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Queensland

Destination guide

Brisbane

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International students and tourists are returning to Brisbane as occupancy rates reflect the rise.
Couple sitting on blanket on the waters edge at Copperfield Gorge.

I did an epic outback road trip without a four-wheel drive (or a tent)

If you’ve never visited Australia’s great outback before, this is the place to do it.

  • Emily McAuliffe
A ride on the CityCat costs just 50¢.

Sorry, southerners, but this bargain city is our coolest summer capital

Fifty-cent public transport and $2 public swimming pools? Bring your spare change and swimmers for a good time in Brissie.

  • Christine Retschlag
The barge and the tip of North West Island, Queensland.

No running water, no escape, but this trip became my idea of paradise

I still can’t believe we did this – camping on a remote coral cay. We cooked our own meals, slept in basic tents, spent days conducting “science” experiments. Now I realise it was brilliant.

  • Ben Groundwater
Make Airlie Beach your base.

How to do Queensland’s dreamiest islands without breaking the budget

Let Airlie Beach be the launchpad for your affordable island-hopping escape. Here’s where to eat, stay and play without spending a fortune.

  • Riley Wilson
Peregian Beach is just a short distance from Noosa, but far more laid back.

The Sunshine Coast’s underrated, laid-back beach town

Just 11 kilometres south of Noosa, Peregian Beach offers an untouched shoreline, a village atmosphere and a vibrant local scene.

  • Kerry Heaney
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That long beach and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas.

This Aussie holiday mecca is finally atoning for its tourism sins

I first visited Port Douglas in the 1980s, before mega-resorts came and changed its character. Thankfully, tourism operators today have a different approach.

  • Lee Tulloch
Time the tides right at Burleigh Heads, and a shallow lagoon appears on the sand.

I never liked the Gold Coast. Now, as a parent, I love it

It would be fair to say that I have never previously clicked with the Gold Coast, but returning with kids in tow changed my perspective.

  • David Whitley
The retreat’s lap pool is shaded and private.

This luxe Queensland retreat is a haven for foodies

A soothing stay at this south-east Queensland rural retreat also attracts food-loving day-trippers keen to linger over a long lunch at Homage restaurant.

  • Katrina Lobley
Bluey’s World Brisbane opened in November 2024 – an immersive themed experience.

Move over Mickey Mouse, Bluey’s World attraction opens in Queensland

Eighteen months in the making, Bluey’s World Brisbane lets visitors enter the realm of the locally made TV phenomenon.

  • Nick Dent
An excursion train operated by Outback Aussie Tours.

Three new heritage train trips let you explore the outback in comfort

Two restored 2000-class trains built in 1971 offer excursions through outback Queensland.

  • Tim Richards

Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/topic/queensland-lla