Washing reusable masks in a Scrubba wash bag MINI (or original)
With the Covid-19 pandemic in full swing and many of us now wearing multiple re-usable fabric masks each day when working, shopping, exercising or otherwise leaving the house, it is becoming more important for us to appropriately handle and wash the masks.
It turns out the Scrubba wash bags MINI is perfect for both tasks.
Handling your face mask
Fabric masks are good for a short period of time and reusable masks will need to be washed after every use. If the mask you have been wearing is a little wet or you have worn it for more than 2 hours, then you should replace it with a clean mask and store it in a sealable bag to prevent potential contamination of other surfaces. The compact size of the Scrubba wash bag MINI makes it ideal for storing used masks. When taking a mask off, try to only touch the elastic straps and be sure to wash or sanitise your hands after taking an old mask off and before putting the new mask on.
Washing your reusable face mask
You can wash your reusable face mask in a washing machine on a hot cycle and in a delicates bag to prevent the ear loops from tangling in the machine. However, given the need to wash masks on a daily basis, we have found the Scrubba wash bag MINI to be perfect. Used masks can be safely stored in the bag throughout the day and then hot (but not boiling) water can be added along with cleaning liquid when it is time to clean them. This minimises handling of used face masks and also keeps them separate from other clothing thereby avoiding potential cross-contamination.
Washing in the Scrubba wash bag MINI is fast (a matter of minutes) and the performance is on par with a washing machine and twice as effective as handwashing in a sink.
As an added advantage, the Scrubba wash bag MINI uses minimal water and no electricity so it is good for the environment.
Detailed Steps for Washing Your Reusable Face Masks
Place face mask in the Scrubba wash bag MINI then wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap or hand wash
Add laundry liquid and hot water (around 60֯C)
Optionally soak the face masks in the hot water for 10-20 minutes by closing the Scrubba wash bag MINI without deflating the air and stand the Scrubba wash bag MINI up (i.e. the bag should sit upright with the closure at the top)
Deflate the air from the bag and rub the face masks against the inner washboard for up to 3 minutes.
Discard the dirty water and add fresh water
Close the bag without deflating the air and shake the bag to rinse
Discard the dirty water and gently wring out the face masks
Lay face masks in a Scrubba towel or Allurette towel and roll up the towel to par dry the masks
Hang the face masks to dry (ideally in direct sun and fresh air)
Optionally reusable face masks can be dried near a heater, in a tumble dryer or ironed (check care instructions on the face masks for drying suitability)
Turn your Scrubba wash bag MINI inside out and allow to dry.
We've come a long way in the first half of 2020 and it been a bumpy ride. There has been much debate and conflicting advice about who should wear masks, when they should wear them and also why they should wear them.
While Australia’s stunning East Coast undeniably offers some of the nation’s top tourist spots, the underrated West boasts a plethora of incredible locations that ought to be added to your Aussie travel bucket list for 2020!
The largest of Australia’s six states, Western Australia (WA) comprises a third of the country offering so much more than just arid Outback. You’ll find an unparalleled coastline, national parks, wildlife experiences, exquisite wine and food regions and an exciting and ever-sunny urban capital, the city of Perth. A vast state with so much to offer makes picking just ten must-sees no mean feat, though hopefully the following list provides a solid place to start. The two towns kicking off our list recently made it into Australian travel website Wotif’s annual awards top ten places to visit, which is the first time that two WA locations have made the cut!
1. Albany
With its rolling mountain ranges and spectacular coastline, from Torndirrup National Park's surf-pummelled cliffs to Middleton Beach's white sands and the calm waters of King George Sound, Albany in the state’s South West claimed Wotif’s seventh spot. Known as a little slice of Europe in WA, Albany is the western state’s oldest European settlement, shown through its unique heritage architecture and fascinating museums. Situated on the traditional lands of the Minang Noongar and Wagyl Kaip peoples, Albany is rich in Aboriginal history too, with evidence of habitation dating back over 18,000 years, which makes taking a trip to the award-winning National Anzac Centre a must! As well as being an incredible destination for history buffs, Albany offers lots for families too. Hire bikes and cycle to Emu Point, take a dip at the hidden gem that is Waterfall Beach, take a killer whale boat cruise or have the "best fish and chips in WA" at the award-winning Ocean & Paddock!
Walk along the stunning coastline! Photo via @visitalbanywa
WA’s premium wine region took spot nine on Wotif’s list and we can certainly appreciate why. Margaret River is the renowned surfing location and wine region of WA's South West with over 135 wineries, making up 3% of Australia's grape production. However, there is more to the beautiful region than simply great wine and surf. Along with fantastic local produce, art galleries, and impressive coastlines, visitors can explore underground caves, hike untouched trails, and bike through towering forests. A few standout activities for us include hiring SUPs and cruising the turquoise waters of Prevelly or Meelup Beach, taking a dip at the famous Injidup Natural Spa or combining two great past times - wine tasting and cycling - by taking a Sip’n Cycle Winery Tour. An awesome one for the kids (big and small) involves hanging about in the treetops at Forest Adventures South West.
Immerse yourself in the magic of the natural spas. Photo via @margaretriver
While we’re on the topic of wine; just north of Perth lies the picturesque landscape famed for being Western Australia’s oldest wine region, with a 32km loop full of food and wine to indulge in! Blending rich Indigenous history with strong European roots, the Swan Valley not only offers an abundance of wineries but also walking trails like no other, historic buildings and some of the finest foods in the state. A few tips from us; take a relaxing boat cruise along the blue waters of the Swan River from the CBD right through to the Swan Valley, or sample some decadent delights from Windarra Honey, Margaret River Chocolate Company or Mondo Nougat! Fun child-friendly activities include hand-feeding roos at the Caversham Wildlife Park, navigating a challenging maze, or playing mini-golf at the Maze, as well as plummeting down an inflatable slide at Outback Splash!
Take a walk through the vines. Photo via @westernaustralia
A trip to WA wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Rottnest Island; a picturesque island with a laid-back atmosphere, stunning scenery including the world’s most pristine beaches and bays and some incredible marine life. One of the main attractions of this sunny little island are the quirky little marsupials, the quokkas! If you’re wondering how to get around Rottnest Island, bikes are the transport of choice and can be hired or brought along with you by ferry for a small fee. The island is only 11km long and 4.5km wide making it easy to explore with a number of great trails to follow. As well as relaxing, swimming or snorkelling at one of Rottnest’s beaches, or exploring the island on foot or two wheels, you can climb the Wadjemup Lighthouse for the ultimate views across the whole island. From September to May explore the world beneath the waves on the Underwater Explorer!
Float in crystal clear waters. Photo via @rottnestaustralia
A region full of natural wonders not to be missed. The Kimberley, which is located in the northernmost part of Western Australia, consists of small country towns, dramatic coastlines, and World Heritage Sites such as sandstone gorges and incredible waterfalls. We could write an extensive list of places to see in The Kimberley but we’ll narrow it down to a few favourites. Firstly, Broome with its camel-riding on Cable Beach, Malcolm Douglas Crocodile Park, Roebuck Bay, and SSJG Heritage Centre is known as one of Australia’s top tourist destinations for good reason! If exploring waterfalls is a must, you really are spoilt for choice in The Kimberley. Marvel at Mitchell Falls in the Mitchell River National Park or Fortescue Falls in WA’s second-largest national park, Karijini. Take a boat ride or seaplane ride along the wonder that is Horizontal Falls and for the adventurers among us, four-wheel-drive along the Kimberley's Gibb River Road or stay at remote wilderness camp Kooljaman run by the local Bardi people, amidst the rugged red cliffs, white sands and pristine waters of Cape Leveque.
Appreciate The Kimberley's rugged beauty. Photo via @thekimberleyaustralia
There is nowhere quite as spectacular in Australia as Ningaloo Reef. The lesser-known and therefore quieter but equally as impressive as its Eastern counterpart, (the Great Barrier Reef) Ningaloo is a World Heritage Site that will leave you awestruck. A breathtaking 300km stretch of unspoiled underwater paradise renowned for its amazing shark diving, snorkelling with Manta Rays and turtles or swimming at Turquoise Bay. A 13-hour drive (or 90-minute flight) from Perth, Exmouth is the closest town and main gateway to the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area. Exmouth is also home to the amazing Cape Range National Park and Charles Knife Canyon where hiking, camping, and scenery appreciating are second to none. A bit further South is Coral Bay where the Ningaloo Reef is closest from the shore, just 500 meters away, and is a small, laidback location where exploring the reef, quad bike trekking, fishing, boat tripping, diving and enjoying a meal and a beer at Bill’s alfresco bar make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
See the reef a stone’s throw from the shore. Photo via @visitningaloo
A dynamic and sun-soaked metropolis set on the banks of the picturesque and winding Swan River, Perth is renowned for its water sports, awesome beaches, gourmet eateries, quirky galleries, and hip boutiques. One of the most isolated capital cities on the planet yet often voted as one of the most liveable, Perth exudes a relaxed, natural charm. Choose from one of many family-friendly sheltered inlets or beaches such as Como and Cottesloe, or for the keen surfer, the best breaks can be found at Trigg Point and Scarborough. There are many picturesque suburbs to explore by foot or bike and delicious places to fuel up along the way. Nature lovers will delight in Kings Park and Botanic Garden, being a tranquil escape from the CBD and one of the largest inner-city parks in the world. Here you'll find stunning city views atop Mount Eliza and walking trails aplenty, including the Lotterywest Federation Walkway suspended in a canopy of Eucalyptus trees.
Take in incredible city views from Kings Park. Photo via @cityofperth
If you like the relaxed vibe of Perth, then you’ll undoubtedly love the laid-back artistically inclined historic port town of Fremantle. A short drive from Perth city where so much local goodness can be found, from eclectic pieces of art, jewellery, and fashion to delicious organic foods and locally brewed beer. Check out what local producers have to offer at the Fremantle Markets or take a walk down Fremantle’s legendary ‘Cappuccino Strip’ where you can sip wine whilst watching street performers or enjoy live music from the towns many restaurants, cafes, and pubs. A trip to the fascinating Fremantle prison, one of Western Australia’s most significant cultural attractions, is a must, as is the Western Australian Museum’s Shipwreck Galleries. The Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour is another favourite with delicious seafood restaurants aplenty, and of course the Little Creatures brewery, the birthplace of their world-famous craft beer.
Browse the famous markets. Photo via @visitfremantle
Another of WA’s spectacular destinations is Esperance, on the Southern Ocean coastline, approximately 720km from the state capital Perth. A great way to check out this beautiful region is to take a road trip from Albany through to Esperance, which is 483 km of beautiful beaches and wonderful national parks. When in Esperance, the Great Ocean Drive provides an awesome winding Cliffside route to all the best beaches in the area and another of WA’s fascinating museums, The Esperance Museum, is a great place to learn about the area’s rich history. National Parks, Cape Range, and the further out, more rugged Cape Arid, are incredible, with the first being home to stunning white sand beaches such as Cape Le Grand Beach and Lucky Bay, where friendly kangaroos hop along the shoreline. If time permits, we suggest taking a short scenic flight or one hour cruise to Middle Island, where you can see the extraordinary bubble-gum pink Lake Hillier, juxtaposed against the deepest blue ocean.
Don’t be tempted to take a sip! Photo via @westernaustralia
Rounding out our list we've chosen another natural phenomenon, to be found in the Pinnacles Desert in Nambung National Park. Roughly 200km north of Perth, the 4ft limestone formations of the Pinnacles present an almost other-worldly landscape to explore. As well as walking on the moonscape that is the Pinnacles, we recommend surfing giant sand dunes and just outside of the desert, taking a trip to the sandy beaches of Hangover Bay and pristine waters of Jurien Bay Marine Park. Spending time in the town of Cervantes is also a must, ensuring that you sample the area’s famous seafood delicacy of lobster, and journey to the Thirsty Point Lookout that offers panoramic views of the ocean and sand dunes below. Head slightly north to Jurien Bay where you can get up close with sea lions!
Wake up and walk on the moon. Photo via @westernaustralia
We hope our list gives you some food for thought! The easing of restrictions could present the perfect opportunity to pack up the car, camper or RV and hit road, ticking off as many spots as you like on the way. There are many benefits to having your accommodation and wheels all in one, and to make your journey a little easier, pack a Scrubba wash bag for self-sufficient laundry on-the-go! Browse the Scrubba wash bag range to pick up the ultimate gear for your next WA adventure.
Not too long from now you just might get to travel outside again. When that happens why not consider the oldest state in Australia.
Named by Captain James Cook himself in 1770 the state contains some of the best flora, fauna and fun the country has to offer. We’ll skip over the obvious ones, such as Byron Bay, Snowy Mountains and the Hunter Valley. So, here are ten of the best places we can recommend you plant a foot or a tent once lockdown ends.
1. Mungo National Park
Mungo National Park is a world heritage listed wonder located in the middle of NSW just north of the also fabulous Mildura. Its rich in Aboriginal history and is perfect for a walk, picnic or a little bit of camping. It also happens to be the home of the Mungo Lady and Mungo Man. If you’re into Indigenous history the park is home to some of the oldest human remains ever found in the country.
300kms south of Sydney and filled with kangaroos, if you place yourself in the right place and right time, kangaroo valley is has all there is to do. Kayaking, camping, music and food is just the beginning. There are some b&b’s and camping spots are on hand to make your adventure as comfortable as you care to make it. Bendeela is a popular spot for camping on the green banks of the Kangaroo River where even a little bit of fishing is on offer to help you pass the time while the odd bare nose wombat passes by.
Have you ever heard of a Dark Sky Park? You have now. Warrumbungle National Park. Is Australia’s only Dark Sky Park – that means it’s a park located far enough away from a cities lights to be dark enough that more stars that can be seen from most other packs. It was designated in 2016 by the international Dark Sky Association and is now famously the best place to see the Milky Way.
With 11 plus walking trails, cycling, waterfalls and Grand Canyon style lookouts Morton National Park is a one stop shop for any type of outdoor enthusiast. It has something for the young and old with gentle walking trails and scenic waterfalls or even mountain biking for those who are happy to go with the larger bumps. There’s tonnes of camping nearby so no need to fork out for a hotel if you’d like to stay in the great outdoors. It does cost a whopping $4 per car per day, which means someone in the car will have to forgo their midmorning coffee or hot chocolate, but I we’re sure you’ll find it worth it.
Although currently closed Lord Howe Island is a paradise in waiting for when lockdown ends. Consisting of over 2000kms of coastline and countless kangaroo’s the island has the feel of a resort in the surrounding of national park. There’s swimming, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving and for the vitamin-d deficient, sunbathing. Camping is not permitted unless you’re a resident of the island as a way to help maintain its pristine surrounding as a way to maintain its World Heritage listing, but there are plenty of fantastic places to stay that’ll make it hard for you to leave.
Yes, Outback is a place. To get your taste of the Australian outback you simply need to go to Outback, the very large region of the state in the upper left quadrant of the state. Full of indigenous history you can trek into the region through its rugged 4x4 trails. Home to not one but three national parks you’ll see big red kangaroos and emus racing across the rich and rugged landscape. The skies are mostly crystal clear making it perfect for camping out under the stars. The best gateway to get there is through Dubbo, east of Sydney.
A little-known gem located near Gosford and south of Sydney, is Bouddi National Park; it’s 1,532 hectare park with a temperate rainforest (also known as a moss forest), the ocean tucked below steep cliffs, walking trail, fishing, and whale watching. It’s perfect for camping on a weekend or weekend getaway. The icing on the cake? Its only 90mins from Sydney!
Just north of Newcastle is Birubi Beach – a great place to holiday, especially with kids. Home to some massive expansive sand dunes that will keep them occupied for days. Teenagers can sandboard. Adults can ride camels. Those who prefer the smell of petrol, there’s 4WD Safaris or even quad bikes. The ocean is only a few footprints in the sand away so learning to surf is option for the those looking to push their heart rate through the roof. The road there can lead you a million directions but regardless you’ll always end up in the right place.
From beaches to birdwatching this gold nugget of s destination hidden in the Jervis Bay region of NSW has everything you’re probably looking for with a host of outdoor activities. Like most campgrounds in coastal Australia there’s fishing, swimming, snorkelling, but at Booderee there’s boating. On the surface you’d think boating and camping went almost hand in hand, but in reality, finding a great place to camp with a better place to float your boat is much harder than expected. Its recently invested $750,000 to redesign and update the wharf making it not only vastly better than what is currently there, but most importantly, safer.
Just 180 km from Sydney is one of NSW greatest national parks. There’s no shortage of luscious greenery and gorgeous, not to mention cute, Australian animals. Part of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area the scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Massive sandstone cliffs line the horizon above the trails that wind in-between the forests below. The fire trails can be accessed by walkers, but cyclists will get the most out of them with a mountain bikes. It’s got same great fishing for those who love trout and if you are there in the summer months canyoning is both possible and popular.
We hope that our list gives you some food for thought! The easing of restrictions could present the perfect opportunity to pack up the car, camper or RV and hit road, ticking off as many spots as you like on the way. With social distancing and heightened hygiene being the new normal, having your accommodation and wheels all in one definitely has its appeal, and to make that journey a little easier, why not pack a Scrubba wash bag for self-sufficient laundry on-the-go! Browse the Scrubba wash bag range to pick up the ultimate gear for your next NSW adventure.
With Coronavirus restrictions now easing off Australia-wide, Queenslanders are starting to look forward to setting the wheels in motion for those non-essential trips to the amazing places in the state they call home!
Known aptly as “The Sunshine State”, it comes as little surprise that Queensland (QLD) is Australia’s most popular holiday destination. A state with a truly outdoor focussed lifestyle, it’s hard not to be drawn to the pristine beaches, colourful coral, idyllic tropical islands, World Heritage-listed rainforests, waterfalls and rivers! To kick off our top ten dynamic destinations to visit within QLD’s sunny borders, we have chosen one of Australia’s most visited destinations and one of the natural world’s seven wonders...
1. Great Barrier Reef
A UNESCO World Heritage listed marvel that is in fact the world’s largest living structure and is visible from outer space! Stretching 2300km up the Queensland coast situated in the Coral Sea, the enormous area encompasses over 3000 coral reefs, hundreds of tropical islands, an abundance of marine life, breath-taking coral and ancient cultural connections. Diving, snorkelling and sailing activities provide spectacular scenic views both above and below water. Tours in glass bottom boats launching from Cairns, Port Douglas and Airlie beach are great options, as are camping or resort stays on the many beautiful islands in the marine park. For a once in a lifetime opportunity, ‘Reefsleep’ at Hardy Reef provides an intimate overnight encounter with the reef whereby guests can dive, snorkel and explore the amazing ecosystems by day and sleep at a permanently moored pontoon, located 39 nautical miles from shore on the outer Great Barrier Reef! Sadly climate change is draining much of the reef of its colour, so hurry and visit while you still can. Everyone can enjoy the region in an environmentally and reef-friendly way that maintains the area’s ecological, cultural and heritage values!
See the epic blues and famous heart of Hardy Reef. Photo via @queensland
A favourite location here at Scrubba HQ, the beautiful Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and another UNESCO World Heritage site not to be missed. Located 3 hours north of Brisbane by road, and mainly accessed from Hervey Bay by car and passenger ferries, Fraser Island’s unique natural splendour owes to it being a popular destination for four-wheel drive adventures and campers. Explore the island’s vast pristine beaches, crystal clear perched lakes, ancient rain-forests and multi-hued rock formations! Drive on the wind-swept Seventy Five Mile Beach to the bubbling Champagne Pools, sandstone cliffs of The Pinnacles and remains of the Maheno shipwreck for an unforgettable experience. A swim in the famous Lake McKenzie is a must, as is exploring the rainforest trails by foot and whale watching from several of the island’s undisturbed vantage points! Worth mentioning; Hervey Bay on the mainland is one of Australia's best fishing destinations, and a launching point for tours of the area and its amazing marine life.
Picture Perfect at Lake McKenzie. Photo via @queensland
Port Douglas, with its long strip of pristine beach, lush green mountains and vast blue ocean, makes for an irresistible tropical getaway in QLD’s far north. Along with its own idyllic appeal, two of Australia’s heritage listed marvels lie on its doorstep; the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. It’s tempting to spend the days soaking up the sun, sea and views from the pristine Four Mile Beach with its white sand and aquamarine waters, but the trendy town itself boasts a number of things to do, see and eat! Choose from cool al fresco eateries serving delicious seafood, live-music bars, modernised resorts, great golfing spots and a myriad of local excursions running daily. These include incredible Great Barrier Reef cruises, sunset sailing trips, scenic helicopter flights and rainforest wilderness safaris.
The idyllic Four Mile Beach. Photo vis @tropicalnorthqueensland
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4. Daintree National Park
Port Douglas leads us nicely on to our next unmissable destination; the world’s oldest surviving rainforest, the Wet Tropics World Heritage Daintree National Park, which is home to the highest concentration of threatened and endangered species on the planet, as well as 100-million year old plants! Located just north of Port Douglas and an hour’s drive from Cairns, the park includes two main sections; the crystal-clear waters and lush forests of Mossman Gorge, and Cape Tribulation, where tropical rainforest fringes the reef-dotted shores of the Coral Sea. The area is best explored via guided safari with many operators offering tours on amphibious vehicles, stopping for rainforest hikes and tropical fruit tastings. A self-drive tour is also an option if you’re feeling adventurous! Ziplining through the rainforest, horseback riding, swimming at Mossman Gorge’s peaceful waterholes, looking for cassowaries along the Jindalba Boardwalk, and hiking the many rain forest trails also offer some memorable ways to experience the ancient area.
Explore the park on horseback. Photo via @tropicalnorthqueensland
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5. Cairns
The largest city in QLD’s topical Far North, Cairns is a tourist favourite owing to its laid-back, friendly atmosphere, palm-lined streets, lush parks, gardens, beaches and its proximity to QLD’s most wondrous sights. In the city itself, enjoy a stroll along the 5km Cairns Esplanade running along the bay and take a dip in the saltwater swimming lagoon, or stroll through the beautiful Flecker Botanic Gardens, followed by a visit to the fascinating Cairns Museum. As well as to the aforementioned Daintree rainforest and Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a prefect launching pad for day trips to the picture-perfect Palm Cove, the lofty Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and Kuranda Scenic Railway, the lush Atherton Tablelands, the tropical Fitzroy Island and the otherworldly Paronella Park!
Jaw-dropping views from the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Photo via @tropicalnorthqueensland
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6. Whitsunday Islands
One of the many highlights of the Great Barrier Reef is this network of 74 idyllic tropical islands strung along it off the Central QLD coast. The islands, 69 of which are national parks, can be reached by boat from Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. Island Activities include serene snorkelling opportunities and swimming amongst tropical fish and coral, enjoying the silky white sand beaches and walking on trails through the lush greenery. For a spot of luxury, a stay at the exclusive Hayman Island may appeal, or perhaps at the Palm Bay Resorton beautiful Long Island, with access to 13 km of walking tracks or well-developed Hamilton, the largest of the island resorts. Alternatively and with social distancing in mind, immerse yourself in nature and camp among the dry rainforest, grasses or above dense coral rubble that makes up the shore. The real star of the show is the dreamy Whitehaven Beach on the uninhabited Whitsunday Island, which is not only one of Australia's top stretches of coast, it often scores a place on lists of the best beaches in the world!
Tropical paradise at Whitehaven Beach. Photo via @queensland
Bustling Townsville, Australia’s largest tropical city, is situated on Cleveland Bay at the foot of a 300m high granite clag aka Castle Hill. Walk to the peak for breath-taking panoramic city and sea views or stay at ground level and walk the Strand, the scenic waterfront promenade where you can take a dip, have a picnic or check out Jezzine Barracks for some history. The Botanic Gardens, museums, aquariums, hiking and biking trails make for an excellent family friendly holiday destination and an ideal base for excursions and tours, particularly to the Great Barrier Reef and the beautiful Magnetic Island. The latter, a short 25 minute ferry ride, is an island paradise brimming with epic scenery, awesome walking trails, pristine beaches and spectacular snorkelling sites. Our top must see; the breath-taking shipwreck of SS City of Adelaide at Cockle Bay. Wade out to it at low tide or jump on a boat tour to learn about its history and check out the stunning surrounds. Magnetic Island is also home to bountiful native wildlife, especially rock wallabies and koala and you can even have breakfast alongside the koalas at Bungalow Bay Koala Village, the only resort in Australia with its own on-site wildlife park!
Mother Nature has taken over. Photos via @thismagneticiland
While we’re on the topic of Koalas, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in QLD’s capital is one of the few places where you can touch and feed these sleepy native animals! As well as the wildlife sanctuary, Australia’s third largest city is known for its relaxed lifestyle, balmy climate, lush parklands, Botanic Gardens and flowing picturesque river. Riverside walking and biking trails, shops and restaurants make for family-friendly activities, as well river cruises and the River Life Adventure Centre offering action-packed water sporting activities right on the river. Experience Brisbane’s eclectic arts and cultural scene, visit the Queensland Museum, or the Gallery of Modern Art, enjoy city views from the Mt Coot-tha Lookout or use the city as a base for epic daytrips and excursions to the best that Queensland has to offer. Some nearby highlights include a number of national parks, the famous Australia Zoo, tropical island getaways (Moreton Island, North Stradbroke Island and Bribie Island are favourites) and family-friendly theme parks.
With incredible food, wine, festivals and scenery ranging from serene cliff-fringed beaches and quiet coastal rivers to lush bushland interweaved with hiking trails, it’s no surprise that the Sunshine Coast is a perennial favourite amongst Aussie vacationers. Located in QLD’s southeast, the coast stretches from Caloundra to Noosa Heads, with the latter being a popular family-friendly resort area. Basking at Noosa’s stunning Main Beach, hiking the trails of Noosa National Park, shopping at the nearby Eumundi Markets or catching some great surf are always high on the agenda when visiting the area! In fact, surfing is also one of the most popular things to do in the Sunshine Coast, with most towns having their own awesome surf breaks. The smaller resorts of Coolum Beach, Peregian Beach, and Sunshine Beach are all worth a visit for some coastal fun or take a road-trip inland to the region’s hinterland to hike and explore Glass House Mountains National Park, a cluster of volcanic plugs rising out of the coastal plain, as well as the quaint mountain villages of Montville andMaleny.
Hike to the breath-taking Glass House Mountains. Photo via @queensland
With 200 stunning National Parks across QLD, nature lovers really are spoilt for choice. The small but beautiful Burleigh Head National Park in the heart of the Gold Coast never disappoints. Discover the wild, rocky headland on walks such as the beautiful Ocean View Walk from Tallebudgera Creek along the rocky foreshore and watch whales from the Tumgum Lookout in spring and sea-eagles soaring along the coast. See the ancient volcanic columns that meet the sea in this park, which also features rainforest, eucalypt forest, pandanus groves, tussock grassland, coastal heath and mangroves. Get up early and catch the magnificent sunrise whilst watching the surfers at the point on the park’s northern side, one of Australia's most famous surfing point breaks. Picnic on Burleigh foreshore or relax on Echo Beach! There are many more breath-taking National Parks in the area such as the subtropical rainforest Lamington, the impressive Woolumbin or the nature plus winery combo of Tamborine. For a more lively urban experience, the city itself is well known for its great shopping, dining, nightlife, theme-parks and 50 plus km of golden sand on its doorstep!
An epic road trip destination with its famous routes both along the amazing coastline and rugged outback, Queensland is a camper and RVer’s dream. Well-equipped campgrounds and free-camping spots are scattered throughout the state and what better way to explore whilst still being able to maintain social distancing! Avoid the crowds and tread lightly by packing a pocket-sized washing machine to take care of your laundry on-the-go. Browse the Scrubba wash bag range to pick up the ultimate gear for your next QLD adventure.
