Fun Tourism Ideas in Queensland February 2013

It may be the shortest month of the year but there’s plenty to see and do this February! Get your heart pumping spotting crocs, LARC-ing about and riding in door-less helicopters, before checking into some of Queensland’s most relaxing destinations.

Go eye-to-eye with salties on new croc-spotting tour

Jump on board a jet ski for a one-hour tour around Admiralty Island, south of Cairns, to spot a croc.

Salties lurk below the mangrove channels, which twist and turn around this inlet, making a maze-like link of rivers to explore.

While all eyes will be on the water, don’t forget to look up to spot ospreys, kingfishers and egrets as they hunt and play in the sky above.

Too scared to ride alone? Jump on board with a friend to spot a croc on a tandem jet ski.

Further Information:

Rates: Tandem $130 per person $130; Solo $190 per person.

W: www.nqwatersports.com.au 

 

Helicopter joy flights get adrenalin pumping

Visitors to the Sunshine Coast can now fly over its pristine beaches with Heli Tours Coolum Beach’s range of helicopter flights.

Daily tours take in views from Moreton Island to Fraser Island from 50 kilometres above sea level and can be customised to suit passenger’s timeframes.

Adrenalin junkies can get their fix during a heart-pumping ‘doors off’ experience with nothing between the seat and the ground below.

And new heli-fishing and heli-wake boarding tours offer guests an extreme sports experience with a twist.

Further information:

Rates: Helicopter rates depend on numbers and for one person start at $399.

W: www.helitourscoolum.com.au

 

Walk on water with Whitsundays Stand Up Paddle

There’s now a new way to float around the Whitsunday Islands, with stand-up paddle boarding at Shingley Beach.

Offering two lessons daily, visitors can take up the sport with expert coaching in the flat and safe waterways next to Abel Point Marina.

The lesson price includes stinger-suit hire, board hire, a photograph and refreshments, and caters for beginners through to experienced paddlers.

Class size is capped at 10 students (all ages welcome), ensuring a personalised experience for maximum results.

Further information:

Rates: A 2.5 hour lesson costs $75 and includes all equipment hire.

W: www.whitsundaystanduppaddle.com.au

BIG4 Holiday Parks unveil new Gold Coast resort

Stay central to all the northern Gold Coast action but away from the crowds and high rises at the new BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.

From its Oxenford location, this resort is an ideal gateway to discover theme parks, beaches and the Gold Coast hinterland.

The resort’s range of accommodation, from powered campsites through to luxury villas, is thoughtfully spaced out on 32 acres, providing guests with ample privacy from neighbours.

Kids will be entertained for hours with the resort’s pool, waterslide, BMX track, inflatable movie screen and pedal cars.

Further information:

Rates: Rates start at $36 per night for a powered site through to $250 per night for a luxury villa.

W: www.big4.com.au

Speed to the reef on Reef Magic 3

Reef Magic 3

Reef Magic has added a new boat to their fleet, with the Reef Magic 3 luxury catamaran now taking visitors from Cairns to the outer reef daily.

Reef Magic 3 transports passengers to the Marine World pontoon in under 90 minutes, providing more time in the water and less on board the boat.

The launch can accommodate 200 guests across three levels, with ample open-air seating and an upper sundeck.

Further information:

W:  www.reefmagiccruises.com

Go glamping at Lake Somerset

safari tent

Forget the pain of pitching tents and stress of pack down, and settle into a safari tent at Lake Somerset Holiday Park.
Nestled on the bank of Lake Somerset, these permanent, furnished tents enjoy box-office views of the water from the front deck, while offering comfortable accommodation.
Two new tents have recently joined the fleet in the holiday park and can accommodate up to four guests while enjoying access to all facilities.
 

Further information:

Rates: Safari tents start at $70 a night for two people (low season).

W: www.lakesomerset.com.au

 

Float, drive and climb with LARC + Lunch in 1770

Climb aboard this can’t-miss-it pink amphibious vehicle to explore the 1770 area from land, sand and sea in a new tour – LARC + Lunch.

Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and get to know some of the lesser-known stories of this historical town from the LARC’s experienced skipper.

LARC + Lunch takes off every Sunday, visiting the Eurimbula National Park, Round Hill Head and Bustard Bay, before stopping for a picnic and returning to shore by 1pm.

Further information:

Rates: LARC + Lunch starts from $77 per adult.

W: www.1770LarcTours.com.au