There is no puzzle as to why Surfers Paradise, which is part of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia is such a popular holiday destination. After all, it is the entertainment and glam capital of the island that is ‘Down Under’, and epitomizes that perfect marriage of city and beach lifestyle.

But it’s the eclecticism of Surfers (as it is affectionately referred to in Australian vernacular) that attracts people from all walks of life. There are activities and events to cater and appease everyone, from families to backpackers, schoolies (young adults who have just finished high school), singles, surfers, honeymooners and retirees. It is home to a host of theme parks and national parks including, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild Water World, Warner Bros Movie World, Adrenalin Park, the Australian Outback Spectacular and Fleays Wildlife Park. There are about 53 different tours to choose from, ranging from whale watching to scenic hinterland day tours.

Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from youth hostels to 5-star hotels. Since there’s so much to do within a limited amount of time, choosing the right location will help. For example, the A1 Crown Towers is located right in the heart of Surfers Paradise and within walking distance to the city center and beaches.

Like most tourist destinations, Surfers Paradise offers a vibrant and varied nightlife that caters to all crowds. To start, Melba’s Restaurant and Nightclub is a great place to dine and dance, with a clientele of all ages. The Rose & Crown, Cocktails & Dreams and The Drink are recommended places for people who love to dance, and for those who prefer to lounge out and chit-chat with a cocktail in hand, My Bar is just that type of place. 

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Long distance train travels can be quite stressing if you are on a family vacation. In Australia travelling along the Queensland Rail can be quite an experience measurable with lets say - a visit to the pyramids. Surprising affirmation isn't it? Surprising or not this is the truth. The minute you get on board the train with your ticket in your hand and your dear beside you can be sure you'll have the time of your life. It is said that this long distance train travel will be a lesson of the culture, cuisine and landscape of Queensland. Let's find out more!

It's good to know that trains go along Queensland thru many routes and each of them had a name. Let's discover all of them and then choose our destination. First of them the Queenslander goes between Brisbane and Cairns in a 32 hours journey along the coast of the land. Second is the Sunlander which will have the same route but on the inland of the coast. Third is Spirit of the Tropics that runs between Brisbane and Proserpine. The others are Tilt train (high speed train between the South East and Central Queensland), Spirit of the Outback, Inlander, Westlander, Gulflander, and Savannahlander.

For someone who wishes to see the coast of the region the best option is the Queenslander. So let's get on board. First the rail goes along the East coast of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns with stops in: Mackay, Proserpine, and Townsville. The journey will take 32 hours and you'd be better to be prepared for it.

Queensland is the second largest state of Australia, and it neighbours in the East with the Great Barrier Reef and the Pacific Ocean and also that is called the Sunshine State because has a warm weather and the major part of it is in the tropics. Knowing these you can imagine the spectacular landscape in which the train will find its way: rainforests, sugarcane fields, coral gardens and marine life of the Great Barrier Reef and much more.

Second the passengers will be accommodated in single, twin and triple berth sleeping compartments with all the necessary comfort for a long journey (air conditioned, showers, wardrobes, reading lights, towels, bathrobes, and so on) and will enjoy the extra special care of the on board train personnel. If you will want to know more of the land, people or culture of Queensland the man who can serve as your personal guide is Maître'D the most reliable man on train.

Third the comfort being the describing word for the Queensland Rail (which is one of the first rails in Australia) the passenger will have to discover a relaxing lounge car (proper for relaxing with a drink and with friends made on the train). For the one who took the train for business reasons the train will provide the necessary equipments: payphones, fax machines, internet connection, video terminals. Also passengers with disabilities will have at their disposal all the designed facilities.

Fourth in the train you'll have the surprise to discover a good restaurant car which will serve you delicious traditional Australian meals and also dietary dishes according to each passenger's requests. According the menus the hungry passenger can enjoy the famous seafood platter (king prawns, oysters, bugs, smoked salmon), fruits and vegetables and not least the famous wines coming from Queensland's awarded vineyards. On board Queensland Rail you'll make a culinary journey thru the most Australian tastes and delights.

In the light of all above all you have to do is to put on your to do list in your lifetime a long distance train travel along Queensland. It is said that you get on board as passenger and you get off as friend of Australia and Queensland.

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Queensland Rail travel will take you on Long distance train travel . Aboard on the train on the Australian rail you will have an incredible lifetime experience. 

Walking the Queensland Trails Queensland offers some of the most picturesque and enjoyable bushwalking experiences in Australia. There is such a diversity of walks to choose in South East Queensland, with wide coastlines, rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and vast plains all within easy driving distance from Brisbane.

Take the drive up to Cairns via Townsville and Rockhampton and you will be on the road to incredible camping grounds and walking tracks that are hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. The benefit of travelling in a rental car is the freedom to choose when and where you are going to stop and for how long. If you are an avid bush walker, this is one of the best ways to enjoy getting from one park to another in comfort and with plenty of flexibility. Plan a rough itinerary ahead of schedule, with plenty of room to make changes along the way.

Most national parks in Queensland are closer to the coastline and run up and down the east coast of Australia. As the climate is mainly tropical, most times of the year are perfect for heading out and enjoying some of the most beautiful and hidden treasures the sunny state has to offer. Be careful in the middle of summer and bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the temperatures can rise quickly. You will also need to plan ahead if you are camping, with permits required in most national parks.

Queensland's highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere, is more for the advanced bushwalker but the views are certainly worthwhile. Located not far from Cairns, you will need to set aside a few days to reach the summit. Further north there are walks covering a few days in the famous Daintree rainforest. You need to plan well for these walks as they take two to three days, but cover some incredible scenery.

Fraser Island and Hinchinbrook Island are both worth visiting for their long walks and spectacular scenery. Both large national park islands, they have walks for all levels of fitness, from one day to five days on Hinchinbrook. Carnarvon Gorge has fantastic walks for the whole family. With a large and well maintained camping ground, you can set off straight from your doorstep to see some of the most breathtaking views and natural rock formations. It takes about nine hours from Brisbane via Roma, but stay at least a week and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a true oasis in the heart of the outback.

Closer to south east Queensland, there are plenty of national parks in each direction. Mount Barney is popular to locals and tourists especially as it is the highest mountain in South Queensland. Set up camp below and then set of for a day or two to experience a diversity of terrain as you head up the mountain. This is not for beginners, with steep climbing involved in some sections, however the summit is worth the trek for a birds eye view of the surrounding park through to the coastline. We took the family to the lower portals on a day trip, it was still a trek taking close to two hours, but worth the rest at the rock pools.

If you are looking for a lot of walks in one area, Lamington National Park, located closer to the New South Wales border, is one of the best choices as there is so much available for all fitness levels, there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife, and it covers an extensive rainforest area. There are a number of shorter walks leading to some incredible views, and there are a number of overnight walks for keener bushwalkers.

The Sunshine Coast offers some incredible walks in the Great Sandy National Park. The crystal clear streams running through pristine white sands is something you have to see, and there are a number of amazing camping grounds available, especially in Rainbow Beach and across to Fraser Island. The Cooloola Wilderness Trail is the most popular and from start to finish is a three day walk. It covers some of the best rainforest and freshwater sections of the park and is worth the visit. The Hinterland Great Walk in the Sunshine Hinterland starts in Montville and meanders over some of the most breathtaking mountainous scenery, including the famous Kondalilla Falls, ending in the Mapleton forest. You can enjoy this walk in sections or complete the full seven hour walk over a few days.

This is only a handful of some incredible walking tracks available in Queensland. Maybe choose a few and plan your driving holiday around them. There is nothing better than getting outdoors and enjoying nature at its best in spectacular surroundings, and there is no better time to start planning your bushwalking holiday than now. 

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Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

Port Douglas is just an hour's drive north from Cairns in Far North Queensland. A magical location where the lush emerald green of tropical rainforest merges into the balmy aquamarine waters of the Coral Sea, Port Douglas the only place on Earth where two outstanding World Heritage listed sites exist side by side: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree and Cape Tribulation rainforests.

The ideal location for relaxing time out, Port Douglas is an easy-going tropical paradise with a small friendly village atmosphere and sophisticated creature comforts. The warm reef waters of the Coral Sea, the glorious palm fringed sands of Port Douglas Four Mile Beach, and the crystal clear creeks of Mossman Gorge are the place to refresh, restore and revitalise both body and mind. Seductive, balmy days slip seamlessly into tropical evenings under a canopy of clear starry skies. The sights, sounds and tastes of the tropical environment are a feast for the senses; the stunning array of nature and wildlife is awe-inspiring.

The Port Douglas region has become increasingly aware of the value and uniqueness of its natural environment over the past decade. As a result, ecotourism products which focus on the area's pristine World Heritage rainforests, marine environment and ecosystems are now a major component of the Port Douglas and Daintree tour industry. Ecotourism balances the requirements of tourism and conservation, and has been defined by Ecotourism Australia as "ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".

Ecotourism in Port Douglas offers an authentic ecotourism experience. This includes interacting with the local population, learning meaningful information about the locations you visit, and leaving the lightest possible footprint on the environment as you depart. Port Douglas tour operators are firmly committed to sustainable tourism and are licensed and accredited to conduct operations in national parks and other sensitive protected areas. They have a high degree of local knowledge, employ local people, and support their local economy and community.

There are ample opportunities for outdoor activities in Port Douglas, ranging from walks and safaris through the breathtaking pristine Daintree and Cape Tribulation Rainforests, horse riding, river cruises and white water rafting to swimming, diving, snorkelling, fishing and sailing on the the reef and waterways. Tours are available across the Daintree to Cape Tribulation, and further afield to the Mareeba Wetlands, the Tropical Tablelands, Cairns and Kuranda. Other local attractions include various historical sites, weekend markets, world-class restaurants, nightlife, a fruit winery, indigenous cultural experiences, 4WD safari adventures, world class golf courses, spas, aerial tours by seaplane, helicopter & hot-air balloon, and outdoor cinema and theatre.

At 140 million years old, the Daintree National Park contains the oldest living rainforest on earth. The Park is divided into three main areas, Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Mossman Gorge. Daintree National Park lies between Mossman Gorge and the Daintree River, is known for its long stretch of lush tropical rainforest, and is home to unique bird life and crocodiles. Cape Tribulation is where tropical rainforest and coral reef meet in a scenic coastal setting north of the Daintree River. The area is home to glorious sandy beaches and mangroves environments abounding in wildlife viewing. Mossman Gorge is a steep-sided valley on the Mossman River containing lush tropical rainforest and crystal clear creeks. An excellent location for viewing birdlife and other wildlife. Guided walks visiting Aboriginal heritage sites are provided by members of the Kuku Yalanji Mossman Gorge Community.

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Miguel Scaccialupo writes regularly on Australian Outback Tour topics including Ayers Rock Tour itineraries and Alice Springs Accommodation options.