61K votes reveal Queensland’s best – from beach to pub to Big Thing

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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Queensland’s best of the best, as voted by its people.

To honour the Sunshine State’s 166th birthday this year, thousands of Queenslanders have participated in an online survey to determine the state’s best of the best. The poll received more than 61,000 votes across 15 separate categories and on Queensland Day (6 June), state premier David Crisafulli announced the winners. From coffee and burgers to pubs and beaches – this is officially Queensland at its absolute best.

Queensland’s best Big Thing

Don’t skip the Big Mango in Bowen. (Image: Getty Images/Kokkai Ng)

Every Aussie shares a unique love for the country’s iconic Big Things – our eclectic yet incredible collection of giant sculptures dotted across Australia. Quite a few of them call the Sunshine State home, including the Big Mango, which has taken out the title of Queensland’s best Big Thing. Located in the Whitsundays’ town of Bowen, this 10-metre structure symbolises the region’s prolific cultivation of the summer fruit. Pop in for a photo opp and some delicious sorbet made from locally sourced mangoes.

Queensland’s best pub

Slipstream Brewery Co in Brisbane
Slipstream Brewing in Brisbane took out the best pub in the state.

From iconic outback pubs to boutique breweries on the rise, Australia has a watering hole for all kinds of occasions. And for Queenslanders, their thirst for good beer has been well and truly quenched by Slipstream Brewing Co in the Brisbane suburb of Yeerongpilly. Beating an exquisite line-up of Brissy pubs, the local landmark is known for its delicious range of craft beers that are brewed onsite. It also does a mean pub feed, hosts trivia nights and offers takeaway, too – so you never have to go without.

Queensland’s best beach

Coolum Beach in Queensland
Coolum Beach is a Queensland hotspot. (Image: Getty Images/Harmonise Creatives)

If Queensland is famous for one thing, it’s definitely its beaches. With over 6000 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of places for seaside fun. But according to Queenslanders, nowhere does it better than Coolum Beach. While it has long been recognised as one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, it’s now officially the best in the state. And it’s not hard to see why – fringed by greenery, this pretty patch of sand offers crystal-clear waters, rock pools and sunshine all year-round.

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Queensland’s best fish and chips

Nothing beats fresh fish and chips. (Image: Unsplash/Meelan Bawjee)

It’s a meal no Australian can say no to – a fresh, newspaper-wrapped batch of fish and chips. But with a seafood shop on the corner of almost every beachside town, how do you find the best? Well, ask the Queensland public and they’ll direct you to Bird’s Fish Bar in Bowen – a town proving to be a real hotspot! The quintessential co-op took out the title thanks to its boat-to-plate philosophy, locally caught seafood and fresh hot chips seasoned to perfection. And from a quick glance at the menu, it could be in the running for the best fish and chips in Australia.

Queensland’s best meat pie

Stock images of meat pies
The best meat pie can be found in Blackbutt. (Image: Unsplash/FitNish Media)

Nothing beats a good meat pie – chunky bits of beef and flaky pastry fresh out of the oven. And while we’ve got some incredible meat pies around the country, there’s only one in Queensland that does it best. The town of Blackbutt’s eponymous bakery has come out on top in 2025 for its classic meat pie, which is served alongside a range of other sweet and savoury treats. Don’t wait until you’re simply passing through this scenic town; this is a pastry worthy of a trip in itself.

Queensland’s best coffee

The Coffee Commune in Brisbane
Queenslanders claim The Coffee Commune is home to the best brews statewide.

While the best coffee in the country can be found in NSW, Queensland’s best brew is located in Bowen Hills. Not to be confused with the other Bowen (the town that took out ‘best Big Thing’ and ‘best fish and chips’), it’s another suburb of Brissy. Make a beeline for The Coffee Commune to sample the best coffee in Queensland for yourself. Where else would you want to buy a brew?

The rest of the best

Keen to find Queensland’s coolest cafe? Or the best burger in the state? From food to festivities, these are the nine remaining category winners from Queensland’s best of the best 2025.

  • Queensland’s best parmi: Botany Restaurant & Bar in Newstead
  • Queensland’s best bahn mi: My Street Food in Woolloongabba
  • Queensland’s best ice-cream: Rad Rolled Ice Cream in Hervey Bay
  • Queensland’s best burger: Mr Jeebus in Tingalpa
  • Queensland’s best beer: Qld Pale Ale by Archer Brewing Company in Wilston
  • Queensland’s best cafe: Dorney’s Cake Shop in Chinchilla
  • Queensland’s best event: India Fest in Townsville
  • Queensland’s best landmark: the Story Bridge in Brisbane
  • Queensland’s best natural attraction: the Great Barrier Reef

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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9 experiences in and around Noosa you haven’t tried yet

    Lee Mylne Lee Mylne
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    Noosa’s magic extends beyond the sun and sand. Uncover this popular region’s natural charms and secret spots to get more from your visit.

    Wander through bushland and paperbark forests, linger on a curve of quiet beach, hit the water or hike up a mountain. Whether you’re seeking long languid lunches, savouring the region’s best food and wine, are ready to rejuvenate or are up for an active adventure, there are Noosa experiences for everyone.

    Winter is the perfect time to visit – it’s still warm enough to bask in Queensland’s sunshine and mild temperatures while discovering the natural beauty and sustainable experiences that make this region so popular. It’s easy to see why Australian Traveller readers voted Noosa Australia’s top town to visit.

    1. Explore the hinterland

    Two women kayaking during a Noosa experiences.
    Kayak through Noosa’s peaceful hinterland.

    Choose your Noosa experience – kayaking, abseiling, rock climbing, camping or hiking – with Noosa-based Adventure Tribe. They host guided experiences throughout the region, including in Rainbow Beach, Cooloola and the stunning Noosa Everglades.

    Small group tours with Joel’s Journeys combine hinterland villages with wine and cheese or chocolate tasting, a gourmet lunch, waterfalls, the Everglades and memorable views.

    Plan ahead for the Great Noosa Trail Walk. This 56-kilometre three-day trek into the Noosa Biosphere will help you reconnect with nature over the October long weekend.

    2. Accommodation to suit all budgets

    The bedroom at Elysium Noosa Resort noosa experiences.
    Book into Elysium Noosa Resort. (Image: Elise Hassey)

    Indulge in luxury at one of Noosa’s premium resorts or bring the family for a laidback beach-focused holiday. Anywhere you choose will mean you’re never far from the vacation vibes of Hastings Street.

    The recently rebranded Elysium Noosa Resort has given new life to one of the most central spots in Noosa Heads, while Number One in Hastings Street offers a range of luxury one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and exclusive penthouse suites, surrounded by the national park and boutique shopping.

    Families will love the space and pools of Mantra French Quarter Noosa. Over at RACV Noosa Resort, a water park and games room compete with the beach for the kids’ attention while adults indulge in the day spa or hit the tennis court or gym.

    For couples, Noosa Blue Resort’s studios and one-bedroom suites have sweeping river, bay and hinterland views from its perch atop Noosa Hill. With two outdoor heated pools, spa, steam room, yoga studio and more, it’s the complete package.

    Travelling on a budget? Halse Lodge offers heritage-listed colonial-style accommodation for backpackers and budget travellers without sacrificing style or comfort, and is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach. Family-friendly Ivory Palms has three pools, a children’s playground, jumping pillow, tennis courts and more.

    3. Reset and rejuvenate

    the massage bed at Sensaura Day Spa, Noosa experiences
    Unwind with spa treatments at Sensaura Day Spa.

    Banish stress, slow down and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Noosa while indulging in pampering treatments. Reset and recalibrate with packages from one of the many day spas – try Sensaura Day Spa Noosa or Noosa Springs Spa.

    Noosa Bespoke offers three thoughtfully designed packages that focus on wellness, active adventures and fresh local produce, all with a focus on sustainability, allowing guests to choose their own way of discovering Noosa.

    For something different, try forest bathing and take a walk in Noosa National Park.

    4. New dining experiences

    Cibaria Noosa experiences
    Enjoy authentic Italian at Cibaria Noosa. (Image: Elise Hassey)

    Stroll Hastings Street to find your own dining vibe. For authentic Italian, head to Cibaria Noosa for everything from a coffee and pastry to amazing pasta and seafood platters.

    Over in Noosa Junction, try something lighter at Atelier Wine Bar. Taste a selection of bar food and platters including charcuterie, cheeses, oysters and more. Then finish off with ‘dessert in a glass’.

    Order out or dine in at Somedays Pizza, where all the ingredients for the organic, wood-fired pizzas are sourced from local farmers, artisans and winemakers.

    5. Where the locals eat

    Rickys River Bar And Restaurant noosa experiences
    Enjoy waterfront views at Rickys. (Credit: Manuel Freudenmann)

    Perennial favourites Bistro C, Season Restaurant Noosa and Sails are absolute beachfront dining options overlooking Laguna Bay. You can almost feel the sand between your toes as you enjoy some of the finest cuisine on offer.

    Locale Noosa’s seasonal Italian menu features handmade pasta, traditional antipasti and delectable desserts. On the riverfront, Rickys River Bar and Restaurant has been luring the locals for years; come for the elegant setting and fabulous food and wine, and stay for the sunsets.

    6. Spot humpback whales

    humpback whale sighting noosa experiences
    Spot whales from May to October. (Credit: The Edit Suite)

    There are plenty of great places to watch the gentle giants of the sea make their annual migration from Antarctica to the warm waters of the Queensland coast between May and October.

    To see whales at play and teaching their calves to breach and tail slap, head to Hell’s Gates or Dolphin Point in Noosa National Park, or to one of the many vantage points along the coast from Sunshine Beach to Peregian Beach. For closer encounters, book a whale-watching boat tour.

    7. Take a country drive

    Three people walking towards Pomona during a Noosa getaway.
    Sample craft spirits at local distilleries.

    Download the Noosa Country Drive map from the Visit Noosa website, or pop into the visitor information centre for a printed copy, then jump in the car to explore craft breweries, gin distilleries, bookshops, country pubs, scenic lookouts and cute cafes.

    Through the villages of Cooroy, Pomona, Eumundi, Cooran and Kin Kin, look out for local markets and galleries for that special souvenir. Want to stay longer? There are farm stays, boutique B&Bs and glamping tents to rest your head. Take time to go horse riding or mountain biking, ride a steam train or explore a small museum. And don’t forget to pick up some fresh produce from a roadside stall.

    8. Explore the eastern beaches

    Sunshine Beach near noosa
    Visit Sunshine Beach, just minutes from Noosa. (Credit: Amy Higg Photo)

    Noosa’s near neighbour beaches, Peregian and Sunshine, are just a short drive south. Peregian Square has boutique shopping, vintage finds, homewares, day spas and antiques, and weekend markets are held twice a month in the beachside park.

    Drop into the Peregian Beach Hotel for a meal and live music, or head to the Sunshine Beach Surf Life Saving Club for views of the patrolled beach. Grab a coffee or juice at plastic-free Sunshine Social and linger on the deck under the pandanus trees.

    9. Discover the Noosa River

    A scenic boat trip during a Noosa getaway.
    Discover Noosa from the water on a scenic boat trip.

    Taking time out on the Noosa River is a serene way of exploring more of this region. Whether by canoe or kayak, a small boat or scenic boat trip, being on the water gives a new perspective on Noosa.

    Head to Terrace Marina for small boats and great coffee, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis to explore independently, or join Noosa River Cruise Co for a romantic gondola ride.

    At sunset, board the Noosa Queen to cruise along the river – cool drink in hand – to the shores of Lake Cooroibah.

    Start planning your Noosa getaway at visitnoosa.com.au.