Q1 Observation Deck

Q1 Observation Deck takes you to the highest point above the Gold Coast for stunning 360 degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Rising 230 metres into the sky, the Observation Deck is located beachside in Surfers Paradise. More than just awesome views, your journey begins with an inside look at the contruction of this landmark development, before boarding the express lift to the main observation level. Take some time to explore this custom designed viewing arena and soak up the panoramic views. Enjoy coffee and cake, or perhaps an evening cocktail, in the stylish Skybar cafe and lounge bar on Level 77.

Gold Coast

This spectacular region stretches from Beenleigh and South Stradbroke Island in the North to Coolangatta in the South; and covers a 70 kilometre stretch of coastline with some 35 white sand beaches. This region also includes the stunning Broadwater which spreads north to Moreton Bay, and is one of Australia's largest protected waterways, with huge sand and mangrove islands that are great for exploring.

Boasting outstanding sparkling beaches, lush rainforest hinterland, sensational shopping, world-class entertainment facilities, adrenalin-pumping excitement and an extensive calendar of special events - the Gold Coast region has something for everyone.

Visit some of the best Queensland shopping centres and browse through local art and craft markets. The Gold Coast has some 3500 shops, open seven days a week, and an average eight hours of sunlight a day to shop in. Beachside retailers and huge shopping centres stock colourful fashion and gifts, and 20 markets flourish on the beachfront and hinterland.

Fantasy, thrills, action rides, daring stunts, live shows and fun for all ages! Whilst in Australia's theme park capital, why not experience first hand some of their thrill-seeker rides and attractions. Or take off into the magnificent Gold Coast hinterland. Just 30 minutes drive from the beaches you will find some of the most biologically diverse rainforests in Australia protected by World Heritage listing.

The Coast is host to 40 championship golf courses either set against the hinterland, beautiful resorts or gently undulating countryside.

You can't stand back on the sidelines! This destination invites you to be excited, it dares you to be invigorated and it encourages you to discover for yourself why Australia's Gold Coast has always been a favourite holiday spot.

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Climb Brisbane's Icon - the Story Bridge. Enjoy a two and a half hour climb experience to the top of the Story Bridge during this Adventure Climb. This is an experience with a difference and a spectacular way to discover Brisbane and its beautiful surroundings. From the 80 metre summit, enjoy uniterrupted 360 degree views, whilst learning about the bridge and Brisbane's transition from a 19th century panel settlement to a 21st century metropolis. It is one of only four bridge climbs in the world and an experience that should not be missed.

Brisbane

Known as the City of Sun Days, Brisbane enjoys great weather, a relaxed pace of life and all the cosmopolitan bustle of a major urban hub. It doesn't seem to matter what time of year it is - there's always something exciting happening in this vibrant city. You'll find the best in arts and culture, entertainment and sports events as well as good food, wine and shopping. As the natural starting and finishing point of your Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast holiday, Queensland's vibrant capital city is the centre of a region rich in world-class beach, river, rainforest and mountain experiences.

To the north and south, you will find rainforest vistas, jutted mountain ranges and framatic waterfalls, glass-clear streams, lush ferns and forests, and brilliant wildlife. Brisbane's regions include 70 plus beaches, as well as Moreton Bay whose aqua clear waters host nautical wrecks, coral coves, abundant sea life and a magnificent series of islands. Head west to see highland brumbies and working cattle stations. Visit the 135 year old ruins of Brisbane' notorious first jail. Hand feed Tangalooma's wild dolphins or visit the Crocodile Hunter's backyard.

Music, dancing, partying, live shows, good times - there's plenty more going on in the City of Sun Days and fun nights.

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Melbourne's East and South East Touring

Within a 90 minute drive to the East or South East of Melbourne, explore the magnificent regions of the Yarra Valley, Dandenong Ranges, Phillip Island and the Mornington Peninsula.

From world famous wines to fabulously fresh food and breathraking scenery, the Yarra Valley is Victoria's source of indulgent sensations. The Yarra Valley is a unique confluence of award-winning wineries with sensational cellar doors, superb produce, luxury accommodation, quality touring services and iconic scenery.

Right beside the Yarra Valley, discover why the Dandenong Ranges have been Melbourne's favourite retreat for over a century. Lose yourself within magical mountain villages and sun-kissed gardens. Explore magnificent forests and snuggle into cosy bed and breakfast cottages. Ride Australia's favourite steam train, or explore the many tracks and trails shadowed by tall Mountain Ash trees.

Phillip Island may be famous for it thoroughly adorable Little Penguins, but the rest of this emerald isle sparkling on the southern tip of Australia is still waiting for you to discover it. Breathtaking natural beauty and myriad attractions that is virtually untouched by visitors, Phillip Island features a choice of comfortable accommodation finessed by old-fashioned country hospitality. Home to the Australian Moto GP, World Superbikes and V8 car races, Phillip Island is an easy 2 hour drive from the CBD of Melbourne.

The Mornington Peninsula is only an hour drive from Melbourne, but it seems a world away. In fact, the Peninsula now has an air that's reminiscent of the Mediterranean, with its vineyards and olive groves, its historic country house retreats and intimate hotels. Wile it's boot-shaped like Italy, the Mornington Peninsula is far easier to explore at a leisurely pace. You can travel the length of the coastlines, stopping at our seaside villages, or just meander back and forth from one coast to the other on country roads with glorious views.

Grab a car and discover Victoria. Car Hire Melbourne

Byron Bay and Beyond

Uncrowded beaches, lush rainforests, wide rivers, picturesque surroundings and idyllic climate all add to the allure of New South Wales' Northern Rivers region. Located just below the Queensland border, the region provides an ideal holiday escape with its unique blend of pristine beaches and crystal clear water on the coast contrasting the tropical rainforests and rich rolling countryside of the hinterland.

Kingscliff, just 30 minutes south of the Gold Coast offers 2km of golden sandy beaches, fantastic fishing, world-class surfing, and is the perfect place to unwind. Foodies are also well catered for as the region's hinterland is celebrated for its organic produce, outstanding cafes and restaurants. Specialities of the area include coffee, tea, macadamia nuts, bush tucker, seafood and exotic fruits.

The seaside resort town, Byron Bay, situated on the most Eastern point of Australia, enjoys a relaxing and informal lifestyle that has become a favourite for many travelers. Byron presents an assortment of experiences ranging from sea kayaking with dolphins, to strolling the un-spoilt beaches or pampering oneself with spa treatments and 'new-age' therapies. Byron is also home to numerous organic culinary delights and visitors are truly spoilt for choice.

The laid-back village of Lennox Head is Mecca among surfers, with world-renowned breaks at Boulders and Lennox Point. Panoramic views from the headland are absolutely breathtaking and Pat Morton lookout offers the ideal vantage point for whale and dolphin spotting. On Lennox Head's outskirts, Lake Ainsworth is a fresh water lagoon stained 'billy tea' red by the tea trees that fringe its banks and it is claimed to have therapeutic and rejuvenating properties.

Hire a car from Gold Coast and take the 2 hour drive down to Byron Bay. Car Hire Gold Coast

Out Of This World Attractions

With more attractions than any other destination in the southern hemisphere, the Gold Coast has the fastest, the longest, the highest and the most exciting thrill rides in Australia. You could spend days exploring worlds of heart-racing rides and unique animal experiences or step outside the theme parks and uncover a number of truly unique attractions. Experience this great Australian city in distinctly memorable ways. In Australia's theme park capital you could swim with a dolphin, walk with a tiger, kiss Marilyn Monroe or spend the evening with a real Australian stockman.

Travellers of all ages and interests will encounter an array of exhilarating worlds and attractions not offered anywhere else in the country. Or take a closer look and explore new ways to enjoy a celebrated city that will make your Gold Coast holiday unforgettable.

This city has it all.

Warner Bros. Movie World
Experience the magic and excitement of a world where your favourite movie stars walk the streets. The white-knuckled fun of your favourite action movies is brought to life on rides like Lethal Weapon, Wild West Falls, Schooby-Doo Spooky Coaster and Superman Escape. The new Batwing Spaceshot will test the bravest rider with a rapid 4.5G vertical launch up a 60 metre freefall. For fun the whole family can enjoy a visit to the Looney Tunes Village or hit the streets for the Main Street Star Parade.

Sea World
Celebrating the world's precious marine environment with animal encounters, shows and rides, Sea World offers a fun and enertaining insight into the lives of some of the world's most elusive sea creatures. See the polar bears at play in Polar Bear Shores or take a journey into the world of the endangered dugong at Dugong Discovery. Become a dolphin trainer for the day or for a toothier experience come face-to-face with the world's most feared predators at Shark Bay. Join a qualified diver for the ultimate Shark Enchounter, feeding the predators from the safety of an acrylic cage.

Wet'n'Wild
Adults and children of all ages will enjoy this colourful aquatic adventure playground, offering multiple levels of interactive water fun. Thrill seekers should head straight to The Tornado in the new Extreme H20 Zone. The first of its kind in the southern hemisphere the enormous thrill slide begins from a 15 metre high platform, blasting riders down a 40 metre long tunnel into the middle of the storm. Tornado riders spin through the storm in a giant funnel before sliding through the eye of the storm and into the calm waters below. Take it easy at Calypso Beach or lie back in a tube in the Giant Wave Pool for a Dive-in Movie. Slides and pools are heated during cooler months so you can enjoy Wet'n'Wild Water World at any time of the year.

Find out more of what Gold Coast has to offer with Car Hire Gold Coast.

General Australian Rules of the Road

When renting a vehicle in Australia, it is important for both your safety and enjoyment, that you understand the rules of the road. To assist you we have outlined some of the basic rules.

• Drive on the left side of the road.


• Do not drink and drive. In Australia, drinking and driving is considered a very serious offence. Roadside testing units to check the blood alcohol level in motorists are very common. The alcohol limit varies from state to state.


• Speed limits vary from state to state, so you should pay attention and adhere to the posted speed limits. As a general rule the top speed limit in most states is 110kms/hour and 40-60kms/hour in residental or commercial areas.


• When facing a 'Stop' or 'Give Way' sign you must bring your vehicle to a complete stop.


• Give way to pedestrians who are crossing the street into which you are turning, whether you are turning left or right.


• Do not cross double broken lines.


• At T-junctions the driver approaching the intersection along the terminating road must give way to all traffic on the continuing road, unless the other traffic has a 'Stop' or 'Give Way' sign.


• 'Hook signs' are found only in central Melbourne. The sign may be at the side of the road or hung from tram wires. If you need to turn right at one of these intersections you must make a 'hook turn'. Begin your right turn from the left lane.


• Do not overtake other traffic when: approaching a pedestrian or school crossing or an intersection, approaching the crest of a hill, on a blind corner, where there are double unbroken lines or an unbroken line on your side of the centre line.


• Drivers entering a roundabout must give way to the traffic already entering or leaving the roundabout.


• Headlights must be used while driving between the hours of sunset and sunrise.


• If you are involved in an accident you must notify the police immediately. You should then contact your nearest rental car depot.

Great Southern Touring Route

The best way to explore the 777km long Great Southern Touring Route is to self-drive. The 182km stretch from Melbourne to Apollo Bay, via Geelong on the Great Ocean Rd offers great vistas of Victoria's coastline. The next section from Apollo Bay to Port Fairy, via Warrnambool (189km) has majestic views of the Twelve Apostles.

The route turns inland towards the north from Port Fairy and on to Halls Gap (158km) via the scenic Grampians Mountains. Halls Gap to Melbourne is 284km stretch via the Goldfields and the historic town of Ballarat. Stop at Sovereign Hill to view how life was in 19th-century Victoria during the Gold Rush and take in a showing of Blood on the Southern Cross Show.

Car Hire Melbourne

Useful Sites

http://www.greatsoutherntouring.com.au/

http://www.greatoceanroad.org/

http://www.visitvictoria.com/

http://www.australia.com/

Country Valley

Take a relaxing self-guided drive through Brisbane's Country Valleys. Trace its unique history, explore the lakes, trails and national parks or take to the sky and be awe of its natural beauty.

Mt Mee - Enjoy the many rocky waterholes, cool streams and rainforest walks and the magnificent views over Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe from Somerset Trail. From the Falls lookout you can see the picturesque Neurum Valley and at The Gantry picnic area you can see the remains of an old sawmill which operated until 1981.

Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious - Winding mountain roads lined with large trees and rainforest patches lead to the breathtaking Maiala rainforest via the Mt Nebo township. Enjoy the cafes and picnic areas at the top of the mountain as well as various bushwalking and horse riding trails that lead you through the cool forests to waterfall surrounded by large fig trees, palms and ferns.

Samford Valley - This beautiful area is surrounded by incredible forests, the gorgeous Mt Nebo and Mt Glorious. The Samford Village has a historical museum, plenty of restaurants, art galleries, antique and gift shops.

Dayboro - Classic old pubs, shops and churches make for an idyllic country atmosphere. Be sure to check out the galleries, antique and craft shops before enjoying a cold one at the historic Crown Hotel.

For your next South East Queensland holiday check out Car Hire Gold Coast and Car Hire Brisbane.

Ipswich and The Scenic Rim

Wake up in a quaint little township or to the sounds of nature at the atmospheric rainforest retreat. Take a leisurely walk down winding country roads for a tasting at one of our welcoming wineries. Reconnect with nature on an eco tour and just when you're nice and relaxed get the adrenalin pumping again with skydiving, canoeing, bushwalking, and hot air ballooning. Spend your afternoon in a heritage-listed pub before tucking yourself in at a cosy bed and breakfast.

Wineries

The rich volcanic soils of the Scenic Rim lends itself to being an award-winning wine region, producing both full-bodied reds and refreshing whites.

Bunjurgen Estate Vineyard

Cedar Creek Estate Vineyard and Winery

Ironbark Ridge Winery

Kooroomba Vineyard & Lavender Farm

Tamborine Mountain Distillery

Warrego Wines

On The Ground

Nature based walks and hikes to world heritage-listed rainforests.

Bushwacker Eco Tours

Discovery

Explore art galleries, craft shops, cafes and unique retail stores.

Mt Tamborine Gallery Walk

The Workshops Rail Museum

Ipswich Art Gallery

Pickup your rental car in Brisbane and start exploring! Car Hire Brisbane

Great Day Out

The popular and exciting Dreamworld is a favourite holiday destination to anyone visiting the Gold Coast. Here you can enjoy WhiteWater World and Dreamworld togeher on a World Pass for unlimited entry to two worlds in one great location.

WhiteWater World is the ultimate water fest! Australia's newest water-ride park delivers thrills for all ages, from the Supertube Hydro Coaster (a rollercoaster on water) and Little Riddles (the world's first two person cannon ball water ride) to the Nikelodeon Pipeline Plunge (boasting over 100 interactive water activities) and Wiggles Bay (designed for the under fives, with mini slides and giant instruments.

Then dry off at Dreamworld, a wonderland packed with attractions that will easily fill your day. You'll love the six huge thrill rides (including The Tower of Terror, The Giant Drop, Mick Doohan Motocoaster), Imax Theatre, helicopter rides and of course Wiggles World, full of wiggly wonderful rides and attractions. Nickelodeon Central is a world where kids live and breathe Nickelodeon all day long!

Dreamsworld's Australian Wildlife Experience lets you get close and personal with deadly snakes, killer crocs, big cats, cuddly koalas, amazing birds and more. You can also meet some beautiful tiger cubs at Dreamworld's Tiger Island! The triplets Ndari, Shanti and Jaya are living it up and have been meeting a few faces at their daily Cub Experience sessions.

The easiest way to get to Dreamworld and WhiteWater world is with Car Hire Gold Coast.

Australia Zoo

Just one hour drive north of Brisbane, Australia Zoo is your ultimate wildlife adventure! Imagine hand-feeding an Asian elephant, cuddling a koala, walking alongside a Sumatran tiger, waddling with a wombat or wrapping a snake around your shoulders.

You can even watch a massive saltwater crocodile launch a strike from the water's edge. It is a fantastic family day out!

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Alpha on Twitter

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