News from Queensland Tourism

A new level of luxury coasts into Hastings Street

Noosa’s only 5 star deluxe hotel in Hastings Street, Sheraton Noosa Resort & Spa, has revealed its fresh $10-million renovation, including a hot new restaurant headed up by Peter Kuruvita.

The 176 guestrooms, suites and villas have been transformed from salmon pink to contemporary ivory and grey tones.

Noosa Beach House by Peter Kuruvita replaces the original Cato’s restaurant serving up fresh seafood dishes from its spectacular beachside location.

Budding master chef’s might also like to join Noosa Beach House’s cooking events where guests can grab a taste of Sri Lanka with Peter Kuravita and learn more about fine wines with their exclusive wine club.

Further Information:
Rates: From $299 per night.
W: www.sheratonnoosaresort.com

Propel yourself to new heights in Airlie Beach

You could take a boat around The Whitsundays… or you could strap a jet pack to your back and soar through the air with Airlie Beach Jet Pack Adventures.

These water-powered jetpacks allow guests to propel themselves into the air, hover and control the height of their flight.

Suitable for beginners, you will learn how to take off, fly, turn and hover in just a few minutes.

Further Information:
Rates: Solo flight weekend $349, Solo special midweek $249.
W: www.jetpackadventures.com.au

Two Sumatran tiger cubs roar into Australia Zoo

There’s more than crocodiles drawing crowds to Australia Zoo – two Sumatran tigers born to Kaitlyn and Ramalon joined the zoo family on 22 August 2013.

Book a trip in late October to catch the cubs in action from a new viewing platform which is currently under construction.

Animal lovers who can’t make it to the zoo can get their fix by watching the live cub cam, which streams real-time footage of the tiger den to YouTube.

Further Information:
Rates: Adult $59, Child $35, Family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) $172, Family of 5 (2 adults, 3 children) $189.
W: www.australiazoo.com.au

Historic B&B in Brisbane hot spot

Swap the big-name hotels for a more bespoke accommodation experience at The Collingwood B&B, in Brisbane’s stylish inner-city suburb of Paddington.

The restored Queenslander is a stone’s throw from the CBD but with only four suites, it’s quiet and private, making it ideal for both business and leisure travellers.

All rooms have their own bathroom and small private balcony.

Further Information:
Rates: Suite for two people $250 (including breakfast) per night.
W: www.thecollingwood.com.au

Horses and camels hit the beach at Noosa

Hop in the saddle and explore the spectacular Sunshine Coast either by horseback, or from the hump of a camel.

Noosa Horse Riding and the Camel Company operate from Lake Weyba, 10 minutes from Noosa, where guests can take in elevated views out to Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach, Peregian Beach and Noosa National Park.

Riders of all ability can join their daily rides, with special sunset or proposal rides available on request.

Further Information:
Rates: Horse riding: One-hour ride $65, Two-hour ride $95. Special rides available on request. Camel riding: 1.5-hour beach and bushland safari $80 adults, $60 children. One-hour bush and beach safari $60 adults, $45 children.
W: www.noosahorseriding.com.au
www.camelcompany.com.au

Work it out at The Biggest Loser Retreat

Struggling to find the motivation to lose weight? The Biggest Loser Retreat operated by Golden Door Australia, in partnership with Shine Australia (the producers of The Biggest Loser) has opened on the Gold Coast, helping guests achieve their weight-loss goals.

The retreat is all about combining movement, food, coaching and education to kick-start a health and wellness overhaul.

Led by a team of health and wellness experts, professionally designed nutrition and exercise programs are created for each guest to achieve life-changing results.

Stop by in September for the opportunity to meet past contestants from the hit TV show, and be inspired by their determination to continue their weight-loss journeys.

Further Information:
Rates: 1-3 week retreat from $1855 per week; 4-7 week retreat $1707 per week.
W: www.biggestloserretreat.com.au

Cycle the Whitsundays

South Molle Island is now providing tourists with more than just the quintessential white sand and clear water Whitsunday experience, with the introduction of mountain bike trails to add speed and adrenaline to your island getaway.

The 14 kilometres of mountain bike trails on the island take in spectacular views to the famous Whitsunday Islands and fringing reefs and are the perfect way to discover the grasslands, eucalypt forests and rainforests covering the island.

To enjoy the tracks, pack your bike and sail across the short straight that separates Airlie Beach from South Molle Island.

Further Information:
W: www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/destinations/south-molle-island

Gold Coast packing essentials: The Traveller App

Gold Coast Tourism has just launched a new travel companion – the Gold Coast Traveller App - that’s as easy to pack as the hat, swimmers and sunscreen among your holiday essentials.

Loaded with over 500 Gold Coast attractions, tours, restaurants and events, the app is searchable and bookable, making this directory the perfect holiday-planning tool.

The free app has already received a 4.5 star rating from the App store and overwhelming positive reviews from those who have tried the product.

Further Information:
Available through the app store.