15 of the BEST places to visit in Queensland

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 15 of the best places to visit in Queensland!

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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.

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

Stay	Features
Rainbow Ocean Palms	Read our review
Plantation Resort	Apartment-style with balconies
Debbie’s Place	Comfortable with incredible hospitality

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.

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.

Stay	Features
Ridgemill Estate	Cabins with winery views
Alure Stanthorpe	Read our review
Girraween Environmental Lodge	Read our review
Granite Belt Motel	Clean and conveniently located

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 might also like to read:  16 Awesome things you absolutely must do in Agnes and 1770, or Popular Things to do in 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

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!

You might also like to read: The BEST Carnarvon Gorge Travel Guide (everything you NEED to know!), and 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, running across three spring weekends from 18 September to 5 October 2026, or catch 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.

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

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! I did a guided tour with Outback Aussie Tours and absolutely loved it. I 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. I 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

Where to Stay	Features
Saltbush Retreat	Self-contained luxury
The Staging Post	Boutique heritage-theme

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.

You might also like to read: 3 Excellent ways to have an unforgettable turtle encounter and Top Things to do in Bundaberg

Stay	Features
The Point Resort	Beachfront, well positioned
Manta Bargara	Spacious with great views

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.

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

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

9. Port Douglas and The Daintree

The gateway to Queensland’s Far North, Cairns is around a two-and-a-half-hour flight from Brisbane and puts the Great Barrier Reef within easy reach. Spend a day out on the water with a snorkelling or dive boat, or head into Kuranda for a half-day in the rainforest. However, it’s worth checking ahead, as the Skyrail cableway is undergoing maintenance through parts of 2026 and may only run partially or be substituted with the Kuranda Scenic Railway on some dates. An hour north, Port Douglas is the more laid back, resort style base, with staggeringly beautiful scenery, fantastic food and no shortage of great spots to stay. Explore the picturesque Mossman Gorge and the Daintree Rainforest National Park , head out to the Great Barrier Reef for snorkelling, or take a Daintree River cruise for the crocodile spotting alone. I stayed at Peppers Beach Club and really enjoyed it.

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

10. Magnetic Island

Just a twenty-minute ferry from Townsville, Magnetic Island is one of the easiest tropical escapes in the state and somehow still feels underrated. The island is home to one of Australia’s largest wild koala colonies, so don’t be surprised if you spot one ambling along a track on the Forts Walk. With 23 beaches and bays to choose from, Horseshoe Bay and Nelly Bay are the most popular bases, and you don’t need a car, since buses, taxis and scooter hire cover the island easily. Stinger season runs from November to April, so stick to the netted enclosures if you’re swimming during those months. Two to three days is the sweet spot here, enough time to walk the trails, snorkel a stretch of reef and still have an afternoon to do absolutely nothing.

11. 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. 

You might also like to read: 26 Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser) and Top Things to Do on K’gari (Fraser)

12. 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.

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

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

13. 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. 

You might also like to read: The Perfect Noosa Itinerary, 21 Hinterland things worth doing and 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

14. 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.

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

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

15. The Whitsundays

There’s a reason the Whitsundays keep landing on every best of Australia list going. This cluster of 74 islands off Airlie Beach is home to Whitehaven Beach, seven kilometres of silica sand so fine it squeaks underfoot, and the swirling blue and white sandbar at Hill Inlet. Most of the action departs from Abel Point Marina, whether that’s a day sail out to Whitehaven, an overnight liveaboard, or a scenic flight taking in the reef and islands in one hit. Hamilton Island is the spot for resort comforts and its own small airport, while Airlie Beach itself is more sailing bars than polished luxury, in the best possible way.

You might also like to read: The best destinations to explore in Australia as a couple and 9 Luxe island escapes for 2026: Boutique, eco chic & new hotspots

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time of year to visit Queensland? Winter (June to August) is the most popular stretch for Queensland travel, with mild days and low humidity making it ideal for the outback, the reef and the southeast corner alike. If you’re chasing turtle season at places like Mon Repos, aim for November through March. Spring (September to October) brings festival season to the Darling Downs, with the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers running across three weekends in 2026.

Do I need a car to see the best of Queensland? For most of this list, yes. A few spots like Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Port Douglas are well served by transfers and public transport, but reaching places like Carnarvon Gorge, Stanthorpe or the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is far easier with your own set of wheels. I hire through Discover Cars for most of my Queensland road trips.

Is K’gari (Fraser Island) suitable for a day trip? You can do K’gari as a day trip from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, but I’d genuinely recommend at least two nights if you can swing it. The island is enormous and a lot of its best bits, like Lake McKenzie at sunrise without the crowds, are only worth it if you’re not racing the last barge back.

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