TRAVEL GUIDE TO QUEENSLAND - AUSTRALIA

TRAVEL READING ON QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA:

A travel along the Queensland Rail   by Clint Jhonson

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.

Port Douglas - Where The Rainforest Meets The Reef   by Miguel Scaccialupo

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.

Sunshine Coast Hotels - Stay at the Scenic Destination  by Alex Albert

The sun, sea, sand, surf is what you are looking for then go no where else. The laidback regions, the scenic beauty, the fashionable suburbs all epitomize the Sunshine Coast. Sunshine Coast is a coastal region in the South East Queensland bordered by Pacific Ocean in the east. Here the accommodation, dining, and activities abound to make the visitor come back again. The many attractions include the world famous beaches of Noosa, Mooloolaba, Underwater World, Australia Zoo, etc.

The history takes us back to James Cook who sighted Sunshine Coast. The region is especially known for its beaches, scenic coastal regions, and suburbs that attract travelers from far and wide. The beaches that offer surfing opportunity are Coolum, Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba. The beaches are suitable for the families and young people who want something different from the routine travel destinations. The destination is also home to many golf links and some of them are North lakes, Pacific harbors, Hyatt Regency Coolum, etc.

The Sunshine Coast attracts travelers with its Underwater World marine park, Australia Zoo, the Buderim Ginger Factory, and Big Pineapple and Majestic Theatre. Here the other attractions include the national parks that are known for their rich bio diversity and include the Mapleton National Park, Kondalilla National Park, Glasshouse Mountains National Park, Noosa National Park, and Great Sandy National Park.

Some of the popular holiday resorts in Sunshine Coast that are known for tranquility and a refreshing holiday include the Noosa where the Hastings Street runs along the beach and has many alfresco restaurants, resorts, hotels, and boutiques apartments. Then the Main Beach Broadwalk that is a 3 km coastal path from the Hastings Street has many attractions like the Tea Tree bay, Dolphin Point, Fairy Pools, into the Alexandria Bay. The traveler would get spectacular views of the sea here that are stunning. Also the Maroochydore has the many shopping centers, resorts and family activities for the visitors.

The Sunshine Coast Hotels caters to all types of travelers to make their vacation special. Those travelers who give more importance to style and elegance there are the 5 star or the luxury hotels that offer impeccable services and modern amenities. On the other hand those travelers who are looking for accommodation that offer good value for money there are the discount and the budget hotels.

The accommodation ranges from resorts, luxury hotels, apartments, to discount hotels and are found in Alexandra Headland, Mooloolaba, Noosa, etc. The travelers can also choose from the international brand of Sunshine Coast hotels for their vacation. So be it business travelers, beach lovers, adventure lovers, or the back packers all would have a great time in this destination.

All the experience of Sunshine Coast is added up with the hospitality offered to the guests in the hotels. The hotels cater to travelers and their needs that is to say their budget, the style, the interest, the occasion, etc. The region abounds in a great number of hotels that are located near to the tourist attractions and other strategic locations.