12 Days in Australia: The Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Noosa & Lady Musgrave Island

Your flight is actually two calendar days!

Depart for your adventure via a trans-Pacific flight to Brisbane via Sydney. Due to crossing the International Date Line and the equator, you will skip a calendar day.

With an early morning arrival and a long layover, why not make the most of your time in Sydney with a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House? Take a fascinating behind-the-scenes tour of this world-famous performance venue, and then indulge in a delicious meal at the Opera Bar, offering spectacular harbour views. There's no need to worry—this experience is perfectly timed to ensure you’re back at the airport well before your connecting flight to Brisbane.

Upon arrival in Brisbane, you will be very tired after a long journey. Take this evening to get a good meal, settle into your hotel room, and rest so you will be ready to take on the days of adventure that await you!

Brisbane is a great place to start your Sunshine Coast visit due to its sunny, warm weather and vibrant outdoor lifestyle, making it ideal for exploration and relaxation. With just one day to explore before heading north, consider some of the following options:

• South Banks Parkland: This iconic area offers a manmade urban beach called Streets Beach, rainforest walks, picnic spots, riverside dining, and frequent festivals. It blends natural beauty with cityscape, perfect for a full-day outing.

• Vibrant neighborhoods such as Fortitude Valley and West End: These neighborhoods provide trendy shopping, diverse dining options, street art, farmers markets, spas, and cafes, adding a local, laid-back charm.

• Outdoor activities: The Brisbane River invites kayaking and boat tours, while nearby natural spots like the City Botanic Gardens offer peaceful trails and wildlife viewing within the city.

Today, you will travel to the beautiful seaside town of Noosa, a famous spot along the Sunshine Coast, just two hours north of Brisbane. Arriving mid-afternoon, you will have time to hit the beach or do some shopping and have a meal along Hastings Street.

Today is all yours to explore Noosa! Here are some suggested activities:

• Noosa National Park Coastal Walk: Embark on the famous Noosa National Park Coastal Walk for breathtaking ocean views and lush forests. Enjoy stops at several scenic lookouts—Boiling Pot Lookout, Tea Tree Bay, and Dolphin Point.

• If you’re feeling adventurous from your coastal walk, continue to the famous natural rock Fairy Pools for a swim.

• Main Beach or Little Cove Beach: Return to Noosa's beautiful beaches for a refreshing swim or simply relax on the golden sands.

Today is your last day in Noosa! Make the most of it with these suggested activities:

• Noosa Everglades: Choose a guided kayak or boat tour through the Noosa Everglades—one of only two everglade systems in the world. Spot rare birds and enjoy tranquil waterways.

• Noosa Farmers Market or Eumundi Markets: Have fun shopping for local produce, artisan goods, and great coffee.

• Noosa River: Hire a boat, kayak, or paddleboard to watch pelicans and take in waterfront homes.

Today, you will travel another two hours north, arriving by mid-afternoon in Bundaberg, where you can enjoy a meal and even tour Bundaberg Rum Distillery, where one of Australia’s most famous spirits has been produced since 1888.

In the late afternoon, head just another 20 minutes to peaceful Mon Repos, a coastal locality that is renowned for its conservation park and for being a critical habitat for nesting marine turtles, especially the endangered loggerhead turtle.

Today is a very special day! Traveling via wind- and solar-powered catamaran from Bundaberg Port Marina, you will hop aboard for the Lady Musgrave Island experience (this is a 12-hour tour). Lady Musgrave Island, located on the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, offers a unique marine and eco adventure. It's famous for its turquoise lagoon, thriving coral reefs, marine life, and unspoiled coral cay. Here are some highlights of the day:

• Guided snorkeling: Swim in sheltered, crystal-clear lagoon waters with vibrant reefs, tropical fish, rays, reef sharks, and resident green turtles.

• Glass-bottom boat tours: Explore coral gardens and marine life without getting wet, accompanied by interpretive guides who explain the underwater ecosystem.

• Island walking tours: Join eco guides for educational walks around the coral cay, learning about local flora, fauna, the Pisonia forest, migratory birds, nesting turtles (seasonal), and island history.

The last leg of your journey will take you back to Brisbane. Enjoy the four-hour drive back to the city. How about a fun activity to break up the long drive? Here are some ideas:

• The Glass Mountains: These iconic volcanic peaks have panoramic views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland and more. There are many short and moderately challenging hikes, suitable for various skill levels.

• Hinterland Villages: Explore charming artisan villages such as Maleny & Montville, with boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and cheese or chocolate shops.

In the evening, when you arrive back in Brisbane, you will surely be ready for a rest after your long day of road travel.

Enjoy your final full day—the city is yours to explore! With so much of Brisbane still waiting to be discovered, make the most of today before you head home tomorrow.

Though it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye, may the experiences and stories from your travels enrich your life and stay with you for years to come. Safe travels, and here’s to the many adventures still waiting for you on your next journey!