Good to Go Big Book 2

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Your Big Book Pack of Queensland your bags! travel ideas 292 things to do right now

Islands Reef Beaches Outback It’s time Rainforest City escapes to explore Where will you go? like never before! What’s inside? Discover Queensland’s drives Pacific Coast Way Capricorn Way Holidays are good to go! Warrego Way Matilda Way Here in Queensland, there’s plenty to do. Overlander’s Way Map of Queensland Australia’s Country Way For endless travel inspiration, head to 3 Leichhardt Highway Savannah Way queensland.com. Don’t forget to sign up to the Adventure Way Islands and Beaches Great Inland Way Queensland newsletter for the latest news, info and travel deals. EXPLORE 4 Keep an eye out for the Good To Go stamp on Islands and Beaches Torres Strait queensland.com, which assures travellers that 6 DISCOVER Poruma Island Queensland’s tourism operators are open and ready Gold Coast Thursday Island to welcome guests, and have the required COVID The Whitsundays SAFE documentation. Welcome G

Sunshine Coast Horn Island R Discover more at queensland.com Queensland is Good to Go and we are ready to welcome you to E 12 DRIVE A explore this wonderful Sunshine State that we call home. Pacific Way: Gold Coast – Mackay T

Whether you decide to visit by road, rail or air, the best thing you B Great Barrier Reef A can do to refresh and rejuvenate following a tough year is to take a R Weipa holiday here this year. 14 EXPLORE R I It’s also a great opportunity to back our tourism businesses who Great Barrier Reef E R have also struggled due to the global pandemic. Haggerstone Island © Copyright Tourism and Events Queensland 2020. Opening dates for Cape York R businesses and locations featured within this book are subject to change. DISCOVER E 16 E We advise travellers to make their own enquiries prior to booking. Now that COVID-19 restrictions have begun to ease, it’s the perfect Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Peninsula F chance to reconnect with family and friends, and I encourage you to Townsville North Queensland Gulf of Lizard Island take some time out and relax on the beach, reconnect with nature Capricorn Carpentaria and go on bushwalks, snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, go sailing, Gladstone Cooktown meet the characters of Queensland’s Outback (including dinosaurs!) Bundaberg or explore the restaurants and shops of the cities throughout the DRIVE state. And in the Year of Indigenous Tourism, I also encourage you to 26 Pacific Way: Mackay – Cairns Port Douglas Double Island explore our ancient culture through a variety of indigenous tourism Palm Cove Green Island Fitzroy Island experiences around Queensland. Cities and Culture Karumba Cairns You can start your planning on the brand new, world-class Normanton Mission Beach EXPLORE Dunk Island Queensland.com – a newly launched platform to promote 28 Burketown Cities and Culture Bedarra Island Queensland to the world, designed to provide you with personalised Hinchinbrook Island recommendations of how you can best enjoy Queensland. 30 DISCOVER Orpheus Island Brisbane Magnetic Island Thank you for your patience and positive commitment to flattening Hayman Island Southern Queensland Country the COVID-19 curve. Now is the time to reward yourselves, your Townsville Daydream Island families and friends and enjoy everything Queensland has to offer. DRIVE Charters Towers South Molle Island 34 Airlie Beach Hamilton Island Food Trail: Brisbane - Southern Queensland Country Safe travels. Cloncurry Richmond Proserpine Lindeman Island Long Island Nature and Wildlife Mount Isa Julia Creek Hughenden Annastacia Palaszczuk Mackay Brampton Island Premier of Queensland GREAT GREAT Minister for Trade 35 EXPLORE DIVIDING Indigenous Experiences BARRIER REEF QUEENSLAND RANGE Moranbah It is important to remember that we are all in this together, and that it Pumpkin Island EXPLORE Winton is everyone’s responsibility to protect the community from the spread 36 Great Keppel Nature and Wildlife Yeppoon Boulia Island of COVID-19. We need to rapidly respond to outbreaks by testing and Barcaldine Rockhampton Wilson Island Longreach self-quarantining, so we can stop the spread. 38 DISCOVER Heron Island Mackay Blackwater Queensland hotspot declarations and border restriction changes Emerald Lady Musgrave Island Fraser Coast Blackall Gladstone are made regularly – the best way to keep up to date is to visit the Bedourie Lady Elliot Island Queensland Health Border Restrictions page. www.qld.gov.au/health/ Outback Bundaberg conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public- Windorah Hervey Bay Fraser Island health-directions/border-restrictions EXPLORE 42 Birdsville Maryborough Current COVID-19 hotspots are listed here www.qld.gov.au/health/ Outback Charleville Roma conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/ Noosa DISCOVER Kingaroy Sunshine Coast hotspots-covid-19 44 Quilpie Outback Queensland Maroochydore Dalby Caloundra 46 DRIVE Toowoomba Moreton Island Leichhardt Way and Adventure Way St George Brisbane North and South Thargomindah Stradbroke Islands Cunnamulla Warwick Goondiwindi Stanthorpe Gold Coast 2 | queensland.com GETTING PEOPLE STANDING Islands and Beaches ON BOARDS IS ALL IN A DAY’S How to get here from WORK FOR KELLY DELANG. Top luxury South Australia 5 resorts With Queensland open and ready for visitors, you’re invited to come here to re-connect with loved ones in favourite places, explore new ones, and have all the 1 wonderful experiences you’ve been dreaming about. Lizard Island, From Adelaide, dozens of domestic flights are available Cairns & Great every week with Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin, so you can fly Barrier Reef. directly into Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Cairns. Wherever The signature daily hustle your chosen destination is, you’ll be exploring our vast at Lizard Island is a slow and beautiful backyard in a matter of hours. float over the spectacular Yet, there’s no denying that euphoric feeling of freedom fringing reef just footsteps when you hit the road, so why not drive your own way from shore or a quest for across Queensland? From the South Australian town of a secluded beach. Innamincka, cross over the Queensland border and track along the Adventure Way. Passing through Noccundra, Thargomindah, Cunnamulla, St George, and Toowoomba, you’ll experience a diverse mix of outback and city on your way towards the riverside capital of Brisbane (read Riding to the top more on page 30). 2 The Darling, Gold Coast Eager to see more of Queensland? From Brisbane, get of the class Lavish furnishings in a onto the Pacific Coast Way and explore coastal havens, hinterland towns, and major cities all along the east coast calming palette are the to Cairns (read more on page 12). perfect tonic for a skyline view that excites the heart. If you’re chasing a different Queensland experience, change direction in Cunnamulla and set your GPS along Surfing is arguably the Gold Coast’s greatest natural asset and the Matilda Way to take in the extraordinary Outback. For most people, the saying goes it lures tens of thousands of nature lovers into the water day in Stretching up to Karumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria, visit that a bad day surfing is better day out. 3 unique attractions (read more on page 43) and discover It is so good, in fact, that the 16km section of breaks between qualia, The Whitsundays unspoilt natural sites along the way. than a good day working. Snapper Rocks and Burleigh Point has been named the 8th If luxury was served on To ensure you’re good to go, we recommend planning and World Surfing Reserve (WSR), a title that comes in recognition a silver platter, qualia booking your holiday ahead of departure so you’re able to Most people don’t happen to be Kelly Delang, a former of an unbeatable combination of perfect point breaks and the would be the main do all the wonderful things on your wish list. With so much champion schoolgirl surfer who dices her summer days home grown world champions who live there. On a good day, course garnished with to see and experience, it’s time to explore like never before! doing both: teaching kids and grown-ups of all ages how to you may be able to spot the likes of Fanning, Parko, Occy and jaw-dropping views over surf in the morning and then going for a solo paddle near her Steph Gilmore. All travellers should check the Queensland Health’s Border the Coral Sea. Burleigh home after lunch. Restrictions page to ensure that they are up to date with the An elite surfer in her teens, Kelly gave up the dream of joining latest entry restrictions and quarantine requirements: For this 27-year old Gold Coaster, nothing compares to the ranks of these champions after relocating from rural NSW www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus- watching someone take their first wave. “Part of surfing is the to pursue a career in exercise physiology. “I got to a point in covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/border- initial realisation for the love of the ocean. If I can help people my life where I had to make a decision between competitive 4 restrictions to find that very first rush of adrenalin – to find that froth that surfing and a career. I chose the career and went to Griffith Bedarra Island Resort, makes them happy – then I’m also happy.” University to do exercise science”. At time of printing: Cairns & Great Barrier • All travellers arriving to Queensland must complete a Kelly works for Get Wet Surf School on the northern end of the In between teaching newbies to surf, she also works as a Reef With just ten border pass: www.qld.gov.au/border-pass Gold Coast. She says there is rarely a time when a ‘wannabe’ physiotherapist, managing to weave her first passion into her exquisite guest villas • All non-Queensland residents arriving to Queensland must walks away disappointed. That comes down to well-practiced profession and also treat veterans. “Surfing is not just all-round nestled into thick not have been in a COVID-19 hotspot in the 14 days prior to teaching methods and a 100 percent company guarantee to good exercise, it can be rehabilitating for veterans dealing with rainforest its easy to take arriving in Queensland. have them standing. depression and PTSD. • Travellers driving from South Australia must not enter barefoot luxury to its Queensland via the New South Wales border. “We practice on the sand first and figure out who is going to “Being out in the water can be calming and soothing mentally. highest levels. be limber and who is going to be mobile,” says Kelly. “If they Then there is the comradeship of the other surfers who are 5 can stand up on the sand, they can stand up in the ocean.. If passionate about life. Orpheus Island, they can’t, they can come back for a second lesson. It’s usually Townsville Just like “And don’t forget the sunlight – vitamin D – that just makes you the kids who get it in one pop,” she adds. the God of its name, feel happier.” this island has musical Indeed, it does. And with so many beaches up and down the powers. More than 1,100 Gold Coast offering world-class waves and a myriad of surf species of fish dance schools, there’s plenty of room for that. Please check opening in a symphony of the 4 | queensland.com dates with all resorts. surrounding blue waters. BURLEIGH HEADS BURLEIGH PAVILION THE ISLAND ROOFTOP RESTAURANT SURFERS PARADISE Islands and Beaches

Gold Coast Create memories at Australia’s favourite playground

Embrace the unrivalled energy of the Gold Coast, where beautiful LARAPINTA FALLS MOVIE WORLD sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, thrilling theme parks, and a vibrant dining and cultural scene come to life in this entertainment playground. Whether it’s watching the sunrise at Burleigh, fishing at Main Beach, taking in the golden sand at Surfers Paradise, or surfing with the pros at Snapper Rocks, there’s a spot reserved for you on the spectacular coastline.

Beaches Whale watching City life

Places of interest Things to do Insider’s Tip Broadbeach Stroll among the treetops at Tamborine Take to the skies and experience this coastal Framed by pristine white sand, Broadbeach Rainforest Skywalk city from a different perspective. Climb is centred around sophisticated Explore Tamborine Mountain’s lush rainforest, above the sea, sand and rolling hinterland accommodation, stylish shopping precincts from the earthy forest floor, right up beyond with a sky-high adventure by balloon, and a thriving dining scene. the treetop canopy on a 30-metre-high seaplane, or helicopter – you decide. cantilever bridge. Listen to birdsong and the Southern Gold Coast . sound of crystal-clear water tinkling through Within arm’s reach of lively Surfers Paradise, the rock pools of Cedar Creek. On the Queensland playlist this thriving sprawl of sand and surf on the I Said Hi by Amy Shark region’s World Surfing Reserve offers a far Hike the Burleigh Heads Described as “an anthem for anyone who more peaceful existence than its northern Rainforest Circuit wakes up every day fighting for what they neighbours. But it’s not just the presence of Located in Burleigh Head National Park, this believe in”, this hit by singer-songwriter solitude to be found here, but some of the 2.3km return hike offers a nature at your feet Amy Shark from the Gold Coast is the world’s best waves. walk in the heart of the Gold Coast. Look out perfect on-the-road singalong. for humpback whales splashing offshore. Gold Coast Hinterland While only a short drive from the bright Stand-up paddleboard Fun fact lights of district epicentre Surfers Paradise, with Go Ride a Wave More Hollywood blockbusters have been this region feels a world away. A treasure Head to Palm Beach for a lesson in stand-up filmed on the Gold Coast than anywhere trove of producers and forests of all kinds of paddleboarding. It’s a fantastic way to get else in the southern hemisphere. foliage, what this inland district lacks in sand, around on the water while giving you a it makes up for in ample green. great core workout. What to eat Burleigh Heads Amp up your adrenaline Kiyomi at The Star does exquisite seared A sleepy surf town no more, this thriving Get your heart racing and have some fun scampi with fois gras and shiso leaf. This is community is a favourite for locals and at the Gold Coast’s world-class theme parks a true taste of Tokyo. visitors alike, courtesy of its abundance of and attractions. From grand shows and offerings both in and out of the water and a exhilarating roller coasters, to thrill rides and Start planning at unique vibe all its own. slides, let your imagination run wild. queensland.com 6 | queensland.com

HILL INLET THE WHITSUNDAYS HEART REEF Islands and Beaches

The Whitsundays Islands and tropical coastline in the heart of the Reef

Make the most of Queensland’s tropical weather with a visit to MANTA RAY BAY WHITSUNDAY ISLAND AIRLIE BEACH The Whitsundays, home to a group of 74 idyllic islands wonders. Spend your time sailing the crystal-clear waters, discover extraordinary marine life, or wander your way through prominent landmarks, from the Great Barrier Reef, to the pure white sands of Whitehaven Beach. The mainland-side of the Whitsunday Coast is just as enticing, boasting beaches and national parks galore, and the coastal enclave of Airlie Beach.

Reef Islands Beaches

Places of interest Things to do What to read Airlie Beach Cruise the islands Whitsunday Dawn by Annie Seaton Just a hop, skip, and a jump away from As the region’s largest and most Eco-adventure meets romance. Loyalties the tourist-tempting islands, sits Airlie experienced marine operator, Cruise are divided when a mining company Beach. Long considered the launchpad Whitsundays offers a range of day cruises spokesperson falls for a handsome to the iconic Great Barrier Reef and the and island resort connections. Hop fisherman against the island-soaked surrounding islands, this coastal town is a onboard Reefsleep for a once-in-a-lifetime backdrop of The Whitsundays. popular getaway. opportunity to sleep on the reef under the stars or spend a magical night within Whitsunday Islands Insider’s Tip the Reefsuites experience - Australia’s first Step into paradise with a trip to the Cedar Creek Falls is a natural waterfall and underwater accommodation. Whitsunday Islands, a gathering of 74 rockpool just off Saltwater Creek Road. Stop majestic isles scattered across the centre Hike Honeyeater Lookout Trail in for a swim and a picnic. of the Great Barrier Reef. You may already Put your sneakers on for a fitness morning know a handful of the residents, with walking the stunning Airlie Beach walking Fun fact Hamilton, Hayman and Daydream islands trail. From the top, you have the most Whitehaven Beach has been classed globally recognised. Not to mention the amazing 360-degree views of Airlie Beach as one of the top 5 beaches in the award-winning Whitehaven Beach on and the Whitsunday Islands. Afterwards, treat entire world. Whitsunday Island. yourself to a dip in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, surrounded by grassy knolls. Bowen What to eat Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Relax at Horseshoe Bay Fresh local seafood and a world-famous The Whitsundays and is an ideal destination Horseshoe Bay beach is a favourite for mojito at Fish D’vine Seafood Restaurant & for those seeking a laid-back beach holiday. locals and visitors alike in Bowen. The Rum Bar in Airlie Beach. bay’s fringing reef is a top spot for viewing Great Barrier Reef the underwater world as you can snorkel Get up close and personal with this natural Start planning at straight off the beach. You’ll also find an wonder, snorkelling and diving the coral- queensland.com entry point to the Cape Edgecumbe Walking laden stretch. The Whitsundays is home to Trail, which rewards you with a fantastic Heart Reef – a highlight to any visit. 8 | queensland.com view at Horseshoe Bay Rotary Lookout. NOOSA EVERGLADES AUSTRALIA ZOO NOOSA NATIONAL PARK SUNSHINE COAST HINTERLAND Islands and Beaches

Sunshine Coast From sandy beaches to lush hinterland

Join the laid-back lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast to leave your footprints in the 100km stretch of sandy coastline or take MOOLOOLABA STRAWBERRY FIELDS, SUNSHINE COAST in the sweeping views from the volcanic peaks of the Glass House Mountains. Beyond the sparkling beaches and rich hinterland with a thriving dining scene, are communities that create the true essence of the Sunshine Coast. From the sophisticated village of Noosa, to the urban centre of Maroochydore, the easy-going charm of Caloundra and the natural beauty of the Pumicestone Passage, each seaside spot has its own personality to get to know.

Road trips Whale watching Beaches Places of interest Things to do Insider’s tip Mooloolaba Visit Sea Life Sunshine Coast Cooloola Great Walk is soon to have Mooloolaba is one of Queensland’s most Located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, tiny eco-cabins dotted along its 102km vibrant and exciting stretches of coastline Sea Life has more aquatic creatures to see trek. These eco-cabins are sustainably showcasing the laidback, café-worshipping, than ever before. Explore the brand new custom designed so visitors have water-loving way of Sunshine Coast life. little blue penguins zone, say hi to one of the every opportunity to relax, rediscover The coastal town is best known for its cheeky resident seals, or even become a and reconnect. clear waterways, stunning swimming trainer for the day. beach, the Wharf dining and entertainment Hike the Kondalilla Falls Circuit Fun fact precinct, beachfront boutiques and Explore this beautiful walking track that leads shopping opportunities. Noosa Everglades is one of only two from Kondalilla Falls as you descend into the everglade systems in the world. Sunshine Coast Hinterland lush rainforest for the best waterfall view at Boasting the iconic Glass House Mountains, the base of the falls. Remember, what goes Insider’s tip lush rainforests, and breathtaking scenery, down, must come up – all 300 steps. For a relaxed celebration of food, music lose yourself in the natural beauty and Horse ride on Rainbow Beach and good times, head to the beachside serenity of the Sunshine Coast hinterland. How does riding a horse along Rainbow market in the Sunshine Coast suburb Noosa Beach – rated in the top five most incredible of Marcoola. The warm, winter sunshine and blue skies are beaches in the world, sound? Rainbow the perfect recipe for your Noosa getaway. Beach Horse Rides offer a vast array of What to eat Take your pick from walks, water sports riding options including beach riding, The Mooloolaba Fish Markets are famous and views to die for, from its tapestry of country day rides, full moon rides and more. for fresh-off-the boat prawns. With the waterways and national parks that wind their Meet the wildlife at Australia Zoo trawler right there, it doesn’t come way around this sophisticated coastal town. Nestled on more than 110 acres, Australia any fresher. Gympie Zoo is the most interactive conservation Stroll the main street, step back in time on destination in the world. See over Start planning at board the Mary Valley Rattler steam train, 1,200 animals, including all of your queensland.com or browse the weekend markets to sample Aussie favourites. 10 | queensland.com fresh local produce. Queensland Regional Tourism Organisations

LEGEND Tourism Tropical North Queensland Townsville Enterprise Ltd Outback Queensland Tourism Association Mackay Tourism Ltd Tourism Whitsundays Capricorn Enterprise Gladstone Area Promotion & Development Ltd Bundaberg North Burnett Tourism Fraser Coast Opportunities Visit Sunshine Coast B u r C Southern Queensland Country Tourism n o Monto e a t s Bundaberg t t P Brisbane Marketing H T a w ou ci y r fic Fraser Is. ing Gold Coast Tourism Ro Hervey Bay Eidsvold ute (H Maryborough Themed Highways Gayndah ig h w

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) Noosa Kingaroy Nambour Mooloolaba Maleny Bamaga Chinchilla Caloundra Dalby Moreton Is. IANE Toowoomba MORETON ISLAND, BRISBANE Brisbane to Rainbow Beach of local adventure companies or choose GREAT BEACH DRIVE, SUNSHINE COAST Ipswich North Stradbroke Is. Islands andWeipa Beaches to stop at Kingfisher Bay Resort, your base South Stradbroke Is. (600km including detours) Cunningham Beaudesert for spectacular nature walks and a raft of Hwy Surfers Paradise Warwick Loosely sandwiched between the ancient eco-adventures. Coolangatta Glasshouse Mountains and Rainbow Beach, Stanthorpe lies the Sunshine Coast. The Southern Great Texas Coen Here you’ll find a vibrant hinterland Barrier Reef Bundaberg to packed with abundant food trails, restored Rockhampton (300 km) pubs, quaint cottages and a patchwork Back on the Pacific Coast Way, the road Lizard Is. of rainforest trails. The main game is a soon gives way to the Great Barrier Reef, Pormpuraaw series of postcard-perfect towns that offer one of the seven natural wonders of sandy white beaches, rocky headlands, the world. Cooktown and restaurants oriented to salute the Kowanyama morning sun. The next few hundred kilometres reveals a stretch of coastline dotted with low-key Be sure to stroll the Noosa National Park to beach towns, secret island resorts and Mossman G at least the Boiling Pot Lookout for a spot coral cays. Stop in Bundaberg, the town of Port Douglas Double Is. R of dolphin watching, before continuing Pacific Palm Cove Green Is. 1770, Gladstone or Yeppoon and book a C E your drive north to Rainbow Beach. This A cruise to meet some of Queensland’s finest Atherton Fitzroy Is. humming seaside village is prized for cliffs T reef ladies; Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave and KarumbaCoast Way Innisfail of coloured sands and some of the best Mission Beach North West Island, to name just a few. NormantonGulf D B beach fishing in Australia. Burketown evelopment Road Dunk Island (Sav Tully A Around here, there’s a calendar of mega LAKE MCKENZIE, FRASER ISLAND From Coolangattaannah Way) Bedarra Is. Cardwell R Great Fraser Trail (250km) nature experiences waiting to greet you; Croydon Hinchinbrook Is. R Georgetown Mt Surprise whales and manta rays in the winter, turtles I E Motor north to the heritage river city of to Mackay R in the summer and 1200 of the Great Ingham Orpheus Is. Maryborough. Celebrated as the birthplace R Barrier Reef’s 1600 fish species all year Magnetic Is. E of P. L. Travers, creator of the world’s much- Burke and Wills Roadhouse E round. Even Sir David Attenborough was a Pack your bags and hit the T F loved nanny, Mary Poppins, you’ll discover repeat visitor to this region. bitumen for the ‘big daddy’ Ayr rich treasures like the Maryborough Home Hill Charters Whitsunday Islands Military and Colonial Museum, where there Pack up your snorkel and fins, return to Over Bowen lande of them all, the 1808km epic Towers G are 10,000 war artifacts on show. the highway, and set the GPS due north r's r Wa e Camooweal y g Airlie Beach for Mackay. Stop at the Sarina Sugar Shed Pacific Coast Way. o Proserpine Overlander’s Way r Continue north to Hervey Bay, the hub Cloncurry y for a journey into Queensland’s cane D Brampton Is. for marine adventure and the northern Mount Isa Julia Creek e cutting history. M Richmond Hughenden v jump-off point for Fraser Island (K’gari). PUMPKIN ISLAND, CAPRICORN Tracking the alengtht of Queensland’s east e ilda lo Mackay W pm To fully explore the world’s largest sand coast, this standouta yjourney links seaside e n havens with hinterland towns, and lush t Sarina island, book a 4WD tour with any number R B Kynuna o Dajarra r farming regions with secret reef resorts. a u

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brew with the region’s best view. Adventure under the radar y Pacific Way: from Mackay to Cairns. Thargomindah ) Cunningham and continue beach driving and wildlife Join Le CordonCunnamulla Bleu-trained SuzieSt George on a Hwy Surfers Paradise spotting along the UNESCO World Heritage guided culinary journey with Bundy Food Coolangatta Goondiwindi listed Fraser Island (K’Gari). Tours, from fruit farms to butchers and Stanthorpe 12 | queensland.com LOCATION NAME trawlers around Bundaberg. Texas AGINCOURT REEF Great Barrier Reef Family Friendly 5 Snorkel Trips 1 Leaving from Port Douglas, Quicksilver Cruises in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef offers activities suitable for toddlers through to older children, including an underwater observatory. 8 unforgettable ways to 2 Sunlover Reef Cruises in experience the Great Barrier Reef Cairns & Great Barrier Reef will whisk you to an outer edge pontoon for four hours of fun. Kids will love the fully enclosed ocean pool and the One of the original wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is the World 30m waterslide straight into the ocean. 3 Heritage site on everyone’s ‘must do’ list. Here are some ways to explore this Join mum of four and natural wonder when you visit Cairns and Great Barrier Reef. Master Reef Guide, Stephanie Hinks, and her ocean-loving family on an Aquascene snorkel On the reefs around Raine Island, dive with the world’s largest Zoom straight to the outer Great Barrier Reef from Port If you prefer to leave the navigating in the hands of a 1. 4. 7. tour over the fringing green turtle population with Mike Ball Dive Expeditions. Douglas with Quicksilver Cruises to explore Agincourt Reef. capable skipper, sail in style on one of Sailaway Port reefs from Magnetic Once you arrive at the pontoon, waste no time jumping Douglas’s luxury catamarans. The only operator with Every year, between 40,000 and 100,000 green turtles lay straight into the water to swim with the fishes. access to the Mackay and Undine Coral Cays from Port Island, Townsville. their eggs in the sands of the uninhabited island. Remote and Douglas, a full-day tour out to these reef-wrapped islands rarely visited, the surrounding reefs provide some of the most Those with a thirst to learn about the marine life surrounding will show you the best of the Great Barrier Reef without untouched and spectacular diving on the Great Barrier Reef. them should sign up for the optional marine biologist any crowds. snorkelling tour. You’ll learn how Indigenous culture uses nature as medicine, Between snorkelling, a glass-bottom boat ride, and 4 and sample some bush tucker as you forage the land. Nothing beats a 90-minute 5. Don’t want to get your hair wet? Board one of Quicksilver chatting to the on-board marine biologist, you’ll be treated guided snorkel with Cruises’ semi-submersible boats for a peek at Agincourt Reef to a tropical buffet lunch (fresh prawns included!) and 2. Take the plunge and learn to dive on the Great Barrier Reef Johnny Gaskell, the marine without the snorkel and mask. Glide one metre below the morning and afternoon tea, coffee and cake. with Pro Dive Cairns. Or combine your course with an all- surface for a scuba diver’s view of the rich biodiversity that biologist who helped inclusive liveaboard trip to the outer reefs and experience earned the Great Barrier Reef its World Heritage-listed status. 8. Fifteen minutes north of Port Douglas, master the design the Living Reef on what rush hour traffic is like on the largest reef in the world. traditional way of spearfishing with the Kuku Yalanji Daydream Island, 6. Make like a rock star and charter a private helicopter to see people in the beach flats and mangrove swamps The Whitsundays. 3. In season, the Great Barrier Reef is the only place in the world the Great Barrier Reef from above, then touch down for with Walkabout Cultural Adventures. where you can swim with dwarf minke whales. Hop on a 5 a picnic on a sand cay. Divers Den liveaboard expedition from Cairns to the Ribbon As a Master Reef Guide on Heron Island, Reefs and come face-to-face with these majestic creatures as Nautilus Aviation lifts off from Cairns and whisks you away to Discover more ways to explore the they frolic in the warm waters of Tropical North Queensland. an exclusive beach where you can snorkel the off-shore reefs, Gladstone Rachael Jones indulge in a gourmet hamper, and enjoy white sand as far as Great Barrier Reef at queensland.com is like the Pied Piper of the eye can see. the marine world. She can often be found leading a Congo line of curious kids 14 | queensland.com along the reef at low tide. NORMAN REEF MACROSSAN ST, PORT DOUGLAS MILLAA MILLAA FALLS RAINFORESTATION Great Barrier Reef PAMAGIRRI ABORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

Cairns & NU NU RESTAURANT, PALM COVE AGINCOURT REEF FITZROY ISLAND Great Barrier Reef Explore the world’s natural wonders in everyday luxury

Let us introduce you to a place that’s not short on a natural wonder or two. In the Tropical North Queensland region, you’ll find UNESCO World Heritage sites begging to be explored in between cities and towns like Cairns and Port Douglas. However you choose to spend your time, adventure will be on the itinerary.

Places of interest Things to do What to read Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Visit Fitzroy Island Swallow the Air by Tara June Winch Experience the unparalleled natural beauty, If you’re dreaming of white sand beaches Loss leaves Billy and May both searching where ancient rainforests, abundant fringed with the Great Barrier Reef and a for their place in a world. While Billy takes Reef Islands Natural wonders wildlife, rich culture, and an alfresco dining national park in your backyard, then it’s his own destructive path, May sets off to scene blend into one. Want to see the about time you get acquainted with Fitzroy find her Aboriginal identity heading north. Great Barrier Reef? Breathe in the salt Island. We suggest a hike to the Summit for air and explore via boat, snorkel, kayak, spectacular views out to the reef. Insider’s tip helicopter or learn to dive on this world- Tour Rainforestation Nature Park No visit to Cairns is complete without a famous natural wonder. The award-winning Rainforestation Nature stroll along the Esplanade to take in the Port Douglas Park is a 100-acre tourist attraction set in stunning views of the Trinity Inlet and Drive an hour north of Cairns to Port Douglas, the World Heritage Rainforest. Board an mountains that line the horizon. and you’ll find a unique melting pot. This amphibious World War II Army Duck for a tropical town mixes laid-back lifestyle with unique rainforest tour on both land and water Fun fact exhilarating adventure and it’s a stone’s throw and learn about Indigenous culture with the Africa has the Big 5. The Great Barrier Reef from where two World Heritage-listed areas interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience. has the Great 8. They include the clownfish, collide. Create memories under the sway of Discover Paronella Park shark, manta rays, maori wrasse, potato the palm trees at Salsa Bar & Grill. Ninety minutes from Cairns is the heritage- cods, giant clams, turtles and whales. Atherton Tableands listed attraction Paronella Park. This tropical Celebrated for some of the best food oasis beside Mena Creek Falls is a castle What to eat experiences in Tropical North Queensland, surrounded by rainforest, wrapped up in Order a platter of local-catch seafood from you’ll taste an abundance of flavours in the an amazing range of 7,500 tropical plants Prawn Star then kick back on a restored Atherton Tablelands. and trees. fishing trawler. Or tease your tastebuds and fill your tums on one of Brett’s Tag-A- Savannah Way Walk in the path of a volcano Long Tours. The Savannah Way is Australia’s adventure The Undara Volcanic National Park is one of drive, linking Cairns in Tropical North Australia’s greatest geological wonders. Queensland with the historic pearling town It boasts the best-preserved and largest lava Start planning at 16 | queensland.com of Broome in Western Australia’s Kimberley. tubes system on earth. queensland.com MAGNETIC ISLAND Great Barrier Reef Places of interest Things to do Fun fact Townsville Dive the SS Yongala Northern Australia’s largest colony of wild Spend your days trawling the cafes, One of the best wreck dives in the world, koalas is on Magnetic Island. restaurants, boutiques and galleries in the this 110m shipwreck is one of the largest, heart of this heritage city, or take to The and most intact wrecks with intriguing On the Queensland playlist Strand, a seafront promenade with an aquatic maritime stories to tell. Somebody Like You by Keith Urban playground that the whole family will adore. Billabong Sanctuary Cue the country road and the head Magnetic Island Home to Australia’s most iconic native bobbing, this jaunty little tune ratcheted up Townsville North Queensland Step off the short ferry ride from Townsville wildlife, this nature park specialises in the Queensland lad’s first Gold Single. and you’ll be greeted by Magnetic Island’s memorable experiences. Get up close and A place to discover, appreciate and immerse in nature natural unspoilt beauty and 23 golden personal with the furry, feathered, and Insider’s tip beaches. From water sports to wildlife, scaled animals, and learn a fact or two at Keep an eye out for the Museum of you’ll feel more alive with every moment. the Ranger wildlife talks and shows. Underwater Art, the only one in the Southern Hemisphere, coming to the Great From the Great Barrier Reef and its tropical islands, to the lush Hinchinbrook Region Texas Longhorn Tours Hinchinbrook is a nature lover’s dream. Witness the majestic and historic Texas Barrier Reef in Townsville soon. rainforests, awe-inspiring Outback and World Heritage-listed Home of the Southern Hemisphere’s Longhorns on a horse-drawn wagon ride national parks, the once quiet coastal town has merged into a largest single drop waterfall – Wallaman or Safari. Take a trip back in time to the ‘Old What to eat Falls, Hinchinbrook is the southern gateway West’, listen to yarns from yesteryear, and Home-made ice cream from the Frosty modern metropolis. Learn from those protecting our earth and fill to the Wet Tropics World Heritage-listed be treated to true country hospitality. Mango. For 30 years this these icey rainforest, and the renowned multi-day treats have nourished North Queensland your days exploring by land or sea. Enjoy a cool mountain retreat Thorsborne Trail. road trippers. The mist-shrouded mountains of the Charters Towers Paluma Range National Park is the Take a step back in time and discover the ultimate rainforest retreat. Marvel at the Start planning at enchanting outback town of Charters Towers, 1930 stone bridge, and rest at the eco- queensland.com just 90 minutes west of Townsville. Visit certified Hidden Valley Cabins where historic Venus Gold Battery, take in the views you’re almost guaranteed to spot a from Towers Hill lookout or enjoy a true peaceful platypus. Reef Islands Natural wonder outback encounter at Texas Longhorn Tours.

5 NIGHTS 7 NIGHTS DAYDREAM ISLAND RESORT TROPICAL NORTH QUEENSLAND From $789 per person*, Flight Centre is offering 5 nights REEF GETAWAY at the four-and-a-half star Daydream Island Resort & From $665* per person, Flight Centre is offering 3 nights Living Reef in the Whitsundays. Enjoy breakfast daily, in Cairns at Mantra Trilogy, followed by 4 nights at Silkari TOWNSVILLE HINCHINBROOK ISLAND MAGNETIC ISLAND return ferry transfers from Hamilton Island Airport to Lagoons Port Douglas with some transfers included (BONUS Daydream Island, free WIFI*, and free use of selected SAVE up to $248*). You can also experience the Quicksilver non-motorised water sport and resort. Outer Barrier Reef Cruise. Price is per person based on twin share, subject to Selected travel dates between 1 Nov 2020 – 31 March 2021. availability. Selected travel dates between 12 Oct – 11 Dec Valid for sale until 30 Sept 2020 unless sold out prior. 2020. Valid for sale until 30 Sept 2020 unless sold out prior.

For further information and full terms and conditions: For further information and full terms and conditions: Head to flightcentre.com.au/product/12700433, Head to flightcentre.com.au/product/12775267, visit your local flight centre store, or call 131 600. visit your local flight centre store, or call 131 600. 18 | queensland.com YEPPOON LAGOON Great Barrier Reef Places of interest Things to do What to read Yeppoon Dive in at Great Keppel Island An Autobiography by Rod Laver The coastal enclave of Yeppoon and its As the largest in the 18-island-strong Tennis great, Rod Laver, grew up in surrounds is home to a bevy of beaches, Keppel Group, this rugged natural wonder Rockhampton playing on makeshift many of which boast calm, warm waters neighbours Yepoon off the Capricorn Coast. backyard courts. This eponymous tale trails ideal for swimming year-round. On Snorkel straight off the beach into the a life that is now of legendary status. dry land, the town centre continues to surrounding coral, or jump aboard a yacht flourish with eateries celebrating the and spend the afternoon boom-netting. On the Queensland playlist Capricorn region’s abundance of produce. Yeppoon You’ll be sharing the water with turtles, The Great Divide by Busby Marou is considered an easy way to access the dugongs, and dolphins and, from April to For a laid-back acoustic vibe, hit play on this neighbouring Great Keppel Island and the November, migrating humpback whales. Australian duo from Rockhampton. surrounding Great Barrier Reef. Discover a microcosm of natural wonders and feel revitalised Uncover the pristine Byfield rainforests Great Keppel Island Just 25 minutes north from Yeppoon, Insider’s tip Savour a true tropical getaway with a trip discover the lush rainforests of Byfield and Pumpkin Island is the first carbon-positive If you’re looking for a mix of unspoilt islands, reef adventures and to Great Keppel Island. Nestled within spectacular scenery of the surrounding island in Australia. seaside scenery, you’re in luck. From the pristine islands of the the Southern Barrier Reef, it’s a rugged parks and forests. Here you’ll find natural wonder. Getting there is surprisingly picturesque water holes and picnic spots What to eat Southern Great Barrier Reef to the mysteries of the Capricorn Caves, convenient too - it’s just a half-hour ferry where you can paddle a canoe or take a dip Sample the region’s best beef and seafood ride from Rosslyn Bay. in the freshwater creeks. have fun exploring the hidden gems. at the multi-award-winning Waterline Rockhampton Unlock the secrets of the ages Restaurant, Keppel Bay Marina, Yeppoon. Perched in the middle of the Capricorn Just north of Rockhampton is Queensland’s Coast is Rockhampton, one of the oldest oldest tourist attraction, the award- Start planning at cities in Queensland and considered to winning Capricorn Caves where you queensland.com be the beef capital of Australia. Embrace a can explore ancient geology history. The taste of country life while you’re in town or site’s campground, caravan park, cabins take a walk-through history. Rockhampton and lodge are all nestled in dry rainforest, Walks and hikes Islands Snorkel and dive is also considered to be a real treasure making the Capricorn Caves a peaceful trove for recreational barramundi fishing. place to unwind.

Kids Stay STAY 3 FREE PAY 2 Top Parks offers over 50 holiday parks throughout With 57 holiday parks throughout Queensland set Queensland. Your next escape is only a road trip within wide open spaces with plenty of fresh air, now away. Check into a self-contained cabin or pull up on CAPRICORN CAVES GREAT KEPPEL ISLAND PUMPKIN ISLAND is the time to Say G’DAY to Freedom. Book a cabin or a your very own site with your caravan or motorhome site and Kids Stay Free. and stay for 3 nights and only pay for 2.

Available at selected parks. Offers valid until 30 November 20. For further information and full terms and conditions, visit topparks.com.au 20 | queensland.com WILSON ISLAND Great Barrier Reef Places of interest Things to do What to read Gladstone City Jump onboard the 1770 LARC! Tour The Girl in the Yellow Vest by Loretta Hill This seaside city offers a range of For a trip you will never forget, hop aboard Working next door to the Great Barrier entertainment, restaurants and bars, as the pink LARC for a ride across deserted Reef seems like just the sort of adventure well as local history to boot with countless sandy beaches as you make your way Emily needs to reboot her life. colonial buildings throughout the CBD. At to the isolated Bustard Head Lighthouse the heart of Gladstone’s city centre is an located within Eurimbula National Park. On the Queensland playlist impressive natural deep-water harbour. This is Queensland’s only operating Can’t Shake It by Kate Miller-Heidke Lighthouse open to the public. Agnes Water and Town of 1770 Born in Gladstone, Kate Miller-Heidke As you make your way north to Gladstone, Discover 1770 by water dazzled Eurovision fans with her eccentric you’ll stumble upon the serene seaside Join the friendly Liquid Adventures team pop opera and zero gravity moves in Gladstone communities of Agnes Water and the Town on a fully guided ‘sunset tour’ around 2019, but it’s Can’t Shake It that teases out of 1770 – the birthplace of Queensland. the spectacular waterways of 1770, the Queensland humour. A jump-off point for island adventures on the coastline Ready and waiting to charm you with headland and conservation park. their secluded beaches, calm inlets and Fun fact Visit the Gladstone Harbour Islands abundant forests, this stop on your journey Curtis Ferry Services provides reliable and On May 23, 1770, Captain James Cook is one that proves it’s not always about the If your idea of a good time involves spending it on the water, regular passenger and vehicle services to anchored at Bustard Bay, named for the wild final destination. bustard bird that the crew shot and ate as a Gladstone offers a multitude of ways to dive right in. Whether it’s the Gladstone Harbour Islands. Heron Island welcome change from their routine diet. Book out an entire island on Wilson Island casting off in some of Australia’s most bountiful waters, snorkelling There are only a rare few places where Around 80km north east off the coast of you can see the best of the underwater Insider’s tip on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, or surfing Queensland’s most Gladstone is Wilson Island, an adult-only world without getting wet, and within Stretching 632 metres above sea level, private hideaway on the Great Barrier Reef northern surf break, there are plenty of ways to cool off in this seconds of arriving. Heron Island is one Mount Larcom towers over Gladstone’s to experience the tranquil life of a castaway of those places. Located off Gladstone in horizon. Its distinctive summit is a must-do central coast town. in style. Book your own designer inspired the Southern Great Barrier Reef, you’ll be hike for adventurous travellers. tent or reserve the entire island, exclusively greeted by marine life the moment you to yourself. step foot on the tiny coral cay. Start planning at queensland.com

Snorkel and dive Islands Wildlife 25% OFF on Queensland Accommodation HERON ISLAND PAPERBARK TRAIL AGNES WATER WILSON ISLAND Now is the perfect time to get back on the road and experience a great Aussie break. And BIG4 are making this easier than ever with up to 25% off on a great range of accommodation all across Queensland. Book now!

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22 | queensland.com LADY ELLIOT ISLAND Great Barrier Reef Places of interest Things to do What to read Bundaberg Grab a drink at Bundaberg Rum Distillery Bert Hinkler: The Most Daring Man in the Explore the craft breweries, distilleries and The Bundaberg Rum Distillery is the home World by Grantlee Kieza wineries of the region and experience the of Australia’s most iconic rum, which has As an aerial showman and World War I food bowl that feeds the nation with farm- been made to a time-honoured tradition fighter pilot, Bundaberg-born aviator Hinkler gate sales of fresh produce and seafood since 1888. Discover first-hand why it’s the thrilled the world. Fast-paced and revealing, straight from the water. most awarded rum distillery in the country. this is an overdue biography of one of Australias most astonishing sons. Lady Musgrave Island Dive into the Lady Musgrave Experience Lady Musgrave Island sits tucked away in its Enjoy a luxury 35-metre luxury catamaran Insider’s tip lagoon, providing shelter for manta rays, sea transfer to Lady Musgrave Island as Hike or bike the scenic 11km Turtle Trail that turtles, and the complete cast of the marine part of your day tour aboard the ‘Reef links Bargara to Burnett Heads. “Great 8” including humpback whales in Empress’ where your reef adventure begins. season (July-November). Departing Bundaberg daily, you’ll enter the Fun fact Bundaberg only navigable lagoon on the whole of the Lady Elliot Great Barrier Reef in under two hours. Snakes Downunder Reptile Park & Zoo’s Lady Elliot Island is the southernmost island resident half tonne saltwater crocodile Macca Abundant at every turn on the Great Barrier Reef and in a story of Take part in a voluntourism project was craned into the park in the dead of night regeneration, you’ll find a lush forest at the Lady Elliot Island is regarded as one of the under only a spotlight as to not frighten him. centre of the island’s revival. Underwater best snorkelling and diving destinations Bundaberg, for many, is home. Home for loggerhead and green sea is where the true magic lies. This highly on the Great Barrier Reef. To make the What to drink protected green zone is home to more than most of your experience, stay at the Lady turtles that return every year to continue the circle of life. Home 1,200 marine species. Elliot Island Eco Resort – a family run and Pop open Australia’s favourite, Bundaberg operated eco-tourism business. Ginger beer. Made with the finest, locally for farmers and distillers who toil the volcanic rich soils yielding North Burnett grown ginger and sugarcane, it’s the real deal. abundant produce. Home for graceful manta rays, and a home away Conquer impressive mountain ranges and Hinkler Hall Of Aviation & Hinkler’s House from home for migrating humpback whales. When you arrive at this extinct volcanoes, wander through the This well-known sugar town is more than Start planning at spectacular sandstone wilderness of Cania a rum hit wonder. It’s also the birthplace queensland.com region on the cusp of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, it’ll feel like Gorge and encounter the warm welcomes, of Bert Hinkler, the greatest aviator of all home too. big hearts and indomitable spirits of the time and the first person to fly solo from characters of the Aussie bush. England to Australia.

Snorkel and dive Beaches Wildlife 5-night Hamilton 7-night Surfers Island Getaway Paradise Escape $859*pp (save $490pp twin share) $439*pp (save $261pp twin share) Kids stay, eat and transfer FREE#

Indulge in a 5-night stay at Hamilton Island Reef View Artique Resort (4.5 star), located just a short stroll from Resort staying in a coral sea view room including full the bustling mecca of Surfers Paradise, is offering 7 breakfast daily, use of the island shuttle service, gym spa nights in a one bedroom apartment, with complimentary and sporting equipment plus a BONUS $150 resort credit. WI-Fi, Foxtel, and car parking for 1 vehicle. BUNDABERG RUM EXPERIENCE WINDMILL CAFE LADY MUSGRAVE ISLAND Travel between 23 August 2020 - 31 March 2021, black- Travel between 23 August 2020 - 31 March 2021, black- out dates apply. Valid for sale until 30 September 2020 out dates apply. Valid for sale until 30 September 2020 unless sold out prior. unless sold out prior.

*#For more information and further terms and conditions, visit vivaholidays.com.au/packages/queensland-youre-good-to-go! 24 | queensland.com Queensland Regional Tourism Organisations

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) Noosa Kingaroy Nambour Mooloolaba Maleny Bamaga Chinchilla Caloundra Dalby Moreton Is. IANE Toowoomba Ipswich North Stradbroke Is. Weipa South Stradbroke Is. Cunningham Beaudesert Hwy Surfers Paradise Warwick DAINTREE RAINFOREST Rainforest to Reef Great Green Way MAGNETIC ISLAND Coolangatta Great Barrier Reef Drive North Queensland Mackay to Airlie Beach (300km) Townsville to Cairns (350km) Stanthorpe Coen From reef to outback, through rainforest It’s a 150km direct drive from the art-deco Spanning 380km, give or take a few Texas and grasslands, driving in North buildings that line the pretty streets of detours, the Great Green Way drive Queensland is an unforgettable travel Mackay to sparkling Airlie Beach, but you’ll from Townsville to Cairns is a journey Lizard Is. experience with something for every kind want to double that distance to take in the of unmissable nature. Think waterfalls, Pormpuraaw of adventurer. Discover ancient World full Rainforest to Reef trail. wetlands and mountain ranges as well as Heritage rainforest, find secluded beaches secret island getaways tethered to friendly 50kms north of Mackay is a detour like no Cooktown in The Whitsundays, dive an underwater country towns with old-school atmosphere. other. Every morning on the quiet beach of Kowanyama museum, and encounter wildlife from Cape Hillsborough, you’ll be guaranteed to the wallabies of Cape Hillsborough to the Detour left off the highway and up the share the pre-dawn peace with a melting Longhorns of Charters Towers. Paluma Range to see wild platypus Mossman pot of nature. Here, mobs of resident frolicking in fresh-water creeks or turn right Port Douglas Double Is. For the 4WD enthusiast, the ‘Escape to wallabies and kangaroos meet quietly at any number of signposted locations to Palm Cove Green Is. the Cape’ drive is an iconic Australian to munch on mangrove pods left by the discover waterholes that freckle the Wet C adventure. Set off from Cairns on a bucket outgoing tide. Tropics. If the gloriously giant cassowary Atherton Fitzroy Is. is on your bucket list of sights, then head KarumbaPacific Innisfail list trip up to Cape York. When the last seed has been shucked, G Mission Beach (very slowly, please) to noted hot spots at Normanton ulf De Visit drivenorthqueensland.com.au backtrack to the Bruce Highway and Burketown velopment Road Tully Dunk Island the seaside villages of Mission, Kurramine (Savan to plan your trip. continue west to Eungella National Park, nah Way) Bedarra Is. and Etty Beaches, particularly during the Coast Way Cardwell a mist-filled tract of land with a web of Croydon Mt Surprise Hinchinbrook Is. winter nesting season. Georgetown well-marked hiking trails. From there, G Ingham Orpheus Is. set your GPS due north to Airlie Beach. From Mackay R Once in Cairns (or Port Douglas), jump on a JANBAL GALLERY E Hailed for big-ticket resorts like Hayman, boat trip for a magical snorkel around the Magnetic Is. A Burke and Wills Roadhouse T T Hamilton and Daydream, what anchors this World Heritage listed Reef. Or head up into to Cairns Ayr B town are the dozens of boats and charter the hills for 100% local brew. Sugar comes Charters Home Hill Whitsunday Islands A yachts, mainland restaurants and hill-side from the endless stretch of cane farms, Over Bowen R hotels that happily meet every type of G cream from the neighbouring dairies, while lande Towers r's When you’re ready, so is r R W e traveller budget. tea and coffee beans are grown in low- Camooweal a g y Airlie Beach I o Proserpine Overlander’s Way r lying plantations. the mightyCloncurry Bruce Highway. y E Nature enthusiasts will want to explore all D Brampton Is. R Mount Isa Julia Creek e the blue nooks and green crannies that Here is theM second Richmondchapter Hughenden v at e The Great Barrier Reef Drive ilda lo Mackay make this region so unforgettable. Drive W pm R in the 1808 kmay Pacific Coast e Cairns to Daintree Rainforest n 30 minutes south from Airlie to windswept t Sarina E R Way and this one is all about B Conway Beach or set your sights north to (140km) Kynuna o E Dajarra r NANDROYA FALLS a u d c F Bowen, turning right to discover the stamp- e You’ve made it. Almost! Make time for a driving North Queensland. (G r H sized beach at Hydeaway Bay. Once in e M a w magical side trip that unravels along the Middleton at t y Bowen, snap a selfie at the Big Mango. Winton ild In edge of the Coral Sea, The Great Barrier a l W an Reef in brief a SecretMuttaburr sleepsa Clermont d Reef Drive. y W The Wildlife Tracker Boulia a Take your journey further than Cairns by Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, an y Yeppoon ) Great Keppel Is. Mackay to Townsville (386km) Cruise past unspoiled beaches, pop into adding on the one-day Great Barrier Reef 11-cottage retreat in a newly generatedEmerald Rockhampton Longreach Capricorn Way Mt Morgan cosmopolitan ‘Port’ (as it’s dubbed by

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26 | queensland.com RICK SHORES, GOLD COAST Cities and Culture Explore our cultural world

In towns and cities around the state, you’ll find Queensland’s cultural heart is beating strong with a full range of exhibitions, museums and galleries. Come with an open mind. Leave refreshed, curiosity sated.

Best for the history buff Best for the culturalist Best museums for kids Cobb & Co Museum, Toowoomba, The Queensland Art Gallery and the The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum Southern Queensland Country Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), of Natural History, Outback is home to Learn about the legendary mode of Brisbane Spend an easy afternoon the world’s largest collection of Australian transport or sign up for a hands-on skating on the cutting edge of art at The dinosaur fossils and the most productive workshop in a skill of the past like Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Fossil Preparation Laboratory in the Restaurants to experience blacksmithing or leatherwork. Modern Art – aptly known as QAGoMA. Southern Hemisphere. Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Tank Arts Centre, Cairns & Great Barrier Learn about the legendary mode of at least once in a lifetime Longreach, Outback Reef It takes an unfussy hour or less transport used in the times of bushrangers Quicker than you can say Akubra, you’ll be to cover off this splendid little gallery and goldrushes at the Workshops Rail toasting the men and women who brought tucked inside three historic naval oil tanks, Museum in Ipswich, Brisbane. Children the legend of the Outback to life. themselves burrowed in the city’s lush under 6 will love Little Cobbers, a holiday botanic gardens. program that encourages fun and discovery. Museum of Brisbane, Brisbane Located in the iconic City Hall, the Museum Melba House, Mackay The voice of Dame Kids can unleash their inner Attenborough The best restaurants in Queensland aren’t just found in the state’s capital of Brisbane examines how Brisbane and its Nellie Melba has rung loud and clear for at Townsville’s Reef HQ Aquarium of Brisbane. From tropics to towns, beachside to bush, intimate haunts to people continue to change over time. The many around the globe. Visit this famous or Billabong Sanctuary with hands-on highlight is a ride in an old, hand-operated lift opera singer’s home in Marian. encounters with creatures from the land rooftop eateries, these are the finest institutions you need to experience at to the Clock Tower to absorb the city views. and sea. least once in a lifetime. And some are in the most unlikely of places.

Rick Shores, Gold Coast Windmill Café, Bargara To dine at Rick Shores and not order the infamous bug roll, would be Bargara’s quirky Windmill Café offers an extensive brunch and lunch Explore to miss out on a bona fide Queensland experience. These legendary menu with quite possibly, some of the best coffee in Bundaberg. bite-sized morsels made up of tempura-battered Moreton Bay bug Surrounded by a tranquil garden, this quiet gem is also a gelateria meat snuggled into a sweet brioche bun, have no doubt helped the which serves award winning gelato. Head on in and relax. Queensland restaurant take out Queensland’s number one spot in the Delicious EAT at Dan & Steph’s, Fraser Coast 100 list in 2017 and earn a rightful place as one of the hottest dining After winning Season 4 of My Kitchen Rules in 2013, Steph and Dan destinations in the country. As for the location, any closer and Rick WITH followed their aspirations and built a beachside eatery where they Shores would need its own “eat between the flags” sign. could explore their culinary creativity and leave diners satisfied. The Hellenika at the Calile, Brisbane signature dish at EAT is salt and pepper dusted calamari paired with WEBJET The boutique Greek taverna on the Gold Coast that came north to a view over the still waters of Hervey Bay. Book your Queensland Combine your flight and hotel Brisbane, Hellenika was already a firm favourite with Nobby Beach JAM Restaurant Townsville As Australia’s leading online accommodation and receive as a package booking and get locals and day tripping Brisbanites. Now, all grown up in breathtaking Heralded as one of the best restaurants in North Queensland, Head new digs atop the Calile Hotel, Hellenika is making a name for itself travel agency, Webjet enables chef Matt Merrin will take you on a tour of regional produce, working as one of the best Greek restaurants in the country. a purity of flavour into his contemporary cuisine. Be sure to reserve customers to compare, $ * $ * Homage Restaurant, Southern Queensland Country one of the private booths for that special occasion and enjoy the combine and book the best Blessed to be located in an exquisite food bowl, and set within views of the river and city lights. 50 75 12,000 acres of natural bushland, Homage Restaurant at Spicers Nu Nu Restaurant, Palm Cove, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef domestic travel deals. Hidden Vale takes the bounty of trusted local growers and If you want to know what Tropical North Queensland tastes like on a transforms it into the most heavenly paddock to plate experience. Hotel offer valid from 1 August – 30 November plate, make a beeline for chef Nick Holloway’s Nu Nu. Nestled nicely 2020 for Queensland hotels only. OFF OFF Sum Yung Guys, Sunshine Coast on the paperbark tree-lined esplanade of Palm Cove, with cracking Holiday packages offer valid from 1 August WITH CODE QLDSTAY50 WITH CODE QLDPACK75 Led by ex-Masterchef alum, and Queensland food legend, Matt views out over the Coral Sea and Double Island, this is fine dining – 30 November 2020 and is valid for Sinclair, Sum Yung Guys’ inventive menu features incredibly delicious with its tie not only loosened, but left at the back of the wardrobe. Queensland packages only. dishes from Japan to Indonesia. The focus here is on fresh, local produce and lots of flavour in a neon-lit friendly setting.

Find more travel ideas at queensland.com For further information and full terms and conditions, visit

28 | queensland.com webjet.com.au/destinations/queenslandFor terms and conditions, visit webjet.com.au/destinations/queensland BRISBANE RIVER BRISBANE BOTANICAL GARDENS HOWARD SMITH WHARVES NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND Cities and Culture

Brisbane Queensland’s capital, where the living’s easy

Welcome to Brisbane, a cosmopolitan hub for arts, culture and dining, heavy on laid-back charm. With stunning natural assets, BRISBANE RIVER JAMES STREET clear blue skies all year round and a subtropical alfresco lifestyle, Brisbane is an urban metropolis with a relaxed vibe. Here you’ll receive a warm welcome from the city with timeless nature in its soul.

Arts and culture Whale watching City life

Places of interest Things to do What to read Brisbane City Visit Howard Smith Wharves Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton Brisbane is a compact, walkable city with Howard Smith Wharves is the city’s vibrant Current darling of the literary set, Dalton access to museum and gallery districts, dining and lifestyle precinct. Carved into the sets his magnificent tale in the Brisbane major sporting stadiums, unique shopping cliff under the Story Bridge, you’ll find The suburbs of Darra and Bracken Ridge. Fact precincts, eclectic neighbourhoods Fantauzzo. This luxury hotel is a masterful or fiction, the story of his childhood friend and beautiful parklands where heritage blend of architecture, nature and art. For and real-life Boggo Road Gaol escapee is trails and laneways serve up surprise more adventure, hire a kayak with Riverlife worth reading on its own. after surprise. and cruise the Brisbane River. Scenic Rim Meet the wildlife at Insider’s tip Only 90 minutes from Brisbane, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Head to Mount Coot-tha Lookout for Scenic Rim is home to picturesque rural Brisbane is home to the world’s oldest and 360-degree views over Brisbane to and mountain villages where boutique largest koala sanctuary, where you can meet the coast. breweries, wineries and distilleries serve up koalas and meet other Australian native local delicacies using fresh produce grown wildlife including platypus and wombats. Fun fact in the rich soils of the region. Enjoy paradise at The world-famous Australian lamington Moreton Bay Tangalooma Island Resort cake was named after the Governor of Easily accessible from Brisbane is pristine Only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from Queensland – Lord Lamington. Moreton Bay, a wonderland of culturally Brisbane is Tangalooma Island Resort significant islands, white-sand beaches, on Moreton Island. From snorkelling the What to drink brilliant blue waters and native wildlife. Tangalooma Wrecks and hand-feeding a Buck the food trend and sip a crafty Plan day trips to Moreton Island, Redcliffe pod of wild bottlenose dolphins, it’s the ale from any one of the Howard Smith Peninsula, or Bribie Island. Or get to know perfect holiday destination. Wharves venues. the Quandamooka people a ferry ride Dine in the Sirromet Tuscan Terrace away on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Reminiscent of Tuscany, the Tuscan Start planning at Island), where there’s plenty of exploring Terrace is home to a state-of-the-art kitchen and experiences to be had. queensland.com delivering wonderful seasonal flavours of 30 | queensland.com the freshest local produce.

ALURE STANTHORPE GRANITE BELT RETREAT HIDDEN CREEK WINERY STANTHORPE SEASONAL FEAST MARKETS Cities and Culture Regional Area Here

Southern Queensland Country

The true farm-to-table LAKE BROADWATER GIRRAWEEN NATIONAL PARK

Slow down, breathe in the fresh air and get a taste for the countryside when you escape to Southern Queensland Country, only 90 minutes from Brisbane. As a place that changes dramatically with the seasons, you can eat and drink your way through some of Queensland’s best food trails, savour the landscapes rich in colour, or get lost amongst the blooms in Toowoomba.

Hike the Queen Mary Falls Circuit Walks and Hikes Road trips Local produce Places of interest Insider’s tip Queen Mary Falls is like the pot of gold Southern Downs and Granite Belt at the end of a country drive rainbow. In Queens Mary Falls is a popular spot to visit, Swap the city hustle for a country escape this landscape of rugged mountains and but take a short walk around to Browns that takes in the towns of Warwick, spectacular lookouts, there are exhilarating Falls for an equally spectacular Stanthorpe, Killarney, Allora and a string of walks, dappled forests and unique wildlife (and some say even better!) view. friendly villages. Here you’ll find the perfect waiting to be explored. This 40-minute mix of breathtaking natural landscapes, scenic walk takes you from the lookouts at On the Queensland playlist immersive wine experiences, and fresh the top of the falls to the creek below. local produce. The laid-back locals and Queensland Calling by James Blundell warm country hospitality are ready to Enjoy a beer at Granite Belt Brewery Born in Stanthorpe, singer-songwriter welcome you. Established in 2012, the brewery’s ales and James Blundell will keep you company on lagers are hand crafted in its 1,000 litre the drive with a catchy country melody Toowoomba microbrewery. See how the brewery works, about returning to Queensland. Want to discover a destination bursting feel and smell the ingredients, and taste with country charm, a booming food scene fresh beer on tap. Fun fact and nature right on its doorstep? As you A pretty house in Allora was the former rise above the Lockyer Valley, you’ll feel Explore Girraween National Park home of P.L. Travers, the author of Spread across 117km2, Girraween the change of pace. Perched on the edge Mary Poppins. of the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba National Park’s natural rock formations . delivers a striking mix of history that pulses prove Mother Nature is the world’s with the energy of an urban centre on best landscape gardener. The Pyramid What to eat the rise. return-route winds its way to the park’s Take home a whole Sutton’s apple pie. most famous attraction, Balancing Each one is crammed full of 25 Pink Ladies. Things to do Rock. Akin to a giant’s playground, this 10-tonne, 7.5-metre-high, 6-metre-wide Start planning at Cycle through the Granite Belt Region boulder balances on a base of only Enjoy a relaxing day of cycling with Granite queensland.com 1 metre. Impressive! Belt Cycle Tours & Hire, exploring the quiet country lanes. 32 | queensland.com MOSSMAN GORGE CENTRE, CAIRNS & GREAT BARRIER REEF Cities and Culture

Gourmet Country Escape Drive From Brisbane to Stanthorpe

A deliciously decadent Brisbane to Killarney Stanthorpe to Toowoomba Travel south to Boonah, heart of the Travel along the New England Highway and getaway awaits in Scenic Rim with its stunning mountain and stop-in at Brinx Deli for a killer coffee and an Queensland’s renowned country scenery. Take a coffee break in impressive takeaway grazing platter box. It’s the delightful Flavours café located in the the perfect pre-packed picnic to accompany food and wine destination. historic Butter Factory and visit the Boonah the breathtaking natural landscapes around Regional Arts Gallery. Follow the Falls you. Make sure to visit Suttons Apple Orchard Scenic Drive via Lake Moogerah, Carr’s and Cidery for a slice of their famous apple Lookout and the spectacular Queens Mary pie. In Warwick, indulge in a high tea and tour Brisbane Falls to Killarney. at the historic Abbey of the Roses. Toowoomba Top Indigenous experiences Killarney to Stanthorpe Toowoomba to Brisbane Enjoy a gourmet breakfast at your Take in the majestic views of the mountain cottage with breathtaking views Toowoomba range from the scenic Picnic of the Condamine Gorge then follow Point Café, wander the exquisite gardens of the Mount Lindsay Highway and the Queens Park or explore Australia’s largest Stanthorpe-Amosfield Road to Stanthorpe. and most traditionally designed Japanese Killarney Whether it’s through dance, art or traditional feasts, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Explore the Strange Bird Alternative Wine stroll garden. trail, tagged the “next generation of wine”. Islander people proudly practice and preserve their cultures by sharing it with Stanthorpe Content provided by Southern Queensland Country. others, like you. Here, you’re not just a spectator, you’re invited to participate.

Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours, Janbal Gallery, Mossman, Gold Coast Fraser Coast Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Reconnect with Jarra (Mother Earth) as you Cruise around the Great Sandy Straits in This is more than just an Aboriginal art Coast to coast take a guided tour around the “Dreaming Milbi, a 12-metre glass bottom boat that gallery; it is a true Aboriginal experience, Mountains” of Burleigh Headlands and means “sea turtle’ in Butchulla language owned and operated by the cheeky meet with a traditional landowner. and see the stunning wilderness through grinned, Binna, a local Kuku Yalanji man HOLIDAY DEALS the eyes of a local Butchulla man. from the Mossman region. Walkabout Cultural Adventures, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef The Goolimbil - Black Cockatoo BlackCard, Brisbane Join Juan Walker on a half day adventure Walkabout Tour, Gladstone Join a local knowledgeable tour guide SHERATON GRAND MIRAGE SOFITEL NOOSA PACIFIC RESORT across his ancestral tribal lands and sink Join Conrad Ingra, local Indigenous and walk together in the footsteps of RESORT GOLD COAST your toes in ankle deep mudflats as you guide and descendent of the Gooreng their ancestors through the heart of SUNSHINE COAST collect cockles and crabs and other bush Gooreng people, on a two-hour LARC! Meeanjin (Brisbane City). This is a rare From $449* per person for a twin share, enjoy From $590* per person for a twin share, enjoy 3 nights in tucker from the world’s oldest supermarket. tour to Eurimbula National Park near the opportunity to learn more about Brisbane’s 3 nights in a Mirage Room, breakfast daily, Superior River or Pool Room, breakfast daily, a welcome town of 1770. Learn about local wildlife Aboriginal history. Mossman Gorge Centre, dinner for two, high cheese with a glass of red cocktail for 2 and a bottle of wine on arrival, a $150 Wine and Indigenous language, plus enjoy the Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Spirits of the Red Sand, Brisbane flavours of native bush tucker. wine for two, entry to SkyPoint Observation Dine & Spa Credit per room, $30 off any spa treatment of Join the Kuku Yalanji guides for a 1.5 hour Connect with Aboriginal Culture like never Deck and more. 60 minutes or more at Aqua Day Spa and more. hosted Dreamtime walk through the Nyanda Cultural Tours, Brisbane before in an award-winning live theatre and spectacular Mossman Gorge, starting Dive deep into the lives of Queensland’s dinner experience of powerful storytelling, Includes Includes with a traditional smoking ceremony and longest living inhabitants on a 90-minute unique Aboriginal rituals and a hearty BONUS BONUS finishing with a bush tea. The sheltered walking tour that recreates the moments Australian char-grilled feast. To feel the $ $ pools in the Mossman River are the perfect of the final journey from childhood to Dreamtime in an interactive theatre, join in VALUE VALUE spot for a refreshing dip, so packing adulthood. The scene is set around a on the new daytime Welcome to Country 500 500 swimmers is a must. waterhole and one of just two bora sites Experience to participate in all aspects of remaining in Brisbane. traditional Aboriginal culture. Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Birrunga Gallery and Dining, Brisbane * Terms and conditions apply. Based on twin share, selected travel dates until 30 Jun 2021. Book by 30 Sep 2020. Listen to the stories of Australia’s first sea Take time to meet Birrunga Wiradyuri, a people and the world’s oldest living culture First Nation’s artist and co-founder of this Find more travel ideas at as you venture out to the planet’s largest fascinating gallery and cultural hub. A queensland.com For further information and full terms and conditions, visit living eco system, the Great Barrier Reef. café serves tasty morsels with a strong influence on Native Australian bush tucker. 34myqueensland.com.au/goodtogo | queensland.com Please check opening dates with all operators. PETER LYNCH GETS UP CLOSE TO A Nature and Wildlife HUMPBACK WHALE IN THE WORLD’S FIRST WHALE HERITAGE SITE. world-class 5 nature hikes 1 Fraser Island World Heritage area The world’s largest sand island is draped in lush vegetation, dotted with impossibly clear freshwater lakes, and home to a 1000-year-old rainforest, recently included in the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy project.

3 Riversleigh World World first for humpback playground Heritage area Tucked up under the neckline of the Gulf of 2 Carpentaria is a fossil deposit so ancient that Gondwana Rainforest World Sir David Attenborough Heritage area After seven Each day, Blue Dolphin Marine Tour’s skipper Pete Lynch packs his lunch and once ranked as one of Where else years in the planning, the the four most important leaves for the office. It’s a workplace hemmed in by the gem-toned waters of Spicers group has launched to whale watch in the world. Hervey Bay and the wild beauty of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island. a five-day journey through Sunreef Mooloolaba, Sunshine Coast untouched beauty. The 50 Dive into the water for a three-hour magical marine tour that km guided walk follows an On a good day, he’ll skim the glassy surface of Platypus Bay in his “We have a beautiful, sheltered and protected bay beside a puts people in the habitat of Humpback Whales. Snorkelers old logging trail deep into catamaran with humpback whales for company and the tang of World Heritage-listed island,” says Lynch, who led a tourism simply hold a rope off the back of a boat while eyeballing the their fishy morning breath in his nostrils. On a great day, he’ll get industry funded mission to Durban in 2017 to champion the unharvested Gondwana whales; all under a strict Code of Conduct, of course. mugged by them. region’s attributes. Rainforests. Sea World Cruises, Gold Coast No one day is like the other, and that’s what keeps this veteran “It’s two wonders in one place – the wonder of Fraser Island and See all the action from six viewing platforms as you learn about skipper coming back year after year – 25 and counting. the wonder of humpback whales that come back year after year. the great winter whale migration on board The Spirit of Migaloo Our humpbacks are more relaxed and curious in these waters. For Lynch and the dozen or so other whale watching operators II. Enjoy bonus box office views back to the Gold Coast skyline. And, when they mug our boats, it’s obviously the whale’s choice to that ply the Fraser Coast, 2020 is the curtain raiser to a big be here.” Brisbane Whale Watching, Brisbane 4 future. It marks the premiere season since the World Cetacean Join Kerry Lopez, the only female captain owning and Wet Tropics Alliance declared Hervey Bay, alongside The Bluff in South Africa, Lynch says there’s a fairy tale quality to the growing number of skippering a whale watching venture in Australia, on a cruise World Heritage area the world’s first Whale Heritage Sites, awarded in recognition of whales to the bay. out of Moreton Bay. 100% sightings guaranteed! outstanding practices that support whale and dolphin protection. Just outside the seaside “Here’s an animal that was hunted to almost extinction: commercial It’s a bragging right hotly contested by five other global locations, Tangalooma Whale Watch Cruises, Brisbane village of Mission Beach lies whaling boomed in Australia in the late 18th Century, slowed in the and something that ought to be shouted from the rooftops. See breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping moves as these the 1.6km Licuala Rainforest 1930s when whale numbers dropped dramatically and laws were playful mammals make their way both north and south along Circuit. Here, the 20-metre As the only genuine stopover on the southern migration, Hervey passed to prevent overexploitation, and ceased in 1979. Yet, despite 5 the Humpback Highway. high Licuala Fan Palms defy Bay delivers astonishing whale interactions. It’s here that around this, they come back and mill around the boat and look at it – I Great Barrier Reef their slender trunks and grow one-third of the 30,000 humpback whales heading to the nutrient- mean really look at it, and at us,” says Lynch. Australia Whale Experience, Bundaberg World Heritage area rich waters of Antarctica take a right-hand turn at Fraser Island Experience the Southern Great Barrier Reef on-board the like towering parasols. The Ngaro Sea Trail in the “You are so close, you smell krill-y breath. And when you get an to rest. luxury catamaran Reef Empress. Join a Lady Musgrave Island eyeball from a whale, it’s not a blank eye; there’s soul, there’s life, Whitsundays jumps three Day Tour Experience to learn more about whales as they In these calm waters, visitors see the playful side of holidaying there’s experience. It’s not a mindless glance, it’s a real look.” islands - Whitsunday, migrate up the coast of Queensland. whales rather than the business side of the migration cycle. South Molle and Hook Islands – tracing paths that rise to island peaks and offer box 36 | queensland.com Words by Jodi Clark. Find more travel ideas at queensland.com office views. CAPE HILLSBOROUGH Nature and Wildlife Places of interest Things to do What to read Pioneer Valley and Eungella View platypus at Broken River The Thorn Birds by Coleen McCulloch A wonderland of waterfalls, lush flora and Eungella National Park is home to one of Much of this sweeping love story was set in volcanic boulder formations contrast the most reliable spots in Australia to spot the cane fields. The Thorn Birds is a glorious against a tapestry of sugar cane fields as the elusive platypus - in the wild! From the read in winter when the Queensland cane you head through the Pioneer Valley into viewing decks at Broken River, see this shy seems to kiss the sky. Eungella National Park. creature in its natural habitat, as well as turtles and other wildlife in this beautiful Cape Hillsborough and Hibiscus Coast On the Queensland playlist National Park. Mackay Cape Hillsborough and the Hibiscus Hunger by Tia Gostelow Coast is full of surprises. 50km north of Watch the sunrise with wallabies Mackay singer Tia Gostelow got her break Mackay, you’ll find rainforest that meets Set in beautiful Cape Hillsborough, watch as winning the Triple J Unearthed High Come face-to-face with nature the shoreline, volcanic headlands and a Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Agile Wallabies competition when she was 16. Her track national park filled with hoop pines that come onto the beach to feed on mangrove Strangers has cracked over 10 million grow right down to the beach. seed pods. Capture a magical moment streams on Spotify. Home to Australia’s longest stretch of sub-tropical rainforest, of sunrise on the beach before hiking the Isaac Hinterland Andrews Point Track. Fun fact explore untouched nature and the region’s breathtaking Head inland on the Peak Downs Highway On the beach at Cape Hillsborough National to discover a diverse rugged playground, national parks. A trip to Mackay promises natural encounters that Explore Theresa Creek Dam Park you’ll find a constant overhead traffic where the golden-red soil of the outback This is the perfect dam for those who of butterflies. Yes, butterflies! Around 25 make you feel like you’re chartering your own adventure – whether contrasts with the ‘black gold’ extracted enjoy canoeing, water skiing, fishing, or just different species. it be exploring secluded beaches or hiking its famous hinterland. from the mineral-rich Isaac Plains relaxing and watching time pass you by. coal mines. Catch a barramundi in the Pioneer River What to eat Mackay City and Marina At one of the few blue water rivers in A hearty counter lunch at the Eimeo Pub Nestled on the banks of one of Australia’s Australia, locals fish for sooty grunter comes with a million dollar view of the rare blue water rivers, Mackay can be as and barramundi. Cast your fishing rod Coral Sea. exciting, or as peaceful, as you desire. anywhere along the Pioneer River and you can expect a bite in no time. Start planning at Walks and Hikes Wildlife Beaches queensland.com

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Valid until 31 December 20. For further information and full terms 38 | queensland.com and conditions, visit booking.com/QLDgoodtogo FRASER ISLAND 75 MILE BEACH VALLEY OF THE GIANTS LAKE MCKENZIE Nature and Wildlife

Fraser Coast The worlds first whale heritage site CHAMPAGNE POOLS HERVEY BAY Visit Queensland’s Fraser Coast and be forever changed by raw nature. Why? It’s home to two heritage-listed jewels: the world’s largest sand island and the world’s first whale heritage area (whale season is July – October). The locals know it as K’gari, and there’s more than a few reasons why World-Heritage listed Fraser Island is a natural paradise. Explore the unspoilt coastline, soak in the natural spa at Champagne Pools, touch the powder-like sands and crystal- clear fresh waters of Lake McKenzie, and be dwarfed by nature with a walk through the ancient Valley of the Giants.

Places of interest Things to do Insider’s tip Road trips Beaches Whale watching Maryborough Go whale watching Author of Mary Poppins, P.L. Travers, was This city tells the tales of a captivating Holiday like a humpback with a family born in Maryborough. Avid fans should colonial past. Stories of loss, triumph and migration to the warm waters of official check out The Story Bank of Maryborough spirit spread throughout the town in its Whale Heritage Site Hervey Bay, and to discover the magic of this much- heritage buildings, striking public art, statues guarantee your family a display of nature. loved story. and memorials. Once one of Australia’s A tour on Tasman Venture rivals any largest ports, the original wharf district is National Geographic documentary. On the Queensland playlist now home to vintage restaurants, pubs, Walk with the Anzacs Science is Golden by The Grates museums and art galleries. Visit the Gallipoli to Armistice Military Trail Wind down the window and turn up the Hervey Bay in Maryborough’s Queens Park which volume on this high-energy track. It’s Looking for the world’s whale watching traces the birth of the Anzacs at Gallipoli. guaranteed to put a smile on your face. capital? You’ll find it just a 3.5-hour drive Personal perspectives in the memorial north of Brisbane in Hervey Bay. The are drawn from letters written home by Fun fact unspoilt coastline, quiet charm, and raw Maryborough district men on the front line. Fraser Island has more than 75 species nature will leave you refreshed and re- Relax on the coast of mammals but no kangaroos, wombats energised, whether you’re here for a week Take a trip to the quiet seaside villages nor platypus. or a weekend. Don’t let the calm waters at the heart of the Great Sandy Straight fool you though: there’s a playground – Poona, Maaroom, Tuan and Tinnanbar What to eat happening above and below the surface. – for a spot of fishing in the calm Power up the day at EAT at Dan & Stephs Great Sandy Strait turquoise waters. with a Hervey Bay Scallop omelette stuffed Between the Fraser Coast’s mainland and with local wild caught scallops. Explore on two-wheels Fraser Island lies the Great Sandy Strait, Jump on a bike and explore the 16km with crystal clear waters, white sandy esplanade on Hervey Bay’s shorefront. Start planning at beaches, a network of shallow lying flats Or, for the more energetic, tackle the queensland.com and a maze of creeks. Take it easy and Toogoom mountain bike trails. reconnect with nature in this magnificent 40 | queensland.com marine park. IT’S A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT Outback TO DISCOVER WHAT LIES BENEATH THE REMOTE OUTBACK LANDSCAPE. Outback experiences 5 for kids

1 The Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach, is a tribute to Australia’s flying kangaroo which celebrates its 100th birthday this year, and the only place on the planet where you can wing walk on a 747 jet.

3 The sky’s the limit at the Cosmos Centre in Charleville and when the roof rolls back you’ll be fascinated by a blanket of stars more than 16,000 light years away. Dinosaurs in the dirt 2 The Waltzing Matilda The reason is simple. With a small onsite team and annual Centre in Winton is the “This is not just a museum,” booms George Sinapius, a hyper-energetic fossil dinosaur digs open to the paying public each year (fun first museum in the world fact: formal qualifications are not needed; you learn on the expert whose slim build is at odds with his bellowing opening line. “It’s a living dedicated to a song. job), the discovery rates outstrip the ability to recover and heritage and it’s uncovering the secrets of the past.” prepare materials. For this reason, the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum is ideal for natural history buffs who can roll up their sleeves We are standing on the edge of the ‘jump up’, a flat-topped outcrop Since that initial find, he and a growing team have worked tirelessly and pay to prepare 95-million years of soil from an ancient 5 of land, some 20 kilometres south east of Winton. Around us lies an to recover dozens of relics around the Winton area. bone. There are one, three, five, and eleven-day programs. Don’t miss a visit to the impossibly perfect landscape; marmalade toned boulders roll up Some of these have been painstakingly reconstructed into full- That’s hardly a dent in a dinosaur, given a single femur from a Tambo Teddy store in next to sensibly strong mulgas while the distant plains offer a vista scale creatures and fondly dubbed nicknames for display, like sauropod can take months to clean. Tambo where these so grand, we can sense the curvature of the earth. “Banjo” and “Matilda”. Patience and a steady hand are equal virtues. cuddly creatures come to The “this” George refers to is the Australian Age of Dinosaurs, a The majority remain stored in plaster jackets or locked in shipping life. Each teddy is named not-for-profit organization, a laboratory, and a museum of natural Most travellers to Winton, including the large number of containers waiting their turn. after a local property families with kids going through THAT dinosaur phase, history with a single agenda: to dig up bones. and can be dressed up “Today, there are more Australian dinosaurs in this shed than the are happy enough to tour the museum and then stroll the No ordinary bones; mind you. But the priceless reminder of the in outback attire – think rest of the world combined,” puffs George, who says his Winton Cretaceous path through Dinosaur Canyon. 4 dinosaurs that freely roamed Queensland’s central west 95 million teddy moleskin pants lab also gets the gong for the most productive fossil laboratory in Noonbah Station, via years ago at a time when pine forests littered the shores of large Here, technically perfect, life-sized dinosaur statues add wonder Australia. Longreach Outback Camp and check shirts. freshwater rivers and creeks. to the impossibly perfect Outback scene. at a secluded waterhole “Despite this, we are still looking at a 10 to 15 year backlog of work Local farmer, David Elliott, discovered the first dinosaur fossil while or sleep at the Old ahead of us,” he laments. mustering sheep on his property a little over 20 years ago. Schoolhouse and enjoy fiery sunsets and dazzling Find more travel ideas at queensland.com stars on a 52000-hectare 42 | queensland.com beef cattle station. WINTON WARREGO WAY BIRDSVILLE HOTEL MATILDA WAY Outback

Outback Queensland Explore the Outback – all 901,574km2 of it

Time is the only thing you’ll want to pack for an outback holiday to experience everything this region has to offer. From its main towns COBBOLD GORGE WINDORAH SAND HILLS of Mount Isa in the north-west, Birdsville in the far west, Charleville in the south-west and Longreach at its heart,the Outback makes up more than 65% of our beautiful state’s footprint.

Walks and Hikes Road trips Stargazing

Visit Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame Places of interest What to read This popular experience pays tribute to North West the people, the myths and the legends of Silver in the Sun by Tony Parsons Just four hours’ drive west of Townsville, Outback Australia. Leave with a real sense A story about one man’s efforts to resurrect Outback Queensland’s north-west region of pride for helping to keep the spirit of the the languishing fortunes of an Outback begins. It’s packed with dinosaur fossils, jaw- outback alive. sheep station. Not enough, he moves on to dropping scenery and mining history that kickstart a sleepy town near Roma. will lead you deep underground. Enjoy a beer at Birdsville Hotel Everyone wants to say they’ve had a beer On the Queensland playlist Central West at The Birdsville Hotel. You’ll find comfy There’s a lot to love about the heart of accommodation, traditional pub fare and Waltzing Matilda by Slim Dusty As the unofficial national anthem, this song the Outback. Pioneering history is at everything else needed for an authentic lives in the hearts of many Australians. its core of the central west and with a outback experience. multitude of experiences to explore, you’ll feel a real connection to Queensland’s Discover Kronosaurus Korner Random fact Visiting Australia’s premier marine fossil remarkable land. Banjo Patterson’s classic poem ‘Waltzing museum in Richmond is an unforgettable Matilda’ was first sung publicly at the North South West prehistoric adventure. See some of the Gregory Hotel in Winton, way back in Looking for an adventure? You’ll find it in most awe-inspiring marine creatures April 1895. the south-west. Expect big nature and a such as the ‘Krono’ Kronosaurus kaleidoscope of colour as red sands give queenslandicus — a 10 metre, giant Insider’s tip way to thriving wetlands and national parks. marine reptile. Experience Cobbold Gorge from the new Browse the Les Wilson Barramundi 11-metre glass bridge spanning its entire Things to do Discovery Centre width, looking over the boaters and stand- Tour Eromanga Natural History Museum Uncover the secrets of the mighty up paddle boarders below. Here you’ll find the incredible diversity barramundi at the Les Wilson Barramundi of Outback Australia’s natural history on Discovery Centre, the only hatchery in the Start planning at world to breed the Southern Gulf strain of display, from the tiniest fossils the size of queensland.com a sugar grain to the mightiest dinosaurs this iconic fish. 44 | queensland.com Australia has ever seen. Queensland Regional Tourism Organisations

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) Noosa MITCHELL HIGHWAY NEAR CUNNAMULLA CAPRICORN CAVES Kingaroy Nambour Mooloolaba Outback Maleny Bamaga Queensland’s historic Journey through the Chinchilla Caloundra Leichhardt Way Adventure Way Dalby Moreton Is. IANE Travel from rural beauty to the Southern From South Australia to Brisbane via the Toowoomba Ipswich North Stradbroke Is. Weipa Great Barrier Reef. outback plains. South Stradbroke Is. Cunningham Beaudesert Hwy Surfers Paradise Goondiwindi to Miles (224km) Innamincka to Noccundra (327km) Warwick Coolangatta Sitting peacefully on the banks of the From South Australia’s town of Innamincka, Macintyre River is Goondiwindi, a well- cross over the Queensland border and stop Stanthorpe Coen established border town. at the Burke and Wills Dig Tree in Durham Texas Downs – an enduring reminder of the Get a feel for the local history on a self- pioneering spirit and extreme harshness guided walk around the relaxed town of the Outback. Take a right at Warry Gate Lizard Is. centre, or join Goondiwindi Cotton for Road and you’ll find yourself at Noccundra Pormpuraaw its Farm and Town Tour which takes you Hotel, one of the oldest buildings standing behind the scenes. Cooktown in south-west Queensland. It’s an excellent Kowanyama Continue along the Leichhardt Way place to base yourself for a day trip around to Miles, one of the most impressive the Corner Country. Mossman historical villages in the country. Port Douglas Noccundra to Cunnamulla (339km) Palm Cove Double Is. Green Is. Miles to Theodore (225km) En route to Cunnamulla is Thargomindah C TOOWOOMBA Fitzroy Is. Known for its spring wildflowers and a which has plenty of historic tourist Atherton well-preserved pioneering history, Miles Karumba Innisfail attractions in town, including the Hydro Mission Beach G has many attractions to explore, including Power Plant Display, the old Thargomindah NormantonGulf D Burketown evelopment Road Dunk Island R (Sav Tully the Miles Historical Village and Museum. Hospital, and Leahy House. From here, the annah Way) Bedarra Is. E Cardwell Adventure Way is sealed, and your next Croydon Hinchinbrook Is. A Make sure to pass Isla Gorge National Georgetown Mt Surprise destination is Cunnamulla, where you’ll get T Park, a complex maze of gorges where the Ingham Orpheus Is. a real taste of the outback. B views from any vantage point are Magnetic Is. A seemingly endless. Burke and Wills Roadhouse T R Cunnamulla to St George (294km) R Ayr I E Theodore to Rockhampton (209km) Perched on the banks of the Warrego Home Hill R River, Cunnamulla is a must-see for nature Charters Whitsunday Islands R Wandering through the palm-lined streets, Over Bowen E lande Towers G E enthusiasts. Pick your choice of activity, YEPPOON LAGOON Ther's ultimate inland r you’ll notice that Theodore almost has Wa e F Camooweal y g Airlie Beach whether it be bush walks, sandboarding, o Proserpine a seaside resort vibe, despite being over Overlander’s Way r Cloncurry y river cruises, fishing, getting your photo D Brampton Is. 300km inland. Explore the town’s history of Mountroad Isa tripsJulia Creek to Queenslande with the magnificent Cunnamulla Fella M Richmond Hughenden v at e rural spirt at Dawson Folk Museum, or head ilda lo Mackay Statue, or a journey back in time along the W pm to the Theodore War Memorial. ay e From here, your journey to the coastaln heritage trail. Whether you’re coming from t Sarina R B Next is Rockhampton, the unofficial capital Kynuna town of Yeppoon begins. Uncover historico Dajarra r a u d St George to Toowoomba (368km) the south-eastern coast of c of Central Queensland and a gateway to treasures, pass picturesque rivers and e (G r H the Sapphire Gemfields (read more on Known as Queensland’s inland fishing enjoy the changing scenery as you movee w Australia, or the leafy regions M a Middleton at t y Winton closerild to the seaside. In page 20). capital, St George relaxes your senses a l W an of South Australia, there’s a Muttaburra Clermont d in all the right ways. Take in the breeze For thosey travelling from South Australia, W Rockhampton to Yeppoon (44km) Boulia a Yeppoon on the shady riverbank walkway more than one driving route y track along the Adventure Way towards ) Great Keppel Is. Emerald Rockhampton The Leichhardt Way is almost complete or visit Riversands Wines, where there’s a BRISBANE CITY to Queensland. LongreachQueensland’s riverside capitalCapricorn of WayBrisbane. Mt Morgan

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If you prefer to meander through s Lady Musgrave Is. and city, with heart-rending stories of o Springsure (P being the cultural centre of the Capricorn Toowoomba to Brisbane (126km) charming country towns, with plenty of n a community spirit, vivid sunrises,M and nightH c Lady Elliot Is. a i Rolleston if Coast, you can catch a ferry over to Great Bedourie g Biloela ic Overlooking the Lockyer Valley is pit stops at classic bakeries along the way, tild h Moura skies with millionsBlackal ofl stars. a w C C W a B o Keppel Island and the wonders of the Toowoomba where you’ll want to soak in then an inland road trip might just be a u a y Monto r a y r n s n e t Bundaberg Southern Great Barrier Reef. the city’s colonial history (read more on Tambo a Theodore t for you. When you choose to venture inland, t W v H a o y Fraser Is. page 32). Of course, no trip is complete w Windorah it’s as much about the journey as it is n ) The fun doesn’t have to stop here. Whether From the south-eastern coast, follow the L Eidsvold y Hervey Bay the destination. H e without stopping to smell the roses at

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y Barrier Reef (read more on page 12). ) Cunningham Cunnamulla St George 46 | queensland.com Hwy Surfers Paradise Coolangatta Goondiwindi Stanthorpe Texas CAIRNS AIRPORT IRONMAN ASIA-PACIFIC CHAMPIONSHIP

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