Hotels in Queensland

Queensland can truly be said to wear the crown jewels of the nation. From continental-scale coral reefs to jungle-clad mountains, few places can compete with its diverse natural beauty. Along a coastline that stretches for 10,000 kilometres, there are beaches to suit all tastes—from surfer’s delights and fun-packed family beaches, to untouched, surf-swashed coves. And whether you choose the cosmopolitan energy of its southern cities, its proudly independent northern towns, or the remoteness of its Outback, you’re guaranteed a warm welcome—and a tale to tell.

Hotels in Queensland

With such a dazzling wealth of coastal beauty, it’s no surprise that the accommodation in Queensland makes the most of its world-class beaches. There are luxury beach resorts in Queensland’s south with exclusive access to premium strands. There are adventure hotels that offer superb water sports excitement. And there are stylish 5-star establishments that lay on fascinating cruises to see the wonders of reef and island. Those traveling here for conventions will enjoy first-class facilities in some truly fabulous business hotels. And those on a budget will find plenty of backpacker hostels in Queensland, whether in its resort cities or its remoter towns.

Things to see in Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef, with its dazzling displays of marine wildlife, is the must-see of any visit to Queensland. Known as the largest natural wonder of the world, its 3,000 kilometres of reefs, cays, and islets teem with colourful fish and intricate coral fronds. Whales, dolphins, turtles, and rays also swim in its turquoise waters. Another staggering display of biodiversity can be found in the tropical north of Queensland, at the Daintree National Park. Its lush rainforests are home to rare wildlife—such as cassowaries, platypuses, and forest dragons—and are crisscrossed by hiking trails. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island, offers a chance to race over acres of spectacular dunes, while the Whitsunday Islands provide superb snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. But not all Queensland’s sublime spectacle is wild—some of the finest Aboriginal rock art in the country can be found at the Carnarvon Gorge National Park.

Where to stay in Queensland

You’ll find the best choice of accommodation in Queensland is at its capital, Brisbane. One of the nation’s largest cities (and perhaps its most laidback), Brisbane is home to both high-brow culture and edgy alternative night-life—making it great for city-breaks for young and old. The Gold Coast is where Queensland gets serious about its beach culture, equally welcoming to families and surf-mad adventure-seekers. It also provides a little table-top excitement as night draws, in its many casinos. For those wanting to explore the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is the place to head. Its luxury beach resorts, fabulous restaurants, and chilled atmosphere also make it something of a romance hotspot.

How to get to Queensland

For those flying in, the main airports for interstate flights are in Brisbane, Cairns, and the Gold Coast. Less frequent, but still direct interstate flights can be taken to Mackay, Rockhampton, the Sunshine Coast, and Townsville. By car, those coming up the east coast will enter via the M1, which runs as far as the Sunshine Coast. This continues as the A1 all the way to Cairns. Travel to Queensland by car can take over 9 hours, from Sydney to Brisbane, and 20 hours if you’re coming from Melbourne. The CountryLink/XPT rail service from Sydney takes 14 hours to reach Brisbane.