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 More than just hot air! |
546 Harm Drive Glenore Grove Brisbane, QLD 4342 Australia +61 7 5466 5066 / +1 800 64 8050 (Toll Free) http://www.balloonsabove.com.au |
Less than an hour from Brisbane is the beautiful Lockyer Valley, nestling under the shadow of the Great Dividing Range. The stunning lakes, dams and farmland provide some of the best scenery in Australia and the best way to see this beauty in all its glory is from the air. Balloons Above offers an exhilarating cruise over this multi-coloured land with a safe, comfortable flight that will take your breath away. Once back on terra firma, a relaxed French-style breakfast will allow you time to reflect on the wonder of it all. A city pick-up service is provided. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Home on the range |
Mr. Day Tours Aminya Close, Mt. Nebo Brisbane, QLD 4520 Australia +61 7 3269 3913 (Mr. Day Tours) http://www.mrdaytours.com.au/ |
Travel through Brisbane's outskirts to Hyde Village in bushland, to see a bush hotel (pub), bush poet, wood fired bake house (morning tea is welcome once the aromas reach your nostrils!) and many early colonial buildings. Next stop, the Australian Woolshed and its marvellous craft shop, and lunch in the rainforest. Your guides then invite you into their home (on the range) to share true mountain hospitality. The views to Moreton Bay and its islands are truly panoramic! Sip a cool drink while you hear about their little corner of the world. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The most easterly point of Australia |
Australian Day Tours Level 3, Brisbane Transit Centre, Roma Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3236 4155 http://www.daytours.com.au |
The unique New South Wales town of Byron Bay (two hours drive from Central Brisbane) is mainland Australia's most easterly point. Here the popular cliff top walks reach out into the jewelled waters of the Pacific Ocean; a great place to whale-watch (June to October). Stroll along Cape Byron to the lighthouse to view the magnificent beaches. The tour takes in a working banana plantation, complete with a breath-taking adventure tour by six-wheel-drive and returns along the northern New South Wales beaches and through sugar cane farms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mathias Lixl |
 Photo: Geordie Elliott |
 Photo: Geordie Elliott |
 Photo: cassian_ |
 Photo: Dan Nessler |
 Photo: Nina |
 Photo: Nicky  |
 Photo: Luciano Di Meglio |
 Photo: Albert Abello Lozano |
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Days of unforgettable sights |
Sunrover Expeditions Brisbane Transit Centre, Roma Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3880 0719 http://www.sunrover.com.au/ |
"Westward ho" from Brisbane and day one takes you four-wheel driving through the Myall Park Botanic Gardens (rare Australian flora). The next day you reach the magnificent Carnarvon Gorge, camping in a palm forest oasis. Many delights await with a different sight to admire at each turn, including a spectacular moss garden, "hellhole" gorge, an amphitheatre, Adjon Falls, Wards Canyon, nature's art gallery and cathedral cave (climb up to this one). There is also some wonderful Aboriginal art. The adventurous hiker can try Battleship Spur or higher walks to Balloon Cave (a rock pool) and Mickey's Gorge. Cost: Adults AUD840; children (under 14) AUD600; (six days all inclusive; eight-hour drive from Brisbane) Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enjoy the city lights |
CitySights bus stop 2 (near City Hall) Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia http://www.transinfo.qld.gov.au |
Brisbane's lights are quite spectacular, and viewing them from various vantage points is the focus of the "City Nights" tour. Mount Coot-tha Lookout is the first stop, where the city is the centrepiece in a tapestry of lights. South Bank affords a close-up view of the cityscape, then guests board a ferry bound for New Farm Park, passing the dramatically-lit Kangaroo Point Cliffs. Sightseeing through Fortitude Valley follows, then crossings of the Story and Captain Cook Bridges before returning to the fairy lights in Adelaide Street. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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See Brisbane and surrounds by bus |
Level 3, Transit Centre Roma Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3236 4165 |
Discovering the sights and attractions of this "City of Sun Days" is easy and informative with comfortable air-conditioned travel and en-route commentary to make your stay in Brisbane memorable. Coachtrans are at the airport and the city with customer service counters to meet information needs and bookings: airport transfers, three-four day Unlimited Travel Passes, City tours, and choices to take in the Sunshine and Gold Coasts and their hinterlands, and Brisbane surrounds. Try the Sunshine Coast Wildlife Tour, which visits the Australia Zoo, the Big Pineapple, Underwater World, showing the tourist the magnificent Glass House Mountains as you go. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Come and visit the "Red Rock" |
Redlands Tourism PO Box 1021, Cleveland Brisbane, QLD 4103 Australia +61 7 3821 0057 |
Known as "Coochie" to the locals, this beautiful subtropical island is small enough to walk or cycle around and offers plenty of natural wonders in its picturesque surrounds. While relaxing is a perfect way to pass the time, there is plenty to see and do. Walk along the sandy beaches of the coast, discover the native flora and fauna of the inland wetlands, or swim, sail or windsurf in the warm blue waters, which are home to dolphins, dugongs and turtles. You can also take a comprehensive inland bus tour to explore the rest of the island. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Quality houseboats and cruisers |
84 Shipper Drive Gold Coast City Marina Brisbane, QLD 4209 Australia 07 55026200 www.houseboat.net.au |
Cruise north to explore the waterways around North Stradbroke Island, stop at Sanctuary Cove for a spot of golf or head south to the Broadwater to swim or water ski. The choice is yours when you hire a holiday houseboat or cruiser. Boats are fully equipped with safety features, two-way radios, kitchen, sleeping and bathing facilities, barbecue and dinghy. Fishing gear and outboard motor for dinghy available on request. Optional grocery delivery means you may not need to come ashore at all during your trip! Cost: From AUD950 for seven nights; from AUD555 for weekends. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Wildlife and wonderful views |
Mr Day Tours Mt Nebo Brisbane, QLD 4520 Australia +61 7 3269 3913 http://www.mrdaytours.com.au |
Nature lovers will definitely enjoy the first part of this tour, which takes guests to the oldest koala sanctuary in the world - Lone Pine. There is a host of Australian animals to see, koalas to cuddle and kangaroos to feed. Lunch or dinner is on the foreshores of Moreton Bay at Scarborough Boat Harbour, where guests can choose between fresh seafood and a restaurant meal. Mount Coot-tha is the final tour stop, offering a brilliant overview of Brisbane and surrounds, which is particularly stunning at night. Free pick-up and return to city accommodation is available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andrew Chant |
 Photo: Ben Goode |
 Photo: Viktoria |
 Photo: Alan Winson |
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See Brisbane from the air |
160 Rochedale Road Rochedale Brisbane, QLD 4123 Australia +61 7 3423 0400 http://www.flymetothemoon.com.au |
The hour-long flight is a wonderful thrill, as you ride in a traditional wicker basket under the professional guidance of experts. All flights include a delightful champagne breakfast. Owner operator Steve Griffin was the first person to fly solo across Australia. He has also represented Australia and some of his ballooning achievements are listed in the Guinness Book of Records. Flights leave from Toowong Park, Sylvan Road, and Toowong. Complimentary pick-ups can be arranged from city accommodation. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rob & Jess Howe |
 Photo: Rob & Jess Howe |
 Photo: W i l t e D |
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Thousands of tiny lights |
Gray Line Day Tours Level 3, Brisbane Transit Centre, Roma Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3236 9444 http://www.daytours.com.au |
Visit a truly unique venue - be enthralled as thousands of tiny lights illuminate the grotto (or cave). Then see a natural arch carved out over millions of years to form a spectacular waterfall, which falls into a hidden cave. This area is a natural refuge for birds and wildlife - you will see plenty. Springbrook Plateau has many picturesque waterfalls, including Purlingbrook Falls; be cool within the rainforest. Visit Tropical Fruit World to see over 400 varieties of fruit trees and complete your day with the Magic Garden Show. It costs AUD53.90 for adults and AUD30.80 for children; AUD154 for children and concessions upto AUD49.50 are available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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A playground of islands and blue water |
Victoria Point Brisbane, Queensland 4165 Australia +61 7 3221 8411 (Brisbane Tourism) |
In 1770 James Cook named this expanse of blue water, cradled by Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Islands, after his friend in England, the Earl of Morton. However, it was fellow explorer Matthew Flinders who first entered and mapped the islands. Today, the bay has become an natural playground for Brisbane's residents and many people enjoy the rich waters and islands, such as St. Helena, Peel, and South Stradbroke. Fishing and water sports abound and Coochiemudlo Island, offering the closest beach to the suburbs of Brisbane, provides a safe swimming area with just a short ferry ride. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Huiping Peggy Lin |
 Photo: John Daniels |
 Photo: Nicholas Carroll |
 Photo: artyade |
 Photo: clairerobinson73 |
 Photo: Roy Bilbie |
 Photo: Simon Miller |
 Photo: Robyn Law |
 Photo: Elene Kyranakos |
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Little slice of paradise |
Islands of Moreton Bay Brisbane, QLD 4002 Australia +61 7 3221 8411 http://www.brisbanetourism.com.au |
At 38 kilometres long, Moreton Island is one of the largest sand islands in the world, and has the highest dunes, including Mount Tempest (280 metres). Most of the island is National Park and offers beaches, freshwater lakes, wetlands and wildflowers. Fishing, snorkelling, swimming, sailing and surfing are popular, but sand boarding in the dunes is the most exciting. Humpback whales can be seen in the area from June to November and visitors can feed dolphins at Tangalooma Resort. Four-wheel drives are essential for island driving, and accommodation is available at six sites. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Luke McAdams |
 Photo: J Tang |
 Photo: Daniel Phillips |
 Photo: Norbert Vari |
 Photo: my2trip |
 Photo: Mark Monsma |
 Photo: Richard Walding |
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 Photo: Diana Mounter |
 A eucalypt forest minutes from the city |
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive Toowong Brisbane, QLD 4066 Australia |
Over 1,500 hectares of open eucalypt forest can be found just a short drive from central Brisbane. Mount Coot-tha Forest features four main walking tracks of varying length and difficulty. Take the J.C Slaughter Falls Track (1.5 kilometres) to the top of Mount Coot-tha for a spectacular view and an ice cream at the café. Picnic areas and barbecues (wood is supplied) can be found throughout the park. The park is the closest and quickest way to spend time in the great outdoors for people of all ages. Entry and use of facilities is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Henri Puranen |
 Photo: Michael Day |
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The ultimate city view |
Sir Samuel Griffith Drive Mt Coot-tha Brisbane, QLD 4066 Australia +61 7 3368 2117 http://www.brisbanelookout.com |
Mt Coot-tha Lookout is an excellent vantage point for viewing Brisbane city and surrounds, including Moreton Bay and the Glass House Mountains. The Kuta Café and the Summit Restaurant at the lookout are very popular with visitors and locals alike, who appreciate dining with an unrivalled view. The lookout is part of Mt Coot-tha Forest, which is a component of the massive Brisbane Forest Park which covers nearly 29,000 hectares. Only ten minutes from the city, this is a panorama worth the drive and parking is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jessica |
 Photo: Neil Saunders |
 Photo: Michael Banasiak |
 Photo: Andrew T. Stephen |
 Photo: Scot Longyear |
 Photo: drewstah |
 Photo: Laura Dolman |
 Photo: Chen and Becki |
 Photo: barry |
 Photo: James Hills |
 Photo: Farizan Jafar, MYS |
 Photo: Toni Radcliffe |
 Photo: Peter Hegarty |
 Photo: Hammond Buckland |
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Drive mountaintop to mountaintop |
Mount Nebo Road Brisbane, QLD 4520 Australia |
Brisbane has many forest parks and mountain ranges close by. Northwest, the D'Aguilar Range is an exhilarating ridge top drive to Mount Nebo, where many artists and writers live, and has some quaint houses. Continue on to Mount Glorious, all the while enjoying great views back to Brisbane city. Do not miss Westridge Lookout, an educative ten minute walk, learning about eucalypt (gum) trees. One tree is coping with the largest fungi, horseshoe shape. There are barbecues, (wood provided) and picnic tables, some under cover. At Mount Glorious you will find cafés with "glorious" views for lunch. Return via Samford Village, a quaint village with art and craft shops, restaurants and other buildings with an Australian heritage look. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Taste wine and dine overlooking Moreton Bay |
850-938 Mt. Cotton Road Brisbane, QLD 4165 Australia +61 7 3206 2999 http://www.mountcottonestate.com/ |
A perfect outing for a day's indulgence is to visit this state-of-the-art winery. You can dine on the balcony of the restaurant, savour the views to the islands of Moreton Bay, while tasting the wines. Alternatively, you can purchase a picnic basket and explore the property at your leisure. The natural beauty of the lagoons set in native bush, the kangaroos, koalas, goannas and abundant bird life make this winery a delight to visit, as well as the pleasure of tasting Queensland's finest wines. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rainforest, views and wildlife |
Corner of Adelaide and Edward Streets Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3221 6111 |
Take in a wonderful panorama of sights as you explore the Mount Mee and Glass House Mountains areas, travelling through the valley of the lakes, and experiencing the feel of sub-tropical rainforest. You are sure to see a bush turkey or two and the Guide assures you will see kangaroos and koalas in their natural habitat, and tell you all about them. And how about an Aboriginal site as well? All this and morning tea in the bush and a country-style lunch. Courtesy transfers to/from accommodation. Cost: Adults AUD121; children (three-14) AUD60.50. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Bird's eye view |
Carrara Airfield, Broadbeach-Nerang Road Carrara Brisbane, QLD 4211 Australia +61 7 5502 7855 http://www.tigermothjoyrides.c... |
Experience the thrill of the wind on your face as you loop and twist high above Surfers Paradise in a classic Tiger Moth plane. Choose from a basic scenic flight or take a heart-pumping flight with aerobatic manoeuvres. Flights are 15-20 minutes in duration and travel from Carrara airfield to Broadbeach and then north to Sea World before returning to the airfield. Longer or special flights can be arranged. Bookings essential. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Speedy train to the Capricorn region |
Queensland Travel Centre 243 Edward Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3874 2855 |
The Tilt Train will carry you north in comfort to where a gracious city rests on the banks of the Fitzroy River. Rockhampton was built on gold money, which meant beautiful buildings and impressive homes; the National Trust classifies a whole street. Then the city turned to cattle, and now has the biggest cattle stud venue in Queensland. Of interest is the Gangalook Hall of Clocks and Museum; the Botanic Gardens with tropical foliage and rare palms plus a koala research centre; and a cultural centre to learn the indigenous local history. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Be uplifted with the views |
Backtracks 4WD Tours 243 Edward Street Brisbane, QLD 4000 Australia +61 7 3203 4241 |
Wonderful scenery and beautiful sunny days make for a truly uplifting experience; this tour with Backtracks (even the name is great!) will take you through the magnificent countryside of the Springbrook National Park. You will see ancient rainforests with rare ferns, sheer volcanic cliffs and cascading waterfalls. If that is not enough, explore nature on foot with an escorted bush walk learning as you go. This tour includes morning tea, gourmet campfire barbecue lunch at Backtracks unique bush camp, and courtesy transfers from city accommodation. Admission for sdults is AUD127 and for children (three-14 years) AUD66.55. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |