Touring Australia Summer 2016/17 Touring Australia | Page 97

QLD

TOP DAY TrIP IDEAS FrOM BrISBANE
Jump in the car, pack a picnic and spend a day discovering the natural beauty and interesting
history of the diverse Greater Brisbane region.
NOrTH STrADBrOKE ISLAND
Just a short ferry trip from Cleveland Marina, North Stradbroke
Island is a perfect day out for beach goers and nature lovers
alike. Start your day along the scenic North Gorge Headland
Walk. Keep your eyes peeled for whales frolicking in the
distance, and turtles and manta rays in the clear waters of
the gorge. Follow the coastline along to Cylinder Beach, the
perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in the waves or on
the sand.

CYLINDEr BEACH

ST HELENA ISLAND NATIONAL PArK
Transport yourself back to colonial Australia as you cruise
from the mainland across Moreton Bay to St Helena Island.
From its Aboriginal beginnings to its foundation as a 19th
century prison settlement, learn from knowledgeable local tour
guides about the history of the island and its people. Choose
a day tour or a spooky night tour to enjoy the surroundings,
a hearty meal and the colourful stories passed down through
the years.

ST HELENA ISLAND OLD BuTCHEr & BAKErS

MOrETON ISLAND, TANGALOOMA WrECKS DIVE SITE
Take a dive with some of Queensland’s most colourful sea
life at the Tangalooma Wrecks Dive Site. Located only metres
off the sandy shores of Moreton Island, the wrecks provide a
shallow haven for snorkelling beginners, and reach depths of
up to 10m for more experienced divers. Diving and snorkelling
boat tours are available, or bring your own gear to explore the
wrecks at your leisure. Getting to Moreton Island is easy, with
MICAT departing from the Pinkenba terminal every morning
from Wednesday to Monday.

MOrETON ISLAND LIGHTHOuSE*

SAMFOrD AND MOuNT NEBO
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and take a
short drive through the green surrounds of Brisbane’s west.
Only 45 minutes’ drive from the CBD, Samford embraces its
country town feel with plenty of quaint cafes, craft shops and
museums. Take a leisurely walk along the Samford Valley
Heritage Trail as it meanders through 13 historical sites,
including galleries and other points of interest. Continue
your drive up to nearby Mount Nebo or Mount Glorious for a
mountain walk and afternoon tea at one of its cafes.

CYLINDEr BEACH

TAMBOrINE MOuNTAIN
Standing proudly in the Scenic Rim is Mount Tamborine,
a spectacular oasis for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and
adventurers alike. Spend your morning wandering the dense
forests of Tamborine National Park and catch a glimpse of
some of the area’s most colourful birds and wildlife. A short
drive away, Main St and the nearby Gallery Walk boast more
than 60 art and craft stores and local cafes, perfect to refuel
after your walk. Be sure to visit a fudge shop and the Tamborine
Mountain Distillery. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit
the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and enjoy the spectacular
views of the Pacific Ocean from high in the trees.

NOrTHBrOOK GOrGE**

* by Behzad K via wikimedia commons, ** by Jussarian via flickr.com

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