QUEENSLAND WITH PREMIER HOLIDAYS
Here ’ s just a few ideas to consider : -
TOURING
We have a top selection of comprehensive selfdrive and escorted tours ( pages 42-43 & 57 ) as well as shorter itineraries to Moreton Island , Fraser Island , the Great Barrier Reef , Daintree and Cape Tribulation , any of which can be worked into a tailor-made tour . If you prefer to create your own itinerary , we have plenty of touring hotels throughout Queensland .
BEACHES
It ’ s safe to say there is no shortage of beaches to explore in Queensland . Whether you opt for the surf breaks of the Sunshine Coast , the dining scene of the Gold Coast or island hopping in the idyllic Whitsundays , there ’ s so much variety .
UNMISSABLE EXPERIENCES
Be sure to check out our fantastic excursions and experiences which are sure to enhance your holiday ( pages 44 , 50 , 53 & 56 ).
MIX & MATCH
Why confine yourself to Queensland , when you can mix it up with stays in neighbouring states like New South Wales , Northern Territory and South Australia ? A top combo tour is our City , Rock & Reef ( page 23 ).
CRUISE & STAY
As an alternative to land touring , why not consider a cruise ? See page 16 for an enticing Great Barrier Reef cruise & stay itinerary .
NORTHERN TERRITORY
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Cape York Peninsula
Great Ba rrier Reef
Cape Tribulation Daintree Rainforest
Port Douglas
Palm Cove Atherton Tablelands Cairns
White Mountains NP
Townsville
QUEENSLAND
Carnarvon NP
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
GETTING THERE Brisbane is approximately 21 hours from the UK ( including a stopover ).
FLIGHT UPGRADES Why not travel in style and upgrade to a higher class cabin ( premium economy , business or first ), where you will benefit from greater comfort and space . Please call for the latest prices .
Great Ba rrier Reef
Coral Sea
Mount Archer NP Rockhampton
Great Barrier Reef
Airlie Beach Whitsunday Islands
NEW SOUTH WALES
Fraser Island
Sunshine Coast Brisbane Gold Coast
Lamington NP
LOCAL TIME GMT + 10 hours .
Moreton Island
BEST TIME TO GO Queensland ’ s climate is sub-tropical in the south and tropical up north , with the latter having a defined wet season through summer ( October- May ) and a slightly cooler dry season in winter ( June-September ).
HOLIDAY PRICES
All accommodation and tour lead-in prices shown are based on the best value travel dates in low season .
Australia ’ s sunshine state is a top holiday hang out with a carefree pace of life . Whether you want to surf or soak up the sun , flee to a paradise island , hike through subtropical rainforests , seek out natural attractions , be dazzled by magnificent marine life , stop over in vibrant cities or be charmed by relaxed seaside towns , Queensland has it all .
Affectionately known as Brissie , the state capital , Brisbane is as easygoing as it is sophisticated . As well as a pretty riverfront setting , the city has a booming food and trendy nightlife scene and is a hub of creativity for the arts and live music .
The popular Gold and Sunshine Coast beaches are a magnet for tourists , drawn by the great weather , fabulous eateries , buzzing nightlife and thrilling theme parks . In contrast , just offshore is Moreton Island , a quiet island retreat of vast sand dunes , shipwrecks to snorkel and beautiful beaches whilst in the Gold Coast Hinterland Lamington National Park , there are picturesque trails to hike . When adventure calls hop over to Fraser Island , the world ’ s largest sand island , for a four wheel drive amongst the dunes .
Cape Tribulation
Tropical North Queensland crams in more untouched beauty , ancient culture and adventure than some entire countries do , with the World Heritage listed double-act of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest its most prized possessions . Thriving Cairns is the launchpad to the Great Barrier Reef where impressive coral gardens offer the most spectacular underwater experience imaginable . The Atherton Tablelands are celebrated for some of the best food experiences with lots of home-grown produce to sample . In Daintree , the oldest tropical rainforest in the world , you can trek amongst ancient ferns , cruise along the Daintree River in search of salties or zipline through the lush canopy . If you fancy simply lazing amongst the palm trees beside the sea , options include Port Douglas , Palm Cove , Townsville and the extraordinary Cape Tribulation .
In central Queensland is the Capricorn region , where cowboy culture meets coastal lifestyle . At its heart is Rockhampton , Australia ’ s beef capital , while its coast is lined with a series of picturesque white sand beaches . You can replace screen time with green time and get back to nature in Mount Archer National Park and Carnarvon National Park .
Hundreds of picture-perfect beaches are dotted across the dazzling Whitsunday & Queensland Islands which sit right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef . Ranging from well-developed holiday hubs to uninhabited islands , there ’ s perhaps nowhere more idyllic in the world to cover your toes in soft white sand .
www . premierholidays . co . uk AUSTRALIA 41
Courtesy of Queensland Tourism