Queensland

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year Queensland and its tropical climate have earned the nickname of the Sunshine State. And brimming with that laid back Aussie vibe, you'll be feeling a sunshine state of mind as you explore the cities and towns, beaches, rainforest, reef, and outback of Queensland.

Whether you're as laid back as a koala or as lively as a kangaroo, there adventures for all ages in Queensland. View our Family Adventure in Queensland Lookbook for family-friendly suggestions or contact a Travel Consultant to start planning!

Locations

Brisbane

An Aussie city with a subtropical climate and a history that American travelers will love, Brisbane has all the laid-back charm that you’d expect from the Australians, paired with a culture of outdoor living that will have you asking yourself why you don’t live here. Upon arrival in the vibrant capital of Queensland, you'll be immediately taken by this coastal, cosmopolitan city. Brisbane offers a range of unique experiences, from a twilight climb of Brisbane’s Story Bridge that reveals a breathtaking view of the city from aloft to the welcoming ceremony of the Turrbal on the banks of the Brisbane River (Maiwar in Turrbal), which includes Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony, and Didgeridoo performance. While here, the First Artists experience at the Queensland Arts Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), is a First Nations storytelling experience that is an absolute privilege to behold.

Cairns

Built on Trinity Inlet, the Coral Sea calls from the east whilst the rainforest-clad Atherton Tableland serenades from the west, making Cairns an enchanting nature lover's Nirvana. To truly appreciate the changing landscape from waving cane fields to walls of rainforest, travel the scenic railway to the mountain town of Kuranda. Famed for its vibrant markets and stunning views, Kuranda is a charming hideaway and a good place to mingle with the locals selling regional arts and crafts. Cairns’ in also a gateway to underwater rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef. The only living organism visible from space, the Great Barrier Reef is 1,240 miles of memories that will last a lifetime. No fancy photograph or travel documentary will prepare you for the perpetual paradise that awaits you at the spectacular Great Barrier Reef.

Daintree Rainforest

Australia’s answer to the Amazon, the Daintree Rainforest, is more than 100 million years old and is home to the highest number of rare or endangered plant and animal species in the world. This world heritage listed area is alive with history and pulsing with prehistoric plants and animals, all of which can be seen in exciting ways. Glide along the Daintree River and spot saltwater crocodiles as they laze on the muddy banks. Join a 4WD guided tour and explore primeval forest rarely seen by man, or camp out under the stars in one of the unique corners of the world.

Gold Coast and Hinterland

With its 26 miles of sun-drenched beaches and Mardi Gras atmosphere, the “coast with the most” is considered a miniature Miami with spas, fine dining and more than 35 championship golf courses. Head inland and hike Australia’s beautiful Lamington National Park. Fish a canal in Venice-like South Stradbroke Island, or ride the Tower of Terror at Dreamworld amusement park. Travel to the Gold Coast and discover why it is Australia’s family fun park.

Lizard Island

Lizard Island is truly secluded from the rest of the world. Located right on the Great Barrier Reef, there are 24 powdery-white beaches and 40 luxurious villas and suites. Snorkelers are rewarded for little effort with coral gardens, brightly colored tropical fish and giant clams just steps from the island's beaches. Discover secluded, pristine beaches by foot or by motorized dinghy with a gourmet picnic just for two. Dining is one of Lizard Island's many pleasures. Osprey's Restaurant embodies the resort's understated elegance. The menu, which changes daily, is fresh and creative, showcasing the finest local produce and freshest seafood.

Port Douglas

Today, the “Port” as it is called by locals, is a trendy, tropical resort and is giving its southern sister, Cairns, a run for its money. Port's laid back style, superb natural attractions and effortless sophistication blend together to create the unique flavor of the village. Beautiful, tropical Port Douglas is the gateway to the World Heritage Listed natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. Snorkeling or diving the Great Barrier Reef is, quite simply, the adventure of a lifetime and easily accessible from this relaxed seaside town.

Whitsundays

Welcome to the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland’s preeminent tropical paradise. The hundred or so islands forming the Whitsundays vary from steep summits to coral cays all possessing a piece of Australian heaven. Snorkel the sun drenched waters of Hayman Island and count clownfish as they weave in and out of coral castles. Slumber under the stars and fall asleep to the sound of lapping waves from a postcard-worthy beach on Hamilton Island, or stroll the soft sands of Whitehaven Beach and take in a sublime sunset.

Queensland

Locations

Brisbane

Cairns

Daintree Rainforest

Gold Coast and Hinterland

Lizard Island

Port Douglas

Whitsundays

Sample Itineraries

Adventure in Queensland

All Over Australia and New Zealand

Aussie City Lights and Starry Nights

Australia - Escape to Luxury

Australia Indulgence

Australia Uncovered

Australia: Port to Peninsula

Australia’s Heart and Soul

Best of Australia

Blissful Australia

Circle Australia

Colors of Australia

Curated Cosmopolitan

Iconic Australia

Inspirations from Queensland

Natural Wonders of Queensland

New Year's Eve Adventure

New Year's Eve in Style

Outback Immersion

Queensland Luxe

Sydney, Reef and Rainforest

Ultimate Australia and New Zealand

Wild Australia

Tours and Activities

Australia Zoo

Brisbane City Tour

Cairns Hot Air Ballooning

Ocean Spirit

Quicksilver

Reef Magic Cruises

Whitewater Rafting

Whitsundays Charters

O'Reilly's & Lamington National Park

Tangalooma Dolphin Adventure

Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest

Flames of the Forest Dinner

Mossman Gorge Centre

Lodging

Beerwah

The Crocodile Hunter Lodge

Brisbane

Emporium Hotel South Bank

Hotel X Brisbane, Fortitude Valley

Ovolo The Valley

Royal on the Park

Spicers Balfour Hotel

Spicers Hidden Vale

Tangalooma Island Resort

Cairns

Pacific Hotel Cairns

Shangri-La The Marina, Cairns

The Reef House

Daintree Rainforest

Daintree Ecolodge

Silky Oaks Lodge

Gold Coast and Hinterland

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise

Hardy Reef

Reefsuite

Heron Island

Heron Island Resort

Lamington National Park

O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat and Mountain Villas

Lizard Island

Lizard Island

Maleny

Spicers Tamarind Retreat

Maryvale

Spicers Peak Lodge

Mount Mulligan