Fly & Drive OOST-AUSTRALIË

About the destination: Sydney is the state capital of New South Wales and the most populous city in Australia. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Hawkesbury River, Sydney is considered one of the world's most beautiful and liveable cities in the world. It has an iconic skyline, some wonderful museums, delicious restaurants, a lively atmosphere and tons of natural beauty. As with any large city there are many attractions, but the most important are the Sydney Opera House, set on the Sydney harbor, it is one of the world's most recognized landmarks, the Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney's main catholic cathedral, St Mary's Cathedral, the Royal Botanic Gardens and a vast array of beautiful beaches. Sydney's most famous beach, Bondi Beach has a lively promenade and it is a famous spot amongst surfers. Just outside of Sydney, we have the Blue Mountains, an unspoiled mountain range filled with Eucalyptus trees. Sydney is a city of immense vitality and it is an amazing and fascinating destination. There is something for every visitor, history, art, culture, nature, fashion, gastronomy, architecture and above all, Sydney is a city that knows how to have fun.

About the destination: The Hunter Region, also commonly known as the Hunter Valley, is a region of New South Wales, Australia, extending from approximately 120 km (75 mi) to 310 km (193 mi) north of Sydney. It contains the Hunter River and its tributaries with highland areas to the north and south. Situated at the northern end of the Sydney Basin bioregion, the Hunter Valley is one of the largest river valleys on the NSW coast, and is most commonly known for its wineries and coal industry. Most of the population of the Hunter Region lives within 25 km (16 mi) of the coast, with 55% of the entire population living in the cities of Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. There are numerous other towns and villages scattered across the region in the eleven local government areas (LGAs) that make up the region. At the 2011 census the combined population of the region was 620,530. Under Australia's wine appellation system, the Hunter Valley wine zone Australian Geographical Indication (GI) covers the entire catchment of the Hunter River and its tributaries. Within that, the Hunter region is almost as large, and includes most of the wine-producing areas, excluding the metropolitan area of Newcastle and nearby coastal areas, some national parks, and any land that was in the Mudgee Shire (at the western heights of the catchment). The Hunter wine region is one of Australia's best known wine regions, playing a pivotal role in the history of Australian wine as one of the first wine regions planted in the early 19th century. The success of the Hunter Valley wine industry has been dominated by its proximity to Sydney with its settlement and plantings in the 19th century fuelled by the trade network that linked the valley to the city. The steady demand of consumers from Sydney continues to drive much of the Hunter Valley wine industry, including a factor in the economy by the tourism industry.[3] While the Hunter Valley has been supplanted by the massive Riverina wine region as the largest producer of New South Wales wine, it still accounts for around 3% of Australia's total wine production and is one of the country's most recognisable regions.

About the destination: Port Macquarie’s Billabong Zoo has opened its Africa Exhibit, home to cheetahs ‘Warrior’ and ‘Vongani’ and now new lion cubs. The Zoo has undergone massive transformation becoming one of NSW’s best regional zoos for close-up, intimate encounters with animals. Another wine you say? Why not if the kids are entertained. Port Macquarie's wineries are appealing to families with new attractions, events and creative ways to amuse the little ones at the cellar door. Port Macquarie confirms its place as a hotspot for a romantic getaway. To help you start planning take a look at these places to eat, drink, stay and play. Fancy yourself to be a bit of fish wrangler - you're in for a treat! Port Macquarie offers some of the best fishing spots on the coast.

About the destination: From dolphins and butterflies to beaches and water sports, Coffs Harbour is teeming with great attractions and perfect for family holidays and adventurers. Visit the iconic Big Banana and explore Solitary Islands Marine Park, a haven for turtles, corals and whales.

About the destination: Gold Coast is a coastal city in southeastern Queensland on the east coast of Australia. It is the second most populous city in the state, the sixth most populous city in the country, and the most populous non-capital city and cross-state metropolitan area in Australia. There are well over 30 beaches stretching a total of 40km. Surfers Paradise has a long stretch of beach, with flags and patrols along the beach. Referred to as ""the green behind the gold"". The Gold Coast Hinterland is home to three national parks, numerous mountains, creeks, waterfalls valleys, and natural rock formations. The area is mostly covered in sub-tropical rainforest, but sections have been cleared for dairy farm land and wineries. You will find: • Tamborine Mountain • Springbrook • Numinbah Valley • Currumbin Valley

About the destination: Sunshine Coast is a metropolitan area and the third most populated area in the Australian state of Queensland. Located north of the state capital Brisbane in South East Queensland on the Pacific Ocean coastline, its urban area spans approximately 60 km of coastline and hinterland from Pelican Waters to Tewantin. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS - Buderim Ginger Factory. Cane Train through rainforest and a couple of rides and features to entertain children, including a boat ride with animate characters. - Glass House Mountains National Park. - Kenilworth State Forest. Rainforest and eucalypt forest. - Kondalilla National Park. On Western Avenue about 4 km north of the centre of Montville. 327 hectares of lush subtropical rainforest and tall open forest plus Kondalilla Falls dropping 90 metres from Skene.

About the destination: The Bundaberg region is situated approximately four hours drive and only a 45 minute flight north of Queensland's capital, Brisbane. The region covers more than 6,000 square kilometres and boasts diverse natural resources and facilities, reflected in its offshore, coastal, riverine, city, rural and protected environments. The area lays claim to the internationally renowned Southern Great Barrier Reef, Mon Repos Turtle Rookery, Bundaberg Rum, and the famous aviator Bert Hinkler. Bundaberg City is the provincial hub of this vibrant, unique region, and is centred on the picturesque Burnett River at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. It is the commercial and service centre, as well as distribution point for the region. The Bundaberg region's notable features include equable climate, relaxed and inviting lifestyle, affordable living, modern shopping facilities, plentiful tourism destinations and diverse economic opportunities. Such factors, together with the friendliness of its residents, make this area a superb place to visit or reside in.

About the destination: Rockhampton is a city in Queensland, Australia. Rockhampton is one of the oldest cities in Queensland, and in Northern Australia. The gold rushes at Mount Morgan Mine which was at the time one of the most productive gold mines in the world, laid the foundations for much of the city's Victorian architecture. Today, Rockhampton is an industrial and agricultural centre of the north, and is the regional centre of Central Queensland. Rockhampton is also a large tourist destination known for its history and culture supporting such institutions as the Rockhampton Art Gallery; one of the most extensive regional galleries in Australia, the Central Queensland University with campuses across five states, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, and Dreamtime Cultural Centre. Tourism is increasingly playing a role in the economic development of city and surrounds. Other attractions that are promoted to the tourist market include the Fitzroy River, the Heritage-listed buildings in the CBD, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, the Archer Park Rail Museum, Mount Archer National Park, Rockhampton Botanic Gardens, and Rockhampton Zoo.

About the destination: Airlie Beach is a locality in the Whitsunday Region of Queensland, Australia. At the 2011 census, the suburb of Airlie Beach itself had a population of 7,868.[1] Airlie Beach is one of many departure points for the Great Barrier Reef. Near latitude 20 degrees south, Airlie Beach, Proserpine and the nearby Whitsunday Islands enjoy a tropical climate and lifestyle. The Whitsunday Islands, named by James Cook in 1770 are a sailors' paradise. Cook named the islands as he believed he passed through the area on the Christian festival day of Whit Sunday. It is now widely accepted that he didn't actually pass through on this date, as he had failed to take into account the yet to be brought into existence International Date Line à la Phileas Fogg. Each year the residents of Airlie Beach celebrate The Blessing of the Fleet on Whit Sunday or Pentecost Sunday

About the destination: Townsville is a city on the north-eastern coast of Queensland, Australia. Adjacent to the central section of the Great Barrier Reef, it is in the dry tropics region of Queensland. Townsville is Australia's largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast. Popular attractions include "The Strand", a long tropical beach and garden strip; Riverway, a riverfront parkland attraction located on the banks of Ross River; Reef HQ, a large tropical aquarium holding many of the Great Barrier Reef's native flora and fauna; the Museum of Tropical Queensland, built around a display of relics from the sunken British warship HMS Pandora; The Townsville Sports Reserve; and Magnetic Island, a large neighbouring island, the vast majority of which is national park.

About the destination: Port Douglas is less than an hour's drive from Cairns on one of Australia's most picturesque coastal roads. With golden beaches and some of the most exclusive resorts in tropical north Queensland, Port Douglas, before a quiet fishing village, is sophisticated yet relaxed, and the perfect place to get away and unwind. Stroll Macrossan Street, the center of the village and enjoy the variety of elegant restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, bookshops and galleries. Take advantage of shopping at designer stores or indulge in one of the daytime luxury spas. At one end of Macrossan Street, you will find the magnificent Four Mile Beach lined with palm trees, which is a spectacular place to enjoy the sunset. Parque Anzac is at the other end of the street, where is the picturesque chapel of Santa María del Mar and where weekly markets are held every Sunday. Port Douglas also offers family holidays with fun and adventure. Learn to snorkel, snorkel, jet ski, water-ski or kayak to deserted beaches. Cruises to the Great Barrier Reef leave Mirage Marina every day to visit places that are considered among the best and most immaculate of the reef. Visit Low Isles on a few days' ride on a luxury sailing yacht to the further reefs. Take in the wonderful scenery by helicopter or take a panoramic flight by seaplane.

About the destination: Cairns is a regional city, founded in 1876, encompassing smaller townships in the far north of Queensland, Australia. It is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate. It serves as a starting point for people wanting to visit the Great Barrier Reef and Far North Queensland. MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS • Centenary Lakes. Collins Ave/Edge Hill, opposite the Botanic Gardens. Rainforest boardwalk that goes directly through the forest and ends at several small lakes and creeks. There is also a little park with picnic areas. Caution: The lakes are crocodile habitat. • City Botanic Gardens. • Lake Placid. • Mount Whitfield Conservation Park. • Northern Beaches There is no beach in Central Cairns, but there are several beaches in the north that can easily be reached by bus. They are all beautiful and tropical, and ideal places to relax and walk. These beaches include Trinity Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Palm Cove, Holloways Beach, Kewarra Beach and Clifton Beach. • Smithfield Conservation Park, McGregor Road, close to James Cook University, north of the city centre. A large area of rainforest with several walking tracks. • Many natural Cairns attractions include the Great Barrier Reef, Copperlode Dam, Atherton Tablelands and Daintree Rainforest • Cairns Regional Gallery. • Cairns Museum.