Gold Coast, Queensland

This is the world's largest sand island, situated a two-hour drive north of Brisbane. Fraser Island has a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes, and in 1993 it was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The island draws visitors wishing to explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them) which contain pure, acidic water that is so low in nutrients that few fish survive in them. The island, well-covered in vegetation, is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds. It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high as well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The island is 75 miles (120km) long and about nine miles (15km) wide, and can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Accommodation is plentiful on the island, in ecologically sensitive resorts.

Website : www.fraserisland.net

Billed as 'Australia's first fully integrated tourism resort' the Sanctuary Cove holiday resort is situated on 474 hectares in picturesque surroundings around four man-made harbours on the Coomera River. Sanctuary Cove is a gated community, but is open daily and entry is free. The holiday resort can be reached by road, north from Surfer's Paradise or south from Brisbane (exit 57 off of the Pacific motorway), or by water (cruises operate daily). The waterfront Marine Village contains more than 80 speciality stores, cafés and restaurants and visitors on holiday here can watch glass-blowing and opal cutting. The Sanctuary Cove holiday resort also contains a health and fitness centre, two championship golf courses, a 300-berth marina and a private country club. There are many major events held through the year such as the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (each May), golf tournaments and concerts.

Website : www.sanctuarycove.com

Formerly a small coastal resort town, the Surfer's Paradise holiday resort has blossomed into the pulsating heart of the Queensland Gold Coast. Set on a peninsula, about 50 miles (78km) from Brisbane, with the warm Pacific Ocean on one side and the deep blue Nerang River on the other, Surfer's Paradise is considered to be the holiday capital of Australia. Visitors throng here to holiday among the bright lights, shops, high rise resort hotels and attractions squeezed onto the finger of land that is surrounded by a 492-foot (150m) wide beach that stretches for almost six miles (10km) in each direction. Although now best known for its more glitzy attractions, Surfer's Paradise is also a popular surfing destination and deserves its name, though those keen to catch some waves should note that the breaks can get very busy.

Website : www.surfersparadise.com

Tamborine Mountain is inland from the Gold Coast, about 21 miles (34km) northwest of Nerang and about 40 miles (62km) from Brisbane. It is a popular scenic drive destination, as the area includes seven national parks featuring a variety of subtropical rainforest. Mount Tamborine itself rises 1,837ft (560m) above sea level. The main Tamborine National Park covers a large section of the mountain, offering walking trails through abundant rainforest and past waterfalls, with excellent picnic facilities. There are also numerous art and craft galleries in the area, several restaurants and a few wineries. Tamborine Mountain is the perfect excursion for those staying on the Gold Coast who want to experience more of Australia's natural landscapes than just the lovely beaches.

Website : www.tamborinemountain.net

This premier water theme park was recently voted Brisbane's best tourist attraction. Situated at Oxenford on the Pacific Highway, in 20 acres of tropical parkland, it incorporates a wave pool, children's pool, speed slide, toboggan ride and a variety of twisting slides, all supervised by fully qualified lifeguards. There are also barbecue and picnic facilities in the park, as well as a cafe and souvenir shop. A variety of combo tickets are available, including a combined pass to three of the big theme parks: Wet 'n Wild, Movie World and Sea World. Wet 'n Wild is open every day of the year except Christmas and Anzac Day, and the water is heated when necessary, ensuring a fun day out even in miserable weather.

Address : M1 Pacific Motorway, 12 miles (20km) north of Surfers Paradise and 31 miles (50km) south of Brisbane

Website : www.wetnwild.com.au