Tips for Queensland
- Get travel insurance, I recommend Safety Wing (link)
- Buy a cheap e-SIM before arrival (link)
- Book flights using Skyscanner or Momondo
- Visit Queensland May to September
- If you want to travel cheap, use the Greyhound buses
- For many national parks you need to purchase a pass
- Download Wikicamps to find the best camping spots
Cairns
The Best Tours
Great Barrier Reef Cruise by Premium Catamaran
Set sail to 2 outer reef locations on a high-performance catamaran. Snorkel, swim, dive or just relax onboard as you spot turtles, fish, and exotic corals.
Kuranda Day Trip with Kuranda Train and Skyrail
Visit Kuranda by traveling on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and returning by the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. Explore the village located in the pristine rainforest and have free time to visit the area.
Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour with Cruise Option
Discover the only place on earth with 2 natural World Heritage listed sites side by side. Explore the Daintree River and Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, all in one adventure-filled day.
Outer Edges of The Great Barrier Reef Scenic Flight
Glide over the Great Barrier Reef on a scenic flight from Cairns with picture-postcard views of Green Island, Arlington Reef, Middle Cay, and more, with an informative commentary from the pilot.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Crystalbrook Flynn
Cairns Esplanade which provides an outdoor pool, laptop-friendly workspaces, Netflixt, dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar, and a 24-hour gym. Treat yourself to a massage, a body wrap, or a facial at Eleme, the onsite spa. The onsite family restaurant, Boadwalk Social, features ocean views and brunch.
Mid-Range: Cairns City Palms
Cairns City Palms provides a garden, an outdoor pool, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Guests can find other amenities such as a business center and a snack bar/deli.
Hostel: Travellers Oasis
Relax in a laid-back atmosphere with organized activities and a refreshing swimming pool. Enjoy budget-friendly private rooms with A/C for a comfortable stay.
Or find your own accommodation
Airlie Beach
The Best Tours
Whitehaven Full-Day Eco-Cruise with Buffet
Take a boat ride to the best snorkeling locations in the Whitsunday Islands. Travel on the area’s fastest catamaran on a climate action leading tour.
Whitsundays Scenic Flight with Pickup
Take off on the closest scenic flight to your Airlie Beach accommodation with an expert pilot. Enjoy an optimal big window viewing experience as you soar above the Whitsunday Islands, the Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, and Heart Reef for 1 hour.
The Finest Accommodation
Hostel: Nomads Airlie Beach Hostel
Experience a fantastic atmosphere with organized activities, a vibrant bar, and recreational amenities including two pools and a volleyball court. Although breakfast isn’t provided, enjoy a prime location and rest comfortably in air-conditioned rooms with beds featuring privacy curtains.
Or find your own accommodation
Gold Coast
The Best Tours
From Brisbane or Gold Coast: Moreton Island Full-Day Trip
Embark on a day trip from Birsbane to Moreton Island. Enjoy a 4WD with a guide on the island, slide down sand dunes on a toboggan, paddle a transparent kayak, and snorkel around Tangalooma Shipwrecks.
Australian Outback Spectacular Dinner & Show
Enjoy this wonderful night of entertainment as you embrace the stories of the Outback while enjoying a delicious 3-course meal with drinks.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: RACV Royal Pines Resort Gold Coast
Look forward to 27 holes of golf, free water park access, and a poolside bar. Tee up with amenities like a driving range, golf lessons, and a golf pro shop at this hotel. Treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure, aromatherapy, or a body treatment at One Spa, the onsite spa. Be sure to enjoy a meal at any of the 4 onsite restaurants, which feature Italian cuisine and more. Guests can find other amenities such as 2 coffee shops/cafes and a garden.
Mid-Range: Jadran Motel & El Jays Holiday Lodge
Jadran Motel & El Jays Holiday Lodge provides amenities like a garden, outdoor pool and laundry facilities.
Hostel: Budds In Surfers
Enjoy an amazing atmosphere with daily activities, a lively pool, bar, and table soccer. Indulge in complimentary breakfast and occasional dinner, all while staying in air-conditioned rooms.
Or find your own accommodation
Hervey Bay
The Best Tours
From Hervey Bay: K'gari, Fraser Island Full-Day Coach Tour
Embark on a day trip to K’gari, Fraser Island, and learn about its natural features from your guide. Ride along sand tracks and see highlights, including Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, and 75 Mile Beach.
Hervey Bay 4-Hour Whale Watch Encounter
Experience the thrills of close encounters with majestic humpbacks on Hervey Bay’s ultimate half-day whale watch encounter. Head out on a luxury catamaran that’s equipped with viewing decks, underwater viewing windows and more.
Accommodation
Find your own accommodation
Brisbane
The Best Tours
Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket
Enjoy the magic of the Australia Zoo on a guided day trip with entry tickets and transportation from Brisbane. See Australia’s iconic wildlife through the zoo’s interactive attractions and live shows.
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Venture to new heights on a 2-hour climb of Brisbane’s most iconic landmark: the Story Bridge. Choose a time from early morning to twilight and follow your guide as you take in a full 360-degree panorama of Brisbane and its surroundings.
The Finest Accommodation
Luxury Hotel: Spicers Balfour Hotel
Spicers Balfour Hotel provides a rooftop terrace, a library, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Be sure to enjoy a meal at The Balfour Kitchen, the onsite restaurant. Other amenities include laptop-friendly workspaces, a bar and conference space.
Mid-Range: ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street
This hotel provides a coffee shop/cafe, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a bar. The onsite café features international cuisine and happy hour. Guests can find other amenities such as a 24-hour gym, sound-insulated walls and a business center.
Hostel: Brisbane Quarters
Immerse yourself in a social atmosphere with organized activities and a refreshing swimming pool. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, and relax in air-conditioned rooms with beds featuring privacy curtains for added comfort.
Or find your own accommodation
Port Douglas
The Best Tours
Outer Barrier Reef Snorkel Cruise & Transfer
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef on this guided cruise starting at Port Douglas. Explore three reef sites at the pristine Opal or Agincourt Reefs and experience diverse marine life.
Kuranda via Scenic Rail & Skyrail Option
Experience one of Australia’s most scenic train journeys on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. Board the train at Freshwater and travel through a landscape of lush rainforest and waterfalls. Get some free time in Kuranda to stroll the craft markets and more.
The Finest Accommodation
Hostel: Port Douglas Backpackers
Experience a positive atmosphere with a pool and bar, all conveniently located. Relax in air-conditioned rooms for a comfortable stay.
