Australia holiday | North-East Australia by electric hire car

Off the east coast of Australia, in the state of Queensland, lies Great Keppel Island, one of the best island destinations on the southern Great Barrier Reef. Located 40 kilometres from the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel Island is a magnificent beach resort most easily reached by a 30-minute ferry ride from Yeppoon. Although a popular day trip, the island offers plenty of accommodation, good restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. With 17 different beaches to explore, it is an ideal destination for visitors who choose to spend more time on the island. Active travellers can look forward to hiking through the island's bushland, as well as supping, kayaking and snorkelling. The snorkelling spots Shelving Beach, Monkey Point and Clam Bay are particularly popular as they are exceptionally scenic and family-friendly.

The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 tropical islands between Queensland's northeast coast and the Great Barrier Reef, a vast coral system teeming with marine life. Surrounded by the calm, temperate waters of the Coral Sea, they are the ideal base for sailing or exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its fringing reefs. Most islands are uninhabited and characterised by dense rainforests, pristine white-sand beaches and numerous hiking trails. The mainland town of Airlie Beach is the vibrant central hub of the region, while the surrounding islands range from laid-back Hook Island to luxury resort destinations such as Hayman and Hamilton. There are stunning beaches all over the Whitsundays, but without a doubt Whitehaven Beach is the most spectacular - widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific - with snow-white sand and clear aquamarine waters.

The Atherton Tablelands plateau, just south of Cairns, is a popular tourist area known for its historic villages, vibrant country markets, delicious tropical cuisine and diverse wildlife. The area offers spectacular waterfalls, some great hiking trails and an array of exotic wildlife (including platypuses and tree kangaroos). Visitors can look forward to excellent opportunities for fishing, water-skiing, bird watching, guided bush walks and much more. Popular attractions include the enchanting Millaa Millaa waterfalls, breathtaking volcanic crater lakes such as Lake Barrine and Lake Eacham, the Ravenshoe steam train and the beautiful Paronella Park with its lush tropical gardens and Spanish castle ruins.

Along the Coral Sea in the Australian state of Queensland, the Sunshine Coast stretches from the capital Brisbane to Rainbow Beach, named after its multicoloured sand dunes. This spectacularly scenic coast has enough of that laid-back Australian vibe to make you feel like a local before long. Head to stylish Noosa for a morning surf lesson, followed by exotic drinks in the afternoon at a chic beach café; or head to Alexandria Headland for a rugged experience in a backpacker's environment, skydiving or bodyboarding. The region is also a natural paradise of rivers and lakes, subtropical forests and national parks. For a close-up wildlife experience, a visit to Australia Zoo is a must.

Nestled between Ingham and Townsville in northern Queensland lies the Paluma Range National Park, an extraordinary, lush nature reserve featuring beautiful green rainforests, impressive mountains and numerous enchanting water sources. Thanks to the refreshing, cool air, the park offers a pleasant escape for visitors coming from the warmer coast. The best way to cool off is in one of the rivers, streams or waterfalls that adorn the area. Jourama Falls are an absolute must-see, with their beautiful rapids, cascades and refreshing emerald-green pools. Paluma Dam is also a stunning spot, offering opportunities for swimming and water-skiing. For a lovely hike, you can explore Mount Spec above Big Crystal Creek. The park is particularly well-known for its birds and forms part of the Paluma Important Bird Area.

Australia immediately conjures up images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange - and endearing - assortment of animals. While the country's main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, beautiful beaches and fun events, it is also a country of enormous contrast and fascinating nature. The country has something for everyone-from water lovers, desert hikers and mountain climbers to lovers of art and culture, historians and foodies. The huge size of the country makes it almost impossible to take everything in during a single visit, but you can choose a perfect holiday based on your personal preferences.

Located in northeastern Australia, Queensland is a perfect state with 7,000 kilometres of coastline, the Great Barrier Reef, sophisticated cities, the thriving Daintree Rainforest and pristine golden beaches whose waters offer impeccable surf. Explore a little deeper and travellers will find the treasured Whitsunday Islands (all 75 of them), countless national parks teeming with native fauna and flora, and vibrant Aboriginal arts and festivals - all infused with an atmosphere of inviting hospitality. The Great Barrier Reef, with its teeming tropical waters, is perfect for underwater sightseeing, while the bustling capital Brisbane is filled to the brim with trendy eateries and tempting shops. For intrepid travellers, adrenaline-packed activities like whitewater rafting, abseiling and bungee jumping abound.

Yeppoon is a bustling town in the scenic Capricorn Coast National Park, located on the coastline and attracts countless surfers and travellers throughout the year. The many shops, restaurants and pubs offer daily (and nightly) entertainment, while the famous monthly Figtree Market regularly draws crowds with its crafts, art and fresh produce. Yeppoon Main Beach is one of the safest and most beautiful shores on the Central Queensland coast - perfect for swimming and sunbathing. From here, visitors can easily sail to the spectacular Great Keppel Island to enjoy truly dreamy beaches. Figtree and Ross Creeks, accessible by an easy walk from the city centre, offer great locations to watch the weird but wonderful flying black and red foxes take to the skies at sunset.

Livingstone Shire is located in the Capricornia region of Central Queensland, just northeast of Rockhampton. Boaters, yachters and holidaymakers enjoy the beautiful restaurant-lined Keppel Bay Marina, and the spectacular Keppel Islands beckon swimmers, sunbathers and nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Watch dolphins and migrating humpback whales in coastal waters, or stagger through the lush interior of the islands to see beautiful brightly coloured birds and butterflies. There are also several beautiful natural parks and state forests to explore as well as plenty of beautiful towns rich in heritage and cultural attractions.

There is a reason why the Great Barrier Reef features on so many bucket lists. This immense natural phenomenon - so colossal it can be seen from space - is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. From getting up close and personal with the abundant marine life to enjoying spectacular views of the reef through the air. The list of incredible experiences to be had in this area is almost endless. The palm-fringed Whitsunday Islands are an ideal base station - although so amazing in their own right, you may find it hard to leave!

Cape Hillsborough is located in the state of Queensland on the north-east coast of Australia and is centred around the Cape Hillsborough National Park. This beautiful area, with rugged coastlines, wide sandy beaches and tidal mangrove forests, is best known for the wild wallabies and kangaroos that come to the beach every morning at dawn to feed on the seed pods washed up by the tide. Besides this unique scene, the area is also home to nesting sea turtles and more than 150 bird species. Active travellers will enjoy hiking trails through the tall eucalyptus forests, as well as excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Various accommodation and camping sites are available within the park, including the popular Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park.

Airlie Beach, located on a tropical peninsula on Queensland's east coast, offers a range of activities to tick off your bucket list. With temperatures of a steady 32˚C throughout most of the year, popular leisure options include parasailing, skydiving, snorkelling, scuba diving, boat trips and jet skiing. Just off the coast of Airlie Beach lies the idyllic Whitsundays Island and the Great Barrier Reef, with its spectacular diving opportunities. Visitors can spend relaxing days reading and sunbathing in and around Airlie Beach Lagoon, or explore the peninsula's vibrant markets, beaches and rainforests.

Located in the northernmost part of the Australian state of Queensland, the Tropical North Queensland region, also known as Far North Queensland, this thriving destination offers scenic landscapes characterised by stunning reef, lush rainforest and vast outback. It is also home to the city of Cairns, a collection of more than 70 national parks, and several UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, Wet Tropics of Queensland and Riverleigh, Australia's most famous fossil site. Visitors can explore the area's many natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, including learning about the indigenous cultures of Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders; and climb Mount Bartle Frere, the highest peak in northern Australia. Highlights include: picnicking at Vlasoff Cay, diving in a waterfall and exploring the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

Port Douglas, a sleepy fishing village in the 1960s, has evolved into a sophisticated modern city and a quieter alternative to nearby Cairns for exploring the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Praised as a diving and snorkelling paradise, this resort destination on the Coral Sea in North Queensland offers kilometres of pristine palm-fringed beaches and plenty of shops, restaurants and eateries. A short distance out of town, Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge are not to be missed.

Fondly known by locals as 'Bundy', this charming and laidback subtropical town lies on the Burnett River, 15 kilometres from the sea on Queensland's coast. The town's diverse landscapes include pristine beaches, subtropical rainforests, and endless green sugar cane fields. These scenic natural surroundings provide an ideal environment for a number of outdoor pursuits. Dive or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Great Barrier Reef, or cruise the beautiful Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands in a semi-submersible vessel. If that sounds rather too energetic for your tastes, you can indulge in a hefty dose of pampering at Lady Musgrave Island's luxury eco-resort or simply lay out a towel on one of the area's exquisite white powder beaches.

Bargara, located in the Bundaberg region of Queensland in Australia, is a coastal town and tropical haven known for its turtle nesting sites. It is an excellent base to explore the world-famous southern part of the Great Barrier Reef, which lies just offshore. The town offers a rich history, palm-fringed beaches, pleasantly warm weather and a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine in the many cafes and restaurants along the streets, swim at a series of pristine beaches stretching from Neilson's Park in the north to Kellys Beach in the south, and leisurely stroll along the picturesque Esplanade. Other highlights include the Mon Repos Turtle Centre and Turtle Encounters, Miller Street, Woongarra Scenic Drive, the Great Sandy Marine Park, the Coral Coast Pathway and the Kanaka Walls and Basin.

Boreen Point is situated on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, on the eastern edge of Australia. It is a small, picturesque village with just 300 permanent residents. A true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, its showpiece is Lake Cootharaba – the largest body of water within the Noosa river system. Relaxing on the lovely little beaches by the lake, boating, sailing and taking boat trips are popular activities. A section of the river, known as the Everglades (near Noosa), is perfect for kayaking and spotting wildlife – with a bit of luck, you might spot koalas from the tree-lined banks. Other highlights include the wooded walking trails in Cooloola and Tewantin National Parks, as well as the historic Apollonian Hotel.

Located on the beautiful Capricorn Coast in Livingstone Shire, Queensland, Rosslyn is an idyllic coastal town for a relaxing holiday, with a stunning marina, turquoise waters and luxury resort facilities. Enjoy various boat trips or take advantage of the marina facilities; sunbathe on the golden sands of Rosslyn Beach and take a refreshing dip; or explore the beautiful coastal walking trails of the Capricorn Coast National Park. Photographers will enjoy the spectacular views from Fan Rock Lookout, Rosslyn Bay Lookout and Wreck Point Lookout.