When planning a trip to Queensland, there is so much to experience – from its iconic beaches to the vibrant culture and nature that define it. To help you make the most of your visit to this stunning part of the world, we’ve put together a list of our TOP 5 Queensland destinations and experiences that you absolutely MUST build into your itinerary. Enjoy!
1. GOLD COAST
Fly in to Gold Coast’s airport (domestic or international) and begin your Queensland getaway right at the south-eastern corner of the state. The Gold Coast has so much to see and do, however the one thing you absolutely can’t miss when visiting this part of the world is the one-of-a-kind theme parks. There are 5 major theme parks (Movie World, Sea World, Dreamworld, WhiteWater World, & Wet ‘n’ Wild) plus several other major attractions (Australian Outback Spectacular, Paradise Country, etc), all of which have something to offer visitors of all ages, interests and abilities.
- EXPERIENCE: Theme Parks
- WHERE TO STAY: Turtle Beach Resort (families) or The Wave Resort (couples)
2. BRISBANE
Once you’ve explored the Gold Coast’s sights, travel north just 1 hour and you’ll arrive at the state capital Brisbane, a must-see destination for any quintessentially Queensland holiday! After checking in to your Brisbane accommodation, grab your swimmers and take a stroll down to the South Bank Parklands where you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, shops, playgrounds, grassy parklands and the infamous man-made “Streets Beach” – a massive lagoon where you can swim and sun-bake on the white powdery sand reminiscent of the world’s best beaches, just steps from the Brisbane river! There is so much to see and do in the capital, but for a one-of-a-kind experience of this beautiful city, we recommend the Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise, where you’ll get to take in the glorious city sights from the water.
- EXPERIENCE: Brisbane River Sightseeing Cruise
- WHERE TO STAY: Belise or The Docks On Goodwin
3. SUNSHINE COAST
Next it’s time to continue your trip north, where you’ll find the glorious Sunshine Coast just an hour from Brisbane. The home of many of Queensland’s most stunning beaches alongside a relaxed seaside holiday atmosphere, the Sunshine Coast will endear even the most discerning travellers with its unique vibe and unforgettable experiences. Perhaps the most famous for this region – and certainly one you can not afford to miss – is the internationally renowned Australia Zoo, home of the beloved Irwin family’s croc shows. You’ll definitely need a whole day to get the full experience of this amazing wildlife park – take a look at our top tips to make the most of your visit to Australia Zoo!
- EXPERIENCE: Australia Zoo
- WHERE TO STAY: Landmark Resort (Mooloolaba)
4. YEPPOON
A few hours north of the Sunshine Coast you’ll find the hidden gem of Yeppoon. Perhaps one of Queensland’s best kept secrets, this delightful seaside village offers picture-perfect beaches, unforgettable nature walks and access to the Southern Great Barrier Reef islands, including the incomparable Great Keppel Island – which of course is our choice for the must-do experience during your visit to Yeppoon! Spend a whole day experiencing the crystal-clear waters and white powdery sand of what we believe could be some the world’s most stunning beaches, and enjoy the lunch and drink inclusions in the Great Keppel Island snorkelling day trip package.
- EXPERIENCE: Great Keppel Island
- WHERE TO STAY: Salt or Echelon Apartments
5. TROPICAL NORTH QLD
No trip to Queensland would be complete without a trip to the Tropical North – but we couldn’t pick just one location, so we’re including three of our favourites, all within close proximity to each other: Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas. Whilst exploring this luscious land where the rainforest meets the ocean, you can’t go past our absolute favourite experience exploring the world heritage listed rainforest with the Ultimate Kuranda Rainforest Day Tour departing from Cairns. The itinerary for this tour is jam packed with all the top things to do in Kuranda including the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the award winning Rainforestation Nature Park, the Koala & Cassowary Wildlife Park, an interactive Pamagirri Aboriginal Experience and the must do Kuranda Scenic Railway and Skyrail Rainforest Cableway offering spectacular views of lush rainforest and cascading waterfalls.
- EXPERIENCE: Grand Kuranda Rainforest Full Day Tour from Cairns
- WHERE TO STAY: Drift (Palm Cove) or Verandahs Apartments (Port Douglas)
From remote beaches to rainforests and reefs, Queensland offers an incredible journey through some of Australia’s most beautiful natural wonders. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re an adventurer looking to dive in, a nature lover seeking peace, or someone looking for a mix of culture and relaxation. With these experiences, Queensland promises a holiday filled with beauty, discovery, and moments to treasure for a lifetime.