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VAcAtioN eNhANciNg tours The Sunshine State lives up to its name best when you pre-select the right way to see it. Book your tours before you go to experience Queensland as it should be. Brisbane's Best Full-Day Tour take in the skyline from a relaxing, informative cruise along the river from newstead house, and enjoy morning tea before trading water for air by taking a ride on the wheel of brisbane for 360-degree views of the city. free time is well spent with lunch in southbank, providing a break to get you ready for a visit to mt. coot-tha lookout and lone Pine, one of the country's largest koala sanctuaries. invest in a photo of yourself cuddling a koala—a rare opportunity!— and be back at your hotel by dinnertime. Cape Tribulation & Daintree Full-Day Tour a scenic coastal road makes a drive to mossman Gorge centre a gorgeous one, giving you time to relax before an indigenous presentation by the traditional owners of the land, the Kuku yalanji people. a transfer takes you into the attraction itself, where a guide will let you in on secrets belonging to one of the oldest rainforests in the world. depart here to journey to cape tribulation. you'll have time for a beach walk to Kulki lookout and to enjoy lunch in a rainforest setting. afterwards, stop at the alexandra lookout to see the daintree river estuary, snapper island, and the coral sea, followed by a cruise for a closer look. return to Port douglas from there. Croc Express to Australia Zoo amazing animals are everywhere at the zoo that was once home base for the crocodile hunter. over 1,200 animals and a long list of free shows will put you close to koalas, wombats, snakes, kangaroos, tigers, elephants, giraffe, cheetahs, tasmanian devils, and more. steve's safari shuttle gets you from points a to b, and shows at the crocoseum are also included. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Transfers: A complete selection of private transfers is available. 18 Queensland DAInTREE SILkY oAkS LoDgE oooo ½ experience the soothing sights and sounds of the rainforest at silky oaks lodge, established on the edge of the world heritage-listed daintree National Park. this non-smoking lodge blends casual and contemporary design among tranquil surroundings. fifty treehouses and riverhouses feature wide verandahs and spa baths; providing the perfect base for great barrier reef exploration. full breakfast and an array of activities are included. 9 DAYDREAM ISLAnD — gREAT BARRIER REEF DAYDREAM ISLAnD RESoRT AnD SPA ooo ½ this non-smoking resort offers affordable luxury with numerous accommodation styles and dining experiences; contemporary facilities; secluded beaches; and stunning rainforest. unique to the island is the outdoor aquarium, a network of reef lagoons with stingrays, sharks, and many coral varieties. your stay includes a full breakfast daily, catamarans, giant chess, an open-air cinema, shark and stingray feeding, and much more. 10 MERCuRE kIngFISHER BAY RESoRT ooo ½ this non-smoking, ecotouristic resort is nestled among tree-covered dunes on the edge of the calm waters of the great sandy strait, and is a paradise for boating, fishing, swimming, bush walking, four-wheel driving, or simply enjoying the magnificent natural beauty of the largest sand island in the world. Naturalists will delight in an included program of ranger-guided walks, talks, and activities. 11 FRASER ISLAnD HERon ISLAnD oooo open year-round, heron island is a protected habitat for a stunning variety of wildlife; in the crystal-clear aquamarine waters surrounding the island, stunning coral gardens and sea creatures flourish in abundance and color, making it ideal for diving, snorkeling, and swimming. After a day's activities, opt to pay a visit to the Aqua soul spa to rejuvenate. 12 gLADSTonE — gREAT BARRIER REEF SHERATon MIRAgE RESoRT & SPA goLD CoAST oooo ½ An oasis of rare beauty, this gold coast hotel is located right on the beach. enjoy views of the abundant gardens, the surrounding lagoons, or the rolling surf from your beautiful guestroom or private villa. suites offer unmistakable style, and the self-contained Pacific Mirage Villas provide enough room for the whole family to spend that long awaited vacation together. 15 PALAzzo VERSACE ooooo the world's first Versace hotel incorporates 205 classically elegant guestrooms, three award-winning restaurants, and a private marina on a historic site on the edge of the gold coast broadwater. the salus Per Aquum spa provides a tranquil environment with a variety of health and beauty treatments. world-class golf and tennis, white-sand beaches, deep sea fishing, surf schools, and outback adventures are all within easy reach. 13 InTERConTInEnTAL SAnCTuARY CoVE RESoRT oooo ½ located in sanctuary cove, Australia's first fully integrated golf and boating residential resort is only a five-minute walk to Marine Village and the marina. the main lobby building, the guest house, is styled as a traditional 1940s grand Queensland homestead and set amid lush, tropical gardens. there is an on-site restaurant and café, as well as a large beach lagoon and terrace swimming pool. 14 goLD CoAST 16 CRoWnE PLAzA SuRFERS PARADISE oooo this non-smoking hotel is a 15-minute walk from the shopping heart of surfers Paradise, and ten minutes from bustling broadbeach, Jupiters hotel & casino, and the gold coast convention and exhibition centre. the hotel is separated into two stunning high-rise towers, which are readily recognizable landmarks on the surfers Paradise skyline. it is the only hotel in Queensland to feature a revolving restaurant, – its 26 th floor location offers views over the glittering gold coast.