15 Best Queensland Holidays: Best Places to Stay

With nearly 7,000 kilometers of coastline and year-round sunshine, Queensland offers some of the best holidaying destinations in Australia.

Queensland holidays are in plentiful supply, but where exactly are the best places to go? We’ve taken a look!

1. Noosa

Noosa has undoubtedly become one of the most popular places to visit in Queensland thanks to its gorgeous beaches, rugged national park and thriving social scene.

Add into the mix some of the best Queensland beach holiday accommodation around, and you’ve got yourself the perfect cocktail for a memorable holiday.

You’ll need at least a week to take advantage of everything Noosa has to offer, but even a few days will give you a glimpse of this stunning coastal town.

Here are some of the highlights:

• Get lost in nature along the 15km of hiking trails that wind through Noosa National Park.
• Enjoy the best of the local produce at one of the highly-rated restaurants along Hastings Street.
• Explore the quieter side of Noosa when you head over to Sunshine Beach.
• Join a kayaking tour through the Noosa Everglades, which is home to nearly half of all Australia’s bird species.
• Watch the professionals catching the waves at the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing. Or give it a try yourself!

2. Daydream Island

You’d be forgiven for not knowing where this small gem of an island is. It’s actually found in the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, offering visitors a night or two in one of the top luxury resorts in Queensland.

As you’d expect from one of the Whitsunday Islands, Daydream Island is home to immaculate white beaches and emerald waters, all with a backdrop of rugged rainforests.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing vacation or an activity-fuelled getaway, this is one of those Queensland holidays that is sure to deliver on all levels.

Some highlights you cannot miss:

• Join a glass-bottom boat tour around the island to admire the vibrant coral reef.
• Get a tan or get lost in a book on one of the most picturesque beaches in Australia.
• Explore the Great Barrier Reef by helicopter or jet ski.
• Treat yourself to a day trip to Airlie Beach, or Hamilton Island.

3. Port Douglas

When you reach the heady heights of Northern Queensland, there’s no better place to enjoy the sweeping beaches and wild rainforests than Port Douglas, a town known for having two UNESCO World Heritage sites on its doorstep.

When you stay in Port Douglas, you’ll find some of the best Queensland beach resorts in this charming coastal town.

Here’s what to do once you get there:

• Explore the Daintree National Park with a visit to Mossman Gorge.
• Cruise along the Great Barrier Reef Drive, a scenic road between Cairns and Port Douglas
• Visit the Port Douglas Markets on a Sunday.
• Join a tour to learn about the experience of Aboriginal cultural traditions first hand.
• Treat yourself to a slapdash meal at one of the restaurants on the Crystalbrook Superyacht Marina.
• Fly over the Great Barrier Reef.

4. North Stradbroke Island

Out of all of the Queensland islands out there, North Stradbroke Island is perhaps the most remarkable.

Not only is it the second-largest sand island in the world, but it’s an island that is full to the brim with unparalleled natural beauty. All of this is less than an hour away from Brisbane itself.

It’s not an easy task to pinpoint the best things to do on North Stradbroke Island, but here are a few things you simply can’t miss when you holiday in the area.

• Whale watch from Point Lookout during migration season that runs from July to October.
• Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, turtles and other marine life off the coast of North Stradbroke Island.
• Enjoy an exhilarating 4WD along Main Beach or hire a scooter to explore the island to its fullest.

5. Hayman Island

Another fantastic island hidden in the depths of the awe-inspiring Whitsundays is Hayman Island. It’s actually privately owned, but it’s open to anyone.

Treat yourself and spend a few nights in the InterContinental Hayman Island – a stunning resort that’s rated amongst the best of luxury resorts in Queensland.

As you might have guessed, it’s all about relaxation and exploration in this little piece of paradise:

• Explore the underwater world on an underwater sea scooter tour.
• Organize a private sunset beach picnic set up by the resort.
• Relax and rejuvenate at the Hayman Spa which offers face and massage treatments, detoxing body wraps and sunrise yoga sessions.

6. Burleigh Heads

Enjoying its very own stretch of sandy beach, Burleigh Heads might just go to the top of the list for the best of the beachy Gold Coast holidays.

The beauty of Burleigh Heads lies in its versatility. Protected waters, perfect for relaxed swimming just moments away from world-class beaches with unbeatable surf and trendy cafes. There really is something for everybody here!

And, for those evenings when you’ve had enough of the waves and the sand, Burleigh Heads offers up a laid-back social scene, with fantastic restaurants, and bars with beautiful views. Don't miss to visit the Burleigh Pavillion or Rick Shores!

• Make your way through eucalyptus forests and mangroves to hidden beaches in Burleigh Head National Park.
• Pick up some local goodies at one of the many boutique shops along James Street or at the Burleigh Markets that take place throughout the weekends.
• Get pampered and rejuvenated at The Bathhouse by Greenhouse.
• Score your best par at the 18-hole golf course at Burleigh Golf Club.

7. Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is known as a jumping-off point for the famous Whitsundays, but it’s also a great Queensland holiday destination in itself.

Before you whisk yourself off to the islands, spend a few nights in Airlie Beach to see what it's all about sun, sea and lots of socializing.

• Spend a night on the town, enjoying the social scene at Airlie Beach’s bars and clubs.
• Wander along the main street, popping into the market stalls and boutique shops that sell everything from local artwork to homemade trinkets.
• Cool off in the Airlie Beach Lagoon, a man-made swimming pool perfect for groups of families or friends.

8. Seventeen Seventy

Seventeen Seventy may only be a small beach town next to Agnes Waters, but it sure does pack a punch as one of the best beach holiday destinations in the state.

First of all, 1770 connects visitors seamlessly with the Southern Great Barrier Reef, where you can visit some of the more secluded Queensland islands.

Secondly, it’s a haven for watersports enthusiasts whether you’re a novice with a surfboard or a pro in the water.

• Take a drive to the 1770 headland for unbelievable views over the Coral Sea.
• Hop along the stepping stones on the Paperbark Forest Boardwalk.
• Get off the beaten path and spend the day exploring the quiet Chinaman’s Beach.
• Take a day trip out to the Great Barrier Reef.

9. Fraser Island

Perhaps the most famous of the Queensland islands, Fraser Island seems to be a right of passage for anyone holidaying along the state’s stunning coastline.

Getting to the island is easy thanks to regular ferries that run across from the mainland from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach.

Once you’re there, you’ll need a hard 4WD to navigate the sandy roads. Alternatively, join one of the many tours that visit the island for up to five days.

However you decide to visit, here are some things not to miss when you’re on Fraser Island:

• Enjoy the drive along 75 Mile Beach, which is technically classed as a highway!
• Float down Eli Creek in a rubber ring.
• Take that Instagram shot of the Maheno Shipwreck that was washed ashore in 1935.
• Soak in the views from Indian Head and keep a lookout for migrating whales or sharks in the waters below.
• Take a dip in the Champagne Pools, named for their naturally foamy waters.

10. Rainbow Beach

Despite being known as a gateway to the ever-popular Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach should not be overlooked as one of the top Queensland holiday destinations.

The town gets its name from the towering sand cliffs that consist of more than 70 different colors of sand and rock. Embarking on the Great Beach Drive along the sands is the best way to see the rainbow. However, if you’re not keen on 4WD-ing, then a coastal walk will do the trick too.

Other than catching the rainbow, there are plenty of other things to keep you occupied on your visit to one of the most picturesque Queensland coastal holiday destinations:

• Enjoy sea views for miles from the top of the Carlo Sand Blow. Then, sandboard down to the bottom.
• Learn to surf or bring your own board and ride some waves along the beach.
• Try your hand at casting a line along Rainbow Beach and seeing what fish you can reel in for dinner.

11. Palm Cove

Sitting in Queensland’s tropical northeast, Palm Cove is one of the best places to visit in Queensland just to get away from it all.

Known for its squeaky clean beaches, which are lined with tall palm trees and ancient paperbarks, this is a little slice of heaven for those who like their holidays doused in sunshine and served with a side of the freshest seafood.

• Take your pick of one of the spas along ‘Spa Street’ and treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon of pampering.
• Hire a kayak and head over to Double Island for unbeatable sunset views.
• Treat your other half to a romantic, award-winning dinner on the beach.

12. Cape Hillsborough National Park

Perched on the edge of Cape Hillsborough National Park, this is a Queensland holiday destination that isn’t to be missed: Cape Hillsborough Beach, otherwise known as Casuarina Beach.

Contrary to what you might expect, this beach isn’t at its busiest during the heat of the day.

In fact, you’ll find crowds gathering on its soft sands as early as 5 am during the summer months. The visitors are here for one thing, and one thing only, and that’s to watch the sunrise from behind the horizon and enjoy the views as kangaroos and wallabies hop along the beach, looking for their early morning feed.

Once you’ve enjoyed the spectacle, there are plenty of things to keep you busy for the rest of the day:

• Wander along one of the four short walks in the national park to explore native rainforest and bushland.
• Enjoy a private sunset over the seldom-visited Hidden Valley Bat.

13. Hamilton Island

Nothing quite compares to one of the Queensland holiday packages that you’ll find on Hamilton Island.

They’re filled to the brim with adventures along spectacular beaches, water activities in the bluest of waters and, best of all, a stunning hotel to rest your head at the end of a long day.

Here are a few things to enjoy while you’re holidaying in Hamilton Island:

• Have breakfast with the koalas and check out the saltwater crocs at Wild Life Hamilton Island.
• Cruise around the island by golf buggy.
• Hike to the top of Passage Peak for spectacular views over the Whitsunday Islands.
• Cool off in one of the secluded swimming spots like Hideaway Bay or Coral Cove.

14. Magnetic Island

Known as Maggie to the locals, Magnetic Island is home to some of the best things to do in Queensland. The island itself sits just a 15-minute ferry ride away from Townsville and lends itself happily to both day visitors and holidaymakers.

Visitors aren’t only attracted by the glut of Queensland beach holiday accommodations that can be found on the island, but also by the colorful reef surrounding it, the forest that covers much of the land, and the endless secluded bays that seem just to keep coming.

Here’s how we’d recommend spending a few days on this paradisiacal island:

• Rent a convertible ‘Barbie car’ and explore the island in true Aussie style.
• Bay hop along the 23 sandy bays of Magnetic Island not forgetting to stop at Horseshoe Bay, Florence Bay or Balding Bay.
• Grab a snorkel or join a scuba diving lesson and explore the reef that encircles the island.

15. Mooloolaba

It may not be what first comes to mind when you think of a QLD holiday destination, but it certainly ticks a lot of boxes if you’re looking for sea, sand and relaxation.

In fact, this underrated town located along the Sunshine Coast has earned a name for itself as being home to Mooloolaba Beach – a beach that has been listed as one of TripAdvisor’s Top 10 Beaches more than once.

Outside of the beach, Mooloolaba has plenty of other attractions to offer visitors:

• Take advantage of the quiet mornings in Mooloolaba with a stroll along the beach to Alexandra Headland where you can admire views over the water.
• Enjoy a spot of window shopping along the Mooloolaba Esplanade home to jewellery stores, vintage shops and upmarket clothes stores as well as trinket shops to pick up a few last-minute holiday gifts.
• Eat fresh seafood at the Mooloolaba Wharf.
• Take the family for a day out at Sea Life Sunshine Coast to explore the underwater world.

Best Places to Stay in Queensland – Final Words

As you can see, Queensland is a holiday destination for everyone! Whether you choose a getaway exploring the Everglades of Noosa, reveling in luxury on one of the Whitsundays' secluded islands, or in the underrated beachcombers' paradise Mooloolaba, you’re sure to be left with great holiday memories!

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