Guides Attractions Events in Queensland

Acland is known for its Grain and cattle farming which are popular in the district.

Acland is also known for the Acland Coal Museum, as the town iis sited on an authentic colliery which operated until 1984. The Acland mine was the oldest and smallest continuously worked coal mine in Queensland.

Once a thriving town and business centre, Adavale’s population has dwindled to around 15 today. Changing the planned railway line from Adavale to what is now Quilpie, was the beginning of the end for this pioneering town's prosperity. Graves dating from the early 1800s are a testament to the harsh Outback lifestyle and daily struggle of the early settlers.

The locals have done a marvellous job celebrating their history, culture and dry Outback humour. A mini museum in the old butcher house displays local relics from over a century ago. Annual events include the Fishing Carnival and the Bull Ride and Gymkhana.

Agnes Water is Queensland's northern-most surf beach and is the last in a line of beautiful, unspoilt beaches that sweep up the coast from Bundaberg.

Agnes Water and its sister township of Seventeen Seventy offer a range of activities and holiday ideas - from relaxing at the beach, four wheel driving through rugged coastal national parks, beach and deep sea fishing - to enjoying an adventure tour aboard an amphibious vessel. Agnes Water and Seventeen Seventy are also one of the closest points to the outer Great Barrier Reef, with tours departing to both Lady Musgrave Island or Fitzroy Reef.

Agnes Water features accommodation, shops and eateries and services - all with a beachside atmosphere. The Agnes Water Museum houses local history with interesting information about Captain Cook and his voyages. Many beautifully designed homes dot the palm covered hillsides, all with a look reminiscent of the tropics of tropical north Queensland.

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsundays, Queensland’s pristine 74 islands. It is a cosmopolitan and vibrant town filled with palm-fringed beaches, waterfront parks and alfresco dining restaurants.

Airlie Beach is the epitome of a beach town; you’ll instantly feel the carefree and relaxed attitude emanating from every space. You’ll find it in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a manmade saltwater swimming area surrounded by sand and grassy knolls. You’ll find it in the beachside parks where afternoon barbeques proliferate and continue into the evening hours. And you’ll find it in the alfresco restaurants where fresh seafood overflows from every dish.

But once the sun sets on Airlie Beach, another ambiance embraces the town. You’ll find a thriving energy exuding from the bars and nightclubs where backpackers and travellers party together well into the night. This energy is both contagious and irresistible, and often encourages travellers to stay longer than expected.

Alexandra Headland, known by the locals as 'Alex', is a coastal town situated on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The township has a relaxed and laid back atmosphere that complements the soothing rolling surf and inviting beaches. Alexandra Headland is also ringed by Mooloolaba, Buderim and Maroochydore with a superb coastal sweep to the north and bush foothills to the west.

Alexandra Headland's main attraction is its magnificent coastal frontage of beach, headland and parks extending for kilometres north and south. The swimming beach is patrolled by the Alexandra Headland Surf Club. On any day, visitors can enjoy watching the surfers, or better yet join them. There are many places to sign up for surf lessons and rent boards. For the skaters and bikers, there is an outdoor skate park right alongside the beach. Also provided are picnic and barbecue facilities; so why not enjoy lunch on the barbie with family and friends.

While Alexandra Headland has maintained its small town charm, it is only minutes from major Sunshine Coast shopping centres and attractions.

Distance from Brisbane (State Capital): 98 kilometres.

Allora is known as 'the best little town on the Downs'. The town nestles beside Dalrymple Creek just off the highway between Toowoomba and Warwick.

You may well think you are taking a trip into history when driving down the main street, a street described by one travel writer as 'one of the three best streetscapes in Australia'. Make sure you visit Saint David's Anglican Church built in 1888, and reputably one of the finest examples of a timber church in country Queensland.

Allora has a strong sense of history. A signed Heritage Trail takes walkers from one historic building to the next, street banners reflect the theme, and a series of murals at the gates of the showground depict local milestones. The town was the childhood home of P.L Travers who wrote the Mary Poppins stories, and the fallen soldier's memorial is one of only two Boer War memorials in Queensland.

Also of interest is Glengallan Homestead and Heritage Centre. Now restored, it embodies the history of the Allora region since the late 19th Century. A major draw card on the Heritage Building Trail, Glengallan divulges a fascinating insight into the workings of a pastoral station.

Train buffs take note. The Savannahlander is one of tropical North Queensland's unusual rail journeys.

It runs from Cairns to Forsayth overnighting in Almaden. It traces an important railway system that was developed by John Moffat as part of his vast mining empire in the late 1800s. By 1910, the Cairns to Chillagoe line was connected to the Etheridge gold fields so the private rail link from Forsayth-Almaden became an important rail junction. Imagine the treasure trove of riches uncovered in this mineral-rich land during those times.

Gold at Etheridge and Hodgkinson, copper at Mt Garnet and Mt Molloy, tin at Irvinebank and Stannary Hills, tin and silver at Emuford, silver and wolfram at Petford and coal at Mt Mulligan fuelling the Chillagoe smelter.

Australia truly was - and is - the lucky country. With these riches beneath the ground, it was sitting at the end of the rainbow. Almaden is a small community with some homes following the rail link. While some travellers head to Chillagoe's limestone cave tours by bus, others take the time to overnight at Almaden.

A slower pace does bring its own rewards. The Railway Hotel is a classic outback hotel, well maintained and presented. There's simple but comfortable accommodation, meals and takeaways and Nan is renowned for her pies. What more could you ask - every Aussie's wish.

Walk to the back of the hotel to see Nan's other passion - gardening. There is a micro tropical environment with lush palms, epiphytes and lawns. Locals refer to the community as Cow Town as cattle often camp along the streets in unfenced areas.

Alpha, the 'Town of Murals', was established in 1884 and is part of Jericho Shire, one of Queensland's largest cattle producing areas. Located on the Capricorn Highway, its streets are named after poets, the main street being Shakespeare Street.

The town is known for the 27 murals painted on various buildings throughout the town. Each mural depicts a different aspect of pioneering and contemporary Outback life.

The Jane Neville-Rolfe Gallery also boasts an excellent range of artworks from local artists and travelling shows.

The volunteers at the Rowley Roberts information centre can show you examples of petrified wood and direct you to where you can see its natural setting. Don't miss the photo opportunity at the bottle tree across from the Information Centre. An optimist installed a tap in the bottle tree - there's no news as to whether water has started to flow as yet.

Alpha has a pub where you can enjoy a meal and drink, along with a cafe and a bakehouse that serves award winning pies. Mobile phones can get reception but there are also pay phones. Alpha also has its own airstrip and hospital.

At first glance, Amamoor, just a 15 minute drive outside Gympie, seems like nothing more than a tiny village that comes alive just once a year in August for the Country Music Muster.

However, locals say that there is more to Amamoor than first meets the eye. On the Mary Valley Highway, this tiny town is adjacent to Amamoor State Forest and Forest Reserve that protect precious forests that are home to more than 120 species of birds.

What's more, riverine rainforest grows along Amamoor Creek and White Cedar, Red Cedar, Hoop Pine and Bunya are in the rainforest. The forest also contains Hoop and Bunya Pine plantations. Locals say that it is possible to find Platypus in Amamoor Creek at dawn or dusk.

Alternatively, take the road to Cooke's Knob fire tower for a fabulous view over the forests and coastal plains. However, remember this is state forestry so a permit is required to drive to the tower. For campers, Cedar Grove has grassy sites on the banks of Amamoor Creek that are popular all year round. Take your own firewood or use supplied firewood sparingly. Pay your fees on-site. The campsite has cold showers, toilets, barbecues, water and a public phone.

Amby, originally called Amby Creek, became a township in 1883 and forms part of the eastern boundary of the Outback region. It can best be described as where the grain and the grazing belts meet.

The Old Stage Changeover Shanty - known to the locals as Netting Hole - dates back to 1875 and is located on the northern side of town, along the Warrego Highway near Amby Downs waterhole.

Amby Quarry, located on the western side of town, is a lava flow of pure basalt ten metres deep, five kilometres wide and sixty-four kilometres long. It is quarried for construction of roads, bridges and dams. Fossils can be found occasionally in the lava.

Renowned for its country hospitality, stop and meet the locals and take up the challenge of the 'no horse' golf course.

With a name such as Amiens, it stands to reason that there would be links back to World War I. Quite a few villages along Amiens Road are named after the bloody Western Front battlefields.

That is the case, but even though the name Amiens is French, the major ethnic group in the area is Italian.

It was one of those soldier settlement areas, when the lads came home from the war they were offered miniscule blocks of land. A high failure rate resulted. Latter day winegrowers and orchardists have made up for that, with fruit orchards and wineries flourishing in the area.

Whilst in the area it is possible to do a bit of fossicking in the old diggings. In order to do this you will need a licence, which you can purchase from the Stanthorpe Visitor Information Centre. Stop off at Donnelly's Castle for a picnic where you will find a wood barbecue. Donnelly's Castle Lookout is atop a huge granite boulder.

Amity Point is the smallest of three townships located on stunning North Stradbroke Island, one of the largest sand islands in the world. Located off the coast of Brisbane, the island can be accessed via a regular ferry service departing from mainland Cleveland.

Amity Point is known for its charming, village atmosphere and its superb location, perched on the northern tip of the island. The small hamlet is surrounded by tropical rainforests and white sandy beaches lapped by the crystal clear waters of the ocean and bay. Flinders Beach to the east of Amity Point and the Wanga Wallen Bank, to the south, are some of the most pristine sections of coastline in Australia.

Water sports are popular in the area with many great spots to sail, fish, kayak or swim. During winter, nearby Point Lookout is considered one of the best places in the country to watch the whales on their slow migration north.

Within the small community of Amity Point itself, you will find some shops, cafes and restaurants and conveniences including a jetty and post office.

There are a range of accommodation options in Amity Point to suit all budgets. Waterfront cabins, budget units, cottages, bungalows and houses are all available for short term hire. Foreshore campsites are popular but can only be accessed by four-wheel drive and permits are required.

Anakie is positioned at the Sapphire Gemfields 'crossroads' along the Capricorn Highway, and hosts Australia's largest sapphire exhibition, the 'Gemfest - Festival of Gems' over four days each August. Visit the historic Anakie Hotel which had to be partially rebuilt in 1971 after a disgruntled patron blew out the front section with gelignite. You can also enjoy the community rejuvenated town dam area.

Anakie has your accommodation covered with a bed and breakfast, caravan park and hotel/motel. The nearest hospital is located at Emerald, and there is a service station, along with a local pub for meals and drinks.

A convenient stop on the way to either Bundaberg or Gin Gin, just outside of Childers. A family-friendly picnic ground with great facilities is on the left as you enter Apple Tree Creek from the south. Almost diagonally opposite is the Flying High Flora and Fauna Bird Habitat, on the corner of the Bruce Highway and Old Creek Road. It's the creation of John Woodall, an ex-farmer with a penchant for birds, who has created the largest walk-through free flight aviary in the country.

Other highlights include: Sticky Beaks Cafe for homemade jams and preserves made from local produce. Check out the purpose-built Swiss-designed wood-fired pizza oven.

Naturally enough apple-town (Applethorpe) would have to produce apples, and it does, along with a range of other fruits. This settlement is at the southern end of The Fruit Run, that stretch of roadway which shadows the New England Highway to the north of Stanthorpe. It is worthwhile leaving the highway and doing the 'Run', remembering that best results for purchasing local fruits naturally enough is seasonal.

Described as ‘an oasis in the dry of the Central West’, Aramac has undergone a recent transformation with the launch of the nationally recognised, Harry Redford Cattle Drive Re-enactment. In the main street of Aramac Stands the White Bull replica which tells the story of the most historically significant cattle stealing case ever recorded in Australia.

Henry ‘Harry’ Redford (better know as Captain Starlight) commenced this daring cattle ‘duffing’ feat on a property called Bowen Downs. As part of the recognition of this feat, you are able to browse through the Harry Redford Interpretive Centre in the main street of Aramac.

If droving is something you have always wanted to do, then Aramac is again the destination for you, where you can actively participate in the ‘Harry Redford Cattle Drive’, run annually through May and June. Take part in the associated events while you are on the cattle drive such as the Aramac Races, various live entertainment, Claypan Boogie, enter the camp cookout competition, or visit one of the camp sites to join their nightly, hearty camp oven droving meals.

While in Aramac visit the Aramac Tramway Museum and step back in time with relics like Aunt Emma, the long-serving rail motor.

Discover the fascinating country surrounding the township. Drive through the desert country and discover Lake Dunn. There’s also fishing, water sports (sailing, water skiing), birdwatching, tennis, cabins, camping and very little traffic.

Make a stop at the Gray Rock Reserve and Horsetailers Gorge where Cobb and Co. stopped and spelled their horses, or join in the Artesian Country Tours to see Gracevale Caves and Mailman’s Gorge with the region’s most recognised historian, Tom Lockie. Learn the story about etched images of strange six-toed human footprints and the Central West’s own Rainbow Serpent imprinted on the sandstone walls.

The small village of Aratula, at the foot of Cunningham’s Gap in South East Queensland, has long served as a resting place for weary travellers crossing the Great Dividing Range. The town offers a range of accommodation options including caravan parks and motels.

Aratula is surrounded by unspoiled natural areas including the Moogerah Peaks National Park and Main Rain National Park.

Located in the Fassifern Valley, the four peaks of Moogerah have been carved from volcanic rock and the inaccessibility of the area has spared the natural vegetation from clearing by European settlers. The Park shelters eucalypt forest, sheer cliffs, and patches of rainforest. The cliffs on Mount French are a favourite with rock climbers, but not for the inexperienced or faint of heart. Palm Gorge on nearby Mount Greville in home to a nearly pure strand of Picabeen Palms.

On the southern edge of Moogerah Peaks National Park lies Lake Moogerah, a popular spot for waterskiing, jet skiing, boating and fishing. The local council runs a caravan park on the shores of the lake and other facilities include electric and wood barbecues, two boat ramps, children’s playground, kiosk and kayak hire.

To the west of Aratula lies the Main Range National Park, home of plants found nowhere else in the world. The Park is part of the Scenic Rim and offers many walking tracks that explore the rainforest and escarpments. Along the way you’ll enjoy glorious sweeping views of the surrounding landscape.

By road, Aratula is 30 minutes’ drive south west of Ipswich and an hour from Brisbane.

Atherton is the 'capital' of the lovely Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air.

The rich Tableland area is famous for producing peanuts, maize and potatoes. The area also has a number of natural attractions such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, crater lakes and amazing rock formations.

Atherton is ideally situated as a base to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area. Accommodation varies from old Queensland style hotels to bed and breakfasts, rainforest retreats, caravan parks and backpacker hostels.

Atherton is about an hour and twenty minutes' drive south-west of Cairns.

Augathella, with its fascinating history of bushrangers, bullockies and bullock teams, has some memorable Outback experiences. Don’t just drive through – stop and enjoy Augathella’s colourful history, characters and humour.

Start with a screening of the 20-minute ‘Outback to Augathella’ documentary and then head off to explore the colourful murals and rustic metal sculptures throughout the town.

Explore Augathella by following the Heritage Trail and the River Walk. Don’t miss Kenniff’s Tree of bushranger fame. Or venture out along the plotted 4x4 stock route trail.

Get dust between your toes in true Outback style at the Augathella Diggers Rodeo and Races, held annually at Easter. Music and mayhem fill the air as you take in the excitement of the bull and bronco riding and head trackside for a traditional country race meet.

Aurukun is a local authority, one of two Aboriginal communities in Queensland which is not governed by a Deed of Grant in Trust. The key reason to visit Aurukun, apart from supplies, is the wonderful Art Centre which supplies galleries all over Australia.

Have a look at the white board where orders are waiting to be filled - you will be impressed. Aurukun art work is well represented in Brisbane's Queensland Art Gallery with the Cape York collection. On site here you can see traditional carvers and basket weavers. You can talk to artists and get an up-close dose of culture. The air-conditioned exhibition area has pieces on display.

You must plan a journey to Aurukun so you can be out before sundown so you don't contravene the Council's 'no camping' policy.

The access road into Arukun community is a main road but all other roads are Council roads which require permission to access. While Aurukun has a shop, fuel outlet, medical centre and police station, do not expect to visit the Gulf of Carpentaria. There is no public access to the ocean.

The community's site close to the Ward, Archer and Watson Rivers offers future tourism potential. Three Rivers Tavern is subject to rules of an alcohol management plan as is the carrying of alcohol into the community. Please carefully abide by these rules before entering Aurukun.

Situated on the north side of the mighty Burdekin River, 85 kilometres south of Townsville, the prosperous rural community of Ayr is the main town in the Burdekin Shire.

This is prime sugar country, with about 80,000 hectares of land under sugar cane, and an annual production of about 1.25 million tonnes of raw sugar. The district also contributes one-third of the nation’s mango harvest and is a major producer of melons and a host of other fruit and vegetables.

The Burdekin sits on a vast natural aquifer which is artificially replenished with water from the Burdekin River. A rich network of creeks and mangrove-lined estuaries make the area a mecca for fishing and crabbing. The Burdekin is a known hotspot for fighting fish, the barramundi, as well as estuary species such as mangrove jack and trevally.

Nearby Alva Beach offers miles of unspoilt, sandy coastline and is a popular spot for beach fishing, birdwatching and windsurfing. It’s also a close launching point for a dive tour to the world-famous dive wreck, the 'SS Yongala'.

The Burdekin’s magnificent wetlands offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. About 280 species have been recorded in the area, including the cotton pygmy-goose, which is listed as endangered in New South Wales.

The spectacular Burdekin River Bridge is the district’s best known landmark and is the longest crossing of its type in the country. Known as the Silver Link, it is the only bridge in Australia built without a firm foothold.

Ayton is a good spot to revive your spirits. Strategically placed on the Cooktown to Cape Tribulation road known as The Bloomfield Track there's a store, cafe, takeaway, campground and accommodation.

Head down to the beautiful hidden treasure of Weary Bay beach your worries will be washed away. Hire a dinghy or use a boatman to take you to secluded Cedar Bay National Park for isolated camping.

Yachts anchor on the wide river, an irregular air service flies to Pepper Bloomfield Lodge across the Bay. Ayton was originally established as a service centre for a burgeoning sugar plantation in 1882.

Northern Queensland's first sugar mill was built and a narrow gauged rail line linked old Ayton wharf. Provisions were transported by far north Queensland's first locomotive for export by sea.

At one time hundreds of workers were employed English, Chinese, Italian and Japanese and local Kuku Yalanji people. Ayton thrived, selections were taken up by entrepreneurial families and Torres Strait trepang and trochus hunters settled here. But by 1897 it came crashing down because of high costs. Operations were sold and moved to Bundaberg.

Determined to squeeze money from the land, 'red gold' or Red Cedar was the next industry. Cutting began in 1890 with horse teams dragging logs to a riverbank chute. Rafts were floated downstream and taken by vessel to Townsville. The wood ended up at the gold rich city of Charters Towers, lining the floors of wealthy miner mansions.

The small blue timber building on the corner of Bruce Highway and Monro Street clearly indicates that this community is serious about tourism. This is the official tourist information centre and its location is designed to catch your attention when you enter town.

Many years ago this building was the local police station and was used to dispense local law enforcement. Now it dispenses helpful information on the town and region's many attractions.

This includes the Babinda Boulders, 7 kilometres west of Babinda. Unfortunately they can be very dangerous after heavy rain because the waters become a deadly narrow shute downstream at Devil's Falls.

Closer in, the town itself has many examples of early Queensland architecture in the main street, including the Babinda State Hotel and Post Office. A neat and tidy town, the median strip contains colourful flowerbeds.

Babinda is also known as 'The Umbrella Town' because of the rainfall it receives each year and it proudly displays a sign that acknowledges Babinda winning the 'Friendliest Town' category in the 2001 Tidy Towns Competition.

For a classic example of early Queensland railway architecture, take the time to point your camera at the Babinda railway station building when you are exploring this area.

The Baffle Creek area, including Wartburg and Rules Beach is situated just south of Agnes Water on the Discovery Coast and is a tranquil coastline, offering spectacular scenery and breathtaking surrounds.

There are excellent opportunities for coastal recreation such as swimming, fishing and boating as well as a number of four-wheel drive adventures – fun for the whole family!

Bakers Creek is a meat processing town, located near Mackay. Hang about, as this is where some of the best Central Queensland T-bones are 'created'.

There are no shops or facilities, but then it is not the sort of place one stops off for a picnic, being located just a few kilometres south of Mackay. It's worthwhile taking a break to inspect the town's war memorial, which pays tribute to a US plane which crashed in the district back in World War II.

The town's main claim to fame is the annual Oakenden rodeo, usually held each June, catered by the Dundula School as its major fundraiser. Those in the know also frequent Bakers Creek because of its fishing opportunities. They are also aware that the local tavern depicts a typical Aussie pub.

Balgal Beach, just north of Townsville, is the kind of place you can take the whole family and create cherished holiday memories. Thanks to its wide creek mouth, this popular seaside community is famous for its superb fishing and glorious sandy beaches.

You and the kids can swim all day in clear blue waters thanks to the patrolled stinger net (November to May) and the first-rate boat ramp facility allows easy access to the nearby islands in the Palm Island group. Hire a boat, grab some bait from the kiosk and talk to a local to find out where the fish are biting.

Ample picnic, barbecue and camping facilities, along with a friendly cafe or two, allow you to enjoy the beauty of the area at ease and on budget.

15 minutes drive to the west you’ll find the Paluma National Park. Here you’ll discover lush rainforest, crystal-clear mountain creeks, rock pools and thundering waterfalls.
Golf and lawn bowls facilities are nearby. Or for a slower pace, grab a drink, put your feet up and enjoy the abundance of birdlife as you watch the waves roll in on your very own piece of North Queensland paradise.

Balgal Beach is an easy 15 minutes drive north of Townsville on the Bruce Highway.

Accommodation options in the area include self-contained units, bed-and-breakfasts and camping.

It is in this area, just to the south of Stanthorpe, where the State's first commercially grown table grapes were harvested. Then, along came the wine industry, thanks predominantly to the arrival of Italian settlers.

Actually the first legally planted wine grapes were allegedly grown by the Puglisi family of Ballandean. The family vineyard is the venue for "Opera in the Vineyard", each May. That activity has seen growth of an industry to a peak of more than 40 cellar doors and 52 vineyards. Seasonal roadside fruit stalls also operate.

Nearby is Sundown National Park with access by four wheel drive. It is a little on the steep side and rough.

Baralaba is a definitive Aussie town full of character. Found 96 kilometres north west of Biloela; it is a coal mining, cattle, grain and irrigated crop farming hub. The Neville Hewitt Weir on the Dawson River is a popular recreational area and offers the best boating, skiing and fishing in the Dawson and Callide Valleys.

Venture into the thriving bush of yesteryear with a trip to the Historical Village. Alternatively, tourists can immerse themselves in the Baralaba Historic Photos Collection at the Baralaba Landcare and Community Resource Development Centre. The 1000 historic photos will give visitors a real appreciation of what life was like.

The Baralaba Show is held in the first week of May, there is also an annual Art exhibition held in the town.

Barcaldine's charming facade, one that has earned it the tag of 'Garden City of the West' hides tumultuous tales of a controversial past.

In 1891, five years after the railway push into the Outback established the township, Barcaldine became the headquarters of the Great Shearers' Strike. One thousand shearers laid down their blades in a defiant protest that reverberated around the nation and resulted in the formation of the Australia Labor Party and a graziers' group which later evolved into the National Party. An enduring symbol of the strike lives on today in the Tree of Knowledge, the imposing ghost gum in the town's main street where the strike meetings were held.

The Australian Workers Heritage Centre is a national project commemorating not just these events, which changed the course of the nation's working history, but is a tribute to all Australian working men and women. Set in over five acres of landscaped gardens, it is also home to the Wanpa-rda Matilda Outback Education Centre – a unique residential facility for schools and community groups.

Barcaldine is also home to the Australian Workers Heritage Centre and the old world Radio Theatre, complete with its canvas seats, and the working windmill that pumps water into the sculpture designed and erected by the Youth of Barcaldine, which stands outside the information centre.

Barcaldine is situated at the junction of the Capricorn and Matilda (Landsborough) Highways. Use Barcaldine as a base from which to explore the Central West of Queensland. The extensive range of accommodation and shopping facilities make Barcaldine a relaxing place to stay, recover and explore.

Taking in 60,901 square kilometres in South Western Queensland, “Barcoo” is the seventh largest shire in the State. Nestled between the shires of Quipped, Balloon, Diamantine, Winton, Longreach and Isisford, Barcoo offers the visitor an outback experience not to be forgotten.

Unique landscapes meet the traveller offering spectacular scenery for all to enjoy, from the magnificent red sandhills, brilliant white ghost gums and rock formations through to the natural open grass lands and river flats.

Within and surrounding the three small townships of Jundah, Stonehenge and Windorah history dating back to the 1870’s can be found, pioneer graves, historic sites for example the JC Hotel Ruins, Magee’s Shanty and Battle Hole.

Home to the Shire’s Administration Centre, Jundah is located on the banks of Thomson River, just 30 kilometres above the “Barcoo Junction” where the Thomson and Barcoo Rivers meet to form Coopers Creek. Tranquility is the draw card to this quiet little town with a population of 110. An historic building built in 1899 hosts a mural painted by school children in 1990. The Barcoo Shire Museum is located beside the administration centre depicting relics from the past.

Windorah, 35 kilometres below the “Barcoo Junction” and the last stop before Birdsville, rests on the edge of Coopers Creek flood plains. Close by, magnificent red sandhills rise from the black soil plains presenting a majestic picture. The Information and Cooper Art and Craft Centre provides a mine of information. Beside the centre is a slab hut relocated from Whitula Creek built in 1906 for the Rabbit Board.

Stonehenge, 67 kilometres to the north of Jundah, situated on a stoney ridge overlooking the Thomson River is a quite but quaint little town. Scenic views in the area are a must with the picturesque John Egan Pioneer Drive and rockholes just to name a few.

A variety of events and functions are held within the shire throughout the year including International Yabby Races at Windorah, Woolly Caulfield Cup Sheep Races at Jundah and at Stonehenge Bronco Branding. Visitors will experience genuine country hospitality amidst the communities whilst traversing our country roads.

Bargara is a 13 kilometre drive through lush sugarcane fields from Bundaberg. It is a popular seaside area which harbours a peaceful and relaxed community ideal for family holidays away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Bargara boasts two open surf beaches and two still water swimming areas. The Bargara Streetscape project embraces the coastline with an attractive public area of walkways, decks, picnic areas and playgrounds. Cafes and eateries create an alfresco atmosphere.

Fishing enthusiasts are well catered for at Bargara with an artificial reef guaranteeing good fishing all year round. The Woongarra Marine Park preserves the coastline and offers fishing and snorkelling right on the shore. A first class golf course is located just behind the beach and a bowling green offers outdoor entertainment for people of all ages.

Nearby, the Mon Repos Turtle Rookery provides a fascinating look at the endangered sea turtles during the nesting and hatching season from November to March. Turtles often nest at Bargara on Kelly's, Rifle Range and Nielson Park Beach offering a special summertime experience for beachgoers.

A full range of accommodation is on offer to suit all tastes and budgets - from ocean front camping, motels and backpacker resorts, through to luxury beachfront apartments and townhouses. Bargara is serviced by bus from Bundaberg weekdays as well as a Saturday service; and via taxi service weekdays, weekends and evenings.

Once a border customs post between Queensland and New South Wales, Barringun is ‘real outback’ with so many great legends to share.

Call in for a thirst quencher at the hundred-plus year old Barringun pub, Tattersall’s, and there relive some of the memories of the town’s glory days.

Buildings, now abandoned, include two police stations, one on the Queensland side and the other in New South Wales. It must have been a wild, wild place!

Located just off the Bruce Highway, between Gympie and Maryborough, Bauple is home of the original Bopple nut, known throughout the world as the Macadamia. Enjoy the country views, freshly ground coffee and home-made Macadamia treats while shopping for quality Macadamia products sourced from the region. Tour the first stage of the sorting and drying facility. While in Bauple, go nuts exploring the town's Federation Museum, Men’s Shed and Artspace.

The township of Beachmere, tucked away in the northern section of Moreton Bay, is a quiet yet pleasant hideaway.

Its location just above Deception Bay, where the mouth of the Caboolture River flows into the bay, makes it an ideal spot for boating and fishing. Public boat ramps can be accessed either on the river or on the bay itself. For those without their own, boats are also available for hire in Beachmere.

Kids will enjoy watching millions of tiny soldier crabs scuttling along the mud flats at low tide. There is a skate park located in Beachmere too, where children can ride bikes or skate. Further inland on the Caboolture River is a marina and chandlery.

Beaudesert is a quaint rural town situated in scenic mountain hinterland, less than an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Often enjoyed as a convenient stop-off point on the Mt Lindesay Highway, Beaudesert is a buzzing destination in its own right.

The ever-popular country markets here teem with local produce and high quality craftwork. Galleries display the well-respected works of the local art community.

A smattering of high quality restaurants serve exquisite meals, while a growing number of boutique vineyards complete the picture of a food lovers’ paradise. There is also a good selection of boutique accommodation that's perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Beaudesert area is also well known for its majestic national parks and rainforests, some of which are World Heritage listed. Check out Mt Tamborine, Mt Lindesay, Mt Barney, Mt Ernest, Mt May and Mt Maroon. Their spectacular scenery makes bushwalking a popular activity.

Of course, a leisurely drive out on the winding country roads is not to be missed. Stop at a country pub for lunch; the food is often as generous as the hospitality.

Just off the Tropical North Queensland coast, midway between Townsville and Cairns lies Bedarra Island - a part of the Family Group of Islands. Bedarra Island offers unspoilt rainforests and palm-fringed beaches, where the clear blue waters of the Coral Sea meet pristine white sand.

Bedarra is Australia’s most exclusive island - boasting a resort designed to blend in with the beauty of the natural surroundings and accommodating a maximum of 32 guests at a time. When it comes to relaxing in glorious seclusion, Bedarra Island is the perfect retreat. Guests rarely encounter their fellow escapees as they explore the pristine rainforest and bask in the sun on the secluded beaches.

This private island retreat provides many leisure activities that take advantage of the natural setting and is perfectly positioned close to the Great Barrier Reef. Guests can board a fast catamaran for a day trip to explore the wonders of the reefs, or charter yachts for sailing expeditions around the picturesque waters, visiting neighbouring islands including Dunk and Timana.

One of the most romantic ways to spend the day on Bedarra is to take a delicious gourmet picnic, complete with chilled champagne, and venture off in a motorised dinghy to find a private beach – and there are so many to choose from.

Another historic Outback town, Bedourie started life in the 1880s as a major watering and rest stop for drovers and cattle. Cobb and Co coaches serviced the town.

Bedourie is an Oasis in the Desert. Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire. Covering 94,690 square metres, it is the second largest shire in Queensland and is twice the size of Denmark. Excellent town facilities include motels, hotel with meals, cabins, caravan parks, restaurant and tavern, general store, post office, fuel and auto services, police station, and a medical clinic.

A particular favourite is the 22 person therapeutic spa with the warm, fresh, crystal-clear water coming directly from an artesian bore. To soak up the historic atmosphere of Bedourie is a ‘must do’ experience. The Royal Hotel was first licensed in the early 1880s and has since traded continuously. The famous Bedourie Camp Oven, invented in the droving camps of a bygone era, can still be purchased in town. In contrast to all the history, the modern Simpson Desert Oasis motel, ensuite caravan park and bar offer visitors every convenience.

Just a day trip from Bedourie is the fabulous Diamantina National Park, well known for its fishing (Hunters Gorge), birds, wildlife and scenery. Overnight camping is also permitted.

In September the annual horse race meeting, in July the gymkhana, campdraft and rodeo and all the fun of camel racing draw a large number of sport loving visitors.

Permanent water in the nearby creek means numerous species of birds can be observed at Carcory Ruins. Cuttaburra Crossing is a renowned wetland area, with prolific birdlife.

Just 45 minutes’ drive from the heart of the Gold Coast, Beechmont is a world away from the high-energy buzz of the famous glitter strip. This majestic plateau of the Gold Coast Hinterland commands breath-taking views largely unchanged from those enjoyed by the traditional owners, the Yugambeh people, for thousands of years.

The Yugambeh people called the plateau "The Place of the Binna Burra" referring to the forests of ancient Antarctic Beech trees that still grace the landscape today.

The Beechmont Plateau is one of the numerous northerly spurs of the McPherson Range located south of Tamborine Mountain on the way to Lamington National Park. The area is best known for its many spectacular lookouts, picturesque drives through the countryside and charming spots to stop for a picnic.

On good days hang-gliders flock to Rosin’s Lookout to enjoy the excellent flying conditions. Some days the hang-gliders compete for airspace with model airplane enthusiasts and the natural masters of the sky, our beautiful native birds.

Nearby are a range of accommodation options including quaint bed-and-breakfasts, holiday rentals and beautiful creek side campgrounds.

When travelling to the Sunshine Coast, take a short detour off the Bruce Highway to Beerburrum. The township offers visitors a chance to soak up more than 80 years of local history - thanks to the town's World War I Interpretive Signage. The signage, including old photographs, recognises Beerburrum's involvement in the soldier settlement scheme for Diggers who served in World War I. Around 500 blocks of land were allocated to returned servicemen, and 437 took up the offer and laid the foundation for the early growth of the towns along the rail corridor north from Brisbane. Don't miss Anzac Avenue and the Avenue of Trees planted in 1920. Signage information is also to be found nearby at Beerburrum State School, and the old Beerburrum Hospital.

Beerburrum marks the start of the area surrounding the Glass House Mountains National Park and the many lookouts and walking trails to enjoy.

Beerwah is a thriving small country town and home to Australia Zoo. Located just an hour drive north of Brisbane and a short drive from the Sunshine Coast, Beerwah is the perfect location to explore the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

The Glass House Mountains, 16 ancient volcanic crags that emerge from the plains, are also just a few minutes away. Mt Beerwah is the name given to one of the eroded volcanic plugs. There are several walking tracks and some lookouts in the Glass House Mountains that offer breathtaking views of the region, so be sure to take some time to explore this area. Call into the new Visitor Information Centre at the town of Glass House Mountains on the Steve Irwin Way to pick up a local map and directions.

This picturesque township is nestled in the foothills of the Bunya Mountains with panoramic views of rolling farmland.

Only a 30 minute drive from the Bunya Mountains National Park, Bell is an ideal spot to take a break and look around.

With a population of only 400, Bell boasts a dedicated community which has recently seen the refurbishment of their much used Memorial Hall, the upgrading of the local store to include internet facilities and the establishment of the Railway Heritage Park, featuring an early model diesel locomotive and passenger trailer.

Due to the steep winding ascent, taking caravans up to the Bunya Mountains is discouraged, so Bell offers an alternative accommodation base.

With its location at the southern entrance to Gladstone, you really cannot miss Benaraby. It is a small community and fairly well known to anglers, being the gateway to Lake Awoonga, which has a pile of Barramundi waiting to be caught. The Lake is one beautiful place which must not be overlooked.

But back to Benaraby. The town has fuel, food outlets, accommodation and general supplies for the traveller. There is also a small fresh Fruit and Vege Market located at the Benaraby Junction turn-off.

Benaraby is also home to the popular and well-known, Benaraby Raceway, where visitors can take in spectacular motorbike, drag and street racing.

Except for surrounding cattle stations, Betoota stands alone on a vast gibber plain. The Outback town is located 170 kilometres east of Birdsville and 227 kilometres west of Windorah. Betoota started as a Cobb and Co changing station and border town with its main income being derived from tolls and taxes. This source of revenue dried up on the establishment of the Federation.

Twice a year this ghost town comes alive with activity as locals and visitors alike arrive by plane, coach and motor vehicle to enjoy local events. On the first weekend after Easter it’s a fun-packed weekend at the Gymkhana. On the third Saturday in September horse racing at the Betoota Track is the go. This is where you’ll meet ‘down to earth’ Australians with a wry sense of humour!

Brown’s Creek is a popular local camping area near the now deserted Betoota Hotel. Be sure to visit Deon’s Lookout - a memorial to one of this country’s sons with peaceful views of the land he loved.

Craggy blue mountain ranges are a backdrop for Biggenden, known as 'the Rose of the Burnett'. Along with agricultural pursuits - beef, grain crops, dairying, citrus and timber - the area is rich in minerals. Located 100 kilometres inland, Biggenden offers a true country feeling just an hour's drive from the coast. The township is surrounded by open pastures offering views of the surrounding ranges.

Cattle sales are held every second Monday which are a great attraction for visitors. This district also contains two of Queensland's relatively undeveloped National Parks - Mount Walsh and Coalstoun Lakes National Parks - and large tracks of forest at Mount Woowoonga. Mount Walsh offers short walks to the peak's base, with more strenuous walks to the bare granite summit for experienced bushwalkers. Multi-day hikes over rugged terrain offer a true wilderness experience. Coongara Rock also provides excellent mountaineering and views, best accessed by four wheel drive. Often dry, the mountain comes to life after local rains, with waterfalls and rockpools. Chowey Bridge nearby is an interesting historical feature, being only one for three concrete span bridges of its type.

The Biggenden township features a pub hotel and caravan park, with host farm, bed and breakfast and National Park camping available nearby. Coalstoun Lakes is an even smaller township and features twin volcanic craters lined with dense vine forest. The lakes are usually dry and only appear after a wet summer season. This National Park, Queensland's smallest, is very popular with birdwatchers.

Located directly across the Broadwater from the famous Gold Coast Spit, Biggera Waters is the perfect launching pad for a Gold Coast holiday adventure.

Hire a boat and head out on the water to explore the creeks, estuaries, and islands found around this part of the Gold Coast Seaway. In the distance, the shimmering Gold Coast skyline is your impressive backdrop.

Fishing enthusiasts will soon discover a land of bounty with a myriad of hidden channels, mangroves, rock walls and creek mouths providing the perfect spot to drop a line.

Biggera Waters is the place to snap up a bargain with a huge factory direct shopping precinct located on its western fringe. Savour a freshly ground coffee, enjoy a meal, catch a movie and shop till you drop at this popular meeting spot.

Along the Broadwater you’ll find many excellent dining venues with beautiful views across the water. Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and pass through beautiful parklands and children’s play areas until you reach the fashionable suburb of Southport.

Biggera Waters offers a range of accommodation options, located along the waterfront or just a short walking distance from the Broadwater. Luxury resorts, comfortable apartments, motels, self-contained units and even camping and caravanning are all available.

Biggera Waters is just minutes from the centre of the Gold Coast and 45 minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta airport.

Biloela is a growing rural town with a very diverse agricultural industry including cotton, sorghum, wheat, herbs and spices. The cattle industry is thriving with the largest number of cattle of any shire in Queensland.

The town is the centre of the Banana Shire. The name came from a tan coloured bullock, named Banana, which worked on a property in the region in the mid 19th century.

Biloela's biggest attraction is The SILO. More than 28 metres high, it is filled, not with grain, but with an array of displays about primary industry. The SILO situated in Exhibition street gives an insight into cotton production, stud and dairy cattle, redclaw and ostrich farming, grain production and landcare.

Biloela came into being only in 1924 as an agricultural centre. Coal was first mined in the 1940s but was transported to Gladstone.

Tours are available from Tuesday to Friday at Callide B Powerhouse situated 17 kilometres from Biloela. For an overview of the mine, drive to Callide Mine Lookout, which has a spectacular view of Biloela and the mine areas. The vantage point gives people a fantastic view of the workings of the dragline, which is one of the world's largest walking draglines.

Visit nearby Kroombit National Park sandstone escarpment with spectacular views, subtropical rainforest and palm-fringed waterfalls. It's also the final resting place of the Beautiful Betsy, an aircraft which went missing in World War Two.

Nestled in a small parcel of land surrounded by the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park, Binna Burra, is a charming area shrouded in lush, ancient rainforest.

The name, Binna Burra, is an Aboriginal word meaning "where the beech tree grows," referring to a stand of ancient Antarctic Beech in the nearby rainforest.

Binna Burra is a great starting point for numerous nature walks through the pristine Lamington National Park. Explore caves once used by the local indigenous people for shelter and cooking. Marvel at thundering waterfalls shrouded in mist. Feel the temperature drop and the sun disappear as you descend into the rainforest canopy.

The blue and white spiny Lamington Crayfish can sometimes be seen in rock pools, but more often met casually strolling down the walking tracks during wet weather. Keep a look-out for koalas high in the trees as well as small pademelon kangaroos, goannas and more than 600 bird species.

Facilities at Binna Burra include a visitors’ centre, cafe, a guesthouse, campsites, safari tents, powered sites, picnic grounds, and an environmental education centre.

Founded in 1933, Binna Burra’s Mountain Lodge is one of Australia's longest established nature-based resorts, named one of the world's top 10 eco-lodges and green hotels. The original rustic log cabins have been updated with modern amenities, but televisions, phones, clocks and radios have deliberately been left behind.

Binna Burra is approximately 90 minutes’ drive south of Brisbane via Beechmont. The road is unsuitable for caravans.

Birdsville is Australia’s ‘must visit’ Outback town. Always noted for its wild country and isolation, Birdsville also offers today’s traveller a modern community with a sporting complex, gymnasium, two galleries, a bakery, air services, motel, hotel, caravan park and cabins, coffee shops and restaurants, general store, post office, medical clinic, fuel and auto services, and a police station.

Birdsville, between the sands of the Simpson Desert and the gibber plains of Sturt's Stony Desert is the starting point of the famous Birdsville Track, which stretches to the south with the Simpson Desert to the west.

Birdsville began life as 'Diamantina Crossing' in 1881 and was given its present name in 1885. It is said that one Robert Frew, a local identity, gave the name as a compliment to the birdlife of the area. Another theory on the town's name is that locals wanted to name it Burtsville after a popular settler named J. Burt. Burt declined the offer and the name Birdsville was used as a compromise. The Diamantina River, to the east of the town, was named in 1866 by explorer William Landsborough.

The town's original function was as a 'tariff wall' between Queensland and South Australia. Tolls which had provided the town's income, ceased in 1901 with the formation of the Federation and the town declined.

The town is now a starting point for many people travelling into South Australia along the Birdsville Track which was first developed in the 1880s as one of Australia's first major cattle routes. Stories of stockmen who passed through Birdsville on this famous track are part of town legend.

Birdsville is best known for its famous pub and the annual race meeting when the population grows from 120 to 6,000 in two days.

Blackall is located on the Matilda Highway and is name after Sir Samuel Blackall, the second Governor of Queensland. The town was founded in 1846 by explorer Major Thomas Mitchell.

Rest, relax and revive at Blackall’s Aquatic Centre – home to the artesian spa and swimming pool.

Famous for many reasons, blade shearer Jack Howe put Blackall on the map in 1892 at ‘Alice Downs’ when he set a world record by shearing 321 sheep in seven hours and 40 minutes. It actually took another 58 years before anyone could match this feat and that was by machine shears.

Blackall was also the first Outback town to start drilling an artesian bore back in 1885. It is also the home of the Black Stump which was used for surveying purposes and permanently marks the original Astro Station established in 1887. Anything west of this point is said to be ‘beyond the black stump’.

Blackbutt is an attractive small town surrounded by native forests, Situated on the D'Aguilar Highway, at the southern entrance to the South Burnett. 'Blackbutt' is the common name for the Eucalyptus Piluralis tree, native to the area. Often referred to as the 'Timber town', Blackbutt has a strong association with the timber industry dating back to the mid-1800s when European settlers first arrived here.

In town you will find businesses to cater for your meals and breaks, provisions, fuel and service needs and some beautiful hosted accommodation. Enjoy your own private, self-contained cottage or a secluded hosted retreat set in luxurious private gardens. Blackbutt and surrounds has a multitude of experiences waiting for you, from excellent home-cooked cuisine, to camp oven dinners, leisurely activities and local area attractions. Blackbutt has also become a renowned artistic precinct.

Opposite the township of Benarkin, located in Benarkin State Forest is Emu Creek State Forest Park. This is a perfect camping spot for a couple of nights or for enjoying a picnic alongside the creek. Walk or drive through native forests and pine plantations - as you wander the countryside, listen for the distinct call of the Bellbird. At nearby Taromeo you will find Jessie's Well, a historic watering spot, and Taromeo Station, where many original buildings and a stone walled cemetery classified by the National Trust are available to visit by appointment.

Blacks Beach is located just 15 minutes’ drive from the centre of Mackay. It’s the longest of Mackay’s northern beaches, and a great place to base yourself as you explore what this balmy North Queensland destination has to offer.

Boasting six kilometres of clean sparkling sand and gentle waters, this palm-lined beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing with a good book. During the school holidays the beach is patrolled by the local life savers making it a safe spot to take the kids.

The beach fishing here is some of the best in the state with bream and whiting on the menu. Fire up one of the free barbecues on the foreshore and enjoy a fresh feast of fish as you watch the sun dip below the horizon.

Just south of Blacks Beach is Lamberts Beach and Slade Point. It’s a popular spot for surfers when the swell is up and boasts spectacular views out over the ocean and surrounding coastline. The Point is also a great whale watching platform during the winter months.

To the north at Eimeo you’ll find a famous pub perched on the side of a cliff. Enjoy a meal and a cold one, but be prepared to be blown away by the knock-out views!
Accommodation at Blacks Beach ranges from camping and caravan parks to self-contained and motel style apartments. All accommodation is within easy walking distance to the beach.

Blackwater is known as the Coal Capital of Queensland and the Blackwater International Coal Centre showcases the Central Highlands Coal Industry for the world. Located on the Capricorn Highway, Blackwater also boasts a fine Japanese Garden, reputed to be the best of its kind in Queensland, that marks the relationship between Blackwater and its sister city Fujisawa, Japan.

The Lions Park is well known for one of the largest displays of flags in the world, each flag being representative of one of the 37 nationalities who laboured together in their efforts to establish the district's coal industry.

Anglers are welcome to drop a line in the Bedford Weir which is stocked with barramundi. 26 kilometres north of town, there are boating, camping, toilet and shower facilities. Don't miss the Saratoga fishing competition in September.

Just 55 kilometres east from the township of Blackwater you will find the spectacular Blackdown Tableland National Park. Offering you spectacular views and hundreds of plants and wildlife species, some of which are only found in the park. You can enjoy the picnic areas, fireplaces, lookouts, camping area and scenic walking tracks that feature throughout the park.

The name Bli Bli means 'many swamp oak trees'. While in Bli Bli be sure to take a cruise through the Maroochy Wet Lands Sanctuary, or walk the boardwalks through swamps and mangroves. Wheelchair access is provided via the boardwalk for part of the way.

For those wanting to add a little bit of history to their holiday, make sure to visit Sunshine Castle and its many medieval features, including drawbridge and moat, dungeon, and torture chamber. Also located at Sunshine Castle is a doll museum featuring animated dancing dolls and dolls in national costume. For the daredevils, try the cable waterski park. Here you can learn wake boarding, knee boarding, skurfing or water skiing.

For a more relaxing experience try your luck at catching a big Barramundi. Nearby Muller Park provides a leash-free area to spend the day with your pets.

Bluff is located in the Central Highlands, 94 kilometres east of Emerald on the Capricorn Highway. A must see for rail enthusiasts, Bluff is the major interchange station for coal trains. Many trains are over two kilometres long.

In 1950, Bluff became the largest township in Duaringa Shire due to the development of the mining industry.

On the banks of Wallam Creek Bollon is the habitat of a large koala population which thrives on the abundant Red River Gums in the area. More than 110 species of birds have been recorded in the area. You can set up camp on Wallam Creek and enjoy the wildlife.

Bollon was first recognised as a town in 1879. Bollon now stands as a small community in the Balonne Shire, characterised by friendly and helpful country people.

While in Bollon, visit the Rosehill Aviary - the most complete collection of parrots in Australia!

Bollon is situated near Thrushton National Park.

Just one hour from downtown Brisbane, located in the heart of the Scenic Rim is beautiful Boonah, one of the most picturesque areas in South East Queensland.

The superb scenery of rugged mountains and peaceful lakes allow for great scenic drives, horse riding, bushwalking, mountaineering, sky diving, gliding and water sports. The area boasts numerous picnic spots, country style accommodation, camping areas and seven National Parks that provide unsurpassed panoramas of Mount French, Mount Edwards, The Head, Mount Greville, Mount Maroon and Cunninghams and Spicers Gap.

Lovers of the great outdoors can escape the stress of the city in the idyllic setting of Lake Moogerah and Lake Maroon, ideal for camping and fast becoming Queensland's most popular place for sailing, fishing, water skiing, parasailing and paddle boating. The township of Boonah offers a range of shops and services along with that special brand of country hospitality that comes from taking time to enjoy life.

Best known as the home of Brisbane’s premier concert hall, entertainment centre and sporting complex, the suburb of Boondall is located approximately 20 minutes drive north-east of Brisbane’s city centre.

The suburb also harbours the Boondall Wetlands Park - an extensive system of important wetlands that partly encircles the Brisbane Entertainment Centre and Sports Complex.

The Entertainment Centre regularly hosts big name acts from overseas along with major shows and sporting events. Set beside a lake amongst the wetland paperbarks, the grounds of the Entertainment Centre are a great place for a picnic with barbeque facilities provided.

For something a little different, at the Sports Complex you can strap on a pair of skates and take to the ice!

At the Boondall Wetlands Park visitors can learn more about the area at the purpose-built Environmental Centre. At the Centre you can sign up for a range of activities including cycling adventures, guided walks, arts, crafts and indigenous cultural workshops. Winding through the wetlands are a system of boardwalks that allow visitors a closer look at this fragile and unique environment.

Black ducks and wood ducks are regularly seen in the Wetlands. From September to March, the Wetlands become the home of migratory wading birds from as far away as Alaska, China and Japan. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take the walking path up to Anne Beasley’s lookout. The walk is steep but the views are sensational.

There are several hotels and motels in Boondall with a wide range of dining options in the suburbs nearby.

Boonooroo is located along the banks of the Great Sandy Strait, a quiet waterway running between Fraser Island and the mainland. The villages of Boonooroo and Tuan are now close to one and have maintained their 'old fishing village' character. Boonooroo itself has a range of general services and facilities for the visitor and is a wonderful place to while away a week of fishing and relaxation!

This is a wallum swamp area, home to a unique collection of Australian flora and fauna including tea trees, kangaroos, eucalypts, galahs, bottle brush, magpies, wildflowers, bramminy kites and sea eagles. One of Australia's main RAMSAR sites, the area offers migrating birds a safe resting and feeding ground. It is also the second largest protection area in Queensland for the Dugong. Soon to be classified as a Marine Park, the Great Sandy Strait is an important place for both conservation and recreation.

Boreen Point is a relaxed village on the shores of lovely Lake Cootharaba. The largest lake of the Noosa River system, Cootharaba is the gateway to the upper Noosa River, the Noosa Everglades and the Great Sandy National Park. The village is about 20 kilometres by sealed road from Tewantin on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

A haven for sailing and boating enthusiasts, Boreen Point has holiday cottages, a general store, caravan parks and boat hire facilities. Boreen Point is the home of a sailing club, which stages major sailing and sailboarding events.

Back in the war years, Bororen was noted for its pies. Those on active duty almost considered deserting just to get their hands on a Bororen pie. In the 21st century, it's still worthwhile pulling over for a break. The local pub has a great atmosphere, country to its boots. The architecture is great.

The town, approximately 50 kilometres south of Gladstone, is quite well known these days for its cattle and timber industries. If you're in town on the right day and at the right time, you may even get to see the local woodsmith at work.

The town has a caravan park, hotel/motel and a wide range of services including meals, bait, ice, takeaway meals for those on the move, or just refuelling. Rest areas with toilets, barbeque facilities with shade and somewhere for the kids to have that all important run around.

There are a lot of bush yarns and legends in this Outback country, but the people of Boulia reckon the pick of the bunch are the ones about the mysterious Queensland icon, the Min Min Light. Here is a yarn about the Light they would like to share with you.

It was shortly after the Min Min Hotel was destroyed by fire around 1912, when a stockman had one of the first experiences with the Min Min Light:

"About 10.00 p.m. I was riding to Boulia and passed close to the Min Min graveyard. The night was somewhat cloudy. All of a sudden I saw a strange glow right in the middle of the cemetery. It got bigger until it was the size of a large watermelon. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I watched it hovering over the graveyard. I broke into a cold sweat as it started coming toward me. It was too much for my nerves. I dug the spurs into my horse and headed for Boulia as fast as I could go. Every time I looked back the light seemed to be following me. It only disappeared out of Boulia".

To preserve the history and myths surrounding the Min Min Light, the Boulia Shire Council created the Min Min Encounter Complex. Be part of the 45-minute show introducing you to characters like Gunna and Bluey who have seen the light.

More than 100 million years ago Boulia was part of Australia’s inland sea. Visit Dick at the Stonehouse Museum and be amazed by the extensive marine fossil display and the array historical artefacts from early settlers, including machinery, saddlery and hospital instruments.

The state of the art Sports and Aquatic Centre is right at your fingertips when you come to Boulia.

Yellowbelly and redclaw can be found at Parapituri Waterhole, the Police Barracks Waterhole and also in the Burke River.

Come and celebrate 12 years of racing in Boulia at the Boulia Camel Races on the third weekend of July.

Bowen is a jewel in the Whitsunday crown with untouched beaches, beautiful bays and a perfect tropical climate. Bowen is one of the undiscovered treats of Queensland and an ideal destination for those seeking a laidback beach holiday.

Bowen is situated in the northern region of the Whitsundays on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay, just 40 minutes' drive north from Airlie Beach. It’s a picturesque seaside town that offers a beachcomber’s paradise with eight award-winning, palm-fringed beaches to explore. Plus there's the reef, beach and estuary fishing. With a daily average of eight hours of sunshine all through the year, it can also lay claim to having Australia’s best climate.

The most popular beaches are Horseshoe Bay and Queens Beach. Visitors are well provided for at most beaches in the Bowen area, with facilities including barbecues, picnic tables, children’s playgrounds and neatly maintained parkland areas. The Bowen foreshore has recently been redeveloped with fun family activity in mind and boasts a sound shell for outdoor events.

With some of the best fringing reefs of the Queensland coast lying just a few metres offshore, the area attracts snorkellers and divers keen to explore the coral gardens.

Bowenville, on the Warrego Highway east of Dalby, has the basic requirements for the traveller, including fuel, a post office, barbecues, a hotel and public telephone. Bowenville is a short drive from two major tourist attractions in the region, the historic Jondaryan Woolshed and the Acland Coal Mine.

Bowenville is a lovely little place to stop and stretch your legs on your travels.

Take a short drive south from Gladstone to the picturesque coastal communities of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands and you will experience a relaxed coastal lifestyle centred on attractive beaches, riverside walkways, parklands and recreational activities.

With a population of close to 12,000, these 'twin' communities are linked by a bridge across the beautiful Boyne River.

Boyne Island - the island you can drive to - offers a quality mix of residential, business, shopping, industry and environment where foreshore parks overlook boats, outrigger crews and fishing on the calm river waters.

The island is also home to Australia's largest Aluminium Smelter - the State's largest user of electricity. It employs 1,300 people to produce up to 558,000 tonnes of Aluminium per year. You are welcome to learn more about this fascinating facility at the Smelter Visitor Centre.

With only a small variation in seasonal water temperatures, the waters of Tannum Sands and Boyne Island are perfect for year-round swimming. The area is a popular stopover for the winter 'migration' from the south!

Boyne has more than 15 kilometres of walks known as The Turtle Way, winding beside the river through bushland, dunes and parks.

The Boyne Valley is just an hours drive from Gladstone in Central Queensland, Australia. It is a rural community with the small townships of Nagoorin, Ubobo, Builyan and Many Peaks dotted along the Boyne River which is the heart of the valley. Many services and facilities, including a Health Clinic, Primary Schools, General Store, Post Office Agency, Hotel, Churches, Automotive Repairs, Halls and public toilets, Service Clubs, Sports Grounds, Camping and Accommodation are available, with easy access via bitumen highway Number 69 from Calliope in the north or Monto in the south. Access is also available from Miriam Vale on the Bruce Highway, via the partly sealed Blackmans Gap Road over the Many Peaks Range.

Beef and sawmilling are the main industries, with dairying, irrigated crops and mining contributing to the economy. The Boyne River, Awoonga Dam and a network of National Parks and forests combine to create a place of great natural beauty and encourage tourism. New residents arriving in the Valley in recent years have found the Valley to be a great place to build a home and retire or an easy place from which to commute to work.

Sitting at the southern entrance of the Whitsunday Passage, Brampton Island is a blue water, white sand tropical island haven. Almost entirely National Park, Brampton has seven glorious beaches and its own coral reef.

Brampton Island has an abundance of native bush and wildlife, including kangaroos. Explore the island on a leisurely bushwalk through the National Park. Snorkelling safaris exploring Brampton's coral gardens are one of the many ways to enjoy the remarkable blue waters of the Whitsundays. Gguests can also sail a catamaran, take out a paddle ski or simply laze in a beachside hammock and savour the tropical setting.

Naturally beautiful, Bribie Island and its surrounding waters is a true showpiece of the Moreton Bay area.

Bribie is the northern-most of the islands in Moreton Bay. It's the only island connected to the mainland by bridge, allowing easy access.

A haven for those seeking a sea change, young families, water sport enthusiasts and nature lovers, Bribie offers a compact range of experiences for all age groups. Extensive national parks, (some with camping facilities) a choice of surf beaches or calmer protected beaches, and some of the best fishing to be found. There's also a good range of restaurants and accommodation to make Bribie an ideal destination for a short break or day trip.

The ecologically important Pumicestone Passage, formed by the channel which runs between Bribie Island and the Caboolture coastline, is a protected marine park and safe haven for dugongs, turtles, dolphins, and a diverse birdlife and extensive network of mangrove swamps. The Bribie Island Ferryman offers excellent tours of the Passage with fascinating commentary along the way.

The picturesque foreshore at Bongaree is an excellent spot for a family outing with lots of picnic facilities, ample shady areas, boat ramps and calm water for kiddies to splash around in. It’s also easy and inexpensive to hire small boats on Bribie.

For the more adventurous, head over to the eastern side of the island to Woorim Beach. This patrolled surf beaches is one of the closest to Brisbane. It's a popular spot for swimmers and board riders. You can even learn to surf at the surf school located here. Or just enjoy the surf view from the Surf Club on the foreshore.

Bribie Island is about an hour and twenty minutes' drive from the Brisbane CBD.

An enticing maze of shopping and dining, parks and riverside walkways.

If you are looking to experience the best and the newest of Brisbane, The City is the place of endless discovery and delightful surprises. An intimate, communal urban landscape framed by lush parklands, The City is home to over 4,000 businesses, five vibrant shopping precincts, 700 local and international retailers, over 200 thriving restaurants and bars, and plays host to more than 1,000 events per year. The riverside precinct is home to some of Brisbane’s finest alfresco restaurants and provides the most enchanting views of the river and the iconic Story Bridge.

There is also the constant spectacle of an array of outdoor festivals, events and attractions created for Brisbane’s famous sub-tropical weather. Yet, for a real Brisbane experience, you must see what’s on at our buzzing urban villages. From Australia’s premier live music precinct, the 'Valley' to the cool and the left-of-centre community of West End, our urban villages each have their own personality, yet they’re all filled with unique shopping precincts, cafes, restaurants, galleries and smiling locals enjoying the Brisbane sun.

Brisbane is a city for the senses; walking under impossibly blue skies around this foot-friendly city opens up a world of experiences. A well planned series of paths and bridges connect the city centre to South Bank, as well as many of our urban villages that tease the river’s edge as it bends the city, its parks and gentle skyscrapers.

The ever-busy baristas fill the air with an irresistible temptation that is hard to escape and the mix of welcome visitors and the business set create a lively thoroughfare through the Queen Street Mall - Queensland’s largest retail precinct with over 700 specialty shops, restaurant, cinemas and live music. There is also the constant spectacle of an array of outdoor festivals, events and attractions created for Brisbane’s famous sub-tropical weather. Yet, for a real Brisbane experience, you must see what’s on at our buzzing urban villages.

From Australia’s premier live music precinct, the 'Valley' to the cool and the left-of-centre community of West End, our urban villages each have their own personality, yet they’re all filled with unique shopping precincts, cafes, restaurants, galleries and smiling locals enjoying the Brisbane sun.

Under an hour from the heart of Brisbane is the aquatic playground of Moreton Bay and Islands and the World Heritage-listed Scenic Rim – explore for a day, a short break or a longer escape!

Broadbeach is just south of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast and offers an inviting beach lifestyle.

Broadbeach is somewhat quieter than Surfers Paradise to the north, but boasts an excellent stretch of beach, dining and shopping options. Broadbeach Mall and Surf Parade are lined with trendy outdoor cafes and restaurants, and beachfront craft markets are held on the first and third Sunday of every month.

But probably the best known attraction at Broadbeach is Conrad Jupiters Casino, which thrives with people trying their luck 24 hours a day.

Adjacent to bustling Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters is known for a landscape woven with kilometres of canals, bike paths and scenic walks. It is also a central hub, located just minutes from all the major shopping and entertainment hot-spots on the Gold Coast.

Just to the south is one of the largest shopping centres in the country, offering hundreds of specialty shops, major department stores, a cinema complex and plenty of activities for the kids. To the north is the vibrant beachside playground of Surfers Paradise, where the options for good food, great entertainment and knock-out views are unsurpassed.
Along the eastern fringes of Burleigh Waters you’ll find a world-class casino and cabaret venue as well as the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre where you can always catch a concert, exhibition or show.

On the coastal fringe is the fabulous dining and entertainment precinct of Broadbeach, boasting great shopping, wine bars, alfresco dining, and groovy night spots. Take the monorail to the casino, have a flutter, then sample fresh local produce at one of six restaurants before catching a live show.

The beach at Broadbeach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing and boogie boarding – but be sure to stay between the flags!

When it’s time to relax, head to Cascade Gardens for a gentle stroll through the rainforest. Visit the enclosed sanctuary for water birds, wander amongst the waterfalls and enjoy a barbecue by the tranquil creek.

Broadbeach Waters is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the Coolangatta Airport and an extensive range of accommodation options are available to suit most budgets.

Brookstead is located between Pittsworth and Millmerran on the Gore Highway.

Brookstead is a whistlestop, offering fuel, barbecue facilities and a post office. All Saints Anglican Church lies just down the road a little further on your way to Millmerran. This church is a must-see with its quaint architecture and lovely stained glass windows.

Broxburn is a rural community approximately five minutes drive from the town Pittsworth. Broxburn is know for its yearly event, the Broxburn Country Music Festival.

The Broxburn Country Music Festival is usually held in May each year. Both well-known and local country artists perform over two days. The festival is held at Broxburn Reserve and visitors are welcome to camp overnight.

Buddina is a thriving suburb of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. A notable feature of Buddina is the Kawana Shoppingworld shopping centre, which is one of the largest shopping centres on the Sunshine Coast and features over 100 stores.

The eastern half of Buddina fronts the Pacific Ocean, with a long stretch of beach that’s perfect for many activities. The Coastal Pathway runs adjacent to the beach and is great for walking, jogging and cycling. the Kawana Surf Life Savers Club patrols the beach on weekends and public holidays from the September School holidays through to the end of the Easter school holidays. The crystal clear water, fresh ocean breezes and the beautiful long stretch of golden sand make for an unforgettable experience.

Visitor accommodation can be found in Buddina, especially self-contained apartments opposite the beach and holiday houses.

Perched high on the red, fertile soil of Buderim Mountain above the Sunshine Coast, Buderim might be small, but no town or city in the state can match it for vibrant colour. The colour flows from the bougainvillea, poinciana, frangipani and hibiscus, which adorn just about every garden in town.

Although the area’s prosperity has been built on timber, sugar, citrus, coffee and bananas, the name of modern Buderim is synonymous with ginger, which is marketed directly in every conceivable form. You can taste the fruits of the good earth at the markets or many of the local culinery establishments.

The link to the timber industry is preserved in the faithfully restored cottage built from hewn cedar and beech by pioneer John Kerle Bennett in 1876. The hinterland in which Buderim is set is sprinkled with a number of parks and reserves, which give the visitor a glimpse of the original vegetation in the area. The parkland within the area includes Mooloolah River National Park, where the wallum heathland bursts into a riot of colour in spring, Buderim Forest Park, with its signature waterfalls and boardwalk, and the beautiful Foote Sanctuary.

Bundaberg is a progressive city built on the Burnett River, and surrounded by a patchwork of sugarcane fields. Bundaberg is an ideal holiday centre with excellent holiday attractions and entertainment. Coastal resorts provide excellent seaside holidays.

Bundaberg is known as the Gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, as the southern tip of the Reef begins offshore near Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave Islands. For visitors eager to explore the Reef, day trips and overnight stays leave from Bundaberg. The area is also famous for its turtles and rum.

It is a sports-minded city and has produced many world class athletes. Bundaberg features an easy going lifestyle with a range of accommodation options. Its subtropical climate make it a very agreeable destination any time of year.

The Bundaberg Coral Coast and Country Region encompasses a diversity of experiences, making it an ideal holiday location. Throughout the region there is a sense of history mixed with wilderness adventure, rural experiences and warm country hospitality. All this and more is waiting for you to enjoy.

Called the Gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef - day tours, resort stays, wilderness camping and dive cruises are all on offer. With its pristine environment, the region is home to many marine creatures. Humpback whales pass close to the shoreline en route to Hervey Bay; and Australia’s largest mainland turtle rookery is situated at Mon Repos Beach. Reef walk, snorkel and dive on one of the great wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef.

At the centre of the sugar cane country is Bundaberg, or "Bundy" as it's fondly known by the locals. Bundaberg is a progressive city of around 50,000, is 14 kilometres from the Coral Coast, where the townships of Elliott Heads, Innes Park, Bargara and Burnett Heads boast some of the most pristine beaches in Australia. To the south is Buxton, one of the last unspoilt fishing villages, and Woodgate with an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding national parks.

Childers, a National Trust town, is set on top of rolling hills of red soil, and the northern Town of 1770 is the first place that James Cook landed in Queensland. The Central and North Burnett provides a contrast to the coastal areas of the region with its rugged gorges, imposing mountain ranges and serene rural views. 15 National Parks preserve and provide a diverse range of experiences, from rugged mountain hikes, sleepy riverside campgrounds and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

The majestic Bunya Mountains, situated about 150 kilometres from the coast, is a spectacular wilderness range forming an isolated section of the Great Dividing Range. The immense subtropical range of cool, green rainforest, eucalypt forests and woodlands is home to the world's largest forest of bunya pines. Native wildlife, wallabies and pademelons as well as 121 species of birds including brilliantly coloured king parrots, satin bowerbirds and crimson rosellas, call this area home.

The range features panoramic mountain scenery and breathtaking views over the South Burnett region and southern plains. Nights are alive with the sounds of the nocturnal creatures and a myriad of stars, while mornings have a fresh, crisp and clean mountain quality.

Aboriginal people historically used the Bunya Mountains as a meeting place for the various tribes scattered throughout Queensland and New South Wales. They feasted seasonally on the bunya nuts collected from the bunya pine trees (Araucaria bidwillii).

The Bunya Mountains offer the quiet allure of a retreat environment favoured by families, groups and honeymooners alike. The Bunya Mountains are pristine, peaceful and spectacular, less than three hours from Brisbane and the Fraser Coast and approx one hour from Kingaroy, Nanango or Dalby.

The Gulf Savannah is an interesting region to visit all year. However during the monsoon season, transportation methods must be carefully considered, as some parts of the Gulf Savannah region suffer from a lack of road infrastructure.

Burketown sits on the Albert River and on the east-west dividing line between the wetlands to the north and the beginning of the savannah grass plains (Plains of Promise) to the south, some 25 kilometres from the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria. The Albert River is tidal and the Gulf is accessible from Burketown by boat.

Surrounding environs include flat, grassy plains to the south and immense salt flats and wetlands to the north. The Nicholson River is some 17 kilometres to the west and is fresh water and perennial. The wetlands are breeding grounds for crocodiles, barramundi and prawns and a vast amount of bird species which are prolific during the summer months.

The grasslands to the south are the habitat of a great array of wildlife including emus, kangaroos and birdlife.

Burketown is 425 kilometres north of Mt Isa.

Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast is world renowned for its spectacular surfing conditions. Burleigh attracts international pro surfers with its tubular Burleigh Barrel waves, and is the venue for major surfing tournaments like the Quicksilver Pro Surf Tournament.

Burleigh Heads is nestled beneath the rolling Burleigh headland, which is studded with distinctive pines and pandanus palms. The headland was formed by an ancient volcano and is a sacred spot for Aborigines who once gathered here to fish and feast. It adjoins the Burleigh Head National Park on the banks of the Tallebudgera Creek. From the headland you have expansive views north to the high-rises of Surfers Paradise. There’s also a lovely beachfront park that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Burleigh Heads has a chilled out, beach atmosphere with several alfresco restaurants, bars and cafes. This relaxed charm exudes from everything in Burleigh, making it a perfect holiday destination.

Burnett Heads is located close to Mon Repos Conservation Park and the Oaks surf beach, just 17 kilometres from the centre of Bundaberg. If perchance you are so inclined, at a secluded bay between those two sites there is an unofficial 'clothes-optional' beach.

At low tide, nearby Duchess Rocks has a display of soft coral and it's here where remnants of an ancient lava flow can be viewed. Snorkel or fish off the rock wall and then check out the marina to see how the other half lives.

The Port Marina, with a shipping chandlery as well as fine dining, is a meeting place for international yachties.

Located approximately 30 minutes outside of Hervey Bay, this seaside village is a destination in its own right for visitors. Burrum Heads experiences a major influx in travellers each year as they return to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the area. Explore rivers and creeks by boat or canoe; take advantage of the clear warm water and great fishing!

There is a wealth of rental house accommodation available through the local real estates, as well as caravan parks and camping sites on the beachfront.

Buxton is a small fishing town situated on the banks of the Burrum River at the southern end of the Isis Shire. It's about 20 kilometres off the Bruce Highway and upstream from Burrum Heads and Walkers Point. There is a general store, picnic facilities and boat ramp. Buxton offers a relaxed lifestyle with pleasant surroundings. Boat enthusiasts are able to explore four river systems from this village.

Flanking the main road into Buxton are a number of rural homesites. Those on the southern side of the road have river frontage. The area is known as having some of the best fishing, prawning and crabbing waterways in the south east.

Cabarlah, a mountain hamlet is situated between Toowoomba and Crows Nest. In the 1800s it was the centre of a thriving dairying and saw milling community. It boasted three pubs. The one remaining, The Farmers Arms, claims to be the longest holder of a continuous liquor licence in Queensland - it was licensed in 1863.

Cabarlah is home of Black Forest Hill Cuckoo Clock Centre, famous for its clocks. Nearby you'll find objects d'art and elegant French furniture and authentic local craft pottery.

The Cabarlah Country Markets are well worth a visit and attract many visitors on the fourth Sunday of each month or on the second Sunday in December.

Cabarlah also has a couple of very nice accommodation options.

Just under 60 minutes from downtown Brisbane, Caboolture is the gateway to the Sunshine Coast. White sandy beaches, stunning mountain scenery and charming country villages await visitors to the Caboolture Shire. With such diversity in lifestyle and scenic attractions, the Caboolture Shire has all the charm and character to delight visitors.

Caboolture is well known for skydiving and gliding at the town's main airfield. The nearby Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology houses a priceless collection of antiques and fine art from around the world with treasures spanning 250,000 years of history. Memories of a more recent bygone era will be rekindled with a visit to Caboolture's Historical Village with its collection of restored buildings.

Yet few attractions rival the splendour of Pumicestone Passage and the internationally recognised marine sanctuary off Bribie Island. It's home to dolphins, dugongs, turtles and more than 350 species of birdlife. An easy 20 minutes from Caboolture, Bribie Island is linked by bridge and is a popular tourist destination for its excellent fishing, surf beaches, National Parks and reserves.

Back on the mainland, the scenic areas of Woodford and Mount Mee, and the fishing communities of Donnybrook and Toorbul are just some of the attractive towns that abound with heritage and natural scenery.

Cairns is the heart of Tropical North Queensland and Australia’s primary gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Cairns is a vibrant, eclectic city framed by the spectacular twin backdrops of rainforest mountain ranges and the sparkling Coral Sea. The World Heritage listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, Great Barrier Reef and the Outback are all within easy reach.

The Cairns Esplanade is the city’s main attraction with a lovely oceanfront promenade, saltwater swimming lagoon and beach. You’ll find numerous restaurants, bars and hotels lining the Esplanade… all offering beautiful waterfront views. Thousands of visitors flock to the Esplanade to enjoy the alfresco dining and relax in the beautiful surroundings of this modern city.

Almost a century of architecture is reflected in the city streets - a comfortable blend of traditional Queensland style and contemporary designs. Make sure to visit the Reef Casino to view its unique rainforest simulation and wander through the Cairns Regional Gallery to see exceptional art and exhibitions that focus on Indigenous works. There’s also the Flecker Botanic Gardens with its Gondawanan Evolutionary Trail that offers a glimpse into the ancient history of the rainforest plants.

Cairns is an adventure-lovers paradise with numerous tours and adrenaline activities on offer. From white water rafting to bungee jumping and skydiving, you’ll find the perfect activity to suit. And with hundreds of tours visiting the Great Barrier Reef each year, you’re sure to find one, or a couple, to try.

Arrival in Cairns is simple, with several domestic and international flights arriving each day. And once you’re in Cairns, stop by the Gateway Discovery Centre on the Cairns Esplanade. The centre will help you find plan your ideal, tropical holiday.

Calliope is a vibrant growing community, about 20 minutes drive west of Gladstone. With a relaxed rural atmosphere, Calliope is surrounded by farms and a beautiful hinterland landscape.

The area boasts a national park of rainforests and native bush, horse riding trails, bush camps, historical homesteads and lookouts with spectacular views over the entire Port Curtis area.

With a population of over 4,000 the town of Calliope has country pubs, an 18-hole Country Club with a challenging golf course, and the newly constructed Calliope Central Shopping Village. Just north along the highway is the Calliope River Historical Village, taking you back many years to capture some of the early history of the Port Curtis area.

Fishing enthusiasts are well catered for with boat ramps provided at Boyne Island, Tannum Sands, Calliope River and Lake Awoonga. Choice mud crabs and fish such as bream, salmon, whiting, cod and flathead can be caught from the Boyne and Calliope Rivers and the many estuaries running from these rivers. Lake Awoonga is a prime location for catching barramundi, with the bonus of being able to fish for these well-known angler prizes all year round.

The holiday memories of a lifetime are all within reach at Caloundra - where the Sunshine Coast begins. Experience the uncrowded beaches with views of the heritage listed Glass House Mountains, the sparkling waters of the Pumicestone Passage, and a breath-taking coastal headland with interesting coves and sandy beaches.

Caloundra takes in several beaches each with their own personality and loyal devotees. There's Golden Beach, Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Shelly Beach, Moffat Beach, Dicky Beach and Currimundi.

The Caloundra Coastal Path stretches along some of the most scenic shorelines you could ever wish to see. The path is a continuous coastal link from Golden Beach in the south, around Caloundra Headland then Moffat Headland, before heading north following the long, sandy beaches of Kawana to Point Cartwright. Along the way it passes some historic sites including Military Jetty used for military operations in World War II, and the heritage listed Kings Beach Bathing Pavillion constructed in 1937. There are also magnificent views to enjoy at Moffat Beach, Kings Beach, Happy Valley and Bulcock Beach. The walk traverses some remnant coastal vegetation between Currimundi and Dicky Beach.

Kings Beach is Caloundra’s premier surfing beach and just behind the beach itself is a modern playground area, barbecue facilities and an amphitheatre for major events. A giant water fountain provides hours of entertainment while in front of the Surf Club there's a unique foreshore swimming pool.

Explore the coastline on a cycling or walking tour, on a cruise, by kayak or hop on a jet ski. If you love a round of golf then tee off at the challenging Greg Norman-designed Club Pelican. Nearby Corbould Park is one of the finest regional thoroughbred racing facilities in the country.

Major attractions in the area include Australia Zoo, Aussie World and the Ettamogah Pub, Big Kart Track and the Queensland Air Museum.

It only takes one look and you’re hooked on Caloundra as the place to refresh and rejuvenate.

Cambooya is the heart of Steele Rudd Country. Here you will find country hospitality and old-fashioned charm in a tranquil setting of fields of golden grain.

Steele Rudd spent much of his childhood on his family's small block at Emu Creek near East Greenmount. Today a replica of their slab-and-shingle hut stands there as witness to the way of life of the subsistence farmers depicted in his book 'On Our Selection'. Another noteworthy local building is the Soldiers' Memorial Hall at Greenmount.

The Bull and Barley Inn has recently been restored to its former grandeur, boasting an authentic 1900s old-world atmosphere with displays of interesting historic pieces and photographs. There is a restaurant and accommodation on site. Or if just travelling through, stop and smell over 300 rose bushes across from the Bull and Barley Inn.

You will also find a cafe and general store across from the Bull and Barley Inn in Cambooya's main street.

Cameron Corner – where three Australian states meet! The Corner Store is in Outback Queensland, receives its supplies from New South Wales and telephone services from South Australia. Originally surveyed by John Cameron in 1882-83, a new survey marker was unveiled in 1969.

The interpretive centre contains information on the world’s longest fence, the Dingo Fence. Licensed accommodation, camping, fuel, meals, telephone and souvenirs are available at the ‘Corner’.

Camooweal is located on the Queensland-Northern Territory border, 330 kilometres south of Burketown, 188 kilometres from Mount Isa and 440 kilometres from the Stuart Highway in the Northern Territory.

Camooweal proudly declares itself 'Gateway to the Northern Territory/Queensland'. The road from Mount Isa to the town, known to locals as 'Tojo's Highway', was built during World War II with American funds and was originally designed as a link between the southern states and the theoretical 'front line' in the Northern Territory.

The explorer William Landsborough was the first European to pass through the Camooweal area. At the time (1862) he was looking for Burke and Wills. His reports led to the area being settled by pastoralists but it wasn't until 1884 that the town of Camooweal was gazetted. It grew as a service centre for the surrounding properties but the growth of Mount Isa meant sustained growth was not possible. Camooweal is now considered a 'suburb' of Mount Isa, such is the vastness of the region, and the huge jurisdiction the Mount Isa City Council operates. The Barkly Highway between Mount Isa and Camooweal is considered the longest main street in the world at 188 kilometres long!

The Camooweal district is honeycombed with rare sink holes and caves, dating back to the Cambrian Period, about 500 million years ago. Those visitors experienced in serious caving will discover a whole new world beneath the Camooweal region.

While in Cammoweal visit The Barkly Tableland Heritage Centre, Freckleton's Store, Cammoweal Caves National Park, Camooweal Cemetery and the Drovers Camp Information Centre.

Just three minutes to the west of the tourist hot spot of Airlie Beach you’ll find its quieter, less known, but just as beautiful cousin Cannonvale.

A perfect place to base the family, Cannonvale is conveniently located close to all the sights and sounds the Whitsundays has to offer. Cannonvale’s beautiful sheltered beach is perfect for splashing about with the kids away from the big crowds. There are children’s play areas, public barbecues and picnic spots along the water and at the end of the beach you’ll find a curious molten rock formation begging to be explored, with rock pools to be combed over at low tide.

As the main residential centre in the area, the town has good shopping facilities as well as cafes, banks and the area's main post office. Launch your trailer boat at the boat ramp at the Volunteer Marine Rescue Club on Altmann Avenue.

From Cannonvale you can easily get to Abel Point Marina or Shute Harbour to jump on board a cruise to the spellbinding Whitsundays archipelago and Great Barrier Reef. Follow the boardwalk around the waterfront from Cannonvale right into the heart of Airlie Beach for a leisurely afternoon stroll or to get a bit of exercise.

The old saw-milling town of Canungra is the springboard to Lamington National Park and its popular mountain resorts.

Visitors can take a walk through the sawmill’s old tramway tunnel cut through sandstone, where the walls show the scars caused by logs jamming against them. The beautiful timbers used in the interior of St Luke's Church also bear testimony to Canungra’s timber heritage.

Now the town has become a haven for artists and craft-workers. View their work at local galleries and potteries and then sit back with a cup of coffee at one of the local cafes. And if your thoughts turn to adventure, learn to hang-glide, paraglide or take a horse trek through the picturesque Biddaddaba Valley.

Cape Hillsborough, with its 816 hectare coastal National Park about 20 kilometres north of Mackay, is renowned for its rugged scenery, walking tracks and native wildlife. The closest thing to a crowd on a beachfront stroll is likely to be a friendly family of wallabies.

The park is scattered with walking trails, the most popular being the 1.6 kilometres Juipera Plants Trail. This trail illustrates the way the Juipera Aboriginals used the park's native plants for survival. Other walks include the Diversity Boardwalk, Beachcomber Cover Track and Andrew Points walking track which passes six lookouts offering spectacular views. At low tide a causeway links the end of the track to Wedge Island. Check tide times before embarking on this track and only attempt the crossing to Wedge Island on a falling tide. At low tide, walkers may return to the picnic area along the beach; this route is inaccessible at high tide.

Over 150 species of bird life and tropical butterflies live amongst the park's eucalypt forests, hoop pines, creeks, mangroves and headlands. The park includes a picnic and barbeque area and public toilets. Nearby Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort offers a variety of accommodation options from caravan and camping, beachfront huts and motel units.

Cape Tribulation is a small village where the frontier of the north really begins. Once you cross the Daintree River by ferry, you've entered into a region that hosts the oldest rainforest on the planet.

You'll soon pass through lowland and tropical rainforest to the road junctions for Cape Kimberley and Cow Bay. Make sure to take some time and explore these areas as they have excellent coastal lookouts where the reef literally meets the rainforest.

If you continue to follow the Bloomfield Track (the major coastal highway) north, you may need a Four Wheel Drive (4WD) vehicle to drive alongside the coast and through the canopies of the Wet Tropics rainforest to the more isolated towns of the northern frontier.

Many people make day trips to Cape Tribulation from Port Douglas and Cairns, but there are camping spots and accommodation options available for those who would like to spend a little more time exploring the area.

Cape York and the Gulf Savannah in Tropical North Queensland are truly the last Australian frontier. Located on the northernmost tip of Australia, Cape York Peninsula is a wild and sparsely populated wilderness area that is only accessible during the dry months from April to December.

Cape York’s rugged coastline points towards Papua New Guinea while the eastern side of Cape York is fringed by the coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef.

The seemingly undeveloped land of Cape York will surprise and delight. The dusty tracks contrast dramatically with the abundant rivers, crystal clear creeks and spectacular waterfalls. This is a vast area of unexplored wilderness, magnificent national parks, sacred Aboriginal sites, unexplored rainforest, rugged mountains and swampy marshlands. This is a land of climatic extremes where the creeks run dry or ten feet high.

If you love bushwalking, four-wheel driving, wildlife, fishing, birdwatching or camping then Cape York is the place for you. The Cape York region is one of the largest wilderness areas in the world that remains relatively untouched, maintaining its original beauty and diversity.

You'll be amazed by the 40,000 year old tradition and culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. See the unique wildlife including kangaroos and dugongs. With all this untamed beauty the area offers an escape from the manmade pressures of the city.

You can discover Cape York in a variety of ways. Travel by 4WD to the very tip of Australia or cruise the blue waters of the Torres Strait. Trek to ancient Aboriginal Rock Art sites at Quinkan Rock Art Reserve, where thousands of years of Aboriginal culture have been recorded in ochre and clay paintings.

The spectacular Peak Range creates a dramatic backdrop to Capella. Make Capella your base while exploring the Central Highlands.

The 'Peak Downs' Homestead is Australia's largest restored shingle roofed station homestead. Built in 1869 from local pit sawn spotted gum, the Homestead is a tribute to 19th century carpentry. The wall wood slats are cut on a 12 degree angle top and bottom and mortised into the square studs. The Homestead is in the Capella Pioneer Village complex at the northern end of Capella's main street.

The village is also home to the 'Gordon Downs' Woolshed and a comprehensive collection of tractors and machinery used to open up the Central Highlands grain industry following World War Two.

Unwind and enjoy their local 'beach'. The Capella Aquatic Centre's five free electric barbecue areas are near the wading pool, plunge pool, shallow pool and the Olympic pool. Pull up a sun lounger and relax with a coffee from the Centre's cafe.

Discover the volcanic mountain peaks, huge coal mining activities, fascinating sapphire fields and broadacre farming panoramas along the four self-drive tours. Don't miss the light pole and wall murals along the Peak Downs Street town walk, or take a bird-watching tramp east along Capella Creek.

The Capricorn Coast is exciting, diverse and breathtakingly beautiful. Visitors to the Coast enjoy golden days and balmy, moonlit evenings with the brilliant sunsets and scents of the tropics as well as the crispness of a temperate climate. The Coast is under the Tropic of Capricorn, for which it is named, and it sweeps along the Pacific Ocean at Central Queensland just a 30 minute drive from the Beef Capital of Australia, Rockhampton, and only 600 kilometres from the capital, Brisbane.

You can still enjoy a beach to yourself at the Capricorn Coast with views of Great and North Keppel Islands and the many smaller islands, which act as stepping-stones to the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Keppel Island is a popular island to visitors and is accessible by a 30-minute ferry ride. Ferry services operate daily out of Rosslyn Bay.

Yeppoon is the Coast's major town, which has retained its village style appeal, yet offers a variety of wonderful restaurants, accommodation and shops. Just north of Yeppoon is the Capricorn Resort, set on 22,000 acres of nature and offers two world standard golf courses, whilst to the south at Zilzie, the Reef Palms Complex offers night-time golf with a floodlit course, featuring a world-first - synthetic golf course.

The beaches along the Capricorn Coast are touched by the legacy of Captain James Cook. Emu Park, the second largest town on the Capricorn Coast, has honoured Cook's exploration with a monument, the famous 'Singing Ship', a soaring white sculpture with Great Keppel Island as a back drop.

Lammermoor, Kinka, Mullambin and Kemp beaches, Cooee Bay and the Causeway Lake, all line the Capricorn Coast offering many pleasures, wonderful accommodation and so much beauty you will never want to leave.

The Capricorn Coast is easily accessible by road, rail, coach and air and is situated 38 kilometres north east of Rockhampton.

Cardwell lies in the heart of the Great Green Way driving route, and is the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island – the largest Island National Park in Australia. Made up of a diverse range of landscapes, Cardwell is the perfect place to relax or be adventurous.

Settled in 1864, Cardwell was the first settlement north of Bowen and is the only town in the world where two world heritage listed areas adjoin. The first being the wet tropics world heritage area, starting north of Townsville and finishing south of Cooktown. And the second - the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park world heritage area.

Cardwell offers a range of attractions, site seeing, annual events and historical places to visit. The Cardwell Rainforest and Reef Visitor Information Centre has a magnificent interpretative display capturing all the flora and fauna native to the area. Staff at the Centre provide expert advice on points of interest, along with information on the region's history. Cardwell also offers a wide range of accommodation.

Cardwell's Port Hinchinbrook provides a state of the art Marina, public boat ramp and repairs and maintenance facilities for anglers and boaties. It is widely acknowledged that Cardwell is ranked second to none when it comes to all-weather and all-tide boating and fishing in the north. The public boat ramp is free of charge. With 22 islands off the coast and the spectacular Hinchinbrook channel offering 45 kilometres of fully protected boating and fishing- it's a boaties paradise.

Cardwell lies about an hour's drive south of Mission Beach.

Carmila is situated approximately 96 kilometres south of Mackay on the Bruce Highway. Carmila offers a 24 hour roadhouse, caravan park, general store, post office and library, and is a major sporting and social centre for the surrounding cane farms. Carmila beach is only six kilometres from the town, with camping facilities including amenities blocks, barbecues, playgrounds and a boat ramp.