Festival & Events

While residents in Queensland?s Central Regions like to absorb local history with trips to local museums and heritage sites, those from the coast are much more interested in relaxing on the beach and exploring the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland?s top ten experiences, as indicated by its ?Local Gurus? are as follows: 1. The Beach ? with so many gorgeous beaches to choose from it?s little wonder that Queenslanders voted the beach number one. Top spots included Great Keppel Island, Stradbroke Island, Port Douglas and the Gold Coast. 2. Walking ? whether it?s along the magnificent coast, through rugged bush or beautiful rainforests, through quaint towns or cosmopolitan city areas, Queenslanders voted walking number two. 3. Museums ? to appreciate the rich history and culture of the state, a trip to a local museum came highly recommended. Favourites included everything from the Queensland Museum through to Townsville?s Maritime Museum; from the Ipswich Railway Museum to Rockhampton?s Heritage Museum. 4. Fine Dining ? hot restaurants include Darcy?s on Doyle in Ipswich, Barnacle Bills Seafood Inn in Cairns, Spirit House in Yandina and Two Small Rooms in Milton & Toowong. 5. Sport ? while AFL is the clear favourite, Queenslanders also recommended participating in and watching all

types of sport. Unlike respondents from states such as the Northern Territory and Victoria, Queenslanders are very passionate about beach and water sports such as fishing, sailing and beach volleyball. 6. Art ? when asked how best to appreciate Queensland?s history and culture, locals often referenced their local art and craft stalls and galleries. The Art Museum Brisbane, Gold Coast Arts Centre, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre were among top choices. 7. Local accommodation ? when visiting Queensland, locals encouraged others to enjoy a stay at everything from exclusive five star resorts, to local camping grounds. 8. Parks and gardens ? Queensland?s love for nature is again evident with the overwhelming number of suggestions to get outside and appreciate everything from sunny days in local parks through to adventures in national park and scrumptious picnics in the state?s public gardens. 9. Market shopping ? to truly bag a bargain, locals recommend a trip to the markets. Markets such as Cotters Markets, Eumundi Markets and the Port Douglas Markets are extremely popular all over the state. 10. Scuba diving ? for a breathtaking adventure, Queenslanders suggested scuba diving, especially at the world famous Great Barrier Reef.