10 Best Places to Holiday in Queensland Australia

Queensland is our home state and when it comes to beauty and diversity it is hard to beat. The Sunshine State boasts one of the best climates in the world and once you visit you will begin to understand why taking a holiday in Queensland is one of Australia’s favourite pastimes.

Queensland Tourist Attractions

If you are wondering what to do in Queensland, you will be pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of unique and interesting attractions in Queensland. 

Whether you are travelling with friends, as a family, a couple or on your own get ready to enjoy a Queensland holiday with endless sunshine on some of the best beaches in the world.

There are so many places to visit in Queensland, vibrant cities, the lush tropical rainforests of the Daintree and the seemingly endless coastline of the Great Barrier Reef. Sample the delectable range of culinary delights in Australia’s richest food bowl and visit a vast array of iconic attractions as you discover the things to do in Queensland.

Whether you want to holiday in Queensland independently or enjoy the comfort of a tour we have a great selection of Queensland holiday packages and destination guides that will have you coming back time and time again.

Queensland Holiday Destinations Near Brisbane

If this is your first visit to Australia Queensland should be added to your itinerary. We begin with the most popular Queensland places to visit within easy reach of Brisbane the Queensland capital.

In this section we include the highlights of Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

1. Brisbane holiday in Queensland

For many visiting Queensland, the first port of call will be Brisbane and you will find a fabulous range of places to visit in Brisbane during your holiday in Queensland.

Brisbane is a big city which exudes a casual vibe, a place to enjoy your first taste of Queensland sunshine, a warmth which is reflected in the faces of the friendly locals. It’s time to tune into a ‘no worries’ mindset and relax as you begin your Queensland holiday.

Brisbane is split in two by the Brisbane River which flows through the city and adds a striking backdrop to the skyscrapers that line its shores. On a Brisbane holiday in Queensland, you can enjoy world class shopping before walking across the Victoria Bridge to sample the delights of South Bank.

South Bank

If you are looking for fun one of the best places to visit in Brisbane would have to be the South Bank entertainment and cultural precinct.

As you explore South Bank Parklands you will find something for all the family, safe swimming areas, the Queensland Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and a fabulous array of restaurants and bars.

The riverside promenade meanders along the river and you can join in the family fun by taking a cool dip at the manmade lagoons of Streets Beach. This is the perfect place to watch the CityCat ferries pass the Brisbane city skyscrapers as they make their way up and down the river.

There are a massive selection of restaurants and bars including the historic Plough Inn which was established in 1864. This charming gastro pub is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike.

Brisbane tours & transfers

If you are looking for Brisbane tours, there is a good range to choose from. Brisbane River cruises, beach getaways to Moreton and North Stradbroke Island, a trip to sample the gastronomic delights of scenic Tamborine Mountain and the spooky Boggo Road Gaol Ghost and Gallows Tour are just some of the tours on offer.

Brisbane Story Bridge adventure climb

The Story Bridge would have to be one of Brisbane’s most iconic structures and the best way to see it is to take a Story Bridge Adventure Climb. This thrill-seeking tour can be taken by day or by night and offers 360 degree panoramic views of the Brisbane River, Mount Coot-tha, the Glass House Mountains and Moreton Bay.

The tour begins with a safety briefing before joining an experienced guide to start the climb from the central platform to the summit. Get ready to reach an exhilarating height of seventy-nine metres (260 feet) and look down over six lanes of busy traffic as you cross the width of the Story Bridge.

This adventure fuelled tour is a fabulous day out in Brisbane and one that sells out quickly so make sure to book early to avoid disappointment.

Click here to book a Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Brisbane arrival transfer shuttle from Brisbane Airport to hotel

Let’s face it the last thing you want to think about when you land in Brisbane is how to get to your hotel.

The Brisbane Arrival Transfer Shuttle from Brisbane Airport to Hotel takes the worry out of getting from the airport to your hotel and in many instances can be cheaper than a taxi.

When you land you will be met by your driver at the designated arrivals area. The driver will assist you with your luggage and take you to your Brisbane CBD hotel.

2. Gold Coast holiday in Queensland

When you think of Queensland holidays the first place that usually springs to mind is the Gold Coast. Queensland’s Gold Coast has been a much loved beach holiday destination for generations and one of the best places to visit in Australia.

When looking for places to visit near Brisbane the Gold Coast is a winner as it is home to many of Australia’s most iconic beaches. Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach are just some of the beaches that stretch along the seventy kilometres of coastline.

The short 66 kilometre distance between the Gold Coast and Brisbane makes a Gold Coast holiday easily accessible to travellers visiting Brisbane.

You can either travel to the Gold Coast by car or take one of the many flight connections to the Gold Coast Airport from cities across Australia and abroad. This is another reason to put the Gold Coast on the top of your list of Queensland holiday destinations.

Best places to visit in Gold Coast

When you visit the Gold Coast get ready to spend lazy days at the beach, discover the thriving restaurant and bar scene or have fun at some of the best theme parks in the Southern Hemisphere.

Gold Coast Theme Parks

The Gold Coast is home to a wonderful array of theme and wildlife parks. Closer to town you will find the attractions of Sea World at Main Beach and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at Currumbin.

Further afield are the theme parks of Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’N’Wild which are down the road from each other at Coomera and Oxenford.

If you are travelling to the Gold Coast without a car you will find shuttle bus services between many of the theme parks.

Sea World

Sea World is one of the most popular Gold Coast tourist attractions. It is well known for its support of positive animal welfare within the park and extends this care to the treatment of rescued marine wildlife.

The park also features a fabulous array of exhibits, presentations and shows, thrill rides and water play.  

Sea World Resort Accommodation

The Sea World Resort has direct access to Sea World and has a large selection of room configurations that will suit any size family. Add pools, onsite restaurants and entry fee options to three theme parks and you have the makings of a memorable family holiday.

Click here for Sea World Resort latest rates

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a huge collection of Australian birdlife and animals. Here you will find kangaroos, crocodiles, wombats, echidna, Tasmanian devils and koalas.

There are also a range of shows and feeding times, encounters and experiences including the popular Aboriginal Culture Show and Breakfast with Koalas.

The Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is located between Currumbin and Tugun Beach on the Gold Coast and open between 9am and 4pm daily (closed on April 25^th and December 25^th).

Click here to purchase your Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary entry ticket

Dream World

Dreamworld is Australia’s biggest theme park and offers a massive selection of attractions including native wildlife encounters, live shows, heart stopping thrill rides and family friendly joy rides.

Warner Bros. Movie World

This movie themed park is filled with a wide variety of attractions including rollercoasters, thrill rides, action packed shows and entertainment, something to please all the family.

Wet’N’Wild

What better way to enjoy Queensland’s sunshine than a trip to Wet’N’Wild, Australia’s largest water theme park. There’s fun for all the family with a huge range of thrill and family style waterslides, waves pools and beaches.  

Gold Coast Airport and theme park travel pass

If you are visiting the Gold Coast without a car the Gold Coast Airport and Theme Park Travel Pass is a great choice for shared round trip transfers between Gold Coast Airport and hotels.

Gold Coast Roo Pass is also a convenient transportation option for those wanting to spend the day at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Harbour Town or the theme parks of Seaworld, Dreamworld, Movieworld and Wet’n’Wild.

Click here to purchase your Gold Coast Airport and theme park travel pass

Gold Coast tours & transfers

The Gold Coast has a treasure trove of tours that highlight the best of the beach lifestyle. If you are looking for adventure, there are a range of tours just waiting for you. Hit the waves and learn how to surf, take a jet ski tour, go deep sea fishing or take to the sky’s and go parasailing.

If you are wanting a more relaxed and laid back holiday, tour choices include scenic cruises, brewery tours, theme park transfers and the ultimate in tours, a hot air balloon flight over the Gold Coast.

3. Gold Coast Hinterland holiday in Queensland

Escape the beach scene of the Gold Coast and take The 40 kilometre trip up into the Gold Coast Hinterland to discover a magical world of scenic rainforests, caves and waterfalls. Take the time to recharge in the peaceful village of Tamborine Mountain township.

Tamborine Mountain (Mt. Tamborine)

The town of Tamborine Mountain or Mt. Tamborine as it is sometimes known has a charming village atmosphere which is perfect for relaxing.

This hidden gem has spectacular mountain views and is home to a fabulous collection of art galleries, specialty shops, cottage industry crafts and markets. Add award winning restaurants & artisan producers, wineries, a brewery & distillery and you may just find yourself visiting longer.

Come for the day or stay for a week as you will be pleasantly surprised to find that Tamborine Mountain has a good selection of accommodation which ranges from cottages, hotels, Bed & Breakfasts.

Click here for accommodation rates in Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine National Park attractions

For those wanting to get closer to Mother Nature a trip to Tamborine National Park is an absolute must. Some of the best loved Tamborine National Park attractions are Witches Falls, the Glow Worm Caves, Curtis Falls and Cedar Creek Falls.

There is a good selection of bushwalking trails that showcase the flora and fauna of the region. During your walk you will find well shaded picnic areas and scenic lookouts where you can enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the National Park.

Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk

For a bird’s eye view of the rain forest canopy make sure to visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. The skywalk is a combination of forest floor walking trails and steel cantilever bridges which soar thirty metres high within the rainforest canopy.

Here you can marvel at the majesty of the rainforest as you take in the breathtaking views of the creek and other rainforest vistas.

Gold Coast Hinterland tours

A trip to the Gold Coast wouldn’t be complete without visiting Tamborine Mountain (Mt. Tamborine) in the Gold Coast Hinterland. If you are visiting the Gold Coast without a car there are a selection of tours that highlight the wineries, artisan producers and natural beauty of the Hinterland.

Mount Tamborine wine tasting tour from the Gold Coast

This Tamborine Mountain day tour helps you unearth a unique range of local award winning boutique wineries.

Learn about the history of winemaking in the region and discover the bounty of the vines with a wine tasting of white, red and sparkling wine varieties before enjoying a two course gourmet lunch. If time allows make sure to sample local artisan specialties such as cheese, fudge, spirits and liqueurs.

Click here to book a Mount Tamborine wine tasting tour

The best of Tamborine Mountain from the Gold Coast

This Tamborine Mountain tour will have you exploring the beauty spots of the hinterland. Join your guide on a rainforest walk and get an insight into the plants and animals that inhabit the rainforest.

Visit beautiful Curtis Falls and delight in spectacular Gold Coast views. Stop off at the Tamborine Mountain Forest Skywalk and explore the network of forest floor trails and the steel bridges that are elevated high up in the rainforest canopy and look down thirty metres below to the rainforest floor.

Click here to book the best of Tamborine Mountain from the Gold Coast tour

4. Sunshine Coast holiday in Queensland

Another much loved Queensland holiday destination is the Sunshine Coast which is 104 kilometres north of Brisbane. You can either travel to the Sunshine Coast by car or take one of the many flight connections to the Sunshine Coast Airport from cities across Australia.

When you visit get ready to be spoilt by the region’s fabulous choice of white sandy beaches with Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum and Noosa being some of the most popular.

Here you can enjoy lazy days on the beach or an array of water sports such as swimming, surfing, jet skiing, kayaking and fishing. Diving enthusiasts can explore the wreck site of the HMAS Brisbane which can be found 2.9 nautical miles off the coast of Mooloolaba. 

Foodies are well catered for with the stunning range of fresh seafood on offer and there are a wealth of gastronomic delights just waiting to be discovered on its doorstep. Relax in the restaurants of The Wharf Mooloolaba or take the time to find your favourite Hasting Street restaurant at Noosa.

Shopaholics will have plenty of opportunity for some retail therapy with an extensive range of boutiques, homewares and artisan shops to browse and admire.  

5. Sunshine Coast Hinterland holiday in Queensland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is home to the pretty towns of Montville and Maleny, the regions gourmet and artisan products and the walking trails of the Kondalilla National Park and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve.

Add one of Australia’s most famous zoos and you have the makings for an unforgettable Queensland holiday.

Maleny

The Glass House Mountains are one of the most iconic Queensland landmarks and one of the best ways to see them in their full glory is to take a trip up into the Blackall Ranges to the town of Maleny.

The Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a short drive from Maleny and the place to see spectacular views of the Glass House Mountains. While there take the time to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre or see the diverse range of animal and plant life as you explore the walking trails of this subtropical rainforest.

Maleny is also famous for producing some of the best dairy and cheese products in Australia and you can sample them at Maleny Cheese. Visit the Maleny Chocolate Co. for a scrumptious range of chocolate and Maleny Food Co. for delicious artisan gelato and sorbet.

Montville

Montville is known for its artistic vibe and has a vibrant collection of galleries and cafes. Close by is the Kondalilla National Park which features walking trails to the picturesque Kondalilla Falls.

The Original Eumundi Markets

With the slogan Make It, Bake It, Sew It, Grow It, the Eumundi Markets promise something special with its selection of unique artisan creations.

With over one hundred market stalls selling a range of handcrafted arts and crafts, jewellery and fashion, homewares and fresh produce. When visiting you can enjoy an assortment of food choices and live entertainment. 

The markets are held on Saturdays between 7am to 2pm and Wednesdays from 8am to 2pm.  

Australia Zoo

If you are visiting Australia and want to experience our unique Australian wildlife, a trip to Australia Zoo is one of the top places to go in Queensland.

The late Aussie legend Steve Irwin founded Australia Zoo at Beerwah on the Sunshine Coast. Steve’s family continue to share his passion for conserving wildlife through education and research.

Here you will meet an extensive variety of animal life including Aussie favourites such as kangaroos, wombats, Tasmanian devils and dingos. There is also a selection of animals from across the globe including zebras, giraffes and rhinos. 

When you visit Queensland, the Australia Zoo is one attraction that shouldn’t be missed.

Sunshine Coast tours & transfers

If you are visiting the Sunshine Coast without a car or just want to experience the best of the Sunshine Coast in a short time frame there are a good selection of tours and hotel transfers to choose from, here are some of our favourites.

6. Hervey Bay holiday in Queensland

Hervey Bay is 288 km north of Brisbane and can be reached by car or by air with connecting flights to Hervey Bay Airport from Brisbane and Sydney.

Hervey Bay is the whale watching capital of Queensland and the place to observe the delightful antics of the humpback whales which visit between July and November each year.

With calm waters and friendly laid back lifestyle Hervey Bay is a Queensland holiday destination for all the family. The region is famous for its fishing, the relaxed swimming beaches and the wonders of K’gari (Fraser Island) which sits on its doorstep.

7. K’gari – Fraser Island holiday in Queensland

K’gari or Fraser Island as it is also known is 250 km north of Brisbane and is one of the most unique places to visit in Queensland. Not only is K’gari noted for its outstanding natural beauty but it is also the world’s largest sand island and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Fraser island sits off the coast of Hervey Bay and is easily accessible by ferry. The island is popular with 4WD enthusiasts, in fact the island is impenetrable without a 4WD with most of the island being crisscrossed with deep sandy roads and tracks.

Once on the island you will find towering rainforest, pristine freshwater lakes, the vast sandy stretch of Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the wreck of the SS Maheno and the tranquil waters of Eli Creek.

If you don’t own a 4WD you will find a fantastic range of tours that showcase the beauty, share the miracle of its creation and tell the fascinating story of the lifestyle and beliefs of the Butchulla people, the original custodians of the land. 

8. Bundaberg holiday in Queensland

Bundaberg is 361 km north of Brisbane and can be reached by car, train or by air from Brisbane to Bundaberg Airport.

The city is famous for Bundaberg Rum and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks which is the home of Bundaberg Ginger Beer. During your stay in Bundaberg you can visit both factories to learn how they are produced.

The city is surrounded by sugar cane and small crop farms that hug a picturesque coastline which boasts a choice of sundrenched beaches including Bargara, Kelly’s Beach and Nielson Beach.

Between November and March, the region plays host to nesting marine turtles at Mon Repos Beach. During this time Park Rangers take evening tours to watch turtles nesting or hatching along the beach.

Click here to book a Bundaberg Rum Distillery tour

9. Airlie Beach Holiday in Queensland

Airlie Beach is 1,114 km north of Brisbane and can be reached by car during a Queensland road trip or by air from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The closest airport to Airlie beach is the Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine which is a short 26 km from of Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach is a vibrant Queensland holiday destination and gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the spectacular Whitsunday Islands.

While there you can unwind at the beachfront Airlie Beach Lagoon, enjoy a lively restaurant and bar scene, visit to world famous Whitehaven Beach and see picturesque views of Shute Harbour.

10. Cairns holiday in Queensland

Cairns is 1,695 km north of Brisbane and can be reached by car during a Queensland road trip or by air from most Australian capital cities and international destinations to Cairns Airport. Cairns plays host to many Australian and tourists from around the world who stay in Cairns to explore tropical North Queensland.

Cairns has a lot to offer when it comes to Queensland holidays, it sits in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef and is within easy access to the natural wonders of the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation.

Close by is the charming village of Kuranda which can be reached by car or for a real adventure you can take the historic Kuranda Railway and cable car up high above the rainforest to this pretty town.

The city plays host to fabulous beaches most famous being Port Douglas, Palm Cove and Trinity Beach. The fresh bounty of Tropical North Queensland can be found in the restaurants and eateries making the city one of the top foodie destinations in Queensland.

Last words on 10 Best Places to Holiday in Queensland Australia

So, there you have it, our choice of the 10 best places to holiday in Queensland Australia. Come and enjoy our Queensland sunshine and glorious beaches, I guarantee you will come away feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to discover more of our beautiful state.

Have you taken a Queensland holiday? What is you favourite place to visit in Queensland? Feel free to comment we would love to hear from you.

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