Fitzroy Island in Queensland is surrounded by a reef system that forms part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Photo: Supplied.
It took the impact of a catchy jingle to decide between budget-friendly holidays in Queensland or Victoria. The result was a little each way!
It’s an advertising tune that grabbed attention: “Roses are red, the reef is blue, treat your love to this holiday, it’s perfect for two.”
The melody was a form of sound branding that made an impression: assonance, alliteration and rhymes helped make a memorable impact. The lyrics were strong, powerful words of action, the phrases concise but descriptive adjectives. Words had the power to spark nostalgia and a curiosity – mingled with impatience – to get out there to explore Fitzroy Island and Cairns.
A Tourism and Events Queensland reminder energised inquisitiveness. Maria wanted to know what was better than seeing the ocean? Experiencing it, of course! Spend the day at Fitzroy Island with marine life, sandy beaches and “Insta-worthy content that no one asked for, but everyone wants”.
Alternatively, if retail therapy is more to your liking, then it’s prime time for some serious shopping. At The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood, we get the thrill of holiday shopping, which is even better with the new Shop ‘Til You Drop accommodation package.
The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood is the perfect location for all retail needs. It’s only a short walk to the Eastland Shopping Centre. Photo: Supplied.
Whether it’s ticking off your Christmas list or treating yourself to the sales, do it in style and with ease at The Sebel Melbourne Ringwood. This exclusive package is $300 per night and includes:
• An overnight stay in a comfy standard room ensuring you’re well rested for, and after, your shopping adventures
• Guaranteed secure undercover onsite parking because who needs the stress of searching for a car spot during busy shopping periods
• $100 Eastland voucher to kickstart your shopping spree at one of Victoria’s best shopping destinations.
This package is available to book from 1 November until 31 December 2023, and is valid for stays until 31 January 2024.
Considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of Indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined with bars and restaurants, has a swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforests, gorges and beaches.
While visiting Cairns, you really have to venture out and explore some of the superb natural and manmade wonders that are situated in and around this beautiful, bustling city.
Infinity pool at the Cairns Esplanade remains a tourist magnet. Photo: Rama Gaind.
Stretching over 344,400 square kilometres, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the biggest living structure on our planet ― it can actually be seen from space.
The Daintree National Park is an hour north of Cairns. This ancient rainforest (it’s more than 100 million years old) has to be one of our most diverse national treasures. It extends from Mossman Gorge right up to Cape Tribulation. This is one of the few places in the world where the reef meets the rainforest. Imagine walking from cool, lush canopy straight onto picture-perfect sandy white beaches.
Combining World Heritage Rainforest with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and the famous Kuranda Scenic Railway, this tour encompasses the best scenic transportation options available in the region. Views from Red Peak and Barron Falls lookouts are spectacular. The Kuranda Scenic Railway is famed for its beautiful route and the fact that it has been servicing the community for more than 100 years. Winding through the lush green rainforest, cascading waterfalls and tropical mountain ranges, this is one journey you will remember.
Where is the best place in the world to go hot air ballooning? You guessed it, Tropical North Queensland.
Fitzroy Island is an unspoilt tropical paradise of rainforest and beaches within the calm, sheltered waters of the Great Barrier Reef. A continental island 97 per cent covered by national park, it’s full of natural wonder and ideal for discovering spectacular walking trails, abundant marine life, underwater fun, local wildlife and relaxing in tranquillity on beautiful coral beaches.
This lush rainforest oasis is located 29 kilometres southeast of Cairns and is only a 45-minute ferry ride away. Idyllic beaches lead into safe, sheltered waters, which are ideal for swimming, water sports, yachting and boating. It’s also a breathtaking and accessible base for snorkelling, diving and discovering the reef.
