Looking down on the clouds from my house at the southern end of The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Photo: Phil Wiley © 2012
It often looks beautiful, but when the cloud begins to drift into the house we have to close all the windows because it wets everything. Continue reading
Seven Sensible Tips for a Stress Free Holiday in Queensland
As I was born in tropical North Queensland on the Atherton Tablelands, and have worked in and traveled to most parts of Queensland, I feel that I can offer some great tips and information for you.
TIP NO 1 WEATHER The weather cycle in Queensland is the same throughout Australia with our summer months being December, January and February. Autumn months are March, April and May and winter months are June, July and August. Spring months are September, October and November and are very pleasant.
TIP NO 2 DAYLIGHT SAVINGS Queensland does not operate daylight saving and local time is always 10 hours in front of GMT. Other states of Australia do operate daylight saving times from the first Sunday in October to the first Sunday in April, so be aware of this if you fly into Queensland from other Australian states.
TIP NO 3 METRIC SYSTEM In Queensland the metric system is used so all distances are in kilometres (km’s), speed is in kilometres per hour and petrol/fuel is sold in litres.
TIP NO 4 DRIVING IN QUEENSLAND Driving in Queensland, Australia and hiring a vehicle – Most hire companies will ask to see a valid un-restricted driving license and if this is in English this will usually be accepted. However if you have a licence which is not in English, you should first obtain a valid International Driving Permit before you leave your home country. Australia requires a “1949 Convention IDP”. And don’t forget, drive on the left side of the road. And always ask the hire company if you are allowed to drive the hire vehicle on a dirt road or you may have your insurance cancelled.
TIP NO 5 VOLTAGE The nominal mains electrical voltage is 230 Volts in Australia. As plug sockets require the Australian Standard plug pin arrangement, travel adaptors can be purchased within Australia, usually at airports.
TIP NO 6 EMERGENCIES 000 is the National emergency number in Australia and this is used for all emergency services including Fire Service, Ambulance Service and the Police.
TIP NO 7 MOBILE PHONE USE Australia has a modern telecommunications and mobile telephone network which includes 3G services to most parts of Qld. Check with your mobile company to see if “International Roaming” is available and this service can be activated for you whilst in Australia. Phone companies operating in Qld include Telstra, Vodafone, and Optus.
INFORMATION ON QUEENSLAND Queensland is home to about 4 million people and is the second largest state in Australia. Areas of Queensland in the interior are vast and sparsely populated, while coastal areas have a denser population. Tourists love the average summer temperatures of 25 degrees celsius (77F) and the average winter temperatures of 15 degrees celsius(59F). Brisbane is the capital of Queensland with about 2 million people in residence.
Queensland stretches from the northern tip of Cape York to the south east at Coolangatta on the Gold Coast. The most popular holiday spots range from the Gold Coast to Cairns in North Qld, which is a driving distance of about 1760klms.
This brand new edition Insight Pocket Guide is the ideal companion for your trip to Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef. Expertly written by a local author, it features 13 tailor-made itineraries designed to cover all the recommended sights and attractions, including Cape York Peninsula, the Whitsunday Islands and the Kuranda Scenic Circuit. You can pick the tour to suit the time and budget you have to spare, journey lengths range from a short walk to a four-night cruise, so no matter how long you
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However, you can fly into the Brisbane airport in South East Qld, Maroochydore airport on the Sunshine Coast, Hamilton Island airport in the Whitsundays, Townsville airport for North Qld, or Cairns international airport for a tropical vacation. There are about 40 airports throughout Queensland, large bus companies and fast trains available, so getting to your destination is easy.
Most holiday resorts offer a free courtesy coach to take you directly to their door after collecting you from the airport, railway station or bus depot. There are many online places to choose your accommodation from and in all areas of Queensland. Accommodation is divided into several classifications including hotels, apartments, resorts, motels and Boutique accommodation, resort caravan parks and Bed and Breakfasts. As a guide, apartments and cabins tend to have more extensive ‘in room cooking facilities’ for people looking for a self catering holiday.
If you want to explore a part of Outback Queensland, hop on a flight to Longreach from Brisbane using Qantas (2hrs 25mins), jump on a bus tour to Winton and visit Lark Quarry where 93million year-old fossils capture a dinosaur stampede. A museum has been built to shelter and protect these dinosaur tracks.
If you love your comfort, travel in a luxury air-conditioned tour coach or if wanting to be adventurous and drive yourself, hire an air-conditioned four wheel drive vehicle from Longreach. The 179 klm road from Longreach to Winton is sealed but from Winton to Lark Quarry it is a badly maintained dirt road. I learnt the hard way. The red dust seeped into our 1985 Mazda T3500 bus, which has no air-conditioning, when my husband and I traveled to Lark Quarry. The dust was quite unpleasant which is why I suggest you travel in an air-conditioned vehicle. Still, we enjoyed the end result and would not have missed the experience of the Outback.
Winton is known for its water supply which pushes its way to the earth’s crust from three artesian bores, all around 1,200 metres deep gushing at a temperature of 83 degrees Celsius.(195F) The water comes from the Great Artesian Basin which provides water for almost all areas of Australia’s Outback.
Accommodation is available in Longreach and Winton and most of these places will book your tours. Discover attractions like the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Qantas Founders Outback Museum, the Waltzing Matilda Centre and the School of the Air.
A visit to The Sunshine Coast will give you a never forgotten vacation and you can get to this area on an air-conditioned coach, by rail or a hired vehicle. It is only about a 1.5 hour trip from Brisbane. Or you can fly from Brisbane directly into Maroochydore airport where you will have a large choice of accommodation. Again, most resorts offer a courtesy coach pick up.
When you visit this vast state of Queensland, I hope these tips and information enable you to enjoy your vacation, in Australia, ‘down under’.
If you are wanting a fantastic holiday in the sun, take yourself to one of Queensland’s wonderful East coast areas like the Sunshine Coast. Or perhaps you would prefer a tropical vacation at one of Queensland’s Whitsunday’s island resorts off The Great Barrier Reef. Find your next holiday destination at Online Accommodation and Tours-Australia
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Discover Queensland & the Great Barrier Reef
Pack up your 4WD and head for the end of the road at Cooktown, where happiness is a fishing rod and an Esky full of beer
Browse Kuranda’s market stalls, and camp overnight in paradise when the day-trippers have left
Disappear onto an island off Cairns where the government once planted coconut palms to feed shipwreck survivors
Extend your trip by 8000 vertical feet and 15 seconds of freefall in a tandem skydive
In This Guide
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Price: $ 13.40
Southbank Brisbane - Photo: Phil Wiley
It is only in Brisbane where you would be able to find a modern capital city that uniquely blends elegance with exceptional hospitality. Since it is also famous for its friendly and relaxed style, you would have no problem unwinding in this soothing place. Brisbane accommodation is also ample and you could choose from several backpacker accommodations, hotels, motels, resorts, and self-contained units.
Brisbane presents top attractions that would surely delight any tourist. Listed below are some of the things that you can do while you are on a holiday in Brisbane:
1. Engross yourself in the arts. One source of pride for Brisbane is the Queensland Cultural Centre. This is actually the center of arts and entertainment in all of the state. It is home to the Conservatory of Music, the Art Gallery, the Performing Arts Complex, and the Queensland Museum. The cultural calendar of this city lasts all through the year and it provides a varied selection of festivals or events that would definitely suit every discriminating taste and interest. Every spring, the yearly River Festival would not be complete without fireworks, jazz music and the other classics that never fail to make the waterways truly alive. The Brisbane Writers Festival showcases the top Australian and foreign writers while the Brisbane International Film Festival highlights all the finest from the world of movies.
2. Stay at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Guests from other countries would simply love the rich and easily seen wildlife of Australia located at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. You would be able to cuddle a koala, give food to a kangaroo, or listen to a talk about Australian reptiles. This is a great day trip for your whole family. There would be no need for you to leave the city just to have an experience with such wonderful animals.
City Cat, Brisbane River - Photo: Phil Wiley
3. Have an escapade on the river. No Brisbane holiday would be complete without a trip on the river. Even Brisbane locals are fond of getting out on the Brisbane River because it is a fairly easy and inexpensive activity to do via a ride on the City Cat. The City Cats are speedy catamarans in Brisbane. You could take a cruise around the river and you could also stop wherever you want along the way. These City Cats move smoothly on the water and you would also be able to see some luxurious houses along this trip. Your ferry guide would be able to present you with more information.
4. Drop by the Mount Coot-tha Lookout. Your Brisbane holiday would not be complete without taking the drive up to the pinnacle of Mount Coot-tha, which would give you a fantastic view of the entire city of Brisbane. You would get to see the gentle curves of the river, the seemingly endless lines of the freeway, as well as the skyline of the Central Business District. If you happen to be here on a clear day, you could also see the distant ranges, Moreton Bay and other magnificent scenery. You could also take a bite to eat at the on site café and restaurant.
5. Take a leisurely walk in the City Botanic Gardens. You should also explore the unique and stunning plants that thrive in the city’s sub-tropical climate. The City Botanic Gardens are located in an amazing spot near the river and it is also an easy walk if you are coming from the bustling Central Business District. Make sure that you will not pass up the chance to walk through the mangroves found on the boardwalk.
The author writes for Cheap Holiday Accommodation, a travel website based for Australia. You can find in here travel tips, articles, as well as other important information about Brisbane accommodation and Brisbane holiday. Article from articlesbase.com
This guide includes a chapter detailing Brisbane and the Gold Coast’s history and culture, 13 itineraries and excursions taking in sights ranging from the wealth of contemporary art in Brunswick Street precinct in Brisbane to terraced towers and surf on the Gold Coast, leisure-time suggestions, and a comprehensive information section packed with essential contact addresses and numbers. There are also dozens of photographs and several maps, including a detailed pull-out map. A perfect companion for your southern Qld and Brisbane holiday.
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Great North Queensland Vacation Accommodation
Don’t you want a nice, warm bed to return to when you’re finished with your adventures while on vacation in this area? A region such as this with so many wonderful things to do every day while on holiday also offers a really nice place to stay while in the outback.
A location that offers modern amenities along with views of the rainforest and exotic birds is what you’ll find at the Brampton Island Resort. You will have a place to relax and appreciate all the nature that surrounds you from your private balcony.
This is a full service hotel with a bar and restaurant, but it maintains it’s private atmosphere for your comfort. The Brampton Island Resort has 108 rooms, along with servies such as internet, a gym, an outdoor pool, money exchange and meeting rooms for business or private meetings.
Your room will be beautifully decorated with that tropical feel with bamboo accessories that just add to the overall ambience. Although surrounded by rainforest you will find that at the Brampton Island Resort your room has all the modern comforts you will need to feel comfortable and relaxed. Each room has its own hairdryer, direct dial telephone, radio and television as well as your very own tea, coffee, minibar and fridge. In addition to all this each room offers your own individual air-conditioning, to allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature based on your needs.
The availability of a wonderful resort surrounded by gorgeous wilderness and water makes the Brampton Island Resort a very special place, highly regarded by tourists. You get there by plane or by boat, the boats service the island every day but Christmas. The costs of your stay is very reasonable, you’ll not be dissappointed by staying here while you’re visiting North Queensland.
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A trip to the islands of Tropical North Queensland should be on your list. Your information site is tropicalnorthqueensland.com, it has all your vacation information like booking palm cove hotels and accommodation cairns. You can book directly from tropicalnorthqueensland.com, or let a representative help you
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Linda Kozlowski, co-star of “Crocodile Dundee” introduces us to the fascinating land downunder, Northern Australia, one of the most beautiful and untouched places on earth. Follow us and experience the awe inspiring Great Barrier Reef, the mysterious Ayres Rock and Walkabout Creek, where “Crocodile Dundee” was filmed. Breathtaking cinematography and valuable information provides an insight into one of America’s most popular tourist destinations.
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Price: $ 6.49
Are Holiday Rentals the Perfect Gold Coast Holiday Accommodation?
Finding the right Gold Coast holiday accommodation will ensure that you have a holiday to remember. Planning a trip to Australia’s stunning Gold Coast? Who wouldn’t be tempted by a destination that offers the world’s most beautiful beaches, best surfing conditions, brilliant night life as well as plenty of family-friendly fun? Australia’s Gold Coast is not just a favourite of locals, but of travelers world wide. As it is such a popular choice of holiday destination there are plenty of options when it comes to your Gold Coast accommodation. From basic caravan parks and camping to lush and extravagant six star resorts, there is something for everyone on the Gold Coast. If you are looking for an option that offers all the luxuries while still sticking to a budget, then consider a stay in a holiday rental. A holiday rental can offer you the best of both worlds; the privacy and security of a private home in a brilliant location close to all the attractions.
Why the Gold Coast?
There are plenty of reasons to get in quick and book your gold coast accommodation. Whether you like to work on your tan or hit the surf, the beaches are second to none. Surfers will find favourites at Surfer’s Paradise just as the name suggests, along with Snapper Rocks and Kirra, while families and sun bakers will find calmer waters at Broadbeach, Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta and Burleigh Heads.Time your visit to and experience the once in a lifetime opportunity of whale watching on the Gold Coast. Between June and October 10,000 Humpback Whales make their way along the Gold Coast. There are many charters and excursions that will put you in a prime position to see these beautiful beasts in the flesh. For beautiful walks and views to die for, head out into the lush hinterland. You’ll find sprawling national parks, vineyards and gorgeous townships which offer some excellent specialty shops. The Rainforest Skywalk is a particular favourite for families. Of course, it would be a crime not to mention the theme parks that are one of the Gold Coast’s main drawing cards. Dreamworld, Movieworld, Seaworld and Wet’n'Wild are the four most popular theme parks.
About Gold Coast Holiday Rentals
Many travelers have never considered a holiday rental as an accommodation option. Holiday rentals are privately owned holiday homes. The owners may live in the home themselves for some weeks or months during the year, or in some cases not at all. A holiday rental is a great way to experience a little piece of luxury while you are away form home. Homes range from cute cottages for couples, to rustic hinterland retreats, to luxurious waterside homes fit for a king. Holiday rentals come fully furnished with everything you need for your stay. You’ll have loads more room to move than if you stayed in traditional holiday accommodation. You’ll also have all the facilities you are used to in your own home. You don’t need to worry about tramping through a busy hotel foyer in your bathers, or the people in the next room waking you up at 4.00am in the morning when they come home from their night of partying. Holiday rentals offer the perfect balance of luxury, location and privacy.
Budget Gold Coast Accommodation
If you are looking for cheap Gold Coast holiday accommodation then you can’t look past a holiday rental. Staying in a home instead of a hotel you will have all the usual conveniences. You can cook your own meals in the kitchen and do your own washing if you’re looking to save some money. You still get to stay in a brilliant spot and enjoy all the luxuries you might in a hotel. In fact, holiday rentals often come with many extras you may not find in a hotel such as a private pool and spa, outdoor entertaining area as well as all the extra space you’ll get. If you are traveling with friends or a few family members, putting in together to rent a holiday home is a great way of enjoying great budget Gold Coast accommodation at a fraction of the usual cost.
Gold Coast Family Accommodation
Holiday rentals are an ideal choice for those looking for Gold Coast family accommodation. A holiday home offers far more space than a traditional hotel room, often for less or similar money. You don’t have to worry about kids running around and bothering other guests and making too much noise. Being able to cook for yourself and do your own laundry can save you a bundle when there are a few of you. Holiday homes with a secure backyard and outdoor entertaining area are a godsend when you have younger children, some holiday rentals even have their own pool and spa. It’s no wonder that holiday homes are the most popular choice for Gold Coast holiday accommodation.
Gold Coast Holiday Homes, whilst a fresh innovative brand, is a family owned Gold Coast ancillary company that has been in the operation of managing holiday accommodation gold coast for over 8 years. We have a developed a great reputation for delivering an efficient and hospitable service to both property owners and guests.
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