Off the Beaten Track in Queensland by Marie Cleland

Queensland is a nature-lover’s paradise, but if you want a world-class wildlife experience away from the crowds, head to the secluded beach resort of Bargara. An easy four hours’ drive north from Brisbane along the Bruce Highway, or one hour from Fraser Coast airport, Bargara is home to the Mon Repos turtle sanctuary, a key rookery for loggerhead turtles. As the sun sets, ranger-guided groups watch with hushed awe as turtles lumber ashore to lay their precious cargoes and hatchlings erupt from the sand.

Beaches and Snorkelling

Daytime also offers a taste of nature’s bounty, with a short flight to Lady Elliot Island at the bottom of the Great Barrier Reef, or a relaxing snorkel at Coral Cove. When the waves are pumping at Kelly’s Beach, surfers grab their boards and everyone else lounges in the shelter of the tidal rock pool at the beach’s northern end.

Seasonal Treats

Fuel your fun in the sun with a seasonal treat from Bargara Berries Café, or locally sourced nosh from Café Citrus. “We like to get some prawns sizzling on one of the seafront barbecues,” says local resident Robyn Winterburn. “They’re free to use and always spotlessly clean.”

Refreshments

Take a break from the beach and sample some liquid refreshment at the Bundaberg Barrel (the home of ginger beer) or the Bundaberg rum distillery. On the 15-minute drive back to the coast, take a detour up the Hummock for sweeping views of the Coral Coast.

Accommodations

Freshen up for dinner at your hotel: Bargara has a range of accommodation, with the luxurious C Bargara and Manta apartments offering value for money. Then hit the restaurant scene. Casablanca is a hidden gem with an international feel to its superb menu. The Bargara Lakes Tavern is more laid-back and on Friday nights you can cook your own steak in an alfresco setting. Then walk off dessert along the meandering paths of the Esplanade.

Inspired? Check out our entire collection of luxury hotels in Queensland.