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Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia

Queensland vacations

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‘The Ship struck fast… we had got upon the South-East Edge of a reef of Coral Rocks, having in some places round the Ship 3 and 4 fathoms Water…’ This was how Captain James Cook rather unceremoniously discovered the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef: his Endeavour ran aground on it.

Nowadays, Queensland’s headline attraction is an increasingly fragile biome that Australia is striving to protect. But, you can still experience its unspoiled coral gardens and marine life responsibly. Our specialists can advise on exploring the reef by snorkel, scuba tank, or sail, perhaps with a stay at one of the Whitsunday Islands ― sandy, little-developed idylls.

Then there are Queensland’s inland highlights. Visit the Daintree Rainforest, home to some of the world’s rarest plants, and the Atherton Tablelands, a pastoral region of farmland and filmy waterfalls. Take a guided rock-art tour near Cooktown with an Aboriginal elder. Or, escape to the surf beaches of the Sunshine Coast and take in the urbane, alfresco city of Brisbane. Our specialists know this vast but varied area of Australia in detail, and they’ll craft your trip to take in all its riches, both offshore and on terra firma.

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Audley Travel Specialist Ariel

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Queensland by contacting one of our Australia specialists

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Places to visit in Queensland

Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Queensland, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.

Suggested itineraries featuring Queensland

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Queensland, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Queensland

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around Queensland

    Photos of Queensland

    • Brisbane, Queensland
      Brisbane, Queensland
    • Fraser Island, Queensland
      Fraser Island, Queensland
    • Cape Tribulation
      Cape Tribulation
    • Port Douglas
      Port Douglas
    • Brisbane River and City, Queensland
      Brisbane River and City, Queensland
    • Port Douglas, Port Douglas
      Port Douglas, Port Douglas
    • Port Douglas, Port Douglas
      Port Douglas, Port Douglas
    • Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas
      Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas

    Accommodation choices for Queensland

    We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Queensland. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    • O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse, Lamington National Park

      O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse

      First Class

      The portal to the rainforested hinterland of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s is an old-fashioned, well-established property. It offers many nature-themed experiences, and the guides are real experts in the area’s birding and wildlife — ideal if you’re looking to observe both.

    • Spicers Peak Lodge, Queensland

      Spicers Peak Lodge

      Deluxe

      Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, Spicers Peak offers understated, relaxed luxury. With an extremely secluded location, a small number of rooms, a roster of privately guided nature activities, a gourmet restaurant and a spa, it feels like a true retreat.

    • Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel, Port Douglas

      Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel

      First Class

      The Peninsula Boutique Hotel is the perfect tropical escape, boasting stunning views across the Coral Sea that are best appreciated from your own private balcony or from the hotel’s popular restaurant, Hi-Tide.

    • Thala Beach Lodge Restaurant

      Thala Beach Nature Reserve

      Deluxe

      The Thala Beach Nature Reserve is situated on a secluded headland just under an hours’ drive north of Cairns. This property is in an untouched area of the rainforest with your very own cabin amongst the trees.

    • Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort, The Sunshine Coast

      Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas

      First Class

      Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas offers a range of suites and villas to suit couples and families alike. Rooms are well appointed with balconies and some offer partial sea views.

    • Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat, Atherton Tablelands

      Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat

      First Class

      Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is set on 230 acres of private rain forest and rare wet schlerophyll forest, offering an idyllic base to explore the beautiful Tablelands.

    • Bungalows, Mungumby Lodge, Cooktown

      Mungumby Lodge

      Medium

      The Mungumby lodge, south of Cooktown, is on the northern edge of the Daintree Rainforest. Timber bungalows are set amongst the beautiful gardens that are crammed with a dazzling array of tropical plant and bird life.

    • Haggerstone Island, Haggerstone Island

      Haggerstone Island

      Medium

      The accommodation on Haggerstone Island fits its environment perfectly, and the six principal structures are all hand-crafted, free-form buildings of varying styles.

    • Mantra Southbank, Brisbane

      Mantra Southbank

      First Class

      Located on Brisbane's Southbank, the Saville Apartments are surrounded by the city's arts and entertainment venues and attractions.

    • Paradise on the Beach, Palm Cove

      Paradise on the Beach

      Medium

      The Paradise on the Beach resort is located just over the promenade from the beautiful Palm Cove beach and enjoys stunning views of the offshore islands and reefs framed by coconut palms and towering melaleuca trees.

    • Silky Oaks, Daintree & Cape Tribulation

      Silky Oaks Lodge

      Deluxe

      Silky Oaks Lodge is a luxurious and stylish retreat surrounded by the verdant beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooks the beautiful Mossman River.

    • The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa, Palm Cove

      The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa

      First Class

      The The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa is set in its own tropical gardens, just 20 minutes north of Cairns, and is ideally placed to explore the attractions of Northern Queensland.

    • Bungalow, Daintree Wilderness Lodge

      Daintree Wilderness Lodge

      Medium

      A small and intimate lodge offering tranquility and total seclusion, set in the world heritage rainforest, Daintree Wilderness Lodge is one of the most natural hideaways in tropical north Queensland.

    • Shangri-La, Cairns

      Shangri-La at the Marina

      Deluxe

      Ideally situated in the city center, the Shangri-La Hotel serves as an ideal gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns.

    • The Mandalay and Shalimar Apartments, Port Douglas

      Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments

      First Class

      The Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments provide a great option in Port Douglas due to the property's close proximity to the town center.

    • Shantara Resort and Spa Exterior and Pool Area

      Shantara Resort & Spa

      First Class

      Superbly positioned on Davidson Street, the Shantara Resort & Spa's location will ensure you're amongst the excitement of Port Douglas with the serenity of the resort as your retreat.