Keep Dreaming of Beach Breaks and Bush Escapes
The world needs us to stay in right now, so instead of boarding your next plane, join us as we continue dreaming about our next holiday.
Join us as we continue to explore our own backyard in our next edition of our Keep Dreaming of Travel series. Re-discover beach breaks and bush escapes in South East Queensland. There's something for every traveller in the southern corner of Australia's sunshine state.
Where to Stay
Complete with polished Italian marble and glittering chandeliers, the Palazzo Versace Gold Coast is where those in the know go to enjoy a luxury beachside escape. If you’re looking to simply lounge around in privacy you’ll love relaxing in one of the silk-curtained cabanas along the resorts’ own 63-metre pool and sandy beach.
Palazzo Versace Gold Coast
Australia’s “highest non-alpine lodge”, Spicers Peak Lodge is best viewed from a helicopter on your way over the Great Dividing Range. Relax with a long, rustic style lunch in the Chef Hatted restaurant The Peak. Treat yourself to the Mountain Man or Mountain Woman signature treatment at the Spa Anise. Then watch the sunset from the infinity spa in your secluded villa. When it comes to Spicers retreats, they truly are an escape worth having.
Spicers Peak Lodge
Carved into the cliffs under the Story Bridge at Howard Smith Wharves is The Fantauzzo, Brisbane. True to the Art Series brand, original artworks and prints feature prominently throughout the hotel. Located in the city’s newest entertainment and lifestyle destination, guests have easy access to an overwater bar and waterfront restaurants.
The Fantauzzo Brisbane - Art Series
Positioned on the beachfront of the stunning Noosa Main Beach, Seahaven Noosa’s luxury apartments are perfect for families, friends and couples alike. Spend your days choosing from 3 glorious heated pools, a heated spa or heated wading pool, followed by a stroll along the beach to some of the best restaurants, bars and boutiques on Hastings Street.
Seahaven Beachfront Resort Noosa
Where to Dine
Located in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, Joy Restaurant is the definition of intimate dining, serving only ten diners at a time. The Japanese and Nordic inspired menu is made with local Australian ingredients and Scandinavian techniques and awarded New Restaurant of the Year at the 2020 Good Food Guide Awards.
Joy Restaurant
The Tamarind at Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, boasts two recently anointed Chefs Hats from the Australian Good Food and Travel Guide. If letting Head Chef Daniel Jarrett tantalise your taste buds is not enough, enjoy views of the inspirational gardens in the heart of a beautiful rainforest as you cook up a storm at The Tamarind Cooking School. Courses include Italian, French and Thai, as well as bread making and desserts.
The Tamarind
Bistro C in Noosa offers a seasonal menu inspired by local produce of the region. Chef Dayle Merlo and team create carefully crafted dishes; including perennial favourites such as our succulent steak, locally caught fish and oysters. Signature dishes such as the caramelised pork belly and a coconut chicken salad, as well as calamari will melt in your mouth.
Bistro C
What to Experience
Located around 90 minutes south-west of Brisbane, the Scenic Rim Trail encompasses some of the most untouched and accessible natural beauty in Australia. This 30,000-hectare World Heritage-listed National Park and Rainforest incorporates the Great Dividing Range, the Border Range and Tamborine Mountain, which make up the ‘rim’ and offer protection to the Gondwana rainforest that lies within its borders.
Scenic Rim Trail
For an exhilarating way to see the best views in South East Queensland, nothing can really compare to a hot air balloon experience. Welcome the day floating peacefully in the sky and gaze upon the drastically changing landscape below. Then stare at the horizon and see where the imposing Gold Coast skyline meets the sea.
Hot Air Balloon over the Sunshine Coast
Abounding with natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor activities, markets, shops and festivals and events, the Sunshine Coast simply sparkles but it’s famous beaches are where the region truly shines. Yes you're on holiday but few things beat waking up to the sound of the surf. To maximise any Sunshine Coast experience, sunrise is arguably magic hour. Start the day overlooking Main Beach in Noosa and a morning walk in Noosa National Park or enjoy the views from the comfort of the Surf Club.
Discover your own secluded gem on the Sunshine Coast
Local markets are the perfect opportunity to support the community allowing you to uncover unique artisan goodies and find fresh produce. Don't forget to treat your tastebuds to a gourmet dish at one of the food vendors. We recommend venturing to the famous Eumundi Markets or the Sunshine Coast Collective Markets.
Explore local markets in South East Queensland
