15 best towns to visit in Queensland, ranked

These towns boast crystalline beaches, rich culture and effortlessly cool venues in spades.

While Queensland is often celebrated for its natural assets, its towns are just as incredible. They pulse with lively arts scenes, culinary delights and cultural highlights, all while serving as a gateway to some of Australia’s most unique landscapes, rainforests and reefs. These are the 15 best towns to visit in Queensland right now, as judged by our expert panel in Australian Traveller‘s 100 best Aussie towns rankings.

1. Port Douglas

Overall rank: 2/100

Kuku Yalanji Country

the Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas — The palm-fringed Four Mile Beach stretches four kilometres of pristine sand. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland / Reuben Nutt)

This once sleepy fishing village burst onto the scene in the 1980s when the luxurious Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort opened and has been a favourite with holidaymakers ever since. Neighboured by the ultimate duo – the hyper-green and ancient Daintree Rainforest to the north and the inimitable Great Barrier Reef fringing its coast – Port Douglas effortlessly lures nature lovers and satisfies travellers who appreciate the finer things in life. Days tick by at an unhurried pace in this tropical town: brunch in the sunshine, days swimming among coral, afternoons strolling golden sands and evening cocktails under palm trees.

Don’t miss: Experience the Daintree’s Mossman Gorge with a local Kuku Yalanji guide on a Walkabout Cultural Adventures tour, which Catriona Rowntree claims is “one of the best cultural adventures I’ve taken my family on."

2. Noosa

Overall rank: 9/100

Kabi Kabi Country

paddle boarding in Noosa — Paddleboarding in the crystal-clear waters of Noosa. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

The exact opposite of the proverbial hidden gem, Noosa sits self-assuredly in a never-waning spotlight. This is all for good reason. Idyllic beaches that curve softy around forested national park, the Noosa World Surfing Reserve, and a clutch of cosmopolitan shops and incredible dining all double-tick the holiday checklist. The day’s loose itinerary drifts between sunning oneself at Noosa Main Beach, paddleboarding in Laguna Bay and long lunching in Hastings Street. Adding to the town’s stylish offerings is the recently opened Elysium Noosa Resort, which also invites non-guests in for Aperols and antipasti at the onsite Cibaria Restaurant.

Don’t miss: “Lunch on the balcony of the surf club – it’s a must do," says panellist Sally Cope.

3. Agnes Water/1770

Overall rank: 21/100

Gooreng Gooreng Country

Aerial view of the Seventeen Seventy River — The Great Barrier Reef-adjacent twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770 deliver incredible coastal scenery. (Credit: Jesse Lindemann via Tourism and Events Queensland)

Let’s clear this up: Agnes Water and 1770 are two towns very close together – not one town named twice. In fact, just 5.9 kilometres separate them and nobody ever visits one without hopping over to the other. Set in the Gladstone region, between Bundaberg and Rockhampton and only five hours from Brisbane, these Great Barrier Reef-adjacent twin towns are equally captivating with Queensland’s most northerly surf breaks, as well as access to the Reef at Lady Musgrave Island in just 90 minutes. Apart from their obvious beauty, the towns do quirky Queensland very well.

Don’t miss: One of the few places on the east coast where the sun sets over water; head to the 1770 foreshore to watch the orange glow sink behind Bustard Bay.

4. Longreach

Overall rank: 22/100

Iningai Country

Longreach mural — Outback spirit is part of Longreach’s fabric. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The remote central Queensland town of Longreach has a few claims to fame. Most notably as the birthplace of Australian civil aviation. The Flying Kangaroo began operations here in 1922, which is celebrated at the Qantas Founders Museum. The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame pays tribute to the outback’s trailblazers. And the town is the only place you can gallop along in a Cobb & Co stagecoach. It’s “true big-sky country with a mass of big-deal attractions," says panellist Catriona Rowntree.

Don’t miss: A camp-oven meal under the stars and the coolabah trees that line the Thomson River. Smithy’s Outback Dinner Show includes a two-course dinner, damper, tea, live music and stories.

5. Mission Beach

Overall rank: 29/100

Djiru Country

Mission Beach from above — Mission Beach is a little slice of paradise tucked between rainforest and reef. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The saturated hues of the Cassowary Coast, from its crystalline waters to jungle-green foliage and the cobalt colouring of its namesake bird, are a good start to a soul-soothing escape in Mission Beach. Palm-fringed and just two hours from Cairns, here you’ll find many wellness studios focusing on meditative practices, such as yoga, tai chi and breathwork. With lively markets, water sports and scenic walks, it’s one of the best places to visit in Queensland.

Nala Resort pool in Tropical North Queensland — The adults-only Nala Resort in Tropical North Queensland. (Credit: Nala Resort)

Don’t miss: “Whether you’re in a caravan or five-star resort, you’ll be trying to extend your stay. It’s a true slice of heaven here," says panellist Catriona Rowntree.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

6. Townsville

Overall rank: 31/100

Thul Garrie Waja & Gurambilbarra Country

street art in Townsville — Skilful street art and sunny city vibes in Townsville. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

While travellers don’t typically think ‘art’ when considering Townsville, this coastal hub in North Queensland – known as the gateway to Magnetic Island – is flexing a world-class creative scene. Think premier exhibition spaces, such as the Perc Tucker Regional Gallery; Aboriginal-led rock art tours where ancient stories are etched into stone – seek out the Gudjuda Reference Group for its cultural tours in the region; and skilful street art, often playful or political (for the best murals, wander Flinders Street, City Lane and Denham Lane). Add to that the “fantastic foreshore parklands," as praised by panellist Brad Farmer, and it becomes clear why this sunny city is no longer just a stopover.

Don’t miss: Settling in with a bevvie at the newly opened floating pontoon bar, The Docks, at Flinders Street Wharves – because nothing complements culture quite like a drink on the water.

7. Maleny

Overall rank: 41/100

Jinibara Country

Glass House Mountains National Park from above — The craggy Glass House Mountains are a landscape of national significance. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland / Reuben Nutt)

Swap ocean blues for rainforest greens with a nature-filled escape to this Sunshine Coast hinterland village. A patchwork of dairy farms interspersed with mountains, lakes and subtropical rainforest, Maleny offers a change of scenery from this region’s famous coastal towns. Lace up your hiking boots and chase waterfalls, soak up views overlooking the Glass House Mountains or spend time wandering Maleny itself, which Katie Carlin describes as “the cutest hinterland town."

Don’t miss: Katie Carlin suggests sniffing out Maleny’s culinary delights, including Maleny Cheese Factory and Maleny Chocolate Co. A stay at Spicers Tamarind Retreat, which is home to Tamarind Cooking School, rounds out the epicurean experience.

8. Tamborine Mountain

Overall rank: 42/100

Wangerriburra Country

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, Qld — Soar above the rainforest floor. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland / Jesse Lindemann)

At this scenic plateau elevated in the Gold Coast hinterland, mist drifts across the road in the early morning, creating the sense you’ve ascended into the clouds. Hemmed by Tamborine National Park and within easy reach of Lamington National Park, this mountain township is a delightful amalgamation of alpine cottage vibes, eye-popping vistas and sub-tropical rainforest packed with lush palms and towering gums. As with any mountain region, the air here feels pristine and primed for rejuvenation.

the sunken fire pit at SOL Elements — The sunken fire pit is a communal element at SOL Elements. (Credit: Timothy Birch)

Don’t miss: SOL Elements, a gorgeous bathhouse set into a lily-festooned pond. Sit by the firepit with a cuppa, dip in and out of the thermal pools and focus inwards in a flotation cave.

9. Cooktown

Overall rank: 43/100

Guugu Yimithirr Country

Cooktown coastline — Postcard-worthy views along the Cooktown coast. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Darren Jew)

A colonial history has long shaped this remote northern town in Tropical North Queensland, where Captain Cook’s Endeavour ship ran ashore in 1770. But its stories trace back far longer. The town’s traditional name, Gungardie, means ‘place of the rock crystals’ due to its abundance of quartz, which is an important aspect of ceremonies for Traditional Owners, the Guugu Yimithirr people. The town today is a vibrant blend of nature and community, from postcard-worthy Finch Bay to quintessential Aussie pubs. Panellist Sally Cope recommends 4WDing through the stunning surrounding rainforest and stopping in for lunch at the Lion’s Den Hotel.

Don’t miss: Walk or drive up to Grassy Hill lookout at sunset for stunning views over the tidal waters and distant ranges. Or listen to the region’s stories – from cyclones to the days of pearling luggers – on a sunset cruise along the Endeavour River with Riverbend Tours.

10. Airlie Beach

Overall rank: 48/100

Ngaro Country

the Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach, Qld — Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. (Credit: Tourism Whitsundays)

Panellist Rae Johnston, who lived in Airlie Beach in her 20s, says the palm-lined Queensland town nails the brief for an idyllic tropical escape “with sand so white it squeaks when you walk on it, and stunning blue, calm water." As the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef, the town – a lively hub for backpackers and boaties – is one of the best towns to visit in Queensland for a buzzy yet laidback atmosphere. The calendar centres on Airlie Beach Race Week and the Great Barrier Reef Festival, but the vibes stretch year-round.

the Migration of the Mantas underwater art — Migration of the Mantas by Indigenous artist Brian Robinson. (Credit: Riptide Creative)

Don’t miss: Snorkel the Ngaro Underwater Marine Sculpture Trail, where works such as Migration of the Mantas sit within coral gardens, doubling as reef habitat.

11. Winton

Overall rank: 55/100

Koa Country

the Winton Sign on the Landsborough Highway — Follow the Winton sign on the Landsborough Highway. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Sean Gillligan)

Surrounded by plains whiskered in Mitchell grass, Winton wears its outback identity on its Hard Yakka sleeve. It’s a place where bush poetry, live music and big-sky gatherings feel distinctly, and unapologetically, Aussie.

the Winton Outback Festival, Qld — The Winton Outback Festival is a biennial celebration that holds stage shows, parades and other forms of live entertainment. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Leeroy Todd)

Best known as the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda, the small Queensland town draws a crowd for events such as the Winton Outback Festival, where five days of celebrations culminate in the gloriously irreverent Dunny Derby.

Don’t miss: A cold one at the North Gregory Hotel front bar after a day exploring. “It doesn’t get more Australian," says panellist Quentin Long.

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12. Cairns

Overall rank: 56/100

Gimuy Walubara Yidinji Country

Fitzroy Island in Cairns — Fitzroy Island boasts white sand and crystalline waters. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

There’s so much to discover in Cairns, from tropical natural splendour to waterfront cafes and ancient Indigenous culture spanning back tens of thousands of years. In 2026, Cairns celebrates 150 years with a special Grand Parade during the annual Cairns Festival from 28 August to 6 September. Cairns Italian Festival, held in winter, is another opportunity to contextualise the city within the broader migrant stories of Tropical North Queensland. The Australian Festival of Chamber Music will also be held in Cairns for the first time this winter, following the debut of new events series Tasting the Tropics, which showcases the flavours of the region’s food and drinks scene.

Tasting the Tropics in Cairns — Tasting the Tropics features unique flavours of the region. (Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland/Mexicairns)

Don’t miss: “Fitzroy Island is a must. Cairns is also the gateway to the great Daintree," says panellist Brad Farmer.

13. Hervey Bay

Overall rank: 70/100

Butchulla Country

a scenic flight above Hervey Bay — Hop on a scenic flight. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

Sitting on 13 kilometres of calm beachfront on the Fraser Coast, Hervey Bay has some impressive neighbours: World Heritage-listed K’gari and the Great Barrier Reef, both accessible within a day’s trip from town (the latter a 40-minute scenic flight).

whale watching in Hervey Bay — The whale watching season in Hervey Bay runs from mid-July to late October. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Mark Fitz)

Its main claim to fame, however, is the title of the world’s first Whale Heritage Area. These gentle giants can linger for up to 10 days here on their journey back to Antarctica, making it a prime place to observe them as they play, rest and nurse their young.

Don’t miss: Panellist Anna Polyviou also recommends keeping your eye out for turtles. The calm waters and coral reefs of the surrounding Great Sandy Strait Marine Park are home to loggerhead, green, hawksbill and flatback turtles. Try to spot them – and dolphins, dugongs and reef sharks – on a glass-bottomed boat with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours.

14. Stanthorpe

Overall rank: 78/100

Kambuwal Country

hiking near Stanthorpe — Get a bird’s-eye view of the Granite Belt. (Credit: Tourism Australia)

When we think wine in Australia, we don’t often think Queensland. Stanthorpe lies at the heart of the Granite Belt, which – under three hours west of Brisbane – is not only the country’s highest wine region, atop the Great Dividing Range, but also among its most under the radar. This cool-climate enclave is winning accolades for its rare, alternative varietals. Add to that abundant fresh produce to enjoy at farm-to-table or pick-your-own experiences, plus eclectic accommodations, and it makes for one of Australia’s most unique country getaways.

Don’t miss: The chance to stay in Australia’s first luxury wine barrel accommodation – Barrel View Luxury Cabins – in nearby Ballandean.

15. Atherton

Overall rank: 92/100

Tableland Yidinji, Ngadjon-ji & Bar-Barrum Country

Davies Creek Falls, Atherton Tableland — Davies Creek Falls offers panoramic views across the Atherton Tablelands. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland/Katie Purling)

At the centre of Tropical North Queensland’s food bowl, the town of Atherton thrives thanks to the fertile earth that surrounds it. The namesake of the Atherton Tablelands – a volcanic plateau rich in basaltic soil around 85 kilometres south-west of Cairns, it has been an agricultural hub for generations, yielding some of Australia’s finest produce. Today, this homegrown bounty can be seen (and savoured) via Atherton’s many self-guided food trails, which wind through highland farms and coffee plantations. Along the way, you’ll meet the local families keeping this place alive – and directly support them, too.

Don’t miss: A quiet morning floating above the Atherton Tablelands. For panellist Catriona Rowntree, it’s her “favourite hot air ballooning spot in Australia. An early morning in Atherton will take your breath away."

This article is part of Australian Traveller’s 100 best Aussie towns to visit, as chosen by a panel of industry experts, well-known Aussies and travel insiders. See our full list of 100 best Aussie towns here and visit the special 100 best Aussie towns hub here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Discover your foodie getaway now at hamiltonisland.com.au.