Posts Tagged ‘queensland’

Discover Gold Coast Accommodation Broadwater, Enjoyable Break In Gold Coast, Australia

December 8th, 2010

Broadwater, on Australia’s Gold Coast is a shallow estuarine body of water, which reaches from the suburb of Southport to the southern portion of Moreton Bay. Broadwater, which is also called Southport Broadwater, and Gold Coast Harbour, is separated from the Pacific Ocean by South Stradbroke Island. Originally Broadwater was a lagoon, formed by the waters of the Nerang River, which flows into the sea between between The Spit and South Stradbroke Nature Reserve. This short article examines Gold Coast accommodation Broadwater options.

Queensland’s Gold Coast is found in the south eastern corner of the state between Brisbane and the New South Wales border. The 55 kilometre coastline has many long, surfing beaches facing the Pacific Ocean, and the hinterland extends up into the beautiful and scientifically important rain forest regions of the Great Dividing Range.

The Nerang River originally formed a lagoon at the point where it joined the sea, and over time this lagoon has become opened to the sea, and has become tidal waters (an estuary, in other words). The shallow Broadwater estuary extends from Southport in Gold Coast as far as South Moreton Bay National Park. The Spit, and South Stradbroke Island lie between Broadwater and the ocean. Access to the ocean is in through two channels: Jumpinpin channel is to the north side of South Stradbroke Island, and there is another channel between the South Stradbroke and The Spit.

The Gold Coast suburbs of Paradise Point and Biggera Waters lie on the landward side of Broadwater. There are many good accommodation options in these areas. From here you can look across Broadwater to South Stradbroke Island, which is reachable by ferry, and to The Spit. The Spit is joined to the mainland, and is accessed by Main Beach Parade or Waterways Drive.

South Stradbroke is a mixture of rain forest, wetland and sand dune terrains, and many different and interesting forms of wild life can be found here. Two species of wallabies live here, Agile and Golden Wallabies. Be aware that they are quite tame, and noted for thieving food from campsites. Tourism on the island is important. There are quite beaches on the western side facing Broadwater, and good surf beaches on the eastern side, facing the Pacific.

Sea World oceanarium, marine mammal park and theme park is found on The Spit. Families visiting Sea World might choose to stay at Sea World Resort, which is right next to Sea World. Package and special deals can often be found combining entry to Sea World, and accommodation at the resort.

On the landward side of the Gold Coast Broadwater it should be easy to find accommodation in hotels, or in self catering apartments in suburbs such as Biggera Waters and Paradise Point. Many visitors find that self catering apartments are a good choice. There is usually a choice of one, two or three bedroom apartments. Residents can expect a fully equipped kitchen and facilities for laundry.

Most apartments blocks have a swimming pool, and a barbecue area for the use of their guests, and many complexes are built in landscaped, tropical grounds. Near Broadwater two good places to stay are Blue Waters Resort, and Bayview Beach Apartments. Blue Waters is directly opposite from Sea World, while Bayview is on the beach in Southport.

Chris Meade is definitely an enthusiastic and routine article author on Gold Coast accommodation alternatives in inns, resort hotels and apartments all over this outstanding section of Australia. Most people will find his content articles informative as well as diversified.

How To Be Cheap By Using Gold Coast Accommodation Packages

December 7th, 2010

If you are booking your next holiday travels, then you should think about using gold coast accommodation packages. When you can find the right package, you have the option of saving lots of money and getting a great deal.

There are many different kinds of packages that you can pick from. They range from family packages to special couple package options. If you are in a family and are looking for a package deal then you can find what you are looking for. There are also many couple packages available for anyone looking for a romantic getaway.

For a family fun package, you may find one that features many necessary parts of a holiday. Things like; hotel and flight as well as rental car and food plans. If you are interested in the entire package, then you will find that some holidays provide you with all of it. However, if you are only looking for two or three of these items, you can find packages to match your desired need.

Couples can benefit from the many advantages of booking couple packages. You may make use of the complete booking of the air, transportation and food, as well as many other couple activities. Some golf resorts offer unique couple packages where you can save money on your hotel room and golfing rates. That can mean that your money is better put to use, by saving money on both accommodation and entertainment.

Most people like using packages, because they can help plan out a holiday. If someone can get all of their holiday features in one set package, it not only saves money, but it can also save the hassle of looking for individual items needed for a good vacation. If you do not want to bother with looking up flight deals, and then hotel rates along with car deals and food, then you could just find a deal that has everything you need.

These special deals can be found when you search for them. There are many different kinds and types available to everyone. All you need to have with you is a desired date of departure and arrival, then you can search for the perfect vacation. You may have several to choose from and will pick a package based on a certain feature or departure date.

Last minute deals are still available with package vacations. If you want even more savings on your holiday, you can try waiting until a few days before your time off starts, then you can choose from a list of last minute deals. These last minute specials will promote package units that are designed to save you time and money.

The right Gold Coast accommodation packages are available for you to find and use. They can make any holiday more pleasant by giving you everything you want all in one place. It can be handy to find all of your vacation needs put together in a package for you, and it usually saves you some money as well. For a great holiday that is full of money saving ideas, you could try discovering the benefits of an accommodation that also includes a package.

Chris Meade is in fact an enthusiastic and frequent journalist on Gold Coast accommodation options in motels, vacation rentals and apartments all through this extraordinary part of Australia. People will find his expert articles helpful and also diversified.

Brisbane Accommodation Guide & Help For Visitors

November 15th, 2010

It’s more likely than not that an attempt to cook up a Brisbane accommodation guide will turn into a nice fat book. Brisbane is Australia’s 3rd biggest city and the capital of Queensland. As such, there are any number of options for the millions who visit Brisbane every year, from 5-star hotels to Backpackers, motels and Bed & Breakfasts. There are also some more options, like farm-stays, apartment rentals and caravans.

For those in search of a cheap place to stay, the best option would be a Backpacker. The Roma Street Transit Centre has a lot of good ones close by in the area. But the better ones can be found in the South Bank and West End. The Backpackers and hostels in Fortitude Valley have a lot going too, as explained below.

The Backpackers in the West End are mostly better than the rest. They offer all the comforts of a good hotel suite, but without the price tag. This includes use of the kitchen, a swimming pool, game room with a bar, and wifi internet. They will even arrange transport for guests to the Transit Centre.

As for the more upscale options, many of the best hotels are to be found in South Brisbane. That is mostly because these hotels are required to support visitors Brisbane Convention Centre, QPAC, Kangaroo Point and other famous attractions. Business travelers might also be interested in checking out a few of the airport hotels, which are just as convenient and offer all the same facilities.

These are of course the extreme ends on the lodging spectrum. The posh hotels and resorts on one end, and the backpackers and YHA hostels are on the other end. In between there are a whole bunch of other options, including motels and bed & breakfasts.

Unconventional accommodation options for tourists include apartments and vacation homes. There are also luxury cottages and farm-houses available, for those willing to look beyond Brisbane City. Options in the Greater Brisbane area include Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast accommodations.

As for Fortitude Valley, it is one of the most visitor-friendly areas in Brisbane, with a sizzling nightlife and lots of pubs and entertainment. There’s no shortage of cheap accommodations, and it is convenient yet far enough from the commercial bedlam of Brisbane. Fortitude Valley offers direct train access from and to the airport, and it is just two stops from the Roma St station

For those who want to set off on an exploration of the outdoors and see all that Queensland has to offer, another option would be to rent a caravan and/or go camping. It solves both accommodation and transport issues, and yet is a whole lot cheaper than even budget hotels. This is even more so in case of an extended stay, or if there is a group to share the expenses. Note that apartments, cottages and cabins also offer the same advantage of price and value for lengthy stays and groups.

In summary, a Brisbane accommodation guide, not unlike the city itself, is a vast melting-pot with many choices. It all depends on the nature of the visit, and the budget. There are areas more suitable for business travelers and others better for pleasure seekers. From expensive 5-star hotels and sprawling resorts to bunk bed dorms, there’s something for everyone.

An expert on Brisbane Accommodation plus many other localised tourism subjects, Wayne Hockey is actually a desirable local identity. He has three children plus is at the same time a seasoned movie fan.

Excellent Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation Deals

November 12th, 2010

The beauty of nature is just a short hop from the excitement of some of Australia’s most popular beaches. When you stay in Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation you get to experience the best of both worlds at a reasonable price.

The hinterland is the place to stay when you want to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet of natural surroundings. You can spend days walking through heritage listed national parks, discovering wonders rarely seen. Or, put your feet up and listen to the musical sound of birds serenading the day.

The historic town of Canungra has reinvented itself. From its origins as a saw-milling town it is now a thriving hub for fine artists and crafts people. You can purchase paintings, pottery and other creations from the galleries. Or, you can spend a day touring the boutique wineries nearby.

Have you ever wondered what meeting a dinosaur would be like? Even though you won’t find these in the Green Mountains you will be able to see and hear species of bowerbird and scrub-bird that have their genetic heritage in prehistoric times. The rare Antarctic beech tree also exists in this pristine environment.

The light from the glow worms that live in the cave at Natural Bridge fascinate adults and children alike. The luminous fungi that can be seen in summer are also amazing. It is hard to believe your eyes when you see some of the natural wonders this area has to offer.

Sample the local fare at the Tamborine Mountain markets. Sip your favourite blend of coffee in the cafes and admire the work of local artists. The quaint communities are a pleasure to explore. There are stunning views of the valley and coastline from many vantage points on the walking tracks through the National Park. You will find this idyllic spot hard to leave when your holiday ends.

The range of accommodation in the hinterland is almost infinite. With its idyllic settings it is a popular place for honeymoons and romantic getaways. But, it also caters to families and groups of friends.

This is an excellent location for a romantic escape. You can surprise your special partner with a weekend for two at a snug, luxury mount top villa. Or, choose from one of many boutique hotels and bed and breakfast places that will make your time together special.

For people looking for a bit of fun, bunkhouses and dormitory style lodgings can introduce new friends. These accommodations come at a great price too. You can provide your children with the experience of a life time by choosing to stay on a real working farm.

Gold Coast Hinterland accommodation offers the perfect place to get away and unwind from a busy, hectic schedule. You can enjoy the peace and quiet and if you’d like a little excitement it is only a short trip to the lively environment of the beachside suburbs.

If you are seeking a memorable family holiday, the Gold Coast hinterland accommodation choices will help to plan your trip. Finding a Gold Coast accommodation to meet your needs is as easy as an Internet search.

You Can Find The Best Accommodation In Gold Coast Towns

November 11th, 2010

You can find virtually any kind of accommodation in Gold Coast. There’s a wide variety of options available from youth hostels to motels to luxury self-contained apartments and resorts. There are many different areas within the city of Gold Coast. Your choice of accommodation will depend to a large degree on what you want to look out your window and see and what you want to be able to get to quickly.

Surfers Paradise is a suburb that has many high-rise apartment buildings and a wide surf beach. Cavill Avenue, is one of the busiest shopping strips in Queensland, and the centre of activity for night life. Night life here goes on til morning and there are plenty of clubs, bars and adults-only playgrounds to keep the party animal partying.

By day, Surfers Paradise is a popular spot for families with its clean, safe, patrolled swimming beach. The beach is marked with flags that even small children can quickly learn to recognize. Red & Yellow Flags indicate that this area is safe for swimming. A plain yellow flag indicates dangerous conditions. Plain red flags indicate that the beach is closed. Red and black checkered flags indicate that sharks have been sighted. Blue flags mark the area designated for surf boards. Don’t swim there.

In spite of its being a very attractive and popular section of the Gold Coast Surfers Paradise does have some remarkably inexpensive places to stay. Several hostels for back packers are scattered about offering cheap lodgings in private rooms or dormitories. Some can be found in surprisingly desirable locations, close to the beaches and to shopping.

At the other end of the spectrum you can pay a thousand dollars a night to stay in an ultra luxurious high rise sub penthouse with spectacular view from every window. For the same price you can rent a magnificent five bedroom house that’s furnished and landscaped to look like a dream. Between that luxury and the back packer hostel there is something for everybody else.

Although many people feel they have seen all there is to see once they have arrived at Surfer’s Paradise they might be surprised to learn how much more the Gold Coast has to offer. When you are ready for something completely different you might investigate the Hinterland and the Scenic Rim. Far from the beaches and nightclubs you will find rainforests and wineries and miles of wilderness.

Far, but not too far, from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise with all its tourist attractions the Hinterland is a quiet, mellow kind of place. There is no end of scenic beauty, much of it lovingly maintained in an astonishing number of National Parks and reserves.

This region offers a wide variety of interesting accommodations. You can find hostels, caravan parks, cabins, bed and breakfast inns, rustic lodges, luxurious resorts and campgrounds. A traveler can enjoy lodgings that are as close to nature as he or she wants to be.

Surfers Paradise and the Hinterlands are just two of the wonderful areas that visitors to the Gold Coast love to explore. But there are many others such as Coolangatta with its wonderful surfing beaches and beautiful scenery. And Burleigh Heads with its famous tubular surf hosts many international surfing competitions. Broadbeach is where the Kurrawa Surf Life Saving Club hosts the annual Surf Lifesaving contests. Every area has exciting things to see and do and accommodations to provide comfort and convenience during your stay.

Bailey Jamieson is really a ardent and widely used blogger on Gold Coast accommodation choices in lodges, rental accommodations and flats all through this spectacular section of Australia. Everyone will find his content articles useful and diverse.

Advice To Find The Perfect Brisbane Accommodation Motels

November 8th, 2010

Taking a trip to a new and exciting area is a great way to learn and relax at the same time. However, some people may make mistakes when they are searching for a place to live and that excitement can drop down to being boring. That is when a person needs to know what kind of questions to ask in Brisbane accommodation motels. When they know the questions to ask an individual can find locate the best one for the needs they have which can guarantee an exciting trip.

One way is to see how far away the motel is from the attractions that are in the area. Knowing this information can help a person determine if they need to utilize a taxi, rental car, or if they can walk. However, this can also help them determine if they are going to be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of a vacation or if they will have the loud noise of constant traffic from the attraction.

Another question to ask if what types of restaurants are within walking distance. Many times after a person gets done with a day out of the motel they will not have much energy to walk around. So they should ask what kind of restaurants are within a close walking distance and then they can come back to the motel and walk only a short distance to get a great meal.

Another way to find the perfect one is by looking at what kind of amenities are being offered. People may want to have certain features at the places they are staying in. So a person needs to find out what kind of amenities are available at the place and compare them to the surrounding places before committing to any one location.

The cost of the motel needs to be looked at as well. If the cost is to high a person could notice that they are not going to have fun because they cannot afford to do certain things. So they need to ensure that the cost is acceptable to the budget they have set up.

Room size needs to be looked at as well to ensure that all the people can stay inside of the room. When traveling it is often with a family or group of friends. The problem that some people can run into though is that the rooms are not large enough. So a person needs to ensure that the rooms are large enough to accommodate all the people they want to put into it.

At times since a person may not be going to an area they know much about they need to know if the staff can answer the questions they have. So a person needs to evaluate if the staff will be capable of answering the questions about the features or area that come up that a person has.

Being able to travel is a wonderful thing to do. However, for some people they may not have a great time because the choose the wrong place to stay in. That is when they need to realize how to locate the perfect Brisbane accommodation motels. When they know how to do this they can see that the trip they are taking is more enjoyable than they ever thought possible.

An expert on Brisbane Accommodation plus some other regional travel themes, Wayne Hockey is known as a popular regional identity. He is also a keen golf player and part time volunteer for different community enterprises.

Where To Go With Brisbane Accommodation Specials

November 8th, 2010

In Brisbane, you can find over forty hotels that are located within and around the city. Brisbane accommodation specials will offer from five star luxury accommodation to more affordable and intimate establishments, depending on the requirements. These are most suitable for business people that will be closely located to the central business district and for families who are there to enjoy local activities and sightseeing. For these families, there are self-catering establishments that allow for the family to supply and cook their own food. This is often cheaper than a full-board venue.

Conference rooms available at many hotels are suitable for corporate breakaways. The hopeless romantics can make their wedding into fairytale tale wedding at these hotels, breathtaking views and surroundings makes it perfect. Brisbane also boasts a very entertaining nightlife for the outgoing and partygoers. Nightclubs, casinos, tours, pubs and restaurants are top of the range. Shuttle services are available to transport you to all locations.

You can find corporate and boutique styles of hotels. These are suitable for both business and leisure travelers. This would be situated in and around south Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, Wooloongabba and West End. You can find five star retreats and resorts in Boondall, Moreton Island, Mount Ommaney, Lockyer Valley and South East Queensland County.

Places of interest and things to do are unlimited. You can go have a look at how sheep are being sheared, or hand feed a kangaroo. Alternatively, you can create an amazing memory by having your photo taken while holding the very rare koala. Young ones would enjoy bottle-feeding the baby lambs. Hundreds of wildlife species could be seen at the zoo. To mention a few is wombats, Tasmanian devils, dingoes and even the most venomous snakes in the world.

The adventurous can deep-sea dive at Flinders Reef. The romantics can win their sweethearts heart with a cruise on the river and candle lit dinner on the boat. Amazing sights can be seen from a hot air balloon in the morning while enjoying a delicious breakfast and a glass of champagne.

There are plenty ultimate extreme sports available for the adventurous spirits. You could go tandem skydiving, bridge climbing and view the city and surrounds with a night climb with a spectacular three hundred and sixty degree panoramic view.

Many families love to enjoy the fun and adventures with canopy tours or treetop walks. For the ultimate in relaxation, you could enjoy a Gold Coast canal cruise while sipping on a cold one. Surfers Paradise has what is believed to be the best waves in the world.

To end you magical holiday, you may take a boat ride into the blue ocean. People love feeling the air fill their lungs and the wind in their hair while watching whales up close. Whether it is for work, pleasure, romance, family time or just a fun getaway, people come to Brisbane for unforgettable times. Brisbane accommodation specials are available all year round.

An expert on Brisbane Accommodation plus other local travel related themes, Wayne Hockey is known as a popular local personality. He is also an enthusiastic industry representative and part time volunteer for quite a few community enterprises.

Choosing Gold Coast Hotel Rooms Near Theme Parks

November 4th, 2010

If you are heading out for a family vacation to the Gold Coast, then you are definitely very excited and eager to begin your journey. There are a lot of different things to consider when choosing where to stay, so you should see what appeals the most to you. Finding gold coast accommodation near theme parks has its pros and cons that you should be aware of before booking your rooms.

First of all, the cost of a vacation can quickly add up before you even realize how much you have spent. There are the plane tickets for everyone, the car rental in order to get around easily, and all of the food that you will need to eat. Because you will most likely be eating in restaurants, food is going to be much more expensive than you would spend at home.

The activities that you will do while you are there is yet another expense and so is the place that you will stay. If you look for somewhere near the most popular attractions, than it is only to be expected that they will cost more as well. Everyone wants to be as close by as possible, so these hotels know that they can charge a lot more per night than other places.

Another negative thing to note about these places in that they are not the perfect choice if you are a sensitive sleeper or very picky about keeping to your schedule. The parks are open early in the morning and close late at night, so it will probably be loud outside your room at all hours.

People generally like to get an early start to the parks so that they can enjoy the shorter lines and they can make the most out of their day. There are also people who will be up late enjoying these places until they close. If you are a light sleeper, you might be disturbed by the other tourists around you that operate on different time schedules.

There are a lot of advantages to staying in one of these places, too, of course. If you are within walking distance, then you can easily go to and from the park whenever you want. You will not be caught in traffic on your way to this popular spot as everyone else also makes their way in and you will not have to look for a parking spot either. You will get there as quickly as possible and spend more time there than if you had to travel in.

You will also have more flexibility about what you bring with you or not as you walk around all day. If you want another snack or an extra sweatshirt, you can simply go to your room and get it instead of planning in advance or carrying it around all day.

If you can spend the extra money, then it might definitely be worth it to look for Gold Coast Accommodation near theme parks. As long as the noise will not bother you, then you will probably enjoy being in such close proximity and maximizing your vacation time spent in the parks instead of on the way.

Cornelia Kenneally is considered to be a ardent and recurrent commentator on Gold Coast accommodation alternatives in lodges, resorts and flats all through this impressive part of Australia. Anyone will find his guides helpful and also diverse.

Find Best Melbourne Accommodation 5 Star In Lively, Cosmopolitan Vacation Destination

November 2nd, 2010

Melbourne is the vibrant, cosmopolitan capital of the Australia state of Victoria. This short Melbourne Accommodation 5 Star article surveys some luxury hotels in Melbourne’s city centre. All these hotels: the Windsor, the Langham and Crown Towers are well placed for visitors wishing to experience some of the cultural, artistic and sporting attractions of this great Australian city.

Melbourne is the second largest city in Australia, and the capital of the state of Victoria. The city is an important commercial centre, but it is more well known as a cultural and sporting location. It is a cosmopolitan city, and every year it plays host to major international sporting events including the Melbourne Cup (horse racing), the Australian Open (Grand Slam Tennis), the Australian Grand Prix (motor sport) and Test and One Day International Cricket matches.

Australia’s TV and film industries were both founded in the state of Victoria (the first ever feature film was actually made here), and that movie legacy is celebrated by ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) which is in Federation Square in the city centre. Admission to the main displays at ACMI is free, and the exhibits include historic film posters and publicity shots from around the world, as well as from Australia cinema and TV.

Much of the growth of Melbourne to its present day prominence occurred because of the discovery of gold in the state. In the Victorian era Australia was the largest gold producer in the world, and became one of the largest and most important cities in the British Empire. During that era of prosperity the Grand Hotel was built in central Melbourne (now the Hotel Windsor), and its guests included all the politicians, businessmen and celebrities of the day. (In fact the Australian constitution was drafted here in 1898)

The Windsor was opened in 1883, and is older than many of the most famous names in the hotel world (Ritz, Savoy, Waldorf-Astoria). After a period of decline, and the threat of demolition, it was saved by the intervention of the state government, who were determined to preserve this piece of Australia’s history. The hotel is now the only independent grand hotel in Australia.

The hotel has now been saved, and skillfully renovated and restored to its former grandeur. Guests can dine in the large salon (Parisian) styled dining room, or enjoy drinks in the historic Cricketers Bar, which contains memorabilia from over one hundred years of Australian cricket. At one time the Australian Test team were regular visitors to The Cricketers.

Another elegant hotel in Melbourne is the Langham Melbourne Hotel. This is on Southbank Promenade, just opposite the Central Business District (CBD). The Langham has extensive leisure facilities, including gymnasium, sauna and spa, and an outdoor heated swimming pool. The Langham’s restaurant (Melba restaurant) is named after Dame Nellie Melba the Victorian soprano, who came from the state of Victoria. The Melba serves exciting and varied cuisine using locally sourced ingredients, and locally caught sea food wherever possible.

Also on Southbank Promenade is the Crown Casino & Entertainment Complex. Crown Towers (five stars) is one of the three hotels in this modern complex. The Crown Towers’ 482 luxury bedrooms and suites are located across 43 floors, and rooms have views over the city, and over the Yarra River, and Port Philip Bay. Crown Towers, and the rest of the complex, offer a whole host of restaurants ranging in style from classic French to modern Australian. Besides the casino, the Crown complex also has many shops, bars, clubs and a cinema complex. Shops include top designer stores such as Versace and Prada.

John Theil is literally the average young Australian male and has grown up with almost everything which is iconically Melbourne. John is a well recognised contributor on various web based forums and is self employed from his Melbourne Accommodation arranging reports for a range of publishers.

Relaxing Holidays: Gold Coast Holiday Apartments For Visitors To Mermaid Beach Queensland

October 11th, 2010

Australia’s Gold Coast is a very popular destination with holiday makers from all over the world. This article looks at some attractions and some of the history of the Mermaid Beach area of Gold Coast city. The brief article also describes two Gold Coast Holiday Apartments which visitors to the area might stay in.

The Gold Coast resort area in in South East Queensland just south of the state capital (Brisbane). The area is separated from Brisbane by the waters of the Albert River, and is bounded to the east by the Pacific Ocean, and to the west by the mountains of the Great Dividing Range. The Lamington National Park is a World Heritage area located in this hinterland area. The city, or resort, stretches about 55 kilometres along the coast down as far as the border with New South Wales.

The Gold Coast is rightly famous for its long, surfing beaches, and for its sub-tropical climate. It also has many kilometres of waterways (over six hundred kilometres of natural and man made canals and waterways), and many holiday apartments are sited alongside these.

As well as surfing and swimming other sporting pastimes such as golf and tennis are popular with holidaymakers. There are forty golf courses in the area, and many hotels and apartment complexes have sports facilities such as tennis courts. There are also four national sports teams based in Gold Coast: ice hockey, rugby league, basketball and football (soccer).

The Mermaid Beach suburb is named after a British ship, HMS Mermaid. John Oxley, the explorer, landed here in 1823. He also discovered the nearby Brisbane and Tweed rivers.

Two explorers had been here before Oxley, but hadn’t landed. The famous explorer Captain James Cook sailed past here in 1770. Captain Cook seems to have noted some of the local dangers to shipping as he gave rather ominous sounding names to a couple of local landmarks: Point Danger and Mount Warning. Captain Matthew Flinders was the next European. His mission in 1802 was to chart the coastline north from the New South Wales colony.

Nowadays the area is more popular with holiday makers than with explorers and there are many hotels and apartment complexes. Low rise apartment complexes set in attractive grounds, or alongside canals or the beach are very popular with many visitors, including families with children.

In Mermaid Beach visitors could consider the Mermaid’s Turtle Beach Apartments. Turtle Beach is a low rise complex, and it set in its own landscaped gardens. For relaxation there are a sauna, many pools and spas, and for activities there are tennis courts, a putting green and a gym. Turtle Beach Apartments are 400 metres from the beach and 2000 metres from the shopping centre (Pacific Fair Shopping Centre).

Shaz Maisons Mermaid Beach is a close by alternative. This is another low rise complex, in a Mediterranean style of architecture. It is close to many beaches, the closest (lifeguard patrolled Nobby Beach) is only fifty metres away. Lively nightlife, Jupiter’s Casino and the Pacific Fair Centre are all close to Shaz Maisons.

Cornelia Kenneally is considered an eager and regular copy writer on Gold Coast accommodation options in inns, rental accommodations and flats all over this brilliant piece of Australia. People will find his reports enlightening and also diverse.