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Got a few hours to spare? Why not take time out of your schedule to explore the numerous attractions in and around our airport cities! Check out our city guides below for exciting and adventurous ideas.

Destination: Brisbane

Brisbane is a city full of surprises. Despite its growth from a large country town to Australia’s 3rd biggest city it has still managed to retain some of its country charm. With its colonial buildings, quirky attractions and numerous parks, Brisbane really is a delight to explore.

Call 1300 552 830 for more details on the city tours and to make a reservation

South Bank, Brisbane

There aren’t many cities that can claim to have not only a river, markets, cultural centres, and restaurants but their own beach and lifesavers too. South Bank, situated beside the Brisbane River on the site of Expo 88 is the playground and meeting spot for tourists and locals alike and a destination not to be missed.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

The Story Bridge climb is a unique way to see Brisbane and its surrounding landscape. The 80 metre high climb above the Brisbane River takes two and a half hours and includes commentary from your climb leader on the history of the bridge, Brisbane and local landmarks. The breath-taking views stretch from the Glass House Mountains in the north, out to Brisbane's Moreton Bay and Islands and across the Scenic Rim down to the Gold Coast region. Climbs are available throughout the day, twilight and night. Pre-bookings however are essential.

Castlemaine Brewery

Renowned the world over, the yellow XXXX tin is a distinct Aussie icon. A trip to Queensland wouldn’t be complete without visiting the XXXX Ale House, the home of this distinctive brand where thousands of litres of beer are produced each day. Located on the fringe of Brisbane City Centre, the Ale House provides an interactive brewery tour and a unique bar and restaurant, offering a true XXXX experience. The XXXX Ale house is open to the public for tours and lunch on Monday to Saturday, and on Wednesday evenings. Tour bookings are essential.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Take time out to visit the lookout at Mt Coot-tha, only 7 kilometres west of Brisbane. On a clear day see spectacular views of Brisbane city, Moreton Bay to the East; the Glass House Mountains to the North; and the D’Agilar Range to the West. A cafe, gift shop and restaurant are located at the top of the summit. Visits to Mt Coot-tha can be arranged as part of a Brisbane day tour.

Lone Pine Sanctuary

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's first and largest koala sanctuary, with over 130 koalas. Not only can you cuddle a koala you are also able to handfeed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of other Aussie wildlife, all in beautiful, natural settings. Full-day and half-day tours are available from Brisbane that incorporates a visit to Lone Pine.

St Helena Island

St Helena is Queensland’s most historic island, due to its murky colonial past.  Originally intended as a quarantine station, the island operated as a high-security male penal settlement from 1867, officially closing in 1932. During that time many historical milestones were reached on the island including amongst many the first passenger tramcar in QLD. Visitors today can join in either a day tour or if you dare, a ghost tour by night.  Pre-bookings are essential. Departures are from Manly, which is located 22km east of Brisbane. St Helena Island is situated in Moreton Bay, 4km from the mouth of the Brisbane River.  Day tours are all year round but the night tours operate only on Saturdays, so be sure to book well in advance.

Destination: Sydney

Sydney is Australia’s best known city, famous principally for its iconic Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  The city however has many other fascinating sights which can be incorporated as part of a tour or can be explored at your own leisure.

Call 1300 552 830 for more details on the city tours and to make a reservation

The Opera House

An international icon, a visit to the Opera House is a must on your “Sydney To Do” list. Designed by Danish architect Jorn Utzon and opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, the Opera House cost $102 million to build and took 14 years from conception to completion.  Half Day tours are available to view the Opera House either by air or as part of a harbour cruise. Guided tours of the Sydney Opera House are also available.

Sydney Harbour Bridge

If the Opera House is the most recognisable Sydney image, the Harbour Bridge is the most dominant. From anywhere on the city's quay it is a fantastic photo opportunity but there are a couple of ways to get even more out of it. You can either walk along to the first pylon and climb the 200 steps to the viewing platform, from where you can obtain the best vantage point to take in the city skyline, or do the awesome bridge climb, which involves hooking up a safety line and climbing all the way along the arch right to the very top. Both day and night climbs are available; the latter is particularly spectacular as the city lights are reflected in the water of Sydney Harbour - 134metres below you. A reasonable level of fitness is needed to complete the climb, with the full walk taking three hours to complete.

Sydney Aquarium

Sydney Aquarium at Darling Harbour is the largest aquarium in the Southern Hemisphere and is definitely a must-see when visiting Sydney. A visit to the aquarium will leave you with an appreciation of the enormous beauty and variety of Australian aquatic life.  Experience the world’s most extensive collection of sharks at the Open Oceanarium. Visit the Fairy Penguins, Octopus and Cuttlefish at The Great Barrier Reef display or the platypus at the freshwater marine life section. A recent addition to the Aquarium is the Dugong section which showcases the plight of this placid and endearing creature.
Other attractions at Darling Harbour include the IMAX cinema, the National Maritime Museum, Flight Experience, M9 Laser Skirmish and Sydney Wildlife World as well as the Sydney Convention Centre, bars, shops and restaurants.

Taronga Zoo & Sydney Ferries

Taronga Zoo is Australia’s leading zoological park with a diverse collection of native and exotic species. The zoo is situated on elevated land along the Sydney Harbour waterfront and affords spectacular views of Sydney Cove, the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge. Taronga Zoo is located approximately 12 minutes by ferry from Circular Quay. Day Tours are also available that combine the city sights and Manly with a visit to the zoo.

Bondi Beach

Bondi Beach is one of Australia's most famous beaches. The beach is roughly a kilometre long and is patrolled by the iconic yellow & red attired volunteer lifesavers, and the blue jerseyed council lifesavers, made even more famous in recent years by Channel 10’s “Bondi Rescue” series. The beach has been popular as a picnic ground, pleasure resort and in more recent times a surfing mecca since 1882, when it was first opened to the public. Some of the best surfers in the world nowadays call Bondi Beach home, although with its easy going atmosphere it’s equally welcoming to the surf novice. Hire yourself a surfboard and catch yourself a few waves or alternatively sign up for one or two surf lessons to get you started. If this doesn’t tickle your fancy just sit back at one of the many bars or restaurants and watch the world go by.

Sydney from the water

Veiwing the Opera House, Harbour Bridge and Sydney skyline from the water is the perfect way to experience Sydney. A number of harbour cruises are available from colonial paddlesteamers, replicas of the famous ‘Bounty’, to modern day catamarans. Captain Cook Cruises have a wide range of day or overnight cruises in and around Sydney Harbour.

Destination: Melbourne

Melbourne is a city with something for everyone - sports fans, fashionistas, theatregoers, art lovers, writers and history buffs. A melting pot with endless options, the city sweeps you up into laneways and libraries, art galleries, parks, shops, theatres and a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Call 1300 552 830 for more details on the city tours and to make a reservation

Docklands

Situated on the sparkling Victoria Harbour, Docklands is fast becoming one of the world’s most exciting urban domains with a dynamic mix of residential, commercial, retail and leisure activities. A thriving hub for locals and visitors, the ever changing Docklands is a picturesque playground filled with award-winning restaurants, stylish bars, relaxing cafes and promenades, spectacular urban art, historical wharves, marinas and parkland. Take in the view from the Southern Star Observation Wheel, or spend the day exploring the myriad shopping options.  Hunt down bargains at DFO Spencer Street, go open air shopping at Harbour Town, Waterfront City, or take in the local shopping strip vibe of Merchant Street, Victoria Harbour. And then, when your feet (or wallet) can take no more, wind down at a café in front of a sparkling marina.

The Golden Mile

Something of a misnomer the Golden Mile is at least a four kilometre walk around the city taking in all of the most popular and historically significant buildings, sights and attractions that Melbourne has to offer. It is undoubtedly the best way to orientate yourself both to the city's geography and its role in Australia's history. Starting at the Immigration Museum at the old Customs House you'll pass places of historical import in the growth and development of the city. Most impressive are the imposing town hall, the old Stock Exchange and the Royal Exhibition Hall. But you'll also get to see numerous famous pubs, the best known (former) brothel in the city and even the Rialto's outdoor urinals. You can either walk it yourself in which case buy the guide from a city museum or tourist office, or join one of the official tours. Tours leave daily at 10h00 and take approximately two hours.

Southbank

There’s nothing quite like sitting in a waterside café or fine dining venue, watching the passing pedestrian parade and seeing the city light up at night. Situated on the Southern Bank of the Yarra River and affording splendid views of the city, Southbank not only has three levels of bars, restaurants and shops to enjoy but a delightful riverside walkway – the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by.

Melbourne Museum

Melbourne Museum explores life in Victoria, from the natural environment to the city’s culture and history. Located in Carlton Gardens opposite the historic Royal Exhibition Building, the award-winning Melbourne Museum houses a permanent collection in eight galleries, including one just for children.
Highlights include a complete skeleton of a blue whale, the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre, a living rainforest, the racehorse Phar Lap and an IMAX theatre on site. Major international exhibitions are presented in the Touring Hall. A visit to Melbourne Museum offers rich and often surprising insights into life in old Victoria.

Melbourne Gaol

Step back in time and walk the road to the gallows in a 19th century prison and put yourself on trial in an historic Magistrates' Court. Home to Melbourne’s oldest prison, former Police City Watch House and historic Magistrate’s Court, has been at the heart of crime, law and order in Melbourne since the 1840s. Most of Australia’s infamous characters, including iconic bushranger, Ned Kelly and notorious gangster Squizzy Taylor have spent time within the walls of this amazing precinct. Don’t miss out on visiting Australia’s Most Wanted Experience!

Shrine of Remembrance

The Shrine of Remembrance is a Melbourne icon and Victoria's premier memorial to those who have served the nation in armed conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Dedicated in 1934 to commemorate First World War veterans, the Shrine features additional monuments, such as the Second World War Memorial and other monuments around the reserve. Guided Tours daily at 11am and 2pm. Remembrance Ceremonies are every half hour. Changing exhibitions are featured in the Visitor Centre. The view from the top of the memorial is one of the best in the city. It's an easy walk or quick tram ride down St Kilda Road from outside Flinders Street Station.

Rialto Towers Observation Deck

Offering spectacular 360 degree views from the top of the renowned Rialto building, right in the very heart of the city, this Melbourne institution is a must-see experience for every Melbournian and visitor. The constantly-updated facilities include a delicious licensed café & bar, RialtoVision showing 'Melbourne the Living City', a world-class function room, lightning-fast lifts, outdoor viewing decks, souvenir shop, help & info centre.

Royal Botanic Gardens

RBG Melbourne is recognised as one of the world’s finest botanic gardens. There are over 10,000 species and 50,000 individual plants in the 38 hectare gardens, including trees and plants of great cultural value. Many of these plants are irreplaceable, endangered or even extinct in the wild.
There are various guided tours available if you're interested in finding out more about the plants and creatures that inhabit the gardens, as well as special tours of the observatory and Aboriginal heritage walks following the Boonwurrung and Woiworung people who used to live in this area. If you'd rather explore by yourself, you can pick up a leaflet from one of the entrances that will direct you around.

Melbourne River Cruises

A delightful way of seeing Melbourne from a different perspective is cruising down the Yarra River to the pretty historic port of Williamstown across Port Phillip Bay - about an hour's journey taking in many sights of the city on the way. With yachts and boats coming and going and amazing views of the city, you can spend a whole day in Williamstown strolling along the Strand or sitting in one of the many waterfront cafés. The village-like suburb has a number of art galleries and craft stalls plus some attractive 19th-century architecture.

Ferries leave daily from Southgate, berth five, on the lower promenade approximately every 30 minutes from 10h30-15h30 and depart from Gem Pier in Williamstown from 11h30-16h30. Tickets: AUD22, single; AUD29, return.

Alongside the popular Williamstown cruise, Melbourne River Cruises offers routes downriver to the Docklands area, and upriver to the Royal Botanical Gardens, or a combination of the two. On the way, you'll be able to admire some of Melbourne's famous landmarks such as the Crown Entertainment Complex, Melbourne Park and Herring Island.

Destination: Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is the perfect holiday destination and a region worthy of exploration. With an amazing variety of natural landscapes, including 70 kilometres of famous beach and 100,000 hectares of world heritage-listed rainforests, plus a wide selection of theme parks , it’s easy to see why it remains one of Australia’s top destinations.

Call 1300 552 830 for more details on the city tours and to make a reservation

Hinterland Vineyards

The Gold Coast Hinterland Wine Country is one of the fastest growing wine regions in Queensland, encompassing the cooler climate of Mt Tamborine and Springbrook, through to the milder climates of Albert River and Canungra Valley, the region allows a diverse range of grape varieties to be grown. These range from plantings of Verdelho, Chambourcin and Semillon, through to Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Chardonnay. Many of the cellar doors offer superb restaurants, cheese tastings, gourmet picnics and winery and vineyard tours. Group tours are welcome, as are individual travellers who are looking to sample what the region offers. Day Tours up into the Hinterland are available.

Q Deck

Over 322 metres high, QDeck offers spectacular 360 degree views over the Gold Coast stretching from Brisbane to Byron Bay and the surf to the Hinterland. QDeck is located on levels 77 and 78 of the iconic Q1Tower and can be reached in 42.7 seconds via one of the world’s fastest elevators or considerably longer via the 1331 steps. A cafe and bar is open at the deck from 09h00-21h00, later at weekends. Open: Fri-Sat 09h00-24h00; Sun-Thu 09h00-21h00.

Beaches

Whether it’s for stroll at sunset, beach fishing at dusk, a leisurely swim, an adventure packed scuba dive or even if it's to take on the swell with your board, the Gold Coast's numerous beaches are famous for their clean, warm (23 degrees C in Summer) blue waters, golden sand and never ending sunshine. The most popular of the 21 patrolled beaches on the Gold Coast include Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Mermaid Beach, Miami & Nobby Beach.

South Stradbroke Island

South Stradbroke is one of Australia's rare and unique sand islands. Undeveloped, and with an unspoilt beauty, it boasts a vigorous diversity of flora and fauna, some of which, like the Golden Wallaby are found nowhere else in the world. Dawn and dusk on the island are incredibly spectacular.  It is one of the few places on the East Coast where you can see the sun rise and set over water. South Stradbroke Island is a unique destination. It's perfect for a real island holiday, yet is conveniently situated close to Surfers Paradise and the fabulous Gold Coast. Full day cruises depart from Marina Mirage at Main Beach.

Lamington and Springbrook National Parks

Not only does the Gold Coast boast beautiful beaches and numerous attractions but also a combination of breathtaking scenery and natural flora & fauna. The Gold Coast hinterland encompasses both Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, across over 23,000 hectares of sub-tropical rainforest, deep valleys and sheer mountain cliffs. Lamington National Park boasts over 160 km of graded walking tracks, numerous waterfalls 170 species of rainforest plants and 38 varieties of animals. Take a day tour or explore independently the world renown ‘O’Rielly’s Guesthouse’ located in the Green Mountains or Binna Burra located in the east of Lamington.

Springbrook National Park consists of three distinct sections: Springbrook Plateau; from which extensive views of the surrounding ranges, foothills and coastline are visible. Natural Bridge a geological marvel created by water cascading through the roof of a basalt cave and Mt Cougal a predominantly wilderness area of subtropical rainforest and rock-strewn creek beds.

Whale Watching

The Gold Coast is an ideal location for whale-watching with whales passing through for the duration of the June to October season.  Humpback whales are the most commonly sighted although in recent years sightings of the rare white whale have been recorded. Whale watching is certainly one of the most exhilarating and humbling experiences you can ever witness and is a must if you are on the Gold Coast during their season. You don’t have to venture too far off shore to be right on top of the humpback whales. They generally pass within a kilometre or two of the beach, making it easy to spot them. Expect also to see dolphins, possibly sharks, plenty of other fish and if you are lucky even sea turtles. There are several whale watching boats and charters available.

Themeparks

The Gold Coast is the home to Australia’s biggest and best theme parks. With five major parks to choose from there will undoubtedly be something to suit everyone’s tastes.

Dreamworld

IF it's an adrenalin rush you're after then head to the northern end of the Gold Coast on the M1 and take exit 54 at Coomera, home to Dreamworld.
Ride junkies will find their thrill fix on the Big Six: The Cyclone rollercoaster; the Giant Drop; the Tower of Terror; The Claw and The Wave plus the Mick Doohan MotoCoaster ride. Experience the fear factor at the newest attraction, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Live, or book in for a helicopter flight taking in the Coast's natural beauty from above.Wildlife lovers are catered for with Tiger Island - featuring white Bengal Sumatran tigers - the Australian Wildlife Experience and Sunset Safari, while Wiggles World and Nickelodean Central keep tiny tackers entertained. Open 10am-5.30pm daily.

Whitewater World

LOCATED right next door to Dreamworld, WhiteWater World offers plenty of wicked ways to get wet. With year-round heated water, the park boasts some massive rides - like eight-lane racer The Bro; the breathtaking Green Room; the four-person tube ride down The Rip; the wave pool called Cave of Waves and the kid-friendly zones of the Nickelodeon Pipeline Plunge and Wiggle Bay. Open daily from 10.30am to 5pm.

Movie World

WARNER Bros Movie World at the Gold Coast Australia is perfect for families with a cross-section of ages. The Hollywood themes give the park a glitz and glamour buzz, and the daily parade down Main Street features all your cartoon and movie heroes. The Lethal Weapon, Superman and Scooby Doo rollercoasters and the Batwing Spaceshot will have the hearts pumping, while the Looney Tunes Village has a great selection for young kids. Throw in the Hollywood Stunt Driver show and the Wild West Falls and you've got something for everyone. Movie World is open every day from 10am till 5.30pm.

Sea World

DANCING dolphins, playful polar bears and awesome sharks are all on show at Gold Coast Sea World on The Spit. It's the theme park closest to 'the action' of Surfers Paradise and Main Beach. But apart from the marine life shows, trick waters skiers and 4-D movies there's also great rides for little kids at Sesame Street Beach plus some excellent rides for big ones like the Jet Rescue and Corkscrew rollercoasters, Bermuda Triangle, Pirate Ship and Viking's Revenge Flume Ride. Visit Australia's only polar bears, Liya and Nelson, gets hands-on with majestic stingrays at Ray Reef and spy on Fairy Penguins pottering about their pool at Penguin Point. Don't forget your bathers and towel so you can enjoy fun waterslides and splash pools too. Book ahead to swim with the dolphins or dive with the sharks. Open daily from 10am to 5.30pm.

Wet ‘n’ Wild

FOR a day of thrills and spills, the Gold Coast's pioneer water park offers top aquatic action under the warmth of the Queensland sun. Wet 'n' Wild covers hectares of slides and rides, including the sheer tube plunge Kamikaze, giant wave drop-in Surfrider, and the extreme experience of Tornado. Buccaneer Bay keeps youngsters splash happy while teens and adults tackle Terror Canyon, Mammoth Falls, Super 8 Aqua Racer and Speedcoaster. Look out for the Dive-In Movie nights on Saturdays during summer. Don't be deterred if you're visiting during the cooler months - the water is heated April through to September. Open daily from 10am to 5pm (4pm during winter).

Wildlife and Adventure Parks

David Fleay Wildlife Park

NESTLED in lush bushland next to the Tallebudgera Creek, the David Fleay Wildlife Park is home to many of Queensland's unique native mammals, birds and reptiles, as well as threatened species seldom seen in the wild. Here, animals are displayed in surroundings similar to their natural habitats. Explore the park either on your own, join a guided walk with one of the knowledgeable rangers or sit in on one of the daily wildlife presentations. It's a great intimate park, ideal for people who’d prefer to escape the crowds and enjoy the native wildlife in relative peace and quiet. Open 9am-5pm daily. Spotlights tours at night can also be booked.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Starting out through the feeding of lorikeets (which remains a daily ritual), Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is now a haven for more than 1400 animals and birds. You can feed the birds, kangaroos, wombats and koalas, experience the Snakes Alive and Totally Wild shows and, for night owls, there is the Wild Night Adventure, an Aboriginal dance show and nocturnal animal discovery tour.A giant saltwater crocodile named Holey is a star attraction not to be missed, weighing in at nearly 1000kg. Open from 8am to 5pm every day, re-opening at 7pm for the Wild Night Adventure each night.

A farmers' market is held at the sanctuary on the first and third Saturday of each month, from 6-11am, offering up some of the region's finest fresh produce and gourmet goodies.

Tropical Fruit World

FOUND just over the NSW border and perched on the edge of one of the world's largest extinct volcanos in the lush alluvial Tweed Valley is Australia's largest plantation orchard. It has been owned by Bob and Val Brinsmead for more than 30 years and brings together some of our most delicious and exotic fruits. Sure there are bananas, pineapples and avocados but what about the ice-cream bean, champagne fruit, chocolate pudding fruit, lemon meringue fruit, fruit from chewing gums trees and red dragon fruit. The park has also become famous for its chocolate fruit lamingtons. Take a plantation tour, enjoy fruit shows and tastings, a jungle river cruise to the Treasure Island playground as well as bird and fish feeding. Open daily from 10am to 4.30pm.

Paradise Country

FOR a little bit of the bush right here by the beach visit Paradise Country - Aussie Farm Tour. Nestled in the Gold Coast hinterland, Paradise Country is a real Aussie farm experience and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle for all ages. You can enjoy activities which reflect the Australian bush culture including whip cracking demonstrations, sheep dog muster, stock horse round up, sip billy tea and eat damper around the camp fire. Get up close with native wildlife in the kangaroo and emu sanctuary and take the opportunity to cuddle a koala. Bookings are essential on all tours which start each day at 9.30am, 11.45am and 1.45pm.

Australian Outback Spectacular

THE first of its kind in this country, the Australian Outback Spectacular highlights Australian tradition, culture and music through an extravagant lighting, sound and special effects show. The show revolves around competition between two rival stations which test their superior standing through an array of fast-paced events. Visitors are dragged into the fray too, with everyone given a stockman's hat on arrival - which they get to keep - the colour of the hat determining which station you support. With the action taking place in the centre of a 1000-seat capacity arena, clapping, singing and foot-stomping help to build the atmosphere as Australia's leading stunt riders, stockmen and women tear up the ring. Kids will love the variety of animals and props used to bring the show to life while the grand finale will leave you wondering if there's anything that can't be brought inside an arena.

The only thing not really Outback about the show is the food - an impressive three-course dinner is dished up with your choice of beer, wine and soft drink.
The fun continues after the show with a bar and live music for those keen to kick on. One show nightly from Tuesday to Sunday and bookings are essential.

Adventure Parc

Adventure Parc is Australia's first and largest ropes and adventure park. Set amongst the tallest rainforest trees at Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast hinterland, Adventure Parc combines fun and fitness in a stunning natural setting. Based on elements of SAS training, the course includes 76 challenges involving ropes, bridges, flying fox and a Tarzan jump set in trees up to 18m above the ground. Suitable for families (it's for anyone taller than 1.6m when you extend your arms), nature lovers and thrillseekers, the course takes about three hours to complete and sports shoes are essential.