DAVID BOWDEN explores Queensland's mix of cities and coast, to experience some of the world's greatest adventures and determine if Australia's sunshine state lives up to its catch-cry of "beautiful one day, perfect the next".
In 2009, Tourism Queensland (www.tq.com.au) sought applicants for the Best Job in the World, to find an Island Caretaker for Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. More than 34,000 people worldwide, from Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe, responded. And international attention was drawn to a fact most Aussies have always known - Queensland is a sunny, tropical paradise offering a multitude of holiday adventures and outdoor experiences. From coastal and reef relaxation to the vast outback, Australia's second largest state's superb climate and laidback way of life is completely infectious.
BRISBANE
Over the past few decades, Queensland's capital has rapidly transformed from a big country town to a cosmopolitan city.
Sights: Brisbane's cultural precinct is centred around the Gallery of Modern Art (www.qag.qld.gov.au) - home to many world-class exhibitions. Enjoy inner-city recreation at South Bank (www.visitsouthbank.com.au), home to sights such as Queensland Maritime Museum (www.maritimemuseum.com.au) and the Wheel of Brisbane - which offers a bird's-eye view of the city and the scenic Brisbane River, with a detailed commentary of all you can see from the 60-metre high wheel. Take a spin at sunset to enjoy the best views.
Jump on a Brisbane River Cat and sail downstream towards the Brisbane Powerhouse (www.brisbanepowerhouse.org). One of the city's best examples of urban rejuvenation, this once-smelly, polluted riverside, coal-fueled power station has been given a new lease of life as a community arts, music and entertainment space. Whilst you're here, experience the Story Bridge Climb (www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au) - Brisbane's most famous bridge and treasured landmark. While scaling the heights, a background commentary provides interesting facts on the state's history and heritage. Dolphin sightings are best just off the coast at Moreton Bay or Tangalooma Island.
Eat: Brisbane is a vibrant dining city which has managed to attract several celebrity chefs. Try ARIA (www.ariarestaurant.com) - owned by Matt Moran, TV personality Ben O'Donoghue's South Bank Surf Club (www.southbanksurfclub.com.au) and exciting new steakhouse Moo Moo The Bar & Grill (www.moomoorestaurant.com).
Stay: $ Emporium Hotel (www.emporiumhotel.com.au) - contemporary and funky accommodation.
$$ Sofitel Brisbane Hotel (www.sofitelbrisbane.com.au) lures with dreamy beds, impeccable Club Floor service, pampering spa treatments and sumptuous French-Australian cuisine served at Privé 249.
GOLD COAST
Queensland's Gold Coast presents Miami-style glitz. A 70-kilometre long strip of yellow sand is enhanced by five-star hotels, resorts and casinos, making it a popular beachside holiday destination.
Sights: Often referred to as the theme park capital of Australia, kids will love the thrilling rides and exciting exhibits at Dreamworld (www.dreamworld.com.au), Movie World (www.movieworld.myfun.com.au) and Sea World (www.seaworld.myfun.com.au). Dreamworld offers an exciting day or two of non-stop water attractions. Rides such as The Wedgy, Tower of Terror, Giant Drop, The Claw and Wipe Out are designed to thrill, while more family-appropriate activities include getting up-close-and-personal for a photo opportunity with Australian koala bears and Bengal tigers. If wildlife's your thing, stop by Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (www.cws.org.au) nature park, or if you prefer a round of golf choose from more than 60 courses.
Hire a car - try Hertz (www.hertz.com) for reliable service - and head for Mount Tamborine (www.tamborinemtncc.org.au), a delightful mountainous district with a quaint town and forest trails ideal for trekking. Drop by the Tamborine Mountain Distillery (www.tamborinemountaindistillery.com) to try award-winning spirits such as Turkish Delight schnapps. Just down the road, Mount Tamborine Brewery (www.mtbeer.com) brews intoxicating ales such as Czech Mate Pilsner. Enjoy local wines and Witches Chase cheeses at the adjoining Liquid Amber Bistro & Grill (Mt Brewery, 165-185 Long Road.
Tel: 5545 2032).
Eat: Being a tourist hot-spot, the Gold Coast offers round-the-clock dining. Start your day with poached eggs on a bed of smoked salmon, served alfresco at legendary Bumbles Café (www.bumblescafe.com) overlooking the beachside canal. Oskars (www.oskars.com.au) at Burleigh Heads serves super-fresh seafood and Room81 at the Gold Coast Sofitel, Broadbeach (www.sofitelgoldcoast.com.au) features fine dining dishes including duck tortellini and roasted lamb with pan-fried eggplant, served by chef de cuisine Paul Smart.
Stay: $$ Gold Coast Sofitel, Broadbeach (www.sofitelgoldcoast.com.au) is minutes from the Gold Coast's most popular beach and shopping haven Pacific Fair (www.pacificfair.com.au).
$$$: Jupiters Hotel and Casino (www.jupitersgoldcoast.com.au) is absolute luxury and offers endless entertainment and dining options. For the ultimate in style, check into Palazzo Versace(www.palazzoversace.com).
SUNSHINE COAST
A much quieter alternative to the Gold Coast is the Sunshine Coast, stretching from Fraser Island - the world's largest sand island - to Caloundra in the south.
Sights: Relax on the beautiful beaches around Noosa, Sunshine Beach, Coolum, Maroochydore and Caloundra. For a change of scenery, the foothills behind Noosa offer a relaxed rural life. Visit serene Eumundi to shop at the markets and Montville village for a relaxing lunch.
The 40 Mile Beach, Rainbow Beach Coloured Sands and Noosa Everglades are pristine stretches of coast not to be missed. Visit Underwater World (www.underwaterworld.com.au) and ride on an old sugar cane train criss-crossing the countryside, or visit the Big Pineapple. Hastings Street in Noosa is one of the hottest pieces of real estate in Australia and restaurants here live up to their well-earned reputations.
Eat: Gympie Terrace, by the river, now rivals Hastings Street for quality eateries. Dine at Ricky's River Bar & Restaurant (www.rickys.com.au) and Wasabi Restaurant & Bar (www.wasabisb.com).
Stay: $$ Comfortable and affordable family and couples accommodation can be enjoyed at the recently opened Noosa Outrigger Beach Resort (www.noosaoutrigger.com.au), Noosa Blue (www.noosablue.com.au), Netanya Beach Resort (www.netanyanoosa.com) and BreakFree French Quarter (www.breakfreefrenchquarter.com.au).
$$-$$$: Alternatively, rent your own beach house or Hastings Street apartment and sample the laidback Sunshine Coast lifestyle as a would-be resident. A good agent with plenty of properties in Noosa and the nearby quieter Sunshine Beach and other Sunshine Coast beachside suburbs is Zinc Properties Noosa (www.zincnoosa.com.au).
Getting There: Fly to Caloundra Airport, or drive one hour north of Brisbane.
CAIRNS
Cairns is Australia's gateway to the world-famous Great Barrier Ree (www.greatbarrierreef.org) and lush Atherton Tableland. Enjoy the tropical heat and easy access to islands such as Lizard, Green and Fitzroy - offering some of the world's best diving and snorkelling.
Sights: Rainforest is accessible within just half an hour's drive from the city and a trip to the small township of Kuranda on the escarpment is essential. Ride the cableway over the rainforest canopy and visit the world's largest butterfly sanctuary. Kuranda's legendary street markets offer a wide range of organic produce and interesting handicrafts. To learn more about the Aboriginal community and their fascinating indigenous culture, visit the Tjapukai Dance Theatre (www.tjapukai.com.au). Adventure junkies can go white water rafting, combine a jet-boat ride with snorkelling, take flight in a Raging Thunder Adventure balloon over the Atherton Tablelands, or climb 44 metres into the rainforest canopy and bungy jump with AJ Hackett. For some indoor fun, chance your luck at The Reef Hotel Casino (www.reefcasino.com.au).
Eat: Enjoy light snacks and sandwiches at Flinders Bar & Grill or tempting Asian cuisines at Tamarind restaurant, both at The Pullman Reef Hotel Casino (www.reefcasino.com.au). Also try the renowned Ochre (www.ochrerestaurant.com.au) and Casa De Meze(www.casademeze.com.au)
Stay: $$ Try Mercure Cairns Harbourside (www.mercure-harbourside.com.au), located on the Cairns Esplanade and offering views of either Trinity Bay or the surrounding mountains.
$$$: The Sebel Cairns (www.cairnsinternational.com.au) offers five-star luxury on the Esplanade and pampering therapies at Mii Spa.
Getting There: Due to its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns has both domestic and international terminals. Qantas (www.qantas.com.au) and Jetstar Airways (www.jetstar.com) offer flights from Singapore to Cairns via Darwin, plus internally within Australia - as does Virgin Blue (www.virginblue.com.au).
PORT DOUGLAS
An hour's drive north of Cairns and extending along the picturesque Four Mile Beach sits the trendy holiday destination of Port Douglas. Enjoy abundant sunshine while relaxing on excellent beaches - but keep your eyes open for crocodiles, they frequent these parts.
Sights: If you haven't already visited the Great Barrier Reef do so here. Several tour groups offer a 90-minute offshore experience onboard large, modern catamaran. Enjoy access to untouched, safe snorkelling and diving sites on Snow and Bashful Reefs which form part of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Calypso Reef Cruises (www.calypsoreefcruises.com) offers a lavish smorgasbord lunch, plus a meet-and-greet session with 70-year old diver Meryl Greet who has made more than 700 dives with Calypso. You'll also have the opportunity to swim and be photographed with Marvin the giant wrasse fish.
Join locals at the Sunday morning markets in downtown Port Douglas, where many of the stalls offer alternate market produce and wares, or shop along the waterfront at Marina Mirage(www.marinamirage.com.au).
Eat: Smart bars and restaurants line the small main street. Try 2 Fish Seafood Restaurant (www.2fishrestaurant.com.au), Salsa Bar & Grill (www.salsaportdouglas.com.au) and On the Inlet (www.portdouglasseafood.com).
Stay: $$ Mercure Port Douglas Treetops Resort (www.mercure.com) is a short walk to Four Mile Beach, through a native coastal paperbark forest. Swim in the resort's lagoon pool, be pampered at the day spa and tuck into exotic crocodile, octopus, barramundi and kangaroo dishes at Tree Top Bar & Grill. Shantara Resort & Spa (www.shantara.com.au) is
a boutique property with hotel rooms, plus studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.
$$$: In Australia, Peppers (www.peppers.com.au) luxury lodges are synonymous with quality and style. Peppers Beach Club, Port Douglas has a Mediterranean ambience is just steps to Four Mile Beach, while Peppers Bale Resort is surrounded by the Daintree Rainforest and offers pavilion-style accommodation for the ultimate in privacy.
NOTE: Crocodiles, sharks and box jellyfish visit Port Douglas between October to May and ocean swimming is restricted.
DAY TRIP: DAINTREE
Travel north from Port Douglas to Mossman Gorge, the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation. The greater Daintree and Cape Tribulation World Heritage National Parks are two of the most isolated parts of Queensland, but play a vital role in preserving the state's biodiversity. Take a guided walk through the rainforest and mangroves, visit the historic Daintree Village and take a refreshing dip in cool mountain streams. www.daintreerainforest.com
Posted Oct 2010
