Brisbane -

The Gold Coast, 70 kilometres south of Brisbane, is a bustling hot spot, sometimes referred to as Australia’s Miami. The glittering facades of high-rise buildings flank the beach and several theme parks provide entertainment. Life on the Gold Coast is about sun, sand, surfing and sailing. Only recently, in the last 50 years, did the Gold Coast skyrocket. A number of small towns bundled together and quickly formed Queensland’s second largest city.Especially those who enjoy being active will delight in the vibrant flair of Surfers Paradise, the Gold Coast’s centre. More than 70 kilometres of beach feature 35 celebrated surfing spots. Needless to say that nature’s extravagance is matched by first-class luxury hotels. Our recommendation goes to the extravagant Palazzo Versace: Australia’s only Fashion-Hotel. Designed by Donatella Versace, as the name suggests, the Palazzo radiates a modern, colourful flair. Brisbane, Queensland’s capital on Australia’s east coast, is another success story. Its origins traceable to a convict settlement, Brisbane metamorphosed into a provincial town and finally into the vibrant metropolis it is today.Brisbane is the economic and cultural heart of Queensland. No other Australian city has seen such a thriving development as Brissie, as Brisbane is affectionately called by the locals. The city folks live the good life in South Banks, on the Brisbane River. Countless restaurants, open-air cafés, bars and entertainment venues line the lively river promenade. The best shopping in Brisbane can be found either at the Myers Centre or the Queen Street Mall. Looking for some serene tranquillity? Just north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast is a sweeping stretch of pristine beaches and quiet seaside towns. No wonder, the Sunshine Coast is occasionally compared to the French Riviera. The Sunshine Coast is the Gold Coast’s complete opposite. One picturesque bay follows the next for 150 kilometres and most of the wide beaches are completely deserted. Travel the coast at your ease and stop at the popular seaside towns Mooloolaba or Mudjimba. Noosa is slightly larger and sometimes referred to as Australia’s St. Tropez. Stroll along the elegant promenade and explore the trendy boutiques, bars and cafés. Indulge in the carefree atmosphere, the beach setting and the perfect climate… Fraser Island is one of the area’s most stunning highlights and the world’s largest sand island. Inhabited by more than 300 bird species and 20 mammals, the pristine and unique ecosystem is protected by the Great Sandy National Park and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fraser Island can either be explored on a guided tour or with a 4x4 rental vehicle. All-wheel drive is strictly necessary; the roads on Fraser are merely sand tracks with the beach as the local highway. A ferry departs from Hervey Bay, arriving at the island approximately 45 minutes later. Fraser features a number of unusual attractions like the Coloured Sands or the Maheno Shipwreck. Several freshwater lakes are hidden at the centre of the island. The water having filtered through the brilliantly white sand, the lakes are crystal-clear and perfect for a refreshing dip. One of the most well known and beautiful lakes is Lake McKenzie. Fraser is diverse: drive along the endless beach, swim in the lakes or hike the rainforest. Despite the poor sandy soil, the island sports lush vegetation with soaring eucalyptus and acacia trees, palms, prehistoric ferns and striking Kauri trees. Incidentally, Hervey Bay is more than a ferry terminal. The gracious seaside town is famous for its superb whale-watching. The south of Queensland has it all and it is not surprising that the region is considered the Australia’s most popular holiday destination. The vibrant Gold Coast, the tranquil Sunshine Coast, stunning Fraser Island and stylish Brisbane – everything the traveller’s heart desires, ranging from immaculate sand beaches, pulsating nightlife and awe-inspiring nature! Brisbane and the south of Queensland are more than a single-sided seaside holiday! Pack the works: your bathers and snorkelling gear, camera and binocular, hiking boots and dinner dress. INTOSOL creates tailor-made holidays of a lifetime and Australia is the perfect raw material!

* price per person/week including flight