Queensland,

Ravenshoe, the highest town in Queensland at 930 metres, is a lush region of mountain pastures and unspoiled World Heritage rainforest. Situated five kilometres from Ravenshoe you will find windmills that are 46 metres freestanding and twenty of them together is a spectacular sight to behold and has become a popular tourist attraction. The windmills were built to provide the district with an alternative and environmentally power supply. In 1987 when World Heritage listing of the Wet Tropics occurred Ravenshoe was a timber town producing beautiful furniture timbers as well as veneers. Today, the town still has a timber mill operating using mainly plantation pine. From Ravenshoe, the Tully Falls Road leads south and becomes an unsealed road 25 kilometres out. At this point you can take a short walk to overlook the impressive 293 metre Tully Falls at Tully Gorge. After returning to Ravenshoe travel west along the Kennedy Highway to Innot Hot Springs, natural mineral springs that are ideal for reviving travellers. Along the way you can visit the spectacular Millstream Falls, the widest waterfalls in Australia. Little Millstream Falls, on Tully Falls Road, are also well worth a visit. Distance from Cairns is 147 kilometres.

Queensland,

Magnetic Island is the island playground of Townsville featuring prominently in the profile of the city. The island is only 25 minutes from the city centre by regular, fast cat ferries. Two thirds of Magnetic Island is National Park with secluded but easily accessible bays and golden beaches. The Island has nearly 25 kilometres of walking tracks meandering through the protected national parks which are home to stands of eucalypts, more than 2,500 free-roaming koalas and 166 different species of wildlife. The island comprises self-contained accommodation as well as backpacker hostels. There are a vast range of activities available including: boat trips around the island, parasailing, Harley Davidson tours, water sports, golf, diving expeditions, jet skiing, great fishing, horse riding, and moke hire are all available.

Queensland,

Be transported back to Australia’s early gold rush days in Clermont – one of the oldest inland settlements in tropical Queensland. First explored by Ludwig Leichhardt in 1845, it wasn't until the lure of gold attracted settlers in 1861 that the town flourished. However, in 1916 Clermont was devastated by floods and the town was relocated to a higher site nearby. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the original town site. The Piano in the Tree, in Capricorn Street, is a quirky reminder of the height of the floodwaters. The Clermont Museum has historical artefacts and is home to many machinery displays, it's located off the Peak Downs Highway just outside Clermont. Experience a real working coal mine at Blair Athol. Free guided tours leaving from Clermont take you through the workings of the mine on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.00 a.m. Tour includes a tour of the city sights and Clermont Museum. Morning tea is served at Clermont Museum prior to doing mine tour. After the mine tour, visit the Historic Copperfield Store. Bookings essential by calling Clermont Tourist Information Centre. Meet at the Clermont Caravan or Clermont Tourist Information Centre at 8.45 a.m. Tours return at approximately 1.00 p.m. The

Queensland,

Heron Island is located just off the coast of Gladstone and boasts some of the best scuba diving and snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef. Heron Island is a coral cay, meaning it is completely composed of sand and coral fragments. The island is surrounded by 24 square kilometres of reef and boasts several nesting spots for green and loggerhead turtles. Heron Island offers a unique experience where you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Among the music of seabirds, tracks of turtles and multi-coloured clouds of fish, the feeling that you're a guest of nature itself is inescapable. Reef walking, viewing underwater life from the coral submarine, watching the sun set over the ocean - you become part of a community caught up in the timeless evolution of the world's largest living thing - the Great Barrier Reef. There is one resort on the island, Heron Island Resort, which offers several standards of accommodation designed to suit all tastes and budgets.

Queensland,

Just north of Wondai, take a left turn off the highway and head towards Proston. Noted for its pretty scenery, Proston is situated in a major dubosia growing area and is the gateway to Lake Boondooma Camping and Recreational Area. The dam is popular for its freshwater fishing - the results of a committed stocking program. Lakeside camping, caravan park, bunkhouse and good quality cabin accommodation are available. There are also excellent facilities for day-visitors, including a kiosk.

Queensland,

About 13 kilometres south of Noosa Heads, Peregian Beach is one of a string of lovely beaches between Noosa and Coolum. Just over the sand hills at the southern end of the beach you’ll find Peregian Environmental Park, an area of wallum heath which bursts into a colourful profusion of wildflowers in spring. On the western side of Peregian Beach is Lake Weyba National Park, and Lake Weyba itself, which feeds into the estuary at Noosa Heads. Nearby, too, is the southern extension of the Noosa National Park with a rich mix of coastal heath and scrub and stately rainforest which provides sanctuary and support for a wealth of native flora and fauna. In the centre of Peregian you’ll find a friendly beachside village where you can enjoy the ambience and shade of the village square and experience the diverse range of shops, cafes and restaurants. Pick up local produce and crafts at the regular Peregian community market, held on the second and fourth Sunday morning of each month. Following the markets, soak up the sounds of a Sunday outdoor Peregian Originals concert where participating musicians are required to perform their own, original material (no covers allowed). Peregian Beach is a popular place for a relaxed holiday, with plen

Queensland,

Lizard Island is a ruggedly beautiful island on the northern Great Barrier Reef in Tropical North Queensland. Lizard boasts 24 pristine beaches that range from white sand to rocky escarpments and easy access to some of the best scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Lizard Island is renowned for its scuba diving and snorkelling and is surrounded by coral reefs, ribbon and lagoon reefs. But its Lizard Island’s close proximity to the best known diving location in the Great Barrier Reef, Cod Hole, that distinguishes it from many other reef islands. Lizard Island can also be recognised as being home to one of Australia’s most premier resorts: Voyages Lizard Island. It's one of Australia’s northernmost island resorts, where design works in harmony with the Island's spectacular natural beauty. This premium property caters for a maximum of just 80 guests. There is also a campground at the national park at the northern end of Watson Bay. And when you have the chance, make sure to take one of the many magnificent walks on the island. On at least one you can expect to glimpse a Monitor, the lizard after which Lizard Island was named.

Queensland,

Millaa Millaa is an Aboriginal word meaning plenty of water or waterfall and this is as true as ever as some of the most beautiful waterfalls are within a few minutes drive of the town. The main one of course is Millaa Millaa but further along Tourist Drive number nine stop in and photograph Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls to name a few. In the main street is a lovely park with a larger than life statue of Christie Palmerston and one of his Aboriginal guides. The Palmerston Highway is named after this famous explorer. Coffee shops and the local hotel provide convivial hospitality for visitors and the historical museum is open most mornings from 10.00am to midday. The main industries of the Millaa Millaa area are dairying and tourism and most of the rainforest is now World Heritage-listed so enjoy your stay.

Queensland,

The unspoiled natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, valleys and creeks makes Goomburra is ‘must see’ for any nature lover keen to get off the beaten track. 30 minutes’ drive north of Warwick and 90 minutes’ drive south-west of Ipswich, Goomburra is popular with campers and bushwalkers and offers plenty of space to pitch a tent and explore. Part of the spectacular Scenic Rim the ‘Goomburra Section’ is also part of the World Heritage-listed Main Range National Park. It provides a haven for rare and endangered species of frog as well as platypus, koalas, brush-tailed phascoale (a type of carnivorous, tree-dwelling nocturnal marsupial) and antechinus (a type of marsupial mouse). There are several walks gazetted in the Goomburra section of the park, each providing a different perspective on this unique part of the country. The walk to Araucaria Falls takes you through subtropical rainforest and past rock pools and towering hoop pines. The half hour hike to Sylvesters Lookout is well worth the effort with spectacular views across the Brisbane Valley your reward. There are several accommodation options available at Goomburra from cabin-style bungalows to camping in the National Park. Campsites have toilets, tap water and bar

Queensland,

When you visit Brisbane, you’ll be amazed just how quick and easy it is to find yourself immersed in lush hills and rainforests. In less than half an hour from the city, the verdant beauty of Pine Rivers is worlds apart from the hustle and bustle of town. From the lofty heights of Mount Glorious, Mount Nebo and Mount Mee, to the tranquil shores of Lake Samsonvale, this is the ideal place to get away from it all. Nature takes over here, and it is impossible but to succumb to its beauty. Yet interspersed throughout the region, in perfect harmony with the surroundings, you will find a range of outdoor adventure options and a healthy dose of pure indulgence. Visit the charming country villages of Dayboro and Samford, with their antique stores and welcoming B&Bs. Enjoy a coffee, some quality dining or really pamper yourself with an overnight stay. From a Mount Glorious restaurant, marvel at the spectacular views of Moreton Bay and islands in the distance. Tour the local vineyards, country delicatessens and provisions stores filled with chutneys, sauces and jams. The Sunday markets at North Pine Country Park are worth a visit, as you never know what you might find. Then, for the kids, feeding the deer at the deer farm is always pop