Quintessential Queensland Hot Spots For A Leap Year Proposal
- Written by Jodi Clark
Calling all the single laydees! Whilst the nuts and bolts science behind leap years isn't particularly romantic, we have St Patrick to thank for granting females the right to propose to their commitment-phobic beaus once every four years during leap years.
With February 29 fast approaching, we've scoured the length and breadth of the state to help bachelor girls make the leap of faith when proposing.
Hot 'N Heavy And Heart Shaped…
For traditionalists, Queensland boasts more than its fair share of naturally heart-shaped landmarks where lovelorn ladies can offer for their sweetheart. Heart Reef, in The Whitsundays, needs no introduction for romantics-at-heart. This heart-shaped coral reef has been the site of countless declarations of love over the years. Don't forget to let your pilot know your plans and they'll eke out a little extra flying time over your designated spot. http://www.tourismwhitsundays.com.au/destinations/airlie-beach/attractions/heart-reef/
Fraser's Island's penultimate perched dune lake, Lake McKenzie, is gorgeous at ground level, but you really need to get airborne with the local beach pilots to appreciate the slightly squashed love heart effect. Back on the World Heritage-listed ground, local tour companies are happy to help suitors with surprise proposals on its golden shores. http://www.visitfrasercoast.com/destinations/fraser-island/attractions/lake-mckenzie
Makepeace Island is a little heart-shaped oasis situated smack bang in the Noosa River on the Sunshine Coast. It's a pretty perfect place to pamper your partner before popping the all-important question. http://makepeaceisland.com/
Rounding out our top four natural wonders is Killarney Glen in Queensland's Scenic Rim. Head to the gorgeous town of Beechmont and take to the trails – they're ideal for outdoorsy lovers. You may not see it from the ground, but take our word for it that Killarney Glen waterfall has the requisite heart-shape. A word to the wise, The Australian Defence Department owns this property, so you'll need to check it is open before planning this proposal. http://www.goldcoastwalkingtracks.com/goldcoastwalkingtracks/Beechmont/Beechmont.html
Take A Leap Of Faith…
George Michael sang about it and, when it comes to popping the question to an unsuspecting suitor, we reckon when you're taking a leap of faith… you should take an actual leap of faith. So if you're ready to get airborne, we've got the Queensland know-how to help.
Nautilus Aviation, located in Cairns, offers luxurious scenic tours in what is essentially the 'Rolls Royce' of the flying industry. Their state-of-the-art aircraft will provide the quietest, coolest and smoothest flight over the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. The rest is up to you. www.nautilusaviation.com.au
Air Factory, located in Burleigh Waters on the Gold Coast, is an all-weather indoor park with 140 trampolines, so it's sure to add an extra spring in your step when it comes to popping the question. There are several zones to choose from including Pro Zone and Slam Dunk and an Air Café to gaze into each other's eyes after the deed is done. www.airfactory.com.au
If you're on cloud nine on proposal day, you might as well get up amongst them. Pterodactyl Helicopters, based in Ipswich, takes guests on a food safari to sip, chew and view at boutique vineyards and breweries. Guests will take in jaw-dropping vistas of Queensland's Scenic Rim, the lakes district of Wivenhoe and Somerset, plus the mountains of Mt Mee, as they make up to six landings and feast their way through Southern Queensland Country's fab food, wine and boutique beers. www.pterodactylhelicopters.com.au
IFLY Gold Coast is opening early in 2016 complete with a vertical wind tunnel that helps humans take flight. If your heart is in free-fall, then you'll love the VWT, with wind moves upwards at speeds of up to 195 km/h (55m/s). The wind speed is varied to equal the terminal velocity of the human body belly-downwards and this enables the person to float in the air. The resulting 'flight' is the closest simulation possible to the experience of actual skydiving. We think it's heart-stoppingly perfect in the heart of Surfers Paradise. https://downunder.iflyworld.com/goldcoast
Propose at dizzying heights on top of Brisbane's Story Bridge. Enjoy the romance of a morning climb, take in the breathtaking views, or why not make a night of it and marvel at the shimmering city skyline? SBAC has created an Engagement Ring Device for climbers planning to pop the question at the summit of the bridge, so you can be sure the ring will never get lost. www.sbac.net.au
Go Au Naturale…
Queensland boasts some stunningly gorgeous landscapes with plenty of private pockets for proposals. One such place is Takarakka Bush Resort which is located in the heart of Carnarvon Gorge, some 300km south-west of Rockhampton. Stay in one of the six ultra-comfy studios and star gaze at their state-of-the-art Night Sky Observatory. www.takaru.com.au
Secrets On The Lake Tree Houses are nestled on the shores of peaceful Lake Baroon in Queensland's stunning Sunshine Coast Hinterland. This intimate and romantic getaway features hand-carved, elevated wooden walkways that weave through the rainforest treetops to ten individually themed, private tree houses. www.secretsonthelake.com.au
Ambush Proposals For Adrenalin Couples…
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Single laydees, if you feel your fella is never going to propose, you might want to lull them in to a false sense of security by joining them on an activity they love, and then hitting them with the all-important question when they least expect it. If your beau-to-be is a fisherman, your best bet is to bait and hook 'em whilst you're cleaning and gutting their catch. For everyone else…
Add a little jet-propelled oomph when you pop the question to your superhero, thanks to Jetpack Adventures on the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast or Whitsundays. Inspired by James Bond, the water-propelled Jetpack will see you soaring above the water with a communication helmet strapped on. It's a pretty cool way to say: “Will you?” http://www.jetpackadventures.com.au/
The Tour de France of all proposals in the Sunshine State would have to be the Conway Coastal Fringe Circuit and Hayward Gully bike tracks which take riders through the Conway National Park via rainforests, lush valleys and stunning views over the Whitsunday Coast and islands.Riders can also choose from 20km of tracks on South Molle Island or 36km trails of the Whitsunday Great Walk. http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/conway/about.html
And last, but not least, dive heart-first into your marriage pitch at Orpheus Island. Slip on a diving mask and hang out with half-metre long moon wrasse and parrot fish or cavort with coral trout. Orpheus Island Resort's intimate 'Dining with The Tides' experience is served under a starlit canopy and provides another opportunity for romance. http://www.orpheus.com.au/