Oz, the Great and powerful: Home of my favorite beer, beer-drinking people, beer-drinking places. …and so much more.
While studying in Adelaide, I ruefully never got to Queensland. I have been plotting my return for the past 10 years, only postponing because once I land, I’m pretty sure I will never leave. How on earth can I distill my dream itinerary into 5 days?
Day 1: Fly from Sydney to Bundaburg for a welcome drink.
Bundaburg meant one thing when I was in college- RUM. Bundy and coke on tap was revolutionary to the 21 year-old me, but the older and wiser me knows that this is an ideal jumping off point for the next few days. From Mon Repos, watch mother turtles nesting, and see hatchlings take their first journey to the ocean from November-March. Have some Bundy while you’re here…. just not too much, as there is lots to do.
With more time, I would venture to Cape York Turtle Rescue on the Northern peninsula. Volunteers assist Indigenous rangers in quantifying nesting populations, collecting data, and working towards the conservation of Green, Hawksbill, Flat Back and Olive Ridley Turtles.
Day 2: World’s best diving on quickly disappearing reefs.
With everything from 5mm Pygmy seahorses to 5m Minke whales, where else to dive but the Great Barrier Reef? Try Cod Hole for human-sized Potato Cod, Osprey Reef for resident shark populations, the Ribbon Reefs for Minke or Humpback whales in June/July. This natural treasure trove should be seen, appreciated, and frantically protected.
Lady Elliot Eco Island is my dream hub. This level 6 protected, eco-certified island resort offers turtle hatching season from February-March, whale migration from June-September, and Manta Rays throughout the year.
Day 3: You’re joking. I didn’t come to the Great Barrier Reef for only one day of diving.
For a longer stay in Queensland, try a dive liveaboard. There are also many ways to explore the GBR for non-divers; snorkeling, glass-bottomed boat tours, even scenic flights over the reefs.
Day 4: Feet back on terra firma at an Ozzie farmstay
After living in Adelaide (the land of churches and farmers), a day of hard labor sheep shearing, driving cattle, and milking the herd sounds like a very exotic source of bliss to this urban warrior.
Take a 70 minute flight from Lady Elliot Island to Brisbane, then a one-hour drive to Spicer’s Hidden Vale, 12,000 acre country farm offering archery, horseback riding, bushwalking, and a luxury day spa to rest your weary bones.
Day 5: Road trip up the Sunshine Coast
From Grandchester, drive straight up the coast to Noosa, less than 2 hours from Brisbane. Noosa National Park, the Everglades and the Sunhine Coast Hinterlands are accessible from here, with charming villages, shops and views of the coast, as well as world-class food, wine, and beaches.
Return to Montville for the evening, staying at Narrow’s Escape Rainforest Retreat. The secluded cottages pay homage to the natural beauty of Queensland, and are a perfect place to reflect on all the amazing things you’ve seen in OZ.
This has been there since the beginning. You could never “Add Funds” to your account through a credit card, it has nothing to do with being able to send a payment to another person with a credit card.
Great to know, thanks Ed. I’ll let them know, as you can see the first thing I did was send money and it worked for me. I am surprised it has been going on as long as it has though.
Agreed, it has been going on for so long didn’t even occur to me that they might take it away.