Southeast Queensland Coast - From Noosa to Brisbane to Surfers Paradise - IgoUgo Queensland Journal

Southeast Queensland Coast - From Noosa to Brisbane to Surfers Paradise

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Overview

Capital of Queensland Photo - Brisbane, Australia

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When traveling to Brisbane, there is so much more to see than just in the city itself. Granted, there are many great things to see in the city, but there are also many attractions in the areas around Brisbane, in all directions.Brisbane, although it is a heavily populated modern city, has almost a small town feel to it. After not getting out of Sydney for three months, I traveled up to Brisbane (Brissie as many call it) and was pleased to find that Brisbane has a sort of small town feeling to it. In the city itself, don't miss the attractions in the cultural centre on the South Bank such as the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery (under renovation as of early October, though ...Read More

When traveling to Brisbane, there is so much more to see than just in the city itself. Granted, there are many great things to see in the city, but there are also many attractions in the areas around Brisbane, in all directions.

Brisbane, although it is a heavily populated modern city, has almost a small town feel to it. After not getting out of Sydney for three months, I traveled up to Brisbane (Brissie as many call it) and was pleased to find that Brisbane has a sort of small town feeling to it. In the city itself, don't miss the attractions in the cultural centre on the South Bank such as the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery (under renovation as of early October, though should be opening again in December, 2006), the magnificent Treasury Casino (even if you are not a gambler), the Groove & Grape Festival if you are in Brisbane in late September, as well as the many walks able to be done throughout the city (i.e. Anzac Square to the Botanic Gardens or Fortitude Valley).

North of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast are the beautiful towns of Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, and Noosa, just to name a few. To get up close and personal with sea creatures visit Underwater World in Mooloolaba. One of the greatest hikes in southern Queensland is through Noosa National Park, and any of the towns along the coast are bound to have beautiful beaches for surfing, swimming, and relaxing.

South of Brisbane, Surfers Paradise offers a beach getaway for those who want to escape the metropolitan city. If you are taking children along, be sure to visit one of the many theme parks nearby (such as Sea World and Warner Brothers Movie World). Cheyne Horan School of Surf offers a great introductory surfing lesson for , which can't be beat.

All these attractions outside of Brisbane can be made as a day-trip from the Queensland capital, though to experience them in the fullest, be sure to stay for a couple of days.

Quick Tips:

Compared to Sydney, Brisbane is a much more budget-friendly city. Though, that's not to say that there are heaps of other ways to save an extra few dollars here. First off, walk from one place to another. Not only do you save money on bus and taxi fares, but you also run into friendly locals, and discover some places you would have otherwise not seen. Second, go to the local supermarket (there is a Coles right in the centre of the city on the Queen Street Mall) to buy some food and cook it in your hostel/hotel. They also often have sandwiches or subs already made that can save you some money as opposed to going to a restaurant. Also, don't pay for a donut from the donut shop when you can go to the supermarket and pay .70 for a package of six donuts. Try to find accommodation that is rather centrally located (near Queen Street Mall, on the South Bank, or near the Roma Street Station). This way, you will be able to take a short walk to the attractions rather than paying for other means of getting there.

Brisbane has a wonderful information centre at the west end of the Queen Street Mall. The workers there are very informed and you can get ideas of activities to undertake whilst in and around Brisbane. Also, inquire at your accommodation on activities as well because the reception staff there are often also very informed on the city, and will often be able to give you a free city map.

Depending on the time of year, the weather might be different, but generally Brisbane and southeast Queensland have a warm climate. Even if you have no intention of going in the water, bring your cozzies (bathers) with you because once you see the beautiful beaches this area has to offer, your opinion might change. Always be sure to bring a sturdy pair of shoes for the walking and hiking you'll do (Noosa National Park), though a pair of thongs (flip-flops/sandals) is also necessary because of the beach scene.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast is with the extensive train and bus system. Tickets are cheap and the respective services run often. I made the mistake of booking a Brisbane to Surfers Paradise bus ticket on Greyhound Australia, but was able to cancel that reservation (and use the money toward a later trip elsewhere). The Greyhound charged for a one-way ticket, whereas if you take the train, it would only cost .

Although the trains do not reach every city that you may want to visit, there are buses that meet the trains that take you to the towns nearby that attract tourists. For example, a bus meets the train in Landsborough to take travelers to Mooloolaba, a bus meets the train in Nambour for Noosa, and a bus in Nerang takes passengers to Surfers Paradise. The workers at the train stations are well informed at which stops you need to get off to meet the buses to take you into the tourist cities. So, whenever in need, ask; because the Queenslanders are very helpful.

Within Brisbane itself, you can get to everywhere you'd want to go on foot. Buses do run through the city, but because Brisbane is such a compact city foot power is enough to get around. Read Less

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Noosa

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Attraction

Noosa Heads Beach Photo - Noosa, Brisbane, Australia

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Noosa is a hot destination regardless where you come from. You'll be sure to rub elbows with German, Chinese, American, Canadian, and Australian tourists. Travellers the world over flock to this beautiful destination on the Sunshine Coast, just about an hour and a half's drive north of Brisbane. It can easily be done as a day-trip from Brisbane, though to really enjoy this natural beauty be sure to stay a couple of days.Noosa's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Australia, though also some of the busiest. Although it is not recommended to stray too far off the main beach, there are beautiful deserted beaches in Noosa National Park where you can get the entire stretch of sand to yourself...Read More

Noosa is a hot destination regardless where you come from. You'll be sure to rub elbows with German, Chinese, American, Canadian, and Australian tourists. Travellers the world over flock to this beautiful destination on the Sunshine Coast, just about an hour and a half's drive north of Brisbane. It can easily be done as a day-trip from Brisbane, though to really enjoy this natural beauty be sure to stay a couple of days.

Noosa's beaches are some of the most beautiful in Australia, though also some of the busiest. Although it is not recommended to stray too far off the main beach, there are beautiful deserted beaches in Noosa National Park where you can get the entire stretch of sand to yourself. If surfing is your interest, you'll find many others that share your passion at the southern end of the main beach off Hastings Street.

If you don't feel like carrying your board halfway across the world, there are numerous surf clubs where you can hire a surfboard for a few hours or the entire day. Though, if you've had enough of the beach and the sand, take a hike (or rather walk) through Noosa National Park. I have travelled to many national parks throughout North America, Europe, and Australia, and I must say that for any nature lover (or anyone who wants some beautiful scenery), a visit to Noosa's national park is a must. Tropical wildlife and flora make it seem as though you've been transported into a remote rainforest far from civilisation. Allow a couple of hours to wander (you don't need to follow a map, just take random trails that you find, and you'll be surprised the most) through the park, which will give you enough time to appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Also, maybe, bring a picnic lunch and enjoy a break at one of the outcroppings overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or on one of the many deserted beaches that you pass.

The walk is possible by people of any age, and most of the trails are in a good enough condition that prams or wheelchairs would be accessible. When the trail becomes unsuitable for such modes of transport, there are signs posted warning that the trail is not in as good of a condition.

After a busy day of hiking, swimming, and surfing, you can retire to Hastings Street where numerous restaurants and hotels are located. If you have a taste for Mexican, then Montezuma's will be your place, Hog's Breath for an Australian steakhouse, or any of the quaint Italian-style cafes that line the street. Prices seem to be a bit higher on Hastings Street because of its proximity to the beach and all the attractions, though if you desire to save a few dollars, Noosaville (just a short walk further inland) has cheaper options.

Noosa is the perfect destination for all ages and interests, who desire to escape back to nature. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 16, 2006

Noosa
Information Centre
Noosa, Australia 4567
+61 (0)7 5447 4988 (

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Mooloolaba Beach

Attraction | "Mooloolaba"

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Being a self-proclaimed Amazing Race junkie, when traveling in the Sunshine Coast it was a sure bet for me to visit the beautiful oceanside town of Mooloolaba. Parts of the city were featured in Season Four of the show, and it was originally this that drew me to visit Mooloolaba, but I found much more.The journey up from Brisbane is rather easy via public transport. Just catch the Sunshine Coast train from Brisbane, alight at Landsborough, and take a bus to Mooloolaba.Underwater World is perhaps the largest draw of tourists to Mooloolaba. This aquarium of sorts offers a great view into the world beneath the sea, including many different varieties of sharks. Tickets range from $25.50 fo...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 13, 2006

Mooloolaba Beach
Central Sunshine Coast
Mooloolaba, Queensland, Queensland

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Cloud 9 Backpackers Resort

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Hotel

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The Cloud 9 Backpackers Resort offers a safe, clean, and inexpensive accommodation option to the budget conscious traveller. It is centrally located, and is just a five minute walk to the Brisbane Transit Centre (Roma Street Station), where you can hop a train or bus to the rest of Queensland or Australia.It is also just a 7 to 8 minute walk to the heart of Brisbane. Although there is little directly near the hostel, it is within short walking distance of anything that the traveller would require. The beds were very comfortable and seemed to be in a very new condition. Bed linen was provided, though you must bring your own towel. I stayed in a 16-bed dorm-style room, which was ...Read More

The Cloud 9 Backpackers Resort offers a safe, clean, and inexpensive accommodation option to the budget conscious traveller. It is centrally located, and is just a five minute walk to the Brisbane Transit Centre (Roma Street Station), where you can hop a train or bus to the rest of Queensland or Australia.

It is also just a 7 to 8 minute walk to the heart of Brisbane. Although there is little directly near the hostel, it is within short walking distance of anything that the traveller would require.

The beds were very comfortable and seemed to be in a very new condition. Bed linen was provided, though you must bring your own towel. I stayed in a 16-bed dorm-style room, which was equipped with bunk beds (though there are smaller rooms available, but the price increases as the number of beds decreases). One negative though was that there were no lockers in which you could store your backpack and personal belongings whilst you were out during the day. That said, I had no problems regarding the security of my backpack, as the other people in the room seemed to be very honest and personable. Though, there was little space to put you backpack without it being in the way of others, such as those on the lower bunk.

The hostel has a full kitchen in house, though you cannot check out crockery, but instead you must purchase it from the front desk (for a few dollars), which is then yours to keep. Laundry facilities are also on site, as well as three computers with Internet access which charges $1AUD per 15 minutes of use. It also has a small "convenience store" where you can purchase basic necessities such as bottled water, chips, or toiletries. The bathrooms were very clean (which I haven't found at many other hostels), and there were plenty of sinks, toilets, and showers, as not to get backed up.

There is also a pub located directly next door, which occasionally offers specials such a $1.00 beers, or a slice of pizza for the same price. The staff at the hostel was very helpful with any queries that I had about Brisbane and the sights around it.

Overall, for the $16AUD that I paid for the room per night, I was very pleased with what I was provided with, and I would recommend it to any young traveller who wants to stick to a budget.

You can check out their website at: www.cloud9backpackers.com Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 30, 2006

Cloud 9 Backpackers Resort
350 Upper Roma St.
Brisbane, Australia 4000
+61 (7) 3236 2333

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Groove & Grape Festival

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Attraction | "Groove & Grape Festival"

Groove and Grape Festival Music Photo - Groove & Grape Festival, Brisbane, Australia

Quote:

If you find yourself in Brisbane around the end of September, make sure to inquire about the annual Groove and Grape Festival sponsored by Conrad Treasury Casino in Queen's Park. The festival runs for one weekend every spring, and best of all, it is all FREE.If music is your area of interest, you'll be glad to find that throughout the 3-day festival many local and well-known bands perform, allowing you to groove to the music.Though, if wine is your area of interest, you will have a field day at this annual event. Numerous different wineries from the Granite Belt come to Brisbane to allow visitors to sample and buy their products, most of which are only available directly from the winer...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on September 30, 2006

Groove & Grape Festival
Queen's Park
Queensland, Australia 4000

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Conrad Treasury Casino

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Attraction

Conrad Treasury Casino Photo - Conrad Treasury Casino, Brisbane, Australia

Quote:

Conrad Treasury Casino is located directly in the middle of Brisbane. At the end of the Queen Street Mall, it is a short walking distance to wherever you may be staying in Brisbane. The casino was the former treasury building for Queensland, and still this day manages to take people's money (of course depending on your luck or skill!).The Treasury offers many different table games, such as Blackjack, Roulette, Caribbean Stud, Sic Bo, Baccarat, and Treasury 21, on top of the obligatory pokies (slot machines). There are Texas Hold 'Em tables located on the bottom floor of this two storey casino, with slot machines and tables scattered throughout.There are many bars throughout the casino,...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 1, 2006

Conrad Treasury Casino
Queen Street
Brisbane, Australia 4000
+61 (0)7 3306 8888

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Queensland Museum South Bank

Attraction | "Queensland Museum"

Quote:

The Queensland Museum located on the South Bank in Brisbane is a must visit for anyone. It is a short walk across Victoria Bridge to get to the Cultural Centre housing the Queensland Museum, the Science Museum, and the Centre for the Performing Arts.Entry into the Queensland Museum is free, and has numerous exhibits that are worth seeing. At the time of writing, there was a special exhibition showcasing wildlife photography and displays this year's winners in all the different categories. There are some truly amazing pictures here as it explores nature across the globe. Other things include the smallest sailboat to circumnavigate the globe, the actual planes of Australian aviation history, and...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 6, 2006

Queensland Museum South Bank
Grey and Melbourne Streets
South Bank, South Brisbane, Australia BC Q 4101
+61 (0)7 3840 7555

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City Botanical Gardens

Attraction | "City Botanic Gardens"

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If you want a quick escape from the busy streets of Brisbane, walk no further than the City Botanic Gardens. This 20 hectare preserve has thousands of plants, including a few only found in Australia.Free 24-hour entry into the gardens allows the visitor to visit when they please, though it is definitely the best to visit during the day. Bring some food for a nice picnic on the grass, where you can also kick the footy around or just unwind.Though, there is much more to the gardens than just the plant life within. Just on the edge of the gardens, across George Street, are Parliament House and the Old Government House, both buildings harking back to Brisbane's past.So for a nice s...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on October 13, 2006

City Botanical Gardens
Alice Street
Brisbane, Australia 4001
+61 (7) 3403 7913

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Islander Backpackers Resort

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Hotel

View from room at Islander Backpackers Resort Photo - Surfers Paradise, Australia

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When I travel, perhaps one of the most important things that I look for in a hostel is its location. I prefer to find a hostel that is centrally located, so that I can easily walk to all the attractions of the city. Islander Backpackers Resort was one of these exact kinds of hostels. Its location is unparalleled with any of the other hostels I saw in Surfers Paradise. Located directly next to the transit centre, it is also about a two minute walk to Cavill Avenue, and about three minutes from the beach itself. Everything that a backpacker could want (liquor store, pub, supermarket, shopping centre) are located within a minute's walk of this hostel.I stayed in a four bed room ($26AUD per ...Read More

When I travel, perhaps one of the most important things that I look for in a hostel is its location. I prefer to find a hostel that is centrally located, so that I can easily walk to all the attractions of the city. Islander Backpackers Resort was one of these exact kinds of hostels. Its location is unparalleled with any of the other hostels I saw in Surfers Paradise. Located directly next to the transit centre, it is also about a two minute walk to Cavill Avenue, and about three minutes from the beach itself. Everything that a backpacker could want (liquor store, pub, supermarket, shopping centre) are located within a minute's walk of this hostel.

I stayed in a four bed room ($26AUD per night), and it reminded me very much of a hotel, apart from the fact that there were bunk beds in the rooms. The room came with a fridge, TV, en suite bathroom, and balcony with spectacular views onto the rest of Surfers Paradise. Some hostels are hard to find with a view at all, and this one had views that would compete with any of those from the five-star hotels in the area. There were also lockers in each room in which you could lock up your belongings while you are away or asleep. They are free to use, and are key (on your keychain that has your room key on it) operated, so there is no need to bring your own lock for this hostel. The room was quite clean (not sparkling), and there was plenty of room for you and your belongings.

Since the Islanders is also a hotel, it caters also to the non-budget traveller. Therefore, there is a swimming pool and jacuzzi on site, though anyone staying at the property can use those facilities. For those who enjoy to play arcade type games, there is a large games room, and also an Internet lounge where you can check your e-mail or what not. There was a kitchen located on our floor, and there were also tennis courts just around the back of the main building. Most hostels provide free luggage storage for those who have a late flight or something, so they can store their packs there before they leave, and the Islanders had this storage facility, though it came at a price. It cost $3AUD to store my backpack in a locker (albeit very secure) for up to 12 hours.

The staff was mediocre, and seemed like they got quickly annoyed when I inquired about anything apart from checking in or out. To get around this I simply went to the Courtyard Inn across the street to inquire about things, and they were also much more prepared for such things having maps and timetables and were willing to help all, even those not staying at their hotel.

Overall, the experience was positive and the location was wonderful. I would recommend this property to a traveller of any age! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 30, 2006

Islander Backpackers Resort
6 Beach Rd.
Brisbane, Australia
+61 (7) 5538 8000

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Surfers Paradise Beach

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Attraction

The Main Beach Photo - Surfers Paradise Beach, Surfers Paradise, Australia

Quote:

Surfers Paradise located on the Gold Coast is one of Australia's prime holiday spots. Not only does it offer magnificent beaches and shopping, one can visit any of the theme parks in the area, such as Warner Brothers Movie World, Dream World, Sea World, and Wet 'n Wild. These theme parks are more family oriented, rather than for the hardcore thrill seeker.Cavill Avenue, the main shopping street running towards Main Beach has many restaurants, cafes, and shops for the visitor to enjoy. From seafood to Italian, Turkish to Greek, there are pletny of dining possibilities to cater to the tastes of everyone. Souvenir shops also line the street offer and resonably priced mementos since there is...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on October 14, 2006

Surfers Paradise Beach

Queensland, Australia

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Conrad Jupiters Casino

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Attraction

Conrad Jupiters Casino Photo - Gold Coast, Australia

Quote:

Conrad Jupiters Casino is located just outside the southern end of Surfers Paradise. It is affiliated with the Conrad Treasury Casino in Brisbane, so the Casino Reward card from there will be able to be used at Jupiters as well. Membership is free, and you are allowed a limited number of complementary non-alcoholic drinks from the refreshment centers.The games offered here are standard with any other casino (Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat, Sic Bo, Jupiters 21, Caribbean Stud, poker tables, and slot machines). Most tables have a minimum bet of $10, though depending on the game, it can go less (or more). The dealers are very friendly, and has one of the best casino staffs I have ever met....Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on October 1, 2006

Conrad Jupiters Casino
Broadbeach Island
Queensland, Australia 4218
+61 (7) 5592 8282

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Southeast Queensland Coast - From Noosa to Brisbane to Surfers Paradise