Lovingly known as the Sunshine State, Queensland boasts a seemingly endless list of epic travel experiences. From quaint country towns and authentic Aussie bush experiences to beautiful beaches, world-class food destinations and stunning rainforests, we’ve got it all! For those jonesing for a romantic getaway, family holiday or just an adventurous break, there’s no shortage of great destinations to choose from. To help you with a little wanderlust inspiration, here are 13 of the best places to visit in Queensland!
Planning your trip?
•••
Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
SIM Cards: Simify
I register as an affiliate for anything I use and recommend. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click these links and make a purchase I may earn a commission. This commission comes at no additional cost to you, and in some cases, these links may even unlock savings or give you bonuses I’ve negotiated. You can find out more about this here and here.
1. Rainbow Beach
Located about a 3-hour drive north of Brisbane or one and a half hours drive south of Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach is a sleepy little town home to pristine beaches, lovely locals, and the stunning Carlo Sand Blow. You can camp right on the beach at Inskip Point, rent a holiday house or stay at our favourite local spot, Rainbow Ocean Palms.
Located about a 3-hour drive north of Brisbane or one and a half hours drive south of Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach is a sleepy little town home to pristine beaches, lovely locals, and the stunning Carlo Sand Blow. You can camp right on the beach at Inskip Point, rent a holiday house or stay at our favourite local spot, Rainbow Ocean Palms.
You might also like to read: The Ultimate Rainbow Beach Road Trip Travel Guide, Everything you need to know about visiting the Carlo Sand Blow and The Top Things to Do in Rainbow Beach
You might also like to read:
The Ultimate Rainbow Beach Road Trip Travel Guide
Everything you need to know about visiting the Carlo Sand Blow
The Top Things to Do in Rainbow Beach
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Ocean Palms | Read our review |
| Plantation Resort | Apartment-style with balconies |
| Debbie’s Place | Comfortable with incredible hospitality |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Rainbow Ocean Palms | Read our review |
| Plantation Resort | Apartment-style with balconies |
| Debbie’s Place | Comfortable with incredible hospitality |
Rainbow Ocean Palms
Plantation Resort
Debbie’s Pl
2. Stanthorpe and The Granite Belt Region
An area of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland’s Darling Downs, Stanthorpe sits close to the Queensland and New South Wales border, a little under 3 hours drive south-west of Brisbane. The region is famed for incredibly fresh, local produce and great wine. A popular winter destination it’s also great for a spring or summer escape too, with an abundance of great accommodation providers, vineyards and restaurants with plenty to see, do and eat. We also love exploring the spectacular Girraween NP, home to some wonderful walking tracks and viewpoints! Stay at Ridgemill Estate, the Girraween Environmental Lodge or go glamping at Alure Stanthorpe.
An area of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland’s Darling Downs, Stanthorpe sits close to the Queensland and New South Wales border, a little under 3 hours drive south-west of Brisbane. The region is famed for incredibly fresh, local produce and great wine. A popular winter destination it’s also great for a spring or summer escape too, with an abundance of great accommodation providers, vineyards and restaurants with plenty to see, do and eat. We also love exploring the spectacular Girraween NP, home to some wonderful walking tracks and viewpoints! Stay at Ridgemill Estate, the Girraween Environmental Lodge or go glamping at Alure Stanthorpe.
You might also like to read: The Ultimate Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Travel Guide and 17 Perfect ways to make the most of summer in Stanthorpe.
You might also like to read:
The Ultimate Stanthorpe and Granite Belt Travel Guide
17 Perfect ways to make the most of summer in Stanthorpe
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Ridgemill Estate | Cabins with winery views |
| Alure Stanthorpe | Read our review |
| Girraween Environmental Lodge | Fully self-contained bush chalets |
| Granite Belt Motel | Clean and conveniently located |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Ridgemill Estate | Cabins with winery views |
| Alure Stanthorpe | Read our review |
| Girraween Environmental Lodge | Fully self-contained bush chalets |
| Granite Belt Motel | Clean and conveniently located |
Ridgemill Estate
Alure Stanthorpe
Girraween Environmental Lodge
Granite Belt Motel
3. Agnes Water and 1770
You’ll find Agnes Water on the Discovery Coast, around a 90-minute drive in either direction from Bundaberg and Gladstone. The closest point to the southern Great Barrier Reef, you can take a day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island, do a LARC tour of the local area or have a sunset kayak adventure. Enjoy the beaches, explore the paperbark forest or mingle at the Discovery Coast Markets. We usually stay at a beach house but other great spots include Pavillions on 1770 and 1770 Getaway.
You’ll find Agnes Water on the Discovery Coast, around a 90-minute drive in either direction from Bundaberg and Gladstone. The closest point to the southern Great Barrier Reef, you can take a day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island, do a LARC tour of the local area or have a sunset kayak adventure. Enjoy the beaches, explore the paperbark forest or mingle at the Discovery Coast Markets. We usually stay at a beach house but other great spots include Pavillions on 1770 and 1770 Getaway.
day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island
do a LARC tour of the local area
You might also like to read: 16 Awesome things you absolutely must do in Agnes and 1770, or Popular Things to do in 1770.
You might also like to read:
16 Awesome things you absolutely must do in Agnes and 1770
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Pavillions on 1770 | Beach access, spa |
| 1770 Sovereign Lodge | Close to restaurants |
| 1770 Beach Shacks | Ocean views |
| Loka Santi Penthouse | Ocean views |
| The Summit 1770 | Secluded chalets |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Pavillions on 1770 | Beach access, spa |
| 1770 Sovereign Lodge | Close to restaurants |
| 1770 Beach Shacks | Ocean views |
| Loka Santi Penthouse | Ocean views |
| The Summit 1770 | Secluded chalets |
Pavillions on 1770
1770 Sovereign Lodge
1770 Beach Shacks
Loka Santi Penthouse
The Summit 1770
4. Carnarvon Gorge
Aussie bush experiences don’t get much better than the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge, located in Queensland’s Central Highlands, 720km north-west of Brisbane, in an area known as the Sandstone Wilderness. You can fly to spots like Emerald, Roma, Rockhampton and Gladstone, hire a car and drive to Carnarvon Gorge. Spend your days exploring the great Australian bush thanks to the wide range of walking trails in Carnarvon Gorge and spot some of our gorgeous Aussie wildlife. We stayed at Takarakka Bush Resort and loved it!
Aussie bush experiences don’t get much better than the spectacular Carnarvon Gorge, located in Queensland’s Central Highlands, 720km north-west of Brisbane, in an area known as the Sandstone Wilderness. You can fly to spots like Emerald, Roma, Rockhampton and Gladstone, hire a car and drive to Carnarvon Gorge. Spend your days exploring the great Australian bush thanks to the wide range of walking trails in Carnarvon Gorge and spot some of our gorgeous Aussie wildlife. We stayed at Takarakka Bush Resort and loved it!
Spend your days exploring the great Australian bush
You might also like to read: The BEST Carnarvon Gorge Travel Guide (everything you NEED to know!), and Top Outback Queensland Attractions.
You might also like to read:
The BEST Carnarvon Gorge Travel Guide (everything you NEED to know!)
Top Outback Queensland Attractions
5. Toowoomba and the High Country Hamlets
Affectionately nicknamed ’T-Bar,’ you’ll find Toowoomba in the Darling Downs region, around 125km west of Brisbane. With so much great local produce in the area, there are some fantastic foodie experiences on offer in Toowoomba. Time your visit with the vibrant Carnival of Flowers or sunflower season. Journey deeper into the region with a visit to the High Country Hamlets, Ravensbourne and the nearby Bunya Mountains. For great spots to stay in and around the area check out Quest Toowoomba, Bunnyconnellen, ecoRidge Hideaway and Cloudlake.
Affectionately nicknamed ’T-Bar,’ you’ll find Toowoomba in the Darling Downs region, around 125km west of Brisbane. With so much great local produce in the area, there are some fantastic foodie experiences on offer in Toowoomba. Time your visit with the vibrant Carnival of Flowers or sunflower season. Journey deeper into the region with a visit to the High Country Hamlets, Ravensbourne and the nearby Bunya Mountains. For great spots to stay in and around the area check out Quest Toowoomba, Bunnyconnellen, ecoRidge Hideaway and Cloudlake.
You might also like to read: 26 of the BEST things to do in Toowoomba, 11 Perfect places to eat in Toowoomba, and 6 Delicious vegetarian meals to try in Toowoomba.
You might also like to read:
26 of the BEST things to do in Toowoomba
11 Perfect places to eat in Toowoomba
6 Delicious vegetarian meals to try in Toowoomba
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Quest Toowoomba | Central, self-contained |
| ecoRidge Hideaway Chalets | Seclusion with views |
| Potters Toowoomba Hotel | Onsite restaurant |
| Oaks Toowoomba Hotel | Central, gym, pool |
| Central Plaza Apartments | Self-contained, pool |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Quest Toowoomba | Central, self-contained |
| ecoRidge Hideaway Chalets | Seclusion with views |
| Potters Toowoomba Hotel | Onsite restaurant |
| Oaks Toowoomba Hotel | Central, gym, pool |
| Central Plaza Apartments | Self-contained, pool |
Quest Toowoomba
ecoRidge Hideaway Chalets
Potters Toowoomba Hotel
Oaks Toowoomba Hotel
Central Plaza Apartments
6. Longreach
Journey into the heart of country Queensland with a visit to iconic Longreach, a place that has a very special spot in my heart. Located in Central West Queensland around 700km from the coast, west of Rockhampton, the town is home to some very special locals and authentic Aussie experiences. Avid adventurers may like to catch the train up or you can simply fly! We did a guided tour with Outback Aussie Tours and absolutely loved it. We had dinner, drinks and live music under the stars, visited the Wellshot Hotel, the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and enjoyed delicious local food and so much more. We stayed at Saltbush Retreat and loved it!
Journey into the heart of country Queensland with a visit to iconic Longreach, a place that has a very special spot in my heart. Located in Central West Queensland around 700km from the coast, west of Rockhampton, the town is home to some very special locals and authentic Aussie experiences. Avid adventurers may like to catch the train up or you can simply fly! We did a guided tour with Outback Aussie Tours and absolutely loved it. We had dinner, drinks and live music under the stars, visited the Wellshot Hotel, the Stockman’s Hall of Fame, and enjoyed delicious local food and so much more. We stayed at Saltbush Retreat and loved it!
You might also like to read: 21 of the BEST things to do in Longreach and Top Outback Queensland Attractions
You might also like to read:
21 of the BEST things to do in Longreach
Top Outback Queensland Attractions
| Where to Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Saltbush Retreat | Self-contained luxury |
| The Staging Post | Boutique heritage-theme |
| Where to Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Saltbush Retreat | Self-contained luxury |
| The Staging Post | Boutique heritage-theme |
Saltbush Retreat
The Staging Post
7. Bundaberg
Famous for Bundaberg Rum, the gorgeous town of Bundy is much more than meets the eye! Located around 385km north of Brisbane, it’s also a great access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss the incredible day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience. At Mon Repos, visitors can watch turtles lay or see hatchlings burst forth from the sand. Visit nearby Lady Elliot Island to explore the reef and swim with turtles. Bundy is also home to some of my favourite thrift stores and the rum distillery tour is actually awesome! We love to stay in Bargara, right on the beachfront at The Point Resort.
Famous for Bundaberg Rum, the gorgeous town of Bundy is much more than meets the eye! Located around 385km north of Brisbane, it’s also a great access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. Don’t miss the incredible day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience. At Mon Repos, visitors can watch turtles lay or see hatchlings burst forth from the sand. Visit nearby Lady Elliot Island to explore the reef and swim with turtles. Bundy is also home to some of my favourite thrift stores and the rum distillery tour is actually awesome! We love to stay in Bargara, right on the beachfront at
the incredible
day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island with Lady Musgrave Experience
day cruise to Lady Musgrave Island
The Point Resort.
You might also like to read: 3 Excellent ways to have an unforgettable turtle encounter and Top Things to do in Bundaberg
You might also like to read:
3 Excellent ways to have an unforgettable turtle encounter
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| The Point Resort | Beachfront, well positioned |
| Manta Bargara | Spacious with great views |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| The Point Resort | Beachfront, well positioned |
| Manta Bargara | Spacious with great views |
The Point Resort
Manta Bargara
8. Yeppoon
Situated around 38km northeast of Rockhampton, Yeppoon is the gateway to the Capricorn Coast and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. There’s an unexpectedly epic food scene here with an abundance of great cafes and restaurants to choose from and a seemingly endless list of fun and interesting activities. Make the most of this truly gorgeous destination by taking the time to visit Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island. You can also explore nearby Rockhampton and the gorgeous Byfield National Park. Some of our favourite spots to stay include Villa Mar Colina, Oshen, Great Keppel Hideaway, Pumpkin Island resort, and the Byfield Cabins.
Situated around 38km northeast of Rockhampton, Yeppoon is the gateway to the Capricorn Coast and the Southern Great Barrier Reef. There’s an unexpectedly epic food scene here with an abundance of great cafes and restaurants to choose from and a seemingly endless list of fun and interesting activities. Make the most of this truly gorgeous destination by taking the time to visit Great Keppel Island and Pumpkin Island. You can also explore nearby Rockhampton and the gorgeous Byfield National Park. Some of our favourite spots to stay include Villa Mar Colina, Oshen, Great Keppel Hideaway, Pumpkin Island resort, and the Byfield Cabins.
You might also like to read: 22 Things You Must Do in Yeppoon, 15 Best Places to Eat in Yeppoon and Great Keppel Island Day Trip
You might also like to read:
22 Things You Must Do in Yeppoon
15 Best Places to Eat in Yeppoon
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Villa Mar Colina | Spacious, island views |
| Oshen Holiday Apartments | Heated outdoor pool |
| Salt Yeppoon | Close to restaurants |
| Echelon Apartments | Close to restaurants |
| Rosslyn Bay Resort | Close to Kemp Beach |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Villa Mar Colina | Spacious, island views |
| Oshen Holiday Apartments | Heated outdoor pool |
| Salt Yeppoon | Close to restaurants |
| Echelon Apartments | Close to restaurants |
| Rosslyn Bay Resort | Close to Kemp Beach |
Villa Mar Colina
Oshen Holiday Apartments
Salt Yeppoon
Echelon Apartments
Rosslyn Bay Resort
9. Port Douglas and The Daintree
Famed for its beach resorts and the ultimate base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is located in tropical far north Queensland, around an hour drive north of Cairns. Here, you’ll find some staggeringly beautiful scenery, fantastic food and no shortage of great spots to stay. Explore the picturesque Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest National Park and head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling and more. I stayed at Peppers Beach Club and really enjoyed it.
Famed for its beach resorts and the ultimate base for visiting the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas is located in tropical far north Queensland, around an hour drive north of Cairns. Here, you’ll find some staggeringly beautiful scenery, fantastic food and no shortage of great spots to stay. Explore the picturesque Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest National Park and head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling and more. I stayed at Peppers Beach Club and really enjoyed it.
Daintree Rainforest National Park
head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling
You might also like to read: 17 BEST Things to Do in Port Douglas, 16 of the BEST Things to Do in Cairns and Top things to do in Port Douglas
You might also like to read:
17 BEST Things to Do in Port Douglas
16 of the BEST Things to Do in Cairns
Top things to do in Port Douglas
10. K’gari (Fraser Island)
The world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island) stretches over 120km, located 360km north of Brisbane. Accessible by barge, it’s the ideal spot to get away from it all. A truly unique part of Queensland, visitors can explore stunning Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, marvel at the Maheno Shipwreck, spot Humpback Whales and dingoes. We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort and had a great experience.
The world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island) stretches over 120km, located 360km north of Brisbane. Accessible by barge, it’s the ideal spot to get away from it all. A truly unique part of Queensland, visitors can explore stunning Lake McKenzie, float down Eli Creek, marvel at the Maheno Shipwreck, spot Humpback Whales and dingoes. We stayed at Kingfisher Bay Resort and had a great experience.
Driving on Fraser Island
You might also like to read: 26 Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser) and Top Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)
You might also like to read:
26 Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)
26 Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)
Top Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)
Top Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)
11. Gold Coast
The iconic Gold Coast, located an hour drive south of Brisbane CBD, is famous for its stunning beaches, theme parks and party scene. There are loads of great spots to visit but our favourites tend to be a little further away from Surfer’s Paradise. We love the cool cafes and great beach spots in Tallebudgera, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Burleigh Heads. Explore local weekend markets or eat your way through the seemingly endless roster of restaurants and cafes. We like to stay at the Meriton Suites Broadbeach (beachside), The Pink Hotel Coolangatta and Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise.
The iconic Gold Coast, located an hour drive south of Brisbane CBD, is famous for its stunning beaches, theme parks and party scene. There are loads of great spots to visit but our favourites tend to be a little further away from Surfer’s Paradise. We love the cool cafes and great beach spots in Tallebudgera, Palm Beach, Currumbin and Burleigh Heads. Explore local weekend markets or eat your way through the seemingly endless roster of restaurants and cafes. We like to stay at the Meriton Suites Broadbeach (beachside), The Pink Hotel Coolangatta and Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
Meriton Suites Broadbeach (beachside)
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
You might also like to read: 39 Places to Eat & Drink on the Goldie, BEST things to do on the water! and Top things to do on the Gold Coast
You might also like to read
39 Places to Eat & Drink on the Goldie
BEST things to do on the water!
Top things to do on the Gold Coast
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise | Read our review |
| Star Grand at Star Gold Coast | Plush, casino access |
| Meriton Suites Broadbeach | Close to restaurants |
| ULTIQA Air on Broadbeach | Spacious, close to beach |
| Burleigh Esplanade Apartments | We loved the ‘Loft Penthouse’ |
| 19th Avenue on the Beach | Beachfront seclusion |
| The Pink Hotel Coolangatta | Boutique, rooftop bar |
| Mantra Coolangatta Beach | Read our review |
Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise
12. Sunshine Coast
Where the Gold Coast is well-known internationally, the Sunshine Coast is a favourite among Queensland locals. Located 100km north of Brisbane, this area is home to some really beautiful beaches and sleepy coastal towns that come alive during peak season. Beach lovers will want to visit cool spots like Caloundra, Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum in the warmer months. But, visitors in winter and autumn may like to check out the hinterland and explore the quaint towns of Maleny and Montville. We like to stay right on the beachfront in Noosa at Seahaven Noosa or at Spicers Clovelly Estate or Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Hinterland.
Where the Gold Coast is well-known internationally, the Sunshine Coast is a favourite among Queensland locals. Located 100km north of Brisbane, this area is home to some really beautiful beaches and sleepy coastal towns that come alive during peak season. Beach lovers will want to visit cool spots like Caloundra, Noosa, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Coolum in the warmer months. But, visitors in winter and autumn may like to check out the hinterland and explore the quaint towns of Maleny and Montville. We like to stay right on the beachfront in Noosa at Seahaven Noosa or at Spicers Clovelly Estate or Spicers Tamarind Retreat in the Hinterland.
You might also like to read: The Perfect Noosa Itinerary, 21 Hinterland things worth doing and Top Things to do on the Sunny Coast
You might also like to read:
21 Hinterland things worth doing
Top Things to do on the Sunny Coast
| Stay | Features |
| The Ridge at Maleny | Self-contained bliss! |
| Spicers Tamarind Retreat | Luxurious, incredible food |
| Spicers Clovelly Estate | French inspired luxury |
| The “Old Glenroy Dairy” | Unique, cosy and private |
| Stay | Features |
| The Ridge at Maleny | Self-contained bliss! |
| Spicers Tamarind Retreat | Luxurious, incredible food |
| Spicers Clovelly Estate | French inspired luxury |
| The “Old Glenroy Dairy” | Unique, cosy and private |
Stay
Features
13. Brisbane
A welcoming city located along the Brisbane River, Queensland’s capital is a hub of great food, cultural experience and entertainment. Explore local neighbourhoods like New Farm, Paddington and the Fortitude Valley. Visit beloved spots like South Bank and Street’s Beach, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Kangaroo Point. Dine at Howard Smith Wharves, Eat Street and trendy West End. Great spots to stay include Rydges South Bank, The Sebel, The Johnson, Spicers Balfour, and Meriton Suites.
A welcoming city located along the Brisbane River, Queensland’s capital is a hub of great food, cultural experience and entertainment. Explore local neighbourhoods like New Farm, Paddington and the Fortitude Valley. Visit beloved spots like South Bank and Street’s Beach, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and Kangaroo Point. Dine at Howard Smith Wharves, Eat Street and trendy West End. Great spots to stay include Rydges South Bank, The Sebel, The Johnson, Spicers Balfour, and Meriton Suites
You might also like to read: 17 Things You Must Do in Brisbane, Everything You Need to Know: Brisbane and Top things to do in Brisbane
You might also like to read:
17 Things You Must Do in Brisbane
Everything You Need to Know: Brisbane
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Rydges South Bank Brisbane | Read our review |
| The Sebel Brisbane | Central location, pool |
| Art Series – The Johnson | Spacious, great pool |
| Alex Perry Hotel Apartments | Read our review |
| Spicers Balfour Hotel | Luxury, fantastic food |
| Meriton Suites Herschel St | Comfort, CBD location |
| Mantra Terrace Hotel | Well-priced comfort |
| Stay | Features |
|---|---|
| Rydges South Bank Brisbane | Read our review |
| The Sebel Brisbane | Central location, pool |
| Art Series – The Johnson | Spacious, great pool |
| Alex Perry Hotel Apartments | Read our review |
| Spicers Balfour Hotel | Luxury, fantastic food |
| Meriton Suites Herschel St | Comfort, CBD location |
| Mantra Terrace Hotel | Well-priced comfort |