Archive for the Category »Australia «

Tamworth: Australia’s Home of Country Music
Tuesday, March 27th, 2012 /

Tamworth is home to one of the world’s largest music festivals. True, the Tamworth Country Music Festival is responsible for the city’s world-wide fame, but it has a great deal to offer besides its yearly Festival. When you visit Tamworth outside of the peak tourist season in January, you discover a thriving country town that epitomizes the best of rural Australia.

It is no accident that Tamworth and country music became virtually synonymous. Tamworth has always been and remains essentially a country town. Before it became famous for its festival, it had already been established as the regional centre of the New England area of New South Wales. Starting as far back as 1831, sheep and cattle stations were established in the area. Then, even more than now, expert horsemen were needed to herd livestock. This led to a proud equestrian tradition that exists in the city to this day.

Interestingly, Tamworth’s first claim to fame was as Australia’s "City of Light." It got this distinction after electric lights were installed throughout the city streets in 1888. This is particularly interesting because Tamworth hadn’t yet been actually proclaimed to be an incorporated city. That didn’t happen until 1946. The following year, East-West airlines opened the first commercial air service between Sydney and Tamworth and the city began to blossom into what it is today.

Proud Tamworth locals don’t really think of their town as either the country music capital or the City of Light. They prefer to say that they have a town with a "City Heart and a Country Soul." Nothing could describe Tamworth better. When you step off the bus, you almost feel like you’ve gotten off your horse after a long day on the trail. Tired and "saddle sore," you really appreciate the hospitality you receive when you sit down for your first delicious meal in a local cafe or restaurant.

Some people are surprised by the variety of restaurants in Tamworth and the quality of the food and wine. Yes, a lot of the fine restaurants and cafes are there to cater to the tens of thousands of visitors who turn up for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. What you may not know, though, is that much of the produce and wine that you are enjoying comes from local growers and vintners.

If you have a hankering for a night on the town and want some entertainment, there’s almost as much on offer in Tamworth in the off season as there is during Tamworth Country Music Festival time. There’s always something going on in the pubs and hotels in town. In fact, that’s a great way to see some of the local music talent in an intimate setting.

There are more than enough great Tamworth accommodation  to choose from. If you are planning on visiting in late January during festival season, you will need to book well in advance, but otherwise, a little advance notice should be fine.

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Victor Harbor a Great Getaway from Adelaide
Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 /

Located just 52 miles (84km) from Adelaide, Victor Harbor, on South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula, was originally a whaling station. While the whaling days have finished, Victor Harbor’s whale watching days are in full swing. The months of June and July are the peak whale watching season in Victor Harbor. The lure of the whales is the magnet that attracts many visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula, but it is the many other attractions that draw them back during the summer months.

Victor Harbor

From 1837 to the mid-1860s, Southern Right Whales were so extensively hunted, their numbers dwindled from an estimated 200,000 to just a handful. They got their unusual name because these slow moving whales, who feed close to shore, were the "right" whales to kill. Their numbers were decimated so quickly, whaling was no longer a viable industry and the few remaining whales migrated to safer waters to breed and feed.

Fortunately, they are now a protected species and their numbers have been steadily increasing. It is estimated that there are now as many as 7000 or more and they are multiplying rapidly. Since the 1990s, they have been coming back to Victor Harbor on their migratory circuit from the sub-Antarctic. They have been coming in ever increasing numbers, too and with each passing year they can be seen more frequently from the same place on the Bluff where the old whalers used to raise a red flag to alert the ships in harbour of their arrival.

wooden causeway out to nearby Granite Island

Another "Must See" Victor Harbor attraction is the horse drawn tram that runs across a long wooden causeway out to nearby Granite Island.  Many people think this colourful tram is just a tourist attraction, but in fact it has a proud place in Victor Harbor history as part of the first public railway line in Australia. Originally, the railway ran from the Murray River port of Goolwa and Port Eliot, 11 kilometres (6 miles) away. Horses were used instead of coal because they were more cost effective. The line was extended to Victor Harbor and from there out to Granite Island.

The Causeway tram is such a popular Victor Harbor attraction, it runs every 20 minutes. The ride across the Causeway on a horse drawn tram is worth doing for its own sake, but you will also want to spend time exploring Granite Island. It is also home to a large colony of the world’s smallest species of penguin. In order not to upset them or their natural habitat, you have to stay at least 5 metres away from them and not disturb them in any way. The best way to see them is on a guided night tour.

You can’t miss the Bluff when you visit Victor Harbor. Even if you go in the summer, when the whales cannot be viewed, you will be swept away by the stunning vistas you see from its prominent summit. Look for the plaque commemorating the encounter between Victor Harbor’s discoverer, Mathew Flinders and Nicolas Baudin, the French explorer, in 1802.

Victor Harbor is the largest community on the Fleurieu Peninsula and its biggest tourist centre, so there are plenty of Victor Harbor accommodation options to be had. Transportation to and from Adelaide includes regular bus and air services, so there is no excuse not to spend a weekend or a week exploring Victor Harbor and the rest of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

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Australia’s Hunter Valley
Saturday, March 10th, 2012 /

The Hunter Valley needs no introduction to wine lovers. Along with South Australia’s Barossa Valley, it has put Australian wines at the top of the world’s list of great wine growing regions. This didn’t happen overnight, though and the history of viticulture in the Hunter Valley is a fascinating one.

Hunter Valley

Lieutenant John Shortland stumbled across the Hunter River in 1797 while looking for escaped convicts. While he did not find the convicts he was looking for, he did find a verdant valley rich in natural resources. Shortland spread the word about the Hunter Valley and as soon as land access to the region was established, settlers started planting vines: by 1823, over twenty acres were already planted.

Some of the most prominent names in early Hunter Valley viticulture were George Wyndham, James King and William Kelman. However, James Busby, an amateur viticulturist, was arguably the biggest influence on the valley’s future. After two study tours in Europe, Busby returned with over 500 vine cuttings. Many experts credit Busby as the man most responsible for turning the Hunter Valley into a major wine growing region.

Hunter Valley vineyard

Busby’s sister, Catherine, fell in love with a fellow passenger on the steamship that brought her to Australia. They married and together with her husband, William Kelman, established a vineyard in the Hunter Valley. By 1840, those twenty acres that had been established in 1823 were dwarfed by the over 500 acres that sprang up in the intervening years. By the end of the 19th century, many of the most famous names in Hunter Valley wines had already established vineyards. These included Dr. Henry Lindeman, the Tyrrell, the Wilkenson and the Drayton families.

Hunter Valley Gardens

The first half of the 20th century, plagued by wars and depression, saw no further growth in the Hunter Valley, but in the prosperous 1960s, the region began another growth spurt. In that era of increased prosperity, the dry table wines that the Hunter Valley produced became popular. The sixties were also a period of expansion in the Hunter. After over a century of domination by a handful of growers, Dr. Max Lake set the stage for the future when he started Lake’s Folly in 1963. His success led to the establishment of dozens of other boutique wineries. Today, there are over 120 wine producers in the Hunter Valley.

Before the 1960s, wine was shipped out of the Hunter Valley, but very few consumers traveled to the Hunter Valley. That changed with the road improvements between Sydney and the Hunter Valley. With the ease of access and the attraction of the many vineyards in the region, it became a major weekend getaway center for residents of Australia’s most populous city. In an effort to compete for tourist dollars and attract more visitors, the wineries began offering entertainment, food and wine festivals and family attractions.

Of course, they also began to establish places for all those new visitors to stay. Whether you are a large family towing a caravan or packing tents, a couple on your honeymoon or a businessperson attending a convention, there is a Hunter Valley accommodation made for you. If you’re an overseas visitor, you won’t be left out, either. Transportation from just about anywhere in Australia to the Hunter Valley is readily available and package deals can be arranged to suit any budget.

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Discovering Maroochydore, in the Sunshine Coast
Tuesday, February 07th, 2012 /

With over 65km of pure white beaches, warm subtropical seas and an ideal climate, the Sunshine Coast of Queensland has everything you need for a perfect vacation. It stands to reason, then, that Maroochydore, in the very heart of the Sunshine Coast, would be the centre of activity on the Sunshine Coast.

Many people mistakenly believe that Maroochydore is a single town. Actually, it is a collection of separate suburbs encompassing Alexandra Headland, Coolum, Maroochy and Mooloolaba. Those who know these towns know that each of them has something special to offer. They have a combined population of about fifty thousand and form the commercial centre of the Sunshine Coast.

If you haven’t yet visited Maroochydore, don’t jump to the conclusion that because it is the commercial heart of the Sunshine Coast, it is not an ideal vacation getaway spot. Yes, it has all the advantages of a city, but it has them in a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. You can find all the restaurants, shops and nightspots you could ever want, without the hustle and bustle of a big city.

The Gold Coast is famous for its theme parks. In fact, many families go to the Gold Coast just to visit Sea World or one of the other large theme works in the area. If you’ve "been there, done that" or want to enjoy the more relaxed pace of the Sunshine Coast but not deprive the kids of a theme park adventure, Maroochydore is the perfect compromise. Aussie World, conveniently located just off the Bruce Highway, is not as large (or expensive) as its Gold Coast rivals, but it is equally fun for the whole family. Hint: the teenagers and brave adults will love the Giant Redback!

Just 10 minutes away from the centre of Maroochydore is the Sunshine Castle, in Bli Bli. This authentic looking, full scale medieval castle is something the whole family will enjoy. Be sure and climb to the top of the 24 metre (about 20 yard) high lookout and take in the breathtaking view of the entire Sunshine Coast and hinterland.

If you’re a surfer, you’ll have the time of your life at the beaches and point breaks around Maroochydore. Two of the classic Queensland point breaks are located on the Sunshine Coast – Noosa Heads and Alexandra Headland. On their day, they are second to none. If you stay in Maroocydore, Alexandra Headland is at your doorstep and if that’s not working, check out the beach breaks at Coolum. Coolum is legendary for having some of the most consistent waves on the Sunshine Coast. When you can’t find a wave anyplace else, you’re almost sure to find something there.

Whether you’re a surfer looking for waves, a family looking for fun or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Maroochydore. From inexpensive family accommodations, to backpackers lodges to Five Star Resorts, there’s a Sunshine Coast Accommodation to suit every lifestyle and budget.

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Hunter Valley Australia
Friday, January 20th, 2012 /

If you are a wine lover, you are already familiar with the Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Together with the Barossa Valley in South Australia, the Hunter has made Australian wines famous. This was not an overnight accomplishment, though. The fascinating history of wine growing in the Hunter Valley goes all the way back to colonial times.

Hunter Valley

Lieutenant John Shortland stumbled across the Hunter River in 1797 while looking for escaped convicts. While he did not find the convicts he was looking for, he did find a verdant valley rich in natural resources. His discovery of the Hunter led to rapid settlement and within a quarter of a century, land access to the region was established and the first vines were planted: 20 acres by 1823 and that was only the beginning.

Some of the pioneers of Hunter Valley viticulture included George Wyndham, James King and William Kelman. James Busby, an amateur viticulturist, played a big part in Hunter Valley history. The 500 cuttings he brought over from Europe helped establish many of the early vineyards. Busby was an eccentric gentleman, but has been credited with bringing the cuttings that were responsible for establishing the Hunter Valley’s reputation for producing fine wines.

James Busby had a sister named Catherine. She fell in love with and married William Kelman. Many of Kelman’s first vines were some of those brought over by Busby. Others followed suit and by 1840, there were over 500 acres of vines in the Hunter Valley. Before the turn of the century, many of the most famous names in Hunter Valley wines were already established, including Dr. Henry Lindeman and the Tyrell, Wilkenson and Drayton families.

The first half of the 20th century, plagued by wars and depression, saw no further growth in the Hunter Valley, but in the prosperous 1960s, the region began another growth spurt. In that era of increased prosperity, the dry table wines that the Hunter Valley produced became popular. The sixties were also a period of expansion in the Hunter. After over a century of domination by a handful of growers, Dr. Max Lake set the stage for the future when he started Lake’s Folly in 1963. His success led to the establishment of dozens of other boutique wineries. Today, there are over 120 wine producers in the Hunter Valley.

Hunter Gardens

After road improvements from Sydney were completed, the Hunter Valley vineyards became a popular tourist destination. Today, along with wine, the region has become one of the major entertainment centers of New South Wales. The largest wineries compete with each other to offer the most in-demand Australian and international artists. There are regular food, wine and music festivals in the region and a number of family attractions, such as the Hunter Gardens, have been established.

It goes without saying that there are now plenty of Hunter Valley accommodation options to choose from. From basic family campgrounds to luxurious spa resorts, the Hunter Valley has everything for every budget and lifestyle. The Hunter Valley is easily reached by car, coach or air, so there is nothing stopping you from visiting this world-class wine growing region.

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Coffs Harbour: Australia’s Holiday Coast
Friday, January 20th, 2012 /

Coffs Harbour and its neighboring cities on the mid north coast of New South Wales are so popular, the area has been dubbed the "Holiday Coast." There may be a bit of advertising hype in that slogan, but there is truth in it as well. Formerly called the "banana belt," the region is where the weather on the long New South Wales coast changes from temperate to sub-tropical.

Legend says that the first European visitors to Coffs Harbour were convicts, not tourists. They were followed by timber cutting interests. Until 1865, when the Carywell sank while trying to enter the harbour, it was also a busy shipping port. The sinking of the Carywell brought that to an end for nearly 15 years until finally a lighthouse was constructed, making navigating the waters safe.

The Big Banana

While the timber and fishing industries were always big in the Coffs Harbour area, it acquired a reputation as being the "banana belt" or "banana coast" partly because the plantations extend right down to the Pacific Highway and partly because of the iconic "Big Banana", located just north of Coffs Harbour city center. This landmark has been there for over 40 years and its popularity has inspired a host of imitators.

The banana industry got off to a shaky start in Coffs Harbour. First grown in the 1880s, they faced a great deal of competition until disease wiped out the crops further north in the 1920s. The 1920s also saw the completion of the railway line to Sydney. This was when tourism started to develop in the region.

Today, tourism is booming in Coffs Harbour. It is particularly popular as a family destination and has many attractions for everyone. Of course, many of the major activities are either in the ocean or along its shores. These include surfing, whale watching, fishing and scuba diving, along with just enjoying a day at the beach.

Coffs Harbour

If you like shopping, you’ll love Coffs Harbour. Not only are there wonderful shopping areas in the city itself, adjoining areas offer many unique shopping experiences. Bellingen, in the hills behind Coffs Harbour is a haven for artists and artisans. At the Old Butter Factory in Bellingen, you can find fine handcrafted woodworks, wind chimes, soaps, art works and many other unique hand made products. Another Bellingen attraction is the Yellow Shed, which also sells hand crafted and unique gift and souvenir items.

Not far from Coffs Harbour is the town of Woolgoolga. You can’t miss it because of the large domed structure that resembles a mini Taj Mahal. Woolgoolga has one of the largest concentrations of Indian residents in Australia and is famous for its delicious Indian restaurants.

Clearly, you can’t see everything the Holiday Coast has to offer in just a day or two. Don’t just make the Coffs Harbour area a short stopover. Settle down in a Coffs Harbour accommodation and give yourself time to see everything it has to offer. Don’t limit yourself to the town center and beaches, either. Explore the towns and villages all around Coffs Harbour and you will see firsthand why it is called the Holiday Coast.

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St Kilda: A Can’t Miss Melbourne Experience
Friday, January 06th, 2012 /

Melbourne, Victoria is Australia’s second largest city and is well known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere. In the heart of Melbourne, St. Kilda is known as one of the most cosmopolitan suburbs in the city.

Like many districts in big cities, St. Kilda has had a checkered history. In its early years, it was Melbourne’s first seaside resort. As the city grew and became one large metropolis, for many years, St. Kilda went into decline. The famed St. Kilda baths, where many famous Australian Olympic swimmers have trained, went out of fashion and many of the formerly fashionable shops and restaurants languished as Melbournians turned to newer venues.

Acland Street, St. Kilda

Since the 1980s, St. Kilda has been rediscovered and today, it is one of the trendiest suburbs in Melbourne. College students and backpackers call Fitzroy Street and Acland Street home and they are two of the hippest streets in town. If you’re looking for a place with a lively artistic atmosphere, then you will find it here. Fitzroy and Acland Streets are both great places to just hang out. Grab a book in one of the small independent bookshops you run across, sit down for a cappuccino at a sidewalk cafe and you’ll fit right in. Be sure to check out the Linden Centre for Contemporary Arts while you’re on Acland Street. It’s easy to find: just look for the wonderful Victorian mansion it is located in.

If you have ever been to LAs iconic Venice Beach on a Sunday afternoon, you get an idea of what it’s like at the beach in St. Kilda on the weekend. If at all possible, be in the St Kilda area on any given Sunday. That’s when the Esplanade Arts and Crafts Market is on.

For the family, the beach at St. Kilda offers a great day out. You will definitely want to take the kids to St. Kilda’s iconic Luna Park. Go to St Kilda breakwater and look for the delightful fairy penguins that can often be seen there.

There’s plenty to do in St. Kilda at night, too. If you’re looking for entertainment, the lower Esplanade is the place to go. For a big night out, take in an international act at the Palais Theatre. For more local entertainment, try the Esplanade Hotel or one of the pubs in town. Finding entertainment at night is not going to be a problem in St Kilda: the problem will be in making your mind up about which place to go to.

Palais Theatre and Luna Park

When you’re on St. Kilda’s Carlisle Street, you may have to pinch yourself before you forget that you’re in Australia and not someplace in Europe. Not only is the atmosphere cosmopolitan on Carlisle street, it seems as if English is only the local’s second tongue. You are in Australia, though, and everyone speaks English, too, so you won’t have any trouble communicating when you order a mouth watering cake or bagel at one of Carlisle Street’s many wonderful eateries.

There are still many people who say that St. Kilda’s days of glory are gone. They are only just beginning. Be part of the action. Stay at a St. Kilda accommodation  and get the most out of your visit to Melbourne. Whether you stay in one of the many backpackers resorts or in a magnificently restored Bed and Breakfast, you will love this part of the city.

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Apollo Bay: The Highlight of a Great Ocean Road Adventure
Monday, December 19th, 2011 /

If you’re thinking of taking a drive or tour of the Great Ocean Road, be sure and give yourself extra time to explore Apollo Bay.  Located in the foothills of the Otway Ranges just before the Great Ocean Road traverses Cape Otway, it makes an ideal setting to get out of the car and explore the beautiful scenery you have admired from a distance.

Apollo Bay

Look in any direction from Apollo Bay and you behold natural beauty. From the comfort of your seat at a sidewalk café, you can look across the grassy foreshore to the surfing and swimming beach right out to the blue horizon. Turn around and see the green rolling hills that spread out into the distance as far as the eye can see.

Take some time to stretch your legs and explore the quaint town of Apollo Bay. The major industry in this small town is fishing, followed by tourism. As such, it has just enough amenities to make you feel comfortable without feeling like you’re in a tourist town. It has a relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that makes exploring the town’s many fascinating gift shops and galleries a pleasure.

Once you have settled in and recovered from your drive to Apollo Bay, it’s time to get “up close and personal” with the landscape you have been admiring from a distance. One of the best ways to do this, if you’re up to it, is by tackling all or part of the Great Ocean Walk. Many visitors come to Apollo Bay for the expressed purpose of doing the entire 65 mile (100+ kilometer) walk all the way around Cape Otway to the Twelve Apostles. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can choose to take just a portion of the walk – as much or as little as you like.

Cape Otway Lightstation

When you get back on the road to explore Cape Otway, don’t miss the Light Station. The scenery along the way is breathtaking and words can’t describe the views from the lighthouse. If you are completely captivated by it, you can make arrangements to stay in the Lighthouse Keeper’s four bedroom cottage for a minimum of two nights on your next trip to Apollo Bay.

Cape Otway is so well known, you may not realize just how many other scenic areas there are around Apollo Bay. Barham River Road follows the Barham River upriver through the verdant rainforested Barham Valley to beautiful Marriners Falls. On the other side of the Barham River is the small coastal village of Marengo. Then there’s Skenes Creek, another delightful village just up the coast on the Great Ocean Road and Evans Lookout, just a mile or so inland from Skenes Creek.

All too often, travelers on the Great Ocean Road just stop for a quick visit to Apollo Bay and then move quickly on to Cape Otway and the Twelve Apostles. This is a big mistake, as you will discover when you take the time to find an Apollo Bay accommodation and settle in for a few days. Accommodations range from spectacular campsites and inexpensive backpacker resorts all the way up to luxurious self contained villas. Give Apollo Bay a try and you will find that it will be the highlight of your Great Ocean Road adventure.

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Restaurant Guide for Montville in QLD
Saturday, December 17th, 2011 /

Just twenty minutes from the famous Australia Zoo in Queensland, Montville is a small scenic town in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast not far from rainforest walks like the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. The best-known natural landmark in the area is Kondalilla Falls. Then, for water sports, the nearby reservoir of the Baroon Pocket Dam provides a place for boating, fishing and other outdoor fun. The resort town of Montville has parks, the Maleny Cheese Factory and a charming Main Street. Those enjoying the town and area can try one or more of its fine restaurants.

Gypsy’s Table

Located on Main Street of Montville, the Gypsy’s Table serves a wide variety of cuisines from international to vegetarian. Fresh and steamed, menu items such as these are attractively presented, steamed rice covered with avocado and seafood. Main dishes are fabulous from duck, goat and venison. The casual dining provides plush sofas and comfortable chairs around tables in a charming dining area inside and lovely garden dining outdoors. Servers and other staff members are cheerful and helpful.

Montville Pub

 

A cafe grille and pub with a beautiful outdoor beer garden, the Montville Pub is known for its contemporary take on fresh and local cuisine serving delicious steak and fish. Seafood platters including calamari are a specialty. The dining atmosphere is casual and friendly, a great place to meet with friends over a good meal. The service is well above and beyond the necessary.

Poets Cafe

Serving breakfast and lunch on Main Street and open on weekends for dinner with live music, the Poets Cafe has an atmosphere much like a European cafe. The establishment is perfect for stepping in for a cup of hot chocolate or coffee as well as for pleasant dining. The cafe and grounds are attractive and well maintained with trees for shade. Reservations are recommended for the perfect dining experience.

Spicers Clovelly Estate – The Long Apron

A lovely and picturesque estate, the grounds and facilities are exquisite. A dining room and cellar serve guests and the public. The cuisine is quintessentially Australian with a Mediterranean and international flair with such items as Black Angus sirloin steak, lamb with goat cheese mouse and salmon with Tasmanian wasabi. The fine-dining restaurant is under the direction of Chef Cameron Matthews. Many fresh foods come right from his kitchen garden.

Wild Rocket & Misty’s

Located right on Main Street, Wild Rocket & Misty’s serves up the best of local cuisine fresh from farms. Some of the specials include duck, calf livers and rib eye Scotch fillet. The restaurant will take reservations and walk-ins are also welcomed. The eye-catching and homey feel of the dining room includes white table cloths and a shiny wood floor. The dining area is spotless and outdoor dining is available on the veranda. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

Samantha is an Australian travel writer with a love for Queensland and Montville in particular. She recommends spending time in one of the exclusive Montville accommodation properties available as a great way unwind from the stresses of life and get some much needed rest and rejuvenation.

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Burleigh Heads: The Gold Coast’s Secret Spot
Wednesday, December 14th, 2011 /

Mention the Gold Coast of Queensland to most people and they will almost always associate it with Surfers Paradise. When surfers think of Surfers Paradise, they think of the waves just across the New South Wales border near Coolangatta. When the locals on the Gold Coast want to enjoy the best the region’s beaches have to offer, they think of Burleigh Heads.

Burleigh Heads

The fact that Burleigh Heads is not as famous as other places on the Gold Coast doesn’t mean that it’s hard to get to or has nothing to offer. In fact, it rests almost exactly halfway between its two more frequently visited neighbors, Coolangatta and Surfers Paradise. Because the main coastal road, Gold Coast Highway, does not pass directly through Burleigh Heads, many travelers pass straight by it without even seeing all that it has to offer.

Their loss is your gain. Because this coastal bulge on the landscape remains a little bit isolated from the action, it has remained largely undeveloped to this day, thanks to half of it having been declared a National Park. While one half of the headland is reserved for nature, the other half is enjoyed predominantly by the lucky locals who call Burleigh Heads home.

Burleigh Heads is not a surfer’s secret spot by any stretch of the imagination. When the waves are firing at Snapper Rocks, they are also firing at Burleigh. Among surfers, "Burleigh barrels" are legendary, yet because of the fact that most surfers are lured by the more easily visible surf breaks around Coolangatta, Burleigh gets nowhere near the crowds that its neighbors get.

Surfing Burleigh Heads

The village of Burleigh Heads is a charming change from the highrise wilderness of Surfers Paradise. James Street, the main street in town, has all the amenities you could want, without all the hustle and bustle of the more tourist oriented towns along the Gold Coast.

The beach at Burleigh Heads is like no other beach on the Gold Coast. If you like the idea of going to a beach that is shaded by trees and not skyscrapers, then you’ll love Burleigh Heads. That is not to say that you can’t find someplace to go for a meal or a snack, though. There’s everything you could possibly want, minus the crowds.

One of the attractions of Noosa Heads, a couple of hours north of the Gold Coast, is the fact that, like Burleigh Heads, much of it is National Park. Burleigh Heads National Park offers everything that Noosa has, while being far easier to get to.

Instead of following the crowds to Surfers Paradise, consider taking the "road less traveled" and staying at a Burleigh Heads accommodation. There are plenty of them to choose from. It is the ideal place to call "home" while you’re in Southern Queensland, giving you a retreat from the crowds while being close enough to everything to allow you to easily access all of the great attractions the Gold Coast has to offer. When you’re ready for a relaxing day at the beach or out in nature, it will be right there at your doorstep in Burleigh Heads.

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