Queensland - Where Australia Shines

There’s no better place than Queensland to experience the best of Australia’s very special lifestyle. Queensland has plenty of sunshine, spectacular beaches, natural wonders and unique nature and wildlife. A holiday in Queensland is all about freedom, fun and full, active days.

Home to five World Natural Heritage Areas including one of the Wonders of the World the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is a big state with lots to see and do.

Queensland’s capital Brisbane is located 1200 kms north of Sydney, a short 90 minute flight. The Gold and Sunshine Coasts are only an hour drive from Brisbane, while tropical Cairns, 1700 kms to the north, is two hours flying time from Brisbane.

A modern, sophisticated city with world class shopping, dining, entertainment and cultural facilities, Cairns is also the gateway to the two World Heritage icons of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient Daintree Rainforests. The magical Great Barrier Reef is the only natural wonder visible from space and is an easy day trip from Cairns.

Explore the waterfalls, rainforests and crater lakes of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest in the Daintree. Take a hike, join a guided canopy walk tour, or climb aboard the historic scenic railway to the rainforest village of Kuranda. Visit Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park to learn about the culture and watch dance performances of Indigenous Australians before returning through the tree tops on the award-winning Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Set off on an early morning Hot Air Balloon ride for fabulous aerial views of the city and the surrounds with a champagne breakfast upon descent. Then for an excursion on the Quicksilver Cruise Liner including the Ocean Walker and the Seawalker Helmet Dive experiences which are simply exhilarating.

Located midway along the Queensland coast about 630 kms south of Cairns in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef is the Whitsundays, a stunning collection of 74 tropical islands! Hamilton Island, the largest inhabited island of the Whitsundays, offers glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, awe-inspiring coral reefs, fascinating flora and fauna, fine food and wines, and activities almost too numerous to mention.

A day trip on the Fantasea Cruise offers a tour of the Reefworld in a semi-submarine with an underwater viewing chamber. But the more adventurous can experience the magic of an Introductory or Certified dive with fully qualified dive instructors. 

Southern Queensland is home to the very best of Australia – the vibrant capital city Brisbane, World Heritage-listed National Parks including Fraser Island, and the stunning Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Soak up sophisticated Brisbane’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Explore it on a guided walk, bike in the City Botanic Gardens, cruise down the Brisbane River or laze next to the lagoons of South Bank. Visit the Queensland Cultural Centre or explore Fortitude Valley’s cafes and boutiques. For an adrenalin-pumping experience with great views of the city and its surrounds, try a bridge climb, abseil down Kangaroo Point Cliffs or go sky diving.

Learn to surf world-class breaks on the Gold or Sunshine Coast beaches. Rightly called the Disneyland of the South Pacific, Gold Coast is famous for its Theme Parks with the various characters and myriad rides. From Dreamworld with its thrilling rides to Sea World with its marine life wonders, from Warner Bros Movieworld to the splashtacular Wet’n’Wild Water World and the extreme waterslides at WhiteWater World.

A far cry from the thrilling rush of the theme park rides is a peaceful evening spent enjoying a Glowworm Night tour that includes a guided walk through the rainforest for viewing glowworms and star gazing.

Drive to O’Reilly’s situated in the centre of the cool rainforest of Lamington National Park, with spectacular panoramic views to the McPherson Ranges. Explore the many arts and crafts shops on Gallery Walk at Mount Tamborine. Enjoy wine tasting at the Canungra Valley Vineyards.

Add some unique adventure experiences, year-round sporting and cultural events, world-class accommodation and spa retreats and you’ve got the perfect holiday spot.

Come visit Queensland with Mercury Travels its where you’ll feel welcome and alive. It’s where Australia shines. And you’ll shine too, from the moment you arrive.

The Great Southern Touring Route: An Iconic Australian Self-drive Holiday

See some of Australia’s most spectacular sceneries and live some of its best experiences on a self-drive down the Great Southern Touring Route.

Geelong, an easy hour’s drive along the Princes Freeway from Melbourne, is the eastern gateway to the dramatic coastline of the Great Ocean Road.

It is also Victoria’s second largest city. One of the ‘must dos’ for any visitor to Geelong is to take a boat ride on, or a flight over, sparkling Corio Bay. The Geelong Waterfront has excellent restaurants and cafés with tables looking out over the water and the impressive display of colourful bollards telling the history of the city.

Torquay is Australia’s surfing capital as well as being the official start of the road. Surf World Museum tells the story of surfing in Australia and an all surfing-shopping precinct welcomes visitors year round.

The Great Ocean Road is one of the world’s great coastal drives; Conde Nast travel magazine says it is one of the top 20 journeys of a lifetime. Hugging the seaside on the south-west coast of Victoria, it passes through some of the most dramatic scenery in Australia, including the world famous Twelve Apostles.

The Twelve Apostles, the gigantic limestone rock stacks that rise majestically from the Southern Ocean are a ‘must do’. Boardwalks, viewing platforms and an interpretive centre make it easy to see and understand this truly awe-inspiring scenery.

For the best view a helicopter ride over the coastline to see all the magnificent limestone stacks is highly recommended.

The city of Warrnambool overlooks the deep blue of the Southern Ocean and has a long,

fascinating maritime history. These remarkable times are recaptured at the city’s major attraction, Flagstaff Hill, a recreated maritime village and port representative of 19th century

Warrnambool. Flagstaff Hill also features a spectacular sound and laser light show ‘Shipwrecked’ recreating the tragic story of the Loch Ard disaster more than 125 years ago.

There are more than 400 million years of history in the Grampians, the verdant mountains rising from the vast landscapes of the Western District plains. They are the setting for the largest collection of Aboriginal rock art in Australia.

The Brambuk Aboriginal Cultural Centre in Halls Gap provides a detailed insight into the culture of the original inhabitants of the region. A visit is one of the region’s ‘must dos’.

There are a number of waterfalls, the best known MacKenzie Falls, one of four in the

MacKenzie River Gorge. Spring, when it is framed by wildflowers, is the best time to

visit Beehive Falls, an easy walk from Roses Gap.

A walk at twilight, or even at night offers the chance to see some of the nocturnal native animals including owls, possums and koalas. More than 200 bird species live in the Grampians and kangaroos abound throughout.

Ballarat is the gateway to the Goldfields region. The city’s classic colonial architecture stretched out along broad, tree-lined streets reflects the riches taken from the ground after gold was discovered in the 19th century.

The city is also regarded as the birthplace of Australian democracy. Ballarat was the setting for one of just two civil uprisings in Australia’s modern history, the Eureka Rebellion. This battle between troopers and miners has left a stirring legacy in Ballarat.

Blood on the Southern Cross, a dramatic and fiery sound and light show, retells the story of the bloody uprising which killed 22 miners and four troopers, each night at Sovereign Hill - one of the finest tourist attractions in Australia. Constantly upgraded as a finely detailed recreation of a gold mining town, Sovereign Hill provides an interactive experience for visitors, allowing them to pan for gold or ride on a stagecoach.

The Great Southern Touring Route offers visitors the best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage – all in a flexible, compact touring package with Mercury Travels.

A magical journey down Australia’s Great Southern Touring Route

Journey through some of the most spectacular, enchanting and exquisitely different landscapes on a self-drive down the Great Southern Touring Route.

This magical journey through some of the most exciting, enchanting and exquisitely different landscapes in Australia is found in the south-west of Victoria, the nation’s smallest mainland state.

Marvellous Melbourne, the cosmopolitan capital with its dramatic towers, art galleries, restaurants and charming river, is a natural starting and finishing point.

The romance of the Great Ocean Road, with its rugged coastline, lush forests and overpowering sense of freedom, is an unforgettable experience. The road also links the major regional cities of Geelong and Warrnambool, both vibrant destinations in their own right.

The soaring mountains of The Grampians National Park have been the spiritual heartland of the Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years. Their ancient rock art is all part of the enriching experience of a visit to the Grampians.

Ballarat and its Goldfields are a heady mix of the romance and majesty of the 1850s gold rush and a whole range of modern treasures.

Native Australian wildlife abounds across the region, including kangaroos, koalas, platypus, native birds and Australian wildflowers.

Top 10 must do experiences


> The Great Ocean Road


1. Majestic Scenery: Drive the exhilarating Great Ocean Road, taking in highlights like the famous Bells Beach, the seaside towns of Lorne and Apollo Bay, and the dramatic coastline of the Shipwreck Coast, including the Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell and Port Fairy. The regions rich maritime history is recreated at Flagstaff Hill in Warrnambool.


2. Surf Culture: Torquay is the surfing capital of Australia with its beaches, surf museum and an all surfing shopping centre. It is also home to Bells Beach.


3. The Twelve Apostles: The icon of the Great Ocean Road coast, The Twelve Apostles are majestic limestone stacks rising up out of the ocean. They can be viewed from a helicopter or from a boardwalk for easy walking and great views.


4. Wildlife: Southern Right Whales come to Warrnambool’s Logans Beach each year between June and September to give birth to the calves. Other wildlife along the road includes koalas at Kennett River, Cape Otway and Tower Hill and the friendly mob of kangaroos on the golf course at Anglesea.


> Grampians


5. MacKenzie Falls: The roar of falling water and the magic of the rising mists are just part of the charm of these falls, one of four in the MacKenzie River Gorge.


6. Soaring Peaks: The centrepiece of Victoria’s Western District, the Grampians are three mountain ranges that rise majestically from the plains with their lakes and valleys. Rockclimbing, bushwalking and wildlife spotting are just some of the adventure activities available. The Grampians region is also home to some of Australia’s finest vineyards.


7. Rock Art: The Grampians contain some of the best examples of Aboriginal rock art in Australia. Visit Brambuk – The National Park and Heritage Centre to learn the story of these ancient works.


> Ballarat Goldfields


8. Gold!: The Ballarat Goldfields capture much of the spirit of colonial Victoria. When gold was discovered in the region in the mid 19th Century, it changed the state forever. The riches quickly turned Ballarat from a city of tents into a place of ornate buildings including the magnificent Art Gallery of Ballarat.


9. Ballarat Wildlife Park: Enjoy close contact with Australian native animals. Feed the free-roaming kangaroos.


10. Sovereign Hill: Re-creates the days of the goldfields, scene of one of just two civil up-risings in the history of Australia. Blood on the Southern Cross, an explosive light and sound show, tells the story of that battle.


The Great Southern Touring Route offers you the best of Australia’s natural attractions, coastal scenery, history and heritage – all in a flexible, compact touring package.

Amazing Australia

Australia is one of the most spectacular countries in the world. It encompasses the rocky red gorges in the North, the surf beaches in the East, the large stretch of the Great Barrier Reef in the North East, the snow covered mountain ranges in the South and lush vineyards in West. With an array of diverse experiences, an amazing culture and warm people, Australia is a fabulous holiday destination.
Queensland is famed for the pristine beaches of the Great Barrier Reef, the spectacular Whitsunday Islands, the theme parks at the Gold Coast, the bustling city of Brisbane, the salubrious atmosphere at Cairns, and of course, the glorious sunshine all year round. The Great Barrier Reef, the only natural world wonder visible from space, is your window to an amazing underwater world. Easily accessible from Cairns is the rainforest at Kuranda Village and the Tjapukai Park, which introduces you to aboriginal culture. While the serenity and tranquillity of Cairns charms you, the hustle and bustle of Gold Coast is sure to enthral you. Gold Coast is home to the theme parks - Dreamworld with the fastest and tallest rides in the world; Movieworld with your favourite movie experiences; and Seaworld with dolphin and shark shows.
New South Wales houses the Hunter Valley Wine Region and the Blue Mountains National Park, and has the charming city of Sydney as its gateway. Sydney, one of the world’s most spectacularly scenic cities, is located on the banks of the Darling river. It is home to the awesome Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, and Sydney Tower – the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere. Among the must-visit attractions are the Royal Botanical Gardens and the picturesque Taronga Zoo which houses over 3,000 animals.
Victoria seduces with its rolling green hills of the Yarra Valley, the famed Great Ocean Road, the fabulous Philip Island and metropolitan Melbourne. In the wine area Yarra Valley, you experience the local wines and also ride aboard the famed steam train - Puffing Billy, as it traverses a path of 24 kms through forests, fern gullies and rolling farmlands. Drive down the Great Ocean Road for some spectacular scenery and a breathtaking view of the ‘Twelve Apostles’ – huge stone pillars rising from the surf. A fabulous experience is a visit to Philip Island, a 3 hours drive from Melbourne. At Philip Island you could board the Wildlife Coast Cruises to Seal Rocks to see thousands of seals in their natural habitat. A visit to the Philip Island Nature Park introduces you to hundreds of small fairy penguins – a truly unforgettable experience! The Philip Island Grand Prix Circuit holds the 500cc motorcycle races and the World Superbike Championship. Experience the thrill of Go Karting or Hot Laps in a HSV Holden on these tracks. Of course, Melbourne is a charming metropolis, home to the Melbourne Cricket Ground, great food and amazing shopping.
South Australia is a patchwork of diverse experiences – from Flinders Ranges and the Outback to the Simpson Desert, from the wine making Barossa Valley to elegant Adelaide. Adelaide is a sophisticated city that has preserved its heritage and links with the past. It is a clean and gracious city close to some of the best metropolitan coastal beaches in Australia. Easily accessible from Adelaide is the fabulous Barossa Valley with its charming wineries, great wine tasting and delicious winery lunch! The rolling Adelaide Hills is dotted with quaint villages to Hahndorf, rich in German heritage and a delight to walk and browse along the main street. Western Australia includes white sand beaches, marvellous marine life and beautiful forest areas.
Tasmania, slightly cut off from the mainland, boasts of alpine waterfalls, dense rainforests, sparkling glacial lakes of Cradle Mountain, and gigantic granite peaks of the Freycinet Peninsula. Cradle Mountain, with its icy streams cascading from rugged mountains, calm lake waters and a wealth of wildlife, is truly incredible. Explore the Huon Valley, and visit the Tahune AirWalk as well as sample the local wine and cheese. Down the East Coast of Tasmania is the Freycinet National Park. At close quarters to the Park is Wineglass Bay, one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
Australia is truly a travellers’ paradise and a perfect destination for a holiday of a lifetime.

Cruising in Australia

On an island like Australia, water indulgences are found at every turn. In the Whitsundays you can bareboat charter your own yacht and take off to explore the islands and inlets. Or hire a skipper and a whole crew to cook for you and attend to your every need. Choose a spectacular cruise or a barefoot luxury adventure sailing between tropical islands and warm water reefs.

Enjoy the pleasure of sailing in Australia’s many harbours and tranquil bays. You can go champagne sailing at sunset or have lunch or dinner served while you cruise Sydney or Darwin Harbour or charter a yacht from almost any resort or island in Queensland to explore the coast or the reef at your own speed. Sleep on board listening to the sound of gentle lapping waves against the side of your boat. On inland rivers such as the Murray River you can hire a paddle steamer or captain your own houseboat and in the Margaret River region take a luxury cruise to the vineyards.

The Kimberley region of Western Australia is one of the last untouched wilderness areas on earth much of it only accessible by sea. Several adventure luxury cruises provide an amazing view of the Kimberley from a different perspective on luxury guided cruises on purpose built ships. Here, and in the Top End, luxury expedition cruises have onboard experts, speakers who can bring the voyage alive, as well as kayaks, canoes and helicopters on which to take off and explore these remote areas.

Whatever your preference, be it the slap of sail and creak of timber of a classic tall ship or the pleasures of luxury cruising, we have some of the most beautiful sailing and cruising destinations in the world. Australian cruises and charters will take you to magnificent tropical islands, white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, sheltered coves or idyllic calm sailing waters. The scenery is spectacular beyond words, the marine life is teeming with vivid colours and magnificent corals and also waiting to be explored are our red cliffs, rugged ranges and spectacular gorges.

Key facts
* The Kimberley wilderness of Western Australia is three times larger than England but with a population of just 30,000.
* There are 74 islands in the Whitsundays but only a handful have resorts on them.
* The Great Australian Bight is the largest indentation on the Australian coastline and is said to be the longest line of seacliffs – some up to 60 metres high in the world.
* The Bay of Fires in Tasmania was named by international guide book The Lonely Planet the world's hottest travel destination in 2009, described as a castaway bay with a 29 kilometres ribbon of sea and surf.
Discover the magical north-west of Western Australia in luxury and comfort and experience wilderness in surroundings more akin to one of the world’s most exclusive hotels on a luxury cruise aboard the True North. Cruise in luxury through the Kimberley Range gorges to the remote cattle station of El Questro and the thunderous King George Falls onboard this luxury cruise ship with its own helipad and onboard helicopter for aerial flights over waterfalls, gorges and remote wilderness.

Explore the Kimberley Coast, one of the last untouched wildernesses on earth. Wild and beautiful, it is one of the planet’s oldest and most awe-inspiring landscapes – much of it only accessible by sea – on one of a number of luxury adventure cruises including Coral Princess Cruises, Seven Star Cruises and the magnificent Orion Expeditions.

Cruise the Top End in comfort on an Orion Expeditions Cruise departing from Darwin or Broome. Visit remote locations on the stunning Gove Peninsula, the Arnhem Land coastline and see the magnificent Mitchell Falls on a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest, with onboard speakers and shoreside expeditions to areas that even most Australians don’t get to see.

Sail Darwin Harbour, the location for the movie Australia. Take in the glorious sunset and see the lights of Darwin and the night stars on a day, evening or overnight cruise on Darwin Harbour and its surrounding waters aboard Daymirri 2, a luxury 10 metre Seawind catamaran.

Treat yourself to a full or half day luxurious chartered sailing experience taking in the sights of majestic, world famous Sydney Harbour. Anchor for the night at Athol Bay where you’ll watch the lights of the city come alive and illuminate the Opera House – a truly memorable experience.

Sail Sydney Harbour at twilight, with the city framed by the Harbour Bridge- a magical experience aboard a luxury Beneteau yacht for just one couple plus the skipper. At sunset, the yacht is anchored in a secluded cove, a seafood dinner is served and then guests are left alone overnight to take in the tranquillity, the stars and the soothing sound of waves lapping the beach. After breakfast, the skipper returns and hoists sail for the return trip.

See the best of Sydney from the water when you charter a crewed private yacht on Sydney Harbour. Sail past the Opera House, under the bridge, by Taronga Zoo, visit Pittwater for a night, or slowly tack around Farm Cove and Rose Bay. Anchor overnight in a secluded bay in Sydney Harbour or set sail through the heads and explore Pittwater.