Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast

This part of Queensland is a favourite holiday destination with Australian and international visitors alike. Brisbane is the international gateway situated approx. 1hr drive north of the Gold Coast and 1 hr drive south of The Sunshine Coast. There are regular scheduled shuttle services to the Gold Coast meeting the majority of flights. The Gold Coast and in particular Surfers Paradise is especially popular as it has long stretches of white sandy patrolled beaches, plenty of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The Gold Coast skyline is dominated by high-rise apartment buildings many with spectacular ocean views. For a family holiday, apartment style with cooking facilities is great value for money. Alternatively, there are many exclusive hotels and resorts and even the casino to cater for the 5 star tastes. If you like a buzzy atmosphere and a beachside location packed with things to see and do this is the ideal choice.

Gold Coast Accommodation

3.5 Star Hotel Style - Islander Resort Hotel Surfers Paradise - Located in the heart of Surfers Paradise only 1 block from the beach. The Islander Resort offers a choice of hotel or apartment style accommodation. Great value for money.

3.5 Star Apartment Style: Alexander Holiday Apartments - located only 8 minutes walk to the heart of Surfers Paradise. Fully equipped kitchens with balconies some with magnificent views over the beach. Well located and great value for money.

4.5 Star - Apartment Style: The Moroccan - Mediterranean style resort located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise. Apartments are surprisingly large with big balcony and full cooking facilities. The majority of apartments have excellent views and it is situated right across the road from the beach. My pick in this category.

4.5 Star: The ANA Hotel - One of the best locations on the Gold Coast and one of the most luxurious hotels.

5 Star - Apartment Style: The Phoenician Resort Apartments - The Phoenician offers luxury 1 & 2 Bedroom Apartments in Broadbeach and is only 100 metres to a patrolled beach.

5 Star: Sheraton Mirage Gold Coast - This is the premier hotel on the Gold Coast offering all of the facilities and services that you would expect from a luxury 5 star hotel.

Brisbane Accommodation
3.5 Star: Goodearth Hotel - centrally located only 5 minutes walk to the city centre. Nice setting overlooking parklands. Well priced and located.

4.5 Star: The Chifley at Lennons - Located on Queen Street in the heart of the CBD. The Chifley at Lennons is good value in a central location.

5 Star: Quay West Suites - Luxuriously appointed and spacious suites have apartment style facilities combined with the service of a 5 star hotel. Great location 5 minutes from the city centre with views from the balconies overlooking the Botanic Gardens and Brisbane River.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast offers a more relaxed pace by comparison and is not that well known internationally. Australians have long enjoyed The Sunshine Coast as their own holiday hideaway. Here you will find pristine uncrowded beaches and a cosmopolitan unhurried atmosphere. Noosa, the main centre, boasts some excellent accommodation and there is a championship golf resort just outside of Noosa at Coolum. Hiring a car is worth considering as this will save you the domestic airfare from Brisbane to Maroochydore/Noosa and give you freedom to explore when you get there. This is a great choice, if like me, you are looking for a more laid back beach holiday away from the crowds.

Sunshine Coast Accommodation

3.5 Star: BreakFree Ocean Breeze Resort - Excellent location right in the heart of Noosa. Beautiful tropical feel around the swimming pools and right behind the surf life saving club for those who prefer the beach. Apartment style accommodation perfect for preparing brunches or picnic lunches.

4.5 Star: Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa - Right on Noosa's famous beach-front thoroughfare, Hastings Street, stretching round to a promenade over the Noosa River. Luxuriously appointed rooms with the qualities you would expect from a Sheraton property.

5 Star: Hyatt Regency Coolum - This is a championship golfing resort but you don't have to be a keen golfer to enjoy it. My golfing ability confined me to one of the many swimming pools dotted around the sprawling resort. When I tired of my novel and prostrate position I hopped on one of the resorts bicycles and meandered on down to the beach. Whatever you want, active or relaxed, you'll find it at Hyatt.

The Lamington
National Park

The Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland is quite a contrast to the vibrant Gold Coast. Here you can take a break from the heat, hustle and bustle and get back to nature. The park is one of the largest sub-tropical rainforests in Australia and home to a huge variety of fauna and flora. The emphasis is on the environment with 4WD excursions, hikes and evening spotlight walks. Overnight for a real break or visit for the day to get a feel for it.

O'Reillys Rainforest Guesthouse - just 2 hrs drive from the Gold Coast and you won't believe how quickly you can go from white sandy beaches to sub-tropical rainforest. This is a must for nature lovers. O'Reillys has been designed to compliment its surrounds and to have minimal impact on the environment. Combine a holiday on the coast with a couple of nights here to give yourself a beach and rainforest experience.

Attractions/Tours

Movieworld - a fun day out for kids and adults alike as you experience how a real movie studio works.

Seaworld - an excellent marine park which not only entertains but educates visitors about its marine inhabitants.

Dreamworld - rides and entertainment for the whole family.

Currumbin Bird Sanctuary - this place is a natural haven for the rainbow lorikeet, one of Australia's most beautiful and cheeky parrots. They perch themselves on your arms, head and shoulders whilst being fed. Take plenty of film and perhaps a change of shirt!

Fraser Island - this is the largest sand island in the world. Situated just off the coast of Hervey Bay approx. 300kms north of Brisbane. The island has wonderful wildlife, rainforest and is renowned for its crystal clear lakes. Transport on the island is by 4WD and the main resort to stay at is Kingfisher Bay Resort.

Australian Day Tours operate a day tour to Fraser Island departing Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Enjoy full commentary on the way to Hervey Bay before transferring to a luxury 4WD vehicle for your day of exploring including lunch.

Australian Day Tours 3 Day tour - depart Brisbane or the Gold Coast and spend 2 nights and 3 days discovering the island with expert guides and commentary.