The Fraser Coast is one of Queensland's most attractive holiday destinations, home to some of nature's wonders including the focal point on the coast, Fraser Island. With a never-ending array of activities available, and so many great places to stay, surely the Fraser Coast has something for everyone.

Tin Can Bay and the nearby Rainbow Beach are two popular little hamlets offering great fishing, boating and surfing. A Four Wheel Drive tour is the best way to see wreck of the Cherry Venture and the colourful sand cliffs and beaches from which Rainbow Beach derives it's name. Both towns also offer excellent accessibility to the Great Sandy National Park and the very unique Fraser Island.

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world (124Km long and covering an area of 163,000 hectares). To the 4WD enthusiasts, it is the ultimate off-road experience. With an amazing variety of landscapes - pure white surf beaches, sand dunes, cliffs and gorges, and dense rainforest, winding streams, and salt pans with eerie mangrove forests - it's a must see.

Scientists believe Fraser Island has developed over approximately 800,000 years. The sand coming from the tablelands of northern New South Wales - washed into the sea by the big rivers and carried it northwards by the strong sea currents.

Fresh water has allowed the growth of rainforest through the sand, surviving on nutrients from the breakdown of other plants.

The beaches, forests and freshwater lakes are the habitat of more than 230 species of birds - including the Australian Stork and the Jabiru. Isolation from the mainland has also ensured the purity of the island's dingo population, and a unique species of tortoise.

Maryborough is first major town heading up the Fraser Coast. Once an important industrial centre on the banks of the Mary River, the town still contains some fine examples of early Colonial architecture. Brennan & Geraghty's 130 year old store gives a worthwhile and acurate look into the past, containing stock and records which have been meticulously preserved.

Hervey Bay, fifty kilometres north east of Maryborough, is one of Australia's best natural holiday destinations, with a reputation as being a safe and relaxing aquatic playground. The region has also become famous for sightings of the Humpback Whale as they return to the Antarctic. During the months of August to October, the whales play in the warm sheltered waters of the bay, putting on a spectacular display for their admirers. Celebrating the return of the Humpbacks each year, the town stages a Whale Festival lasting for two weeks in August.

Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find estuary, beach, jetty or reef fishing, and a variety of water sports including water and jet skiing, sailboarding, diving and snorkelling. The coral reefs and sunken ships within the bay are teeming with fish, providing superb viewing. Glass bottomed boats are another way to experience this beauty without getting wet.

On shore, Hervey Bay offers a good variety of accommodation, restaurants, and wildlife attractions. The town also prides itself on arts and crafts and the Urangan sea wall is a good example of this, decorated with works of marine art by local artists and schools.

Inland, and further north is the attractive town of Childers. Backpackers may like to stay a while and improve their bank balance with plenty of agricultural work available in the area. Childers also holds an excellent multi-cultural festival in July.

At the southern end of Childers is the turn-off to the gorgeous Woodgate Beach and Burrum Coast and River National Park's. The tiny township of Woodgate is nestled between the beach and the forest, allowing kangaroos to feel right at home as they wander through the streets.

Bundaberg is an attractive city about 15 kms inland on Queensland's Fraser Coast famous for it's sugar industry and of course Bundaberg Rum. Set on the Burnett River, the picturesque boardwalks, Botanical Gardens and neighbouring national parks ensure you'll have a pleasant stay. Bundaberg is also the southern most access point to the Great Barrier Reef, providing a stepping stone to Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave islands.

Another main attraction for travellers is the fruit picking and harvesting work, available all year round. Backpacker types of accommodation in town will assist in finding employment.

Whatever your reason for visiting, don't leave without sampling the famous Bundaberg Rum. Tours of the distillery includes a taste test, and run seven days a week.

Must see...The beachside suburbs:

Bargara: Galleries, cafes and Kelly's Beach

Innes Park: Excellent for diving, fishing and snorkeling - Barolin Rock.

Elliot Heads: Picturesque views over the estuary and superb fishing.

Coral Cove: Especially if you enjoy a game of golf and surrounding yourself with the luxuries of a Country Club.

Must see...Nature:

Turtle Rookery: (Nov-March) Mon Repos Beach - During this time you can camp out with the scientists and watch the young turtles hatch.

Humpback Whales:(August-October) Swim past the coastline on their annual migration to the Antarctic.