After postponing our trip to Rainbow Beach in June due to a lockdown, we were glad when we finally made it there in late August with no lockdown being announced before our departure. With a name like Rainbow Beach, we expected something beautiful, and it did not disappoint! Years ago, Rainbow Beach was simply known as Back Beach. Not many people would stay there and...
You may have read our previous post on North Stradbroke Island. Well, we recently had a chance to visit its little sister, South Stradbroke Island. Like North Stradbroke, South Stradbroke Island is a sand island, located to the south of North Stradbroke in the Moreton Bay. South Stradbroke Island or “South Straddie” is (like many of the Moreton Bay Islands) a great...
North Stradbroke Island is the second-largest sand island in the world. It’s also yet another easily accessible island in the Moreton Bay region and a very easy day trip or weekend away for us Brisbanites. North Stradbroke Island, also nicknamed Straddie, and known as Minjerribah by the local Quandamooka people, is a little slice of heaven. With endless white sandy...
When you think of Queensland, the first things that comes to mind might be beaches, rainforest, swimming with turtles and warm, sunny weather. But there is so much more to the state and Stanthorpe is a great place to visit for a very different Queensland experience. Stanthorpe is part of the Granite Belt region, and it is all about local wines, local produce...
Inland from the Gold Coast in Queensland, you will find one of the most magical national parks in the state, Springbrook National Park. Springbrook National Park is part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. It’s home to magnificent waterfalls, lush rainforest, epic viewpoints, and some iconic Australian wildlife. Springbrook National...
We recently hiked the Coomera Circuit in the Lamington National Park and boy was it worth it! It had been a long time since we did a long and strenuous hike. I seem to recall our last long hike was the multi-day Salkantay Trek in Peru, way back in September 2019! I can’t believe it’s been that long, but I suppose breaking a leg and being locked down within a 5...
Bribie Island is one of the many islands in the Moreton Bay region and it’s one of the easiest ones to explore. Located approximately one hour’s drive from Brisbane, it’s another perfect day trip or weekend destination for us Brisbanites. Yes, I know, there are so many of those; no wonder we barely spend a weekend at home these days! Bribie Island is home to great...
So far, the best part about living in Brisbane has been the incredible variety of things to do in and around the city. With hinterland hikes, islands getaways, gorgeous beaches and stunning national parks, there’s no way to be bored! A couple of weeks ago, we hopped on a ferry to check out the small island of Coochiemudlo. Coochiemudlo, or Coochie as the locals like...
The first time I visited Tamborine Mountain, I was just 20 years old and traveling around Australia on a Contiki tour. I will always remember my trip to Tamborine Mountain. The road to it from Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast was so windy. We’d had a big night out the previous day, with barely any sleep and way too much booze. My stomach was not coping at all with...
Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, the Hunter Valley is a popular weekend getaway for Sydneysiders. It’s also very popular with wine lovers from all over the country and from around the world. The Hunter Valley’s main drawcard is, of course, its vast array of wineries and their exquisite wines; but the valley offers much more than just wine tasting. So, even if you...