Cape Byron Lighthouse

Sometimes borders are just irrelevant and nowhere is this more true than the region stretching between Ballina and Brisbane. With a diversity of scenery and attractions, this is a holiday mecca.

Northern NSW 

Byron Bay has long been a magnet for backpackers, but venture beyond the lighthouse and you’ll be pulled in another direction. Take time to smell the petunias in the coastal towns of the Northern Rivers, or branch out into the hinterlands. You’ll soon feel yourself slipping into a different time zone… 

You’ll know you are in prime holiday-land when you roll into Ballina. As well as long golden beaches close by, Ballina’s  main claim to fame is the Maritime & Naval Museum, which holds the Kon-Tiki balsa raft. This rag-bag of a boat made an epic journey from Ecuador to Australia in 1973, to prove how early populations migrated continents. You could easily spend a lazy summer afternoon here, followed by a stroll along by the magnificent Richmond River. 

Shopping in Byron

If you’re an active sort, nearby Lennox Head on Lake Ainsworth offers sailing in tea-tree stained waters. If you prefer a slower pace, you can chill out in one of the many cafes overlooking the spectacular surf beach, which stretches for miles (Seven in fact, hence its name). 

It’s hard to miss Byron, if only by the summer crowds. Visit off-season though and you’ll have a lot more space to appreciate the great pubs, cafes and shops, and you’ll find a spot on the beach to unroll your towel. Party hard at night, chill by day – that’s Byron.  

Lighthouse Beach near Ballina

Don’t be tricked into thinking that Nimbin (to the west of Byron) is just a day trip. Do that and you’ll won’t have time to soak up the village vibe, in the home of the hedonistic Age of Aquarius movement. To experience a lesser known side of the area, venture into the craggy Nightcap Ranges. You may even come across the Aboriginal site at Nimbin Rocks. 

Take your last stop south of the border at Murwillumbah, where you can lounge by the Tweed River, or float languidly downstream in a tyre tube. Look back and you’ll see the awesome sight of Mount Warning, or ‘Cloud-catcher’ as the local indigenous people call it. The hike up the mountain at dawn for sunrise is worth the early rising, and may be the most exertion you have all holiday. 

Coolangatta

Southern Queensland 

Heading north across the border you’ll venture into Gold Coast territory, land of thrills and spills and big dollar bills! 

Starting at Coolangatta, this homely hangout is famous for its excellent surf breaks and relaxed, friendly ambience. The town’s therapeutic pace, colourfullocals and picturesque bays make for a perfect rest and relaxation destination and the YHA can point you in the direction of the best surfing spots.  

Positioned across the bay from its boisterous neighbour, Surfers Paradise, a visit to ‘Coolie’ isn’t complete without an early morning walk around the bays and enjoying an evening drink at the surf club as the sunsets over the distant, shimmering Surfers skyline.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is big, which ever way you look at it. From its world-renowned towering skyline to the endless stretches of white sands, big rides at the white knuckle theme parks, big shopping dockets after a hard day of retail therapy, towering waves, endless surf breaks and big nights out at the city’s countless restaurants, bars, clubs and 24 hour casino!  

Surfers Paradise is the place for non-stop action, adventure and fun! The YHA at Main Beach overlooks the marina, and is next to beautiful Main Beach and Sea World. Enjoy a drink at the marina, catch a live band at the famous Fisherman’s Wharf Tavern or enjoy a trip out on the marina onboard a cruise or fishing charter.  

Back on the Bruce to Brisbane. This river city oozes an electric vibe representative of Australia’s fastest growing city. From boutique shopping and a cosmopolitan business district, to Southbank’s alfresco dining, Saturday markets and the bright lights and late night festivities of Fortitude Valley, there is plenty to see and do in Queensland’s capital city. The Brisbane River meanders like a vein pumping life through the city centre so jump on a CityCat ferry and discover the city’s chic riverside suburbs. Cuddle a koala at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, check out the crocs at Australia Zoo or venture off-shore to the bay islands of Stradbroke and Moreton Island. 

Picturesque Stradbroke Island lies a mere 15km off-shore in Moreton Bay and boasts excellent dive, snorkel and 4WD adventures with rugged coastlines, tranquil inland lakes and first class beaches. Stradbroke Island YHA has its very own 5-star PADI dive centre so why not  grab a snorkel or learn to dive amongst the coral reef and warm turquoise waters of Moreton Bay? Stradbroke Island is the hidden jewel of the east coast. 

Whatever you are looking for in a holiday, there is nowhere else in Australia that has as many great spots to explore than this border country.