T RO P I C A L N O RT H Q U E E N S L A N D PA RO N E L L A PA R K An artist and a visionary, José Paronella’s dreamt of a tropical estate encased in lush Australian jungle. He dreamt of an elaborate castle, inspired by his Spanish roots, and a natural wonderland dotted with picnic areas and waterfalls; fountains, tennis courts, tunnels and bridges. By 1935 he had completed his dream, and today — 82 years later — guests can visit his Shangri-la.
T H E W H I T S U N DAYS W H I T E H AV E N B E AC H
Whitehaven Beach. Google it and gawp. Where angel white sand meets liquid teal, the beach is part of the Whitsunday Islands, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays. Arrive by air or by sea and dig your feet into some of the world’s purest sand. Stretching seven kilometres in total, stay at one end or the other and picnic in paradise, or venture further along the shoreline and find a delicious slice of sand all to yourself.
S U N S H I N E C OA S T N O O S A E V E RG L A D E S Noosa was made for boutiques and beach life but you will also find one of the world’s most pristine stretches of wilderness, the Noosa Everglades. Lush wetlands and sedate waters lend themselves to a boat cruise. Drift along the Cooloola Coast, stretching 65km from Noosa to Fraser Island, or commandeer a canoe and gently paddle upstream, passing champagne sand bars and beautiful private jetties.
O U T B AC K Q U E E N S L A N D ROA D T R I P S From the lone fuel stations that stand like antiques in the desert, to horizons warped by heat lines, Queensland offers the most accessible Outback road trips in Australia. Venture across landscapes once trampled by dinosaurs, swamped in wetland or freckled by bottle trees. These giant beasts swell at the trunk and resemble enormous barrels on the brink of bursting. With numerous routes streaking the map, days are for exploring, while nights call for hearty steaks devoured at friendly Outback taverns.
G O L D C OA S T N AT U R A L B R I D G E , S P R I N G B RO O K N AT I O N A L PA R K Swap the sound of crashing surf and Gold Coast chatter for tropical birdsong and the croak of tree frogs. Leave the coast and an hour’s drive later find yourself at Springbrook National Park. The one kilometre subtropical circuit leads from the carpark through leafy rainforest and the honey sweet smell of sun warmed flora. Emerge into a shaded cave with a serene waterfall, complete with a fairy tale bridge arching over a pretty lagoon.
B R I S B A N E L A N E WAYS With laneways to raise a Melbourne eyebrow, check out Brissie’s Burnett Lane for the city’s best bites. This former prison yard has flavour, sass and grunge appeal. Gresham Lane pours a tipple to fill your tumbler and Spencer Lane offers a touch of New York style class with a great cup of Joe. We’ve only scratched the surface — you can fall down the rabbit hole.
9 IN S P I R E | HOU SE O F TRAV E L
TH E B E ST H O LIDAYS ARE CREATED TOGETHER .