The 15 best places to visit in Queensland

Noosa easily ranks as one of Queensland's greatest beachside towns, and for good reason. Surrounded by the lush national park and boasting one of only two everglade systems in the entire world, this place is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. You can swim with humpback whales, surf world-renowned waves, scale majestic cliff faces and zoom along the coastline on a thrilling jet boat ride. Translating to “shadows” or “shade” in the language of the native Kabi Kabi people, Noosa also offers plenty of places to escape the sun. The resort town’s main strip, Hastings Street, buzzes with local boutiques, all-day eateries ideal for people-watching, bougie spas and gorgeous galleries. 

In North Queensland, Cairns serves as one of the quickest entry points to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most stunning coral reef ecosystem on Earth. Beaches surrounding Cairns are downright tropical and destinations in their own right. With Cairns as your hub, you can opt for a luxury cruise, sail through the islands, dive to your heart's content or board a scenic flight. When you’re all dried off, hop back in the car and journey to what Sir David Attenborough called “the most extraordinary place on earth”, the Daintree Rainforest. It's bigger than the entire area of Sydney, millions of years older than the Amazon and you can stay in it in luxe treehouses hidden in the rainforest canopy.

One of the easier cities in the Sunshine State to fly into, Brisbane is not only home to an affectionately known ‘brown snake’ of a river running straight through the middle of the city, but some of the best restaurants, bars, hotels and experiences in the state. Make a beeline to James Street in Fortitude Valley for café culture Queensland style, upscale shopping and farmers markets in the biggest waterfront, jacaranda-lined park in the city. 

Just an hour's ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is an ideal getaway for unwinding in both luxury and nature over a weekend. Whether you opt to camp behind the sandy dunes, rent one of the island's numerous holiday houses or stay at Tangalooma Island Resort, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in swimming, snorkelling and for 4WD owners, cruising the island's beach highways. The hand-feeding wild dolphin experience is a must, as is donning your finest snorkel and exploring the breathtaking Tangalooma Wrecks. Bonus: there are no requirements to wear a stinger suit in Southeast Queensland because there are no Box jellyfish or Irukandji.

Dubbed the whale-watching capital of Australia, Hervey Bay offers endless adventures, both on land and at sea. It’s also the gateway to World Heritage-listed K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the largest sand island on Earth, just a swift 40-minute ferry ride away. Alternatively, you can take a 40-minute flight to Lady Elliot Island, where you can swim with manta rays and turtles in their natural habitat. 

Think you have to travel to Hawaii for a slice of paradise? Australia’s got its very own slice ready and waiting in The Whitsundays. This collection of 74 islands is located right next to the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef. Most of the islands are uninhabited, and you’ve probably seen secluded, long white stretches of sand – including the world's best beach for 2025 – and gorgeous landmarks like Heart Reef on your Instagram feed. If that’s not enough to entice you to pay a visit, the average daily temperature is 27 degrees Celsius. Enough said.

With its golden sands and laid-back holiday vibe, the Gold Coast has always been a favourite destination for those seeking a relaxed seaside escape. However, this famous Queensland holiday spot offers more than just a day at the beach. With its rich Indigenous heritage, vibrant markets, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, top-tier restaurants and thriving live music scene, there is plenty to keep you entertained along the coastal strip. For a change of pace, head to the naturally beautiful Gold Coast hinterland where you’ll find an oasis of calm and stunning scenery. Bring your swimsuit and your sense of adventure.

In the vast and vibrant landscape of Outback Queensland, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, where friendly locals are eager to share stories, crack a cold one and embody the true essence of Outback hospitality. The pinnacle of the bush, towns in Queensland’s far west are an essential part of Queensland’s tapestry. If you’re road-tripping, be sure to pull off in Longreach and check out the Stockman’s Hall of Fame before arriving in Birdsville, a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a town. Have a beer with locals at the infamous Birdsville Hotel, book a charter flight over the Diamantina channel, Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert, or (our favourite) board the Big Red Dune Sunset Desert Tour. If you organise your trip for July or September you’ll make it in time for the Birdsville Big Red Run, afterparty Big Red Bash and the Birdsville Races.

In Queensland, most of the time a destination is kind of a three-for-the-price-of-one situation. In the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you can work your way through a string of charming country towns – like Maleny, Montville and Kenilworth – each offering a collection of antique stores, markets, bed and breakfasts, and galleries. The Glass House Mountains, rolling green pastures and rainforests will serve as the backdrop for your winding journey to each town. Australia Zoo is also on the way, as is Nambour and the Big Pineapple. Pull up for the day at one of the many microbreweries or wineries in the area.

Dramatic arbours of huge Camphor Laurel trees line the streets in Toowoomba, and amidst fresh garden strolls and heritage walks, you can indulge in expertly brewed espresso at stylish cafés, explore an unparalleled urban art scene, sip on afternoon cocktails or catch a show at the theatre. You don’t want to miss the Carnival of Flowers, Festival of Food and Wine, Gather and Graze, or the Curve Ball – so plan trips for September and October.

Dubbed the ‘home of the manta ray’, Lady Elliot Island is one of the only places on Earth where you can swim with manta rays and turtles in their natural habitat. The 45-hectare island is the southernmost coral cay of Queensland’s World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, reachable via incredibly scenic flights from Bundaberg (30 minutes), Hervey Bay (40 minutes), Brisbane (80 minutes) and the Gold Coast (100 minutes). Lady Elliot Island is also home to an award-winning eco-retreat that hosts up to 100-day guests and 150 overnight guests, offering units, tents and cabins.

If the name didn’t already give it away, the Scenic Rim is truly a spectacular sight. Just an easy 60-minute drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, this hinterland region is known as Brisbane’s World Heritage-listed backyard, boasting stunning national parks, lush rainforests and dramatic mountain ranges. Spend your days hiking to hidden waterfalls, enjoying breathtaking mountain vistas and meandering through boutique vineyards. Don’t rush back too – extend your time in the Scenic Rim with a night or three at one of the beautiful cabins, farm stays or luxury lodges.

This tropical town in Far North Queensland is the perfect blend of laid-back and luxe. From seriously spectacular resorts with lagoon pool set-ups to casual fish and chip shops dotted along the main strip, it really offers the best of both worlds. Port Douglas is so far north that the best time to escape here is actually in winter when the sun comes out to play and the rain and jellyfish stay away. If visiting means summer all year round, we can’t really say no, can we?

This tropical gem on Queensland’s north-eastern coast is another gateway to the heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, along with the majestic Magnetic and Hinchinbrook Islands. Whether you want to get wet and wild in the reef or rainforest, Townsville spoils with plenty of outdoor fun. Kick your legs up after a long day of adventure with sunset picnics, spa treatments and a stay at the city’s first luxury hotel. 

A friendly, sleepy seaside village waits for you at Peregian Beach, located just over ten kilometres south of Noosa Heads. Its neighbouring beaches are just as lovely, but the quiet ambience and shade of the village square paired with the diverse range of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants is unbeatable. Perigean is the perfect distance from the Noosa National Park, Mount Coolum and stunning neighbouring beaches.