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
Another day in Queensland, another unspoilt island. While my northern hemisphere friends are shaking off their winter coats and welcoming some sunshine, I’m saying goodbye to summer for another year. To get one more beach holiday in before the temperature drops I spent a long weekend on stunning North Stradbroke Island, or “Straddie” as we know it, with my boyfriend. Stradbroke Island is only a … Continue reading A Weekend on Slow Stradbroke Island
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
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
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
It’s a feeling that has been growing, slowly but surely over the past few months. My job has let me discover the best of the Queensland, the state I lived in for my entire life yet have often failed to notice. Admittedly, my discoveries occur in an office in the city, using the Internet, email and telephone calls to connect with other places and hear … Continue reading 11 Queensland Trip Ideas
Surfers Paradise epitomises the best and worst of the Gold Coast. It’s one of the few Queensland destinations truly saturated with tourists. I can see how frustrating it must be for residents of Paris, New York and London must feel, being constantly inundated with wandering crowds and bumping into people stopped dead in their tracks to take a selfie with their iPad. However, the tourists … Continue reading Carving up the Surfers’ Skyline