One of the great advantages of holding Creative Writing Matters in Brisbane is the opportunity to turn a conference trip into a Queensland holiday.

 

The Gold Coast

 

The Gold Coast is around 78 kilometres south of Brisbane — approximately an hour and ten minutes by car in normal conditions, or less than an hour by train (yes for 50c!).

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Spend a day at Surfers Paradise or Burleigh Heads, explore the beaches and coastal restaurants, or continue into the Gold Coast hinterland.

 

The Gold Coast is also accessible by train, with the South East Queensland rail network connecting Brisbane with stations including Helensvale, Nerang, Robina and Varsity Lakes.

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The Sunshine Coast

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Around 100 kilometres north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast offers a very different experience: long beaches, coastal towns, rainforest, mountains and a relaxed hinterland food scene.

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Spend a few days in Noosa, Mooloolaba, Coolum or Caloundra, or head inland to Maleny and Montville for galleries, restaurants, local produce and the dramatic scenery of the Blackall Range.

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The Sunshine Coast is easily accessible from Brisbane by road and has its own airport at Marcoola, with domestic connections from major Australian cities.

 

Combine the conference with an Australian adventure

 

Creative Writing Matters is an opportunity to experience Brisbane and Queensland — but it can also be one stop on a longer Australian trip.

 

Sydney is south of Brisbane with direct flights taking around 1½ hours. Spend a few days exploring the famous harbour, galleries, theatres, restaurants and beaches.

 

Melbourne has direct flights taking approximately 2½ hours. Stay longer to experience Australia's celebrated arts, cultural and literary scene, along with its restaurants, laneways and galleries.

 

Adelaide is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes away by direct flight. Known for its festivals, galleries, food and wine, Adelaide makes an appealing addition to a Queensland visit.

Perth is on Australia's spectacular west coast with direct flights taking approximately 4½ hours. Explore Perth's beaches, Kings Park, Fremantle and Rottnest Island, then head south to Margaret River, one of Australia's renowned wine regions, celebrated for its vineyards, restaurants and spectacular coastline.

 

Hobart, in Tasmania, can be reached by direct flight in approximately 2½ hours. Combine CWM with Tasmania's galleries, historic architecture, dramatic landscapes, food and wine.

Darwin, in Australia's Northern Territory, has direct flights taking approximately 3½ hours. A visit offers a completely different side of Australia, from tropical landscapes and Aboriginal cultural experiences to national parks and the Top End.

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With Brisbane at the centre of your itinerary, you can combine Creative Writing Matters with cities, beaches, rainforest, islands, food, culture and some of Australia's most distinctive landscapes. 

 

Whether you are travelling from another Australian capital or arriving from overseas, consider giving yourself a little extra time to experience the country while you're here.