Queensland-Brochure

Q u e e n s l a n d A u s t r a l i a

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Contents Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 – 3 Map and Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 – 5 Australia’s Nature Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 – 7 Australia’s Nature Coast Experiences. . . . . . . . . 8 – 9 Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. . . . . . . . . . . . 10 – 11 Queensland’s Rainforest & Wilderness . . . . . 12 – 13 Outback Queensland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 – 15 Surf, Sand & Sea Itinerary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 – 17 Green, Gold & Gourmet Itinerary . . . . . . . . . . . 18 – 19 Wildlife, Wilderness & Wonders Itinerary . . . 20 – 21 Rainforest, Reef & Remote Itinerary. . . . . . . . . 22 – 23

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Poruma Island

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Lizard Island Cooktown Daintree Rainforest Bali Hai Silky Oaks Port Douglas - Peninsula Boutique Hotel Palm Cove Mount Cairns Mulligan Bedarra Island Hinchinbrook Island Orpheus Island Townsville Hayman Island - Intercontinental Hayman Island Airlie Beach Whitsunday Islands Proserpine

Hamilton Island - qualia Mackay

Rockhampton

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Wilson Island Heron Island Lady Musgrave Island Lady Elliot Island

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Hervey Bay

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Bundaberg

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Gladstone

Eliza Fraser Lodge K’gari

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Noosa - Netanya Sunshine Coast Spicers Clovelly Maleny - Spicers Tamarind Glass House Mountains - Glass on Glasshouse Brisbane Spicers Hidden Vale Gold Coast Lamington National Park - O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat

Queensland, Australia

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planet and the glorious Sunshine Coast where the surf beaches of Noosa offer a golden contrast with the cool green shades of the Glasshouse Mountains.

ueensland is the state which stakes its claim on each and every wish list when it comes to visiting Australia, but apart from the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, do you really know what else this stunning region has to offer? Here at Turquoise, we have a passion for sniffing out those ‘off the beaten track’ hideaways and quirky places that no-one else knows about, then transforming these finds into bespoke holidays that tick all the boxes you are looking for, however unusual! We also create mind-blowing honeymoons which most definitely have the wow factor!

Queensland is a riot of colour and we all know about the myriad shades of indigo blue that stretch all the way along its coastline, but we’ll let you into a little secret – did you know that behind this watery vision lies every conceivable hue of green and a swathe of rainforest that meanders as far north as the ancient Daintree National Park? Then further back still, tucked away behind the rainforest is a vivid slash of ochre that heralds the start of Queensland’s Outback.

Aside from the fact that Queensland is ridiculously easy to access, with most international airlines offering direct flights into Brisbane, and many into Cairns in the tropical north, it is also a truly incomparable state. We do hope that this guide gives you a taste of how you can explore the many different faces of Queensland. The journey begins with Australia’s Nature Coast, home to K’gari, the largest sand island on the

With easy road and air links, you can effortlessly combine the islands of the Great Barrier Reef with a rainforest retreat or a 4WD outback adventure... and there’s so much more too! Many places claim to ‘have it all’ but here at Turquoise, we believe that Queensland really does.

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Australia’s Nature Coast

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ustralia’s Nature Coast stretches from the Glasshouse Mountains, just north of Brisbane, through Noosa with its surf beaches and vibrant dining scene to World Heritage listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) and further north still to Lady Elliott Island the southernmost island on the Great Barrier Reef. This spectacular region encompasses both the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts of Queensland and nature undoubtedly rules the roost here ... from towering cliffs of coloured sands, massive dunes and Noosa’s iconic beach and surfing heritage to the verdant hills of the hinterland, majestic Humpback Whales breaching in the calm protected waters off Hervey Bay and the untouched rainforest and pristine waters of Lake McKenzie on K’gari.

Australia’s Nature Coast is aptly named for good reason! What’s more, fans of Mary Poppins will delight in learning that the Fraser Coast’s historic town of Maryborough is the birthplace of P.L. Travers!

Getting there Brisbane is the international gateway airport for Australia’s Nature Coast.

You can easily pick up a car and enjoy the 90 minute drive north to the Sunshine Coast. The hinterland is only a 25 minute drive inland from Noosa while the Fraser Coast is just 2 hours further north. Turn over for our top picks of quirky hideaways and beach retreats, as well as our team’s insight into some of the wonderful activities and experiences on offer. Both the Sunshine and Fraser Coasts also have their own small airports. K’gari is accessed via a 50 minute ferry service from River Heads (close to Hervey Bay). A barge service for those travelling by 4WD is also available.

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Sunshine Coast Perhaps best known for its relaxed coastal lifestyle, the Sunshine Coast offers incredible diversity. Few places can boast miles of unspoiled sandy beaches alongside a hinterland of sub-tropical rainforest.

Laid-back coastal towns such as Mooloolaba, Caloundra and Noosa pay homage to the region’s rich surf history whilst only 25 minutes’ drive inland, character-filled hinterland hamlets such as Montville, Maleny and Eumundi bring a unique soul to this region – the latter has a colourful market full of art, unique clothes and everything from homemade breads to chilli sauces! Go bushwalking or head to the towering Glasshouse Mountains – so named by our very own Captain Cook (the peaks reminded him of the glass furnaces back home in Yorkshire).

Fraser Coast Further north, the rugged and wild Fraser Coast stretches from the southern tip of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) up to Hervey Bay and as far north as Lady Elliott Island in the southern reaches of the Great Barrier Reef. World Heritage Listed K’gari, located just off the coast from Hervey Bay, is the world’s largest sand island and is also the only place on the planet where rainforest grows from sand! It is home to half of the world’s rainwater-only lakes and boasts a road that can disappear with the tides!

Seventy Five Mile Beach, on the island’s eastern side, is a registered Australian National Highway and is also a landing strip for scenic flights! The island is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts with over 300 bird species, dingos, turtles, butterflies and migrating humpback whales which can be seen off the coast between July and November. For marine lovers, Lady Elliot Island is known for its abundance of manta rays and turtles.

Australia’s Nature Coast Experiences

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ustralia’s Nature Coast boasts the perfect combination of rainforest, wildlife and beach and with so much on offer, you can easily fill a few weeks enjoying an unforgettable array of experiences. The Sunshine and Fraser Coasts can be seamlessly combined in a neat little self-drive – a few days in each creates the ideal balance of activity, rest and relaxation! We have created some suggested itineraries (see the back of this brochure) but here’s a taste of some of the highlights and how best to enjoy them!

and visitors alike and a quick latte at any one of them will soon introduce you to the town’s seductive joie de vivre! Go stand up paddle boarding, jet-skiing and kayaking or try catching waves with one of Noosa’s home-grown surf experts! Away from the coast, kayak the tranquil Noosa Everglades, a 60km stretch of pristine waterways, home to magnificent flora and fauna.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland Introduce a few days of serenity to your Southern Queensland journey with a stay in one of the hinterland villages such as Maleny or Montville. Charm personified, they are the gateway to the rainforest-clad Glasshouse Mountains where you can climb, abseil, bushwalk or simply take a picnic and enjoy the spectacular views.

Noosa This fashionable and buzzing gem of a town on the Sunshine Coast has been luring beach lovers for years with its casual vibe, stunning beaches, vibrant dining scene and rich surf history! The streetside cafés of Hastings Street, Noosa’s famous main thoroughfare, are social hot spots for locals

The following three retreats are our top picks of places to stay:

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Glass on Glasshouse – a quirky hideaway with three architect designed cottages, each with a vast living area and stunning views of Mt Beerwah or Mt Coonowrin through floor-to-ceiling glass walls!

Spicers Clovelly Estate – think French provincial meets old country Australia in the hills around Montville. Groves of magnolias line up alongside weeping figs and shady jacaranda trees, while kookaburras laugh in the trees. There are ten suites, a superb European-inspired restaurant and a Spa too!

Spicers Tamarind Retreat – an Asianinfluenced foodie’s paradise close to Maleny. Designer touches meet rainforest tranquillity in the twelve intimate pavilions.

Learn the secrets of the spicy Thai cuisine at the cooking school or relax in the rainforest Spa!

K’gari The world’s largest sand island is so much more than a mere desert island!

It is carpeted with rainforest, freshwater lakes and creeks that spill onto golden beaches. Cruise or fly over to the island, go exploring by 4WD with a local expert, join a whale watching cruise or even take a flightseeing tour. Strictly four-wheel-drive territory only, you will trade the city freeways for K’gari’s very own sandy highway, Seventy Five Mile Beach, which runs along the island’s eastern ‘surf’ coast.

Stay in a spacious holiday house at Kingfisher Bay, a west-coast resort perfect for exploring the island. After a day of 4WD adventures, unwind in the lagoon pool or day spa. Don’t miss a sundowner at the iconic Sunset Bar. Hervey Bay is the main gateway to K’gari but day trips from Noosa are also an option.

Islands of the Great Barrier Reef

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o holiday to Queensland would be complete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Take a day trip by boat or helicopter from Port Douglas or Cairns, spend a few nights exploring hidden coves on a liveaboard cruise or choose to stay at one of the stunning boutique island resorts, each as unique and special as the next. Here are four of our favourites to whet your appetite.

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cattered like priceless jewels across an impossibly blue ocean, the islands of Queensland’s Great BarrierHayman Reef are a InterContinental veritable treasure trove of hidden delights, This island resort in the heart each glamorous more adorable than the last. of The Whitsundays is a place of style and elegance. The contemporary rooms and suites offer beautiful views of the lily lagoon or Hayman’s iconic swimming pool but for the ultimate indulgence, the pool villas are directly on the beach. This is the place where ‘out of the ordinary’ is the norm and your daily routine could include a private sailing charter, learning to dive or taking a seaplane to the famous silica white sands of Whitehaven Beach. Arrive in style on Hayman’s luxury launch from nearby Hamilton Island.

qualia – Hamilton Island In Latin, qualia translates as ‘a collection of deeply sensory experiences’ and this stylish resort delivers these in spades.

The 60 uber-cool freestanding pavilions, in neutral tones, are perched on a rainforestclad hillside and offer front row views of The Whitsunday Islands. Leeward Pavilions face south-west with expansive secluded decks, perfectly positioned for the flaming tropical sunsets. Windward Pavilions look north with private infinity plunge pools and spellbinding views. There’s a romantic Beach House too. This is Australian island style at its very best.

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Orpheus Island Lodge

Lizard Island

The helicopter flight from Townsville or Cairns to this captivating island ups the wow factor before you’ve even arrived!

Think secluded coves, a forested interior and 11 kilometres of gorgeous shoreline exploring by motorised dinghy is a ‘must’!

The contemporary Beachfront Rooms and Suites define laid-back luxe living with their natural colours, ocean views and no-key policy. The fringing reef offers diving, snorkelling and fishing in abundance whilst foodies will love the bounty of locallysourced and freshly caught delights showcased on the daily-changing menu!

An hour’s flight by small plane from Cairns, this northerly island jewel is kingpin when it comes to Queensland’s barefoot chic Robinson Crusoe escapes. The Great Barrier Reef is your watery playground with aquatic treasures and famous dive sites, such as the Cod Hole, close-by.

What’s more, with 24 powdery beaches to choose from, it is likely that you will have one to yourself! This is a beach-house-style island bolthole with superb cuisine and friendly lizards too! We love the Beachfront Suites or for elevated views, try an Ocean View Villa (some have plunge pools).

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Queensland’s Rainforest & Wilderness

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foot, enjoy a 4WD adventure or, if in the Daintree, take a cruise down the river.

At an estimated 180 million years old, the Daintree is older than the Amazon rainforest! A precious botanical treasure, it is a living museum that catalogues the evolution of plant life on Earth. It is also celebrated as the place where the rainforest meets the sea!

lobally lauded for its truly stunning coastline, Queensland steals the limelight yet again with another of Mother Nature’s blessings in her abundance of pristine rainforests. Regardless of whether you are enjoying the delights of Southern Queensland or the blissful charms of the northern reaches, you will encounter huge swathes of this emerald green jewel throughout the region. The World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park, easily combined with Australia’s Nature Coast, is a sub-tropical rainforest of crystal clear creeks, cascading waterfalls and for those who love a view, jaw-dropping panoramas of the coastline. Further north, Queensland boasts the impressive UNESCO World Heritage Listed Daintree National Park, a vivid green tangle of rainforest that is one of the most important sites on the planet.

Rainforest adventures are easy – explore on

Getting there Lamington National Park is a two hour drive from Brisbane. The Daintree Rainforest is a two hour drive from Cairns or one hour from the charming seaside town of Port Douglas. You can easily visit the Daintree on a day trip or alternatively stay overnight in one of the luxury rainforest retreats.

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Silky Oaks Lodge Set on the banks of Mossman Gorge adjacent to the Daintree National Park, Silky Oaks counts the oldest living rainforest on the planet as its back garden. The landscape is mesmerising and alongside fast flowing rivers and deep gorges, you will find tumbling waterfalls, tranquil pools and outstanding views. Rooms and suites display a cool rainforest vibe, the Spa is sensational, the food equally so and unique experiences include river snorkelling and guided rainforest walks.

O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat Hidden away on the edge of the Lamington National Park, just a two hour drive from Brisbane, O’Reilly’s offers the chance to escape to the rainforest and enjoy fresh mountain air. Here, it is all about waterfalls, walking trails and wildlife. Expect comfortable accommodation including the contemporary villas with rainforest or valley views. A plethora of adventures await from wildlife treks, zip wire flights and birdwatching to sublime spa treatments.

Bali Hai ‘Somewhere in the rainforest’ – a place so private, this is the address. Just 15 minutes from Port Douglas, yet in a complete world of its own, this exclusive use rainforest hideaway is perfect for up to 8 guests to share. Set on the edge of the Daintree, with your own 80 acres of paradise to explore, Bali Hai seamlessly blends luxury with nature. The three thatched bures look rustic, yet are equipped with all the modern nuances expected from a retreat of this calibre, including a gourmet kitchen (a local chef can cater), stunning wet edge swimming pool and views of a landscape which is unchanged for millennia.

Outback Queensland

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even sleep under the brightest of night stars. You could be forgiven for thinking that going outback means roughing it and yes, if you want to, you can, but here in Queensland, it’s not actually necessary, as there are some incredible places where you can experience Australia’s legendary outback in effortless style.

utback Australia evokes visions of endless red desert plains, spiky spinifex and lone white gum trees punctuated against a seemingly endless blue sky. Whilst this idea of the outback is certainly true, it is also much more accessible than you might think.

Queensland boasts more than its fair share of outback or bush which covers not just desert terrain but gulf country, wetlands, savannah and cattle stations so vast they defy belief. Everything seems larger here; the sky, the history and the characters! This is where you really connect with the locals and muster cattle, fish for barramundi and

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Mount Mulligan Lodge There is definitely an air of exclusivity about a place where the main route of access is by air. You can get to Mount Mulligan by road but to take a flight over the enduring, rugged Outback is all part of the experience. Imagine a place where just 28 privileged guests can enjoy a very special part of Queensland.

Remote and wild, this is iconic Australia at its luxurious and best!

Guests are immersed in the region’s rich gold and coal rush history through daily excursions. Experiences include a 4WD safari to one of the country’s most productive historical goldmines, demonstration of Australia’s oldest operating gold crusher, exploration of the historic Mount Mulligan coal mine and abandoned township, quad bike adventures and guided nature walks.

Activities include fishing for Barramundi, stargazing, sunset drinks overlooking the escarpment, scenic helicopter flights, wildlife spotting, signature dining and chef-prepared gourmet picnic hampers.

Spicers Hidden Vale Surrounded by volcanic peaks, Spicers Hidden Vale sits amidst 12,000 acres of true blue Australian bush and comes complete with its own working cattle station. It feels a million miles from anywhere but is actually just an hour’s drive from Brisbane. This is a welcoming and comfortable retreat echoing back to a bygone era with beautifully restored cottages, cool colours, warm fabrics and a real sense of place.

A variety of guided 4WD tours are available or keen horse riders can take to the saddle and explore the vast expanse of bush on horseback. There are endless walking and mountain bike trails to follow and after an exhilarating day of adventure, Spa Anise is the perfect place to reconnect mind, body and soul!

Surf, Sand and Sea

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overing the very best of Australia’s Nature Coast, this itinerary takes in the bright lights of Brisbane, the surf lifestyle in Noosa and then ups the ante with a very exclusive experience on K’gari.

Finally, end your time with a stylish stay at the glamorous InterContinental Hayman Island – the northernmost of the Whitsunday Islands, in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef.

Take me there 14 nights costs from £6550 per person including international and domestic flights, all transfers, 4 days fully inclusive car hire, 2 nights Emporium Hotel Brisbane (Room Only), 2 nights Kingfisher Bay Resort (Bed & Breakfast), 4 nights Netanya Noosa (Room Only) and 6 nights at InterContinental Hayman Island (Room Only).

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Days 1-2 ● Brisbane Fly into Brisbane for a two night stay in Queensland’s vibrant capital. Dissected by the Brisbane River, Brisbane is a collection of urban villages offering an eclectic mix of experiences combined with a superb dining scene. Spend two nights at the Emporium, a luxury hotel with fabulous views of the river in the heart of the city.

Days 3-4 ● K’gari Fly north to Hervey Bay, where you’ll cruise over to K’gari for a two-night stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, an ideal base to explore the island. Guided 4WD tours will take you to K’gari’s must-see spots, including Lake McKenzie, Champagne Pools, and the Maheno shipwreck. Wildlife lovers can hop on a cruise to spot dolphins, turtles, and even migrating humpback whales in season (July – October).

Days 5-8 ● Noosa Return to Hervey Bay, collect your rental car and head south to the beachside enclave of Noosa. Noosa’s fabulous location means you can easily combine water-based activities such as surfing and paddle boarding with terra-firma adventures in the hinterland region. Enjoy 4 nights at Netanya Noosa, right on the beachfront.

Days 9-14 ● Hayman Island Drive to Brisbane for the short flight to Hamilton Island, where an awaiting sleek white luxury launch will transport you to InterContinental Hayman Island.

Surrounded by the stunning Whitsundays seascape, days here pass in a haze of marine activities, lazing on white sandy beaches and floating in the legendary pool – equivalent in size to seven Olympic swimming pools! Heli-picnics to Whitehaven Beach, world class diving and private sailing charters are also on hand.

Green, Gold and Gourmet

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iving like a local is something that here at Turquoise we heartily endorse. There is nothing better than strolling through a local market, chatting and tasting as you go, or taking a sunrise stroll along a deserted beach to see a place through the eyes of those who live there. This charming self-drive will enable you to do just that, as you travel through some of our favourite parts of Queensland including the Sunshine Coast.

Take me there 14 nights costs from £5995 per person including international and domestic flights, all transfers, 14 days fully inclusive car hire, 3 nights at Spicers Clovelly (Bed & Breakfast), 4 nights at Netanya Noosa (Room Only), 3 nights at Silky Oaks Lodge (Half Board) and 4 nights at Mandalay Luxury Apartments, Port Douglas (Bed & Breakfast).

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Days 1-3 : Sunshine Coast Hinterland Arrive into Brisbane, or Maroochydore, collect your car and head inland. As you climb higher, the air seems to clear and grow almost imperceptibly cooler and your surroundings just a little greener. Your base is Spicers Clovelly, set on the outskirts of Montville – an exceptionally pretty township in the hinterland. Spend your time browsing the colourful markets and art galleries or just enjoy the fabulous Australian landscape before savouring the sublime food and wine for which Spicers Clovelly is so acclaimed.

Days 4-7 : Noosa Time to find your stability and balance with some surf action as you head back ‘down the hill’ to Noosa. Relax into the enviable Aussie beach lifestyle, book a private surf lesson and attempt to wrap your tongue around some of the surf lingo! Netanya, your refuge, is right on the beach so the waves are within easy reach.

Days 8-10 : Daintree Rainforest Head back to Brisbane, drop off your car and fly north to Cairns. From here, it’s just a 90 minute drive to the ancient rainforest. The acclaimed Daintree is one of the oldest living rainforests on the planet. Spend a few days exploring with Silky Oaks Lodge as your base.

Days 11-14 : Port Douglas Nowhere does seaside village charm better than Port Douglas! Once a sleepy enclave, now a vibrant resort town with bags of city-like style – ‘Port’, as everyone calls it, has alfresco eateries and enticing bars from informal and mellow to chic and buzzing – it really is worth the breathtaking coastal drive! Enjoy a cruise out to the reef from Port Douglas Marina and stay at the Mandalay Luxury Apartments, which is right on the beach.

Wildlife, Wilderness & Wonders

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nother classic Australian journey but with a twist. This one gets you under the skin of Southern Queensland and combines the breathtaking Lamington National Park with the varied treasures of Australia’s Nature Coast – Noosa and K’gari. Packed full of activities, this itinerary is perfect for families and travellers who like to explore and get away from the crowds.

Take me there 14 nights costs from £4285 per person including international flights, 14 days fully inclusive car hire, 4 nights at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat (Bed & Breakfast), 3 nights at Spicers Hidden Vale (Bed & Breakfast) and 7 nights at Netanya Noosa (Room Only).

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Days 1-4 : Lamington National Park Just a two hour drive from Brisbane, the World Heritage Listed Lamington National Park is home to O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. Accommodation styles here vary but the stylish villas offer every creature comfort and spectacular views. There are a multitude of experiences and adventures to keep you occupied including a full programme of interpretive rainforest walks, guided 4WD excursions, adventure tours and walks. The Spa is a blissful spot to relax and unwind.

Days 5-7 : Queensland’s Outback Next stop is Spicers Hidden Vale – a real hidden gem, set amidst 12,000 acres of Australian bush, complete with working cattle farm, just two and a half hours by car from O’Reilly’s. With its large open verandahs and warm country welcome, this is quintessential Queensland at its best!

Accommodation is provided in beautifully restored cottages and there is also a swimming pool for escaping the heat of the day. Naturally, the great outdoors is yours to explore on foot or even on horseback.

Days 8-14 : Noosa The final leg of this exploration of Queensland’s southern reaches, takes you up into surf country and the charms of Noosa where you can be as active or lazily indulgent as you wish. Noosa’s fabulous beaches are attraction enough but you might want to head further afield and explore the colourful markets of the hinterland. It is also easy to escape to K’gari on a flightseeing day excursion! K’gari is the world’s largest sand island and an intriguing place to explore. If time allows, we highly recommend a night or two on K’gari as well.

Rainforest, Reef & Remote

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his is quite simply the quintessential Aussie experience neatly packaged into one classic trip. Soak up the serenity and age-old healing spirits in one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, head to the outback for an authentic Australian adventure and the unerring romance of a southern night sky before flying to beautiful Lizard Island, one of the most stylish island resorts in the Great Barrier Reef – a glorious far-flung treasure surrounded by impossibly clear waters and the paint pot bright colours of the reef.

Take me there 14 nights costs from £8995 per person including international flights, light aircraft transfers to Mount Mulligan and Lizard Island, transfers from Cairns to the Daintree rainforest, 4 nights at Silky Oaks Lodge (Half Board), 3 nights at Mount Mulligan (All Inclusive) and 7 nights on Lizard Island (All Inclusive).

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Days 1-4 : Daintree Rainforest As your plane swoops low over the mountains into Cairns, you might just catch a glimpse of a dark smudge of green hugging the coastline further north. This is the Daintree and Cape Tribulation – where the rainforest quite literally meets the reef.

The 90 minute drive from Cairns takes in some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery in Australia – we guarantee you will want to stop enroute! Your home for the next few nights is Silky Oaks Lodge, tucked into the rainforest at Mossman Gorge. The Spa is to-die-for and yes, you can have treatments in a rainforest glade if you so desire. Other activities include river snorkelling and the chance to experience some Aboriginal culture.

Days 5-7 : Mount Mulligan Lodge The rugged outback is your destination for the next few days! Remote, wild yet wonderfully elegant, Mount Mulligan Lodge is an outback oasis set against the stunning backdrop of an 18-kilometre sandstone escarpment. A 35-minute scenic helicopter flight brings you to this exclusive retreat, where laid-back luxury meets rich Australian heritage. Days are spent exploring the region’s gold rush history, quad biking, fishing for Barramundi, or simply soaking in an outdoor bath beneath the vast outback sky. Gourmet dining is a highlight, with locally sourced produce and boutique Australian wines enjoyed in the main lodge or under a canopy of stars.

Days 8-14 : Lizard Island Your light aircraft will whisk you up and over the reef on its one hour scenic journey from Cairns to Lizard Island, Queensland’s most northern island resort. Beach house chic is the order of the day here along with incredible diving and snorkelling. Our top tip – take one of the motorised dinghies, pack it with a hamper full of goodies and grab yourselves a beach for the day!

‘The Stables’, 4 Bakery Court, London End, Beaconsfield, HP9 2FN

01494 678 400

147 Northcote Road, London SW11 6QB

0207 147 7087

enquiries@turquoiseholidays.co.uk www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk