our bite size guide to south queensland money The Australian currency is the Dollar (AUS), which is equivalent to about sixty pence your print out and take home guide getting South Queensland is there served by Brisbane Airport, about 13km (8 miles) from the CBD [Type a quote from the document or getting Hire a car or a 4wd to the summary of an interesting point. around get the most out of You can position the text box South Queensland’s anywhere in the document. Use the expansive beauty Drawing Tools tab to change the formatting of the pull quote text when One of the great things box.] to go about South Queensland is that it’s fantastic to visit all year round, but get the most out of the summer by visiting in December to March the other side south queensland: alternative icons of south queensland South Queensland is a vibrant and iconic destination within Australia. With Brisbane as the long Standing father figure of the Great “ The climate’s great, Sunshine Way, it’s the focal point for a myriad of experiences in the the people have the region. So with the modern and vivacious Brisbane as your landing pad, typical Queenslander launch yourself into the hidden wonders of Southern Queensland, laidback sensibility our handpicked ‘alternative icons’. And most importantly, let us and the combination of introduce you to the Great Sunshine way. Grab your shades and enjoy. a big city and gorgeous scenery make it a superb choice for a laidback trip in the sun.” Black Tomato Travel Expert Sam To get under the skin of South Queensland email [email protected] or call 0207 426 9888 (UK) or +1-877 815 1497 (US) alternative icons what not to miss We’ve been busy looking the other way to discover the hidden alternative icons that we think put this stunning region firmly on the map. From the whales in Hervey Bay to the unique artistic flair of Montville, here are our pick of South Queensland’s alternative icons… hervey bay montville moreton island Every August there’s a whale A quaint mountain village and art Get away from the city and head festival in Hervey Bay as some colony the sleepy village of to Moreton Island; Brisbane’s 2000 Humpbacks congregate Montville is brimming with local watery playground, and one of here having made the 3730 mile crafts, galleries and boutiques. natures undisturbed wonders. journey from Antarctica. You can With sweeping views over the Find 17000 hectres of naturally watch them playing and frolicking coastal plains, this charming formed sand islands situated in in the bay anytime between July place is home to an intriguing mix the Moreton Bay Marine Park to November, and marvel at their of old English, Bavarian style log 35km from Brisbane. For a safari majestic size. We can arrange the chalets, and traditional old water holiday of the marine kind the perfect trip to see the whales, or mills. Spend a day sauntering island is home to a plethora of cast your rod out to sea for a spot around the village soaking up the underwater wildlife. Keep your of fishing. This is the perfect place ambience, before checking out eyes peeled for dolphins, hump- to stay for an extra few days, the local restaurant scene back whales, manta rays, turtles watching the whales, fishing and showcasing the best of ethnic and numerous types of fish just relaxing on the beach. Aussie cuisine. swimming in the crystal clear waters. Ortheyoursnorkel amongst the half submerged Tangalooma Wrecks. To get under the skin of South Queensland email [email protected] or call 0207 426 9888 (UK) or +1-877 815 1497 (US) experience this queen of the sand castle sand, sea and rainforests galore This undeniably beautiful corner of our fair globe has captured our sun-drenched imaginations. Explore the delights of Noosa and the largest sand bank in the world before seeing a quieter more THE FACTS relaxed side to Southern Queensland in the Hinterland. Price: First is the Sunshine Coast, where you’ll collect your wheels for To be confirmed your trip. Hit the road for a beautiful drive, soaking up the sun and the coastal scenery. For the next two nights you’ll be shacking up Location: beach-side at the elegant Sebal Noosa Resort surrounded by South Queensland, sugar white beaches. Tear yourself away from the beach kayaking Australia through jungle or gaze at the spectacular Glass House Mountains. Flight Time: 21hrs flying on Qantas Then to Fraser Island where ancient dunes have been transformed from London Heathrow into a tropical jungle paradise intersected by tranquil streams and to Brisbane, Australia magnificent crystal clear lakes. Then race along the expansive sands of Seventy Mile Beach by 4X4 and maybe catch a glimpse of When to go: whales basking in the bay. december to march Next, it’s time to head to the Hinterlands to discover the beauty Ideal length: and tranquility of the town of Montville, perfect for lazy days 5 nights soaking up the sun. Taste the local wines and then make a splash at Kondalilla Falls and plunge pools. Spend a final day in Brisbane eating at the finest restaurants, giving yourself a chance to reflect on a spectacular South Queensland adventure. To get under the skin of South Queensland email [email protected] or call 0207 426 9888 (UK) or +1-877 815 1497 (US) witness the beauty witness what south queensland has to share To get under the skin of South Queensland email [email protected] or call 0207 426 9888 (UK) or +1-877 815 1497 (US) experience this the golden life escape to the hinterland’s rainforests to find a slower side to life This is a region that boasts so much geographical diversity you’ll think you’ve jumped continents; white sand, dramatic THE FACTS landscapes and lush rain-forest paradise. Price: First stop is Brisbane where you’ll stay at the swanky To be confirmed boutique hotel, The Limes and check out the open air markets getting a flavour for the Aussie food and wine. Test Location: the waters in a kayak and skim across the Brisbane River South Queensland, Australia taking in the views of the towering glass sky-scrapers. Flight Time: Then pick up your wheels and discover flourishing rainforest 21hrs flying on Qantas at Lamington National Park. For those who prefer a more from London Heathrow arduous hiking experience, we’ll arrange for the best guides to Brisbane, Australia in town to spend the day showing you the best tracks and routes through the parks. After you’ve recuperated in the When to go: december to march spa, view the spectacular glow worm on a night-time walk. We’ll then take you to the Gold Coast Hinterland where Ideal length: you’ll stay at the magnificent Peppers Ruffles Lodge and Spa. 6 nights Away from the crowds, here you’ll experience spectacular nature, pristine beaches and the best local food and wine. Once you’ve sampled the alternative South Queensland, it will be time to go back to Brisbane and bid this fabulous region farewell. To get under the skin of South Queensland email [email protected] or call 0207 426 9888 (UK) or +1-877 815 1497 (US) a different place to stay feel a difference in south queensland the sebel resort, noosa peppers ruffles lodge and spa We’re always looking out for slick Perched high up on a ridge in the luxury and with The Sebel Resort, magnificent Gold Coast Hinterland, we’ve found somewhere with it in this visually stunning retreat is our abundance. Modern, spacious and best kept Gold Coast secret. Here, elegant, this hotel is brilliantly heavenly luxury echoes the natural located between the indelible environment. placidity of the Noosa river and the sparkling surfer-friendly waters of Only thirty minutes from the bustle of the Gold Coast, it is perfectly set glass on glasshouse aside from surfer’s paradise if you wish to spend a day soaking up the Seclusion is the name of the game at sun on the vibrant beaches. This is this spectacular hotel. Two floor-to- also the perfect place to catch up on ceiling windows give you eyes out on your nature as it boasts a to the dramatic Glass House spectacular array of national parks Mountains, and allow the pristine, and nature reserves, picturesque unspoilt nature to fill your gaze. wineries and quaint towns such as Incredibly, the middle of nowhere is Tamborine Mountain. only forty five minutes from Brisbane. Situated at the foot of the dramatic Noosa beach. mountain range, Glass on Glasshouse is the perfect base to explore the Located on the vibrant Hastings region. Tucked away in this quiet Street, you’ll be slap bang in the corner of South Queensland, the only middle of retail heaven with all the distractions are the wildlife, up-market shops and boutiques right landscape and the stars twinkling in on your doorstep. through those windows. The seventy six rooms are designed Modern and stylish, the rooms are with comfort and convenience in decked out with all the latest mind and the stylish, well-appointed Eight suites sit on fifty acres of gadgetry and the bathrooms boast rooms benefit from large balconies. garden, parkland, bush and forest. double-sized spa baths. All of it This is slick luxury, perfect to be They share the local style of soft, combines to help you reach a state of your base in this slick and luxurious wooden, hand-crafted furniture, and chilled, blissful nirvana.