‘Treasure’ destinations in Queensland
By Rama Gaind
There are three destinations in Queensland – Hervey Bay, Noosa and Fraser Island – that have a captivating charm which is hard to ignore. The infectious ambience will attract like a magnet.
Finding these ‘treasures’ – and an Indian connection – made the visit a more rewarding one!
Hervey Bay is the ‘whale watching capital of the world’ where the annual one million visitors get a chance to sample the relaxing lifestyle.
No surprises at finding three Indian restaurants overlooking the bay: Tandoori Taste is one of them.
In the 12 months that owner Nadeem Qadri has had the restaurant, he has been heartened at the response by patrons to Indian cuisine. Nadeem is now preparing in earnest for a busy festive season.
For luxurious accommodation in the Hervey Bay Marina precinct, stay at the newly-opened $20 million, five-star Ramada hotel and resort. It has splendid studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites with the flexibility of dual-key configuration. All rooms are beautifully appointed with full kitchen facilities, the latest appliances and stone benchtops.
All rooms have balconies which overlook the landscaped swimming pool. Privacy and security is assured, along with high-speed Internet connection, spas and king-size beds.
While there, dine at Herveys at Ramada Bar and Café and let head chef Jason Dickfos showcase local produce with simple, tasty dishes.
Make your way to Noosa which is a gem in the crown of the Sunshine Coast with its warm climate, natural wonders found in the Noosa National Park, main beach and the enticing haunts of Hastings Street.
Regarded as a summer playground, Noosa has developed from a small fishing hamlet to a world-standard holiday destination where tourism provides the foundation to the local economy which flourishes with more than 250,000 holidaymakers a year.
Indian chef Mohan Singh Manrah, while working at the Incredible India Restaurant in Hastings Streeet, has added to the population to approximately 40,000. Mohan said the restaurant had proved to be very popular in the past 14 months.
Enjoy the novel attributes of the Noosa River through daily Noosa Ferry Cruise services from the Sheraton Resort jetty which take you up and down the river between Hastings Street, Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Tewantin. Take in the sights from the water instead of meandering through traffic on the roads!
Relax as you see people having picnics and barbecues on the river bank, walking, swimming, fishing, sailing and diners enjoying the ambience of one of the many dining establishments on the riverfront.
Let Ricardo’s gondola take you to Ricky’s river bar and restaurant at the Noosa Wharf where, while enjoying great views you partake of a modern menu built around fresh, local produce.
Take pleasure in dining at Trios on the River which has been run by David Stellon and Geoff Cohen for 12 years. Bathe in the river atmosphere and delight in the menu choices featuring seafood, meat and vegetarian choices.
Get a stunning perception of the Noosa River, the wetlands and the lakes and their importance to the region by going on a Noosa Everglades Discovery river cruise.
Stay at the comfortable Hotel Laguna, in the heart of colourful Hastings Street, which has some stylish studios and suites boasting river views.
Your next stop has to be the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island with the Discovery Group. This is the largest sand island in the world stretching 123km long and covering an area of 166,038ha.
The island’s untamed wilderness and rugged, natural charm entices, but you will be delighted with what the eco-friendly Kingfisher Bay Resort has to offer.
Seabelle Restaurant manager Nitin Menon loved the isolation of the resort which had shades of his hometown “Mumbai climate”. He’s looking to enjoy it for another three years.
Why not start planning your Queensland holiday experience now?
