From stores to eating joints and art galleries to wine estates, the Hinterland is a part of the state that can help you restart your life with renewed energy.

Maleny

High above the Blackall Ranges, lies the beautiful town of Maleny, seeped in history and culture with an abundance of that “time stands still” factor. The town is home to a large number of artists and art galleries and is known for the crafts that come out of the cedar, beech and hoop pine forests in the area. The region is host to the Maleny Wood Expo each year and is a magical place for art lovers or tourists at any time of the year.

Montville

In 1887, when the first set of settlers came to Montville, they created a beautiful town with small streets and adorable stores. Today, that magic and charm lingers on as chocolate shops and cafes line this beautiful town with their elegance and persona. Then there are some brilliant boutiques with exceptional offerings, ensuring that you never go back empty handed from a trip to Montville. The moment you start looking beyond the town, you hit a new world that has wineries, cheese factories and art galleries for people with all sorts of tastes. The cafes are quaint, the restaurants are delightful and the entire Montville experience is, by and large, something that you will not forget easily.

The Wine Trail

If you could spend the entire day in pristine countryside with a glass of wine in hand and nothing but the Sun shimmering down over the vineyards, then you wouldn’t be in heaven, just on the Hinterland wine trail. The Hinterland has the ideal conditions to set up a winery with its weather, landscape and more contributing to the brilliant soil and grapes. From the Ocean View Estates Winery to the Settlers Rise Winery, there are a number of places that you can land up in and go in for a tasting session. The Moonshine Valley Winery, the Eumundi Winery and Vineyard as well as the Kenilworth Bluff Wines are just some of the fantastic examples of ways to spend your day getting drunk.

Flaxton

When it comes to a village that has all the qualities of traditional Queensland, nothing beats Flaxton. There are churches and cottages that are reminiscent of the olden days while inns and Queenslanders dot the beautiful landscape. The Flaxton Barn is a great place to pick up some locally made products such as old wares or even food items. There is beautiful Marklin HQ Gauge modern railway display while tea at the Flaxton Gardens is something to help you sum up the day.

Sometimes, you need to look for ways and means to make your holidays more enjoyable. In the Hinterland, there is hardly any need for any effort because everything falls into your laps. The entire place is known for its brilliant views, the fantastic coastline and the host of charming towns and villages that give you the opportunity to taste local life. So the next time you are looking for a holiday that gives you everything you could ever dream of, then head down to the dreamy settings of Queensland’s Hinterland.

GEORGE GRAYSON – author

In the world of design and art, the name of George Grayson is quickly rising up the ladders of prominence. After starting off in the world of logo design, in Brisbane, George taught himself the art of effective advertising and went on to create numerous masterpieces that got him numerous small-time accolades. Over time, this travel and bike aficionado has managed to create a name for himself in an industry where thousands join and fall out every single day.

Glass House Mountains National Park 

This area of outstanding natural beauty is located approximately an hour north of Brisbane, and is an area of flat plains studded with the cores of ancient volcanoes which formed 25 million years ago. The mountains got their name from Captain Cook, who thought that they resembled glass houses as he sailed past them in 1770. The drive through the mountains is incredibly scenic, and there are many cute roadside shops which sell locally made jam and macadamia nuts. This is a great place to go hiking, and you will have many choices of trekking paths from easy 30 minute walks to intense four-hour journeys.

Fraser Island

If you are looking for some of the most pristine and unspoiled camping in Australia, you will find it here on beautiful Fraser Island. This World Heritage Site offers wild forests, dunes and lakes just 200 miles north of Brisbane. Its white beaches, freshwater lakes, ancient rainforests, and wildflowers are officially protected so that they can be enjoyed by many generations of visitors. While you are here, check out the shipwreck of the Maheno, a 1935 passenger steamer buried deep in the sand north of Eli Creek. Access to Fraser Island is by ferry, which you can take from River Heads or Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach.

Redcliffe

Redcliffe is located just 45 minutes north of Brisbane, and this historic city is known for its excellent beaches, friendly locals, great shopping, beautiful weather and delicious food. There are many things to do on a day trip to Redcliffe, such as checking out the history of the area at the Redcliffe Historical Society Museum. You can also stroll along Redcliffe’s seaside, which has been a popular tourist destination for almost 185 years. Why not sit back and enjoy a picnic on the beach with some savoury, crispy fish and chips from a local shop? While you are in Brisbane, there are many reasons to get out of the city and explore the surrounding region. These are just a few of the great day trips which can be easily reached from Brisbane.

Elena Price is a freelance writer who researches far-flung places for Etihad Airways. For more details about flights to Brisbane, see the destination information page.

Yeppoon’s population of sixteen thousand won’t appeal to you if you are looking for a Gold Coast style tropical vacation. If you are looking for a laid back tropical vacation in a place that has just enough restaurants, bars and cafes to satisfy your appetite but an absence of all the annoying hype and hustle, then you will love Yeppoon and its community.

That’s not to say that the lucky locals in Yeppoon aren’t there to help make your stay enjoyable. On the contrary, they welcome visitors and will go out of their way to make sure your holiday is a memorable one. If you are the type of person who welcomes a pretentious atmosphere and overpriced meals and attractions, then Yeppoon is not the place for you. In Yeppoon, you can enjoy a great meal at a delightful alfresco sidewalk café just a short stroll away from a tranquil beach and the turquoise sea, but your day won’t be spoiled when your friendly local waitress delivers your bill.

If even Yeppoon is too big and busy for you, there are many other smaller Capricorn Coast communities to choose from. Many visitors like to stay in or around Rosslyn, because that is where the boat harbour is and the ferry crosses over to Great Keppel Island. All the action in Rosslyn is cantered around the harbour. Step away from the harbour and you can have the long, pristine Kemp Beach almost all to yourself or you can go a little further south and explore Bluff Point National Park on its well maintained walking track.

Even if you’ve never heard of the Capricorn Coast or aren’t sure where it is, you have probably heard of Great Keppel Island. Of all the islands on or near the Great Barrier Reef, Great Keppel has the distinction of being the easiest to get to and the most affordable. What it lacks in 5 Star resorts designed for millionaires, it more than makes up for by having everything you go to a tropical island for – beautiful pearly sands, crystal clear waters, stunning reefs and stunning natural surroundings. You don’t need to jump through hoops to get there, either. Just hop about the ferry in Rosslyn and you’ll be on Great Keppel Island in around half an hour.

It doesn’t matter where you decide to stay, you will love your Capricorn Coast accommodation. It’s easy to find your way around and whether or on the mainland or on Great Keppel Island, you will be on the idyllic Capricorn Coast of Queensland. For a tropical getaway the way it’s meant to be, visit the Capricorn Coast.

Local Attractions
Historical sites and landmarks and turn-of-the-century Queensland architecture can be found in Mackay. In the city centre, the Town Hall and several other structures have undergone restoration to preserve each building’s unique architectural detail. The Queensland Heritage Trails Network, a group that links together some of the state’s most significant historical sites, have cited the local Town Hall as part of this network.

Within Harbour beach near the Mackay Marina is the Pine Islet Lighthouse, a fully working kerosene lighthouse erected in 1885 and relocated to its current site in 1995. The lighthouse is maintained on site by the local Lighthouse Preservation Society.

Artspace Mackay is the city’s own exhibition space and art gallery. The structure is designed in a modern and contemporary style combining concrete, steel, and copper. Artspace Mackay houses temporary exhibits and a permanent display on local and regional history.

Things to Do
The Mackay Heritage Walk includes the sites and landmarks that define the city’s history. The 90 minute walk consists of impressive architectural structures in the downtown area built during the early years of the city like the Mackay Courthouse, Masonic Temple, and Town Hall.

The Mackay Marina overlooking the shipyard and harbour has a wide selection of dining and entertainment options. Stroll along the esplanade under the leafy palm trees and head out to the waterfront where several alfresco dining establishments offer a variety of international, local, and regional cuisine. There is the Lighthouse Seafood Restaurant, Satchmo’s Tapas Bar, The Deck Steakhouse, Georges Thai, among other establishments.

Adventure fun for the whole family can be experienced at the Blue Water Lagoon near the Pioneer River. Visitors trek to the man-made lagoon for its three level pools and barbecue facilities. The Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens is just a few kilometres away from downtown. It has walking and cycling trails, lagoons, and boardwalks for watching the endemic flora and fauna. The Cathu State Forest and the Llewellyn Dive Site near the Barrier Reef draws in the more adventure-oriented crowd who are into outdoor and water-recreational activities.

Getting There
Domestic flights land at Mackay International Airport, which is less than 6 kilometres away from the city centre. Major Australian airlines such as Qantas and Jetstar provide regular connecting flights from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Cairns and other domestic locations.

From Brisbane, the state capital, travellers can also take the Queensland rail, which has a regular routing schedule to Mackay. Travel time takes hours so it is best to catch a ride on the Tilt Train which has state-of-the-art conveniences and comfortable coaches.

Another option is to rent a car and drive through the coastal route via Bruce Highway. This is ideally for those who are planning to have a road trip as it could take at least 10 hours of driving from Brisbane to Mackay. Maryborough, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Caboolture, Nambour, Gympie, and several other townships are accessible from Bruce Highway and would make interesting stopovers en route to Mackay.

Author Bio: Zac is a travel writer on the road. He recommends cheap domestic flights as well as other ways to find cheap flights, like looking for last minute flights that can save you a great deal of money for your vacation.

If it’s value for money you’re looking for, then take another look at Hamilton Island. If you get a family package deal, you get a luxurious room to stay in and access to many facilities that would cost you extra in another location. Hamilton Island is an uncrowded paradise, with quiet beaches, reefs and coves to explore at your leisure. Grab a mask, snorkel and fins and explore some of the crystal clear waters virtually at your doorstep. If you want to explore a little further afield, you are welcome to use a safe, stable kayak and go snorkeling at a Hamilton Island reef.

For more adventurous divers, Hamilton Island is truly a paradise. The Great Barrier Reef needs no introduction. It is spread out before you and you can take your pick between a number of fabulous diving adventures. These can be short, guided excursions to some of the nearby reefs or longer scuba diving tours.

For a truly unique reef experience, you can book an excursion aboard a catamaran and go to Reefworld. Reefworld can best be described as two manmade floating islands on pontoons right in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. Every effort is made to both preserve the reef and make it accessible to the public. For the children, there is a special swimming enclosure to ensure their safety. For first time snorkelers, there is an easy to use snorkeling platform to launch from. If you don’t want to get wet, you can take a ride on a glass hulled, submersible vessel.

Back on land, just five minutes from Hamilton Island is the world renowned Dent Island 18 hole golf course. Imagine playing 18 challenging holes on a course designed by a world champion golfer, surrounded by the glittering Coral Sea and the spectacular Whitsunday Islands. Hamilton Island golfing vacations are so popular, you can often find great special deals for weekend golf packages.

There are so many world class amenities on Hamilton Island, you might think that it has been overdeveloped. Nothing could be further from the truth. Viewed from above, most of the island is lush and green and its native habitats meticulously preserved. It’s not all off limits, though. There are many ways you can explore the island. If you’re the adventurous type, try a quad bike tour of the island. In order to protect the environment, you will stick with the fire trails, but that won’t stop you from taking in the most breathtaking views the island has to offer.

As you can see, there is much more to a Hamilton Island vacation than its reputation as an upscale resort for honeymooners and the wealthy suggests. All of these attractions and more are available on a family budget. Of course, if money is no object, you will be treated like a king on Hamilton Island. On the other hand, no matter what your budget, you will feel like royalty on this stunning tropical resort island.

The most popular project is on Brampton Island, located off the central Queensland coast. Volunteers work to remove invasive weeds from the national park’s sensitive beach scrub habitat, clean beaches of plastics and other ocean debris and conduct informal wildlife and coral surveys. A guided hike offers insights to the area’s unique biodiversity and the interactions between the island, surrounding reefs, ocean and mainland. During free time, volunteers have the opportunity to go snorkelling, explore the island’s hidden beaches or just sit under a tree with a good book. Project dates run from April to November. For more information on Wild Mob’s Brampton Island conservation project, visit:

http://www.wildmob.org/projects/brampton-island-conservation-project

Wollemi National Park plays host to another of Wild Mob’s environmental conservation programs. This newly created project is based just west of Sydney, set within Wollemi National Park’s breathtaking views of canyons, cliffs and undisturbed forests. Volunteers take part in species surveys, designed to help track and eradicate introduced feral cats, dogs and other animals, along with general park maintenance work. Informal Indigenous cultural education helps volunteers better understand the region’s natural processes and the customs of the local Wiradjuri people. For free time, volunteers can swim in the area’s pristine waters, hike its remote forests or canoe through its quiet wetlands. Project dates run from April to October. For more information on Wild Mob’s Wollemi conservation project, visit:

http://www.wildmob.org/projects/wollemi-conservation-project

Wild Mob’s other conservation projects include coastal restoration work in Tasmania, endangered wallaby protection in Queensland, and invasive weed eradication in Mt Kosciuszko National Park. Wild Mob supplies all tents, food and equipment for projects. Groups are always welcome – including school groups and families, and private bookings can be arranged. For more information, visit www.wildmob.org, call (0)7 3369 9665 or e-mail info@wildmob.org.

For the golfers in the group there are beautiful, scenic golf courses starting with the Mount Coolum Golf Club. This golfing range sponsors a monthly metal competition, typically held on the first Saturday of each month and there are different prizes for the winner. This championship, 18 hole, par 72 course is not for the faint of heart. There are other games of golf in and around town including the Golf Qld, Golf Australia and Sunshine Coast Golf.

If lying on the beach, soaking up the sun is more your style, then the Mooloolaba beach is the perfect choice. The white sandy beaches and lots of water sports will keep people busy all day or all week. There is snorkelling, deep sea fishing, wind surfing or boogie boarding. For those who like their water activities a little calmer, there are hundreds of chairs for lounging by the shore to soak up the sun and maybe take a dip in the surf.

Also along the Mooloolaba region is the famous Australia Zoo which was home to the late Croc Hunter and now his lovely daughter, Bindi. This is a great zoo in which to spend a day with the many different animals. And spend the day one will; an individual can play, pet and feed many of the different species and breeds of wildlife.

Known for its various different shopping and restaurant experiences and Mooloolaba holiday apartments, this region is also popular for the unique and unusual architectural built structures one could admire and visit while on their trip. After that, head to the Aussie World amusement park that has over 30 games and rides to choose from to thrill and entertain you. There is also the Big Kart Track that allows its guests a place to navigate chicanes, wild bends and hairpin turns in the small highway, what an adrenalin rush.

Cotton Tree is another great place to visit while vacationing in the Waters of Twin region and it’s one of the best kept secrets. This area lies between the ocean and the opening of the river. Each Sunday morning features a market of produce, different types of wares and handicrafts. Thousands of tourists and locals flock to the market every weekend and this is a great holiday destination for hundreds of travellers.

Also a symbol of Queensland it the Big Pineapple, a major iconic symbol of the area on the Sunshine Coast and for many years, it has been amusing visitors. The plantation train will help take people around the farm to see everything they have every wanted to see about the pineapple.

A drive along the Blackall Range is where a lot of the tourists take their peaceful and relaxing drives to view and visit the Flaxton with the examples of the different early ‘Queenslanders’ with their solid timber houses and lots of character in their buildings, many with the verandas of spacious build. Viewing is never a problem here for they sit atop a ridge and the Twin Waters is not far so a quick day trip would be in order for a group of travellers or a family.

Start slow with a trip to a local Sunday Market to purchase unusual souvenirs. Spend some time on the beach catching some of that famous Australian sunshine. Choices lean towards the active visitor, but you can take a quiet break here too.

Hire a bicycle and take a professionally guided or self-guided tour of the area. Walkers rejoice: Bli Bli offers both cruises and boardwalk access to the Wet Lands Sanctuary. Spend some time observing the swamps and mangroves plus wildlife protected here, if you are quiet and patient enough to watch for signs of them in the tall reeds. The Bellingham Outdoor Maze will also keep guests on their toes as they navigate their way out. Enjoy other puzzling activities here too set up for children and adults who like a challenge.

Of course, being situated by the water, you may want to get out and try playing in it. Arrange for lessons in knee boarding, tubing and more. Kite surfing is a popular pass time to witness or try but if you want to start slowly there is room for all abilities. Even kids can take a class in some kind of water sport and enjoy some thrills.

Try a four wheel drive safari for comfortable transportation. Tours will take you swimming in clear lake waters, snorkelling and more. View dolphins, tour rain forests, admire the view and meet people from across the globe.

Kids are bound to love Sunshine Castle. Explore the genius of a re-created castle built to Norman-style design. Ascend to the circular look-out tower, gazing down over a moat and drawbridge to the imagined enemy below. View the throne room, courtyard and stage. Observe a fairytale diorama, Lord of the Rings display and even send kids on a treasure hunt. This spot should keep everyone busy for a full day.

Get your gifts and supplies at Sunshine Plaza, including extra clothes if you packed the wrong things for Maroochydore weather. This is a shopping mall with a difference featuring not just cinemas and shops. Relax next to a natural waterway with your shopping bags and a snack.

The Plaza food court offers up a wide variety of menu choices. Dip into Turkish food or sushi. Order a coffee or tea. Even indulge in the delights of cocoa at the Spanish chocolate bar.

You can choose to stay at a caravan park or budget friendly, cheerful motel with colour TV and private bathroom. On the other hand, expect high quality lodgings at Cotton Tree, an up market suburb or Maroochydore. Select from self-contained Maroochydore apartments and chalets or opt for resort style rooms with luxurious amenities. Retreat into the bush, rest on the river, or gaze out over gardens from a private balcony.

Admittedly this harbor city is a paradise unknown to many. Located in the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, its majestic scenery is exemplified outstanding lake shores, poignant scenery and long beaches. It is also a home to a variety of national parks for those who would want to experience the great outback. The spirit of nature can greatly reflect on the breathtaking peaks of Mt. Castle tower National Park. Amazingly this ragged beauty that provides recreational escape and rejuvenating soul for both its settlers and tourists.

The Port City to the World is also the Engine Room of Industry for Queensland. It production of alumina is the largest in the world. No wonder its economy is stable despite industrial economic crisis. Queensland has maintained a stable spot in the industry of trade, investment and commerce. There are a number of good Gladstone Accommodation options available.

Historically Captain James Cook and his crew were enticed with its sub- tropical weather setting foot on this land in 1770. It is an ideal getaway towards outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, boating and surfing. These are just a few of the activities you can do year-round in this once called ghost town. Currently tourists are encouraged to join sport fishing to appreciate its marine abundance. The most sought fishes would be the red emperor fish, Spanish mackerel and coral trout. One can fish near the reef where they are mostly located. Obviously the development of this charter boats departure point has grown dynamically in a progressive town.

Most tourists could not wait to go to Lake Awoonga. This inland waterway in between Calliope and Dawes Ranges is a home to the most renowned barramundi. The large plateau also serves as a home to 300,000 fishes and 200 species of birds. There is also recreation areas where you can go for swimming and hiking. If you are lucky you might get free barbecues.

National parks have been maintained to add to its cinematic experience. The vast region is covered with evergreens and unexplored areas. Exploring it can be rejuvenate the soul and clear our minds. Its coastal topography excites nature lovers thus they often consider four-wheel drive racing in its uneven terrain.

Australians are good caretakers of our environment. Preserving marine life has been the passion of this city. Museums and sanctuaries were established throughout Queensland to preserve endangered marine species including turtles. No wonder its white shores is filled with unscathed eggs and turtle hatch-ling.

The natural beauty of Queensland amazingly has withstood the change towards modernization. Despite the existence of technology the legacy of maintaining the best of Nature has lived throughout the ancestry. It is a complete balance of nature and technology.

The area has some interesting historical connections. Mount Warning and Point Danger got their names from Captain James Cook, the British explorer, who sailed up the coast here in 1770. Point Danger is an excellent place for watching marine life, dolphins and occasionally humpbacked whales can be seen from here, as well as all sorts of sea birds.

After a short career as a convict station, Coolangatta became an important focus for the logging of red cedar from the area. The Tweed River developed as a port and the twin towns of Coolangatta (Queensland) and Tweed Heads (New South Wales) developed on either side of the state boundary. With the arrival of the railway the area began to see its first tourist visitors, coming from Queensland’s state capital, Brisbane, and from New South Wales.

The Victorian tourists frequented the three north facing local beaches: Greenmount Beach, Coolangatta Beach and Rainbow Bay, and just after that era (in 1911) the first surfing and life saving club in Queensland was founded here. Guest houses began to be built in the beach areas.

Nowadays Gold Coast Airport is found just five minutes drive from town. The local beaches are still enjoyed by swimmers and surfers, and other visitors choose to explore the coastline on foot, or by hiring bicycles.

In the centre many interesting shops and boutiques can be found, as well as many good cafes and restaurants, and lively pubs and clubs. The local fishermen ensure a regular supply of fresh catches from the Pacific, and sea food restaurants are numerous. Pubs and clubs in the area often have live music and other entertainment. There are a number of Coolangatta holiday apartments and other accommodation options available

Coolangatta is a good place to see in the New Year (NB Northern hemisphere visitors should remember that this is summer time in Australia). Because New South Wales and Queensland are in different time zones you can see the New Year in twice, first in New South Wales, and then in Queensland. Even if you stay on the Queensland side of the border you can watch the Tweed Heads firework display at 11 pm Queensland time.

Other attractions of the Gold Coast are easily reached by car from the town. There are over forty golf courses in Gold Coast, some of Australia’s largest theme parks for families, and the Gold Coast hinterland is a World Heritage area, protected by several national parks.