Mt Tamborine, Queensland
City break: Only 30 minutes’ north of Brisbane you can escape to the Moreton Bay region. Where the countryside meets the bayside, the area offers outstanding views of the bay, beautiful mountain scenery and lush farmland. Beginning at the Redcliffe Aerodrome, this relaxing drive takes you to the Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, City Art Gallery and museum. Soak up some local history with a stop at the Sandgate and District Historical Society and Museum before heading to the Shorncliffe Pier. Country mile: Standing proudly in the Scenic Rim is Mount Tamborine, a spectacular oasis for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and adventurers. Spend your morning wandering the dense forests of Tamborine National Park and catch a glimpse of some of the area’s most colourful birds and wildlife. A short drive away, Main St and the nearby Gallery Walk boast more than 60 art and craft stores and local cafes, perfect to refuel after your walk. Be sure to visit a fudge shop and the Tamborine Mountain Distillery. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from high in the trees. Off the beaten track: The Great Beach Drive from the Sunshine Coast with the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island (K’Gari) and the Fraser Coast is set to rival Victoria's Great Ocean Road - an abundance of wildlife including kangaroos, whales, turtles, dingoes, dugongs, platypus and the world’s largest variety of bird species, stunning coastal vistas, beachfront camping and off-roading opportunities abound. The 380km tour will excite certified divers for the scuba diving at Wolf Rock, a marine reserve well known for its population of critically endangered grey nurse sharks. Take the Leisha Track (be sure to check tide times before proceeding any further) onto Rainbow Beach, a picturesque seaside town overlooked by towering and colourful sand cliffs. Courtesy of Visit Brisbane