Gbye grey sky Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 I'm doing that thing people do when they come to Perth....thinking they can spend a day in Geraldton or Margaret River from a Perth base, underestimating the distances. Ok will rethink what and where. How many regions could we realistically do if we stretched it to 2 weeks (has to be school hols) Well.....the Whitsundays is very expensive.....we actually missed it out on our trip but not through choice - everything decent had been booked up. My choice would therefore be Cairns (all the things on TPQs list if possible) for 9 days then fly to Brisbane Airport and drive up basing yourself at Noosa for 4 days so you have enough time to see the things on your list in the sunny coast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) Can't fly direct to Cairns can I @The Pom Queen? What's best route from Perth? Edited November 1, 2015 by HappyHeart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) I want to see Sunshine Coast. Want to see Noosa, Glasshouse Mountains and Australia Zoo. Whitsundays and Surrounds. Maybe it's best to do a 2 stage hol. Base in Sunny coast for week then head to Cairns for the rest It's not realistic to see the Whitsundays from either Noosa or Cairns - but the thing is, from Cairns you can go out to the islands there, which are the same but with no crowds! So I wouldn't fret too much that you're missing out. I know the Gold Coast and Brisbanites are indignant at the suggestion, but IMO unless I had another week, I wouldn't visit that area at all - leave it for another visit. Nothing against those areas - but if someone was coming to Western Australia for a week, would you recommend them to choose Perth if it meant missing out on, say, Monkey Mia or the Margaret River? It's a question of prioritising which sights are most worth seeing. Edited November 1, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 It's not realistic to see the Whitsundays from either Noosa or Cairns - but the thing is, from Cairns you can go out to the islands there, which are the same but with no crowds! So I wouldn't fret too much that you're missing out. I know the Gold Coast and Brisbanites are indignant at the suggestion, but IMO unless I had another week, I wouldn't visit that area at all - leave it for another visit. Nothing against those areas - but if someone was coming to Western Australia for a week, would you recommend them to choose Perth if it meant missing out on, say, Monkey Mia or the Margaret River? It's a question of prioritising which sights are most worth seeing. Got you...that makes sense...but I want to go to Australia Zoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 So...Sunny Coast base...where? Whats best place? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 So...Sunny Coast base...where? Whats best place? I don't know the Sunshine Coast all that well, but I do know some bits are a bit built-up and soulless. I stayed in Noosa and loved it. You can visit Australia Zoo from Noosa, it and the Glasshouse Mountains are closer to Noosa than to Brisbane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Maleny sounds nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramot Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) So...Sunny Coast base...where? Whats best place? Mooloolaba but I'm biased. 1 hr 15 to centre of Brisbane clear run 1 hr from Brisbane airport 15 mins from maroochydore airport 45 mins to Noosa 20 mins to Australia Zoo safe beach Underwater world Frazer Island doable on a long day trip Tangalooma for a day or night day trip to SeaWorld hire a bbq boat on the river I know people like Noosa but it's just that bit further if that matters? Lovely beach and national park, possibly more expensive? 20 mins to Montville and Malaney, plus Mary Cairncross rain Forrest, which has the tiny pademelons (wallabies) Edited November 1, 2015 by ramot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Mooloolaba but I'm biased. 1 hr 15 to centre of Brisbane clear run 1 hr from Brisbane airport 15 mins from maroochydore airport 45 mins to Noosa 20 mins to Australia Zoo safe beach Underwater world Frazer Island doable on a long day trip Tangalooma for a day or night day trip to SeaWorld hire a bbq boat on the river I know people like Noosa but it's just that bit further if that matters? Lovely beach and national park, possibly more expensive? Sold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Mooloolaba but I'm biased. I know people like Noosa but it's just that bit further if that matters? Lovely beach and national park, possibly more expensive? I've never stopped in Mooloolaba, sounds like a great tip. You are right, Noosa can be expensive in the school holidays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) I'm starting to worry we may like it a bit too much. A little bit of research is opening up a lot of areas to see that sound lovely. I realise we couldn't have seen all I initially thought in one trip. Edited November 1, 2015 by HappyHeart Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 It's not realistic to see the Whitsundays from either Noosa or Cairns - but the thing is, from Cairns you can go out to the islands there, which are the same but with no crowds! So I wouldn't fret too much that you're missing out. I know the Gold Coast and Brisbanites are indignant at the suggestion, but IMO unless I had another week, I wouldn't visit that area at all - leave it for another visit. Nothing against those areas - but if someone was coming to Western Australia for a week, would you recommend them to choose Perth if it meant missing out on, say, Monkey Mia or the Margaret River? It's a question of prioritising which sights are most worth seeing. Not at all. I wouldn't suggest visiting Brisbane either. It's a nice city but as a tourist there is better to go and see in the state. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Also, You can't really go wrong with the Sunshine coast but my absolute favourite spot is Sunshine Beach. Just round the corner from Noosa Heads. Really nice little village vibe away from the crowds at Noosa. Also the surf club has the best beer garden going. Good kids activity for Sunshine coast (yes I've done it i'm a big kid) http://www.aquafunpark.com.au/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) Not at all. I wouldn't suggest visiting Brisbane either. It's a nice city but as a tourist there is better to go and see in the state. I got a bit of a reaction when I suggested not going to the Gold Coast in an earlier post, that's all. I feel the same way about Sydney. Much though I love it, I think people make a mistake when they come to Australia for two weeks (!) and think Sydney is a "must-see". The harbour is absolutely glorious, but once you've seen that, there's nothing else in the whole of NSW that I would rate above sights like the Reef, FNQ, etc. So it always seems to me a waste that people book a week in Sydney and therefore miss out on, say, a crocodile cruise in the Northern Territory. Edited November 1, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Oh I think the Gold Coast is worth a visit, depends what you are looking for. Gold Coast hinterlands and Mt Tamborine. Top beaches, Theme parks and top resort hotels if you are looking for relaxation. But yeah, maybe after the barrier reef. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Oh I think the Gold Coast is worth a visit.... But yeah, maybe after the barrier reef. Well that's the point I'm making. If you've got plenty of time, Sydney is worth a visit, so's the Gold Coast - all kinds of places are worth a visit IF you have all the time in the world. It's a question of priorities. The OP said she knew nothing about Queensland so it would've been a great pity if she'd followed the advice to stay in Coolangatta and stayed oblivious to the wonders of the more northerly parts of the state! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 I know a bit more after reading this thread and it has informed my decision making so thank you. I'm thinking Cairns and Sunny coast Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) So...Sunny Coast base...where? Whats best place? If I had 2 weeks and wanted to see Australia Zoo etc I would take one week for the Cairns trip Pom Queen suggested...it's lush...and then fly south to Brisbane...in south east queensland some choices would be: Fraser Island (though quite a big trip in itself) Source: http://cdn.xenlife.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Regions_Fraser-Island_2.jpg Source: http://visitfraserisland.com.au/sites/default/files/premium-day-tour-03-lrg.jpg Noosa Source: http://www.internationalhouse.uq.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/noosa.jpg Noosa north shore onwards to Teewah The long stretch of beach, national park and coloured sands north of noosa is quite something. You can travel up to Rainbow beach from Noosa via 4wd on the beach. Rainbow beach is the gateway to Fraser Island. Source: http://www.cheapholidayaccommodation.com/thumbs/640/480/rf/SharedImages/ACCOM_PROVIDERS/275319/QSCDp1-0502-00088%20(Medium)_L.jpg Source: http://www.frasersonrainbow.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/slider03.jpg Gold Coast rainforest hinterland...places like O'Reillys and Springbrook (I prefer it over Sunny Coast hinterland/glasshouse though still nice): O'Reilly's in the Lamington National Park (Gold Coast): Source: http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/2/g/w/f/n/image.gallery.articleLeadwide.620x349.2gwfw.png/1365120288747.jpg Source: http://www.oreillys.com.au/images/page-header-panel-708x244/lamingtonnationalpark_main_708x244.jpg Great birds: Source: https://www.steveparish-natureconnect.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Screen-Shot-2014-12-03-at-1.39.53-pm-2.jpg Springbrook National Park (Gold Coast): Source: http://nationalparks.queensland.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Park_Hero_0051_GC_Springbrook.jpg Source: http://www.50shadesofage.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Purling-Brook-Falls-1024x768.jpg Sunshine Coast hinterland: Glasshouse mountains Source: http://i58.tinypic.com/5wxszq.jpg Mapleton, Montville and Maleny Travel along the mountain ridge line behind the Sunshine Coast through towns like Mapleton, Montville and Maleny. Source: http://www.abovephotography.com.au/Aerial-Photos/Queensland/Sunshine-Coast/Montville-990139-Original.jpg Source: http://www.malenymanor.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/montville_village.jpg Poets Cafe: Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7087/7376285586_ae6cbb922d_b.jpg Source: https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5458/7376288612_6a33bdc809_b.jpg Beautiful new wedding chapel: It is behind Poets cafe...see the carved whale tail wedding alter that ties the hinterland to the ocean in the distance. Source: http://www.weddingsatpoets.com.au/images/chapelimages3.jpg Edited November 1, 2015 by fish.01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Now you've thrown a spanner in the works Fish!! Goldcoast Hinterland too??? OMG too many choices...and it looks awesome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) Brisbane Islands: Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort (Brisbane) Diving at the Tangalooma wrecks: Feeding the wild dolphins that come every night: Source: http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZL7rYmpw1Tg/maxresdefault.jpg Source: http://www.seetangalooma.com.au/media/images/content/thumb/quad-bikes-3583_20-text164.jpg Source: http://www.insidethegate.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/MoretonIslandTobogganing.jpg Edited November 1, 2015 by fish.01 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 Gosh. I'm a bit overwhelmed with choices now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Stradbroke Island (Brisbane) Source: http://www.stradbrokeholidays.com.au/images/149.jpg Source: http://m-static.flikie.com/ImageData/WallPapers/843835e5ef774dfa964c674625853e29.jpg Diving: Source: http://national.atdw.com.au/multimedia/tq/ATDW_Extra_Large_Landscape__9198121_TQ_DSC_4263.JPG Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marisawright Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 (edited) If I had 2 weeks and wanted to see Australia Zoo etc I would take one week for the Cairns trip Pom Queen suggested...it's lush...and then fly south to Brisbane But why Brisbane, when most of your suggested sites are on the Sunshine Coast? The Gold Coast hinterland is lovely - I used to have friends there and holidayed there every year for many years - but it is very similar to the hinterland on the Sunshine Coast. While Stradbroke Island is beautiful - again, it's white sands and sun and tropical beauty, which you also get in spades (and better) on the islands of Cairns. Don't confuse the poor woman! Edited November 1, 2015 by Marisawright Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyHeart Posted November 1, 2015 Author Share Posted November 1, 2015 We definitely want to see the Hinterland...rainforest.....beaches...quirky towns above cities.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fish.01 Posted November 1, 2015 Share Posted November 1, 2015 Example Brisbane Day Trip: As Cal said park somewhere like Bulimba. Get the citycat at Oxford St jetty. It is public transport so not expensive for a river cruise. Buy a GoCard as cheaper. x Source: Enjoy the riverside queenslanders mixed with modern homes on one side at Hawthorne: Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/im/002/03/citycat-brisbane-river11.jpg And the historic wool store district of Teneriffe on the other: Source: http://renet.us/10050866/images/10001652_5795372_3_1333273477.jpg Source: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v28/Fabian/Old%20Stuff/P2026188.jpg Stop at New Farm Park on the river: Source: https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/119/267163964_1ed6ab214d.jpg Your son gets to play in the fig tree playground: Source: http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/043.jpg And you guys get to visit the Powerhouse Museum: Then all aboard for the city: Under the story bridge and the city reach: Source: http://www.elliesguesthouse.com.au/sites/www.elliesguesthouse.com.au/files/1600x900-story-bridge-day-city-cat.jpg Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/Brisbane_skyline_bluesky.jpg/800px-Brisbane_skyline_bluesky.jpg Past the city Kangaroo Point Cliffs where people rock climb, picnic, cycle and do river based activities: Source: https://turaku.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/k-pt-cliffs-ypg-fin.jpg And then stop at Southbank. Straight to the new cool kids playground for your boy Source: http://www.brisbanekids.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Riverside-green-playground-South-Bank-6-703x468.jpg Or a swim of course Southbank: http://www.parkregisnorthquay.com.au/files/2012/09/South-Bank.jpg Lunch from the wide choice along Little Stanley St: Source: http://stylemagazines.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/384.jpg Or one of the nice places at Southbank overlooking the river: The a stroll down the displays at the Queensland Museum and Sciencecentre, State Library, Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). They have lots of kids stuff as well. You could then catch the citycat up to the lovely Regatta Hotel (Toowong stop) and relax for a while. Check out the flood markers on the balcony's at the front right. Regatta Source: http://cdn4.bmag.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/the-regatta1.jpg You could also stop at Milton citycat stop and tour the XXXX brewery and Suncorp stadium: Source: http://aussietopia.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/The-Ale-House-Bar-at-the-Castlemaine-Perkins-XXXX-Brewery-in-Brisbane-Australia.jpeg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.