Qatar’s allure is made all the more magical by it literally being an oasis in the middle of long-haul travel between Australia and Europe. As a stop-over destination everything Qatar has to offer you is in close proximity ─ from Doha’s vibrant art scene, culinary delights, waterfront dining and shopping opportunities to desert adventures you can experience on the city’s doorstep.

Breaking up your return flight to Europe with a stop-over in Qatar is ideal if you’re travelling with children or just need to freshen up with a holiday within a holiday. Start with a walk around the Doha Corniche ─ a 7km promenade running the length of the city’s crescent waterfront where you’ll stroll past restaurants, parks picnic spots, cultural attractions and see traditional dhow boats ambling across the harbour.

Venture into the city and you’ll discover shopping experiences old and new. Find just about every designer label you're looking for at the Pearl-Qatar, a shopping precinct located on an artificial island on the northern shore off Doha. Then go where the locals go and haggle for some bargains at Souq Waqif. Getting lost in the twisting alleyways of this this large, vibrant market in central Doha is more an adventure than a mishap.

Meanwhile, opportunities to immerse yourself in Qatar’s history and culture await with a visit to the spectacular Qatar State Grand Mosque, the National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art.