Summer holidays are here: it’s time to bask in all that glorious sunshine and restore, recharge and renew. The Shiny Storm team is filled with gratitude to be based on the Sunshine Coast, but nothing says summer more than a road trip along the East Coast. Here, we’ve put together our top 3 journeys to seek holiday bliss…

1. Sunshine Coast Road Trip (1-2 days)

Okay, we might be a little biased, but the Sunshine Coast is a road trip in itself! Start at the northern tip in Pomona, a gorgeous hinterland town with the powerful Mt Cooroora and its 2.4km summit walk. Drive down the escarpment through the market town of Eumundi and into Noosa. Vibe in the luxurious of Hastings St before grounding yourself in the Noosa National Park, its forests and beaches. From here, Mt Coolum should be your next stop, another place of deep grounding energy with amazing views from the top: this is one of Ana’s favourite places.

Explore the quiet beaches of Marcoola and Mudjimba before heading into the hustle of Mooloolaba’s beachfront party atmosphere. Foodie paradise can be found in Palmwoods: try Piggyback, the Palmwoods Hotel or for the ultimate roadside stop, Rick’s Garage. Feeling the heat? Ascend the escarpment once more to Montville and Maleny, where charming villages in a natural (much cooler!), spiritual atmosphere abound.

A Sunshine Coast road trip also means you’re never far from a Shiny Storm location.

Crystal Recommendation for Travel: Amethyst.

Ana recommends holding an Amethyst at the top of any Sunshine Coast summit. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for a gentle chakra cleanse, to purify your spirit and ready your intentions for the next stage of life’s journey.

2. Brisbane to Byron Bay Road Trip (1-4 days)

As the freneticism of Queensland’s state capital falls behind you, take the road less travelled and veer off the M1 onto the Mt Lindsey Highway towards Canungra, a cute little rural town in the Gold Coast Hinterland. From here, curl your way up to Lamington National Park for a day of rainforest bathing, or head through the mountain passes to the Gold Coast (either through Mount Tamborine or Nerang), and feel the power of the forests and mountains as you carefully drive these winding roads.

For some, the energy on the Gold Coast is a little overwhelming, but with your hands on the wheel, you can find pockets of calm beauty in this glitzy strip. So, skip Surfers Paradise and head down to Burleigh Heads. Here, the beach beckons while shaded walks through the Burleigh Heads National Park take you to the stunning and safe Tallebudgera Creek. Crystal clear water gently laps golden sand, making a relaxing place to swim.

Keep heading down the Gold Coast Highway to Palm Beach and stop in at uber cool The Collective where a cooperative of different restaurants in one location means every taste is catered to.

Time for another swim? Greenmount Beach is a beautiful spot, home to famous Snapper Rocks and the Queensland/New South Wales border. Once here, you choose your adventure: relaxed swim or gnarly surf. Hop back in the car and make your way south through cute Kingscliff along the Tweed Coast Road. From here, small coastal towns begin to meld with a more organic way of life: feel your energy soften as you leave the intense pace of the Gold Coast behind and head toward the East Coast’s capital of laid-back cool, Byron Bay.

Despite its burgeoning scene of hip bars, cool restaurants and luxe boutiques, Byron retains a grounding, calming energy. The beaches are beautiful, and a walk from The Pass through Wategoes and up to the Lighthouse is not just exercise for the body, but clearing for mind and soul. Watch as dolphins glide past, eagles soar and waves roll in: this is Mother Nature at her best!    

Crystal Recommendation for Travel: Aquamarine.

Arm yourself with Aquamarine, a beautiful blue stone offering safety to travellers and known to calm hot emotions, inspire and harmonise.

3. Yamba to Sydney Road Trip (1- 10 days)

The beauty of Yamba, 90 minutes south of Byron Bay, is apparent in its stunning natural setting. Here, the mighty Clarence River empties into the sea, Yamba Point rises above the ocean and to the south, Angourie and kilometres of coastal bush stretch out toward the spectacular Yuraygir National Park. Here, the Yaegl and Gumbaynggirr People are the traditional custodians of what is a pristine and magnificent natural environment.

Once you’ve had your fill of Yamba and Yuraygir, head back out to the Pacific Highway for a beautiful drive south through eucalypt forests, farmlands and winding coastal scenery. You’ll know you’ve almost reached Coffs Harbour when the Big Banana comes into view. This is a great place to take a happy snap and stretch those legs.

Take a detour off the highway to Bellingen, a colourful country town full of authentic character, artists and delicious organic and sustainable food. If you’ve got time, a day trip out to Dorrigo National Park along the Waterfall Way is absolutely worth it: forest, waterfalls and more calming energy will recharge your batteries.

Port Macquarie is another destination on the road trip south, but Shiny Storm recommends detouring into the hamlets of South West Rocks, Hat Head or Scotts Head for some truly laidback beachside style.

After all that quiet nature, Newcastle looms to the south. Here, a thriving surf, coffee and arts scene is guaranteed to fill your cultural cup. Beautiful headland walks, pristine beaches and trendy bars complete the recharge.

The final drive south from Newcastle to Sydney takes road trippers through a series of national parks offering breathtaking views. Marvel at the gorgeous bushland and tranquil waterways beneath you as rock walls towering above before the spectacle of Sydney unfolds in front.

Crystal Recommendation for Travel: Moonstone and Malachite.

This is a long road trip: time to bring out the power crystals!

Moonstone is the ultimate travel stone. Not only does it offer protection and grounding, calming energy, this crystal allows for personal growth and regeneration. Isn’t that the purpose of every journey?

Malachite is a forceful negativity absorber, boosts confidence and even alleviates aches and pains like those sustained on long road trips.

Would you like some extra protection on the road this Summer? Pop into one of our Shiny Storm locations for powerful, affordable crystals for travel.