qantasvacations-blog

[qantasvacations-blog]

4 Epic Things to Do on Australia’s Hamilton Island

Hamilton Island is the only island in the 74-island Whitsunday Passage with a commercial airport, and one of the easiest destinations to visit. Aside from the typical activities of sightseeing, swimming, kayaking, and day spa, here are four other options to explore.

1 – Visit the Great Barrier Reef

Hamilton Island is one of Great Barrier Reef’s hidden gems. Just two hours by catamaran to Hardy Reef, enjoy snorkeling, diving, and underwater viewing from a completely dry submersible chamber. Other day trips combine snorkeling sites with attractions such as the beautiful, Whitehaven Beach on the uninhabited Whitsunday Island.

2 – Stay during Audi Hamilton Island Race Week

The Whitsundays’ annual Audi Hamilton Island Race Week (August 15-22) is Australia’s biggest sailing competition, best seen from Hamilton Island. When you attend this off-shore keelboat race, enjoy party central with fashion shows, champagne lunches and celebrity chefs who prepare the most delectable destination dinners.  

3 – Have breakfast with the koalas

Share breakfast with koalas at the Wild Life Hamilton Island café. As you jam your toast, these cuddly koalas will munch tableside on their morning gum leaves. After taking pictures with these fuzzy creatures, check out the mini zoo featuring kangaroos, snakes, crocodiles and other Australian wildlife. Park admission, breakfast and photo package is just $75 for adults and $45 for kids.

4 – Go on a jet-ski tour

Either drive or be a passenger on this guided jet-ski tour. Part eco-tour and part adrenaline rush, this one-hour journey is nothing less than a great adventure.

---

This article was originally published by Qantas Insider.

[qantasvacations-blog]

5 Great Ways to Experience Australia’s Gold Coast

There’s more to the Gold Coast than splashing waves and theme parks. Here are six ways to enjoy this picturesque region.

1 – Stroll to a world-famous surf break

The Gold Coast is recognized by surfing pros from the across the globe! The most famous break is Snapper Rocks, which hosts the annual Quicksilver Pro and Roxy Pro surf competitions. Take in the best ocean views and surfer action when you walk around the Coolangatta headland. 

2 – See Australia’s most-loved wildlife

For families, a trip to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-do! See Aussie favorites (kangaroos, koalas, dingoes and wombats), then venture on over to the crocodiles on a high-ropes course and watch vets hard at work in the on-site wildlife hospital.

3 – Take a swing on the green

The Gold Coast is the ideal place to tee off, home to a series of first-class golf courses. Test your champion skills at the Royal Pines Resort, play at night at Emerald Lakes, or head north and golf with a grazing kangaroo at The Pines.

4 – Saddle up in the countryside

Whether your horseback riding skills are beginner or advanced, the Gold Coast is the ideal place to meet a new horse and ride like a local. Beginners can check out Red Gum Riding’s arena offering specialized lessons for children and adults. More confident riders are encouraged to head west for an adventure ride with Numinbah Valley Adventure Trails, which covers over 2,400 acres and includes a stop for tea and damper (a traditional Australian bread).

5 – Take a hike

Just a 45-minute drive from the coast, venture to Springbrook National Park where you’ll enter a volcanic landscape drastically different from Gold Coast’s traditional beaches. Journey through subtropical rainforest and land at the “Best of All” lookout for a view that lives up to its name.

---

This article was originally published by Qantas Insider.

[qantasvacations-blog]

How to Explore Kangaroo Island Like a Pro in South Australia

Kangaroo Island – or “K.I.” to the locals – is an explorer’s playground filled with native wildlife and pristine beaches.

Do

Kangaroo Island is home to diverse wildlife and vegetation. A host of friendly locals – who know the island like the back of their hand – operate tours that explore the great outdoors. You can rent a four-wheeler, hop on a diving boat or take a helicopter ride. Explore the ocean by kayak or reach for the skies in a small plane. When adventure calls, Kangaroo Island is the answer. Don’t miss the naturally sculpted formations, Remarkable Rocks and Admirals Arch, at Flinders Chase National Park, both showing the power of the wind and waves. And see if you can spot the colony of New Zealand fur seals sunbathing on the rocks below.

Eat and Drink

Enjoy lunch at The Chase Cafe, then hike to Cape Borda Lightstation. Cruise the self-guided nature drive down Shackle Road, then stop for the fine dining experience of Nicolas Baudin’s Restaurant and Bar at the Kangaroo Island Wilderness Retreat. Drive an hour east to taste local shellfish dishes at Andermel Marron.

Stay

Explore Flinders Chase National Park, the largest protected area on Kangaroo Island. Tucked into the island’s southwest corner, accommodation options range in size, price and stature, from heritage cottages (complete with toilets, showers and more mod cons) to tried-and-true campgrounds.

Get There

A 30-minute flight from Adelaide, or catch a ferry from Cape Jervis (bring your car too). Public transport is limited, so four wheels of your own will go a long way. Rent a vehicle in Kingscote, Penneshaw or at the airport.

---

This article was originally published by Qantas Insider.