Queensland - Latest Tourism News July 2016

We've passed the mid-year hump and the winter school holidays are upon us. Our clear blue skies and glorious sunshine are a holiday magnet as southerners escape the winter chill to experience our OMG-inducing new tourism experiences and events.

'Hump day' escape

The Sunshine Coast's Live It Tours promises the perfect mid-week (or anytime) soiree, ideally suited to the culinary curious. The Camel and Canapés experience goes behind the scenes of the first dairy in Australia credited with producing pasteurised camel milk. Overlooking the picturesque Glasshouse Mountains, QCamel farm has been working closely with Maleny Cheese to produce the nation's only camel milk curd and cheese. Camel milk is said to have 10 times more iron and triple the amount of Vitamin C than cow's milk. Taste it for yourself: Camel and Canapés serves up everything from camel's milk panna cotta to tzatziki and even gelato.

Further information:
www.liveittours.com.au

Welcome homecoming

Port Douglas icon, the Shaolin, a bona fide Chinese junk, has returned home to Tropical North Queensland (after a spell in New South Wales). The restored beauty, which sank during Cyclone Yasi, in 2011, is back in action offering sunset cruises, day trips to Low Isles and private charters. Looking every inch like 'The Empress' – the opulent junk from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End – the Shaolin has its own celebrity tales. The boat was a favourite of the late flamboyant singer/songwriter Peter Allen, who owned a home in Oak Beach, Port Douglas… even rating a mention in the book Peter Allen: The Boy From Oz.

Further information:
www.shaolinchartersportdouglas.com

Finding Jeffery

The founding fathers got it right when they built their first farm shack smack bang in the middle of an isolated beachfront block at Agnes Water. The original 1933 building may be gone, but the second home (built in 1976) has reopened following a major spruce up to emerge as a five bedroom beachside retreat. Jeffery's House sleeps up to 12 people and has grounds with ample room for additional caravans, campers and boats. But who cares about what fits in the backyard? All eyes to the front when you have these impossibly perfect beach views.

Further information:
http://jefferyshouse.com.au/

Calling all nature lovers

Lace-up your walking boots! Stepping up as 'the only operator to offer bushwalking tours' through the spectacular Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hinterlands, Tropical Treks caters to intimate groups wanting to be immersed in unique nature encounters. Offering half-day, full-day and even night adventures, the tours are also tailored for birdwatching and wildlife enthusiasts.

Further information:
www.tropicaltreks.com.au

Nip and Tuck in Paradise

Tropical North Queensland's Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas has unveiled Phase One of its $40 million facelift, with 196 of the resort's 294 rooms up-styled. An exciting element of the project involves the creation of 41 unique Lagoon Edge Rooms and 12 Lagoon Edge Studio Suites, offering guests direct access to saltwater lagoon swimming pools.

Further information:
http://www.sheratonportdouglas.com/redevelopment