Endless golden beaches and sun-filed days welcome you to the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. Soak up the laidback coastal vibe or enjoy an action-packed day at the theme parks. Visit the riverside city of Brisbane for its world class art scene, alfresco dining and rooftop bars.
Every year from June to November Humpback Whales make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of Queensland. The Gold Coast is the first location to welcome the whales as they journey up the Queensland coast north to the calm waters of Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia. Jump on board a whale watching cruise from Hervey Bay, Brisbane or the Gold Coast for an incredible encounter with these giants of the sea. Witness their awesome strength and beauty, an experience not to be missed.
On the Gold Coast, step onto the iconic Surfers Paradise Beach, head to Burleigh Heads and Kirra to catch a wave or relax with the family on Main Beach, Coolangatta, Greenmount, Rainbow Bay or at Kingscliff. A visit to the Sunshine Coast isn’t complete without a beach hop. Grab a bite to eat along Hastings Street before wandering along the golden sands of Noosa Main Beach. Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Alexandra Headland are popular family spots while locals savour the peace quiet of Marcoola and Mudjimba Beach.
Known for its green space, jam packed events calendar and incredible dining, South Bank Parklands are a must for anyone visiting Brisbane. Wander or cycle along the river promenade or take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane for spectacular city and river views. See renowned exhibits at the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art, make a discovery at the Queensland Museum and Science Centre and get lost in song and dance at the performing arts complex. Relax and unwind with a picnic or swim at Australia’s only capital city man-made beach.
With a fast evolving food scene, a climate perfect for alfresco dining and a focus on fresh local produce, eating and drinking is taken seriously in Brisbane. Taste fresh Hervey Bay scallops, Mooloolaba prawns and spanner crabs or purchase seafood direct from the trawlers at the Gold Coast Fisherman’s Co-op. Plan your visit to Noosa around the annual Noosa Eat & Drink Festival. Visit wineries in the Gold and Sunshine Coast Hinterlands, enjoy a tipple from the many craft breweries and distilleries and dine at restaurants offering spectacular views.
See your favourite superheroes including Wonder Woman and Batman or get a photo with one of the Looney Tunes characters before braving the coasters and Movie World. Catch one of Sea World’s live shows including the action packed Thunder Lake Stunt Show and discover the rides of the New Atlantis precinct. Test your nerves on Dreamworld’s thrill rides, take flight on the new Sky Voyager and enjoy family fun at ABC KIDS WORLD. Cool down with aquatic adventures at WhiteWater World or Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast.
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland village of Eumundi is known for its popular artisan markets. Browse through stalls with handcrafted furniture, homewares, unique fashion and chat to the farmers and bakers selling their gourmet delights and fresh produce. Every weekend watch artisans at work at the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets or shop for that unique gift from The Collective Markets in Brisbane’s South Bank. Food lovers can tempt their taste buds at Brisbane’s Eat Street Markets, the Miami Marketta on the Gold Coast and the Noosa Farmers Markets on the Sunshine Coast.
Live it up with first class entertainment, a wide range of restaurants and bars and the never ending excitement of 24 hour casinos at The Star Gold Coast or Treasury Brisbane Casino. Take in a live show, dine in style at the rooftop Nineteen at the Star or just relax poolside with a cocktail in hand. At Brisbane’s Treasury Casino step into old world opulence and admire the four storey atrium of the main gaming floor before unwinding with a drink at the Centre Bar. Stay in one of the casino rooms, located close to bars and restaurants offering everything you need for a great night out.
Take a break from the sand and surf and discover the Gold and Sunshine Coast Hinterlands. Explore charming towns, browse boutiques and galleries and dine at cafes offering gourmet delights. Pack a picnic and discover picturesque waterfalls and scenic lookouts. Follow the food and wine trail along Tamborine Mountain, see the Glow Worm Caves at Springbrook or take to the skies in a hot air balloon. On the Sunshine coast, discover the Glass House Mountains, stop at the scenic villages of Maleny, Montville and Mapleton and sample local cheese, yoghurt and ice-cream from the Maleny Dairies.
Located off the coast of Hervey Bay is the world’s largest sand island. World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Cool off in freshwater lakes and creeks such as Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek and swim in the blue waters of the Champagne rock pools. Walk among the ancient satinay and brush box trees at Pine Valley and the towering rainforests in the valley of the Giants. Take to the beach highway, known as 75 Mile Beach, by four wheel drive to see the Maheno shipwreck and the coloured sand cliffs. Enhance your Fraser Island experience by staying at Eurong Beach Resort or Kingfisher Bay Resort.
You’d be hard pressed to find a local who hasn’t experienced the renowned wild rainbow lorikeet feeding at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a not for profit and National Trust owned. Set on 27 hectares of natural bushland with the aim to educate visitors through close encounters with native animals. A time honoured tradition is to stop by the kangaroo paddock to feed the kangaroos and wallabies. No visit to the Sanctuary is complete without a visit to the Wildlife Hospital where you can witness the amazing tem treating, rehabilitating and releasing sick and injured native wildlife.
