This part of Queensland is a favourite holiday destination with Australian and international visitors alike. Brisbane is the international gateway situated approx. 1hr drive north of the Gold Coast and 1 hr drive south of The Sunshine Coast. There are regular scheduled shuttle services to the Gold Coast meeting the majority of flights. The Gold Coast and in particular Surfers Paradise is especially popular as it has long stretches of white sandy patrolled beaches, plenty of shopping, restaurants and entertainment. The Gold Coast skyline is dominated by high-rise apartment buildings many with spectacular ocean views. For a family holiday, apartment style with cooking facilities is great value for money. Alternatively, there are many exclusive hotels and resorts and even the casino to cater for the 5 star tastes. If you like a buzzy atmosphere and a beachside location packed with things to see and do this is the ideal choice.

3.5 Star Hotel Style
Located a short stroll from heart of Surfers Paradise and a pristine patrolled beach. This is a must for families looking for non stop entertainment for the kids.

4.5 Star
One of the best locations on the Gold Coast with most rooms having great views.

5 Star
A wow factor as soon as you walk through the foyer with a magnificent pool that spills from reception right down to the beach.

4 Star Apartment Style
5 minutes from the heart of Brisbane CBD and financial district with fantastic views over the Brisbane River. Studio apartments have fundamental cooking facilities whilst the apartments are fully self contained.

4.5 Star
Located on Queen Street in the heart of the CBD. The Chifley at Lennons is good value in a central location.

5 Star
Luxuriously appointed and spacious suites have apartment style facilities combined with the service of a 5 star hotel. Great location 5 minutes from the city centre with views from the balconies overlooking the Botanic Gardens and Brisbane River.

The Sunshine Coast offers a more relaxed pace by comparison and is not that well known internationally. Australians have long enjoyed The Sunshine Coast as their own holiday hideaway .Here you will find pristine uncrowded beaches and a cosmopolitan unhurried atmosphere. Noosa, the main centre, boasts some excellent accommodation and there is a championship golf resort just outside of Noosa at Coolum. Hiring a car is worth considering as this will save you the domestic airfare from Brisbane to Maroochydore/Noosa and give you freedom to explore when you get there. This is a great choice, if like me, you are looking for a more laid back beach holiday away from the crowds.

4 Star Apartment Style
Excellent location right on stylish Hastings Street. Beautiful tropical setting with most suites and apartments overlooking the landscaped pool.

3.5 Star
Excellent location right in the heart of Noosa. Beautiful tropical feel around the swimming pools and right behind the surf life saving club for those who prefer the beach. Apartment style accommodation perfect for preparing brunches or picnic lunches.

4.5 Star
Right on Noosa's famous beach-front thoroughfare, Hastings Street, stretching round to a promenade over the Noosa River. Luxuriously appointed rooms with the qualities you would expect from a Sheraton property.

5 Star
This is a championship golfing resort but you don't have to be a keen golfer to enjoy it. My golfing ability confined me to one of the many swimming pools dotted around the sprawling resort. When I tired of my novel and prostrate position I hopped on one of the resorts bicycles and meandered on down to the beach. Whatever you want, active or relaxed, you'll find it at Hyatt.

The Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast Hinterland is quite a contrast to the vibrant Gold Coast. Here you can take a break from the heat, hustle and bustle and get back to nature. The park is one of the largest sub-tropical rainforests in Australia and home to a huge variety of fauna and flora. The emphasis is on the environment with 4WD excursions, hikes and evening spotlight walks. Overnight for a real break or visit for the day to get a feel for it.

O'Reillys Rainforest Guesthouse - just 2 hrs drive from the Gold Coast and you won't believe how quickly you can go from white sandy beaches to sub-tropical rainforest. This is a must for nature lovers. O'Reillys has been designed to compliment its surrounds and to have minimal impact on the environment. Combine a holiday on the coast with a couple of nights here to give yourself a beach and rainforest experience.

Movieworld - a fun day out for kids and adults alike as you experience how a real movie studio works.

Seaworld - an excellent marine park which not only entertains but educates visitors about its marine inhabitants.

Dreamworld - rides and entertainment for the whole family.

Currumbin Bird Sanctuary - this place is a natural haven for the rainbow lorikeet, one of Australia's most beautiful and cheeky parrots. They perch themselves on your arms, head and shoulders whilst being feed. Take plenty of film and perhaps a change of shirt!

Fraser Island - this is the largest sand island in the world. Situated just off the coast of Hervey Bay approx. 300kms north of Brisbane. The island has wonderful wildlife, rainforest and is renowned for its crystal clear lakes. Transport on the island is by 4WD and I recommend you stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort

Australian Pacific Day Tours operate a day tour to Fraser Island departing Brisbane or the Gold Coast. Enjoy full commentary on the way to Hervey Bay before transferring to a luxury 4WD vehicle for your day of exploring including lunch.