Socials – NBCF Pink Ribbon Cup Day

2020 Pink Ribbon Race Day Aquis Gold Coast Turf Club was bathed in every shade of pink for breast cancer, and guests did not disappoint with their sartorial selections. Robyn Cameron, founding organiser of the Pink Ribbon Cup Race Day event, and Steve Lines, CEO of the AQUIS Park Gold Coast Turf Club welcomed guests for the perfect blend of horse racing, fashion, fundraising and celebration. The auction raised much-needed funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and prizes were awarded for best dressed man and woman, as well as the highest heels!

Jodi Robertson, Nicola Buchanan & Georgia Lane

Rod Drew and Jen Masters Kate Bennett & Regina King

Wade Marriott, Dean Freeman, Ashley Brown, Nick Kelly, Errol Day

Jimmy Rentoul & Suzanne Millar Justine Oppermann, Robyn Cameron and Mia Dennis Simon Pugh & Michelle Feigl

Kel Flanders and Simon Costello Renee Hamilton, Jacqui Latimer & Niki Taylor Tanya Burton & Mel Keegan Glenda & Ross Newick Steve Lines and Brett Cook

There has never been a better time to discover the bounties of Queensland, particularly as borders are slated to open over the summer.

Made up of 13 captivating destinations, Queensland is like no other place on earth. From the endless coastlines to the great outback expanses, the world famous Great Barrier Reef and array of rainforests, the state is a giant living and breathing postcard waiting to be explored. If you’re keen on driving, there are scenic western routes through rich

Queensland Beckons

farmland and dramatic mountains, or a true taste of Australiana in authentic bush towns bursting with attractions that range from dinosaur remains and lava tubes to incredible rivers inviting visitors to quench their thirst, take a dip or paddleboard. Further north just off the coast is the natural wonder of The Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

In terms of “new”, FNQ abounds with innovations and experiences to delight visitors.

The Museum of Underwater Art

(MOUA) off the coast of Townsville provides inspiration for reef and ocean conservation. The only Underwater Art Museum in the Southern Hemisphere, MOUA has four intriguing installations located at The Strand on the city foreshore, Palm Island, some 65km out from the mainland, and picturesque Arthur Bay at Magnetic Island. The largest installation is the John Brewer Reef Coral Greenhouse, a monumental underwater garden shed built on the pristine outer Great Barrier Reef and offering world class dive and snorkel experiences. The installations are designed by world renowned underwater sculptor Jason De Caires Taylor, the creator of MUSA in Mexico and Museo Altanico in Spain.

Queensland Beckons

40 nautical miles from Airlie Beach, moored offshore at Hardy Reef, Reefsuite invites guests to retreat to the privacy of the Great Barrier Reef and wake up to marine life. Priced from $749 per person, the overnight underwater stay includes all meals and beverages plus a dinner under the stars and an optional private guided snorkelling tour. The tourist favourite, Heart Island, close to Hamilton Island, has been reimagined as a snorkelling destination, offering a split-level pontoon in the middle of the Heart Reef Lagoon and available to just six people at a time. Exclusive to guests of Hamilton Island, the tour at $999 includes a scenic 30-minute

helicopter ride over the iconic Heart Reef, snorkelling, snacks and a glass bottom boat experience. Then there’s Wilson Island, now open to campers. At just 5.4 hectares in size, Wilson Island is a micro bump on the most magnificent reef in the world. Located a 40-minute slow boat ride from Heron Island Resort on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Wilson has welcomed nine glamping tents and one central long-house for up to 18 guests at a time. The island is so remote that every visit comes with a digital detox opening up time for an old-fashioned novel, good conversations, fresh food, rest, nature and sunshine. Prices start from $950 per couple per night. And just down the highway from the Gold Coast, Australia Zoo is celebrating 50 years! In 1970, the Irwin family opened a reptile park at Beerwah. Today, that park is Australia Zoo, a mega drawcard for tourists and the inspiration for Crikey, It’s the Irwins, a television series broadcast on Animal Planet to some 220 million people globally. Australia’s best known eco-warriors are poised to launch an $8 million Australia Zoo Wildlife Camping Experience which will add yet another dimension to the Australia Zoo experience.

More at discoverqueensland.com.au