Few places in Australia capture the country's diversity quite like Queensland. Here, the world's largest coral reef hugs the oldest rainforest on Earth. Golden beaches give way to rolling hinterlands, peaceful farmland, and eventually, the legendary Outback. And that's to say nothing of cities like Brisbane and Cairns, buzzing with unique character, from South to North.
Queensland, promises globetrotters a classic yet distinct Australian vacation with every visit. Here's why Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Tropical North Queensland are must-visit destinations on your next trip to Australia.
Discover the Essence of Queensland today!
Brisbane
Brisbane is more than just the launch point into Queensland. It's an exciting hub of emerging world-class lifestyle and entertainment precincts, a booming culinary scene, beautiful natural scenery, and a pleasant climate year-round. The energy in Brisbane is palpable and continues to reach new heights as Australia's fastest-growing capital city.
The perfect way to orient yourself with the city is on a Brisbane River cruise to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's first and largest koala sanctuary. Discover the city's rise from 19th-century convict settlement to Australia's third-largest city as you float by Brisbane's Architectural icons to leafy suburbs, riverside mansions, and eventually, the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Here, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and learn more about some of Australia's most iconic local wildlife, including koalas, kangaroos, and a variety of birds and reptiles.
Back in the city, you'll find plenty of cultural and culinary experiences to keep you entertained for days. Museums and galleries, such as the Queensland Museum and the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), offer free entry to their permanent exhibits, showcasing Queensland's cultural heritage and artistic identity. Brisbane's extensive lineup of festivals and events, alongside precincts like Fortitude Valley, considered Australia's best live music precinct, promises globetrotters nearly endless entertainment year-round. Equally extensive are the city's dining options, best exemplified by the Howard Smith Wharves, nestled beneath the city's iconic Story Bridge. Here, you'll indulge in delicious food and drink with waterside views, from a range of restaurants, the award-winning and local Felons Brewing Company, and lively bars and cafes.
This is just a taste of what's brewing in Brisbane, with plenty more adventurous, luxurious, wellness, and social experiences to enjoy. Namely, the day trips out of Brisbane are some of the best in the state. Tangalooma Island Resort on Moreton Island is also only a 75-minute catamaran cruise from the city. The beautiful Sunshine Coast sits right on Brisbane's doorstep, where you will find more of the wonderful Australian wildlife, wilderness and the laid-back beach vibe of Noosa Heads. Lastly, another unmissable journey from Brisbane is to the iconic Gold Coast.
Gold Coast
Yes, the Gold Coast indeed makes an excellent day-trip from Brisbane, but this beautiful coastal region deserves further exploration as a world-class destination in its own right. What makes the Gold Coast special goes beyond its golden beaches. This region is home to immersive ancient rainforests, a rising café and culinary scene, and endless entertainment options. The variety of experiences and accommodations on the Gold Coast also makes it an ideal destination for an extended stay and a must-visit spot on any trip to Queensland.
If you're wondering where to begin your Gold Coast vacation, don't worry, because the miles of beaches lining the coast are the answer. There are roughly 70 km (44 mi) of beaches for you to choose from, though the Gold Coast's most famous beach, Surfers Paradise, is always a great choice. Venture 10 minutes south from Surfers Paradise and you'll find the family-friendly Broadbeach's relaxed atmosphere, active shopping precincts, and thriving dining and entertainment scene. Other excellent options include Burleigh Heads, known for its sheltered swimming area, shaded parklands, and laid-back vibes, and Currumbin, which offers a small-town feel and beginner-friendly surf breaks. These are, of course, just a few of the beaches awaiting you on the Gold Coast, so be sure to connect with one of our expert Destination Specialists to find the beaches best suited to you.
Even more breathtaking natural scenery sits inland in the Gold Coast Hinterland. Springbrook National Park, part of the ancient Gondwana Rainforest, offers you a rare glimpse into life as it was over 100 million years ago. Wander beneath canopies of ancient ferns and Antarctic beech trees, listening to the sounds of primitive lyrebirds and scrub-birds, some of the world's oldest living lineages of songbirds. When the sun falls, you'll embark on an evening bushwalk to discover Australia's largest glow worm population, illuminating caves with a magical glow you need to see to believe. Further exploration into the hinterland will also reveal some boutique vineyards, such as those on Mount Tamborine, producing delicious local Chardonnay and Shiraz.
By this point, you will surely have developed quite an appetite. Fortunately, there are endless excellent dining options to satisfy your hunger. The Gold Coast's thriving culinary scene boasts delicious fine dining, trendy rooftop bars, unique local cafes, local breweries and wineries, and a fresh selection of seafood. The beauty of the Gold Coast's culinary scene is the variety, so whether you're in the mood for classic Aussie dishes or Italian, Japanese, Mexican, or other international cuisine, you're in luck.
Tropical North Queensland
No trip to Queensland would be complete without venturing north to Tropical North Queensland, where two World Heritage sites come together spectacularly at Cape Tribulation. The Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest create one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet, offering you a chance to experience nature at its most raw.
Cairns and Port Douglas are the ideal gateways to this natural wonderland. From Cairns, you'll find a vibrant hub of reef tours, adventure activities, and tropical nightlife, making it the perfect base for globetrotters looking for excitement and convenience. Port Douglas, just an hour north, offers a slower pace with boutique resorts, Four Mile Beach, and easy access to the Daintree. Both towns provide unforgettable launching points for exploring the reef and rainforest, while offering their own distinct experiences.
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world, spanning over 2,300 km (1,400 mi). It's also visible from space, but fortunately, when you're enjoying a relaxing trip to Cairns or Port Douglas, you can enjoy the reef's mind-blowing colours and marine life much more intimately than the astronauts on the International Space Station. Snorkelling and scuba diving are two of the best—and most intimate ways of doing so, with catamaran and sailing tours trailing closely behind.
When you return to shore and venture inland, you'll discover that the rainforest is every bit as alive and immersive. The Daintree is home to saltwater crocodiles that have reigned as apex predators for over 65 million years, while the nearby Atherton Tablelands hums with the calls of nearly half of Australia's bird species, including the elusive cassowary. Follow the Daintree River on a cruise to Mossman Gorge, where the Kuku Yalanji people share Dreamtime stories, revealing the cultural and spiritual ties between the original custodians of the land.
Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and Tropical North Queensland are absolutely must-visit destinations on a trip to Queensland. They work together perfectly to create several unforgettable itineraries tailored to your travel style. Still, they're also just the beginning of what Queensland has to offer. The Sunshine Coast, Whitsundays, Fraser Island, and the vast Queensland Outback all add to Queensland's unique and diverse appeal, making the Sunshine State a true globetrotter's playground. See for yourself and create your dream trip to Queensland with Goway, the leaders in tailor-made travel, today!
Born to two parents who met travelling, Sael has always wanted to travel the world. Sael has hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, visited blue-footed boobies on the Galapagos Islands, stood on both hemispheres of the equator in Ecuador, climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, hiked the base of Uluru, surfed Pacific Ocean waves in Mexico, and skydived over the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. Meeting new people and sharing stories are some of Sael's favourite parts of travelling, and he hopes he can help ignite this passion for discovery in others.
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