IN MY ACTIVE WEAR
WHAT’S ONE FOOL-PROOF WAY TO MAKE EXERCISE MORE APPEALING? SOME BRAND-SPANKIN’ NEW ACTIVEWEAR, OF COURSE!
Beat the heat in Japan
GATHER ’ROUND
THERE’S A FUN NEW WAY TO CRUISE THE GOLD COAST WATERWAYS AND IT COMES IN THE MOST UNIQUE FORM.
Most watercraft are streamlined and built for aerodynamics. But there’s a fleet of fun new circular (yes: CIRCULAR!) boats doing the literal rounds of the Gold Coast – and guests are having a whale of a time in them!
Coasting Around BBQ hire boats are affectionately known as “coasters”. These circular inflatable boats feature a large central table with interchangeable ice tray or barbecue station, surrounded by comfortable seating for up to 10 people. They are making waves for providing a unique floating group experience, perfect for birthdays, corporate team building activities or groups of mates just looking for some floating fun.
Coasters also feature a bluetooth speaker system, LED lighting and shade sail umbrella for on-water comfort. The coasters are self-drive, each with a 5hp Mercury outboard motor that allows any adult to be the skipper – no boat licence required. With the central barbecue, Coasting-Around offers guests the option of BYO food or they can arrange a catering package from a selection of local suppliers, on request. And of course, BYO alcohol is permitted provided you have a designated driver (who stays under 0.05).
There are three coasters in the fleet, able to entertain groups of up to 30 passengers at one time – book one or the whole fleet (fleet discounts apply).
Coasting Around boat hire operates throughout the beautiful Gold Coast waterways, with pick-up locations in Budds Beach, Surfers Paradise and Marina Mirage, Main Beach.
TOP SHOTS
THEY SAY AN IMAGE SPEAKS 1000 WORDS. IF THAT’S THE CASE, WELL, HERE ARE 2 MILLION OF THEM!
TrickPic is an amazing new 3D interactive photo opportunity attraction brought to the Gold Coast by the clever people behind the iconic Draculas.
Set over five levels, on Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, the TrickPic art-house gallery features amazing painted scenic art that invites visitors to actually appear as part of the ‘live’ scene. There are more than 30 interactive photo opportunities that feature a variety of special effects, such as optical illusions, animatronic movement with sound and interactive props. Visitors are encouraged to take as many snaps as they like, as they explore each themed levels featuring mirror maze madness, crazy Aussie culture, killer and cuddly creatures as well as other cool urban art scenes.
TrickPic presents world-first concepts as it celebrates the global craze of smart phone sharing on social media, allowing visitors to capture images and video of themselves as if they were actually a part of the scene. Clever scenic design puts visitors in spectacular locations, such as hanging upside-down from the Sydney Harbour Bridge while clinging to a steel span, crawling out of a giant spider’s nest or lying in the palm of a giant gorilla hand, 100m above the city!
The attraction is suitable for visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds with a variety of scenes that are designed to appeal to everyone from cool teens and international tourists, to young kids right up to their grandparents. TrickPic also caters for specialty events, such as kids’ parties, hen’s nights and corporate team building.
Destinations to add to your camping bucket list
Who says a trip abroad is the only cure for wanderlust? There are plenty of natural wonders and must-see destinations right here in our own backyard. Whether you’re planning a shorter Queensland getaway or a round-trip of Australia’s east coast in a van, here are the best places to park up and wind down.
QUEENSLAND
Carnarvon Gorge
In Central Queensland, there is a gorge so long and deep that Indigenous peoples believe a Rainbow Serpent must have carved it out. The most visited destination in Carnarvon National Park, Carnarvon Gorge includes a number of must-see sites, from the Ampitheatre to the Moss Garden, as well as many caves – which feature Indigenous rock art – and basins. Takarakka Bush Resort is the best place to be to explore all that Carnarvon Gorge has to offer.
Bowen
It wouldn’t be a Queensland travel bucket list without mentioning a town that sits right on the Great Barrier Reef, and beautiful Bowen is one of the best. Famous for fresh mangoes and crystal-clear water, this dry tropical town is perfect in summer or winter, seeing less rain than others in the Whitsundays. With the reef itself just a short distance away (Bowen is one of the only places where the coral is mere metres from the shore) and plenty of historic landmarks and natural attractions nearby, the Harbour Lights Tourist Park is the best place to set up camp.
Atherton Tablelands
An adventure in the northern Atherton Tablelands has everything: hikes through stunning scenery, rarely-seen animals, rich history and culture, plus craters, crystal caves and plenty of other geological wonders. But perhaps the most picturesque part of the Tablelands are its many cascading waterfalls and large natural rock pools – which one you float around in is up to you. The quiet, relaxing Atherton Halloran’s Leisure Park is the place to be to experience everything the Tablelands have to offer.
Looking for more? Check out Queensland’s wildest campsites, right here.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Oxley Wild Rivers National Park
With cascading waterfalls, stunning mountain-scapes and an abundance of river pools, it’s little surprise that Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is world heritage-listed – it looks like something on a postcard. Peppered with historic sites and panoramic lookouts, the national park is perfect for hiking, camping and even fishing, in the rivers that give the park its name. Set up camp at Aspley Falls campground, which offers scenic waterfall views and plenty of native wildlife.
Wollemi National Park
Another world heritage-listed national park, Wollemi is part of the Greater Blue Mountains region just a few hours north-west of Sydney. Soaring cliffs, lush forests and caves filled with glow worms are just some of the natural wonders you can expect at Wollemi, which lays claim to the title of New South Wales’ largest wilderness area. But, never fear – it’s a ‘wilderness’ but there are still powered sites for you to park your caravan and enjoy a night in these tranquil surrounds. Ganguddy, otherwise known as Dunns Swamp, is one such place. Perched on the banks of the Cudgegong River, it’s an ideal spot to watch the native wildlife at play – you might even spot a platypus.
Byron Bay
Beautiful Byron Bay is known worldwide as one of Australia’s ultimate seaside destinations, and after a stroll through its vibrant streets, a dip in the crystal water of its beaches or a look around the eclectic markets, it’s not hard to see why. Whether you’re catching a live act at the Byron Beach Hotel or enjoying being the easternmost person on the Australian mainland at the Cape Byron Lighthouse – even if it’s only for a moment – you’ll be glad to have stopped by this iconic town. Stay at Reflections Holiday Parks Clarkes Beach to be in the centre of it all.
VICTORIA
Great Ocean Road
People travel from far and wide to drive the famous Great Ocean Road. Stretching 244km between Torquay and Allansford, the road takes you past waterfalls, iconic surf breaks, wildlife reserves and the natural wonder that is the Twelve Apostles. Naturally, the Great Ocean Road Tourist Park is the ideal stop-off – not only is it a beautiful caravan park, but just 20 minutes from the Twelve Apostles and close to the ancient crater, volcanic landforms and abundant wildlife of Tower Hill, it’s perfectly positioned for those hoping to take their time travelling the Great Ocean Road.
Echuca
A visit to the riverside town of Echuca truly feels like a trip back in time. Hop aboard a paddle steamer at the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre and ride down the Mighty Murray River, or explore the historic buildings of the town’s High Street to really appreciate the legacies left behind by Echuca’s early residents. Car connoisseurs will love the National Holden Motor Museum, whilst avid golfers will relish a day on the greens of the nearby Rich River. At just 2.5 hours from Melbourne, the Echuca Holiday Park makes a great port of call for a city-to-country road trip.
Bright
Whether you visit in summer or winter, Victoria’s High Country town of Bright is a must-see destination. Avid hikers and cyclists use Bright as a base for exploring the peaks of Mount Buffalo National Park, but there is plenty to see and do in and around town, too. Once a prosperous rail and gold mining town, Bright is as rich in history as it is in natural beauty – the huge, decades-old oaks, elms, poplars and Japanese maples are an example of both. Spend a night at the Bright Holiday Park to soak up all of the history and beauty.
