Surfers Paradise
Bundaberg
Hervey Bay Maryborough
SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND
Glasshouse Mountains Noosa Maroochydore Montville
Caboolture Brisbane
Fraser Island
Mooloolaba
Toowoomba Grandchester
Surfers Paradise Mount Tamborine
Coolangatta
Lamington National Park
Sunshine
Coast
Moreton Island
Gold Coast
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Getting there : Brisbane is approximately 21 hours from the UK ( including a stopover ). The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are an hour ’ s drive from Brisbane .
Best time to go : Southern Queensland is subtropical , with warm summers , mild winters and both autumn and spring offer the very best climates . Most rainfall tends to occur December-March .
A mix of relaxation , adventure and excitement all drenched in a perfect subtropical climate
Boasting stunning natural assets , year-round clear blue skies and a subtropical alfresco lifestyle , Brisbane is an urban metropolis with a relaxed vibe . Check out the edgy arts scene in the riverside precinct of South Bank ; explore the eclectic streets of Fortitude Valley ; scale the Story Bridge for panoramic views ; shop the bevy of open-air markets and one-off boutiques ; amble around the Botanic Gardens and lush parks ; and enjoy as many of the city ’ s outstanding eateries as you can .
An adventurer ’ s dream just 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane , Moreton Island is a magical place where you can hand feed dolphins at Tangalooma , hike up vast dunes before zipping down on a sandboard , swim in crystal-clear lakes and snorkel around mysterious wrecks .
Just south of Brisbane , is the entertainment playground of the Gold Coast where high rises and hotels are built around superb resorts like iconic Surfers Paradise , Broadbeach or Coolangatta . For thrill seekers , this is also Australia ’ s theme park capital , with Dreamworld , Wet ‘ n ’ Wild and Warner Bros . Movie World among the most popular .
Step back from the famous beaches and into the rolling hills of the peaceful , picturesque hinterland . Here , national parks are the speciality , particularly Lamington National Park with its lush rainforests , ancient trees and spectacular views . Another gem is Mount Tamborine where quaint villages reside , overflowing with antique stores , artisan galleries and cafés , along with the outdoor offerings to explore .
North of Brisbane , the laidback lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast awaits you . Its vast beaches and holiday hotspots include the sophisticated seaside village of Noosa which is known for its surfing , family-friendly Golden Beach in easy-going Caloundra , or the regional cultural capital of Maroochydore with its funky cafés , multicultural cuisine and thriving live music scene . Within easy reach of the beach you ’ ll find the magnificent must-see attraction Australia Zoo and the Glasshouse Mountains , a group of eleven rugged volcanic peaks with walking trails for all abilities .
World Heritage listed Fraser Island is the world ’ s largest sand island offering endless white sand beaches , freshwater lakes , tropical forests , sacred Aboriginal sites and multi-coloured rocks . Join a 4WD tour and cruise down Seventy Five Mile Beach to see the rusted Maheno shipwreck , and take a dip in the bubbling Champagne Pools , popular Eli Creek or the awe-inspiringly beautiful Lake McKenzie .
UNMISSABLE SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES
Get more out of your stay . Prices are per person
KOALA RIVER CRUISE RETURN from £ 55
This popular scenic cruise from Brisbane takes you to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , where entry is included . Explore for three hours before a relaxing journey back to the city .
EVENING RAINFOREST & GLOWWORM EXPERIENCE from £ 62
Depart the Gold Coast for an exciting tour with a fully guided rainforest walk within Mount Tamborine National Park to Curtis Falls to see fascinating glowworms .
LAMINGTON NATIONAL PARK O ’ REILLY ’ S & VINEYARD from £ 62
This six hour tour from the Gold Coast includes a drive through the Canungra Valley , the treetop walk at O ’ Reilly ’ s Rainforest Retreat , Kamarun Lookout and a vineyard visit .
BRISBANE CITY SIGHTS from £ 79
During this half day coach tour you ’ ll explore the city ’ s historical sights , enjoy a river cruise and have time to stroll the arts precinct and manmade beach of Southbank Parklands .
EVERGLADES ECO SAFARI DAY TOUR from £ 79 ( includes lunch ) Transfer from Noosa and head to Australia ’ s Everglades , a spectacular network of pristine waterways for a cruise . Enjoy lunch overlooking Lake Coothearaba before returning .
CROC EXPRESS TO AUSTRALIA ZOO from £ 85
Visit world-famous Australia Zoo , home to over 1,200 animals , there are daily wildlife shows and it ’ s also home to the world ’ s busiest wildlife hospital . Available from Brisbane and the Gold Coast .
K ’ GARI EXPLORER DAY TOUR from £ 148 ( includes lunch ) A full day tour from Hervey Bay which includes a 4WD tour of Fraser Island , swims in Eli Creek and Lake McKenzie , a drive along Seventy Five Mile Beach and the wreck of the Maheno .
TASTY NOOSA & SURROUNDS from £ 162 ( includes lunch ) A tasty day of interactive wine , gin Noosa and beer tasting along with tours of vineyards and distilleries .
44 AUSTRALIA visit your local travel agent or call 08444 937 900