Well, you definitely shouldn't miss Sydney. (If you have any specific questions about this city, I'd be happy to help.) I loved Byron Bay (we went just after the Christmas/New Years holiday so it was still perfect weather but not quite as crowded). I also loved Palm Cove in QLD. It's just north of Cairns/Port Douglas and less touristy. It reminds me of the quieter parts of the Hawaiian islands. I didn't get a chance to go to any of the islands, but have heard only great things about Fraser, Hamilton, and Whitsundays. I look forward to your Highlights!

Posted Jul 09, 2012

Noosa! Noosa Heads is absolutely lovely, a beautiful national park on a stunning bit of coast. Mind you, if you're driving south down the coast from Cairns, you'll already have seen plenty of amazing stretches by then, and you might even have been lucky enough to go to Fraser Island, which I hear is AMAZING but have been to myself. Friends who have 4x4ed across the white sands say it's a pretty special experience.
The Sunshine Coast has a very pretty, very friendly run of small towns, a relaxed, surfy side of Australia that's far more family and less macho than the Gold Coast. Maroochydore, Mooloolaba and Buderim are all real little towns where real folk get up super early, finish work by mid afternoon and spend the sun soaked evenings on the beach.
Byron Bay's a great call, and I also remember a lovely evening at Port Macquarie, on a friend's birthday - there were lots of great restaurants and the seafood, especially the Monterey Bugs, were delicious.

Posted Jul 11, 2012