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Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park

Friday, August 7th, 2009

Hidden away in the beautiful Gold Coast Hinterland (about 50km south of Brisbane) are Cedar Creek Lodges at Thunderbird Park. Situated on the picturesque Tamborine Mountain, this 112 hectares of wilderness retreat (Thunderbird Park) is a geological rich oasis, boasting towering rainforests, beautiful clear rock pools and a host of activities for adults and children alike.

Whether you’re looking for a day trip to experience some of the best natural envorinments that Brisbane and the surrounding areas have to offer, or a longer stay, there are a number of accomodation options available including:

Cedar Lodges (and other specially designed rooms) for a luxury getaway - spacious 2 bedroom lodges spaced along the banks of Cedar Creek, with contemporary decor, cedar shutters, poslished timber floors, high ceilings and private balconies. In winter, the fireplace can be crackling away whilst you cosy up with your loved ones.
Creek Side Camping for the great outdoor experience - is a dog-friendly campsite with powered and unpowered sites available either creek-side or bush-side. There are natural rock fireplaces and wood, ice, gas and a public telephone are all available on-site.

For dining, the Rainforest Restaurant, Gallery, Bar is open for lunch 7 days a week and for dinner Friday and Saturday. The pavilion- style structure offers guests a uninterrupted view of the established gardens, flowering orchids and, at night, illuminated rainforest. Birdlife is prolific and diners can enjoy the passing parade of ducks, colourful king parrots, rosellas, lorikeets, bush turkeys and white cockatoos while enjoying the fresh, seasonal menu. Need a mid-morning snack? Then pop in for a wonderful devonshire tea with oven-fresh scones, home-made strawberry jam, and fresh cream.

If it’s a relax and unwind that youre after then Ripple Massage offers a wide range of massage styles, from the lush KaHuna massage to the deeply relaxing Hot Stone or Russian massages. There’s also a special pregnancy massage for expectant mothers and “Blokes” packages designed specifically for men. All can be enjoyed in the privacy of your own lodge.

Outdoor activities on offer at Cedar Creek Lodges are fossicking in the world’s largest thunderegg mine, ropes and adventure games course (the largest in Australia), horse riding, laser skirmish, mini golf, mountain bike trails, abseiling, swimming and bushwalking. Or change the pace and head indoors to the Gallery Games Room, which offers a pool table, juke box, darts, cards, chess and board games.

A Kids Club suitable for ages 6 to 12 operates during the school holidays and offers a great range of activities such as trust walks, obstacle courses, orienteering, treasure hunts, tie-dyeing, papier mâché and fabric painting.

Budding astronomers take note: according to Australian Stargazing author Gregg Thompson, Thunderbird Park is a stargazer’s paradise! Guests can observe satellites passing overhead, meteor showers, the planets, lunar features, constellations and, occasionally, eclipses and comets.

Cedar Creek Lodges is also a great place to hold your wedding, conference or school camp.

For more information, please visit www.cedarcreeklodges.com.au

Tags: abseil, Australia, bike, birds, Brisbane, bush, camping, cedar creek, children, couple, dog friendly, egg, family, fossick, gallery, games, geology, Gold Coast, golf, hinterland, holiday, horse, kids, massage, orienteering, Queensland, rainforest, restaurant, retreat, ropes, skirmish, tamborine mountain, thunder, vacation, wildlife
Posted in Brisbane - South, Gold Coast | No Comments »

Outdoor Adventure Activities in Brisbane

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland and is Australia’s third largest city with a population of close to 2 million as of 2007. It is located in the southeast corner, and the area used to be called Mian-jin by the locals because that means ‘place shaped as a spike’ since it is on a floodplain between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range. You can take a cruise on the Brisbane River if you like.

There is a spectacular view of the city from Mt. Coot-tha (meaning ‘place of honey’), which is 287 metres above sea level, and became a public park of 1500 acres in 1883.

Brisbane was named for Sir Thomas Brisbane, the Governor of New South Wales at the time Brisbane was established in 1824. It was the South West Pacific headquarters for General Douglas MacArthur during World War II.

Convict labor in 1828 built the oldest surviving buildings: The Windmill (originally used as a place to grind grain, unusual with its wind powered sails, and later became an observatory) and the Old Commissariat Store (presently the home of the Royal Historical Society of Queensland).

The magnificent scenery and waters provide endless outdoor adventures to be enjoyed.

The Crocodile Hunter (Steve Irwin) and his daughter (Bindi) brought much attention to the Australia Zoo, which is on over 70 acres of bush land containing over 1,000 species including koalas, kangaroos, tigers, wombats, snakes, elephants, and much more including magnificent gardens. Would you like to get your picture taken with a baby crocodile? You can! And there are wheelchairs and scooters available for the disabled so they can see the sights along with the rest of the family.

If you want to see, touch and feed more koalas and kangaroos, you can visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, which is the world’s largest with over 130 koalas.

If you are willing to take a leisurely drive 90 minutes away, you can visit the Rathdowney Alpaca Farm, where you can enjoy the feel of their soft fleece after learning about them and visit their Alpaca Shack with handcrafted garments and many other gifts. There is also a 100 year old Queenslander farmhouse with beautiful gardens.

The Story Bridge has 6 lanes of traffic but also a bikeway and footpath and a famous pub under its span!! At the annual Riverfire, there are unbelievable fireworks displays. Fireworks are also featured year-round along with festivals, cinemas, eating places, and free live entertainment at the South Bank.

The Kangaroo Point Cliffs are sheer steep cliffs in the city where climbers can prove their skills even at night when the cliffs are lit up.

The Sky Needle (88 metres high) was part of World Expo 88.

You can venture out a short drive to some of the world’s cleanest and most beautiful beaches, the world-famous Sunshine Coast (44 miles long) and the Gold Coast (22 miles long), where you can swim, sail, surf or sunbake.

Tags: abseiling, alpaca, Australia, Australia Zoo, beach, Bindi Irwin, Brisbane, climb, Crocodile Hunter, elephant, entertainment, farm, fireworks, General Douglas MacArthur, Gold Coast, Great Dividing Range, kangaroo, Kangaroo Point, koala, Lone Pine, Moreton Bay, Mt Coot-tha, park, Queensland, Rathdowney, river, Riverfire, sail, Sir Thomas Brisbane, Sky Needle, snake, Steve Irwin, Story Bridge, Sunshine Coast, surf, swim, tiger, Windmill, wombat, World Expo 88
Posted in Brisbane - East, Brisbane - North, Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West, Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, Gold Coast, Ipswich & Surrounds, Southbank, Sunshine Coast | No Comments »

Bargain Hunting in Brisbane

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Love bargains and digging for hidden treasures? The Sunday Discovery Market in Brisbane is just what thrifty shoppers are searching for. This bustling market is a weekly local event.

For unique and easy ways to save on items for your lifestyle needs like local produce, gently used clothing and books, and eclectic home décor, this huge marketplace houses over 380 vendor stalls. Over 5,000 avid shoppers arrive at the Sunday Discovery Market every weekend for bargain hunter’s paradise.

What kind of treasures and deals are to be found? Mountains of fresh, local, seasonal fruits and vegetables for winter-starved appetites, and freshly baked artisan breads, pastries, and snacks are ready for purchase. Nibble on a tasty treat while you stroll around the assortment of stalls, choosing from plants, clothing, CDs and DVDs, jewellery and every kind of imaginable home décor item.

For frugal ways to stretch budget dollars there are many merchants offering good quality, previously owned clothing items. Purchasing such items for children is a good investment since they outgrow garments so rapidly.

If the thought of a whirlwind of activity and crowding created by thousands of shoppers makes you feel claustrophobic, the City Farmers Market in Brisbane Square may be preferable. Held every Wednesday, there are bargains and values on everything from local organic produce to taste tantalizing freshly made food items. Eat them right on the spot, or tote them home to enjoy later.

This is just a quick glimpse of the multitude of shops, retailers, and merchants found in Brisbane. Sharp bargain hunters know how to find the best deals – follow the locals.

Brisbane MarketPlace is located on Sherwood Road at Rocklea and there is plenty of on-site and nearby parking available.

Tags: Australia, bargains, books, Brisbane, Brisbane Square, CD, City Farmers Market, clothing, decor, DVD, fruit, jewellery, markets, plants, produce, Queensland, shopping, Sunday, Sunday Discovery Market, vegetables
Posted in Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West, Brisbane CBD | No Comments »

A multicultural day in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley

Thursday, May 28th, 2009

Spending time anywhere in Australia can be exciting and it is certainly multicultural but the Fortitude Valley is special. This is where I was able to see Brisbane’s China Town and walk through the absolutely fabulous Brunswick Mall. It is the place to find the best gelato, great museums and the Emporium Hotel where you can get all anyone can ask for in luxury.

I always like to begin a visit anywhere with a guided tour of the main attractions before venturing for more in-depth wanderings on my own. It is through these tours that you get information about the area. Fortitude Valley was first settled in 1849 and was named after the ship, Fortitude, that the immigrants were riding on. I took a bus tour that included 19 different stops among which were historic buildings and China Town. The bus driver gives a running narration of all the sights and the best part was that I could get off at different places, explore on my own, and then reboard the bus and continue on with the tour.

I fell in love with Ann Street. It was on this street that I found Blonde Venus, a truly unique boutique. It did not look like much on the outside, but just like you should not judge a book by its cover, don’t judge boutiques either. It showcases a lot of local talent and also has cutting-edge designs. It is also the street where you can find Ultra Suites, Mod Cons where you can find unique housewares and gifts, and jewellery at Dinosaur Designs.

Just as Hollywood has its walk of fame, so does Fortitude Valley. The plaques that you will see as you stroll down Brunswick Street Mall are dedicated to the bands from Brisbane that have made their way to fame. I read plaques about The Bee Gees, Keith Urban, The Saints and the Go Betweens. There are a many more and it is a great place to learn the history of your favorite bands from Australia.

Fortitude Valley is a melting pot of cultures. You can find food, art, entertainment, gifts and clothes from around the world. Chinatown is like a miniature Asia where you can find all of the outdoor shops and eateries that you could possibly want. The Brunswick Street Mall is open daily and the Brunswick Street Market is open on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm.

I can strongly recommend that you enhance your visit to Brisbane and Fortitude Valley with a Balloon Tour. Pick a clear day, there are plenty of these, and you can see all the way to the Gold Coast as you float above the bustle of the city. The tour includes the opportunity to help inflate the balloon, champagne breakfast and sunrise flights which beg to be photographed. For the photographer, there is no better way to get spectacular views and memorable photos.

I can highly recommend the accomodations available from the Emporium, if you wish to be pampered, to the Backpacker Hotel where you receive excellent meals and helpful information for walk-abouts in the area. Go ready to enjoy the Fortitude Valley experience.

Tags: Australia, backpacker, Blonde Venus, Brisbane, Brunswick, champagne breakfast, China Town, Dinosaur Designs, Emporium, Fortitude Valley, gelato, Gold Coast, hot air balloon, hotel, live music, Mod Cons, museum, Queensland, tours, Ultra Suites
Posted in Fortitude Valley | No Comments »

Things to see and do at Brisbane’s Southbank

Thursday, May 21st, 2009

For my last vacation I wanted to go somewhere that I had never been, but still be able to understand what was going on and able to communicate well with the local people. I chose to visit Southbank in Brisbane, Australia. This was the site of World Expo 1988. Once Expo closed, this beautiful area, located along the Brisbane River, was retained by the government and redeveloped to be a ‘lifestyle area’ and the result is just spectacular. For a few days I was able to wander through 42 acres of shady walkways to enjoy some really spectacular attractions.

I am a nature lover at heart so I truly enjoyed walking leisurely along the startly white sands of Southbank Beach. The whole world seems to slow down and although cars are allowed along the beach, most people seem to prefer to stroll along at a leisurely pace. There are many must see attractions along Southbank and the first one that I visited was the Energex Arbour. The walkway through is approx 1 km going under and around curved pillars that drip magenta bougainvillea. In the evening these pillars are lit up with mood lights and it is not unusual to see a romantic couple underneath them.

The Goodwill Bridge connects the southern most end of Southbank with the City Botanic Gardens and then on to the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This is a great walk that loops around and since the City of Brisbane boasts that 50,000 pedestrians and cyclists cross the bridge from one side to the other each week, I think a lot of people besides me find it breathtaking.

I have always been fond of river cruises and on the Brisbane River I had several that I could choose from. I find such decisions difficult so, of course, I had to take all three. There was the MV Neptune which took me on a 90 minute cruise through Breakfast creek. On the weekend I took a tour on the tug Forceful. It is a historic steam tug that took me to Moreton Island. The last river cruise that I took was an absolutley delightful paddle wheel ride on the Kookaburra River Queen.

I am by no means a shopaholic, but I do enjoy exploring the shops wherever I go. In 2001, a new retail district opened up on Southbank. Along a strip called Little Stanley Street you can find shops that will delight even the most ardent shopper. I could see such well-known labels as Baby Doll and Princess Highway. There are many shops along this road that give the visitor a wide range from which to choose that very important souvenir.

Since I am very much an admirer of arts and crafts that are created and usually one of a kind, I was thrilled with the South Bank Arts and Crafts Market that is held Friday evenings from 5-10pm, Saturdays from 11 am to 5 pm and Sundays from 9am to 5 pm. It was wonderful to be able to wander among the bright tents beneath the Energex Arbour and along Stanley Street Plaza. It topped off my trip to Southbank.

Tags: arbour, Australia, Baby Doll, beach, botanic gardens, bougainvillea, Breakfast Creek, Brisbane, Expo 88, Forcefull, Goodwill Bridge, Kookaburra River Queen, Little Stanley Street, markets, Moreton Island, MV Neptune, Princess Highway, Queensland, QUT, shopping, Southbank, souvenir, World Expo
Posted in Southbank | No Comments »

Things To See and Do In Brisbane

Thursday, May 14th, 2009

Brisbane, Australia is the capital and most populous city in Queensland. Located on the Brisbane river, the climate is humid and subtropical. Brisbane is home to a thriving classical and contemporary music scene, many theatres and performing arts centres and several world-class museums. Parks, beaches and public gardens are available for outdoor activities and there are a variety of public festivals scheduled year round.

In 2007, Billboard Magazine nominated Brisbane as one of the Top 5 International Music Hotspots and Brisbane lives up to this distinction with its many live musical events. Throughout the city, there are pubs, clubs and outdoor cafes that offer live entertainment nightly. From classical to contemporary, Brisbane embraces its Hotspot nomination.

The Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) is home to the concert hall and several theatres. Ballet, opera, orchestra and other performing arts troupes call this venue home.

Opened in 2006, the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) houses collections from around the world. GoMA is the largest modern art museum in Australia. Its large size allows for large scale exhibitions, including the largest Andy Warhol retrospectives in the country.

There are historic sites in Brisbane that relate to its importance during World War II. Buildings that were used as headquarters for Allied troops have been preserved. The Shrine of Remembrance, a war memorial, is located in Anzac Square.

South Bank Parklands are a popular area for events and celebrations. There are over 17 hectares of lawns and gardens and it is the site of many weddings.

Perfect for walks, weddings, biking and relaxing, the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens is an old and venerable complex. Its central location and lush gardens make it a popular destination for locals.

No trip to Brisbane would be complete without a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Opened in 1927, it is the oldest sanctuary of its kind. Over 130 koalas call the sanctuary home, and there are also kangaroos and other native Australian animals available to meet and feed.

Beautiful and clean, the Gold Coast beaches of Queensland are a short drive from Brisbane. Well protected by the famous Aussie beach patrol (Surf Life Saving Australia), visitors can choose from over 70 kilometres of prime sandy beaches. All popular beach activities are available, including sailing, surfing, wind surfing, swimming and snorkeling.

Brisbane is a vital and exciting city with a wide variety of cultural and recreational opportunities for local residents and tourists alike.

Tags: Anzac Square, Australia, ballet, beach, botanic gardens, Brisbane, cafe, club, festival, garden, Gold Coast, GoMA, kangaroo, koala, Lone Pine, music, opera, orchestra, park, pub, QPAC, Queensland, sailing, Shrine of Remembrance, snorkelling, surfing, swimming, theatre
Posted in Brisbane - East, Brisbane - North, Brisbane - South, Brisbane - West, Brisbane CBD, Fortitude Valley, Gold Coast, Ipswich & Surrounds, Southbank, Sunshine Coast | No Comments »

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