Fraser Coast

Every year between July and November, tens of thousands of humpback whales migrate through Hervey Bay on their way north to calve in warm Queensland water. This is Australia's whale watching capital — the bay's protected, shallow waters cause whales to slow, investigate and sometimes remain for days, breaching, tail-slapping and spy-hopping in front of the tour boats. It's one of the most reliable and intimate whale encounters in the world.

Fraser Island — K'gari to the Butchulla people who have called it home for thousands of years — is the world's largest sand island, and it defies almost everything you expect from sand. Freshwater lakes perch in the dune system, stained tea-coloured by organic matter and crystal clear to swim in. The surf beach on the eastern shore stretches 120km without a break. The rainforest growing directly out of sand is classified World Heritage.

The island is four-wheel drive only, and campgrounds sit behind the dunes on both shores. Dingo etiquette is important — these are pure, wild animals and are managed as such. The trip across from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach takes minutes by ferry, but puts you in another world entirely.