Australian Regions
Learn more about Australian geographical areas
Australian Capital Territory [ View Profile ]
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is located in south eastern Australia between Sydney and Melbourne and, as the name suggests, is home to Australia’s capital city, Canberra.
The ACT is home to a wealth of uniquely Australian history, politics, shopping and leisure, as well as stunning natural attractions, bringing over 2.6 million domestic visitors and 207,850 international guests to the region each year, with the past year delivering more domestic visitors than ever before.
Guests visiting the capital city, Canberra, typically have a number of attractions to tick off their list, with the Australian War Memorial, National Portrait Gallery, Australian...
Australian Capital Territory
The Blue Mountains is a mountain range located north-west of Sydney in New South Wales, Australia. The Blue Mountains region borders on the Sydney's metropolitan area, its foothills starting about 50 km north west of the state capital city of Sydney. The region is bounded by the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers in the east, the Coxs River and Lake Burragorang to the west and south, and the Wolgan and Colo rivers to the north.
The Blue Mountains covers a range of mountains, plateaux and escarpments extending off the Great Dividing Range. Several towns are situated on its heights, including Katoomba, Blackheath, Mount Victoria, and Springwood. The Blue Mountains area inc...
Blue Mountains
Byron Bay combines surf, cool restaurants and an area of comparative underdevelopment. That last one could soon change.
In major news for a still medium-density town in NSW's north, the town which currently runs on its tourism economy of 520,000 domestic and another 160,000 international visitors each year, could soon become much bigger.
ABS data shows tourism in Byron, supports a medium-density but resourced tourism sector with an enviable reputation for quality.
Officially, there are only fifteen establishments in the region. But last September, overall, nearly 40,000 rooms were available, with the sector boasting healthy average occupancy rates of abo...
Byron Bay
The Central Coast is a region of NSW just north of its capital, Sydney, with a population of around 325,082 people. As the third largest urban population in NSW, it stretches from the north of Sydney to Lake Macquarie and west to the Watagan Mountains. The Central Coast’s local Guringai and Darkinjung people are among some of the first Indigenous cultures to encounter white settlers. Aboriginal Australian and historical figure, Bungaree was from this area; he became a famous community leader who accompanied Matthew Flinders on a circumnavigation of Australia as an interpreter and negotiator. A Queensland suburb, Bongaree, was named after him as well as Boongaree Island in Western Austr...
Central Coast
The Central West covers the geographic region further west of Sydney than the Blue Mountains, encompassing a total of 63,262km2 and boasting a population of around 175,350 people. Two of the most populous cities in the area are Bathurst and Orange, perhaps best known to many for being Charles Sturt University stomping grounds.
Despite being one of Australia’s oldest inland settlements, Bathurst now boasts a thriving, young population with a median age of 34 and acknowledgement in the 2012 census as the seventh fastest growing regional city in NSW. The city’s best known landmark is Mount Panorama racetrack, which originally held the 1938 Australian Grand Prix. Bathurst...
Central West NSW
Greater Western Sydney [ View Profile ]
This area is made up of 14 local government areas and is a force of nature within the Australian economy, pumping out over $95 billion each year in Gross Regional Product. In fact, Greater Western Sydney boasts the third largest economy in the country, following the Sydney CBD and Melbourne. Despite being comprised of 14 different local government areas, the region is represented by a single member, the minister for Western Sydney, who is currently Stuart Ayres. The local authorities also split the region into three sub-regions: West Central and North West, West, and South West.
The combined population of 1.5 million people is largely made up of vocational workers with predominant...
Greater Western Sydney
The Hunter Region, also known as the Hunter Valley, is located north west of the capital Sydney.
One of the biggest river valleys on the NSW coast the Hunter is best known for its wineries.
The region includes cities Newcastle and Lake Macquarie with a great number of towns and villages scattered through the area such as Cessnock, Maitland and Pokolbin.
Attractions include world class golf courses, renowned wineries, gourmet produce and scenic drives. The Hunter is a popular destination for Sydney siders looking for a weekend escape.
The Hunter Valley will probably forever remind you of bucolic scenes and, of course, sumptuous food and wine...
Hunter Region
The South Coast is the coastal region of southern NSW from Wollongong south of Sydney to the border of Victoria. Containing numerous national parks including Jervis Bay National Park, Eurobodalla National Park and Ben Boyd National Park the region is best known for its coastal beach towns and crystal clear waters. A popular spot for whale watching the south coast of NSW boasts numerous attractions including bush walking in national parks, fishing and is known as the oyster coast due to its abundance of fresh oysters.
NSW South Coast
Located on the southern border of New South Wales and separated from its twin city Wodonga by the Murray River, Albury is an inland town that not only offers visitors a convenient stopping point on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne, but also a myriad of great outdoor activities.
Albury is home to many picturesque parks and gardens along the Murray River and Lake Hume, providing the perfect backdrop for a walk or picnic. Some visitors choose to take a scenic walking track such as The Murray River Trail, Wagirra Trail or Yindayamarra Sculpture Walk, while others hire a kayak or canoe to explore the river.
Nearby historic townships provide plenty of opportu...
Albury
Ballina is located in northern New South Wales, right at the mouth of the mouth of the Richmond River. Being one of the eastern most points of Australia, Ballina has stunning ocean views and is a hub of surf culture, outdoor activities and boutique stores and restaurants.
Visitors to Ballina enjoy its relaxed coastal atmosphere, while also having access to plenty of holiday activities. Guests won’t be bored, with the local Naval and Maritime Museum to visit, beaches, rainforest and a community garden to explore, as well as the opportunity to ride horses or hire surf and kayaking gear. Visitors can view Ballina from above by taking a plane or helicopter tour of the area, while...
Ballina
Made up of the Tweed, Clarence and Richmond river systems, the Northern Rivers is one of New South Wales’ fastest growing regions. Guests travel to the region to immerse themselves in the area’s growing alternative lifestyle, creative businesses, and a variety of restorative and adventurous getaway opportunities.
The Northern Rivers is home to over 270,000 diverse residents and approximately 500 accommodation options, drawing more than 4.7 million domestic and international visitors to the region each year.
The region is well known for its coastline, sub-tropical rainforests, and popular tourist communities, including Nimbin, Byron Bay and several historic...
Northern Rivers
Sydney’s Northern Beaches [ View Profile ]
Sydney’s Northern Beaches region is made up of local government areas located north east of Sydney’s central business district. Suburbs within Pittwater, Manly, Barrenjoey Point, and other local coastal suburbs are generally considered to make up the Northern Beaches region, which is known for its stunning coastline, surf culture, lux lifestyle, expensive real estate, and proximity to some of Sydney’s most popular sights and attractions.
Guests travel to the region for its mix of sand, sea and the city, with several famous beaches close by and Sydney’s central business district only a short ferry ride or drive away. The region is home to hundreds of esteemed...
Sydney’s Northern Beaches
With a vast area of unspoiled mountainous scenery, and over 35 kilometres of uncrowded coastline, the Tweed Coast draws over 1.2 million guests per year, and is reached by both domestic and international guests via the Gold Coast Airport.
The region is home to 14 national parks, which make up a perfect playground for hikers, adventurers, or families looking to cycle or bushwalk. The region’s visitors, along with its 90,000 residents, enjoy year-long moderate temperatures and an average of 50 rain-free days over the summer months.
The area is a popular destination for romantic weekends, offering a number of rainforest resorts and bed and breakfast accommodation...
Tweed Coast
Darwin is the country’s only tropical state capital, drawing guests with its warm conditions, rich heritage, and natural beauty.
With tropical conditions changing throughout the year, and the region experiencing two distinct wet and dry seasons, Darwin’s tourist numbers fluctuate from month to month. Typically, May to October is considered to be the dry season, with many choosing to travel in these months.
Darwin prides itself on being culturally diverse and modern, with natural and cultural appeal. It has a rich indigenous history, which visitors can learn about and experience through cultural tours, by visiting local the Mbantua Gallery, or through...
Darwin
Central Queensland is made up of Capricorn and Gladstone, two of Queensland’s popular tourist regions, which include the Local Government areas of Rockhampton, Gladstone, Banana, and the Central Highlands.
Guests travel to the region for its natural and heritage attractions, beaches, and the many activities on offer for various demographics. With the coast meeting the rainforest, visitors to Central Queensland enjoy water activities such as surfing, windsurfing, kayaking and swimming, as well as outdoor adventures such as hiking, river trekking, relaxing in fresh springs, or fossicking in the local Sapphire Gemfields. Local townships also offer a range of arts and cultural...
Central Queensland
Located in Far North Queensland between Port Douglas and Cairns, Palm Cove is within arm’s reach of several huge tourist attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the stunning palm-lined cove itself. The popular destination boasts pristine beaches, year-long warm weather, and a mountainous national park with impressive views of the clear water below.
Located just 20 minutes from Cairns International Air-port, Palm Cove is easily accessible for both domestic and international guests. The region offers over 50 accommodation options, including luxurious three-to-five-star resorts along Williams Esplanade, family-friendly holiday parks, and an assortment of...
Palm Cove
Brisbane central is the capital of Queensland and the third most populated city of Australia. Latest estimates have the current population of the city at 2.3 million. As one of the oldest cities in Australia Brisbane was originally inhabited by the indigenous Turrbal and Jagera peoples then settled by Europeans in the early 1800's.
The city was named after the Brisbane River on which the city is located - originally named after Scotsman Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor of NSW from 1821. Brisbane was originally a penal settlement for second offenders from the initital Sydney colony. It was opened as a free settlement in 1842 and adversly affected by the Australian fro...
Brisbane Central
Bundaberg is one of Queensland’s natural gems but, like the reef it lays next to, its tourism industry believes it can be brought back to life with the right management.
For a town of only about 70,000 people with a reputation for a humid climate, sugar and rum, Bundaberg already punches well above its weight when it comes to tourism.
Already just a little less than one-third of the 520,000 domestic visitors who visit Bundaberg each year do so to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
But the region has less than one-tenth as many international visitors, a number that has flat lined since the 1990s.
But a strategy of doubling visitor...
Bundaberg
Cairns is situated in North Queensland, Australia - north of the city of Townsville. With lush, tropical surroundings it is considered the gateway to the famous Great Barrier Reef. With a population of over 162,000 residents, Cairns is a popular tourist destination known for its diving, snorkelling and adventure activities. A short bus trip and tourists can experience the beautiful Atherton Tablelands and Daintree National Park. Other attractions include Flecker Botanical Gardens, Cairns Rainforest Dome and the Skyway Rainforest Cableway – all easily accessible from the main city hub. With over 71,369 local jobs and 13,416 local businesses Cairns is growing at a rate of over 2%. According...
Cairns
The Darling Downs reminds of a quaint existence on Queensland's western slopes. Yet, it is actually one of the fastest-growing tourism hot spots in a state glistening with competing attractions.
Just shy of six milion tourists came to the Darling Downs in the Year to September, the ABS said; a drive driven mostly by day trippers who were otherwise coming to the region in the order of 400,000 more than the past 12 months.
Day trippers came, research said for, food, wine and bucolic scene but ultimately pumped more than $1 billion to the local economy – making it the leader of a very competitive state.
But national statistics show that the area's overnight op...
Darling Downs
Famed for its long sandy beaches and coastal skyline, the Gold Coast offers a range of accommodation and food and beverage options, as well as a long list of attractions.
With an international and domestic airport providing easy access, the popular destination attracts over 13 million tourists per year, including 1.1 million international travellers and 3.7 million overnight domestic guests.
With temperatures averaging mid-20s all year round, tourism remains at a steady pace throughout the year, particularly attracting domestic visitors from cooler states.
The Gold Coast is home to over 567,600 people, and caters for many more with over 650 properties for...
Gold Coast
Tropical North Queensland is the region of Australia that includes Cairns, Palm Cove Post Douglas, Daintree and Kuranda. Located in the northern part of the state of Queensland this region is considered a major tourist region due to its access to the Great Barrier Reef, Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach. First settles in 1861 gold was discovered in Charters Towers in 1871 leading to development of Townsville as a major port and service centre. The region also includes world heritage listed rainforests, Cape Tribulation and other tourist must sees with sustained links to indigenous cultures.
North Queensland
South East Queensland [ View Profile ]
South East Queensland is a region of Queensland in Australia from the Sunshine Coast including Noosa down to the Gold Coast/ Tweed Heads border with NSW and as far west as Toowoomba. It is estimated the population contains 3.4 million people of the total 4.8 million people in the state of Queensland.
Originally settled by Europeans who originally populated Brisbane and Ipswich, immigrants spread in all directions.
Settlers quickly developed industries such as agriculture and timber cutting from the early to mid 1800's.
The South East Queensland economy now thrives on tourism and agriculture with manufacturing also a key element. Transport and infrastruc...
South East Queensland
Spanning from Caloundra to Noosa on Queensland’s coastline, the Sunshine Coast sits between the Glasshouse Maintains and the Inskip Peninsula, offering guests the opportunity to experience both the rainforest and the sea.
The region is well known for its natural beauty, with over 100 kilometres of well-maintained coastline, and 10 protected national parks. Visitors are attracted to the area’s sub-tropical climate and year-round warmth, as well as the many shopping opportunities in the cities and hinterland villages, and the huge health and wellbeing scene in the area. Guests enjoy water activities such as swimming, fishing, surfing and boating, as well as on-land...
Sunshine Coast
Fuelled by the sugar cane and tourism industries, and recognised by its untouched coastline, the Wide-Bay Burnett region is located just over 100 kilometres north of Brisbane. Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Barrier Reef’, the region is a popular destination for tourists looking for pristine beaches, historical inland towns, and thriving rainforests.
While the region’s lush green countryside makes farm stays a popular accommodation option, it also offers over 30 hotels, holiday parks and resorts, as well as a number of eco-conscious accommodation options.
With Bundaberg Airport located within the region, tourists travelling to Brisbane or Lady Elliot Island are...
Wide Bay Burnett
Located on Queensland’s pristine Sunshine Coast, Alexandra Headland neighbours the coastal city of Maroochydore, offering visitors stunning beaches, great shopping opportunities, and a relaxed holiday atmosphere.
Both locals and visitors enjoy the slow pace and outdoor lifestyle of Alexandra Headland. The beaches are patrolled and safe for children to swim in, but also provide a great swell for the visiting surf enthusiast. Local businesses offer surfing lessons and board rental, making it easy for travelling surfers who can’t bring their board with them. The area is also home to skate parks, plenty of public parks with barbeque facilities, and safe areas for cycling...
Alexandra Headland
Situated on the northern end of Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast, Biggera Waters is home to protected beaches, a huge shopping scene, and a broad offering of food and accommodation.
While the beaches in Biggera Waters provide the perfect place to relax and unwind, there are plenty of activities for holidaymakers to choose from. The local channels and beaches are a popular place for fishing, as well as water sports such as canoeing and kayaking. To save visitors bringing their own equipment from home, a number of local rental outlets can provide visitors with boats, tackle, or surfboards.
Both overnight visitors and day-trippers choose to visit Biggera Waters not only...
Biggera Waters
Bribie Island is one of three islands on the north coast of Moreton Bay in Queensland, and boasts sandy beaches and dunes, an abundance of wildlife, areas for swimming and surfing, and a range of tourist activities. The island is made up of over 55 square kilometres of national park land, a marine park called the Pumicestone Passage, as well as areas of residential, commercial and tourism infrastructure.
A bridge connects Bribie Island to the mainland, making it one of the country’s most easily accessible islands by car. Domestic visitors travelling by plane can fly into the Sunshine Coast Airport, which is just over 90 minutes from the island, and International visitors can...
Bribie Island
Found on Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast, Broadbeach is a holiday hub for surfers, golfers and shopaholics. Between Mermaid Beach and Surfer’s Paradise, Broadbeach gets almost 250 sunny days each year, offering year ‘round moderate temperatures and drawing guests from summer through to winter.
With patrolled swimming zones, beachfront parks, and barbeque facilities, the area is a popular holiday destination for families, and an equally popular choice for school leavers during Australia’s largest school leavers celebration on the Gold Coast each December. Visitors to the area enjoy activities such as kayaking and canoeing, paddle boarding, surfing, kitesurfing...
Broadbeach
Burleigh Heads can be found in the heart of Queensland’s Gold Coast between Miami and Palm Beach. As its name suggests, the area boasts a stunning headland, as well as sandy beaches, lush national park land, and a great offering of accommodation and activities for the many tourists that visit throughout the year.
Burleigh Heads is a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking a quiet coastal getaway with the benefits of the city and local theme park attractions at their fingertips. While nearby Surfers Paradise, Sea World, Dreamworld, Move World and Wet ‘N Wild have much to offer, Burleigh Heads has plenty of activities and attractions to keep a traveller occupied....
Burleigh Heads
Located in the south of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Caloundra draws guests with its stunning beaches, rocky headland, and a 25-kilometre coastal walking and cycling trail leading to local town, Kawana.
The local Sunshine Coast airport provides easy access to Caloundra for domestic guests, with a new international runway and terminal expected to be completed within the next four years. Domestic travel to the Sunshine Coast region has been at an all-time high over the past 12 months, with 3,394,000 arrivals recorded in 2016, including an 8.1 percent increase in business and event travel.
Caloundra is home to one of the Sunshine Coast’s largest event centres...
Caloundra
Coolangatta is Queensland’s southern-most coastal town, and the gateway to the Gold Coast for those travelling north from New South Wales.
Serviced by the local Gold Coast Airport, domestic and international tourists can easily reach Coolangatta by plane, though it is also a popular destination for families taking road trips up or down the Queensland coast, often choosing to use the Pacific Motorway. With the Captain Cook Memorial sculpture signifying the divide between Queensland and New South Wales, many tourists visit or stop at Coolangatta for a photo opportunity and to experience being ‘in two places at once’.
Coolangatta offers a range of outdoor...
Coolangatta
Coolum Beach is located between Yaroomba and Peregian Beach on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, offering guests a range of beach and bush activities and a wide range of accommodation options.
While the area has a population of only 18,000, Coolum Beach is the Sunshine Coast’s largest town, and is home to a number of established resorts, holiday parks and hotels. With a growing rate of small businesses in Coolum Beach, visitors can expect to find several local café, bar and food establishments amongst boutique stores selling local goods and produce. Seafood is particularly popular in the area, with many local restaurants boasting Maroochydore king prawns and...
Coolum Beach
Deception Bay can be found 30 kilometres north of Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, and is known for its shallow water, beachside esplanade, and undeveloped beauty.
The area’s name comes from its shallow bay, which led discoverer John Oxley to mistake it for a river. The calm and shallow water makes the perfect swimming spot for young families avoiding the rougher conditions of a surf beach, and the local parks and esplanade also draw families with barbeque facilities, bike tracks and grassy areas. The wider Moreton Bay region has several school holiday activities, events and challenges for school aged children, making it a popular getaway during school holiday weeks...
Deception Bay
East Brisbane is, as the name suggests, an eastern suburb of Queensland’s bustling capital city, Brisbane. Boasting harbour views, beautiful parklands, an established food and café culture, and accessibility to the central business district, East Brisbane is a popular destination for those visiting the city for both business or leisure.
Visitors to the area have a range of attractions and activities at their fingertips, with the Wynnum Esplanade, Wynnum Pools and Wynnum Park close by, as well as several playgrounds for children, the Fort Lytton National Park and octagonal defence fort, heritage trails, and the largest boat harbour facility in the Southern Hemisphere...
East Brisbane
Queensland’s Fraser Coast is located amidst some of Australia’s most famed natural attractions, with visitors coming from near and far to experience the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, the hinterland rainforests, and the unique local culture that has developed around them.
Visitors enjoy swimming, surfing and snorkelling at the many stunning local beaches, and also have the opportunity to dive at specified dive sights. Other local attractions and activities include bird watching, visiting historical sites such as the Maryboroughs Gun, local museums and galleries, or experiencing the range of health and wellbeing services on offer in the region.
From July...
Fraser Coast
Golden Beach (Sunshine Coast) [ View Profile ]
Located on Queensland’s beautiful Sunshine Coast, Golden Beach is one of the coast’s quieter towns, offering its locals and visitors with a range of stunning beaches, cafés and leafy parks that the whole family can enjoy.
The beach itself is a calm and protected alternative to neighbouring Sunshine Coast surf beaches such as Caloundra. With the shoreline fronting onto the Pumicestone Passage, the waves are small, making it the perfect place for visitors to swim, fish or hire a kayak or canoe.
Visitors to Golden Beach enjoy joining the locals in an outdoor lifestyle that makes the most of year-round moderate to warm temperatures and can picnic in...
Golden Beach (Sunshine Coast)
Situated on Queensland’s stunning Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay is the perfect playground for guests and natural wildlife alike. Guests travel for the bay’s protected waters, which attract humpback whales, dolphins and other sea life, and provide young families with a safe place to swim and explore.
The bay is also well suited to a range of popular water activities, and visitors enjoy the opportunity to swim, dive, snorkel and sail in the bay. Fishing is also permitted in some areas, and specialised tours allow visitors the chance to set sail on local yachts and kayaks.
The outdoor lifestyle on offer in Hervey Bay is extended to visitors, who can enjoy the many...
Hervey Bay
Located only half an hour out of Brisbane, Ipswich is a heritage region known for its outdoor adventure activities, arts and culture, and well-loved local food and beverage offering.
Guests travel to the region to experience the best of both the city and the country, and enjoy great local culture in the form of farmer’s markets, local eateries, and an abundance of wineries and micro-breweries. Visitors with an appreciation of food can choose between a variety of cuisines, with Chinese, Indian, Italian, Thai, and Mexican on offer, as well as a number of Australian-style restaurants and cafes that use fresh ingredients from local farms.
The area is a popular family...
Ipswich
Located across the Brisbane River, with stunning views of Brisbane’s CBD, Kangaroo Point is known for its rocky cliffs, proximity to the South Bank Parklands, and connection to the CBD via the famous Story Bridge.
Guests visiting Brisbane choose to stay and play in Kangaroo Point due to its slower pace, relative quietness, and the range of local activities, food services and both budget and luxury accommodation options on offer.
Visitors enjoy the Kangaroo Point Lookout for a great view of Brisbane, and those looking to experience panoramic views of the city can choose to undertake the Story Bridge Adventure Climb for a guided tour. Visitors seeking out further...
Kangaroo Point
Kirra is one of Queensland’s Gold Coast towns, wrapping around a curve in the landscape which separates Coolangatta and Kirra beaches. While there is contention regarding the meaning of the word ‘Kirra’, it is widely believed to be a local Aboriginal word meaning ‘boomerang’, possibly named for the curvature in the Kirra landscape.
Kirra is a popular tourist area, being close to the New South Wales border and only a short distance from the Gold Coast Airport. With the Gold Coast Airport servicing both domestic and international visitors, and the nearby Pacific Motorway providing easy access to the area by car, Kirra sees thousands of visitors in both...
Kirra
Labrador continues to draw visitors with its broad range of accommodation, great local food offering, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Visitors to Labrador particularly enjoy the outdoor activities on offer, with parks, a lagoon, and beaches making the perfect setting for picnics and play. Bike hire is prevalent in the area, and children enjoy feeding the friendly local pelicans and swimming in protected areas.
Labrador is also in close reach of one of the Gold Coast’s most popular attractions, the theme parks. Seaworld, Warner Bros Movie World and Dream World can all be reached in under 15 minutes via car from Labrador, and are easily accessible by public tran...
Labrador
Lying between its north and centre, Mackay is the underplayed card in Queensland tourism’s deck.
Visitor numbers remain small but their relationship to the region 1000km north of Brisbane is deepening.
Queensland’s tourism touts the Mackay region’s natural assets. It has a sub-tropical climate (don’t mention the wet season) with dry, mild Winters. There’s also Australia’s largest sub-tropical rainforest and offshore islands with azure water.
Mackay has more than 55 large (over 15-room) accommodation operators. Accom Properties understand all licensed accommodation providers come in at double that figure, according to...
Mackay
Main Beach, Gold Coast [ View Profile ]
Main Beach is located on Queensland’s pristine Gold Coast and provides visitors with a rich taste of coastal culture. With the beach to the east and the river and harbour to the west, Main Beach is straddled by water, creating a beautiful outlook for the high-rise hotels and other buildings along the coast.
Guests travel for the region’s acclaimed beaches and surf scene, as well as popular local theme parks and shopping opportunities. With SeaWorld located within Main Beach, many guests treat the area as a base whilst visiting SeaWorld, as well as other local parks, Warner Bros Movie World, Dream World and Wet ‘N Wild.
There are several outdoor...
Main Beach, Gold Coast
Home to the Sunshine Coast’s central business district, Maroochydore is a surprisingly slow paced, coastal town with an established shopping scene, a number of holiday attractions, and a burgeoning food and beverage offering.
Just under 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, the area attracts domestic and international visitors looking for a day trip or coastal getaway, with easy access from the Sunshine Coast Airport for domestic guests, and an international runway and terminal expected to be completed within the next four years. Year-long sub-tropical, moderate temperatures make Maroochydore a popular destination for travellers throughout the year.
With a network of...
Maroochydore Town
Located on Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast, Mermaid Beach offers visitors a beautiful stretch of coastline and a relaxed place to stay and play.
Mermaid Beach is a quieter, less busy alternative to the neighbouring towns of Miami and Broadbeach, and is a popular swimming and surfing spot for both day trippers and overnight guests. With the local surf life-saving club patrolling the coast, the area is safe for swimming, but also has a great break for those who’ve brought a surfboard with them, or hired one from a local rental company.
The area is a popular choice with families, not only offering patrolled beaches, but also a range of family friendly activit...
Mermaid Beach
Located between Cairns and Townsville, Mission Beach offers Queensland visitors the opportunity to experience beach, reef, rainforest and an abundance of local culture.
Being the Australian mainland’s closest point to the Great Barrier Reef at just an hour away, Mission Beach is a popular destination for both domestic and international travellers to visit when seeking out one of Australia’s most precious natural wonders. Snorkelling, scuba diving, boating and swimming are particularly common activities, while guests also enjoy visiting the local islands and exploring the World Heritage listed rainforest on hikes.
Mission Beach is truly a playground for the...
Mission Beach
Situated on Queensland’s pristine Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba offers visitors a relaxed atmosphere, tropical weather, and the sixth top beach on TripAdvisor’s Top-10 Aussie Beaches list.
While Mooloolaba’s population is largely made up of an older demographic, over 25 percent of visitors to the town are aged between 25 and 35.
With a large offering of boutique beachside shops, over 70 percent of visitors to the area are females, with many other Australian visitors being families looking for a coastal school holiday getaway. Mooloolaba also has a high rate of returns, with up to 10 percent of visitors booking a return stay at one of more than 100...
Mooloolaba
Noosa is situated on The Sunshine Coast north of the capital Brisbane. Famous for its beaches, cafes and above all shopping, Noosa provides all levels of accommodation from 5 star luxury to backpackers and hostels. The main strip to Noosa is Hastings street with an abundance of restaurants, designer label shops, cafes and bars can be found. According to Tourism Noosa tourism contributes over $700 million each year to the local economy rising through the increase in international tourists from China, the UK and USA. Noosa is also very popular with domestic tourists looking for short breaks from Sydney, Melbourne and also locals from Brisbane.
Noosa
The Queensland town of Palm Beach is located on a stretch of the Gold Coast between two creeks – Tallebudgera Creek to the north, and Currumbin Creek to its south. With a relaxed coastal charm, close proximity to major Queensland attractions and cities, and plenty of local culture to experience, Palm Beach draws a range of domestic and international visitors each year.
Having been named Queensland’s cleanest beach on a number of occasions, Palm Beach is known for its clear water, excellent surfing conditions, and local beach and creek fishing opportunities. With ‘Coast Club’ school holiday activities running each year, the area is a popular choice for...
Palm Beach
Situated on Queensland’s aptly named Sunshine Coast, Peregian Beach is a relaxed coastal favourite with those looking for a quaint getaway spot and both plenty of charm and plenty to do.
Based near popular holiday destination Noosa, visitors are removed from the hustle and bustle of the more populated areas while enjoying the close proximity for daytrips and outings.
Peregian Beach is largely untouched by chain stores and hasn’t been overrun by large-scale developments or fast food franchises. Instead, visitors are welcomed into the area’s sustainable outlook on living and buying, and as a result enjoy the many boutique cafes, restaurants and retai...
Peregian Beach
Port Douglas is located an hour north of warm, sunny Cairns on Queensland’s coastline. With its tropical weather, world renowned reefs, and a range of budget and luxury resorts, hotels and holiday parks, Port Douglas is a well-known and much-loved holiday destination for both domestic and international travellers.
Being only an hour from Cairns, visitors from all over Australia and across the world can easily access Port Douglas via Cairns International Airport. In the year ending March 2017, Tropical North Queensland as a whole welcomed 1,800,000 domestic visitors and 890,000 international visitors, and while domestic numbers dropped 6.9 percent from the previous year...
Port Douglas
Robina is one of the Gold Coast’s newer suburbs, developed in the 80s and particularly known for its shopping opportunities, and family friendly attractions. The area has grown steadily over the past 30 years, and continues to be a popular place for holidaymakers to stay and play within the Gold Coast.
Visitors travelling to Robina enjoy games and entertainment centres, cinemas, a number of pristine golf courses, as well as mini golf for families. Being in close proximity to other popular Gold Coast suburbs such as Miami and Burleigh Heads, visitors don’t have to travel far to experience all that the coastline has to offer, including swimming, surfing, kayaking and...
Robina
The Rockhampton region is located in Central Queensland and boasts a beautiful riverfront, historic charm, natural beauty and a great tourism offering.
While well known for its tourism offering, the region is most famed as being Australia’s ‘Beef Capital’, meaning visitors to the area enjoy beef-rich menus at the region’s numerous restaurants, as well as several bull-themed artworks and sculptures around the city, and have the opportunity to visit one of the town’s weekly rodeos outside the Great Western Hotel.
The region’s natural offerings provide plenty of opportunities for tourists, with limestone caves, national parks, and Mount...
Rockhampton
South Brisbane is an inner-city suburb of Queensland’s capital city, overlooking the southern bank of Brisbane’s river and boasting stunning parklands, an appreciation for the arts, a broad food and beverage offering, and several heritage-listed buildings.
Guests travel to South Brisbane for its close proximity to Brisbane’s central business district, esteemed restaurants, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, and for the many shopping opportunities it provides. A number of events and performances also draw visitors to the area, with the Queensland Performing Arts centre located in the area, and the Brisbane Festival held at the South Bank Parklands eac...
South Brisbane
Southport is a beachside port town and business district on Queensland’s Gold Coast, known for its rich history, moderate subtropical climate, and family friendly holiday activities.
Serviced by the local Gold Coast airport, Southport is easily reached by both domestic and international visitors, attracting holidaymakers with nearby Sea World, Dreamworld and Warner Bros. Movie World. With Sea World only two kilometres away, and with 56 percent of Australian adults claiming to have visited the attraction at some point in their lives, it’s no wonder that Southport accommodation remains busy throughout the year.
As the town’s name suggests, Southport is...
Southport
Located an hour and a half west of Brisbane, and nestled on the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, views of the Lockyer Valley, and its rich history.
Guests travel to the region to experience a piece of the southern Queensland countryside, and enjoy the local produce, wines and the area’s distinctive seasons. Known for its cool winters, bright autumn colours and warm spring and summer months, each season offers visitors a unique experience of local culture and natural splendour.
The region has a great arts and culture scene, with visitors frequenting the Met Galleries, First Coat Outdoor Gallery, the Empire...
Toowoomba
Located in North Queensland, Townsville is a region filled with natural beauty, history, and scope for adventure.
One of the biggest drawing points for guests is the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, which is easily accessible from Townsville. Day trips, boating adventures and diving opportunities on offer, as well as guided tours of World Heritage listed Wet Tropics rainforest which is also on the region’s doorstep.
Guests enjoy swimming on protected beaches, hiking through the rainforest, or visiting the many local parks, pools and picnic facilities, all whilst adopting the relaxed mindset of the locals.
Some of the most popular attractions in the...
Townsville
Located in Northern Queensland, Trinity Beach is a popular coastal suburb of Cairns, known for its warm climate, relaxed atmosphere, and stunning natural sites. With several high-profile luxurious resorts and restaurants having been developed over recent years, the area has a reputation for the finer things of life, while remaining less ‘touristy’ than nearby hotspots such as Port Douglas and Palm Cove.
Guests enjoy the range of waterfront restaurants on the esplanade, with cuisines such as Italian, Indian, Thai and Australian seafood available. The esplanade is also a popular walking track for both locals and visitors, providing views of the beach and plenty of places...
Trinity Beach
Tropical North Queensland [ View Profile ]
Tropical North Queensland is one of Australia’s most popular holiday destinations, offering World Heritage sites, warm weather throughout the year, and plenty of activities for all breeds of travellers.
Made up of 22 local government areas, Tropical North Queensland makes up 20 percent of the state, and is ranked in the top five Australian destinations for international travellers, and one of the top 20 destinations for domestic visitors.
Guests commonly travel to see the Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests, which have drawn a range of tourism services and businesses to the area. Tropical North Queensland is also known for its great outdoor lifestyle...
Tropical North Queensland
Located on Queensland’s sunny Gold Coast, Varsity Lakes is a well-loved holiday destination located between Burleigh and Robina. Known as ‘Stephens’ prior to the early 2000s, the area is an amalgamation of an old Gold Coast suburb named Andrews, as well as a portion of Robina.
Guests visit the area for its close proximity to beaches, the city and the popular theme parks; Sea World, Warner Bros Movie World, and Movie World. Varsity Lakes also has several local attractions, offering guests the opportunity to hire bikes and enjoy the outdoors, visit a micro-brewery, or enjoy the multitude of great local food that is available. Skateboarding is particularly engrained...
Varsity Lakes
Brisbane’s eccentric West End is a melting pot of culture and quirkiness, filled with organic markets, boutique coffee shops, restaurants and bars.
Originally named after London’s own West End, the south-western Brisbane suburb is just three kilometres from the city’s central business district, providing visitors with an alternative place to visit or stay within arm’s reach of everything the city has to offer.
While visitors of all ages and stages can be found in West End’s many restaurants, eclectic shops, or at the area’s many festivals and events, the area’s many unique offerings are particularly popular with visitors in...
West End
A tropical gateway to '74 island wonders', the Whitsunday region has long been a tourism hot-spot but it has become Queensland’s fastest growing destination for international visitors.
They come for the coastal hub of Airlie Beach, or to hop the archipelago’s eight developed islands including the iconic Hayman, Hamilton and Daydream. Not to mention sailing, beaches, snorkelling and the biggest tourist attraction of them all, the Great Barrier Reef.
The Whitsundays economy is the most dependent on the tourist dollar of all places in Queensland. That may be how a region of just 35,000 residents generates $700 million from tourism; a figure ...
Whitsundays
Fuelled by the sugar cane and tourism industries, and recognised by its untouched coastline, the Wide-Bay Burnett region is located just over 100 kilometres north of Brisbane. Often referred to as ‘the gateway to the Barrier Reef’, the region is a popular destination for tourists looking for pristine beaches, historical inland towns, and thriving rainforests.
While the region’s lush green countryside makes farm stays a popular accommodation option, it also offers over 30 hotels, holiday parks and resorts, as well as a number of eco-conscious accommodation options.
With Bundaberg Airport located within the region, tourists travelling to Brisbane or...
Wide-Bay Burnett
Located north of Rockhampton on the sunny Capricorn Coast, Yeppoon is an entry point for tourists looking to explore the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef or the Keppel Bay Islands.
Having maintained a small-town feel regardless of its popularity with holidaymakers, visitors travel to the area for its relaxed atmosphere, family friendly activities, and its famed sunny coastline.
Yeppoon is home to several lookouts, offering views of the harbour, coast, and national park areas. The region has plenty of outdoor activities for adventurers to choose from, with hiking, cycling and sailing all popular choices with both locals and visitors.
Being a gateway...
Yeppoon
Adelaide is the coastal capital city of South Australia, known for its arts, culture and heritage architecture. Drawing visitors with its many major sporting events, broad food and beverage offering, and laid-back atmosphere, Adelaide is a popular destination for both business and leisure.
Having developed a vibrant food and beverage scene over the past decade, visitors enjoy Adelaide’s many laneway bars and boutique restaurants, many of which use local produce from the fertile South Australian soil.
Areas such as Port Adelaide bring a historic flair to the region, allowing visitors to view 19th century buildings, take a stroll down the old wharves, or visit...
Adelaide
Located on the picturesque north coast of Tasmania, Devonport not only offers ocean views over Bass Straight, but also of nearby mountains and rivers.
Being a gateway to Cradle Mountain and the Mersey River, there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to Devonport to enjoy getting outdoors and amongst nature. The area is known for its great bushwalking and fishing, and is also home to manicured golf courses, flower farms, and vineyards. The area’s food and beverage offering draws visitors with an interest in locally sourced seafood, wine, and Tasmanian beer.
Devonport has plenty of local attractions, with a chocolate factory, distilleries, breweries and...
Devonport
Hobart is the picturesque capital of Tasmania. Sitting at the base of Mount Wellington, Hobart is a hub for arts and culture, and offers guests the opportunity to explore local galleries and authentic street art, consume local produce at the many acclaimed restaurants, and enjoy views of the harbour and mountains. As one of Australia’s oldest capital cities, Hobart also has a rich history that has been thoughtfully preserved for visitors to discover and enjoy.
Visitors to Hobart enjoy the many outdoor activities on offer in the region, including climbing Mount Wellington, visiting the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens and kayaking in the local waterways. The multitude of...
Hobart
Launceston is a stunning riverside city in Tasmania’s north, and is known for its food, views, and heritage.
Visitors to Launceston enjoy the scenic beauty of its rolling hills, vineyards, valleys and cliffs. Launceston experiences very distinct seasons, meaning that the colours of the landscape are ever-changing, turning the city and countryside vibrant shades of green, red and orange throughout the year.
Some favourite outdoor activities in Launceston include visiting the Cataract Gorge Reserve, the nearby Tamar Valley, Wetlands and River, the Tasmania Zoo, and the Lilydale Falls. Visitors enjoy segway and boat tours, scenic chairlifts, and wine tasting tours...
Launceston
Often considered a ‘little brother’ to nearby Melbourne, Geelong is just 1.5 hours outside of Victoria’s capital, boasting a slower pace, a broad food and beverage offering, and stunning views of Port Phillip Bay.
Geelong welcomes visitors looking for, beachfront activities, a bustling esplanade, a family friendly events, as well as popular surrounding wineries, microbreweries and boutique producers. The area is also a popular starting and stopping point for travellers’ Great Ocean Road getaways, and a hub for business events, driving a range of international and domestic business guests to the area.
With Avalon Domestic Airport only a...
Geelong
Located in regional Victoria, Gippsland is home to a multitude of natural wonders and attractions, drawing tourists with its untouched beaches and national parks, underground limestone caves, mountains, and the biggest network of inland waterways in the country.
Visitors travel largely for the outdoor experiences on offer in the region, including swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, caving, hiking, and cycling. During the winter months, visitors travel to Mount Baw Baw, where skiing and snowboarding are popular activities. The warmer months also draw visitors to the mountain, with rafting and abseiling on offer. The national parks and open spaces promote the presence of native...
Gippsland
Rated the World’s Most Liveable City since 2011, Melbourne has a high standard of style and living not only for its residents, but also for the 5.5 million domestic visitors and almost two million international visitors the city welcomes each year.
Highly renowned for its art, music, food, and café culture, the city is famed for its stylised graffiti painted laneways, forward-thinking food trends, celebrity restaurants, and old Australian landmarks such as Flinders Street Station and Federation Square. Widely believed to be Australia’s most on-trend capital, guests travel for unique experiences, boutique laneway shopping, an active international sporting scene...
Melbourne
Mornington Peninsula [ View Profile ]
Located south-east of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula is one of Victoria’s most prevalent coastal tourist destinations. The region offers stunning beaches on both Phillip Bay and the ocean, as well as an array of water sports, unspoiled national park land, and numerous wineries and restaurant choices.
With a temperate to warm climate in the spring and summer months, and colder weather throughout autumn and winter, Mornington Peninsula experiences its peak period within summer school holiday weeks. While water sports and beaches are popular in the warmer weather, many guests are not deterred by the cold, visiting the many local wineries and hot springs from June through to...
Mornington Peninsula
Located in Victoria’s lush Gippsland region, Sale is a small port city known for its natural beauty, emerging food and beverage scene, rich heritage, and access to the lakes region.
Guests travel to Sale for a quiet getaway and the opportunity to experience all that regional Victoria has to offer.
Some of the local attractions and activities enjoyed by visitors include a walk through the Sale Botanic Gardens, a visit to the historic La Trobe Swing Bridge or museums such as the Gippsland Armed Forces Museum, as well as Victoria park and its historic water towers.
Visitors from all demographics can also find a range of things to do at the Port of Sale....
Sale
South Melbourne is a riverside suburb of the Victorian Capital, sitting between Southbank and Port Melbourne. With beautiful views of the river and the city, a well-renowned restaurant and shopping scene, and its close proximity to major event centres, South Melbourne is a popular destination of choice for both domestic and international visitors.
With Melbourne International Airport only a 30-minute drive away, visitors from Australia and all over the world can easily access the area by plane, with a shuttle service and prompt public transport network providing simple transport to and from the airport.
Melbourne welcomes a total of 5.5 million domestic visitors, and...
South Melbourne
Making up one half of Victoria and New South Wales’ ‘twin cities’, Wodonga is located on the Victorian side of the border and is a popular stopping point on the Hume Highway between Sydney and Melbourne.
Situated on the Murray River, the region has plenty to offer visitors, whether they’re stopping in for a day, a night or a little longer. With many parks and public gardens, as well as almost 100 kilometres of bike and walking paths, Wodonga has plenty of space for visitors to enjoy the outdoors. Bike hire can be arranged with local rental companies, and kayaks and canoes can also be hired by visitors interested in exploring the river by boat.
...
Wodonga
Positioned in the picturesque Margaret River region in Western Australia, Busselton is a beachside city with sheltered swimming areas, carefully preserved national parkland, and a spirited atmosphere.
With activities such as swimming, fishing and whale watching on the agenda, it’s no wonder the area is a hotspot for tourism, drawing visitors from across Australia and around the world.
The 1.8-kilometre jetty is a favourite amongst both locals and tourists, and is also the location of one of the South Pacific’s most highly rates underwater observatories, where visitors can view fish, coral and other underwater life. For those who prefer to get in the water...
Busselton
Home to a vibrant city, stunning beaches, and Australian bushland, the Western Australian capital offers the perks of both urban living and natural environments.
Perth is full of local culture, with a huge food and beverage scene and street art around every corner. Visitors enjoy local wines and brews, historic buildings, and nearby urban villages full of boutique stores and coffee shops.
Perth is also home to one of the world’s largest city parks; even larger than New York’s Central Park. Kings Park, located on the western side of the central business district, is a popular place for visitors to walk, picnic, and enjoy local and imported fauna with stunning views...
Perth
