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Brisbane & the Great Sunshine Way: 2-12 June 2010
Market day farewell — Noosa, Australia
Sun, 20 June 2010, 09:52:12 AM
This morning we took the more common mode of transport to depart Fraser Island and boarded the 8am ferry to the mainland to meet our bus transfer back south to Noosa.
Our relaxed morning activity was to visit the markets in the small town of Eumundi in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The Eumundi markets run on a "Make it, Bake it, grow it, sow it" principle and have become an extremely popular attraction in the region running Wednesday and Saturday of every week.
We all spent a couple of hours searching through the stalls in another magnificent Queensland winters day. Arts, crafts, music and psychic readings are all the flavor of the day at Eumundi and the group returned to the transfer with a variety of purchases.
Our final hotel stay for this trip is the Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa. Located right on Hastings street, the main shopping, dining and nightlife precinct of Noosa and only metres from the beach.
For our final night in south east Queensland, we were taken 10min out of town to the beautiful Eumarella Shores, a five star lakefront location offering a selection of accommodation options from cottages and contemporary lakehouses to a stunning luxury lake pavilion hovering over the water’s edge.
Arriving at the gates we followed a long driveway of lighted candles through the bush to our venue for the evening, one of the lakefront cottages where our private chef for the evening Matt Golinski was preparing our 5 course degustation menu made from local produce. Over welcome drinks we were entertained by local poet Harry Donnelly while admiring a collection of aboriginal art from a Eumundi gallery which themed the room. Over dinner a two piece guitar and vocal duo entertained with renditions of popular Australian ballads, a spectacular night to round of our week living the wild life in south east Queensland!
Sand, Dingo’s and Bush Tucker — Fraser Island, Australia
Sun, 20 June 2010, 09:02:01 AM
Today we would take to the air again, this time on a short charter flight to Fraser Island. After breakfast we drove the short distance to the Sunshine Coast Airport to meet the team from Air Fraser who had three small planes awaiting the group for our trip north to the worlds largest sand island.
Viewing the coastline from above again proved to be a spectacular experience! Huge pods of dolphins, manta rays and even the odd shark presented themselves right under our plane as we tracked north along the beach. Being the start of the migration season, we all kept an eye out for humpback whales on their way north but were unable to pick out any of the leaders.
From the air you get a really good perspective on the sheer size of Fraser Island and its rainforests. Though made of sand, the island stretched over 120klms in length and an average of around 15klm in width. There are over 1500klm of tracks carved through the forests for 4x4 access only, with the eastern beach an actual registered highway complete with police highway patrol!
Upon landing at a small airstrip on the southwestern side of the island we were met by our guide for the day Ashton from Fraser Explorer Tours. Parked next to the small hanger was our transport, a long 4X4 bus made specifically for the sandy tracks and beaches which we would encounter on our travels around the island.
The first stop was central station, formally the hub for the small community of timber cutters who logged sections of the island prior to its listing as a world heritage natural attraction. We took a short walk down to a nearby creek running clear and silently over sand surrounded by lush rainforest. The sand acts a filter for a massive aquifer located under the island which is estimated to hold more fresh water than four Sydney Harbours! After 80-100 years the water seeps out in these streams so fresh you could drink directly from them.
After bouncing along the island tracks for around 7klms we hit the beach and headed north to Eli Creek, our lunch stop. A couple of the girls decided to swim in the freshwater outfall, but the main attraction was a friendly native Dingo who had been following the beach and turned inland at the creek. The wild dogs are a definite attraction with Fraser Island being the one of the only places left in Australia they can be seen in their native environment.
After lunch was a visit to the most spectacular of the lakes on Fraser Island, Lake Mackenzie. This crystal clear lake is surrounded by stunning white sandy beaches, the sand so fine that jewelry can be cleaned by rubbing it between your hands. After a swim we hit the track back towards our stop for the night, Fraser Islands award winning eco resort, Kingfisher Bay Resort.
Located on the western side of the island, Kingfisher Bay is the premier resort on Fraser and offers unique luxury wilderness accommodation overlooking the wetlands and beaches. We started the evening with sunset drinks at the resort jetty before being treated to a bush foods tasting and demonstration by one of the descendents of Fraser's native aboriginal peoples who now works as a park ranger at the resort. These sessions run several times a week and are a great way to learn about the native ingredients used by the chefs in many of the dishes prepared at Kingfishers restaurants.
Croc Shows & Conservation! — Noosa, Australia
Thu, 17 June 2010, 11:59:13 AM
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This morning it was time to leave the Gold Coast and head north to the home of Australia's Crocodile Hunter!
After checking out of the Q1 Resort & Spa we boarded the bus for the 2hr drive north to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Australia Zoo is located around 50 min north of Brisbane and 20min inland from the Sunshine Coast. The zoo was started by the Irwin family 40 years ago and made famous by Steve Irwin's television series, the Crocodile Hunter.
Since Steve's untimely death a couple of years ago, Teri Irwin along with children Bindi and Bob have continued to pursue Steve's passion for wildlife conservation and education.
Met on arrival by our host Wayne Poole, we were treated an exciting and informative day experiencing the highlights of what has been recognized as one of Australia's premier attractions!
We watched massive crocodiles in the "Crocoseum", fed Kangaroo's, met Koala's, watched the Ekidna's feed, held snakes, witnessed bird shows, a elephant playing basketball, a cheetah eating milk pops, and giant asian Tiger's play.
Did you know that wombat waste is square? that kangaroo's can hold unborn joey's for months or even years before giving birth if food is scarce? that Koala's are at threat of being non existent in the wild within years? that crocodiles can be one of the most romantic of animals? These are just a small taste of the interesting facts you'll come across during a day at Australia Zoo.
Despite being one of Australia's premier wildlife attractions, the most surprising and inspiring part of a visit to the zoo is the message of conservation and activities they either fund or conduct themselves all over the world. Australia Zoo is involved in wildlife conservation from Asia through to Africa and of course at home in Australia, with many millions spent annually from proceeds generated by visitors.
The most recent local example of this work is Australian Wildlife Hospital which opened in March 2004 next to the Zoo grounds. Inspired by the memory of Lynn Irwin (Steves Mom), who's dream it was to establish a wildlife hospital, the zoo now cares for many thousands of native Australian wildlife who have are injured or unwell. A moving place experience the tales of the passion and sacrifice made for the conservation of wildlife.
Upon leaving the zoo, Daniel and met a stuffed Crocodile named Murry. I have a feeling the two will be inseparable for the rest of this trip...
This afternoon we took a tour with Sunair Bus Service through the beautiful glass house mountains of the Sunshine Coast hinterland, a spectacular part of the country and home to the small artistic market towns of Montville and Meleny, the perfect option for an interesting day tour from the Sunshine Coast. We then headed to our hotel, the brand new Quay West Resort and Spa in Noosa!
Hot Air and Horse Shows... — Surfers Paradise, Australia
Wed, 16 June 2010, 11:44:36 AM
A very early start this morning! The group gathered in the lobby for our 4.30am pick up by Hot Air Gold Coast. We were headed into the gold coast hinterland to witness sunrise from a hot air balloon, a spectacular start to the day.
We drifted across the farmlands of the hinterland region scattering mobs of kangaroos as we passed over them, locals came out on their porches to wave to us and take pictures, a special experience. More importantly, the gently and stable nature of ballooning helped Daniel and Jeanne to overcome their fear of heights!
After landing in a field the Hot Air team found their way to us with the bus and truck and we all helped pack up the massive balloon while horses and cattle watched on.
It was then time for Breakfast so we transferred to the O'Reilly family vineyard and were met with champagne on arrival, a very civilized ending to the morning.
Before heading back down towards the coast we stopped in at the Tamborine rainforest Skywalk at Tamborine Mountain. Another chance for Daniel and Jeanne to challenge their fear of heights as the walk followed the rainforest canopy sometimes 30 metres above the ground!
This afternoon we were treated to drinks on QDeck on the top floor of the Q1 Resort & Spa. The QDeck is on the 77th floor and provides stunning views up and down the coast and back towards the Gold Coast hinterland. On a clear day you can see up to 80klms, from Brisbane right down to Byron Bay! Structurally it is the 25th tallest building in the world, but it is the tallest residential building. The super fast lift takes just 43seconds to shoot you to the 77th floor!
For dinner this evening the group headed out to see a show. The Australian Outback Spectacular focuses on the history of the outback including the Australian light horse regiment of WWI. It features some exciting horsemanship, and we all enjoyed a three course meal in our cowboy hats, a very Australian night out on the Gold Coast!
Tall Ships and Tall Buildings — Surfers Paradise, Australia
Mon, 14 June 2010, 10:44:34 PM
This morning began with a very relaxed breakfast at the Boardwalk Cafe in Brisbane's riverside precinct on Eagle Street. Another stunning QLD winter's day greeted us with not a cloud in the sky, we enjoyed breakfast with the morning runners passing us by and views of the Story Bridge in the background.
It was then time to head south to Queensland's Gold Coast, tonight we would stay in downtown Surfers Paradise, but before that we would get out on the water again for an afternoon at another south east Queensland island.
An hour south and we had arrived at the Gold Coasts Marina Mirage, the home for super yachts, pleasure craft, fishing boats and even a floating church which can be taken out for weddings!
After a brief walk through the retail shops of Marina Mirage we boarded one of local company Tall Ships large wave piercing catamarans for the cruise to McLarens Landing on south Stradbroke Island. It had just returned from a morning whale watching cruise off the coast.
McLarens Landing is a purpose built, function, lunch, dining and recreation facility with a definite pacific island feel. We lunched, sipped cocktails and took a walk along the beach and through the bushland occasionally meeting local wild wallaby's, a very relaxing afternoon for the group. If you were more adventurous, they also offer para sailing, jet boating, 4X4 tours and a range of activities for kids.
For the ride home we boarded the 'Sir Henry Morgan', a tall ship for the cruise back to Surfers Paradise, staff fed whistling kites and sea eagles from the bow as we took off, trying to avoid the ever persistent sea gulls.
It was then time to check into the Q1 Resort and Spa. Located right on the beach at Surfers Paradise, the Q1 is the worlds tallest residential building and offers some fantastic views of the entire region!
This evening we were lucky enough to take a part in a 'wild night' adventure at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at the southern end of the Gold Coast. Currumbin started as a bird sanctuary all the way back in 1947, but has developed into a comprehensive Australian Wildlife Experience.
Our wild night adventure included dinner, koala, bird and reptile experiences along with an aboriginal performance incorporating wild life.
Helicopters and Dolphin Feeding... — Moreton Island, Australia
Sat, 12 June 2010, 07:18:12 AM
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Where I stayed
Carlton Crest Hotel Brisbane(aka. The Sebel King George Square Brisbane)
Day 3 started with a bang….the group were definitely given the VIP treatment with a transfer to a rugby field no far from the hotel we all boarded some extremely flash machines operated by Executive Helicopters for a flight across Moreton Bay to Tangalooma Island resort. After climbing into the air through the football posts, we followed the Brisbane river for a short time through the city before heading directly east and out over north Stradbroke Island.
We were able to spot Dugong's (manatees), loads of turtles and even a few sharks from the air on the ride in, a real treat.
We were greeted upon landing by Director of Sales, Craig McLaurin who would host us for the day, starting with a tour of the different accommodation options available in this unique resort. Whether you are looking for a hotel room, self catered apartment or luxury villa, there seems to be a room to suit your needs. Craig also gave some insight into the resorts past as the southern hemispheres largest whaling station up until the 1960s. Things couldn't be more different the days however, with conservation the theme of the resorts activities.
After lunch we all piled into the 4X4 bus which would take us out to the Tangalooma Desert! The Desert Safari is one of over 75 optional tours and activities available around the resort, you could spend several very full days here and not be still for a moment...or relax by the pool or the beach and be still most of the time if you like!
Getting on to the bus we were warned it would be a bouncy ride and he wasn't wrong, the track was made by American servicemen in WWII and not a lot has changed. Reaching the desert it was time for some adrenalin. Sand boarding on the massive dunes in the center of the Island was the plan and most of the group were brave enough to climb the sand wall and try hurtling down at least once. Tracy was our star slider and won the prize for longest run of the afternoon!
Upon returning to the resort complex we all sat in on a presentation by one of Tangalooma's marine biologists on family of wild dolphins who make the waters around the resort their home. For decades now, this pod of dolphins have made nightly visits to the beach in front of the resort to be hand fed by the guests, an amazing experience.
So after dinner in the resorts signature steak restaurant it was our turn to take part in the feeding. The dolphins arrived just on sunset to a welcome reception of resort guests waiting to take part in the experience. Marine biologists closely control the feeding to ensure the dolphins don't become reliant on the food and are impacted by people as little as possible. The dolphins see the feeding sessions as much as a social experience as for food, they even bring gifts for staff the recognize such as eels and octopuses they have collected, an amazing display of intelligence.
The return to the mainland was via the resorts ferry transfer and took just over an hour, we joined several of the day trippers from Brisbane who had come out for the day to experience Tangalooma as we did.
