Australians living on the road to escape gruelling Covid lockdowns are stopping at an ‘enchanting’ forest described as a ‘scene from a fairytale’.
Hidden beside the sleepy coastal town of Agnes Water, 122 kilometres north of Bundaberg, QLD, Paperbark Forest is the region’s number one attraction, captivating visitors with its towering myrtle trees and spectacular cabbage palm plants.
A boardwalk made from raised timber beams and felled tree trunks carves a path through the undergrowth, creating the perfect backdrop for stunning photos.
Open 365 days a year, the forest is home to rare species of butterfly and vibrant coloured mushrooms which add to the ‘magic’ of the scenery.
Australians living on the road to escape gruelling Covid lockdowns are stopping at an ‘enchanting’ forest (pictured) described as a ‘scene from a fairytale’
Hidden beside the sleepy coastal town of Agnes Water, Queensland, Paperbark Forest (pictured) is the region’s number one attraction
The forest is 122km north of Bundaberg and 391km north of the Sunshine Coast
Travellers have raved about the unusual destination on social media, with bloggers Luke and Jess, who run the As We Wander Instagram page, calling it the ‘perfect first stop’ on their trip across Queensland’s north.
Photos of the forest have stunned dozens online, with many saying they are keen to travel there as soon as interstate borders open.
‘Oh so pretty, looks like something out of a fairytale,’ one woman wrote.
‘What a beautiful spot,’ said a second, while a third added: ‘Well this looks absolutely amazing.’
The forest boasts rave reviews on travel site TripAdvisor, with visitors insisting it is ‘well worth’ the drive 90-minute drive from Bundaberg.
A boardwalk made from raised timber beams and felled tree trunks carves a path through the undergrowth, creating the perfect backdrop for stunning photos
Travellers have raved about the unusual destination on social media, with bloggers Luke and Jess, who run the As We Wander Instagram page, calling it the ‘perfect first stop’ on their trip across Queensland’s north
‘Loved the walk. Nature showing it’s best, you could hear the leaves rustling and birdsong. Was not long enough that’s for sure. Endless photo opportunities,’ a woman wrote in August.
But those planning a trip to the forest should arm themselves with bug spray, because the area is rife with mosquitos from September on.
Paperbark is not the only unusual destination inspiring adventure-starved travellers in the Sunshine State.
Photos of the forest have stunned dozens online, with many saying they are keen to travel there as soon as interstate borders open
The forest boasts rave reviews on travel site TripAdvisor, with visitors insisting it is ‘well worth’ the drive 90-minute drive from Bundaberg
Further south, Australians have been flocking to a ‘mesmerising’ lagoon at the gate to the Great Barrier Reef.
Sitting on Queensland’s Capricorn Coast, Lady Musgrave Island has been inspiring travellers on social media with its sparkling turquoise water and enchanting blue hue.
The 14-hectare coral cay, widely touted as the highlight of any trip to the Great Barrier Reef, is home to some of the country’s most vibrant sea creatures including turtles, clown fish and majestic manta rays.
The crystal clear water offers world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, while the island itself – a haven for nesting seabirds – is said to boast the ‘bird watching experience of a lifetime’.
Further south, Australians have been flocking to this ‘mesmerising’ lagoon at the gate to the Great Barrier Reef
Sitting at the gate to the Great Barrier Reef, Lady Musgrave Island has been inspiring travellers on social media with its sparkling turquoise water and enchanting blue hue
Photos of the idyllic destination have sparked stunned responses on Instagram, with Australians stuck in lockdown across New South Wales and Victoria calling it the first place they want to travel to as soon as restrictions are lifted.
A video of the ocean around Lady Musgrave Island uploaded by wildlife photographer, Mark Fitz, was welcome distraction for one Sydneysider who wrote: ‘Damn I’d like to be on that yacht.’
A second added: ‘So serene, what I’d do to be there.’
Meanwhile others called it ‘paradise’, ‘beautiful’, and ‘pure magic’.