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Posts Tagged ‘Gold Coast’

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 »

Warm Up at Surfers Paradise

Tuesday, July 14th, 2009

Winter is upon us, and while Queensland is best known for beautiful sunny days, that doesn’t stop Jack Frost creeping in around this time of year. As the days get shorter and colder, it becomes harder for everyone to beat those winter blues.

For the best cure, why not take a drive to the Gold Coast and discover Surfers Paradise. It’s only 60 minutes from the Brisbane CBD and there is so much to see and do, that it can’t be condensed in one sentence.

Take leisurely stroll along the golden sands of Surfers Paradise beach, or dip your feet in the cool waters of the ocean if you’re game enough. The beaches are patrolled from 8am to 5pm, 7 days a week, so there is always a safe time to swim.

Splash your cash on a shopping trip. With hundreds of stores to choose from in the shopping precinct, you’ll not go home empty-handed. Boutiques, surf shops, high end fashion and accessories are all part of the Surfers Paradise shopping experience.

Pamper yourself at a day spa, hairdresser or nail salon and finish off with a delectable hot coffee at one of the many welcoming cafes, bistros and restaurants.

After dark, Surfers Paradise transforms into a Vegas-style hotspot with neon lights, music and people of all vintage abuzz for the excitement of the nightlife. Countless nightclubs, bars and pubs line the streets of this central location, making it a perfect way to end your fun-filled day.

If it’s something a little more adrenalin-invoking you’re after, or even just something to make you feel like a kid again, then try one of the many unique attractions Surfers Paradise has to offer, such as the Fly Coaster, Bungee Trampoline, Sling Shot, Vomatron, Infinity, Timezone games arcade, Tenpin Bowling, Putt Putt, the Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, and much much more.

If there is one guarantee that Surfers Paradise can provide, it is that you definately won’t be bored.

How much fun can be had in one day? Well, that depends entirely on you…..how many of these activities do you think you can squeeze into 24 hours? In fact, you may find you’ll want to stay longer just to fit everything in. There is plenty of accomodation to suit every budget at Surfers Paradise, from hostels to hotels and holiday apartments.

For more information on Surfers Paradise visit the Gold Coast Tourism website, www.verygoldcoast.com.au or contact Gold Coast City Council.

Tags: accomodation, adrenalin, apartment, bar, beach, Brisbane, cafe, day spa, dining, Gold Coast, hostel, hotel, lounge, nightclub, ocean, pub, Queensland, restaurant, Ripley's, shopping, Surfers Paradise
Posted in AROUND BRISBANE, 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 »

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 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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