Whether spotting koalas on Magnetic Island or blissing out in Brisbane, the top weekend getaways in Queensland prove you don’t need a passport to get away from it all.
Blending adventure and relaxation, even a short escape is unforgettable in the Sunshine State. Chase a taste of the tropics, retreat to the hinterland or reconnect with family on a luxe island hideaway. Below is our curation of the best weekend getaways in Queensland for every travel taste.
A Moreton Bay mini break for young and old
Moreton Island is home to the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? This pristine pocket of paradise just 60 kilometres from Brisbane offers the perfect multi-gen getaway.
Tell me more: Take your tribe to Trevena Glen Farm to interact with goats, horses and alpacas; browse the family-friendly (and free) Redcliffe Art Gallery; see bottlenose dolphins and the famed Tangalooma Wrecks on a day cruise to Moreton Island; or simply admire the stunning sunsets together from Woody Point Jetty.
A blissful beachside stay on the Sunshine Coast
Splash into a sunshine state of mind at Avani
Mooloolaba Beach Hotel.
Treat yourself to a bubble bath with ocean views at the new hotel. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel boasts a rooftop pool. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
What? A fabulous stay in Mooloolaba that combines sailing, sunsets and seafood galore, plus a sleek new hotel.
Tell me more:Sight majestic migrating whales (June to October) or spot turtles on an Adventure Rafting wildlife cruise, sip your way through the region on a craft beer tour or shop till you flop at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Then re-energise with a return to your chic base at the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel to indulge in spa treatments, rooftop sundowners and seafood dining.
An escape to greener pastures in Toowoomba
Spot vibrant street murals in Toowoomba. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? A restful Queensland Country getaway offering far more than a breath of fresh air.
Tell me more: Filled with foodie finds and overlooking misty valleys from atop the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba has a habit of exceeding expectations. Take a morning stroll through Queens Park, discover 100-plus street art murals and explore the host of eateries proving the city is worth its salt as a flourishing dining destination.
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A hiking adventure through the Scenic Rim
Hikers can now tackle the Scenic Rim Trail independently.
Mt Mistake is situated within the Main Range National Park.
What? Discovering the splendours of the Scenic Rim on a four-day hike, sans guided group.
Tell me more: Skilled ramblers, rejoice. You can now immerse yourself in nature’s glory on a multi-night walk, without the need to lug around a tent and meals or wrangle a guided group (though guided options are still available). Lace up for the Scenic Rim Trail’s 60-kilometre independent tour – for capable hikers – through World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforests, before treating tired muscles to a comfy private eco-camp, complete with hot showers, prepared meals and soft beds.
A nature-meets-city getaway in Townsville
A palm-fringed beach on Magnetic Island. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Tell me more: You had us at koalas. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island draws nature lovers to one of the largest koala populations in northern Australia. Stroll among the gums to spot our national symbol in situ, snorkel from the beach to swim amid colourful corals, then sail back to your base in Townsville for all the city spoils.
Active wellness on Hamilton Island
A sunrise yoga session at The Sundays on Hamilton Island. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Beachside eats at Catseye Beach. (Credit: Nikki To)
Climb to the top of the popular Passage Peak Hamilton Island hike. (Credit: Riley Williams)
What? A tropical island escape where hiking trails, watersports and wellness experiences prove holidays can be equal parts adventure and relaxation.
Tell me more: A short direct flight from many major Australian cities, Hamilton Island figures among the best short breaks in Queensland for good reason. Start the day on a high with an e-mountain bike ride along Hamilton Island’s scenic trail network before cooling off with a spot of kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling at Catseye Beach. It’s all about balance, so be sure to book a treatment at Spa wumurdaylin, join a sunrise yoga session and savour a mighty breakfast at Beach Club before you leave, returning home feeling refreshed in both body and mind.
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A luxe Brisbane stay with scenic flight to boot
You can reach Lady Elliot Island via a scenic plane from Brisbane. (Credit: Ben Andryc)
What?Emporium Hotel South Bank has launched a series of bespoke helicopter and scenic plane experiences to elevate special occasions.
Tell me more: From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef off pristine Lady Elliot Island to a gourmet grazing picnic on North Stradbroke Island, the flight packages promise true escapes without the need to sacrifice your convenient Brisbane base. Return to your room by evening, then toast the day with sunset cocktails and skyline views at The Terrace rooftop bar.
A taste of the tropics in Cairns and Port Douglas
Savour the flavours of Tropical North Queensland at the annual Taste Port Douglas festival.
What? A short break spotlighting Tropical North Queensland’s high-calibre cuisine.
Tell me more: Discover bars, breweries and Daintree delights with Cairns Tasting Tours, or tuck into a smorgasbord of fragrant fruit at Rusty’s Markets. Just north, the Taste Port Douglas festival is one to make room for each August. Join celebrity chef masterclasses, food trivia and long lunches aplenty.
Rainforest recovery in Tamborine Mountain
Cool off at Curtis Falls. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? Just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain offers lush canopies, national parks and boutique stays.
Tell me more: You’ll find endless exciting things to do in Tamborine Mountain, from a wellness session at SOL Elements bathouse to the ethereal Curtis Falls rainforest walk and a host of chic eateries dishing up delicious culinary creations. For a , bed down at beautifully restored The Tamborine boutique hotel, where a mineral pool looks out over jaw-dropping views.
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Leanne Archer is a journalist with decades of experience in the media industry. She currently works as a freelance sub-editor and writer for Australian Traveller Media working across Australian Traveller and International Traveller, as well as a...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
From poolside bites and tasting flights to seafood plates and dry-aged steaks, a foodie adventure on Hamilton Island is worth every bite.
Hamilton Island’s sun-lacquered shores have long magnetised travellers craving an escape from reality. But what’s less expected – and more interesting – is just how assuredly this Whitsundays idyll delivers on the culinary front. Dialling up the flavour as much as the barefoot allure, the Hamilton Island food scene offers world-class dining and drinking options, spanning slick fine-dining moments to just-caught seafood served within sight of the sea. Let’s dig in.
Catseye Pool Club
Catseye Pool Club offers stunning beach views. (Image: Kara Rosenlund)
Framing the electric blues of Catseye Beach from The Sundays hotel, Catseye Pool Club is Hamilton Island’s latest culinary prodigy. Shown to our table, we thread through rattan chairs, Zellige tiles and tumbling greenery that opens up to Coral Sea shimmer.
The poolside restaurant is the brainchild of Sydney-based chef duo Josh and Julie Niland, who have brought their relaxed yet elevated dining ethos north. The menu – designed to bring people together – is made for sharing, each hero ingredient orbited by a palette of sides to mix, match and layer as you please.
My thyme cocktail – woody with scotch, lifted by lime leaf – pairs perfectly with the charcoal grilled prawns entree, which is served with tumeric and lemongrass marinade, macadamia satay sauce and a thai-leaning sour green mango salad. Each forkful lands differently, but all are a delight. Then comes the coral trout. True to Josh Niland’s ‘scale-to-tail’ philosophy, the fish is presented whole in a theatrical crescent, a tiny fork stuck into its cheek in a nod to Niland’s declared prize cut. Ribbons of zucchini resembling gauzy curtains bring brightness and snap, while kasundi lends depth and warmth. It’s tongue-tantalising, special occasion dining with humanity.
Sails Restaurant
Settle into casual poolside dining. (Credit: Nikki To)
A more casual poolside dining scene awaits at nearby Sails Restaurant, where Eastern Mediterranean flavours are dished up with an island twist. Chermoula chicken skewers and barramundi souvlaki lie on the more filling side of the menu, while the sumac squid and stone-bread flatbread with za’atar – arriving alongside pomegranate molasses, beetroot hummus and crushed macadamias – are perfect light bites after a dip in the pool. And don’t miss the garlic lemon scallops.
The setting is equally part of the draw. Sunlight floods the high-ceilinged dining room, while outdoor tables look out across the glittering expanse of Catseye Beach. Holidaymakers in oversized sunglasses sip spritzes beneath umbrellas, the gentle clink of plates mixing with splashes from the adjacent pool. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to linger long after lunch.
Bommie
Head to the Hamilton Island Yacht Club for a taste of Bommie. (Credit: Nikki To)
Tucked into a sleek curved wing of the Hamilton Island Yacht Club, Bommie delivers experiential fine dining with a sense of occasion. Led by award-winning Executive Chef Ryan Locke, the seasonal menu champions local and native Australian ingredients whipped up into a modern display of creative precision.
Inside the dim-lit dining room, guests can choose between the Tasting Menu or Chef’s Signature Degustation. Sourdough with pine oil sets the tone for the six-course tasting menu, beautifully presented in a bed of pine needles alongside smoked paperbark butter. I love how the squid ink choux pastry is served with flavour-popping native finger lime, which our waiter encourages us to eat caviar-style. Standout moments continue with the wattle-seed-crusted venison elevated by red fruit and pickled beetroot swirls; the meat is perfectly pink in the middle and an homage to the island’s history as a deer farm.
Pebble Beach
qualia Resort guests can dine at Pebble Beach. (Credit: Lean Timms)
Exclusive to qualia Resort guests for lunch and dinner, Pebble Beach is Hamilton Island’s most serene expression of seasonal island dining. Ocean-facing chairs dot a timber deck that spills straight onto the resort’s private beach, while crystalline turquoise waters stretch to meet distant islands – a scene far prettier than any postcard could capture.
The recently refreshed menu doubles down on seasonality and bright, layered flavours. While the more substantial T-bone steak with hazelnut honey carrots tempts, we go lighter: Coffin Bay oysters with Champagne foam and keffir lime dust kick us off splendidly, followed by Byron Bay burrata served with balsamic and caramelised figs. The fennel and orange salad topped with succulent grilled chicken is utterly delectable, but it’s the zingy, oh-so-fresh soft shell fish tacos that I can’t stop thinking about. It all goes down a treat with a glass of delicate Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Champagne.
Beach Club Restaurant
Book in advance for Beach Club Restaurant. (Credit: Nikki To)
A lunch or dinner table at Beach Club Restaurant is best booked in advance – and it’s easy to see why. Looking out over the hotel’s palm-fringed infinity pool, the restaurant spotlights elegant contemporary Australian cuisine with a stellar (also Aussie-leaning) wine list to match.
I am completely enamoured by the grilled Queensland prawns, which are brought to life with a smoked compound, local fried curry leaves and lime. Digging into the butter-soft lamb rump served atop pea ragout and parsley Paris mash feels like a warm, nostalgic hug. And dessert – vanilla bean ice cream drizzled with hot salted honey and apple gel – ends the night on a high note.
Expect warm and discreet service; our waiter Marco tells us that the tiny decorative starfish on our table are there to help the staff remember whether we prefer sparkling or still water, so they don’t need to bother us by asking multiple times.
Talk & Taste with Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher
Join this immersive wine experience. (Credit Eleanor Edström)
There’s more to Hamilton Island’s foodie scene than restaurant reservations alone. For wine-curious travellers seeking something a little more immersive, Beach Club has recently introduced Talk & Taste – a tutored tasting hosted by Bommie Assistant Manager and wine enthusiast Courtenay Morgan-Fletcher. Held twice weekly for a maximum of eight guests, the experience explores Australian wine culture through four thoughtfully selected drops paired with native-inspired bites.
We opt for the white wine and seafood option. Alongside pours from Eden Valley and Launceston, a nibbling platter arrives featuring sashimi, salmon roe, Mooloolaba prawn ceviche and palate-cleansing ginger. The seafood is pristine and pared back, allowing the wines to take centre stage.
The real highlight, however, is discovering just how nuanced winemaking can be. Courtenay speaks of viticulture as both art and science: harvest grapes a week too late and ripeness tips into ruin; plant the same varietal on different elevations and the sun, slope and water flow will shape entirely different expressions. Pinot noir, she explains, with its delicate skin and high water content, yields lighter fruit-forward wines, while thicker-skinned shiraz delivers depth and structure. I leave feeling fascinated and inspired by Courtenay’s evident passion.
coca chu
Get a taste of Southeast Asian flavours. (Credit: Nikki To)
Sweet and hot. Sour and salty. Dining at ever-popular coca chu is a sensation-swirling experience that’s not to be missed if you’re a sucker for punchy Southeast Asian flavours. Located at the Main Pool end of Catseye Beach, this lively hangout is all swaying lanterns, driftwood, high beamed ceilings and giant open windows that let in the balmy ocean breeze.
Drawing from hawker traditions, the grilled betel leaf is a neat, vibrant mouthful of chilli fried cashews and spiced beef. The tofu surprises – soft beneath a tumble of dill, mint and coriander, and glossed in moreish peanut sauce. The massaman curry is pure comfort: creamy, fragrant, fall-apart meat. It’s generous and expressive cooking that I, for one, cannot get enough of.
Marina Cafe
Take in harbour views and comfort food.
Sometimes, all you crave on holidays is a bacon and egg roll done properly and a creamy fruit smoothie. Boasting harbour views, an easygoing atmosphere and clean modern interiors, Marina Cafe is a popular local haunt for a reason. The casual menu lures families and couples alike with its all-day brekky, seasonal salads and sandwiches – from a roasted pumpkin bowl to prosciutto and rocket on herby focaccia.
The acai bowl, topped with toasted nuts and berries, is a refreshing start to my day. Whether you sit in or takeaway, it’s a good-vibes-guaranteed place to refuel before or after your Whitsundays adventures.
