Travel guide Queensland

Rock ‘n’ Roll in the Vineyard is held annually on the last Sunday in May and is one of the premier annual music events on the Granite Belt events calendar. Read more

The picturesque and historic township of Mossman is the stepping off point to the many delights of the Daintree rainforest. It is the sugar capital of tropical North Queensland and the discovery of gold at nearby Charters Towers in 1872, along with the establishment of the first sugar plantation some twenty years later, really opened the doors to the development of the region.  However, it is the location of Mossman at the gateway to the Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Park – along with its proximity to the more cosmopolitan Cairns and Port Douglas – that is the real attraction. There are many hidden gems to be found nearby and Bali Hai Rainforest Retreat is definitely the jewel in the crown.   This wonderful property is so protective of its location that al... Read more

TakeABreak Awards 2009 Winner, Holiday Park Accommodation: Dalrymple Tourist Van Park  If you head up into the beautiful tropical paradise of Far North Queensland, you’ll encounter a fabulously fun holiday park in the town of Charters Towers. Loaded with clean and comfortable cabins, plenty of spaces to pitch a tent or park your caravan, and fun organised events like campfire sing-a-longs and Devonshire teas, Dalrymple Tourist Van Park is the standout winner in 2009 TakeABreak Awards, Holiday Park Accommodation category. Located 130 km southwest of Townsville, Charters Towers is an inland town with a rich history and plenty of well-preserved heritage buildings to admire. Once a bustling gold rush town in the 1870s, residents of Charters Towers speak of ghosts that haunt ... Read more

Often when we think of holidays, we think of sparkling sands and pristine waters. However by thinking only of beach holidays, we are missing many of the glorious treasures that nestle in the hinterland behind the beaches. They offer a different type of holiday, but one still within close proximity to beaches, if that is what you are looking for. The hinterland behind the Sunshine Coast hides many treasures, such as The African Cottage and The Rondawel. These African-inspired cottages are the brainchild of Matilda, who came to Australia from South Africa over 20 years ago. She spent many years running a restaurant that served traditional South African food as well as developing a range of sauces, chutneys, marinades and spices. These Gourmet Afrika products are still available, however M... Read more

Mt Glorious … the name says it all! The village of Mt Glorious is just 35 kms north-west of Brisbane, yet a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.  Imagine leaving the stresses of city life and being surrounded by clear air and pristine rainforest less than an hour later. Turkey’s Nest Rainforest Cottage is the ideal antidote to our culture of ‘rush’ and a stay here will allow you to relax and find the serenity and clarity of thinking that re-connecting with nature – and one another – can bring. Mt Glorious village is in the D’Aguilar Range and surrounded by Brisbane Forest Park, so even the drive up is picturesque; and being over 600m above sea level gives the best of both worlds – beautiful daytime temperatures ... Read more

We all dream of a tropical holiday, swaying palms, balmy breezes and of course, wonderful views and the tranquillity of being far away from the humdrum of everyday life.  Port Hinchinbrook at Cardwell ticks all those boxes and more and Murralea Place Apartments are the answer to your tropical holiday dreams. Hinchinbrook Island, at 393 sq.km, is Australia’s largest island National Park and a wilderness area of great beauty and diversity.  It lies off the Cardwell coast halfway between Cairns and Townsville and has abundant flora and fauna, as well as pristine streams and palm-fringed beaches.  The island is uninhabited, except for an eco lodge at Cape Richards. However, Murralea Place Apartments in Port Hinchinbrook offer great accommodation options, including a ... Read more

Sirenia Retreat - Best health retreat/accommodation Sirenia Retreat, the winner of the 2008 TakeABreak National Award for Best Health Retreat accommodation has been uniquely designed as a DIY health retreat. Located on the secluded Macleay Island off the coast of mainland Queensland, this luxurious and nautically themed two storey, four-bedroom, two-bathroom property comes with all the facilities and creature comforts you need for a memorable escape. Macleay Island is one of the Bay Islands cocooned in the calm waters of Redland Bay. It is a tranquil well-kept secret and the perfect location for a relaxing retreat. The island – with about 2000 permanent residents - is easily reached by a 10-minute water taxi ride or 45 minute car ferry connecting you to Redland Bay on the mainland.... Read more

12 Barang Street Kuranda QLD 4881 This fully equipped, clean, bright, charming property is located a stone’s throw from the main street of the lovely rainforest village of Kuranda, 40 minutes out of Cairns. The villa comes with everything you need for a relaxing holiday. The easy access parking (for unloading the car) means that you feel relaxed from the moment you arrive. Each of the self-contained villas features an outdoor seating and barbecue area, the optimum way to enjoy the small lush garden. The charming owner, Melissa, greets you with a smile on arrival and helps you settle in. Overall rating?    Great    What makes Kuranda Villas different? The proximity to the main street of the village and the little extras  (champagne, coff... Read more

Meridien at Trinity 26-30 Moore Street Trinity Beach, Far North Queensland   Self-contained apartments with all you could ask for, including a tranquil beachside location and close to all the delights of Cairns and beyond.      Overall rating? Excellent   What makes Meridien at Trinity different? The wonderful on-site managers are there to ensure that you have a wonderful stay.  They are there when you need them, but unobtrusive.  The quality of the accommodation and facilities was first class, and it was only a very short walk to great restaurants, shops and amenities.  The apartments are large and spacious with wonderful balconies overlooking the beach.   Accommodation overview  There is a choice of 1, 2, or 3 bedroom... Read more

77 Sims Esplanade Yorkeys Knob Beach, QLD   The apartment was perfect for our needs and has a peaceful ambience.  Close to the beach and with good eateries just down the road … all you need to get away from it all.   Overall rating?             Excellent     What makes Mediterranean Beachfront Apartments different? These luxury apartments are large and well furnished and the location just over the road from the beach is really convenient.  Also just 15 minutes north of Cairns and a great base for exploring the wonders of the region.  Having an onsite manager means any problems are quickly sorted out and it is easy to get some ‘local knowledge’ to help you make ... Read more