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Gold CoastAustralia's Gold Coast stretches south from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales. The stunning array of beaches along this coast are a major drawcard, and where once only the surf graced the shoreline today there is a plethora of high-rise accommodation, giant theme parks, exotic nightlife and countless restaurants. The sun shines here 300 days out of the year, and the beach resort towns with their alluring names all offer soft golden sand, rolling waves and the chance to gain a perfect suntan.
BrisbaneAustralia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of Sundays'. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent collection of works; and the Performing Arts Center, where international theater companies and performing artists take to the stage. There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted around the city. Sport, as everywhere in Australia, is also well catered for at the Gabba sports ground (cricket tests) and Ballymore, where the Wallabies often take on the world at rugby. The city is easy to explore on foot, and being at the center of the region's favored tourist attractions it provides the perfect base from which to make daytrips to surrounding areas.
Getting Around: There are three main types of public transport in Brisbane: buses, trains and ferries (CityCats). Bus routes may be somewhat complicated for visitors, but they do cover most of the city. Buses need to be flagged down and will not automatically stop at bus stops. A free bus service covers the Downtown Loop, serviced by distinctive red buses. Trains are quick and efficient, covering most of the city and suburbs. Most popular with visitors is the 14-stop CityCat ferry system, which serves points along the Brisbane River. Ticketing for all forms of transport is cheap, and works on a zoning system. A variety of passes, including day and ten-trip saver passes, are available. Cycling is a popular option, and the city has 311 miles (500km) of dedicated cycle-paths. Trains, buses and ferries are equipped to carry bicycles. Brisbane's taxi cabs are either yellow or black & white, found in ranks in the city center and near most major hotels. Taxis may be pre-booked or flagged and fares are around $1.40 per kilometer. Driving a car in the city center can be confusing because it consists mainly of a grid of one-way streets. There are parkades available downtown.
CairnsThe cosmopolitan, colorful city of Cairns in far north Queensland is a tourist-orientated center because it is the gateway to two of the world's most awesome World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the 110-million year old Daintree rainforest.
Cairns started life as a small fishing encampment, which received an injection of prosperity in the 19th century when gold was discovered to the north and tin and timber began to be exploited in the nearby Atherton Tablelands. The harbor and fishing operations increased in importance, and tourism arrived in the early 20th century when marlin fishing became popular, and the world discovered the delights of exploring the Great Barrier Reef.
Aided by its pleasant, warm climate the relaxed tropical town has now become a frenzied international tourism center, flooded with visitors most of the year, its streets lined with souvenir stores, eateries and some first class hotels. The harbor is clogged with streamlined pleasure boats, and the offshore islands bristle with resorts. To cater for tourists the city fathers have even created a man-made salt-water lagoon and sandy beach on the Esplanade to replace the original muddy swamp that crowned Trinity Bay.
The international airport keeps the visitors coming in, as the city, with its festive air, expands to accommodate them.
Getting Around: Central Cairns is compact enough to explore on foot. Visitors tend to congregate around the Esplanade and city center, where there are plenty of taxis and bus stops. The public buses cover most areas with reasonable fares, services being less frequent at night and over weekends. The city's 'Sun Buses' run from a central transit terminal and maps and timetables are freely available from hotels and other tourist establishments. Black and white metered taxis operate day and night from ranks throughout the city, or can be flagged down in the street. Car hire firms are plentiful for those wishing to explore further afield.
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