Your ultimate guide to
Discover everything Queensland has to offer with our ultimate travel guide of things to see and do in Queensland. Relax on beautiful beaches, be inspired by world-heritage listed rainforests or escape to an island paradise.
Explore stunning destinations in South East Queensland such as the Gold Coast, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast or head to the tropical climates of the Daintree Rainforest, Whitsunday Islands and the Tropical North.
Queensland is a great holiday destination for family beach holidays, romantic getaways on tropical islands or road tripping to the outback; Queensland has it all.
There are plenty of things to do in Queensland and a visit to the Great Barrier Reef should be on everyone’s bucket list. Explore the Whitsunday Islands and bring a sense of adventure with sailing, ocean rafting and skydiving available to tempt thrill seekers. Families will love a day out at the Queensland theme parks for fun in the sun on the Gold Coast.
There are plenty of opportunities for snorkelling and sailing in Queensland, with The Whitsundays a popular spot for beginners and advanced skill levels alike. Try sailing the Whitsundays in a catamaran for the joy and freedom of sailing unassisted through the most beautiful waterways in the world.
Just an hour from Brisbane, swim in the crystal clear waters of Moreton Island where you can snorkel among the corroded hulls of 15 sunken ships, teaming with reef fish as well as turtles, dolphins and stingrays and coral outcrops.
If it’s adventure you seek, Queensland offers plenty of adrenaline pumping action, from diving with sharks at Osprey Reef, jungle surfing at Cape Tribulation to skydiving in picturesque locations across the state including the Gold Coast, Cairns, Fraser Island and the Whitsundays.
Relax; you’re on island time. Take some serious R&R and chill out at one of Queensland’s island destinations. Hamilton Island is the ideal island getaway, whether you splurge on a stay at qualia or stay at one of the more affordable holiday houses or hotels on the island you’ll find plenty of things to do on Hamilton Island or simply enjoy relaxing and doing nothing at all.
The outback is a mammoth proposition, so much so that it is sometimes hard to know where to start when it comes to exploring. Here, we have compiled...
There’s more to Hamilton Island than resort pools and swanky restaurants. For the ultimate family holiday, check out these top activities for young ...
Foodies, here is your plan for the year ahead - cancel everything else... The Curated Plate Any chef worth their Michelin star knows just how import...
Getting to the three-day music festival widely acknowledged to be the most remote in the world takes a bit of work, but is it worth it? Dilvin Yasa ta...
From spending the night in a rare exotic fruit orchard and tasting Davidson plum ice-cream to ziplining through the forest and horse riding on the b...
The mother of all Whitsundays events is Hamilton Island Race Week. It is a firm fixture on the international sailing calendar with hundreds of yach...
Queensland's perfect bucket list is full to the brim with holiday escapades: coastal beauty, tranquil hinterland, remarkable wildlife, outdoor adventu...
Craig Tansley discovers a different side to Noosa on one of the longest beach drives on Earth. Everyone knows about the charms of Noosa, but how ma...
The organist is tickling the ivories at the world’s longest running silent movie theatre on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, while in the heart of N...
Embark on the mother of all pub crawls to explore 45 of Australia’s best boozers. From remote country watering holes to pubs within cooee of the ma...
Bundaberg’s Mon Repos Beach is home to half the South Pacific’s nesting loggerhead turtles – and one of nature’s most ancient rituals of life....
Deep in the Queensland outback, David Levell discovers the stunning beauty of Cobbold Gorge, a chasm carved into the landscape that managed to remain ...
Aptly taking place in the historic Ekka Dairy Hall and Sugar Building, Brisbane food enthusiasts now have a place to worship, Welcome to Bowen Hills,...
Queensland has an abundance of gorges that are just as compelling as the stunning Cobbold. If breathtaking scenery is your thing, gorge yourself on th...
The striking animal forms, chants and motions of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival are as relevant now as they have been for tens of thousands of ye...
Novice sailor Celeste Mitchell discovers sailing Whitsundays on a catamaran without a captain is the best way to explore those famous islands. Yes, yo...
Brisbane sizzles in summer but, there’s plenty of cool spots for a hip dip. Here's 8 swimming venues of note, each with its own story to tell. 1. O...
A castle built out of love in tropical Queensland, Paronella Park is the fairytale you’ve never heard, writes Steve Madgwick. Plenty of people said...
Perched at latitude 27 from the equator, it’s no surprise that Brisbane warms up significantly over summer. Luckily there are some great ways to bea...
It’s a slice of Queensland the way it used to be, in both a modern and ancient context, where two World Heritage areas just happen to bump into each...
Celeste Mitchell skips the lengthy reservations queue and heads straight to the new bar within the grounds of hatted Sunshine Coast restaurant, Spirit...
Perhaps the biggest road block, so to speak, to a Fraser Island driving holiday is fear of the unknown. Do I need to know how to four-wheel-drive? Wh...
Caloundra used to be the Sunshine Coast’s quiet little sister. She’s no Noosa yet, but this southern (Sunshine Coast) belle is getting her groove ...
In galleries, on the stage and even clinging to motorway underpasses, art and creative talent have found a thriving metropolis in Brisbane, writes Kyl...
You can eat cheaply in Noosa or not-so-cheaply, either way, there are plenty of worthy options to lure you off your beach towel, and the produce that ...
Think you know what Brisbane’s bars are all about? Think again because there’s more than meets the eye to the nightlife here. Endless cocktails, ...
Quietly confident and refreshingly open, Brisbane’s fashion scene is all about lifestyle sans ego. Here's your guide to Brisbane... “There is thi...
It may not instantly sweep you off your feet, but when the Story Bridge twinkles and a flurry of jacaranda flowers comes tumbling to the ground, Brisb...
If whizzing around the city to cram Brisbane’s shops, shows and gastronomy into your itinerary leaves you breathless, rest easy knowing a lungful of...
Celeste Mitchell lets the tyres down for a weekend off-roading on Fraser Island; it’s time for the girls to re-take the wheel. Joined in unison by ...
This is one yachting fantasy that’s much easier (and less expensive) than you’d think. All aboard ... You’ve dreamt of sailing off into a sunse...
The Birdsville Races is an Australian outback bucket list item of mythical proportions, with around 7000 pilgrims covering thousands of kilometres to ...
Top off your sun, sand and surf break with a visit to one of these top spas. 1. spaQ at QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise SpaQ is not your average ‘...
So you've made it all the way to the Australia's great sandy island; tick these off your bucket list before you leave - we dare you. 1. Take a tour ...
Alissa Jenkins comes face to fin with the most majestic of creatures in Hervey Bay, humpback whales, on one of Queensland's most majestic stretches of...
Take a step away from the ocean and you'll discover that summer holidays on the Sunshine Coast are not all just about the beach. Listen up folks W...
Ok, so you’ve snorkelled yourself silly and are looking for a new adventure; or perhaps you’re looking for a nice way to ease the kids into it. We...
The population of Noosa are discerning about their food, demanding only the best, according to chef Peter Kuruvita, who runs the Beach House Restauran...
War Of The Worlds. A survival guide to the big four Gold Coast theme parks. You haven’t done the GC until you’ve done the theme parks. ...
With around 500 stalls, huge swathes of which are devoted to feeding hungry browsers, one of the more delightful aspects of the Eumundi Markets is its...
There are plenty of places to visit in Queensland starting with Queensland’s buzzing capital Brisbane a laid-back city meandering along the banks of the Brisbane River. There’s a whole, diverse state to explore, from South East Queensland to the Tropical North you’ll find the perfect base to explore.
One of the seven wonders of the natural world, the Great Barrier Reef is a magnet for travellers, ideal for romantic getaways or an adventure packed family holiday. Explore the Great Barrier Reef by snorkelling and scuba diving or view the magnificent reef from above with one of many operators offering tours of the world-heritage listed wonderland.
The Gold Coast has been synonymous with the quintessential Australian beach holiday for decades. The region attracts families, beach babes and surfers for it’s laid-back surf culture. In recent times, the Gold Coast has shed its kitschy stereotype to emerge as a cool and confident beach destination worth revisiting. Families flock to the Gold Coast theme parks while foodies are discovering the sophistication in the south at Burleigh.
One of Australia’s most precious natural wonders, the Daintree Rainforest, at 180 million years old, is the oldest continuously living rainforest in the world. When you visit this UNESCO World Heritage site, on the land of the Yalanji people, you’ll be inspired by the diversity of the flora and fauna and marvel at the distinct landscapes you encounter. Take a ‘dreamtime’ guided walk and learn fascinating stories about the Daintree or experience the Daintree from a different perspective by cruising, camping or ziplining through the rainforest.
Balmy weather, white beaches and a fun holiday vibe are just a few of the reasons parents love Hamilton Island. You won’t hear “I’m bored” F...
It’s the dream of every parent: the perfect family holiday, where tears and complaints are left at home, replaced by smiles and squeals of excitemen...
Spend a weekend discovering QLD's newest foodie haven, sourced from delectable local produce, before taking in the surrounding natural wonders and abu...
Palm Beach (Gold Coast) has roots as a 1960s holiday home dream and a somewhat shady rep, but it's now having its time in the sun with new development...
Fringed with an exquisite array of sweeping bays and beaches of every shape and size, Australia’s east coast feeds the legend of the bronzed Aussie ...
While this Gold Coast beach town has long been a favourite in the holiday stakes, its cool-factor has recently spiked with a burgeoning scene of hip p...
Forget everything you think you know, because Surfers Paradise’s more sophisticated neighbour has become even more irresistible over the last few ye...
Taking time to connect with a lush and ancient rainforest world is a gift for the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to this meaningful motivation, h...
If you're looking for a beautiful, tranquil setting for rest and relaxation, look no further than beautiful Lizard Island. Where is Lizard Island? L...
Leaving city life far behind isn’t hard when Brisbane’s Moreton Island is involved. It’s easy to overlook the simple beauty of Moreton Island; ...
Noosa isn’t all just good looks, this stunning seaside region has an incredible cultural and shopping scene to boot. A classic seaside sojourn Sun-...
Everything you need to know before you go, this is the GBR by the numbers. Where to go, when to go, lengths, depths, how the reef is cared for, what p...
With rolling hills speared by stilted Queenslanders and a river zigzagging wherever it pleases, Brisbane has certainly copped a fair whack of the beau...
The world’s oldest rainforest comes alive with the rare and wonderful for Steve Madgwick, as he climbs aboard a boat full of twitchers for a river c...
Australian Traveller readers rated Noosa as the Best Summer Holiday experience this year in our Readers’ Choice Awards. Here are a handful of ideas ...
Quentin Long takes his extended family to Fraser Island and everything is not as expected. There is something undoubtedly special about Fraser Island...
If all the world’s shores were to converge on the stage like Miss Universe contestants, Queensland beaches would turn more heads than any other with...
Once a metaphoric wasteland of chain restaurants and massage parlours, Mermaid Beach is now as cool as its name, with Margot Robbie and Matt Preston a...
There’s a creative undercurrent changing the face of the Sunshine Coast. We dial in to find its epicentre. A lot can happen in five years. It feels...
A town with a roller-coaster history of big booms and tragic falls, Port Douglas is back on track, with big investments returning this small tropical ...
Rainbow Beach isn’t the kind of place that you stumble upon by accident, which is a massive bonus. The weeny seaside village not only channels the s...
The drive between Boulia and Winton in Queensland's West covers some of the most spectacular land in our country, but few are lucky enough to see it, ...
With some of the planet’s best scuba diving spots, the Great Barrier Reef is a natural playground in our own backyard waiting to be explored, and th...
Sometimes first impressions run skin deep and Noosa passes with flying colours. It’s no wonder the region was named Queensland’s first UNESCO Bio...
The Sunshine State capital may not have any stretches of sand within arm’s reach (faux-fabulous Streets Beach aside), but it isn’t shy of secret s...
Unexplored island shores steeped in history lay at Brisbane’s doorstep. I’ve seen them countless times while flying in over Brisbane: tiny island...
The Queensland coastal town of Noosa has an altogether more authentic charm than some would have you believe. By Lara Picone (photography: Elizabeth A...
From meeting place to rowdy port to cultural centre, South Bank has seen its fair share of action over the years, but it’s much more than just a pub...
Like its topography, Paddington’s evolution has had its ups and downs but this Brisbane suburb is defending its character in the face of bloomin...
Brissie is sometimes tagged as a gateway city – a launch pad to elsewhere – but who says that’s a bad thing? While the Sunshine State capital ha...
Heart Reef is one of our greatest natural treasures and Dan Down catches a seaplane to see the true extent of its beauty. Swooping over the alien, co...
The words “unique” or “paradise” are often used to describe many destinations the world over, however, no other place truly encompasses these ...
You can slice a summer trip to northern Queensland any way you please, but road tripping from the Whitsunday coast to far north Queensland’s Cairns ...
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is the largest tropical reef ecosystem in the world. We all know it’s big, but let’s break it down into number...
Cape York Peninsula doesn't get its fare share of the limelight, writes Alissa Jenkins but it's a must-do for any wandering Aussie. Here are her top...
With 74 islands to choose from in the Whitsundays, our guide tells you which one is the best fit for you. Airlie Beach Traditionally the party girl ...
Hayman Island will always bring to mind images of seaside opulence, but there's more than just white sand and water. Words by Georgia Rickard You mig...
It was business as usual for travel journalist Craig Tansley, when an invitation to Magnetic Island arrived in his inbox. Next thing he knew, he was m...
Cape York Peninsula may be alive with crocs, snakes and other dangerous animals, but it’s also a classic destination for lovers of untouched wildern...
You’ll find options in Queensland to suit every budget from camping and caravan parks, budget hotels to beachside resorts, boutique hotels and luxury accommodation.
Wondering where to stay in Queensland? Whether you’re planning a family holiday, city break, adventure holiday, romantic getaway or luxury experience there is a destination to suit your style from a coastal holiday on the Sunshine Coast, to a road trip in the Outback, Queensland has the perfect accommodation to suit your style and budget.
Queensland is a popular choice for a honeymoon or romantic getaway and luxury lodges are the perfect choice to retreat from the world. Spicers Peak Lodge is the highest non-alpine resort in Australia with valley views, fireplaces and a hatted restaurant making it a dining destination worth the detour to the Scenic Rim. In the tropical north, Silky Oaks Lodge is the ultimate luxury eco lodge in an unrivalled location on the tranquil Mossman River just downstream from Mossman Gorge.
Looking for luxury hotels in Queensland? Look no further than qualia the darling of Australian luxury on the pristine Hamilton Island. In Brisbane, The Calile Hotel has brought sophisticated style and laid-back elegance to the river city. Meanwhile, The Star Gold Coast brings the glitz and opulence to the Gold Coast, surrounded by bars, restaurants and entertainment precincts alongside the thrills of a world-class casino.
Throw another log on the fire, don your comfiest slippers and pop the cork of that bottle of red you’ve been saving, because your next romantic wint...
Lagoon-style pools, Coral Sea views and chilled-out seafood restaurants are all part of the package when holidaying on Hamilton Island, and families n...
Known for its sunny disposition and a welcome as warm as the weather, Queensland’s subtropical capital is going through a renaissance. There’s a v...
Just you and the warm aqua waters lapping at your toes at the most secluded island retreat in the Whitsundays… this may be as close to heaven as you...
We check in to the W Brisbane and realise sleep, while superb here, is just one piece of the experiential pie. In the land of luxury hotels, pushin...
In 2012 an elegant simplicity and a fine attention to detail turned a corner of Hamilton Island into the best resort in the world. Is that still the c...
What could be better than sipping Champagne on the sand and exploring the world renowned marine life of the Great Barrier Reef? Lizard Island’s Dom ...
Breathtaking ocean views, brilliant coral reef, lush tropical rainforest, impressive pool facilities, and a food and beverage offering as mouth-wateri...
Quentin Long reveals what it’s like to honeymoon in complete privacy at Australia’s most covetable romantic luxury resort, qualia on Hamilton Isla...
There's camping and there are the most beautiful places to camp in Australia. You can thank us later. Personal butlers. Five-star dining. Drink umbre...
There’s no such thing as run-of-the-mill when it comes to luxury accommodation options in Brisbane. Brisbane is full of incredible accommodation op...
It’s the perfect summer escape if you’re after simple luxury – and no one knows it better than former Vogue Australia editor, Kirstie Clements ...
How does one prepare for the arrival of their first child? By jumping on board the babymoon bandwagon with a to-die-for island escape at Lizard Island...
Celeste Mitchell checks in to the first Brisbane foray for Art Series Hotels to see how an old government office block has been given a new, rather c...
From the catwalk to the streets of Brisbane's Fortitude Valley, can Alex Perry’s first hotel deliver in more than just style? Perhaps because Alex...
From renovated Queenslanders-turned B&Bs to hipster apartments and heritage suites, Brisbane’s boutique hotels each offer their own je ne sais q...
Remaining beautifully untamed and rugged, World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is nothing short of paradise, whether you seek a holiday of adventure or...
AT jumped at the offer to attend the launch of Elandra, not just because of the headline act Grace Jones, but because the Mission Beach locale is on...
While an influx of new and innovative hotels has overtaken Brisbane’s city skyline, sometimes it’s nice to get into the groove of the city with a ...
Enjoying a family-friendly escape at the following hotels is child’s play. Think fun for them, a bit of luxury for you. With so many great things to...
While Orpheus Island offers an unparalleled sense of understated luxury, diving from this national park affords you another kind of privilege: having ...
What if Queensland’s Sunshine Coast offered more than a summery beachside retreat? Words by Celeste Mitchell, Photography by Krista Eppelstun It’...
Alissa Jenkins heads to far north Queensland to try out Bloomfield Lodge: an intimate destination with a reputation that has been spreading both orga...
These Queensland family resorts keep kids entertained and adults sane; it's play time for the children and spa time for the adults... 1. Turtle Beach...
World Heritage-listed rainforests, bohemian towns, surf beaches and a legendary food and arts scene, you can find the country’s best features betwee...
Clive Palmer has taken over one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier holiday resorts. Steve Madgwick investigates if he should have stuck to mining… A...
Australian Traveller Magazine’s 100 Great Australian Holiday Homes At this lavish fortress on Hamilton Island, it is simply impossible to get out o...
There are plenty of tours and packages to make the most of your Queensland holiday. Choose from our ultimate Queensland bucket list including a visit to the award-winning Bundaberg Rum Distillery for a unique Blend Your Own Rum Experience.
From ancient rock art tours to art classes and top-end dining utilising native ingredients, to walking tours and sleeping in the rainforest, immerse y...
The Great Barrier Reef is a living structure under pressure, threatened by climate change, pollution and land run off, and other factors. While flying...
One man, one motorcycle and 1800 kilometres of white-knuckle terrain: how did our off-road novice, Steve Madgwick, fare on the long way down adventure...
Travel used to be simple: photographs in front of famous monuments or tasting local cuisine. Now we need to be the fastest, walk the longest, or climb...
So you have had enough of lying on the beach and the pamperfest? Time to man (and woman) Whitsundays action stations. (By Alissa Jenkins) 1. Swim t...
An encounter with the Queensland's dwarf minke whales is a wildlife experience forever close to Georgia Rickard's heart. As a rule, the great wild...
Swimming in a Queensland rainforest is surreal enough, but a scuba dive with a platypus twist near Mackay's Eungella National Park is one for the buck...
The only way to experience the rugged landscape of Queensland. Mountain biking is a little misunderstood. It conjures images of Red Bull-sponsored at...
The Daintree Rainforest is a world away from civilisation but a snap to get to, says guest blogger Matt Isabella. And the drive north from Cairns is a...
You read that right: catching bulls in Cape York... Michele Maddison takes us along on the ride of her life. Tranquillity. As you pry your eyes ope...
For your chance to WIN a three-day Capes Pack walk for two (plus return flights to Hobart), valued at $4400!
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