East Coast Australia draws the road-tripper crowds who head up the coastal highways between the state’s main cities of Brisbane and Cairns. Brisbane is a network of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own identity. The inner city has a youthful urban vibe; nowhere more so than at the South Bank, where world-class riverfront eateries, a man-made beach, cultural precinct and year-round calendar of events keep the buzz alive day and night. Just south of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is unapologetically showy, with the high-rise blocks of Surfers Paradise fronting a wide surf beach.
At the opposite end of the coast, the tropical tourist honeypot of Cairns is the gateway to Tropical North Queensland’s natural wonders, including the Daintree Rainforest where ancient flora and fauna and traditional Aboriginal hunting spots await. During the 20-hour drive between Brisbane and Cairns there are attractions aplenty, including thrilling theme parks, fun waterparks and wildlife sanctuaries. Hubs worth stopping at include pretty Noosa with its cool cafés, rooftop bars and chic boutiques; and laid-back Airlie Beach with its chilled-out pubs and man-made lagoon.
Queensland’s mainland attractions are abundant, but the real highlight lies offshore. A remarkable chain of around 3,000 reefs and 900 lush islands, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest living structure. It’s the largest protected marine area on Earth and for good reason, with a staggering underwater world that includes 2,000 species of fish, turtles, reef sharks, dugongs and whales. Snorkelling or diving to see the astounding subaquatic landscape here is a must.
The best way to experience the reef is to stay in the Whitsundays; an idyllic archipelago of 74 islands. Most are uninhabited, but a handful have been sensitively developed into some of Australia’s swankiest resorts. Our favourites include the adults-only retreat of qualia on Hamilton Island – the Great Barrier Reef’s largest inhabited island, with lots to see and do from watersports to golf – and the exclusive private island resort of One&Only Hayman Island (due to reopen in 2019). Another way to experience island life is to visit unique Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. This UNESCO-protected paradise boasts ancient rainforests and over 100 lakes, including glistening Lake McKenzie and the deep green waters of Lake Wabby. It’s also one of the best spots in Australia to spot a wild dingo.
Air Charter Service can help you charter flights to Queensland. There are plenty of airports here that are suitable for private jets, including Brisbane, Cairns and Hamilton Island. We have offices worldwide, so why not contact our team who can arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Queensland, whether it’s from the UK or another region in Australia.
