Queensland reigns supreme in Australian Traveller 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards

Queensland

03 Nov 2025

Australia’s most-loved holiday state.

Queensland has officially been crowned the country’s best holiday destination, taking home six major awards in Australian Traveller’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, more than any other state or territory.

surfing in Noosa Heads — Noosa has been voted Australia’s best town. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

The Sunshine State dominated across categories celebrating the country’s best travel experiences. The trophy haul was led by Noosa, which claimed Best Town to Visit thanks to its relaxed yet refined coastal lifestyle, world-class dining, and natural beauty that continues to charm travellers year after year.

Hamilton Island sunset — Hamilton Island won two awards.

Further north, Hamilton Island made a double appearance – taking out both Best Island Escape and Best Resort Destination. With its postcard-perfect Whitsundays setting, luxury stays like qualia and The Sundays, and easy access to the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island has become synonymous with the quintessential Aussie island getaway.

Family on beach in Gold Coast — The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground for families.

Meanwhile, the Gold Coast was voted Best Family Holiday Spot, recognised for its unbeatable mix of beaches, theme parks and entertainment for all ages. The family-friendly streak continued with Sea World Resort, which took home Best Family Accommodation, solidifying Queensland’s reputation as Australia’s playground for families.

Aerial of Whitehaven Beach — Whitehaven Beach is Australia’s best beach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Not to be outdone, Whitehaven Beach – the jewel of the Whitsundays – was crowned Best Beach. Its dazzling white silica sand and turquoise waters remain a bucket-list experience for domestic and international travellers alike.

The other state standouts

New South Wales came in second with five major wins, spanning everything from indulgence to the outdoors. Mudgee was named Best Country Escape, the Blue Mountains took Best Walk or Hike Destination, and Byron Bay was crowned Best Destination for Wellness. Meanwhile, Sydney dominated its home turf, with the Park Hyatt Sydney recognised as Best Hotel and Sydney Airport named Best Airport to Spend Time In.

Victoria followed closely with four wins, all anchored by the powerhouse appeal of Melbourne/Naarm. The city took out Best City to Visit, Best Cultural or Arts Experience and Best Foodie Experience, while the Great Ocean Road secured Best Road Trip, proving that Victoria continues to punch well above its weight when it comes to urban culture and coastal adventure.

Woman in bathtub at Sierra escape in Mudgee — Mudgee in Central West NSW was named Best Country Escape. (Image: Destination NSW)

city skyline of Melbourne — Melbourne/Naarm took out three major awards. (Image: Visit Victoria)

The Barossa Valley reaffirmed its world-class reputation as Best Wine Region. (Image: South Australia Tourism Commission)

Woman on The Ghan — The Ghan was voted best rail journey in Australia. (Image: Tourism Northern Territory/ Annie Nuyen)

Uluṟu in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre — Uluṟu is Australia's best outback experience. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef was named Best Glamping or Off-Grid Experience. (Image: Tourism Western Australia)

Pumphouse Point in Tasmania — Tasmania/Lutruwita earned one well-deserved nod as Best Under-the-Radar Destination. (Image: Adam Gibson)

South Australia and the Northern Territory tied for three wins each. The Barossa Valley reaffirmed its world-class reputation as Best Wine Region, the Adelaide Fringe lit up the events calendar as Best Festival to Travel For, and The Ghan – shared between SA and the NT – was voted Best Rail Journey. The NT’s other two wins went to Uluṟu, which dominated with Best Outback Destination and Best First Nations Experience, underscoring its powerful cultural and natural significance.

Western Australia took home two titles, with Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef named Best Glamping or Off-Grid Experience and The Kimberley – chosen by Australian Traveller editors – receiving the coveted Editors’ Choice Award.

And finally, Tasmania/Lutruwita earned one well-deserved nod as Best Under-the-Radar Destination, proving that smaller states can still make a big impact.

With thousands of votes cast nationwide, the results confirm what travellers already know: when it comes to dream holidays, Queensland reigns supreme.

Explore the full list of winners and runners-up.

Weekly travel news, experiences
insider tips, offers, and more.

Emily Murphy is Australian Traveller's Email & Social Editor, and in her time at the company she has been instrumental in shaping its social media and email presence, and crafting compelling narratives that inspire others to explore Australia's vast landscapes. Her previous role was a journalist at Prime Creative Media and before that she was freelancing in publishing, content creation and digital marketing. When she's not creating scroll-stopping travel content, Em is a devoted 'bun mum' and enjoys spending her spare time by the sea, reading, binge-watching a good TV show and exploring Sydney's vibrant dining scene. Next on her Aussie travel wish list? Tasmania and The Kimberley.

See all articles

Noosa

This coastal town just beat Byron Bay as Australia’s favourite

The votes are in –there’s a new favourite town on top.

Noosa

The best holiday rentals and Airbnbs in Noosa

Consider your Noosa accommodation sorted with these standout Airbnbs and holiday rentals.

Noosa

The ultimate guide to Noosa camping, glamping and caravan parks

Turn your North Coast NSW escape into an unforgettable adventure with a stay at the best Noosa caravan parks, camping and glamping spots.

Noosa

The best cafes in Noosa to embrace lazy mornings with

Kick off your Sunshine Coast adventure with silky-smooth coffee and every standout breakfast in Noosa.

Iconic Whitsundays island to reopen after a $583 million makeover

By Eleanor Edström

14 Nov 2025

Continue

After more than a decade of closure, Lindeman Island is ready to reclaim its title as Queensland’s go-to holiday hot spot.

The tides are turning in the Whitsundays. After more than 10 years of tropical time-out, Lindeman Island is gearing up for a dazzling comeback.

A thriving tropical playground for Aussie families and international holidaymakers in the 1980s and ‘90s, the former Club Med paradise has remained dormant since closing its doors in 2012 following the devastation of Cyclone Yasi. Now, Lindeman Island is being revitalised as a redefined five-star resort that celebrates the Whitsundays’ natural beauty. We’re betting it may even give the nearby and ever-popular Hamilton Island a run for its money.

The vision

lindeman island opening resort — Lindeman Island closed in 2012 after being struck by a cyclone.

Asia-Pacific hotel management company La Vie Hotels & Resorts – the team behind Hobart’s The Islington and 202 Elizabeth in Surry Hills, Sydney – has recently secured the management rights to the highly anticipated Queensland resort. The company will secure an international luxury brand for the island, which is expected to be announced in 2026. Also spearheading the multi-million-dollar redevelopment is Well Smart Group, a Singapore-based investment company that acquired Lindeman Island in 2023.

Early plans tease a 200-room resort with nine additional suites, multiple dining concepts, a 50-metre jetty, a luxury spa and gym, alongside conference and wedding facilities. The island destination will also feature eco-friendly infrastructure and a solar farm.

La Vie Chief Executive Officer, Jerry Xu, recognises the responsibility that comes with restoring a destination that holds such a special place in Australian tourism history.

“Lindeman Island is more than a tropical paradise – it is a cornerstone of Queensland’s tourism heritage. First developed for visitors in the 1920s, Lindeman became one of the earliest Whitsunday islands to offer accommodation, paving the way for Queensland’s rise as a global holiday destination,” he comments.

What to expect

Lindeman Island new hotel bedroom — The new Lindeman Island resort will have 200 rooms and nine suites.

The hotel project aims to restore Lindeman Island to its former glory while embracing sustainability principles and an elevated, contemporary take on luxury. Phase one of the redevelopment is estimated to cost $40–50 million, part of a broader $583 million master plan.

Key features of the Lindeman Island revival include:

A five-star hotel with 200 accommodation rooms and nine suites

Multiple restaurants and bars

A swimming pool

A luxury spa and gym

Conference and wedding/event spaces

Staff accommodation and eco-friendly infrastructure, including a solar farm

A new 50-metre jetty

The initial phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2026, with the resort planned to open shortly after. Plans for the master plan feature ecotourism facilities, including native vegetation restoration and renewable energy initiatives.

A boost for Queensland tourism

new Lindeman Island resort — The first phase of the Lindeman Island redevelopment will cost $40–50 million.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO, Craig Davidson, says the Lindeman Island transformation marks a significant step in reviving one of Australia’s most iconic island destinations.

“Our distinctive, pristine islands have helped shape Queensland’s standing as a global tourism leader and we are excited to see the revitalisation of Lindeman Island which has always been an iconic part of Queensland’s tourism story,” he says.

“This important investment, breathing new life into Lindeman Island, will bolster Queensland’s international reputation as a world-class holiday destination providing an exceptional visitor experience.”