Brisbane Noosa Fraser Island -
Australia
Brisbane.
The nation's fastest-growing capital, Brisbane is
Australia's third-largest city, with a population of over1.5
million. The climate is sub-tropical meaning high humidity in
summer and temperate winters.
Brisbane is a modern and cosmopolitan city and
although located not far from the coast it is the river that is
the dominant natural feature. Scenic cruises and ferry services
operate on the river – some travelling out to the mouth where you
can get an excellent waterside view of the old port warehouses and
other historic buildings. To view historic building around the
city the Brisbane City Council produces ‘Heritage Trail Brochures’
that are suited to a self guided tour of the city.
Parks & Gardens: Apart from the very excellent city
botanic gardens a second, and equally spectacular, Botanic Gardens
has been opened on Mount Coot-tha Road. Located off Mt Coot-tha
Road in Toowong only ten minutes from the city centre, the Mt
Coot-tha Gardens are reputed to be Australia's largest
sub-tropical display of flora. They cover an area of 57 ha in
which plants are set against an environment of lakes, ponds, and
streams. On a clear day you can see the line of Moreton and
Stradbroke Island and the intriguing shapes of the Glasshouse
Mountain to the north.
Located to the north west of the city is the
Brisbane Forest Park that is a 26,500-hetare natural bushland
reserve in the D’Aguilar Range. Popular for scenic drives,
bushwalking, cycling and horse riding.
The Glass House Mountains are located about 60kms
north of the city and whilst their eerie shapes make interesting
viewing there is limited access apart from a few lookout points
but could be combined with a day long scenic drive also taking in
the seaside settlements of Sandgate, Redcliffe, and Bribie Island
(access by causeway)
Noosa (127km north of Brisbane)
Sophisticated, stylish and cosmopolitan, the
holiday oasis of Noosa is one of Australia's most desirable
holiday destinations. Its proximity to sand, sea and nature
combined with its sophisticated charm make it the perfect place
for a quick getaway or long, lazy holiday. Noosa has become a
mecca for those in search of sunny skies and relaxation, some
retail therapy and culinary treats, and for those who want to ride
the clean waves off the spectacular coastline.
Alexandria Bay and Sunshine Beach are fringed by many other
picturesque bays and coves. From crashing ocean surf at Sunshine
Beach to quietly lapping waves at Main Beach, there is a beach
experience to suit everyone.
The Noosa National Park has a chain of
sections that stretch approximately 20km down the coast from Noosa
Heads. The Headland section is one of the most frequently visited
national parks in Australia, and for good reason. Easily
accessible from famous Hastings Street or from Sunshine Beach to
the south, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts from
nature-lovers and picnickers to bush walkers and surfers. It has an
abundance of wildlife, including spirited bush turkeys, lumbering
goannas and everyone's favourite, koalas.
The
best views of the region can be enjoyed from Laguna Lookout,
behind Hastings Street at the top of Noosa Hill.
Fraser Island (290kms north of Brisbane)
Fraser Island is
the largest sand island in the world and carries World Heritage
status. White sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, ancient rainforest
growing on sand and low ‘wallum’ heaths that produce spectacular
displays of wildflowers in spring and summer make Fraser Island a
diverse and intriguing destination.
Fraser Island is popular for 4 wheel drive expeditions, fishing,
canoeing, spa retreats and wildlife spotting that includes armies
of Soldier Crabs, the infamous Fraser Island dingo and Whale
watching . An estimated 1500 humpback Whales visit Hervey Bay
between August and September on their way to the Antarctic.
Catamaran passenger
boats and vehicle barges cross to the island from Hervey Bay
several times a day – the trip takes 30 – 45 minutes. (Note that
Fraser Island is suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles only and
‘vehicle access permits’ are required for all vehicles entering
the island.).