Queensland Holiday Houses & Accommodation

Vast Queensland is Australia's second largest state. It boasts vibrant cities and wild outback terrain alike, and is an exciting, diverse destination beloved by both locals and holidaymakers. Holiday accommodation in Queensland is as varied as the state itself. Opt for a chic city apartment in Brisbane, a beach house along the magnificent Gold Coast, or a holiday cabin in the dramatic landscapes of the wild outback and verdant national parks.

What to eat on your Queensland holiday

Queensland is known for its agricultural production. Its many regions boast their own specialities and local produce. There is a prolific cultivation of fruit, in particular, and juicy mangos, pineapples, and papayas can be found at shops and markets around the state. Native macadamia nuts are a local favourite and can be found in everything from desserts to salads. With its extensive coastline, it should come as no surprise that fish and chips are sold across the state in small towns and big cities alike.

Other delicious seafood commonly served in Queensland include fresh tiger prawns, mackerel, scallops, and mud crabs. Australian's food is heavily influenced by Asian cuisine, and hearty plates of noodles and succulent Thai curries are now as ubiquitous as the traditional barbecue the country is famous for.

The large cities of Queensland, such as Brisbane and the Gold Coast, are home to world-class restaurants and fantastic pub grub alike—the variety is magnificent. Brisbane's Central Business District is home to a fantastic collection of restaurants. For dinner with a view, head to one of the many eateries along the river.

Cultural activities in Queensland

The vast expanse of Queensland is one of Australia's richest cultural states, packed with museums, performance venues, and exhibition spaces. Many of the museums are concentrated in the large urban centres of Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Brisbane is home to lively centres of culture and education such as the Workshops Rail Museum, Queensland Art Gallery and the Queensland Maritime Museum. Those visiting the Gold Coast can explore gems including a space dedicated to the Aussie sport of choice, surfing, and the Logan Village Museum, which aims to preserve over 150 years of local history.

Performance spaces and theatres are also plentiful and regularly stage plays, musicals, concerts, and comedy. A few of the more notable offerings include the Cremorne Theatre and Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane, along with the much-admired state Arts Theatre. Toowoomba boasts the Empire Theatre, while smaller towns offer libraries, ad-hoc art spaces, and temporary exhibits.

Family holidays in Queensland

Queensland's natural geography make it a fantastic child-friendly destination. Brisbane offers ferry rides, beaches, and family-oriented museums and galleries, while the Gold Coast has a fantastic theme park located just north of the iconic Surfer's Paradise. The vast beaches of the Pacific Coast are ideal for families, with quaint resorts where you can make great memories with young and old alike. If you're seeking to really get away from it all, then the Whitsunday Islands are a peaceful place for lazy beach days set amid a sublime environment of white sands, clear waters, and verdant landscapes.

Noosa National Park is another family favourite, thanks to its picturesque landscape, beaches, and the opportunity to spot dolphins in the water. Speaking of animals, kids will love learning about the country's many native creatures at Australia Zoo, which is only about an hour away from Noosa National Park.

Nightlife in Queensland

If you want your accommodation in Queensland to be in the heart of its nightlife scene, then look no further than Fortitude Valley. This Brisbane suburb is awash with bars and nightclubs including the unique Cloudland club, a multi-room complex which features a bar, dancefloor and even an Italian restaurant. You can also catch a host of big-name bands and DJs at The Met on Wickham Street.

There is so much choice in Brisbane, you can tailor your night however you wish. Mix with locals in the sports bars such as Fat Angel or sample its burgeoning craft beer scene by heading to the West End and dropping by Archive Beer Boutique.

Away from Brisbane, Land & Sea Brewery in Noosa provides a delightful coastal retreat in a more refined setting. This charming microbrewery has a range of delicious craft beers to get your night started. Stop by Rockhampton and visit a piece of history at the Great Western Hotel, a Queensland institution which has been hosting concerts, dinners and galas since 1862.

Exploring Queensland's natural wonders

The undisputed highlight of Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef. Designated as one of the seven wonders of the natural world, the reef offers a glimpse into the unquestionable beauty of the underwater world. The reef can be explored in a variety of ways. While diving and snorkelling remain the most popular ways to get close to the colourful coral and schools of tropical fish, you can also observe the reef's magnetic beauty by taking a glass-bottomed boat tour or a thrilling helicopter ride.

Mossman Gorge is part of Daintree National Park, home to a rainforest where you can witness the epic Mossman River flowing over giant boulders, surrounded by epiphytic plants. The park is also home to a range of stunning wildlife such as the Ulysses butterfly and an array of bird species. Between October and March, sea turtles nest along the coast, and you can spend an evening watching this magnificent natural event.

Festivals and Events to Check Out in Queensland

No visit to Queensland is complete without attending one of the many festivals that take place throughout the year. Book your place in one of the holiday houses in Currumbin and experience Bleach* Festival. Held every April, it is a month-long celebration of contemporary art with a series of performances, exhibitions and concerts across the Gold Coast suburb.

See Queensland in bloom at the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, a week where the city is bathed in colour with thousands of different plants and flowers populating Queens Park. You can also learn about the region’s past at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair which celebrates Aboriginal and native culture.

You also cannot miss Brisbane Festival, Australia’s biggest arts fair, which features dance, circus, opera and classical theatre performances and ends with a huge fireworks display.

Frequently Asked Questions