Page 17 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

DISC OVERING A USTR ALIA  15

The golden sands and clear waters of idyllic Magnetic Island
Most people come to Hervey famous rum, before you reach To extend your trip…
Bay (p245) to travel on to Fraser Rockhampton (p248), a pleasant If you’re an experienced
Island, but if time is limited, note town with a number of heritage scuba diver, head to nearby
that it’s possible to see whales buildings from the 19th century. Ayr (p250), the jumping-off
from here too (Aug–Oct). Take This is a good place to break point for the SS Yongala
the passenger ferry to Fraser your journey north. Visit the wreck dive.
Island (p246), the world’s largest Aboriginal Dreamtime Cultural
sand island, for a quick visit. Centre (closed Sat & Sun), then
stop by the spire marking the Day 14: North via the
To extend your trip… fact that the Tropic of Capricorn Atherton Tablelands to Cairns
Organize a day trip to runs through the town. If you Continue to drive up the
Fraser Island from Hervey have time to spare, visit the coast until you reach the town
Bay, either joining an caves at Mount Etna National of Innisfail, then make your
organized tour or hiring a Park (p248), 25 km (15 miles) way inland to the Atherton
4WD. Alternatively, travel north of town. This is where the Tablelands (p259). Stop in this
further up the coast and endangered ghost bat nests. incredibly fertile farming area
embark on a boat trip to enjoy the temperate climate
around the Whitsunday Day 12: Mackay and and the beautiful scenery and
Islands (p250). Eungella National Park to buy locally grown fruit and
The next stretch of highway is vegetables from numerous
mostly uninteresting until you roadside stalls. Drop back
Day 11: Rockhampton reach the town of Mackay down to the coast into Cairns
This section of the journey will (p250), where you can admire a (p258), where you can visit the
take you through the attractive number of Art Deco buildings Flecker Botanic Gardens, and
town of Bundaberg (p245), and enjoy a little beach time. consider taking part in some
home of Australia’s most From Mackay, travel west to of the many activities on
Eungella National Park (p250) offer. There are a number of
and engage in some platypus restaurants here, or buy some
spotting (dusk and dawn are street food at the night market.
the best times for this activity).
To extend your trip…
Day 13: Townsville and Stay in Cairns for a few
Magnetic Island extra days and explore
Townsville (p251) is the Great Barrier Reef
Queensland’s second-largest (pp216–21). If snorkelling
city, and there’s an excellent and diving are not for
aquarium here, Reef HQ you, take the Kuranda
(p251), as well as a number Scenic Railway north to
of museums. Most people, Kuranda (p258). There is
however, choose to press on also the option to head
to Magnetic Island (p251) north to visit Port Douglas
and stay there. Enjoy the (p257), Daintree National
beaches and good walking Park (p257) and Cape
opportunities, or organize Tribulation (p257).
Mount Hypipamee crater, Atherton Tablelands a tour of the island by 4WD.