Queensland is one of the most popular travel destinations in Australia for international visitors, who come to see the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, beach hop on the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast or discover lovely, laidback Brisbane.
From luxury island breaks in the Whitsundays to country road trips through Southern QLD Country & the Outback, there’s something for everyone here. With one of the warmest and sunniest climates in Australia, the state is famous for year-round sunshine and beautiful winters. The sunshine state is perfect for visiting year-round.
I grew up in Brisbane and have spent countless weekends and holidays all over the state, but am still discovering beautiful new places to explore.
I acknowledge the First Nations owners of the lands now recognised as Queensland. I pay respect to their Elders, lores, customs and creation spirits. I recognise that these lands have always been places of great natural beauty, culture and community.
Planning a trip to Australia? Find out more about other states: Western Australia | Tasmania | South Australia | Victoria| New South Wales
Recently voted the coolest city in Australia by Lonely Planet, Brisbane is attracting more visitors than ever. I hope you’ll be one of them. But once you get here, what should you do in Queensland’s capital? Brisbane is one of those cities which isn’t about staring at a famous building for a minute, taking a few cheesy photos and shuffling along among the crowds. Brisbane … Continue reading One Perfect Day in Brisbane
The Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) in Brisbane is the most visited art gallery in Australia for a reason. Every major exhibition held there goes the extra mile to stun audiences into thinking a little deeper. In my opinion, since it’s opening in 2006 it’s also encouraged the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) next door to lift its game. It’s situated in the heart of … Continue reading Cai Guo-Qiang & California Design at Brisbane’s GoMA
I can’t believe it took me 20 years to get to Moreton Island. I’d heard of it, sure. It seems almost everyone in Brisbane has been for a day trip or a weekend away camping. However, I’d never prioritised it as something I had to see. It’s easy to take for granted something that is so close to home and I’ve been very guilty of engaging more … Continue reading Postcards: Make time for Moreton Island
I just got back from a refreshing 24 hours on the Gold Coast with my boyfriend. He is not eating wheat or dairy at the moment and so eating out on the coast was looking like it was going to be a bit tricky – after all, healthy eating is hardly what springs to mind in the city that worships glitzy nightlife, showy restaurants, burger … Continue reading Healthy Cafes on the Gold Coast
Most Australians grow up pretty spoilt when it comes to beaches. I loved every minute of travelling through beach towns in France, Italy & Greece and always tried to appreciate each destination for what it was, not for what I might have wanted it to be. However, every time we’d be wincing as we hobbled across pebbly beaches in Nice or squeezed into our own … Continue reading Appreciating Aussie beaches in Mooloolaba
Everybody knows everybody, the local businesses support each other and community ties are strong. Known for attracting quirky and creative residents, the villages that surround the main road weaving around the mountain have a decidely ethereal air. On one mountain you can find the oldest national park in Queensland and the third-oldest in the entire world, four wineries, a brewery, a distillery and a fromagerie … Continue reading Where to eat & drink on Mt Tamborine, Gold Coast
It seems ridiculous, but up until Sunday I had a (slightly) irrational fear of whales. Despite this, Sunday was the most amazing wildlife encounter of my life, and I’m still buzzing! On a full day tour with Brisbane Whale Watching, I lost count of the number of beautiful humpback whales that I saw, only metres from our eco-friendly, luxury vessel. It was honestly the most exciting yet relaxing … Continue reading Brisbane Whale Watching in Moreton Bay
When I was studying overseas I was often asked whether I had kangaroos in my backyard. I live in a major city, so sadly I don’t. If I lived in the Bunya Mountains, in Southern Queensland Country, I could have fulfilled my foreign friend’s cliched imaginings of what it is like to be Australian. Well, almost. They still would not have helped me with my homework … Continue reading Postcards: Posing with Wallabies in the Bunya Mountains
In every town I visit, markets are always a must-do, and my hometown is no different. My favourite farmers’ market in Brisbane is the Davies Park Farmers Market in West End. We do our weekly fruit & veg shopping here, so we arrive around 6:30 to beat the crowds which come from 8:00-10:00am. Before it’s busy, it’s easy to dart around to the usual stalls and … Continue reading Davies Park Farmers Markets in West End, Brisbane
Buzzing with events, fine food, diverse nightlife and culture, Brisbane is a sleepy little town no longer. Brisbanites have caught on, but it has taken the citizens of Sydney & Melbourne a little longer. As Brisbane continues to bloom, it seems that the rest of the country – and the world – are finally getting the message. I was at a dinner a few weeks … Continue reading Brisbane takes off