Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland, is situated midway up the east coast of Australia, with the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north.
Brisbane is an ideal headquarters for an Australian holiday. Residents and visitors to Brisbane enjoy a wide range of landscapes and lifestyles.
The inner-city, metropolitan Brisbane is surrounded by leafy, sometimes hilly, suburbs. Further out in the suburbs, the traditional Australian house on a large block or even acreage dominates.
Moreton Bay and its islands provide water sports, sailing and sea-side suburbs like Manly, Cleveland, Victoria Point.
The Pacific Highway leads south to the Gold Coast and it’s many great beaches, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach. Palm Beach, Kirra Kirra and so on.
Bribie Island is the first surf beach on the north side and is about 1 hours drive away. Continue north and you’ll see the Glass House Mountains on your left and the picturesque village of Buderim on your right and a string of towns along the beach, Mooloolaba, Coolum and Noosa, all popular holiday spots.
Another popular place to visit is Australia Zoo whose owner, Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter is a well known face around the world.
Travelling west of Brisbane, past Ipswich, you soon climb the Great Dividing Range to Toowoomba and the rich plains of the Darling Downs.
- some Must Dos
1. Cultural and lisure activities at Southbank . It is a rare oasis in a city of over one million people. Don't miss out on the Southbank markets on Friday evening, Saturday or Sunday all day.
2. For fabulous shopping, check-out the Queen Street Mall strip
3. Caxton Street in Paddington, Racecourse Road, Eagle Street Pier and Southbank for great dining experiences.
4. Australia Zoo and Crocodile Show.
Day Tours
1. Grand Brisbane Tour No. GL B497. Departs at 09:30 am. Return around 4;30 pm. Australia's fastest growing city's relaxed lifestyle, unsurpassed weather and access to an amazing array of 'Australian experiences' attracts ever increasing numbers of visitors each year. In the morning this full-day tour takes in the most popular sights, including visiting the vibrant city centre, historic homes, local attractions and popular South Bank Parklands, where you can take a dip in Australia's only City beach!
In the afternoon enjoy magnificent views from Mt Coot-tha Lookout and visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where you have the opportunity to cuddle a koala - an experience described by most people as 'awesome'.
Includes: Morning Tea and entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Cost: Adult AUD 77.00 Child 40.00
2. The City Tour with Cruise – Departs at 09:30, returns at 12:30. TourGLB461.
This morning tour provides a great overview of the city centre and surrounding suburbs. Hear the history of this ever growing city and see why more and more people love to call Brisbane home. Take a relaxing Cruise along the Brisbane River through the City centre, complete with informative commentary from local experts. Visit Historic Newstead House and enjoy morning tea overlooking the Brisbane River. Also visit South Bank Parklands - Australia's only inner City beach and explore attractions such as the Art Gallery, Museum and Cultural Centre.
Includes: River Cruise and Morning Tea
Cost: Adult AUD 65.00 Child 54.00
3. Gold Coast and Hinterland. Full day. Tour: GLB427 Dep. 09:30 return 5:00 pm.
This tour provides an opportunity to experience the amazing contrasts of the Gold Coast. Let us show you some of the Gold Coast's best features before heading into the cool rainforests of Mt Tamborine National Park and the appeal of the endless natural beauty of the Hinterland. · Tour through the central part of the world famous Gold Coast to Palazzo Versace, Marina Mirage and the beautiful Broadwater · Free time in Surfers Paradise to stroll through the 'heart of Surfers', Cavill Avenue, and set foot on famous Surfers Paradise Beach · Take a Canal Cruise (included) past luxurious homes and spectacular marine craft · Mt Tamborine, just one hour from Surfers, is adjacent to the World Heritage listed Lamington National Park. Along with spectacular panoramic views and magnificent Rainforests, this region provides an opportunity to stroll among unique art and crafts shops and trendy cafes · Be guided through the sub-tropical rainforest to Curtis Falls ·
Visit one of the many wineries for optional tasting.
Includes lunch, Canal Cruise and Guided Rainforest Tour Cost:
Cost: Adult AUD 90.00 Child 45.00
4. The Crocodile Express. Depart at 09:30 return at 4:45 pm.
The Sunshine Coast is home of the Crocodile Hunter and Australia Zoo, made famous by global documentaries and antics of Steve and Terri Irwin. On the way to Australia Zoo you'll view the majestic Glasshouse Mountains bordered by Pine Forests and Pineapple plantations.
Today you will have time to really experience the best of Australia Zoo, this ever expanding and changing wildlife "Theme Park" is too good to rush. Spend 5 hours taking in the many shows and demonstrations including crocodile feeding and snake handling. The handlers walk the animals through the park throughout the day so you'll have the opportunity to get 'up close and personal' with a few of the locals!
Includes: Entry to Australia Zoo
Cost: Adult AUD 69.00 Child 39.00
Accommodation:
We recommend the following hotels in Brisbane;
5 stars ***** Stamford Plaza Hotel
4 stars **** Royal on the Park
3 stars *** Goodearth Hotel
On the Gold Coast:
5 stars ***** Versace and Sheraton Mirage
4 stars **** Gold Coast International
3 stars *** Equinox Resort Apartments.
For more information on hotels and rates, please click here.
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