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​Those of us from Brisbane really are spoiled for choice when it comes to bushwalks right on our doorstep. Within an hour’s drive west of the Brisbane CBD, there are dozens of walks meandering through beautiful, pristine nature. Mt Cootha is the obvious choice and one that many people default to when going for a day hike from Brisbane. Mt Cootha is great, don’t get me wrong, but there are so many other awesome options out there that are much less crowded. Personally, I prefer hiking tracks with fewer people as this makes it easier for me to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of nature. The Gold Creek Reservoir Walk is one of my favorites. Source: www.bushwalkingblog.com.au/gold-creek-reservoir-walk/

In the 1850s a pair of settlers, John and Gavin Stewart, obtained forested land near what would become Bundaberg to supply timber to the pastoral industry that had recently been established in the region. A town was surveyed in 1868 on the south bank of the Burnett and was given the name Bundaberg, for the local Aboriginal Australians, the Bunda. It became a municipality in 1880, a town in 1881, and a city in 1913. Bundaberg developed into a centre for large sugar plantations established in the 1870s. It has sugar mills, refineries, and rum distilleries. Other industries include dairying, sawmilling, shipbuilding, and the manufacture of farm machinery. Sugar, golden syrup (treacle), and timber are exported. In December 2010 Bundaberg was flooded by heavy rains that caused the Burnett to rise to its highest level in decades, submerging the city’s eastern district; flood damage also caused the port to be closed for more than two months. Pop. (2006) local government area, 45,802; (2011) statistical local area, 47,946; local government area, 89,810. Source: www.britannica.com/place/Bundaberg

The charming North Queensland town of Townsville has a rich history. The town played an integral role in the war in the Pacific, and many landmarks remain today, just waiting to be explored. Steeped in history, Kissing Point Fort is home to some imposing reminders of World War II: huge guns pointing out to sea from the point. The barracks and guns may date back to the late 1800s, but the new 15-hectare heritage precinct, Jezzine Barracks is the perfect backdrop to explore this notable landmark. 32 public artworks span the area, commemorating the military and Aboriginal heritage of the point. Coastal walkways, including an ethnobotanical walk with traditional flora, offer the ideal vantage to explore. The Army Museum of North Queensland sits in the center of the precinct, with many exhibitions and collections on the history of the Australian Army in North Queensland available for viewing. Source: www.queensland.com/au/en/things-to-do/arts-and-culture/hi...