Queesland » Blackall

The Blackall Ranges are located within the magnificent Sunshine Coast Hinterland, just a short drive from Brisbane and the pretty coastal resorts on the Sunshine Coast.

Sunshine Coast Hinterland lies inland from the coast and is made up of the spectacular Blackall Ranges and several National Parks. There are plenty of pretty towns set within the mountainous ranges offering a quaint and relaxing feel.

At Landsborough, along the Glass House Mountains Road you can turn off towards Maleny which offers a number of wonderful art galleries and as well as some beautiful accommodation places. There is a pleasant drive to Mapleton, passing the wonderful Kondalilla National Park hosting the amazing Kondalilla Falls and Mapleton Falls National Park, as well as the small craft town of Montville. The rainforest and waterfalls within the National Parks are truly remarkable, and well worth walking around. Also popular in the area is the Maleny Folk Festival, held during the 5 days before New Years Eve. Back on the Glass House Mountains Road is the areas centre Nambour, with the Big Pineapple nearby. North again is Eumundi which was where Eumundi Larger used to be brewed.
Eumundi offers several art and craft galleries ranging from Aboriginal Art to Contemporary Art to Glass Blowing. Eumundi also hosts a popular craft market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, which attracts people from all over.

Further inland is the South Burnett Region, and the wonderful Bunya Mountains National Park. There is a sealed road through the region from Dalby or Kingaroy, and offer spectacular rainforest, waterfalls and wildlife, including plenty of wallabies. You should definitely explore the region along one of the many walking trails. You can find out about the various walks from the Ranger Ph: (07) 4668 3127.

Proserpine

Proserpine is a small rural town situated on the Whitsunday Coast, just south of Bowen. The pretty town offers a cultural hall, small park and large Sugar Mill. Pioneer Park is located just in front of the Sugar Mill , on the way into the town. The 'traditional' post office is located in the centre of the busy town. Just out of town is an interesting museum, which is also worth a visit. South of Proserpine is Gunyarra, a World War II site, which you should also visit.

Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a large commercial centre set on the Gold Coast. Huge skyscrapers tower above the wonderful beaches, and make up part of the lively and modern town. There are plenty of wonderful shopping arcades around Surfers Paradise, as well as a fantastic nightlife and some fun attractions. Surfers Paradise offers an attractive beachfront which is lined by a number of cafes and restaurants, and plenty of accommodation. The beach stretches all along the Gold Coast and beyond, with many of the beaches patrolled.

From Surfers Paradise Main Beach you can also hire water equipment, if you want some excitement in the sea. Options available include surf boards, wake boards, and body boards, with jet ski hire available on the Broadwater.

There are plenty of things to do around the Surfers Paradise area. Other than relaxing on the fabulous beaches and experiencing a range of exhilarating watersports, you can also play a few games of the ever popular beach volleyball. Beach volleyball is also often played during the day on the Central Surfers Paradise Beach. Head along to watch some great players, or have a go yourself. If you prefer the water action but don't want to get wet then you can join one of the fishing charters or whale watching cruises. On dry land the excitement continues with bungy jumping, mini golf and even a few swings at one of the stylish and professional golf courses.

Surfers Paradise is also conveniently close to the many theme parks in Queensland, so you can continue to have fun all day long. (One good reason to slow down on the drinks the night before.) Surfers Paradise is also the venue of the Gold Coast Indy 300 Grand Prix Race, which is held every year during late October.

Although surf is good at Surfers Paradise, another popular attraction is its many nightclubs and bars. Most of the bars and clubs are situated along Orchid Avenue, with Cavill Avenue being the heart of the towns shopping district, surrounded by numerous shopping arcades.

Many of the backpackers offer discounted entrance into the bars or free drink vouchers, which is great. Even once you get there the partying doesn't stop, with night long theme and just plain party nights. During the evening you may often see balloon artistry, buskers, circus acts, living statues and street artists in Cavill Mall, Surfers Paradise. All of the live performances are unique and well worth watching.

If clubs and pubs aren't really your scene or you just want a night off, then there are plenty of other options. You can enjoy mini golf, ten pin bowling and video arcades, as well as one of the live performances in the Gold Coast theatres or cabaret restaurants.

There are also free magic shows in the Paradise Centre on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There are plenty of places to eat out in Surfers Paradise, both within the shopping area and club area. There are also a selection of places at the Paradise Centre, which was Surfers original hotel in 1936. Accommodation also isn't a problem with plenty of backpackers accommodation, as well as a number of apartments, and hotels.