The Best Queensland Destinations for Every Type of Traveller

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Holidaymakers have long headed for Queensland in search of surf and sun, but it’s time to shake the sand from your beach towel and find out what else the Sunshine State has to offer.

The fact is Queensland is packed with experiences to suit every type of visitor, and we’re about to match you up with the perfect destination based on your interests. It’s speed dating for travellers and your time starts now!

Queensland for foodies

South East Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is home to a mind-blowing dining scene and rolls out the red carpet for foodies. You’re in for a delicious time in this part of the state, so book accommodation in Noosa and tuck in! There’s an array of upscale eateries along Hastings Street and in neighbouring Noosaville — and if you happen to be visiting in June, the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival is not to be missed.

The Hinterland also harbours a gourmet food scene that’s growing by the day. Think fabulous fresh produce, Wagyu beef, fine cheese, zesty preserves, artisanal gelato, freshly roasted coffee, boutiques brews, and even some locally produced wines. As you drive through this bucolic landscape of rolling green hills and small rural towns, must-stop-ats include Maleny Cheese, the Maleny Food Company, the self-explanatory Fudgyboombahs, Montville Coffee, Brouhaha Brewery, and Flame Hill Vineyard (a complete surprise!) just outside Montville. If you have family in tow, drop by The Ginger Factory at Yandina and the perennial Big Pineapple in Woombye.

Queensland for history buffs

This one’s a toughie, with Longreach, Charters Towers, Charleville, and far-flung Birdsville all offering rich backstories to share. But we’re sending you off to Rockhampton, which sits on the Tropic of Capricorn in Central Queensland. It was established in the 1850s as pastoralists rushed to take advantage of the grazing opportunities offered by the Fitzroy River delta plains, and today Rocky is chock-a-block with historical attractions that hark back to the pioneering era. The Rockhampton Heritage Village brings the period to life through restored cottages, vintage vehicles, and immersive displays, while Archer Park Rail Museum is home to what is believed to be the world’s only still-operating Purrey Steam Tram. Leave time to admire the beautifully restored 19th-century buildings and warehouses that line the riverfront, including the magnificent sandstone edifice that is Customs House. Fire up the TARDIS and enjoy!

Queensland for thrill seekers

There’s no shortage of opportunities to get the adrenalin pumping in Queensland, but nowhere pushes limits quite like the Gold Coast. Home to heart-stopping rides across five major theme parks (Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild, Dreamworld, and Paradise Country), the ways and means to shake, rattle, and roll are endless! Away from the parks, there’s plenty more action on offer. Reach for the sky as you climb to the top of Q1 in Surfers Paradise, go indoor skydiving at iFly (or opt for the real thing with Gold Coast Skydive!), do hot laps in a V8 supercar, jet ski on the majestic Broadwater, or tackle the Treetop Challenge at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The latter will see you zip lining over croc-infested waters. Yes, you read that right!

Queensland for outdoor types

When you have two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural attractions sitting side-by-side on your doorstep, ‘getting back to nature’ takes on a whole new meaning. Cairns in Tropical North Queensland is the gateway to both the Daintree rainforest (part of the Queensland Wet Tropics) and the Great Barrier Reef, and there are lots of ways to get up close and personal with both. The Daintree is best explored under the guidance of an expert, and Billy Tea Safaris operates an eco-accredited tour in a custom-built 4WD vehicle. The itinerary features a crocodile spotting cruise on the Daintree River, a visit to Cape Tribulation (where the rainforest literally exchanges a brief kiss with the reef), and a drive along the short-but-scenically-sweet 4WD-only Bloomfield Track. Full-day outer reef snorkelling trips depart daily from Cairns Marlin Marina, but those short on time can pay a flying visit to Fitzroy Island on the super fast Fitzroy Flyer launch and snorkel straight off the coral beaches. The transfer time is just 45 minutes each way.

Queensland for romantics

Port Douglas, Palm Cove, the Whitsundays, and Magnetic Island off the Townsville coast attract thousands of loved up visitors every year. But let’s face it; when you’re planning a romantic getaway, two’s company; anything over that is an unwanted crowd. So, head for Hervey Bay on the gorgeous Fraser Coast. While this part of Queensland is certainly popular as a holiday destination, somehow it manages to maintain a very boutique feel. It could have something to do with the fact that Hervey is actually a string of small beachside villages, rather than one big place — so finding your own little patch of palm-fringed paradise isn’t difficult.

In the late afternoon, climb aboard Blue Dolphin Marine Tours’ luxury catamaran for bubbles and nibbles on the water as the sun drops. Upscale Thyme at the Vinyard in Urangan is the perfect spot for dinner afterwards. Gaze into each other’s baby-blues as you feast on succulent seafood, washed down with something special from the extensive wine list.

Queensland for art lovers

Brisbane’s cultural credentials need little introduction. As the capital of Queensland, this city is home to a symphony of artistic experiences that will keep any culture vulture in full flight for weeks.

Heavy hitters include the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (home to the Queensland Ballet and Queensland Theatre). However, it’s also well worth checking out quirkier spaces like the Brisbane Powerhouse (a repurposed riverfront power station at New Farm) and Metro Arts. Finalists up for the prestigious Brisbane Portrait Prize have their works displayed at the State Library of Queensland from September through to November.

This post was published thanks to RACV.

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Do you have any suggestions to add to our list of the best Queensland holiday destinations? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Depositphotos, Bigstock, and Envato

 

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