I’ve been a producer on Channel 7’s three lifestyle programs for 13 years and earlier in the year I wrote a blog titled ‘A TV Producer’s Top Five Spots in Queensland.’
It was hard to whittle the list down to just five, so this time I’ve included some more of my favourites. Think of it as my Top 6-10!
Magnetic Island
Maggie, as it’s affectionately known, almost made my Top 5. So here it is, at number 6. On a recent trip, I was reminded of how incredible it is, and why I love it so much.
It’s only twenty minutes by Sealink Ferry from Townsville and yet—I know it’s a cliché—you feel a million miles away. It’s home to some wonderful outdoor experiences: snorkelling adventures, sunset cruises, hiking to old WW2 structures, koalas!
And let’s not forget its striking natural features, namely the large granite boulders, which really make Magnetic Island stand out.
It’s small and easy to get around, making it ideal for a laid-back, relaxing destination (even when making TV!).
The Whitsundays
When I see in our schedule I’m going to the Whitsundays, I’m very happy indeed. If it’s during whale season, I’m even happier.
The region boasts 74 stunning islands, most of which are national parks. But four offer incredible resort accommodations to suit a range of budgets.
The region is a terrific place to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. Tours leave the islands and Airlie Beach daily.
It’s great all year round, but here’s my tip: Time your adventure with whale season, because combining the natural beauty of the region with breaching humpbacks is a winning combination!
The Granite Belt
During the cooler months, a trip to Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt is a must, and certainly one of our top picks here in the Channel 7 office.
It’s only a ninety-minute drive from Brisbane and is home to some of the freshest produce and most awarded wines in the state. There are many tours that visit the region’s best wineries, markets and farms.
For me, the highlight is Girraween National Park. It’s right on the border with NSW and offers striking landscapes and a host of excellent bushwalks. It’s a must-do when in the region.
Agnes Water and Town of 1770
I love Agnes Water and Town of 1770 for many reasons, but mainly because there’s everything you need for an unforgettable beachside holiday.
Agnes Water is home to Queensland’s most northern surf beach and the Town of 1770 offers a remarkable tour in a LARC. It’s an amphibious craft that explores deserted sandy beaches and visits the beautiful Bustard Head Lighthouse.
A real highlight for the region is visiting the nearby Lady Musgrave Island, where guests can snorkel in one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most iconic and beautiful lagoons.
Wallaman Falls
It was only in the last year or two that I discovered Wallaman Falls near Ingham in tropical north Queensland.
It’s Australia’s largest permanent single-drop waterfall and the bushwalk—268 metres down to its base—is absolutely spectacular. It’s one of the very best in Queensland, with lush rainforest and the constant roar of the falls. For a moment, I thought I was deep in the Amazonian rainforest.
By Paul Mayze
