Pro driving simulators race into Gold Coast

The Gold Coast’s new Racecentre offers car enthusiasts the chance to jump into the drivers’ seat of a professional racing simulator.

Participants feel the thrills experienced by professional racing drivers - without the spills.

One of only a handful of professional racing simulation centres open to the public in the world, Racecentre is designed to give fans the most realistic racing experience possible.

Drivers race against each other in full-motion simulators in the car model of their choice including F1, V8, Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche – and can test their driving skills in a safe and controlled environment.

Racecentre Director Enda Murphy commissioned the same simulators used by professional racing drivers for training and practice to ensure the experience is as authentic as possible.

The simulators are extremely realistic, with a full-motion movement platform, Dolby surround sound and three wrap-around screens designed to immerse the driver in the race. The centre is located in Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise and open daily from 10am.

Phone  07 5538 8008
 www.racecentre.com
Rates: Individual bookings are $50 for 30 minutes and $80 for one hour. Group and corporate bookings for up to eight people is $500 for a group of 16 to 24 people for two hours.

 

Let’s play trains at Calliope

The Calliope River Historical Village Country Markets and Railway Museum are situated on the Bruce Highway at Calliope, 6kms north of the Calliope crossroads.  Markets are held regularly with stall holders oming from as far as the Gold Coast.  Nearby are 24 hour driver facilities offering a great stop during a long trip.

Tours operate seven days a week;  the Railway Museum is open daily and exhibits include a model railway.  The collection includes horse-drawn wagons and farm equipment, hand tools, gramophones, dolls and hats to household items and furniture.

Mini steam train rides are for the kids and parents too with facilities including a Queensland Rail coast, two camp wagons and the Yarwun station.

For more information on the Calliope Country Markets phone 4975 7883

Taste of Brisbane with Food Tour T

Food Tour T is offering a delicious selection of personalised gourmet day tours which promise a taste of Brisbane in a day.

The tours cater for a maximum of eight guests in a luxury Mercedes coach for a day of tempting tastes and flavours. The Sensational Flavours tour, where you’ll sample delicious freshly-brewed coffee, hand-made chocolates, locally-produced continental meats and sausages and much more, departs on Mondays and Tuesdays. On Wednesdays, the Gourmet Garden tour covers a range of gourmet producers and passionate food venues throughout the city. There are plans to offer a third tour – Produce to Platter – on Thursdays and Fridays beginning this month, where guests will go behind the scenes of farmers’ market gardens through to finished product.

Also new is the Corporate Long Lunch Experience, specially designed for businesses wanting to entertain their clients in style. This deluxe three-hour hosted tour takes in dining at a couple of five-star venues, a flight and wine.


Phone : 0414 794 914
W: www.foodtourt.com
Rates: Sensational Flavours and Gourmet Garden Tours are $155 per person.

Cha Cha Cha in The Whitsundays

The Great Barrier Reef Dancesport Open Championship will be held at  the Whitsunday Sailing Club at Airlie Beach on September 2 to 4.  The events (with categories from age six to over 50) fits in between a heavy social and sporting calendar with the Sailing Club also host and sponsor of Airlie Beach Race Week in August and the annual Fun Race on September 10.

Rarely held in a regional area the promoters plan an open air marquee and the glistening Whitsunday waters as a backdrop to the glamorous dancers.  Televised by WIN TV, the event will attract over 1000 visitors and including opening and closing functions plus spectacular competition through the weekend.

Dancesport was once called competitive Ballroom Dancing and recognised by the IOC as a sport with dancers from all over Australia, Japan and Indonesia bringing family and friends for support.

One dance from the Gold Coast confirmed over 180 will be attending. 

Promoters plan to hold the event in Airlie Beach annually for the next 10 years.  The Whitsunday Sailing Club facilities will be used for the Welcome Cocktail Party, VIP guests and media, open-air dancing and a stunning location for spectators.

More information from www.whitsundaysailingclub.com.au\

Hamilton Island Great Barrier Feast

Celebrity chefs have been chosen for this year’s haute cuisine five-star foodie weekends on the spectacular Hamilton Island.

On July 22 to 24, part Aussie, part Spaniard Frank Camorra of four Melbourne restaurants including MoVida will present his Spanish Tapas frenzy.

Known as “ Australia’s answer to El Bulli” Dan Hunter from Royal Mail Hotel in Victoria takes over on November 11 to 13. His multi-award winning restaurant was Gourmet Traveller’s 2010 Regional Restaurant of the Year.

The gourmet weekends consist of welcome dinner at qualia by executive chef Jane-Therese Mulry; showpiece dinner where Chef takes guests through the preparation of his culinary delights; two Master Classes with the insider’s guide to tricks of the trade. (Tickets $100)

Luxury Accommodation Packages at qualia, Beach Club and Hamilton Island Yacht Club are available from travel experts at Harvey World Travel in Mackay or Mt Pleasant.

Harry Redford Cattle Drive, Outback, May 7 – 28, 2011

Retrace the steps of renowned cattle drover and King of the Cattle Duffers – Harry Redford and join in an adventure of a lifetime - the annual Harry Redford Cattle Drive.

One of the most renowned horse events in Australia’s Outback, this three-week trek is an exciting experience involving up to 700 head of cattle and around 50 horses. You'll ride along side some of Australia's best drovers and horsemen. You don't have to be an experienced rider to take part, and you can join or exit the ride at various locations along the route.

Each day the support crew sets up camp, and offers hearty camp oven cooking for you to enjoy. Camping is under the stars and an authentic droving experience provided in regards to toilets and showers. All meals are provided.

Ballara Mining Heritage Trail

A tourist trail mapping out a journey through forgotten mining towns between Mount Isa and Cloncurry has opened.

The Ballara Mining Heritage Trail protects and celebrates a slice of the region’s early mining heritage. Four information boards are placed along the trail which travels from the Fountain Springs rest stop on the Barkly Highway through the communities of Bulonga, Ballara and Hightville, established in the decades surrounding World War One when the British Empire was desperate for metals.

These pioneer mining communities then died as metal prices again collapsed after the “Great War.” The signs along the Ballara Mining Heritage Trail explain who lived there, what the town looked like and dozens of unmarked graves which are now protected with permanent memorials installed to preserve each person’s memory. The trail makes a fascinating day trip through beautiful Outback rangeland that also illustrates a slice of early Australian mining heritage.

Travellers to Mount Isa can also take an underground tour of the Hard Times Mine at the award-winning Outback at Isa complex.

New Tiger Airways services welcome news for Sunshine Coast

The launch of new Tiger Airways' Sydney - Sunshine Coast services from March is welcome news for the Sunshine Coast's tourism industry.

The addition of a new daily Sydney - Sunshine Coast service will increase the number of available seats into the region by almost 65,000 a year, and will add to existing services by Virgin Blue and Jetstar.

To celebrate the new route, Tiger Airways is offering a special introductory airfare from just $38.95 each way, for travel between 27 March - 29 October 2011. The new services will operate from 27 March.

Audi Noosa Food and Wine Festival

Foodies will head  to beautiful Noosa on the Sunshine Coast for the Audi Noosa Food and Wine Festival, from Friday, May 13 to Sunday, May 15, 2011.

Around 150 leading chefs, iconic winemakers, high profile food and wine media, restaurateurs and serious foodies will take over Noosa for Australia’s premier food and wine event.

The three day program offers a feast of foodie experiences including degustations, food trails, leisurely lunches, guest chef demonstrations, food and winemakers’ exhibitions, live entertainment, food and wine kiosks, cooking competitions, plus the delicious (magazine) Australian Produce Awards Market. The Courier-Mail Lifestyle Annexe and Qantas are throwing the “Best Dinner in the World” featuring seven chefs from San Pellegrino’s Top Restaurants in the World creating a degustation menu. 

The Mantaray Dive Centre

Rockhampton’s only PADI dive operation, the Mantaray Dive Centre is located on the doorstep of one of Queensland's best kept secrets, the Keppel Islands and Southern Great Barrier Reef.

With more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, owners David and Michelle are well-equipped to show diving enthusiasts their “backyard”. The centre offers PADI courses from beginner through to professional levels. Mantaray’s facilities include a custom-built dive boat and a fully-equipped retail store and education centre.  

Outback 4WD Tracks

There’s great opportunities to get off the beaten track and visit some forgotten areas of this remarkable part of Australia.  Some of these less-travelled roads are sealed, but there are many that are perfect for the 4WD enthusiast.  These roads meander through spectacular Outback scenery and hidden bush towns where there are plenty of colourful characters to meet.

They’ll take you through some amazing country – from rugged jump-ups to peaceful billabongs, and from the channel country to the desert dunes.  For a full list of tracks open in Queensland’s Outback see www.outbackholidays.info or phone 1800 247 966; and remember to check road conditions before travelling during wet weather and always carry plenty of water.

Quad Bike Thrills in Hervey’s Range

A new four wheel tour explores the picturesque Herveys Range outside Townsville by quad bike.

Located 30 minutes west of Townsville, Herveys Range Quad Bikes depart twice daily at 9am and 1pm from their base at the top of the range, opposite the historic tea rooms. Accredited guides will cater to experienced or novices on quads, offering the option of taking the tour on a four-seater mule beside the guide if you don’t want to drive yourself.

Following a safety briefing, you’ll discover highlights of the ranges including spectacular views from Robinson’s Lookout across the old Greenvale Rail Line and tunnels towards Townsville, Magnetic Island and the Coral Sea, plus the chance to cool off with a swim at a local water hole.

Bookings are essential, and the morning tour includes courtesy pick-up and lunch, while the afternoon tour includes snacks but no transfers.

Kuku Yalanji Lead Dreamtime Walks in Mossman Gorge

Join the Kuku Yalanji (or Rainforest People) of Tropical North Queensland for an unforgettable guided walk through the spectacular Mossman Gorge.

Visitors on the Kuku Yalanji guided rainforest walks are treated to a 90 minute walk along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over cool rainforest streams.

The experienced interpretive guides demonstrate traditional plant use, identify bush tucker sources, share their dreamtime legends, explain the history of cave paintings and provide an enchanting narrative of the rainforest and their special relationships within this unique tropical environment.

The Dreamtime Walks, which conclude with tea and damper, are conducted four times a day Monday to Friday and on weekends by appointment only for a minimum 10 participants.

Indigenous Flavours to Tempt Tastebuds in the Tablelands

Indigenous catering company  ‘Murri’s Delights’ will soon be cooking up a storm at Jabiru Safari Lodge at the Mareeba Wetlands, providing evening meals on the lodge’s Lagoon Deck from 1 April.

Replacing self-cooked BBQ packs, the meals will feature indigenous flavours and will be prepared by a qualified chef, assisted by local indigenous hospitality and cooking trainees.

The dining changes follow the introduction of custom-built open 4WDs for enhanced wildlife viewing to provide an experience modelled on African private game parks.

The Mareeba Wetlands is a 2000 hectare reserve which is home to prolific wildlife and birdlife and offers  an all-inclusive Outback experience in luxury African-style en-suited tented safari cabins.

 

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Queensland ballooning operator Hot Air is making it easier for visitors to Tropical North Queensland to fit more into their holiday.

From April 1, Hot Air balloon rides will include door to door return transfers without breakfast by 9 am in order to meet the next day tour activity starting time. The ballooning tour will return to Cairns and Cairns Beaches including Palm Cove and Port Douglas one hour earlier so that passengers can transfer to a reef, rainforest or adventure activity after their early morning balloon ride. Hot Air also offers balloon rides followed by champagne breakfast from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Journey through forgotten mining towns

The new Ballara Mining Heritage Trail protects and celebrates a slice of the region’s early mining heritage.  Four information boards are placed along the trail which travels from the Fountain Springs rest stop on the Barkly Highway through the communities of Bulonga, Ballara and Hightville, established in the decades surround World War One when the British Empire was desperate for metals.

These pioneer mining communities then died as metal prices again collapsed after the “Great War”.  The signs along the Ballara Mining Heritage Trail explain who lived there, what the town looked like and dozens of unmarked graves which are now protected with permanent memories installed to preserve each person’s memory.  The trail makes a fascinating day trip through beautiful Outback rangeland and illustrates a slice of early Australian mining heritage.

Travellers to Mount Isa can also take an under ground tour of the Hard Times Mine at the award-winning Outback At Isa complex.

For information contact 1300 659 660

Fraser Island Fly-4WD “K’gari Tour”

Take to the skies for a bird’s eye view of World Heritage-listed Fraser Island onboard Sunshine Aviation’s newest day tour.

The tour gets off to a flying start with a scenic flight departing the Sunshine Coast Airport over Mount Coolum, Noosa, the spectacular Cooloola National Park and the Coloured Sands at Rainbow Beach.

After landing on a remote island strip, the plane is greeted by a 4WD island taxi and your own personal Fraser Island tour guide. Highlights include a swim in a fresh water lake before a visit to the island’s famous rainforest growing in sand at Central Station. Enjoy lunch at the old loggers’ camp before driving along 75 Mile Beach and the return flight.

Tour options include a Fraser Island Circumnavigator Flight (for a minimum four passengers) and Glass House Mountains joy flights and the Fraser Island Fly-4WD “K’gari Tour”. Flights depart Sunshine Coast Airport (Maroochydore) and by arrangement from Archerfield Airport (Brisbane).

 

Eco Safaris Discover Hidden Southern Queensland Gems

Eco Safaris Queensland (ESQ) has launched 'Explore Pure Nature', a range of exclusive, personalised tours to the Gold Coast hinterland, Scenic Rim and Australia Zoo.

The safaris range from day tours to week-long adventures with gourmet food, luxury accommodation options and travel by a modern, all-terrain Land Rover. Guests will discover the region's rich Aboriginal, European and geological history with access to private land, exploring hidden gems as well as ancient World Heritage rainforests, rugged bush land and cattle country. Most tours offer boutique winery visits and opportunities to get close to wildlife including kangaroos and sometimes koalas.  

ESQ has also linked with local tourism operators to provide extra options including hot air-ballooning, horse-riding, a Moogerah boat cruise, cattle mustering, champagne breakfasts, luxury day spas and well known wildlife sanctuaries.

Suggested itineraries are available from active tours with numerous rainforest walks to the luxurious 'Diamond Class Experience' - a day of indulgence at Spicers Peak Lodge, Spicers Hidden Vale or O'Reillys. Soon to come are private transport to Australia Zoo with a private zoo guide and options for touring Montville and the rainforest of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Gladstone’s Free Industry Tours

Gladstone is home to the industry giants’ largest alumina plant in the world; the nation’s largest cement operation and Queensland’s biggest power station.

Visitors can take free guided tours to learn about the different operations in the city .

Queensland Alumina Ltd (QAL) – refines 8 million tonnes of bauxite per year, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Tours Monday 1pm from Gladstone Information Centre, Marina Ferry Terminal, Bryan Jordan Drive.

Rio Tinto Alcan Yarwun & Boyne Smelters – combined tour covering alumina refinery and smelting. Tours Friday 9.30am from Gladstone Information Centre.

Central Queensland Ports Authority – Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port. Tours Tuesday 10am from Information Centre.

Tondoon Botanic Gardens – 104 hectares of forest, lake, walking tracks and botanical displays. Tours Wednesday 2pm, departing from Administration Building, Tondoon Gardens, Glenyon Road.

NRG Gladstone Power Station – Queensland’s largest power station. Tours Thursday 10am departing Information Centre.

Bookings are essential, phone 4972 9000 with visitors to arrive 10 minutes prior to departure; tours not conducted on public holidays, weekends or during Christmas/New Year period.

Please phone the Gladstone Information Centre for guidelines regarding clothing, footwear, safety conditions and other requirements for the tours.

Gladstone Harbour Festival

From April 17 to 24, this festival was born 49 years ago, to greet the winners of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race as they crossed the finish line. It’s now expanded to seven days and nights full of entertainment with over 70,000 spectators visiting the annual event.  Much of the success is attributed to the quality free entertainment provided through the week.

The Rio Tinto Alcan Street Parade presented by the Midday Rotary Club commences at 4pm from the Showgrounds.

Opening Night Celebrations include Disco Mania, a psychedelic 70s show that pays tribute to the greatest era of disco in the history of music.  You’ll be singing along with the 10 piece band to hits such as Saturday Night Fever, YMCA and lots more.

Queensland Energy Resources Manic Monday on April 18 features the Wickety Wak years – the story of Australia’s greatest comedy showband, performed by three original members.;  and on Saturday April 23, there’s the Stockland Teddy Bears Picnic.

These are just a few of the non-stop events that make the Harbour Festival so popular.

Aussie spirit leaves indelible impression……..by Sherry Barnes

“This would never happen in South Africa,” said Bundaberg cardiologist Dr Hermann Wittmer, born in that country of European immigrant parents.

“As an outsider who moved to Queensland  18 months ago this kind of patriotic bonding together is very new to me;  volunteers willing to roll up sleeves and help others in time of floods and cyclones  is incredible – and I want to be part of it.”

Dr Wittmer recalled a similar comment from cyclist Lance Armstrong making the comparison between the recent Queensland floods and Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana.  “He said after watching Katrina closely there were no queues of volunteers going into New Orleans to help, as there were in Brisbane.”

Dr Wittmer said he had never experienced “that kind of togetherness” also evident to him on Australia Day and Anzac Day. “The only time we’d be unified in South Africa was during the rugby or cricket, when all the different cultures bring their flags out,” he said.

“My only regret is that I did not make the move here 25 years ago, now I have a new life at 52.’

Dr Wittmer plans to become naturalised as soon as possible. “I ‘d really like to be part of the Australian culture,” he said.

Sanctuary Cove offers world class display this year

This year’s International Boat Show from May 19 to 22 has confirmed a huge range of world releases to be unveiled, with the exciting calendar of events released closer to the date.

Events and Marketing Manager Sue Thomson said she expects many more world and regional marine product releases to be announced by the 400-plus exhibitors in coming weeks.

“We assure the marine industry and general public that Queensland’s floods have not affected our planning or inquiry rate at this point and are on track to again produce a world-class event.”

President Monte Carlo Yachts, Carla Demaria will be guest speaker at the Marine Industries breakfast on Friday May 20, a ticketed event open to the public.

Confirmed exhibitors are from around Australia, New Zealand and USA with many imported brands represented by Australian agents.

Other displays include Rivergate Alley, exhibiting at the Superyacht Pavilion with a range of marine services including a shipwright, trimmer, engineer, painting, mechanic and a yard.

For information regarding exhibiting and tickets phone 5577 6011 or www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

Festival time at 1770

The Captain Cook Festival has been an annual event for 18 years commemorating the landing of Lt James Cook on May 24, 1770;  held on the foreshores of Town of 1770 on the Discovery Coast.

It won Most Significant Event in the Zonal Tourism Awards for three consecutive years and inducted into the Tourism Hall Of Fame for Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg Tourism Regional Area.

The year the HMB Endeavour replica will visit on May 18 with the art show opening that night, continuing until Sunday afternoon.

Saturday May 21 is the main Festival Day commencing with a street parade, Welcome Dance by Gooreng Gooreng dancers, reenactment of Cook’s landing, kids and youth activity tents, rides, food and markets, theatre skits, bar and live entertainment, plus fireworks at night.

Tourism Queensland Ambassador Ben Southall ( Best Job in the World) will embark from the site in a kayak on the “Best Expedition in the World”.

On Sunday the Family Fun Day has stalls, kids activities and entertainment.

Captain Cook 1770 Festival is sponsored by Gladstone Regional Council, Events Queensland Program and Ergon Energy.

Plane Pull? What’s a Plane Pull?

Here is what is involved in a Charity Plane Pull.  Teams of 10 maximum, aged over 18, will attempt to pull a DC3 aircraft 20 metres in the fastest time.  Pulling is just like having a tug-of-war without the opposition pulling back.  Entry fee is $150 and teams have to raise a minimum of $500 to compete.

You can take part in a Plane Pull during the 2011 Wide Bay Australia International Airshow on Sunday August 14 in Bundaberg with all funds raised going to the Leukaemia Foundation of Queensland.

 
Prizes – Fastest Pull Time - $1500 to the charity or community group of your choice

2nd Fastest Pull Time - $500 to the charity or group of your choice

Highest Fundraiser - $1,500 to the charity or group of your choice

2nd Highest Fundraiser - $500 to the charity or group of your choice.

How to enter – Find a team sponsor (not compulsory); designate team captain or co-ordinator, name your team, decide if you want to participate in the fund raising;  register (entry form on www.widebayairshow.com.au.              Pay entry fee of $150 which will include a team photo; gather your team (maximum 10, no minimum) aged over 18;  each team must contain at least two women.

 

For more information phone Pat Hooper 41 51 6894

Dr Tafe Safaris

Join marine biologist Dr Tafe and discover the delights of Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands.

Based at Brisbane’s bayside Victoria Point, Dr Dennis Tafe escorts one, two and three day 4WD safaris to his “classroom” of the picturesque bay and its beautiful sand islands.

Dr Tafe Safaris range from a day tour to North Straddie (Stradbroke), including morning tea, lunch and pick up from the Brisbane CBD or Cleveland Point to a three day adventure taking in both North Stradbroke and Moreton Islands, including snorkelling and 4WD’ing along pristine beaches.

Dr Tafe holds a Master of Science in marine science, and described 14 new species of marine animals in Moreton Bay as part of his PhD in marine biology. He also runs special educational biology field trips for students and nature lovers of all ages.

Texans – come on down!

US visitors who want more than ever to visit Queensland after Oprah’s fantastic coverage will now find it easier when new flights between Brisbane and Dallas commence in May.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor said Qantas will introduce four services a week between Fort Worth International Airport and Brisbane, adding more than 1200 seats per week.

“This is fantastic news and a real boost to the tourism industry when we need it most,” he said. “ Oprah Winfrey’s show is watched by 40 million US viewers who have now seen just how much our beautiful state has to offer.”

The Dallas-Brisbane service will use a Boeing 747-400 and prevent the need for a Los Angeles stopover. Dallas is one of the world’s largest and busiest airport with more than 56 million passengers, 17 airlines and 188 destinations.

Mr Lawlor said last year China Southern airlines commenced services between Guangzhou and Brisbane three times a week, opening the route up to a potential 3600 Chinese visitors per month.

The Town of 1770 remembers Cooks landing.

Captain Cook 1770 Festival will be held at the  Town of 1770 from  May 21-22.


This weekend festival in commemorates the first landing of the Endeavour and Lt James Cook in Queensland.

The Captain Cook 1770 Festival will be held May 21 to 22, in  the Town of 1770 , the site of the first landing of Cook and his party.

Saturday is the festival’s main day and features live entertainment until 10.30pm, including a re-enactment of Cook’s landing by a local amateur theatre company and a fireworks display. Sunday is a family fun day for the children.