Travel guide Queensland for Wine Appreciation

In a tranquil valley in the Gold Coast hinterland is a rural gem. The pretty country town of Canungra has the feel of yesteryear with the amenities of today. Plenty of old-fashioned hospitality awaits in this delightful destination, where you can choose to kick back your feet and soak in the atmosphere, or float over the region in a hot air balloon or hang glider.   When people move here, they tend to stay. Many descendents of the original pioneers live in the area, although industry has changed somewhat. The town started with timber as its primary industry, but by the 1940s that era came to an end when the mills closed. Instead of departing the area, many chose to try their hand at dairy farming, beef cattle, and eventually – vineyards. Today, Canungra boasts a variety of del... Read more

Those of us who live in Australia grow up understanding the joys, dangers and safety rules that make it such a great place.  However, many visitors to our country find Australia an alien, but starkly beautiful country, and they have little or no understanding of the best way to stay safe and enjoy their time here. A few very simple rules can help to make a visit to Australia a safe and pleasurable experience, and Tourism Australia has a brochure available for download that lists safety tips in a variety of languages. Driving tips One of the first things to remember is that speed limits are strictly enforced in Australia, more so than in many countries overseas.  Generally, when driving in urban and suburban areas, the speed limit is between 50 and 60 kilometres per hour. When ... Read more

BRISBANE BRISVEGAS FASHION AND BEAUTY Brisbanites love to look good and there are many places to give that plastic card some exercise. FORTITUDE VALLEY This is the 'Fashion Hub' of Brisbane and is filled with high-end boutiques. If you love the finer things in life, then this is the place to visit for everything from a wide range of home-oriented retailers to fashion specialty stores for females. ‘The Valley’ stocks the likes of international labels such as, Collette Dinnigan & Collette Dinnigan Enfant, Citizens of Humanity Denim and Christian Louboutin shoes. There are also great male and children ranges thrown into the mix. • Faves are Ultra Suite and Blonde Venus for up-to-the-minute style. • Also, Jean Brown at Emporium, Ann St. A fantastic boutique... Read more

If you are looking for a city with all the attractions of coastal capital cities, but with a vibe all of it’s own, then Toowoomba is waiting for you.  This university and cathedral city is famous for its annual “Carnival of Flowers” each September and the Australian Gospel Music Festival which is held each Easter. Lying around 130 km inland of Brisbane on the Great Dividing Range means the city has four distinct seasons – which is reflected in the ever-changing colours in the many parks and gardens, and Toowoomba is also Australia’s largest inland city after Canberra.  The climate is mild and pleasant with much less of the oppressive humidity that Brisbane and Sydney can suffer in the summer months, and tends to enjoy dry winters, with more rain in ... Read more

When Lieutenant James Cook discovered the Whitsundays in 1770, he probably wished he could sneak off the ship and spend the rest of his days basking on the white sandy beaches among their swaying palm trees. He could have spent a lifetime swimming among brightly coloured fish, dining on tropical fruits, watching beautiful birds, and trekking the many different landscapes of the islands. Surely if he could have just turned back the clock, history would have been very different. Fortunately for us, word spread about the beauty of the Whitsundays and today they are a paradise which is easily enjoyed by all.   Top 10 things to do If you don’t have enough time or money to do all of these activities during your trip, you’ll just have to return to the islands and keep ... Read more

Sure Brisbane can offer delicious offerings at great restaurants, but have you thought of tempting y... Read more

If you visit the Sunshine Coast, you may never want to leave. The stretch of towns from Caloundra to Rainbow Beach boast exceptional weather, sunrises you'll actually want to wake up to watch, beaches perfect for surfing as well as beaches ideal for people who hate surfing, vineyards, scenic vistas of Glasshouse Mountains and even dolphins. The list of reasons to visit has barely started. The truth is, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect holiday destination for honeymooners, families, retirees, singles, mates, couples, professionals, blue-collar workers, domestic gods and goddesses, dogs, SCUBA divers, yobbos, fishermen, bush-walkers, wine connoisseurs, greenies, and even accountants. It should be illegal to go there and not have a good time.   Family fun If your family needs more... Read more

Do you just need a break from the hum drum of every day life? Escape from the city, for a weekend, or a longer getaway! The average Australian takes holidays twice a year, and most often we travel with families and friends, including children, according to recent research commissioned by Take A Break Away. Australian holidaymakers most often choose to stay in self-contained accommodation, either an apartment or a house, followed closely by bed and breakfast properties and guesthouses. It seems we like access to self-catering facilities so we can do our own thing, relax and fire up the barbeque. Decisions, Decisions, Decisions How do we decide where to go? We look at location and availability, as well as personal recommendations from friends and relatives. More and more we are using the... Read more

The Atherton Tableland has a solid reputation as the ideal getaway, with it's rural communities encompassing a less stressed lifestyle filled withalluring nostalgia in country town atmospheres. The country towns of yesteryear have beds of blooming flowers, comfy benches in the main streets and shop owners that know their customers by first name. The Atherton Tableland got it's name from the many different plateaus or levels. It's covered with undulating mountains, valleys, lakes, streams, waterfalls and thick rainforest. Because of the high altitude - from 400 to 1100 metres above sea level - it's a tropical haven and doesn't have the humidity of the coast. You will be spoiled for choice of things to see and do with Barramundi fishing, canoeing and waterskiing at Lake Tinaroo, exploring ... Read more

The untamed tendrils of the bougainvillea framed the sparkling waters and brilliant blue skies to pe... Read more