Queensland Travel Guide
Queensland, situated in the northeast corner of Australia, is
the country's holiday playground attracting visitors all year
round. It is known as the 'Sunshine State', and the major
attraction is the incredible underwater world provided off its
coastline along the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is a World
Heritage listed marine park that stretches for more than 1,250
miles (2,000km) along the Queensland coast and is dotted with
idyllic island resorts and contains one of the most diverse animal
and plant ecosystems on earth. But Queensland is home to four other
UNESCO World Heritage Sites; namely the Australian Fossil Mammal
Sites at Riversleigh, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Gondwana
Rainforests of Australia and Fraser Island.Further south, beyond Brisbane, the coastline is known as the
Gold Coast. Here visitors can swim and surf all year round at 35
patrolled beaches along the 45 miles (70km) of coastline. Brisbane
is the capital city of Queensland, while Cairns, in the tropical
north, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Brisbane boasts
some world-class attractions too such as the iconic Story Bridge
and the oldest and largest koala sanctuary in the world, the Lone
Pine Koala Sanctuary, where lucky visitors can feed, pet and hold
the lovable koalas.Travellers should be aware that especially during the summer
months (usually between October and May) the shallow coastal waters
of Queensland become infested with marine stingers, commonly known
as box jellyfish, whose sting is highly dangerous and can be
deadly. Many beaches offer protected swimming with stinger nets in
place, or enclosed tidal pools, and surf lifesavers may warn people
off infested beaches. A lycra 'stinger suit' may also be worn by
swimmers as protection.
Queensland Travel Guide
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Queensland Travel Guide
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Description:
This group of roughly 160 beautiful tropical islands lies off
the north-eastern coast of Queensland and is today one of the
greatest tourist attractions in Australia, drawing more than
600,000 visitors a year. This aquatic playground lies 95 miles
(150km) north of Mackay and 190 miles (300km) south of Townsville,
which offer easy access to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.
Holidaymakers flock to the adjacent mainland and island resorts to
enjoy sailing, diving, exploring the reefs, or simply relaxing on
thousands of sandy beaches. Seventy percent of the region has been
declared a national or marine park. The main town in the area is
the cosmopolitan resort village of Airlie Beach on the mainland
that has a plethora of tour offices offering trips to the
Whitsundays.
Address:
Postcode:
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Description:
This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour
drive north of Brisbane, which provides a unique ecological system
of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes. In 1993 it
was placed on the World Heritage List and draws visitors wishing to
explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them)
which contain pure, acidic water that are so low in nutrients that
few fish survive in them. The island, well covered in vegetation,
is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds.
It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high as
well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The
island is 75 miles (120km) long and about 9 miles (15km) wide and
can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel drive.
Accommodation is plentiful on the island in ecologically sensitive
resorts.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au
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Description:
About a six hours drive south of Cairns lies Bowling Green Bay
National Park. Covering 55,300 hectares, this is the largest
National Park in the region, an area once home to the Wulgurukaba
Aboriginal people who have left their mark in beautiful rock
paintings. Bowling Green Bay National Park is sited between
Townsville and Bowen and includes the Mount Elliot area and
adjacent coastal wetlands, saltpans and mangrove swamps. Alligator
Creek meanders through the park, with beautiful waterfalls and
cascades crashing into deep pools, surrounded by tropical
rainforest.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4722 5224 (QPWS Reef and National Parks Information
Centre)
Email:
tsv.infocentre@epa.qld.gov.au
Website:
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Description:
Magnetic Island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770 when he
believed that the landmass of the island affected the magnetic
compass on his ship, 'Endeavour'. More than half of the island,
which is about five miles (8km) from Townsville, is a National Park
known for its rugged landscape with granite boulders, hoop pines
and eucalyptus trees. The island has 23 beaches and bays, some of
which can only be reached on foot. There are more than 12 miles
(20km) of walking trails marked out on the island. Part of the
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fringes the island, which is also
home to the most northerly colony of free-ranging koala bears in
Australia. The island offers a wide range of accommodation. Local
transport is available on the island.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
info@magneticislandinformation.com
Website:
www.magnetic-island.com.au
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Description:
This working crocodile farm is to be found on the magnificent
coastal drive 25 miles (40km) north of Cairns. 'Hartley's Crocodile
Adventures' is reputedly the best crocodile show in Australia, but
the farm, sited under a lush rainforest canopy, hosts other
wildlife too such as cassowaries, dingoes, snakes, koalas and
lizards. It is the 'Crocodile Attack Show' however that draws the
crowds who are enthralled as keepers hand feed the creatures and
relate fascinating facts. High quality crocodile leather goods are
also on sale.
Address:
Off Captain Cook Highway, at Wangetti
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4055 3576
Email:
sales@crocodileadventures.com
Website:
www.crocodileadventures.com
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Description:
This fun museum is interactive and state-of-the-art, designed to
tell stories of the high seas like that of HMS Pandora, the ship
that captured the Bounty mutineers before coming to grief on the
Great Barrier Reef in 1791. The museum also details the natural and
human history of tropical Queensland, and there is a fun science
centre included. The building is set on the water and includes a
shop and cafe.
Address:
70-102 Flinders Street, Townsville
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4726 0600
Email:
Website:
www.mtq.qm.qld.gov.au
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Description:
Australia is known for producing the world's finest opals, with
95 percent of the world's production of these gems originating from
rich mineral deposits in New South Wales, South Australia, and
Quilpie in Western Queensland. Quilpie Opals has opened a retail
store in Cairns, which also serves as an educational venue for
visitors wishing to learn about the Australian national gemstone.
The shop, which offers a vast selection of opal jewellery as well
as souvenirs, also has a mini-theatre where visitors can watch an
informative video on opal mining, cutting and polishing.
Address:
Spence Street, Cairns
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4031 3688
Email:
cairns@quilpieopals.com.au
Website:
www.quilpieopals.com.au
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Description:
Tamborine Mountain is inland from the Gold Coast, about 21 miles
(34km) northwest of Nerang and about 40 miles (62km) from Brisbane.
It is a popular scenic drive destination, as the area includes
seven national parks featuring a variety of sub-tropical
rainforest. Mount Tamborine itself rises 1,837ft (560m) above sea
level. The main Tamborine National Park covers a large section of
the mountain offering walking trails through abundant rainforest
and past waterfalls, with excellent picnic facilities. There are
numerous art and craft galleries in the area, several restaurants
and two wineries.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.tamborinemountain.net
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Description:
This premier water theme park was recently voted Brisbane's best
tourist attraction. Sited at Oxenford on the Pacific Highway in 20
acres of tropical parkland it incorporates a wave pool, children's
pool, speed slide, toboggan ride and a variety of twisting slides -
all supervised by fully qualified lifeguards and with the water
heated year round. There are also barbecue and picnic facilities in
the park, as well as a cafe and souvenir shop.
Address:
M1 Pacific Motorway, 12 miles (20km) north of Surfers
Paradise and 31 miles (50km) south of Brisbane
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 5573 2255
Email:
info@wetnwild.com.au
Website:
www.wetnwild.com.au
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Description:
The recently renovated Cairns Esplanade is the hub for visitors
to the city, providing an entertaining promenade with numerous
recreational opportunities, lined with a host of restaurants, bars
and cafes. Apart from a safe, sandy swimming lagoon and vast lawns
used for all sorts of purposes from picnics and barbecues to kite
flying, the Esplanade features wonderful Saturday arts and crafts
markets, spiced up by buskers and colourful street characters.
There is never a dull moment on this lively foreshore.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
enquiries@cairnsesplanade.com
Website:
www.cairnsesplanade.com
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Description:
The most popular tourist attraction in Cairns is the Skyrail
rainforest cableway, which travels nearly five miles (7.5km) from
the Caravonica Terminal, the gondolas gliding above the canopy of
the rainforest over magnificent waterfalls and gorges, to the
village of Kuranda. En route passengers can alight temporarily at
two stations to explore the boardwalks that have been constructed
in the heart of the forest. Interpretative centres have been set up
so visitors can learn about the ecology, fauna and flora of the
fascinating ancient rainforest. The return journey takes about two
and a half hours, and the gondolas seat up to six people. Booking
in advance is advisable.
Address:
Caravonica Terminal: corner of Kamerunga Road and Cook
Highway, Smithfield
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4038 1555 (bookings)
Email:
reservations@skyrail.com.au
Website:
www.skyrail.com.au
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Description:
Hundreds of indigenous and exotic species of animals have been
gathered in the Cairns Tropical Zoo to delight young and old, who
can explore six hectares of tropical landscaped gardens and
interact with the animals. Pet a koala or stroke a snake, and meet
(not too close in this case) the largest living crocodile in the
world, 'Sarge', who has lived in the park for more than 20 years.
The zoo is dedicated to engendering a greater understanding of the
wildlife of the area and promoting the preservation of their
natural habitats.
Address:
Palm Cove, 20 minutes north of Cairns off the Captain Cook
Highway
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4055 3669
Email:
info@cairnstropicalzoo.com
Website:
www.cairnstropicalzoo.com.au
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Description:
The 100-year-old Kuranda rail line stretches upwards for 21
miles (34km) from Cairns to Kuranda through tropical rainforest,
winds through 15 tunnels and 98 breathtaking curves, and traverses
40 bridges, including one that spans the awesome Barron River
Falls. The scenic trip is a must for all visitors to Cairns. The
trip includes an educational commentary about the history of the
line and the engineering feat of its construction. The journey
takes about one hour, 45 minutes, one way. Advance booking is
recommended.
Address:
Departs from Cairns Railway Station, Bunda Street
(adjacent to Cairns Central Shopping Centre)
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4036 9333
Email:
Website:
www.ksr.com.au
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Description:
The name 'Tjapukai' means 'people of the rainforest' and applies
to the indigenous people who have inhabited the tropical region
between Cairns and Port Douglas, and inland to Kuranda, for eons.
About 20 years ago a group of entertainers established Australia's
first aboriginal dance theatre at the village of Kuranda, near
Cairns, in a shopping centre basement. Its popularity with tourists
led to expansion into a fully-fledged award-winning 25-acre
Cultural Park, which now draws the crowds at Smithfield, a few
miles north of the city. Show business, in the form of history and
dance theatre, remains the basis of the attraction, and at the Camp
Village visitors can interact with the Tjapukai and try out
traditional activities like playing the didgeridoo and throwing a
boomerang. The park also offers a nighttime show experience where
the audience is swept up into the ancient rituals and ceremonies of
the 'Dreamtime', including a dinner banquet of local food and
wine.
Address:
Caravonica, Kamerunga Road, Smithfield (off the Captain
Cook Highway)
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4042 9900
Email:
info@tjapukai.com.au
Website:
www.tjapukai.com.au
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Description:
Magical Paronella Park was the imaginative brainchild of a young
entrepreneur, Jose Paronella, who built his dream castle on this
site near Mena Creek, about 75 miles (120km) south of Cairns, in
1929. Since then the castle has come to be regarded as an
architectural marvel, today a top tourist attraction, which has
been used as a set for several movies. The picturesque grounds,
overlooking Mena Creek Falls, feature interesting forest walks,
bamboo gardens, a secret garden and 'tunnel of love'. Cultural
performances and guided walks are offered to visitors as part of
the admission price. In 1997, Paronella Park was recognised as a
historical treasure and listed by the National Trust.
Address:
Japoonvale Road, Mena Creek
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4065 3225
Email:
info@paronellapark.com.au
Website:
www.paronellapark.com.au
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Description:
The Wet Tropics of Queensland is the oldest tropical rainforest
still surviving on Earth and a World Heritage listed site
containing the highest number of rare or threatened plant and
animal species on the planet, as well as 13 different trypes of
rainforest and 29 species of mangrove. Among the national parks
included in the Wet Tropics are Barron Gorge National Park, Black
Mountain National Park, Cedar Bay National Park, Daintree National
Park, Girringun National Park and Wooroonooran National Park.This unique area covers around 1,200 km of northern Queensland,
and is visited by thousands of tourists who access it usually from
Cairns, via Daintree Village. Visitors enjoy an unrivalled natural
experience, from the beautiful golden beaches to hiking through
ancient forest ecosystems full of gorgeous birds, primitive
flowering plants, and fascinating animals like the estuarine
crocodile.
Address:
About two hours north of Cairns on the Captain Cook
Highway
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4098 9171 (Daintree Discovery Centre)
Email:
centre@daintree-rec.com.au (Daintree Discovery
Centre)
Website:
www.daintree-rec.com.au
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Description:
One of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier
Reef is as big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and
Ireland, and contains more than 1,000 islands, from sandy mounts to
rainforest isles. Divers, snorkellers and nature lovers can reach
specific sites by air or by water taxi. Non-divers can view this
underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat. The Reef ecosystem has
evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to give life to almost
7,000 species of plants and animals. It is home to some endangered
species like the green loggerhead turtle, and is a breeding site
for humpback whales. Visitors can either cruise the islands or make
a base in Cairns or one of the many seaside towns along the
Queensland coast. Visitors can access the Great Barrier Reef from
numerous regions in Queensland, from the southern gateway of
Bundaberg, Coral Coast and Country to Gladstone, Capricorn, the
Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville and Tropical North Queensland,
including Cairns.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(0)7 4750 0700 (Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
Authority)
Email:
Website:
www.gbrmpa.gov.au
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Description:
Named after the suburb of Woolloongabba in which it is located,
and with a seating capacity of 42,000, the famous Gabba Cricket
Ground is just a short bus ride from the city of Brisbane. Visitors
can check out locals, the Queensland Bulls Cricket team or the
Brisbane Lions Australian Rules football team, depending on when
you choose to visit. Over the years The Gabba has hosted athletics,
Australian rules football, baseball, concerts, cricket, cycling,
rugby league, rugby union, soccer and pony and greyhound races.
Those lucky enough to catch an international cricket match are
ensured a great day out!
Address:
Vulture Street, Woolloongabba
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 3008 6166
Email:
info@thegabba.org.au
Website:
www.thegabba.org.au
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Description:
Located on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, the
Queensland Maritime Museum was founded in 1971 and contains two
exhibition buildings displaying historic sailing ships, tankers and
cruise liners. It also includes a library, which exhibits
documents, photographs and other artefacts relating to maritime
history. Information is also provided on the 1,500 plus shipwrecks
that have occurred along the Queensland coast, including the Great
Barrier Reef.
Address:
Next to the Goodwill Bridge, southern bank of Brisbane
River
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.maritimemuseum.com.au
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Description:
Located within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics
area of Queensland, the pristine and picturesque destination of
Cape Tribulation is well worth a visit while travelling through
Queensland. With the Great Barrier Reef just a short boat ride
away, the oldest tropical rainforest on earth on your doorstep just
waiting to be explored, spectacular beaches on which to stroll,
world-class snorkeling, kayaking, jungle surfing, horseback
adventures and the chance to spot the endangered cassowary, a large
flightless bird, there is so much to see and do on a trip to Cape
Tribulation.Explore the rainforest from the treetops or horseback, take a
cruise on the crystalline turquoise waters, relax on a river cruise
and spot one of Australia's most famous predators, the crocodile,
or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that abounds.
Accommodation such as resorts, self catering homes, bed and
breakfast and camping facilities are available
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.capetribulation.com.au
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Description:
This 1.3-mile (2.2km) long tropical beach and palm tree-dotted
promenade is one of Townsville's most popular attractions. Visitors
can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenery from their bicycles,
take a dip at one of the safe swimming beaches or enjoy a picnic
overlooking the ocean at one of the many designated picnic areas in
the gardens. Families travelling with their children in tow can
visit the nearby water park, while the trendy restaurants and bars
that line the strip make a wonderfully romantic and picturesque
setting at any time of day with views stretching out over Magnetic
Island. The fourth Friday of each month also sees Strand Park used
for night markets - a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs
such as Aboriginal arts and crafts and boomerangs.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 4727 9000
Email:
Website:
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Description:
This riverfront parkland that stretches along 6.8 miles (11km)
of the Ross River with nodes at Pioneer Park, Loam Island, Apex
Park and the Ross River Dam. It has fast become one of Townsville's
most popular tourist attractions. Pioneer Park is where visitors
can enjoy activities such as sport, entertainment, performing arts,
visual arts, swimming in the two huge lagoons, dining and shopping
at the village precinct and even picnicking and barbecuing along
the picturesque shores of the Ross River.
Address:
Village Blvd, Thuringowa
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 4727 9000
Email:
enquiries@townsville.qld.gov.au
Website:
www.townsville.qld.gov.au/facilities/riverway/Pages/default.aspx
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Description:
Australia's most famous fossil site, Riversleigh in north west
Queensland is a World Heritage Site and is an extension of the Lawn
Hill National Park. It contains the fossil remains of ancient
mammals, birds and reptiles of Oligocene and Miocene age, which
were found in limestone by freshwater pools, and in caves during
the period when the surrounding ecosystem was evolving from
rainforest to semi-arid grassland. Most of what is known about the
evolution of Australian mammals in the last 30-million years comes
from bones found at a single site in the Riversleigh fossil beds,
half of which were unearthed in one hour. Species such as primitive
koalas and wombats, huge crocodile and large, flightless birds and
a range of ancestral thylacines (Tasmanian tigers) were discovered
in Riversleigh.
Address:
Lawn Hill, Queensland
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
contact@riversleigh.com
Website:
www.riversleigh.com
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Description:
The largest living coral reef aquarium, the Reef HQ Aquarium was
built as part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Featuring 130 species of coral, 120 species of fish and plenty of
star fish, sea urchins, sponges and sea cucumbers, Reef HQ also
features a predator exhibit, a children's section, a gift shop and
café to enjoy. A trip to the Reef HQ Aquarium is a must for all
visitors who plan on taking a reef dive at the Great Barrier Reef
to learn more about the species of marine life they might encounter
while on their dive.
Address:
2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 4750 0800
Email:
info@reefHQ.com.au
Website:
www.reefhq.com.au
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Description:
This spectacular attraction is enclosed by a 65-foot (20m) high
glass dome on top of Cairns' iconic Reef Hotel Casino and features
exhibits and shows of some of Australia's most exotic and
fascinating animals. Here visitors can learn more about these
exotic creatures and is a fabulous introduction to the Wet Tropics
Rainforest area around Cairns, preparing visitors for all the
close-up encounters they may have with the indigenous wildlife. In
this rainforest environment visitors can experience the thrill of
birds such as parrots, cockatoos, lorikeets, doves and rosellas
swooping freely overhead and come face-to-face with the adorable
rainforest wallabies.
Address:
35 - 41 Wharf Street, Cairns
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 4031 7250
Email:
info@cairnsdome.com.au
Website:
www.cairnsdome.com.au
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Description:
The world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary, the Lone Pine
Koala Sanctuary is home to more than just the cute and cuddly
koala, but also to kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, wombats, echidnas
and various species of reptiles as well as Australian parrots,
cockatoos, kookaburras and cassowaries. Lucky visitors are actually
able to handle the koalas here (for a fee) making this the only
sanctuary in the world where this is possible - a dream come true
for many. Feeding and petting is also permitted and is completely
monitored, making this an ideal activity for families travelling
with small children.
Address:
708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 3378 1366
Email:
Website:
www.koala.net
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Description:
The South Bank is a central Brisbane district packed with world
class attractions and experiences for visitors. It attracts more
than nine million people each year mostly to the South Bank
Parklands, which were established on the former site of World Expo
88. The Parklands contain Australia's only man-made beach and
lagoon, right in the heart of the City, known as South Bank Beach.
There is also rainforest walks, picnic and barbecue areas and water
features. One of Brisbane's most popular tourist attractions, South
Bank is also home to the Queensland Cultural Centre, which includes
Queensland Museum, Queensland Art Gallery, the State Library of
Queensland, the Greater Union Hoyt's South Bank Cinemas and the
Queensland Performing Arts Centre which all line the Brisbane River
proudly. Shoppers and fashion lovers will enjoy Little Stanley
Street where all the latest in fashion can be picked up from the
boutiques and retails stores lining the strip. The South Bank Art
and Craft Markets takes place every Friday night, as well as every
Saturday and Sunday during the day. Visitors should head to the
South Bank Visitors Centre which provides information on current
events; from cultural activities to accommodation options, to event
information and details regarding restaurant and bar
facilities.
Address:
South Bank House (opposite Great Aussie Sweet Co. and next
to the Plough Inn), Stanley Street Plaza
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 3867 2051
Email:
visitorcentre@south-bank.net.au
Website:
www.visitsouthbank.com.au
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Description:
One of the oldest bridges in Australia, the Story Bridge is a
3,517-foot (1,072m) long cantilevered bridge which spans the
Brisbane River, connecting Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point.
Brave visitors who are certain they don't suffer from vertigo can
climb to the top of the bridge and be rewarded with breathtaking
views over Brisbane's cityscape. One of only three bridge climbs in
the world, the Story Bridge is well worth a visit for those
travelling through Brisbane.
Address:
Level 1, 170 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Postcode:
Telephone:
1300 254 627
Email:
climbs@sbac.net.au
Website:
www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au
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Description:
Formerly known as the Central Eastern Rainforest Reserves, the
Gondwana Rainforests are so-named as the fossil records show that
when Gondwana existed it was covered by the same kind of
rainforests, which as are the most extensive area of subtropical
rainforest in the world. Gondwana was a southern supercontinent
that existed approximately 550 million years ago, about 250 million
years before Pangaea. The reserve includes 50 national parks which
include Lamington National Park, Mount Chinghee National Park,
Springbrook National Park, Mount Barney National Park and Main
Range National Park, amongst many others that lie on the New South
Wales side of Queensland. There are very few places on earth that
contain so many plants and animals which remain fairly unchanged
from their fossil records.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Owned by Terri Irwin, the widow of the famous Crocodile Hunter
Steve Irwin, the 40-year-old Australia Zoo won the Australian
Tourism Awards for 2003-2004 in the category Major Tourist
Attraction. Combining conservation and education, Australia Zoo
offers its visitors an unforgettable and unique experience where
they can hug a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, stroll with a
Sumatran Tiger and marvel at the sheer size of the crocodiles
launching from the water's edge. Featuring a wonderful variety of
exotic and indigenous animals including dingoes, elephants, lemurs,
otters, giraffe, exotic parrots, raptors and, of course, a
fantastic display of crocodiles, tortoises and snakes.
Address:
Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah
Postcode:
Telephone:
(07) 5436 2000
Email:
Website:
www.australiazoo.com.au
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Description:
The most developed of the Whitsundays, the privately owned
Hamilton Island is also the most populated, boasting some of the
most valuable real estate in Australia, and when you take a look at
the breathtaking scenery and views, it's not surprising! With the
Great Barrier Reef a short boat ride away, pristine and unspoilt
surroundings and world-class accommodation and dining
opportunities, Hamilton Island makes a great day or overnight trip
for visitors to the Whitsundays. During peak season, September to
January, it can become extremely busy, so if you're looking for a
quiet retreat from the noisy crowds, come another time. Stroll
around Marina Village window shopping and stop for a bite to eat,
catch a golf buggy to the 'northern end' or simply relax on Catseye
Beach and soak up the sun.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.hamiltonisland.com.au
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Description:
Whitsunday Island is a popular tourist resort island for both
day and overnight visitors and is the largest and most popular
island of the Whitsundays. Most famous for its 2.8 mile (4.5km)
stretch of pristine sugary white sandy beach known as Whitehaven
Beach, Whitsunday Island's beauty is unbridled. Featuring the
purest sand in the world (98% silica) the American government
considered mining the sand from Whitehaven Beach for military
purposes in the 1960s but, thankfully, this never happened and the
beach is now protected under the national park. Many boats dock
here daily bringing thousands of tourists to explore one of the
most famous beaches in the world. Tongue Point features a wooden
trail which stretches up to a lookout point over Whitehaven Beach -
the ideal location for that picture-perfect postcard shot!
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Description:
The gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Whitsunday Islands,
Airlie Beach is a small town in the Whitsunday region and is a
fabulous place to enjoy the day and soak up all there is in this
idyllic setting. With a great variety of activities to enjoy such
as snorkelling, fishing, crocodile safaris and scenic flights of
Whitehaven Beach, there's plenty to see and do in this laid-back
and picturesque town. The vibe is simply electric with
holidaymakers lining the streets, beer gardens overflowing and bars
and clubs pumping until the wee hours. Travellers should be aware
that the Irukandji jellyfish, which pack a powerful sting, pose a
major threat to swimmers during the months of November to May when
they abound in the water, but a medium sized swimming lagoon on the
foreshore is the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer's
day.
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Telephone:
1800 677 119
Email:
info@airliebeach.com
Website:
www.airliebeach.com
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Description:
One of Queensland's most popular attractions for visitors of all
ages and an absolute must while on holiday with the kids in
Brisbane, Sea World offers marine attractions, rides, shows and
much more. Check out the ocean's most fearsome predator at Shark
Bay, get up close and personal with Australia's only polar bears at
Polar Bear Shores or check out the Fairy penguins in their -well -
penguin suits, before taking a stroll through the Sea World
Aquarium to discover Australia's exotic marine life. More
adventurous visitors can climb aboard the Jet Rescue rollercoaster
ride where kids can take an exciting journey to rescue the precious
marine life - an exhilarating ride for kids of all ages.
Address:
Sea World Drive, Main Beach
Postcode:
Telephone:
07 5588 2222
Email:
Website:
seaworld.myfun.com.au
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