Queensland

Need a break from the salt and sun? If downward dogs and sun salutations are your thing, the Gold Coast is overflowing with quality yoga and pilates studios to give you an indoor workout. Essence of Living in Mermaid Beach is renowned for their mind-clearing and core-strengthening yoga, pilates and barre classes.

There's no shortage of beaches, parks, bike tracks and walkways on the Gold Coast, but for all of the above, you can't get much better than the Burleigh Esplanade. If you kick off from North Burleigh Surfing Club, you'll have a 3km stretch to do some people-watching, dog-patting, beach admiring, and some exercise too (if that's your thing).

I'm not a big fan of horse riding but this experience is one not to miss! It starts with a little trek on horseback through the bushes until we arrive to a beautiful beach. Whilst on the beach, we get to ride on the sand until we are asked to unsaddle and get in the ocean riding the horse bareback. You can feel the horse enjoys this moment as much as you do!

A big fast and sleek boat gets you right out to the outer reef for clearer water and better coral. A huge pontoon is your base for snorkelling, diving, and semi-submersible boat rides. We loved the fish and the otherworldly looking reef. Friendly crew, tasty buffet lunch, and an easy and enjoyable day out. We also tried the scuba diving, a bit challenging but truly an amazing experience.

We sailed out there on a Wave Dancer, a big sailing catamaran. The island is just awesome. It is just a cute little tropical island with a lighthouse on it surrounded by coral reef. We did the island walk, the semi-sub boat ride, and went snorkelling. The water is not as clear or deep as the outer reef but it was nice and calm and we saw turtles! The sail back after a busy day was perfect with the rainforest hills in the distance.

We drove up ourselves rather than getting a tour and had a great day out. They say it is where the rainforest meets the reef as the mountainous rain forest drops into the ocean to meet the Great Barrier Reef. Huge trees packed into a lush forest, white sandy beaches, and stunning ocean views, we loved it. It in not likesome theme park, this definitely felt like the real thing. We recommend doing a walk or two as well.

We found Mossman Gorge a really nice and authentic way to get a in and amongst a rain forest. The walking trails took us through a real wonderland of trees and ferns. The actual Mossman River is unbelievably clear and seems to be perfectly set in the thick forest covering the hills. The visitor centre is very well done and we enjoyed our lunch with a view of the forest. Don't forget your bathers if you are a good swimmer for a dip in the…

We were at Surfers Paradise in time to see people practicing for a world competition. Really impressive. So we wanted to try it. We actually just paddled around on boards in gentle waves but it was nice to imagine...

We saw mobs of kangaroos in zoos and in the wild all along the coast. When we got close the joeys would climb in the moms' pouches. But these weren't little babies. Large hopping animals that seemed they were almost half as big as the moms would jump in head first. Then their legs would protrude like sticks out of the moms' pockets. Very strange.

This is one of the best places to see Australian wildlife: koalas, kangaroos, emus, cassowaries, lorikeets. It has lots of interactive experiences, from feeding reptiles to cuddling koalas.

The marine life here truly is amazing, from schools of colorful little fish to really large fish, turtles, rays, eels, and more. We went out on a boat but didn't have to go deep to appreciate the coral itself and all the animals it supports. If you don't dive you can book a glass bottom boat ride to see these creatures without getting wet.

We visited the City Botanic Gardens on the northeast side of the river and walked across a pedestrian bridge to the South Bank Parklands, then back across another bridge to the Queen Street Mall pedestrianized shopping area. It's like one continuous city park, with beautiful trees and flowers, peaceful walks and nice river views. South Bank has Streets Beach, a huge man-made chlorinated lagoon with sandy beaches. Better than the ocean!

Port Douglas is great for riding bikes. The particular stretch of Four Mile Beach is great during low tide when the packed sand is almost like pavement, good for biking, with nice views of the ocean.

Catch some sun and get a bit of exercise while making the trek around the Brisbane River Loop , I personally love to walk it at night and see all the wonderful flickering lights of the city . You can Bike ride,Scooter skateboard and run the 6.5km loop which takes you past and over iconic Brisbane bridges and past great food eateries near Eagle Street Pier and Story Bridge Hotel

You can sit and watch the koalas for hours. Relaxing! They eat bamboo, they sleep, they cling to trees in the oddest positions. At times an animal docent will bring them out so you can touch the fur. Walk among emus and kangaroos. At lorikeet feeding time, these rainbow-colored birds will land on your hands, shoulders, head. Lots of great animal interactions and photo ops.

Everyone does this when in Cairns and, honestly, you'll be a fool not to. I mean, what's not to like about snorkelling in crystal-clear waters alongside thousands of tropical fish, sea turtles and the odd reef shark. Loads of different tours depart from the marina so just go with the one that grabs your attention the most.

What a journey this was! We rented a 4WD in Cairns to drive up to Cape Tribulation and were told about the Bloomfield Track when there. It's a narrow dirt road with steep climbs and switchbacks that crosses croc-filled rivers, passes waterfalls and links up with secluded beaches. Basically, a nature-lovers delight.

Taking a cruise along the Brisbane River or a bike ride along one of the fantastic bike paths or a walk along the kangaroo point cliffs are my favourite things to do in Brisbane. The river is a beautiful asset to the city and no trip is complete without experiencing it.

Wander around the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art then have coffee or lunch in the water mall.

A beautiful island only 40 minutes by ferry from the mainland. See dolphins and turtles swimming in the waves. Camp on the beach right in the dunes and picnic on seafood from the local fisherman.

The river is the lifeblood of Brisbane city. A cruise whether a planned tour, city cat or the free ferry offers visitors an insight to Brisbane life.

With the weather in Brisbane sunny most of the year, it is ideal for outdoor activity. You can hop on your bike, pack a picnic and enjoy the winding bike trails that meander past creeks which have an abundance of birdlife and native animals. The Kedron Brook trail goes all the way to Nudgee Beach.

Wow, the best regional produce all showcased on the biggest weekend of the year. Taste delicious food from around our region along with our local wines. Plenty of activities for the kids as well.

Come early and have an early lunch before the crowds. Bring a blanket and enjoy live entertainment and awesome people watching.

Each year in September, Brisbane Festival opens a portal to intrinsically artistic, creative wonder. With more than 60 events and star-studded lineups of international visionaries, local legends and Australian heroes, this Festival is only moving from strength to strength. It's hard not to immerse yourself in the arts when the entire city is saturated in it!

It sounds like a cliche activity, but it really has to be done if you're ever in the vicinity of the Great Barrier Reef! You'll feel totally at peace, bobbing around on top of the reef (or diving a little further down if you're the adventurous type), and the coral, aqua water, and sea life absolutely do need to be seen up close at least once in your life.

Every time I get visitors from other cities, I find the best way to show them around Brisbane is via the city cycle! We have great, safe bike lanes that go along the river and cross into South Bank. It's such a nice, fun and easy route. It's also something you can't really do in Sydney, there is too much traffic!

if you feeling like you need to let off some steam, the best thing to do is take yourself to the driving range. It is also such a work out even though you think there is not much movement involved. It might take a while to warm up but once you get the swing of things.

The city lights reflecting on the water, and the calm of the night is incredible. It's a really simple night, pull out a bottle of bubbly, bring a picnic rug, blanket and a couple cheeses and crackers and you have a perfect night.

GOMA is literally the best. It's constantly updating its exhibitions with exciting new art pieces and things to do. Whether its screenings of classic horror cult films, collaborating with Opera Queensland, installing giant slides or covering its walls with the craziest most fascinating pieces of art, GOMA constantly shocks, delights and engages people of all ages.

One of my all time favorite things to do in Brisbane is attend the Ballet. Since Li Cunxin (The Mao's Last Dancer) was appointed Director of the company, the shows have become breath taking. So far this year I have seen Swan Lake and Raw, and cannot wait to see Peter Pan for the second time. If you love ballet or think you might like it, QLD ballet does not disappoint

The views of the sandbars from the hill inlet tour are indescribable. You are then able to go down and swim/walk/swim the ins and outs of the tide. It is by far the most beautiful beach and unique experience I have had in the world (not just Australia)!