Queensland New Tourism May 2015

Autumn skies are shining across the Sunshine State with new hotels in Outback Queensland and Mackay opening their doors to welcome visitors escaping the southern winter chill. Girls get gritty on Fraser Island with a girl-only 4x4 weekend escape while the lads have got lucky with a white-knuckle golf and jet-boat tour on Bribie Island. Say I do at Queensland's newest and most romantic marquee amongst 4,000 vines at Canungra Valley Vineyards, or shop up a feast at the country's first integrated farmer's markets in Maroochydore.

The Rocks opens in Outback Queensland

Yes, you read correct. Travellers can now stay at The Rocks Motel in the Outback Queensland town of Charleville. Located across the road from the railway station and on the site where the historic Railway Hotel once stood (which was affectionately known as 'The Rocks Pub'), The Rocks Motel comprises 20 contemporary motel rooms with modern and stylish decor.

Further information:
Website: www.rocksmotel.com.au/

Oaks Hotels & Resorts opens Mackay Oaks Carlyle

Mackay has welcomed the new 4.5 star, 59-room Oaks Carlyle into its CBD. Offering one, two and three bedroom configurations throughout the six-storey building, The Oaks Carlyle is perfectly suited to both business travellers and family holiday makers.

Further information:
Website: www.oakshotelsresorts.com/mackay-accommodation/

Girls only 4x4 Weekends on Fraser Island 

It's time to hand over the keys boys. The Australian Offroad Academy is offering women-only learn to 4x4 courses on the world's largest sand island, Fraser Island. These weekend courses are geared to empower women to get their wheels off-road in a fun, supportive environment. Get in quick gals, spaces are limited with prices starting $635 pp/twin share for the ultimate girls weekend escape.

Further information:
Website: www.australianoffroadacademy.com.au/

Jet boat and golf clubs – the Sunshine Coast's newest extreme adventure 

Grab your clubs and get set for some white-knuckle fun. Pacific Harbour and Mooloolaba Jet Boat have collaborated to offer the heart-pumping Blue and on to the Green tour. Travellers are strapped into a jet boat at Mooloolaba wharf before powering down to Pacific Marina Harbour on Bribie Island to enjoy 18 holes on the Ross Watson designed championship course Island Links.

Further information:
Website: www.pacificharbourgolf.com.au/whats-on/into-the-blue-and-onto-the-green/

Gold Coast Hinterland's most romantic marquee opens

The Canungra Valley Vineyards has recently opened a purpose built marquee, nestled amongst 4,000 grapevines. Catering for up to 150 seated and 200 guests cocktail style, this is the ultimate locale to celebrate that special milestone.

The plush pavilion features a wooden dance floor, rustic wine barrels, hanging crystal chandeliers and overlooks the endless rows of grape varieties at O'Reilly's Canungra Valley Vineyards' boutique homestead.

Further information:
Website: www.oreillys.com.au/canungra-valley-vineyards

Aussie first: Farmers market goes Big Top in Maroochydore

Roll up, roll up to the Sunshine Coast for Australia's first farmers market incorporating traditional market days with major supermarkets under one roof. Big Top Market Fresh is a three hectare site with more than 100 local producers offering their fresh produce alongside major supermarkets. Big Top Market Fresh is open on Wednesdays (10am-6pm); Fridays (3pm-9pm) and Saturdays (8am-3pm).

Further information:
Website: http://www.bigtopmarketfresh.com.au/