New Tourism in Queensland March 2016

Alex Perry Hotel

Adventure ahoy. A bounty of new tourism offerings are giving you the chance to float, buzz and zip line your way through your next Queensland stay. Explore Sunshine Coast aboard a five-berth houseboat, watch the sting-free bees buzz by at Mary Valley's Honeybee Farmstay or sign up for a day of adventure at O'Reillys Rainforest Retreat on the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Alex Perry launches a fashionable new way to sleep in Brisbane

Alex Perry Hotel & Apartments – a boutique apartment hotel bearing the hallmark style of the Australian fashion icon, Alex Perry – opened in Brisbane's Fortitude Valley late last year. Perry's trademark style is visible in everything from the custom blend luxe toiletries to the arm chairs, bed linen, artworks, tapware and the sleek cabinetry. The 140 studio, one, two bedrooms and executive style apartments also feature Neff appliances, stone benchtops, GHD styling tools and state-of-the-art bathrooms.

Central to the design is a recreation and dining terrace on the 12th floor rooftop featuring a lap pool, barbecue pavilion and sweeping 280 degree views of the CBD, Story Bridge, Toohey Mountain and Fortitude Valley. The hotel is located at 959 Ann Street, just up from the Chester Street eateries and a short stroll from the popular James Street fashion and dining precinct.

Further information:
W: alexperryhotelandapartments.com.au

Float your way into a Sunshine Coast getaway

Any closer to the water than this and you would get wet! Now you can explore the stunning Pumicestone Passage on the Sunshine Coast in Flinders, a new custom-built houseboat that allows up to five people to cruise the 45km of secluded coastline south of Caloundra. Take your time and visit old war forts, creeks and protected swimming holes and, if the fish aren't running, simply dial any of the selected restaurants and have your dinner delivered direct to the boat. A weekend getaway with pick-up Friday and return on Sunday is priced at $450.

Further information:
W: www.caloundra-bribiehouseboats.com

Glamping on Keswick Island is the bee's knees!

Keswick Island, off the coast of Mackay, has added an extra layer of star power to the Great Barrier Reef night sky by introducing new glamping facilities. Nestled on a leafy hillside, just a short stroll from beautiful Basil Bay, guests are able to glamp it up in one of two fully-screened safari tents on sturdy timber decks and wake up to the gentle lapping of waves on an arc of white beach.

Priced at $80 per night for two people (two night minimum stay), the glamping suites also include double or two single camp beds with mattress and linen, deck chairs, cooler box, lantern, and access to the Basil Bay hut facilities featuring kitchenette, microwave and fridge. Glampers also receive a jar of the famous Keswick honey on arrival. Camp sites are also available for a more traditional camping experience.

Further information:
W: www.keswickisland.com.au

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat launches big day out passes

Big on nature but short on time? One of Queensland's favourite rainforest resorts has launched the O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat Full Day Adventure Package, wrapping all the big-ticket natural encounters into one big day out. The day trip includes bird feeding, self-guided Booyong and Treetop Walks, Birds of Prey Show, Flying Fox, morning tea and lunch, costs $78 per adult, $58 per child or $250 for a family of two adults and two children.

If greening your mind is more your style, the O'Reilly's Full Day Pamper Package offers a self-guided walk to Morans Falls - a plunge waterfall in the World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest - with morning tea picnic pack, Lost World Spa treatments including steam room, one hour massage, infinity pool and spa/sauna plus a healthy option lunch for $195 per person.

Further information:
W: www.oreillys.com.au

Mary Valley buzzes with Honeybee Farmstay

You have to see this place to bee-lieve it! Seven magical cottages – including two with wheelchair friendly bathrooms – have recently opened in the picturesque Mary Valley on the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Surrounded by peaceful gardens and a bush setting, Honeybee Farmstay specialises in sharing the country with their guests with activities including learning about honey and native stingless bees, tending and harvesting the farm, vegetable and herb garden sessions and evenings around the camp fire cooking damper and learning about the stars.

Further information:
W: www.honeybeefarm.com.au

Bush foods unearthed

Join local bush food expert, Peter Wolfe, on an exclusive 'behind the scenes' culinary tour of the Sunshine Coast in a brand new taste sensation tour. On this half-day tour, you'll taste and discover fresh seasonal produce and meet local producers and learn how they grow and prepare their products, taking fresh seasonal food from field to fork. Taste local seafood, pick vine-ripened tomatoes or discover the delights of exotic organic feijoas and then relax over a gourmet lunch cooked with fresh, local ingredients. Please note, this tour changes constantly to suit the seasonal produce and availability of producers.

Tours include: Free Ranging Chef Bush Food Discovery, Gourmet Bush Tucker Banquet and Behind the Scenes Food Producer tours. Minimum group size of 12 by booking only.

Further information:
W: www.liveittours.com.au