Brisbane & Surroundings

The state capital of Brisbane offers a unique combination of the old and the new, where sandstone cathedrals blend seamlessly with steel and glass skyscrapers, where modern architectural design is teamed with a healthy respect for tradition. For retail therapy Queen Street Mall has nearly a mile of interesting shops and South Bank's Little Stanley Street should be next on your shopping list. For something a little more cultural, there are musicals, live theatre, galleries, museums, and even guided walking tours of downtown's historical sites. Brisbane has a fine reputation for dining out, having developed its own unique cuisine that matches the climate perfectly.

The outstanding resort area of the the stretch of coastline called the Sunshine Coast is Noosa, just two hours north of Brisbane. While the Gold Coast to the south of Brisbane is all glass, high rise and energy, Noosa considers itself more relaxed and refined, with quiet sidewalk cafes and restaurants abounding. Within walking distance is found the finest left hand surf break in Australia. Inland from Noosa are the stunning Glass House Mountains and a little further to the north is Hervey Bay and the World Heritage listed Fraser Island. This is a place to unwind, swim, walk in the national park dine out or maybe to make a day trip to Fraser Island or The Glass House Mountains.

The Glass House Mountains are fantastic volcanic crags, named by Captain Cook in 1770. There are some fabulous scenic drives through the Glass House Mountains, which are also popular amongst walkers and climbers due to is fabulous bushwalking trails, and rock climbing. The Glass House Mountains also hold a rich Aboriginal history. Within the Glass House Mountains you will come across the small Glass House Mountains township. You can also visit the four smaller national parks set within the Glass House Mountains National Park, all offering more walking trails and rock climbing.

Just over 2 hours south of Brisbane is Australia's Gold Coast, often compared to Florida's Miami. The Gold Coast boasts some of Australia's best surf baches, and offers a huge range of accommodation options, from self contained motels to the sheer luxury of the world's first Versace hotel, the Palazzo Versace Gold Coast. Eating out is a favorite pastime with an almost bewildering range of eateries to choose from. In the day there's the beach and waterways of the Gold Coast to explore, while for those wanting some night life there's Jupiters Casino, night clubs, cafes and world class restaurants to choose from.

Lamington is renowned for the unique flora and fauna and the sheer beauty of it's mountains and rainforests. The rainforests include one of the largest upland subtropical rainforest remnants in the world. The roots of the oldest Antarctic beech trees are over 5000 years old and the park protects one of the country's largest remaining forests of hoop pine. The area is home to an incredible variety of wildlife including 120 species of bird and rare and threatened animals such as the Coxen's fig-parrot. Comprising a massive 51,000 acres the park is a bushwalkers paradise located just 36 miles from the Gold Coast & 74 miles from Brisbane.

Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort on Moreton Island National Park is a relaxing 75 minute cruise from Brisbane. Once a large whaling station, today Tangalooma's most famous attraction is the pod of wild dolphins that visits the jetty each evening. Many visitors get the opportunity to hand-feed the dolphins, but swimming with the dolphins or touching them is forbidden. The feeding is regulated, and even though your turn is over in a few seconds, the experience is never forgotten. If you select this option we will organize a day trip to the island. For a longer stay, refer to 'South Queensland Islands' on this website.

From $39 USD per per person

Since the tragic death of Steve Irwin in 2006, Australia Zoo has continued to grow and hold true to the ideals that the zoo was founded on. This is no normal zoo - it has a sense of fun and the commitment of the passionate staff remains unabated. Although best known for the live crocodile feedings, the zoo also features exhibits of other Australian wildlife, including koalas, wombats, Tasmanian Devils and snakes. The Zoo also features a smaller selection of animals from around the world, including elephants, tigers, cheetahs,Komodo Dragons and a wide range of birds. Situated near Noosa; if you add it to your Wish List it will be added to your suggested itinerary.