenty of space for everyone. It’s perfect for families or anyone looking for a refreshing swim without the beach waves. A really enjoyable place to spend a warm day!

The pool is big and very pretty - lots of space even with a few people there! Being free is amazing, it was very cool experience and fun! Be careful if you are sensitive to chlorine, our friends eyes were quite red afterwards.

With a very warm welcome water temperature of 20.3°, the is the best place to come and relax, or bring the kids and let the have some fun. And the best thing is that it's FREE. The water is clean and the grounds are well maintained. We went and spent a couple hours in the water just paddling around and relaxing in the shallow waters. We didn't bring the kids this time but these is heaps there for them to do.

Lovely place to bring the children but the water was very hot u need to go to a pool to cool off not very well designed especially for tropical north Queensland I noticed the top pool was closed maybe the water was cooler there and the life savers three of them were huddled together talking to each other the whole time we were there so I gave it two stars

Such a spectacular beach and it's so huge that even when there's heaps of boatloads of tourists there is room to spread out and have your own private slice of paradise. A must see when in Australia.

Absolutely breathtaking! The sand is so pure and soft it almost squeaks under your feet, and the turquoise water looks unreal. We spent hours just relaxing, swimming, hiking and soaking in the views — it honestly feels like paradise. If you’re visiting the Whitsundays, this is a must-see. Bring your camera and plenty of sunscreen — you’ll never want to leave!

A must see destination. The pure white sand, the crystal blue waters is like nothing else. Find your own spot amongst the long beach, relax & enjoy the serenity of it all. Don't rush this spot "just to say you've seen it". We hired our own boat, found our own section with no-one near us for over a kilometres on the sand.

One the best beaches I have seen till today. It’s very worth taking a full day cruise from Hamilton island to whitsunday.

Giving this a 4 star only because it's after Hill Inlet Lookout and views from scenic flight in terms of beauty. The soft white sand and glassy waters cater to all sorts of fun activities, and it'll forever continue to be a popular tourist destination!!!

The beach is truly magnificent, with some impressive wildlife. There were few people there when we went, which allowed us to swim peacefully in the relatively warm, turquoise water. It was a beautiful day, and I don't regret the investment to get there.

This place is absolutely stunning! The breathtaking views, incredible beach, and mesmerizing vibrant colors make it truly one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever experienced in Australia! The best part is the opportunity to enjoy the beach and swimming, embracing the beauty of nature.

Best is arriving by yacht, but also by plane. The key is renting the golf cart 150 bucks. And you good to go round the island.

The marina side of the island has the IGA, Bottle Shop, departure terminals for day trips, Newsagency with plenty of toys and gifts, Ice Cream Shop, cafe for breakfast, Dive shop, Pizzeria Place, Romano’s Italian, Bakery, Fishis Fish Shop, dress shops, surf shop, Tavern and the Yacht Vlub that has Bonnie’s Restaurant and the deck for afternoon drinks at the Yacht Club. Perfect place to spend the day.

A stunning marina with all the palm trees that were in the movie pirates of the Caribbean donated to Hamilton Island

Very nice marina. This place is really very pretty. The staff are very friendly the weather is perfect the whole island is accessible. You can walk everywhere. They have amazing walking tracks to go on. I would defiantly recommend this place to visit. Honestly everything is just amazing

An incredible island. Scooting around on golf buggies is loads of fun, and there is lots to do on the island to keep you occupied other than just taking in the amazing view. A must see.

Gets very busy around lunch time. Tavern, fish and chips and bakery open. Best to download the Hamilton Island app to see what's open and trading times. Not all cruises and water activities and some restaurants are operating.

What's not to love. Not too crowded but still a bit of a vibe. From the bakery to the yacht club there is a price point for everyone to get a meal. Or self cater from the IGA. Departure point for all cruises and ferries.Pleasantly not crowded with the typical brand names. No McDonalds and no Prada either. Hang out at the many picnic tables or have a champagne at the yacht club and enjoy the views.

This is one of the best looking places I've seen in my entire life! Truly incredible scenery you have to see to believe, the photos I've uploaded do not do it justice. I recommend this to anyone travelling through the Whitsundays😁🙌💯

Fabulous bush walk. You wouldn’t know you were on the Whitsundays as the rainforest is so dense. Beautiful piece of Australia. Must see on the way to Betty’s Beach

A must-see in a lifetime, your experience and memories will vary depending on which season you'll go. The winter months are usually the driest and will provide a better clarity for your photos. There are many ways to access the island. Please preserve the environment for the enjoyment of future generations.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet- OMG!! Ahhh mazing 🍃🏝 Named as the second best beach IN THE WORLD and Australia’s third most photographed location! And it’s easy to see why!!! I didn’t think water this clear existed or sand this soft and cool could be real 💖 Did you know that the sand on Whitehaven never exceeds more than 26degrees! Even on the hottest of days!!! The ever changing swirl of colours seen from Hill Inlet are amazing and as the tide changes the blues change too!! It’s easy to see why so many people make sure this place is on their bucket lists!! 💦🏝☀️ A big thanks to the guys from Ocean Rafting for making our day so memorable 💖

An amazing lookout point. Hill Inlet in the Whitsundays is located at the northern end of Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island. As the tide shifts, the white sand and blue hues of the inlet blend to create swirly patterns which look beautiful. We arrived via boat and walked uphill ~15mins to the lookout. We took lots of photos and then walked back to the boat. Best to go at low tide to see the swirly patterns.

Took a chartered flight from Hamilton Island. Such beautiful scenery. the whitest sand in the world, and the most amazing blue tones ever

Absolutely spectacular, best beach views I've ever seen!

The coastal trail is very well built, very clean and has many places to rest, I love it here!

You've got wet, rippled sand in the foreground that looks perfect for squelching your toes in, if you don't mind dodging all those dark, scattered rocks. The beach leads back to a rugged shoreline with rolling hills in the distance. The soft, hazy light and pale sky give it a very peaceful, 'I'm-escaping-it-all' kind of vibe.

Lovely boardwalk although it was very hot when we visited, Google maps currently has it closed for much of the week, this is incorrect, it's open 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Beautiful scenery and a smooth walkway that goes for miles, with uninterrupted views of Airlie Beach waters , landscape and Islands. Great photo opportunities along the way.

Highly recommended something that everyone can do , at 12 it’s almost empty if you want ti have good pics . This is the time .. just be careful with the scooters . Enjoy!

Nice walk next to the boats very easy.

Great walkway. Good scenic jogging track

We stayed at the Horseshoe Bay Resort caravan park. It's such a great spot close to the beach. We had dinner at the cafe. The food was amazing and on Saturday night, there was live music brilliant. We would definitely return.

Nice little beach fun swimming and good snorkeling on the right hand side near the rocks. There is a sculpture in the ocean out a bit still on the right. There is a nice cafe nearby and a caravan park. Also toilets and picnic tables. You can walk to a lookout.

Beautiful beach. Lovely grass area out front and cafe. Short walk to the lookout, but recommend doing the lookout first, as you will get hot. Then you can cool off in the sea. Lots of rocks to find some realise in too.

A very nice beach, not very big but picturesque nestled between the rocks It has a toilet block and shower’s as well as picnic tables

Such a beautiful beach. It can get busy, but we love heading around the rocks and exploring. Seeing what sea life we can find.

Gorgeous spot on the coastline, ample parking, people swimming amongst the rocks, snorkelling, sunbathing. Toilets and seating available. Nice cafè for drinks and food

Beautiful setting, one of the best beaches in Queensland. Lovely calm waters. Great accommodation over looking the bay.

Very impressive dive site, groups of fish, beautiful corals, giant grouper, we had amazing time. crews are very professional and welcoming. Mat is a funny guy :)

It felt like a disappointingly disorganised shop. Divers turned up at 7.30am expecting an early start and then didn't leave the shop until 9.30am. There was a lot of sitting around waiting for the DM to be ready to go. It all felt very inefficient with the paperwork and payment. If they need the morning to sort things out, then they shouldn't be asking divers with their own gear to turn up at 7.30am. I was also pretty annoyed by how underfilled the tanks were. After the experience with the shop, I really wouldn't go with this group again, despite the Townsville shop being a lot more expensive. Once we were on the boat, it was a great day. The boat captain was fantastic and super helpful. It's an amazing dive site.

Steve; the dive guide and Matt, the Skipper were awesome. Had 2 amazing dives and they helped all of us through a little rough sea condition. I loved the vibe of the whole shop! I would to 100% recommend this place and when I come back, you’ll definitely see me again :D

An incredible dive, really one of the best dive in the world! Never seen so many marine life all toghether, super big and colorful fish 🐠 Amazing crew, chill and fun vibes 🤙🏽 A special thank to the legend Mirko, such a great guide and dive instructor 🙏🏽 P.s. Make yourself a favour, avoid the Cairns tourist trap and come here for the best dive of your life!

Dived The wreck with Steve and Matt, everything from start too finish was Fantastic, Steve is a perfect example of how confidence tranfers into competence, His ability to articulate knowledge and dive plans in an easy to digest way is Fantastic and makes the dive feel like a breeze, Skipper Matt! What a character. Fantastic. 10/10 from start to finish

Unfortunately, we had a very disappointing experience. We had a confirmed booking for the SS Yongala dive on November 7 and planned our entire travel schedule around it. Even though we had at least three divers confirmed, the trip was cancelled two days before with the explanation that there were “not enough participants,” and we were told everything was fully booked until the 19th. Shortly after, however, new spots suddenly appeared for November 9. For us, this meant several hundred dollars in additional costs (accommodation, fuel, and rescheduling) — and we still didn’t get to do the dive we had booked. What makes it even more frustrating is that many reputable dive operators in Australia run trips with very small groups. We completed our Advanced Open Water course with only two participants, and operators like Scuba World even run their HMAS Brisbane dive with just one single diver. Overall, the decision felt more profit-driven than customer-focused. Very disappointing, especially given the reputation of the site. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend this operator based on our experience.

Fantastic couple of dives with Matt and Steve. Great briefing, great operators, great day. Look forward to coming back in future Cheers !

Beautiful sanctuary that we thoroughly enjoyed with our UK friends. Great to see all the animals and the conservation efforts made. Really worth a visit!!

I regret putting off a visit to Billabong Sanctuary now that I have finally visited! I've been to dozens of different wildlife parks, zoos, and sanctuarys but this had to be one of the best ones in regards to the animals behaviour. alert, healthy appearances, not overtly desperate for stimuation nor food from guests, but still curious and didn't express too much anxiety. the presentations/talks were well paced out and easy to navigate to in a timely manner, staff were all friendly and personable. The relatively smaller scale of the entire sanctuary in comparison to other parks makes it an easy day out aswell as easier on little ones who may get overexerted else where. facilities are scattered about, a decent sheltered sitting area is beside the entrance/kiosk composed of multiple tables, as well as a small pool on site. a bonus for myself was the amount of native wildlife that took advantage of the area, plenty of waterfowl as well as songbirds abound.

Billabong Sanctuary is a must-visit for anyone traveling through Townsville. This beautifully maintained wildlife park offers a unique opportunity to connect up close with some of Australia’s most iconic animals in a natural, relaxed setting. From hand-feeding kangaroos and cuddling koalas to watching crocodile feedings and exploring shaded walking trails, every moment feels both exciting and educational. The park is thoughtfully laid out, making it easy to navigate and perfect for families, solo travelers, or couples. The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about conservation, offering engaging talks and interactive shows that deepen your appreciation for native wildlife. One of the highlights is how intimate the experience feels. Unlike larger zoos, Billabong Sanctuary allows for real connection—whether you’re watching turtles bask in the sun, holding a python, or seeing cassowaries up close. There’s a strong emphasis on animal care and education, which shines through in every interaction. With beautiful picnic spots, friendly staff, and an atmosphere that feels both wild and welcoming, Billabong Sanctuary is more than just a wildlife park—it’s a truly memorable experience that stays with you long after you leave. Highly recommended for nature lovers and curious adventurers alike.

A must do when visiting Townsville. A great layout, the ranger talks are perfectly timed, so you can move from one to the next. Talks are very informative and where else can you feel a cassowary, hold a koala, snake and crocodile and even have meerkats climb over you. Highly recommend this place.

We had a lovely morning. Our grandson liked it and it was safe. Food was good. Toys reasonably priced. We had a great time

We had a fantastic time at Billabong Sanctuary and only wish we had more time to spend there. We found it by accident upon visiting the big croc and it was so worthwhile. From the moment we stepped in we were awed. The hands on experiences with the animals make it a day to remember. Highly recommend.

Wild! Love this place 5/5! Have a purchased a family pass to keep going back we enjoyed it so much.

We had a wonderful half day sailing out of Townsville to Magnetic Island with Big Mama Sailing. Captain Lisa is warm and friendly and expertly handles her yacht. Assistant Sophie also made the day with her great conversation and friendliness. A swim in a sheltered bay, whale and dolphin spotting plus seeing a turtle topped off a wonderful experience.

Just returned from a 2-hour Sunset Cruise with Big Mama Sailing and… wow. The experience was both exhilarating and deeply peaceful, like my spirit took a deep breath and smiled. There’s something magical about being out on the water, kissed by the breeze, wrapped in golden light… I feel nourished. Huge love to Lisa, Stu, Fletcher, Sophie, Lara, and Coco (ofc) beautiful souls who welcome you aboard not just a boat but into their passion and way of life. Their warmth is as radiant as the sunset itself. If you’re anywhere near the opportunity, go. This isn’t just a cruise. It’s a memory in the making. Highly recommend. #BigMamaSailing #SunsetMagic #SoulNourishment #TownsvilleAdventures #SeaLovers #GratefulHeart #ExhilaratingAndPeaceful

We had a great sunset sail with Big Mama Sailing. Lisa the captain was very welcoming and friendly. The boat was beautiful and comfortable. The sailing was a lot of fun, and the sunset was gorgeous. I would definitely recommend this company.

Absolutely stunning day sailing around Magnetic Island on a private charter. Communication was seamless with Stu and Lisa and the boat was perfect. 100% would recommend

Several friends and I had the pleasure of doing a sunset cruise from the Townsville Marina. It was a lovely afternoon. Lisa was very accommodating making sure we had everything we needed and enjoyed ourselves.

Took the sunset sail and it was literally the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen! I could not recommend doing this enough! Was worth every penny!

We had the perfect afternoon doing the sunset sail from Townsville. Lisa was a wonderful host, expertly sailing us for beautiful sunset views and accomodating my elderly grandparents, who absolutely loved the experience. Highly recommend to anyone in Townsville!

This is a grade 3 moderate trail. There are steps at the end but they are not steep steps. My husband with arthritux knees made it to the top without much difficulty. Koalas on the trail, great history and views.

The trail is uphill, and the final part can feel quite challenging if you’re not very fit or have trouble walking. But the view is absolutely stunning, and you might even spot some koalas along the way 🥰🐨

Definitely well worth the walk .There is so much history to be explored here along with amazing 360 degree views. Spot a koala along way if ya lucky.. dirt walking trail all the way, lots of steps closer to the top, and access to Florence and Arthur bay.

Unbelievably hard walk that went for miles. Lots of hills and uneven stairs to navigate. Only advantage are incredible views of Townsville and other islands. Done it now so I can relax.

A moderate uphill walk. Beautiful scenery. If you see some sticks forming an arrow it means someone has seen a koala near by in that direction. But beware of the snakes.

Easy to moderate walk. Not much to see of the remains but the views are amazing Saw two wild koalas in the middle of the day as well. There was also a water refill point towards the start of the walk which was fab!

Amazing views and I got to see a koala! The track is easy to climb and has drinking water available at one spot. There are no toilets though. It is very popular with families as well. It's best to rent a car and travel at your own pace else you will end up waiting for bus.