Fly into Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, sleep under the stars on a trip to Uluru, or take a scenic helicopter flight over the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road - the holiday possibilities are endless.
Holiday experiences to book on the Gold Coast (QLD)
The Gold Coast's star attraction is its beaches, including the world-renowned stretch of sand at Surfers Paradise. Beyond the beaches, you’ll discover laid-back neighbourhoods, plenty of city activities, a burgeoning culinary scene and Aboriginal experiences. Also be sure to leave enough time to explore the subtropical hinterland for rainforest walks and waterfalls.
- What to do:
- See the Gold Coast from new heights on a Go Ballooning experience. Choose the Balloon Flight Tour, or if you’re celebrating something special, the VIP Ballooning Experience is sure to impress, with champagne and a 5-star buffet on-hand after the flight.
- A destination known for its innovative new brewing methods, visit the Gold Coast brewmasters on a brew-crawl - make a pit stop at Black Hops Brewing, Burleigh Brewing Company and Granddad Jacks for unique tastings and experiences.
- Fun for all the family, Aquaduck is a great way to see the sights of the Gold Coast. Live onboard commentary shares information about the destination’s history, landmarks and one of the world’s most famous surf breaks, and watch the kids’ amazement as the bus transforms into a boat and floats along the river.
- Where to eat: Located right on Burleigh Beach with floor-to-ceiling windows, Rick Shores takes full advantage of its proximity to the ocean. Seafood is the focus here, with a colourful pan-Asian influence. The Moreton Bay bug roll with Sriracha, mayonnaise and lettuce is easily the restaurant's most famous dish, but that will just whet your appetite.
- Where to stay: Situated steps from the beach, Peppers Broadbeach offers panoramic views to the Pacific Ocean and Gold Coast Hinterland. With a heated outdoor pool perfect for relaxing, a private cinema plus zen garden and tai chi lawn to unwind after a big day exploring the region - the facilities are endless.
Described by some as “where the rainforest meets the reef”, many visit Cairns for the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics World Heritage Rainforest - and rightly so. There are plenty of great things to do in and around town; eye-opening wildlife encounters, brilliant cafés, bustling markets and plenty of beaches. A day out on the water is a must, with the coastline dotted with secret islands surrounded by quiet cays, pristine snorkelling sites and secluded beaches.
- What to do:
- Tick the Great Barrier Reef off your bucket list and join a tour with Reef Magic or Quicksilver Cruises, both departing from Cairns, and explore the vast underwater world, so vast in fact you can see it from space! If kids are in tow, Sunlover Reef Cruises offers a Moore Reef Day Tour that is jam-packed with activities for families.
- Setting off from Port Douglas, an easy one-hour drive from Cairns, join Aboriginal guides on a Walkabout Cultural Adventures tour of Kuku Yalanji country, where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree Rainforest. Sample bush tucker while learning about bush medicines and the traditions of the local Indigenous people. For a personalised experience, private tours are available on request.
- Fancy experiencing one of Australia’s most unique rail journeys? Hop aboard the Kuranda Scenic Railway, setting off from Cairns and travelling on a return journey to Kuranda. The journey takes you deep into the world Heritage-Listed rainforest.
- Where to eat: If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood and stunning views, make a booking at Dundee’s Restaurant on the Waterfront. Stop by for lunch to see the sunshine glistening on the shore, or reserve a table for dinner and soak up views of the Marlin Marina, Trinity Inlet and majestic mountains while the sun sets.
- Where to stay: Located in the heart of the city, just a block from the waterfront, the Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort boasts stunning scenery and offers a lagoon-style pool, tropical gardens and rooms that are bright and airy, in keeping with a coastal-themed palette.
An archipelago of 74 tropical islands, the Whitsundays lie just off the Queensland coast, accessible via Proserpine and Hamilton Island airports. Protected from large swells, the secluded islands beaches are ideal for sailing, swimming, snorkelling and relaxing. People travel here from all over the world to see the white sands of Whitehaven Beach, the stunning beauty of Heart Reef and stay at world-class luxury resorts.
- What to do:
- A visit to the Whitsundays would not be complete without seeing one of the island’s exquisite sunsets. Hamilton Island's hilltop bar One Tree Hill is the perfect spot to sip cocktails and watch the colours of dusk light up the sky. Great for families too, as it offers a large grassy area for kids to play on.
- Book a two night sail on the tall ship Solway Lass with Explore Whitsundays for a leisurely journey around the islands. With its expansive deck space, licensed bar, rope swing, and stand-up paddle boards, there is something to keep the whole family entertained.
- See crocodiles in their natural habitat in the estuaries and wetlands of the Whitsundays with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari. Book a full day tour to explore the tropical environment on the Proserpine River.
- Where to eat: Before heading off on a tour of the reef, spend time in Airlie Beach and make a booking at Anchor Bar, a funky poolside rooftop restaurant with stunning views over the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands.
- Where to stay: Visit Elysian Retreat, the most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays and the first solar powered resort on the Great Barrier Reef. Nature immersion and seclusion is what is on offer at Elysian with an emphasis placed on tailored experiences and personal service designed for guests. The boutique eco island retreat offers a locally sourced custom menu, personalised organic spa treatments to a legion of aquatic adventures that cater to each individuals interests, with dedicated hosts on hand day and night.
Stretching from the coastal city of Caloundra in the south, to the Great Sandy National Park in the north, the Sunshine Coast is home to pretty villages, renowned surf spots and spectacular rural hinterland. Visit the holiday hotspot of Noosa or laid back towns of Coolum, Eumundi and airport gateway Maroochydore.
- What to do:
- Ride horses along Lake Weyba in the Noosa National Park and see unspoilt views and wildlife as you are guided along the route by the Noosa Horse Riding team. The beginner walk lasts for one hour and a pick-up and drop off service is available.
- Noosa Stand Up Paddle boarding is the ultimate day trip for the whole family, taking you deep within the Great Sandy National Park to the remote Double Island Point. The tour includes a 4x4 beach drive experience and a guided stand up paddle tour around the national park.
- Catch a short car ferry from the village of Tewantin, located close to Noosa, and explore the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. Kick back and relax in the natural spa called the Champagne Pools. Named for their natural fizz, which is created by waves crashing over a series of rock walls into a calm but bubbly rock pool below the headland on the northern tip of the island, the pools are a great spot to cool off and have beautiful ocean views.
- Where to eat: The renowned Hastings Street in Noosa is packed with breakfast spots, boutiques and restaurants. Surrounded by lush gardens, Locale Noosa sits in a protected corner of Hastings Street just a few steps from the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach and serves authentic Italian dishes and cocktails.
- Where to stay: Noosa is just a 40 minute drive from Maroochydore Airport, and is famous for its stunning beaches, lakes and national parks - book your family into the Sofitel Noosa, located in the heart of the town. .
Townsville is a major gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics and the Queensland outback. With more than 320 days of sunshine each year, World Heritage-listed national parks and lush tropical gardens, Townsville is home to spectacular natural landscapes and attractions. Enjoy al fresco dining, Federation-style architecture and boutique shopping, as well as the cooling ocean breeze and coastal vibe.
- What to do:
- Take a short ferry ride from Townsville to Magnetic Island. Spot koalas in the wild and take part in the various water sports on offer, from snorkelling to fishing and everything in between. If you are travelling as a family, stop at Alma Bay, the crystal clear rock pools, park and playground make it the perfect spot to keep kids entertained.
- If you fancy seeing Magnetic Island from above, book a 30 minute scenic helicopter flight with Nautilus Aviation. Departing from Townsville, the flight travels along the city's waterfront precinct and picturesque Cleveland Bay before turning its focus to Magnetic Islands’ strikingly beautiful, but equally rugged and varied coastline.
- Discover Ravenswood, an old gold mining settlement, set amongst the rolling hills of the outback with Raven Tours. Join a day tour from Townsville and discover natural wonders, explore heritage listed buildings, hear of tales from another era and how life was in the times of the gold rush era.
- Where to eat: In the mood for a delicious breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring? Stop by JAM for a fantastic feed and sought after coffee. If you are unable to make it for breakfast, pop along during the day to experience a range of regional cuisine.
- Where to stay: Fancy comfort and convenience with stunning views of the CBD and marina? Book a stay at The Ville. With a range of rooms on offer, and a number of bars and restaurants both on-site and just a few minute walk away, this resort is the perfect place to watch the day wash away.
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