Australian Accommodation

The Ginger Factory
Free admission to this ginger lover’s paradise situated in Yandina, only a 20 minute drive from Noosa. Beautiful tropical gardens to wander round with many varieties of ornamental ginger featuring their unique flowers. There are a few shops with motoring memorabilia, porcelain dolls, sweet treats, herbal products and ice cream to die for. Take a ride on the train round the gardens and watch the hens chase the train to be fed! The shop features the largest range of ginger products in the world. Tours of the factory are available and a wonderland adventure for children on Overboard with the Gingerbread Man.

Macadamia Nut Factory
Located immediately opposite the Ginger Factory in Yandina. It is a must for nutaholics like myself. Enjoy free samples of these absolutely more-ish Queensland nuts processed in a variety of ways to satisfy every taste. I guarantee that you will not stop at one nut! In season you can see the factory in operation.

Berkelouws Book Shop in Eumundi
The shop is situated on the main street in the heart of Eumundi. It is a paradise for any book enthusiast. They have over 100,000 second-hand books as well as new releases from around the world and hard to find rare books. It is stacked to the rafters with books on hundreds of subjects. The varied and eclectic stock will transport you through the ages. Enjoy a cup of coffee as you browse their treasures.

Noosa Botanic Gardens
Located on Lake Macdonald Drive in Cooroy, about 20 minutes drive from Noosa. The lake is the water supply for Noosa and provides a lovely backdrop to the tropical gardens, rich with native Australian plants and bird life.

Stroll along Hastings Street
This is the heart of Noosa and the street that put Noosa on the world map. It is famous for its fine dining restaurants, cafes, international boutique shopping and of course, the main beach in Laguna Bay. Several restaurants overlook the beach and make a great lunch venue. The Noosa Surf Club has recently been fully refurbished with a long dining deck overlooking the beach – Good bistro style food with views to die for!

Noosa Woods
A 10/15 minute walk through Noosa Woods at the end of Hastings Street takes you to the river mouth. Enjoy great views back along the main beach and down the river. Watch the Kite Surfers scream across the river mouth and soar a hundred meters in the sky. You can take lessons if you are brave enough! The ice cream van is usually always parked there to tempt you.

Exercise equipment on the Noosa River
For the fitness fanatics, the Noosa Council has provided a range of exercise equipment along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville. This is a favourite run for joggers while enjoying the beauty of the river.

Children’s Playgrounds
There are many playgrounds dotted around Noosa. One of the favourites is the Pirates Playground located at the western end of Gympie Terrace near the Yacht and Rowing Club. It is also equipped with a swing for the disabled that accommodates a wheel chair. Children enjoy swimming and paddling in the safety of the river which has a high rating for its cleanliness.

By: Murray Maxwell

About the Author:

One of the most beautiful states in Australia is Queensland. It is in the north east part of the continent and is sometimes called the ‘sunshine state’ because most of the state enjoys tropical weather. It is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean on its eastern border. If you are planning to make a move to this part of the world, you should make sure that you research the area thoroughly before you begin your search. Or for those who are planning an extended vacation in the area, renting an apartment during your stay is a great way to enjoy the area while staying in a home atmosphere.

There are a number of places where you can find rentals in Queensland for your trip. There are a number of places that are popular places to stay in Queensland, such as the Gold Coast which is often referred to as Australia’s theme park capital and is responsible for much of the tourism in the area. If you are looking for accommodations in this area, you will find many places that cater to the tourist to Australia and Queensland in particular.

Planning a holiday to Queensland will require a great deal of organization and planning. It is an eventful trip and there is plenty to see in this state as well as other parts of Australia. Queensland has beaches as well as rainforests and a history that stretches back for thousands of years. Also, those who are interested in the islands of the Great Barrier Reef will find that Queensland is the ideal place to visit.

Search online for some resources for your accommodations on your holiday. An apartment rental will allow you to feel as though you are at home if you plan on staying for a long holiday. Renting an apartment from outside of Australia will require you to search online and view the property from photos and descriptions. It is recommended that you deal with a reputable company to ensure that you are getting the kind of accommodations that you need.

You will also need to make sure that your documentation is in order before you travel to Australia and Queensland. A visit to the Queensland tourism site will help you to determine what you need to bring with you on your stay in the area. There is plenty of health and safety information that will help your prepare your trip.

The key to a successful holiday is in the planning. Make sure that you have done your research on the area and booked your accommodations. An apartment rental in Queensland will give you a nice place to stay that doesn’t have the feel of a hotel. However, if you prefer a hotel atmosphere, there are plenty in the area. Again, the Internet is the best resource for planning a big vacation such as your trip to Queensland. Remember that the sun can be very strong in this part of the world and it is recommended that you wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when you are out in the sun.

By: Hayi Mansoor

About the Author:

Carnarvon Gorge is one of Queensland’s hidden treasures, with a smorgasbord of natural attractions in every direction. Driving from Brisbane, the easiest route is via Roma and Injune which takes about nine hours. Alternatively, it is half the distance south west from Rockhampton. One of the best ways to enjoy a holiday in the bush is by car,as there are excellent camping facilities and you can stay as long as it takes to enjoy the beauty of this wilderness retreat.

Takarakka Bush Resort is an ideal base with excellent facilities, including a convenience store and central to all the great walks. The grounds and surrounds are fantastic for a stroll, with the Platypus Pool just around the corner and the nearby lookout a perfect location to enjoy the cliff sunset. Kangaroos and wallabies are locals here, as well as the occasional prickly echidna. The Information Centre nearby also doubles as a starting point for many of the walks.

The best time to visit is between March and October, when temperatures are mild, although it does get very cold at nights. The summer months bring 40oC temperatures during the day so the waterholes are an ideal way to escape the heat, and there are not as many visitors around this time. This is also the rainy season, so come prepared to weather a few storms. The gorge is so large that you can easily feel like the only person in the world once you get off the beaten track onto some of the longer walks.

I have been fascinated by this ‘oasis in the desert’ ever since my first school camp, and still remember the wonder I felt when we stepped off the coach into a world of eucalypt trees, kangaroos and waterholes. I still remember the exhilaration of finally reaching the gorge lookout, the eeriness of the moss gardens, and the echoes of the natural amphitheatre. Every visit since then has recaptured my heart, and thankfully the natural beauty of the Gorge has stayed exactly as it was all those years ago.

The biggest attraction is the Gorge itself, and avid bushwalkers will enjoy the many walks available. Each is clearly signposted and suits most levels of fitness. The Rock Pool walk is a favourite, which takes close to an hour ending in a shady rest area and pool surrounded by ferns and casuarina trees. If you’re lucky you might see a platypus or two. The Moss Gardens take a few hours return but your reward is an incredible display silky moss, ferns and rich undergrowth. The rock walls seem to tower overhead with a canopy of palms, ferns and everything green.

The Nature Trail, taking only an hour return, is a must and best enjoyed at dusk or dawn to capture the wildlife, colours and beautiful scenery along Carnarvon Creek at its best. The Boolimba Bluff Walk takes you high up to a panoramic view of the gorge. Don’t forget your camera and be prepared for a lot of steps and ladders. It is well worth the trek for such incredible scenery of the gorge at its best. My favourite has always been the Amphitheatre which can only be reached via a sturdy ladder leaning into its sixty metre chamber. Once you are inside it is hard to believe that such an impressive attraction has been formed by the sheer force of running water.

Another great idea is to plan a day trip through the gorge combining a number of walks. For instance, the Aboriginal Art gallery, Ward’s Canyon, Amphitheatre and Moss Gardens can all be joined together. The walks have been designed so that a number of them branch off the main walking track. For flora and fauna lovers, a visit to Ward’s Canyon is another must do with the world’s largest fern proudly on display.

Why not pack a picnic lunch and hike to the Devil’s signpost or The Ranch for the day? The tracks are easily marked but not used as frequently which means you often have the wilderness to yourself. Another adventure option is to walk the length of Carnarvon Gorge. This is an overnight experience which needs some planning but is worth every minute of amazing scenery.

Birdwatchers will think they are in heaven with wedge tailed eagles, peregrine falcons, rainbow lorikeets, king parrots and kookaburras just some of the birds at home here. Dusk is always noisy, with a host of birds singing to each other around the campgrounds. You can’t forget the owls and tawny frogmouths which come alive at night.

You need to plan for at least three days to a week to experience the best of Carnarvon Gorge. There is something about driving through the outback for miles and finally reaching an oasis of such magnitude. Once you visit you will have to come back again and again.

By: Jenny Brewer

About the Author:

1. Brisbane:There is so much to do in Queenslands capital city. Visit the Alma Park Zoo, picnic and swim at Southbank Parklands or view the city and coastal region from Mt Cootha lookout. There is always the option of the exhilarating Storey Bridge Climb, or why not take the ferry over to Stradbroke Island for a relaxing day trip.

2. Gold Coast:Known for its amazing theme parks, this is the ultimate holiday destination. Visit the tourist strip at Surfers Paradise with long stretches of white beaches, Currumbin Bird Sanctuary and Sea World are great for a family day trip, or for thrill seekers you cant go past Dream World or Movie World.

3.Lamington National Park:Including the Gold Coast Hinterland and stretching out to the surrounding mountains and valleys, you will find amazing rainforest and walking trails here with popular attractions including Binna Burra, Springbrook National Parks and Coomera Gorge. Mount Barney National Park and Mount Warning offer incredible walking trails, camping sites and lookouts.

4. Glasshouse Mountains:Easily accessible from the Bruce Highway, this tourist region offers exhilarating lookouts and camping spots at Coochin Creek. The best walks are Glasshouse Mountains Lookout and Wild Horse Mountain Lookout. Mount Tibrogargan is the most impressive as it looms over the forest below. The famous Australia Zoo is also close by at Beerwah.
5.Noosa:Being the main tourist centre of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa is a very popular tourist spot. The Cooloola National Park and Noosa National Park both offer fantastic camping sites with raw natural beauty. Hastings Street is the place to be for stylish shopping and beach side restaurants, and head to the Noosa River for all types of water sports, fishing and boating activities.

6. Montville:Located in the Sunshine Hinterland, this area is popular for weekend retreats and day trips. With exquisite art and craft shops and sweeping views of the coast through to the Glasshouse mountains, it is perfect for a weekend getaway or stopover. Visit Lake Baroon for a picnic, or travel down to Maleny for some more sightseeing.

7. Sunshine Coast:Packed with tourists, this region includes Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum. It also extends to the great Blackall Range. There is so much to see, with fantastic coastal drives and blue waters. It is the ideal base for a relaxing holiday in the sun.

8. Mackay:This tropical city is a great base to explore the neighbouring islands such as stunning Brampton Island or smaller Keswick Island. Dont miss the Mackay Botanic Gardens or Marina Village close to the city centre. The coastline offers fantastic drives and scenery. The Cape Hillsborough National Park is located north from the city has excellent campsites and stunning beaches, plus inland lies the Eungella National Park which features the Finch Hatton Gorge.

9. Lower Barrier Reef Islands:This southerly region of the Barrier Reef is teeming with underwater beauty, known for unique tourist islands such as Heron, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave. Most popular activities include underwater diving and exploring the exquisite coral reefs, just metres away from the beach. Easily accessible for a day trip from Bundaberg or Gladstone.

10. Townsville:This is the ideal city to visit the lush tropical islands off the coast such as Orpheus, Dunk, Magnetic and beautiful Bedarra. The Hinchinbrook Island National Park is another world heritage listed gem that is a popular tourist hideaway. Why not take the family to the Billabong Wildlife Santuary close to the city, or relax at the Strand on the beachfront. Alligator Creek, next to the lovely Bowling Green Bay is great for a day trip.

By: Jenny Brewer

About the Author:

Walking the Queensland Trails Queensland offers some of the most picturesque and enjoyable bushwalking experiences in Australia. There is such a diversity of walks to choose in South East Queensland, with wide coastlines, rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and vast plains all within easy driving distance from Brisbane.

Take the drive up to Cairns via Townsville and Rockhampton and you will be on the road to incredible camping grounds and walking tracks that are hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. The benefit of travelling in a rental car is the freedom to choose when and where you are going to stop and for how long. If you are an avid bush walker, this is one of the best ways to enjoy getting from one park to another in comfort and with plenty of flexibility. Plan a rough itinerary ahead of schedule, with plenty of room to make changes along the way.

Most national parks in Queensland are closer to the coastline and run up and down the east coast of Australia. As the climate is mainly tropical, most times of the year are perfect for heading out and enjoying some of the most beautiful and hidden treasures the sunny state has to offer. Be careful in the middle of summer and bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the temperatures can rise quickly. You will also need to plan ahead if you are camping, with permits required in most national parks.

Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere, is more for the advanced bushwalker but the views are certainly worthwhile. Located not far from Cairns, you will need to set aside a few days to reach the summit. Further north there are walks covering a few days in the famous Daintree rainforest. You need to plan well for these walks as they take two to three days, but cover some incredible scenery.

Fraser Island and Hinchinbrook Island are both worth visiting for their long walks and spectacular scenery. Both large national park islands, they have walks for all levels of fitness, from one day to five days on Hinchinbrook. Carnarvon Gorge has fantastic walks for the whole family. With a large and well maintained camping ground, you can set off straight from your doorstep to see some of the most breathtaking views and natural rock formations. It takes about nine hours from Brisbane via Roma, but stay at least a week and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a true oasis in the heart of the outback.

Closer to south east Queensland, there are plenty of national parks in each direction. Mount Barney is popular to locals and tourists especially as it is the highest mountain in South Queensland. Set up camp below and then set of for a day or two to experience a diversity of terrain as you head up the mountain. This is not for beginners, with steep climbing involved in some sections, however the summit is worth the trek for a birds eye view of the surrounding park through to the coastline. We took the family to the lower portals on a day trip, it was still a trek taking close to two hours, but worth the rest at the rock pools.

If you are looking for a lot of walks in one area, Lamington National Park, located closer to the New South Wales border, is one of the best choices as there is so much available for all fitness levels, there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife, and it covers an extensive rainforest area. There are a number of shorter walks leading to some incredible views, and there are a number of overnight walks for keener bushwalkers.

The Sunshine Coast offers some incredible walks in the Great Sandy National Park. The crystal clear streams running through pristine white sands is something you have to see, and there are a number of amazing camping grounds available, especially in Rainbow Beach and across to Fraser Island. The Cooloola Wilderness Trail is the most popular and from start to finish is a three day walk. It covers some of the best rainforest and freshwater sections of the park and is worth the visit. The Hinterland Great Walk in the Sunshine Hinterland starts in Montville and meanders over some of the most breathtaking mountainous scenery, including the famous Kondalilla Falls, ending in the Mapleton forest. You can enjoy this walk in sections or complete the full seven hour walk over a few days.

This is only a handful of some incredible walking tracks available in Queensland. Maybe choose a few and plan your driving holiday around them. There is nothing better than getting outdoors and enjoying nature at its best in spectacular surroundings, and there is no better time to start planning your bushwalking holiday than now.

By: Jenny Brewer

About the Author: