wedding paradises Queensland

The Weddingparadises.com interview with:
Annette Kegel, Market Development Manager Europe, Tourism Queensland

1) honeymoon:
a) What is the address of your general touristic website in English language?
www.queenslandholidays.com.au (for Europe: www.queensland-australia.eu)

b) Do you have an extra subsite and / or printed brochure for honeymooners?
We haven an English Honeymoon factsheet, which we can send to consumers upon request. On our German, French and Italian ISS site, we also have Honeymoon content and Download options of the respective factsheets.
German: www.queensland-australia.eu/iss/europe/german/experiences/heiraten-und-flittern.cfm
French: www.queensland-australia.eu/iss/europe/french/experiences/honeymoon.cfm
Italian: www.queensland-australia.eu/iss/europe/italian/experiences/luna-di-miele/luna-di-miele.cfm

c) What would you consider as the most romantic places for honeymooners in your destination?

Whitsunday Islands
A paradise of secluded white sandy beaches, sparkling blue waters, stunning mountain views and warm, sunny weather year-round – the Whitsunday Islands are the perfect place to relax with a loved one.
Lie back together and take in the breathtaking scenery as a premium yacht or luxury launch charts you around the 74 picturesque islands that make up the Whitsundays. Swim together in the pristine warm waters, bask in sunshine on deserted beaches and sip cocktails as you watch the sunset on a perfect day. Snorkel or scuba dive the world’s most famous reef and witness the exotic and diverse range of marine life the Great Barrier Reef has to offer.
And no romantic escape to the Whitsundays is complete without a visit to Heart Reef – a breathtaking coral reef that has naturally formed in the shape of a heart. What could be more romantic than taking in its beauty from an aerial tour or swimming together within its tranquil waters.
Reef romance and relaxation in Tropical North Queensland
Unwind and relax with your partner whilst sharing the magic of a cruise on the Great Barrier Reef, off Cairns. Leave the rainforest, restaurants and pampering spas of the Tropical North Queensland mainland tourist haven behind and set sail on the reef. Why not join an intimate cruise ship for a relaxing and romantic five-day tour of Australia’s most treasured natural icon and discover exotic islands and stunning reef destinations. Spend your days swimming, snorkelling or diving in the reef’s waters.
Be pampered in Palm Cove (Tropical North Queensland)
Boasting world-class fine dining, rejuvenating spas and retreats, luxury hotels, and one of Australia’s best beaches, it’s no wonder Palm Cove is among Queensland’s top romantic holiday destinations. Stay at one of the many luxury resorts offering in-house spa and massage treatments and be pampered with your partner.
Lakeside champagne picnic on Fraser Island
There’s no better way to experience the magnificent beauty of Fraser Island’s Lake McKenzie than enjoying a champagne picnic with that special someone. Also known as the ‘Window’ lake because of its clear aqua waters, Lake McKenzie is the most outstanding of Fraser Island’s inland freshwater lakes with its white, sandy beaches, breathtaking scenery and fabulous swimming and snorkelling opportunities.

d) What are the most popular general touristic attractions of your destination that honeymooners
"must see" (if the should like to see something else but themselves ...)?
There’s no better place than Queensland to experience the best of Australia’s very special lifestyle. With plenty of sunshine, spectacular beaches, natural wonders and unique nature and wildlife, a holiday in Queensland is all about freedom, family fun and full, active days – and getting to know the friendly locals.
Home to five World Natural Heritage Areas including one of the Wonders of the World – the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is a big state with lots to see and do. It’s nearly five times the size of Japan, seven times the size of Great Britain and two and a half times the size of Texas!
Must Sees The magical Great Barrier Reef – the only natural wonder visible from space! Tropical islands – some with world-class resorts, others completely deserted Fraser Island in Southern Queensland – the largest sand island in the world The ancient Daintree Rainforest, the oldest in the world Our vast Outback with its unforgettable starry skies and colourful characters Spectacular surfing beaches with crystal clear water and white sand Take the ride of your life at the world-class theme parks and cuddle a koala or pat a kangaroo at one of the wildlife parks Great holiday shopping from resort villages to beachfront markets

e) Which times of the year are considered as low and high season?
Best travel period for Queensland is April till October, in order to avoid the wet season with tropical showers.

2) destination weddings:

a) What are the basic requirements for a legal civil wedding in your destination for a couple from abroad?
Marriages performed in Australia are fully recognized in your country. A "Notice Of Intended Marriage" form must be lodged with the celebrant a minimum of 32 days and a maximum of 18 months prior to the ceremony.
If born outside Australia, passports of birth or birth certificates are required. If either party has been married before, evidence must be produced of the termination of that marriage.

b) Is there an internet address in English language where all details for destination weddings can be found?
No.

c) Do you have an extra subsite or printed brochure for weddings?
No.

d) What would you consider as the most romantic places for a legal civil and / or church wedding in your destination?

A wedding in the rainforest
The Daintree Eco Lodge and Spa offer individually-designed rainforest weddings set within the beauty of the world’s oldest living rainforest. Couples can exchange vows at the base of a centuries-old waterfall or on a garden deck by the glistening pond, enjoy exquisite dining, an award-winning spa treatment and sleep in an opulent tree-house styled suite. There are three rainforest wedding packages available – nature, nurture, or culture - but couples can mix and match elements from each to create their own individual experience. Culture weddings weave the traditions of the Kuku Yulanji people (the traditional owners of the Daintree Rainforest) with contemporary ceremonies through a ‘smoking ceremony’, an ‘indigenous celebrant’ or an ‘Aboriginal corroboree’. Visit www.rainforestwedding.com Another great location for wedding in the rainforest is the Silky Oaks Lodge, situated on the Mossman River. Nestled on the doorstep of the world's oldest rainforest, you simply won't find more serene or pristine surroundings for your wedding. Visit www.silkyoakslodge.com.au

An underwater wedding on the Great Barrier Reef
Are you and your partner true lovers of the ocean and looking for a unique way to tie the knot? Perhaps you share a common love for scuba diving? If so, then why not get married under water amongst the tropical fish and beautiful corals of the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef? With under water speaking/listening devices, the entire ceremony can be held under water. Visit www.fantaseaweddings.com.au

Wedding chapels in paradise
Couples searching for the perfect location to exchange their vows are spoilt for choice in north Queensland, with a range of beautiful chapels to suit every couple.

* The Angsana Great Barrier Reef Chapel is a beautiful purpose built beach front wedding chapel situated at the Angsana Resort and Spa Palm Cove. It is one of only a few beachfront chapels in north Queensland, offering unsurpassed views of the sea and nearby islands. Visit www.angsana.com/gbr/weddings.html

* Situated in the heart of Cairns, the Hilton Blue Horizon Chapel is a state of the art, purpose built wedding chapel. The entire building is set in a large reflection pond and features a stunning backdrop of Trinity Inlet and Hinterland Mountains. Visit www1.hilton.com

* The aptly named Crystal Wedding Chapel at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas is a glass walled building positioned on Four Mile Beach. With its high ceilings, glass walls and stained glass windows, the chapel blends seamlessly with the beach and ocean on one side and the lush tropical gardens on the other. Visit www.sheratonmirage.com.au/mirageweddings.html

* Whether you choose to get married in Hamilton Island’s beautiful chapel or have a barefoot ceremony on the beach, this beautiful spot in the Whitsundays is a spectacular venue for your wedding day. Visit www.hamiltonisland.com.au

* Endeavour Wedding Chapel, Daydream Island, Whitsundays

* Put a subtropical twist on your royal wedding at the Endeavour Wedding Chapel on Daydream Island. Right on the water’s edge, the chapel is an idyllic setting for a traditional ceremony with its floor-to-ceiling glass wall and spectacular panoramic view across the Whitsundays. The venue can comfortably seat 40 guests (but can hold up to 70 guests) and has its own built-in sound system and red carpet aisle. Weddings or receptions can also be held on a large deck at a private and sheltered beach. Guests can arrive by short helicopter flight or romantic sailing vessel.

* W: www.daydreamisland.com/weddings_wedding_chapel.php

* Weddings on Hayman Island, Whitsundays
Hayman is a natural choice for couples seeking an experience of pure romance, beauty and a flawless celebration for family and friends… a wedding in paradise.

* The Stella Maris Chapel, nestled in the hills of the island, enjoys tropical surrounds and breathtaking vistas of the resort, Whitsunday Passage and neighbouring islands, or choose one of our spectacular outdoor settings such as the white sands of Hayman Beach, our magnificent gardens or Coconut Grove.www.hayman.com.au


3) general questions:
a) Is it possible to follow your tourist board on facebook?
www.facebook.com/visitqueensland

b) Are there general and / or wedding / honeymoon related image videos about your destination on youtube or somewhere else?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWaMt3CLRt8

c) What else would you like to tell future wedding couples and / or honeymooners regarding your destination?
Visit Queensland to experience the very best of Australia – in one safe, friendly and welcoming place.
It’s really where Australia shines!

www.queenslandholidays.com.au

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