1.800.557.2841
1.800.557.2841
Specials Trip Finder Brochures Menu
Australia & South Pacific

Queensland Vacations & Tours

  • Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef
  • Heart Reef, the Whitsundays
  • Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane
  • Gold Coast at Night
  • Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast

Why consider a visit to Queensland?

Australia’s ‘Sunshine State’ enchants both its natural beauty and its laid-back outdoor lifestyle. Boasting the world’s largest natural reef system doesn’t hurt its appeal either. The Great Barrier Reef stretches along more than half of Queensland’s coast. North Queensland’s treasures also spread inland with the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. The Great Barrier Reef stretches all the way to Queensland’s Whitsundays, a sailing paradise where near-untouched green islands dot azure waters that remain at perfect swimming temperatures year-round. Not to be overlooked, Southeast Queensland is a favourite getaway for many Aussies. Brisbane’s days as Australia’s provincial northern city are long gone. The state capital today is a cultural and economic powerhouse, with an appetite for outdoor living unmatched elsewhere in the country. To the south or north, either the Gold or Sunshine embody Australia’s surfing beaches at their finest, with a destination to suit everyone from the visitor-ready high-rise skyline of Surfers Paradise to the relaxed shores of Caloundra or Coolangatta.

Tropical Rain forest Waterfall in Queensland

What are the best cities to visit in Queensland?

Brisbane

Brisbane has now emerged as one of the fastest-growing cities and is the third-largest in Australia. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate all year round and is known as the “city of sunny days”. Brisbane is also the gateway to Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast with their excellent tourist facilities to be enjoyed on an Australia vacation. The city, with its hilly surface, has an attractive skyline through which the Brisbane River flows. A good way to see the city on trips to Australia is to take one of the many cruise boats that sail along the river. Enjoy dining on the riverside of Brisbane’s South Bank. For entertainment, bars and trendy cafes visit the city’s West End. To shop, head for the city centre at the Queen Street Mall.

A highlight is the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world’s first koala sanctuary where you can cuddle a koala bear, feed the Kangaroos and also become acquainted with the Tasmanian Devil. Another interesting site is Mount Coot-tha with its spectacular views of the city and excellent botanical gardens. For culture bugs, Brisbane has many excellent museums and art galleries to satisfy all tastes.

Discover more about vacations to Brisbane

Cairns

Cairns is a small city in the tropical north of Queensland and is best known as the Gateway to Great Barrier Reef, one of Australia’s most popular destinations. From Cairns, there is easy access to rainforests, tropical islands, reefs and mountains. Not far away, you can enjoy world-class diving or snorkelling getting close to schools of tropical fish and abundant marine life on your Australia vacation. In the city itself, go for a stroll along the Promenade and discover the very large saltwater lagoon in the centre of the city. Explore the picturesque coastal drive towards Port Douglas and board a catamaran to the Great Barrier Reef. Hop on the century-old scenic train to the rainforest village of Kuranda, famous for its markets, and experience an aboriginal “dream-time” walk and cultural performance.

Learn more about tours to Cairns

What are the top sights to visit in Queensland?

The Atherton Tablelands

This is a picturesque fertile plateau situated southwest of Cairns in Queensland. However, the terrain is varied and includes ancient forests, woodlands, wetlands and volcanic crater lakes. It is a veritable playground with so much to offer the visitor on an Australia vacation. The Tablelands are very important to the birdwatcher as it has over 500 different species of birds. It also has a selection of typical Australian wildlife including the unusual platypus and the tree kangaroo. The best way to see the Tablelands is to take a self-drive tour and take in some or all of the following highlights. Kuranda is a mountain village with excellent walking trails. Attractions here are river cruises, koala sanctuaries and the Skyrail rainforest cableway.

There are many other locations in the Atherton Tablelands which are well worth visiting in this fascinating region of Northern Queensland. Wooroonooran National Park contains the two highest mountains in Queensland and has an abundance of beautiful waterfalls plus there are 500 different species of trees. Millau again has magnificent photogenic waterfalls and panoramic lookouts. Lake Tinaroo is best seen by driving around it in order to appreciate its beauty. Facilities offered are fishing, water skiing and windsurfing. Granite Gorge is a very scenic location with a number of walking tracks and swimming holes. It is here one can feed the many tame wallabies and get to know them up close.

More information on the Atherton Tablelands

The Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is “God’s gift to Australia”, a truly wondrous natural phenomenon. It is the world’s largest coral reef system with 2900 individual reefs and 900 islands located off the coast of Queensland in the Coral Sea. It stretches 2600 kilometres/1600 miles and is the world’s biggest single structure made by living organisms. It is a must-visit on an Australian vacation. There are several ways to view the Reef on Australian tours. You can enjoy a short cruise for a few days or simply take a glass-bottomed boat for a half-day outing to view the underwater treasures. It could be a difficult choice as to how to tackle the Great Barrier Reef but you can bet it will be a rewarding one.

Learn more about trips to the Great Barrier Reef here

The Whitsundays

The Whitsundays Islands are a popular tourist destination on Australia vacations off the central coast of Queensland and a collection of 74 islands spread across the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea. Most of the islands are deserted but there are eight that offer accommodation and tourist facilities. They also all offer great beaches and an intimate atmosphere and can be visited either by taking a cruise or a stay-put Australia vacation. The Whitsundays are centred on Whitsunday Island but the commercial and most important island is Hamilton Island. Also, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, of which 70% is a national park, Hamilton Island offers natural beauty and good scenic walks. There is also a quality golf course here. Hayman Island is the most northern island and is the epitome of a tropical paradise. Activities include everything from bushwalks to excellent diving and snorkelling. Daydream Island is a haven for wildlife lovers where it's possible to hand-feed stingrays, sharks, and fish, and where it is not unusual to see dolphins and turtles in the nearby waters. Long Island is closest to the mainland and is a great destination for hikers. Palm Bay is one of its secluded delights, showing off the Whitsundays at their very best. Airlie Beach is located on the mainland itself and is the jumping-off point for many Whitsunday and Great Barrier Reef excursions.

Discover more about tours to the Whitsundays here

The Sunshine Coast 

Just one hour north of Brisbane in Queensland is the region known as the Sunshine Coast – Australia’s best-kept secret and Queensland’s hidden gem. From the majestic Glass House Mountains to Noosa and the coloured sands of Rainbow Beach, the region includes over 100 kilometres/ 62 miles of pristine sandy beaches surrounded by the quiet beauty of coastal and hinterland villages. The Sunshine Coast offers you an Australia vacation abundant in nature with relaxed beach culture, The Sunshine Coast gets its name from this fact – it has an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. Leading attractions include Steve Irwin’s Zoo (also known as Australia Zoo), swimming along alongside humpback whales at Mooloolaba (July-October), and cruising the waterways and rivers of the Noosa Everglades, one of the most iconic resort towns on the Sunshine Coast is the stylish and popular Noosa, known as the relaxation capital of Australia. It offers everything visitors on trips to Australia could want, with pristine beaches, a stunning coastline, natural surroundings and contemporary alfresco dining options.

More information about Sunshine Coast trips

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, located 95 kilometres/60 miles south of Brisbane, is a major Australian tourist destination in Queensland. It has 60 kilometres/35 miles of coastline, year-round sunshine and a subtropical climate. It is also known as the entertainment capital of Queensland with long stretches of sandy beaches to be enjoyed on an Australia vacation. The three major beach areas are Surfers’ Paradise Beach, an excellent place for shopping with its 14 shopping centres, Main Beach a stylish resort with outstanding dining, cafes and shopping and Broad Beach known as a dining Mecca and which also has attractive pristine beaches. Only 85 kilometres/53 miles away is Lamington National Park known for its natural beauty with its rainforests, birdlife, bush trails, mountain views and more than 500 gushing waterfalls.

Learn more about trips to the Gold Coast

Best time to visit Queensland

Because of its geographical location, Brisbane enjoys weather that ranges from warm to hot all year round. This is for sun-seekers – don’t ever expect snow. There can be some humidity. February is the most humid month and September has the least. Summer is when the city has the highest rainfall with temperatures around 30 Celsius/86 Fahrenheit. Winter is generally mild and dry. Early mornings will be cool. Daytime temperatures average 22 Celsius/72 Fahrenheit. Fall and spring are nice times to be in Brisbane – almost no humidity and little rain with temperatures around 26 Celsius/79 Fahrenheit. 

Queensland's Gold Coast has a sub-tropical climate with around 300 days of sunshine per year. The same applies approximately to the Sunshine Coast. Whatever season you choose, you will enjoy the outdoor life in both places. In summer, the weather is fairly wet with high humidity which is offset by cool sea breezes.  Temperatures are around 28 Celsius/83 Fahrenheit. Winter is sunny and dry with cool nights and temperatures averaging 21 Celsius/70 Fahrenheit. Fall and spring have sunny days and again, cool nights and little rain and temperatures around 25 Celsius/77 Fahrenheit.  

Bear in mind, Cairns is located in the far north of Queensland and therefore has hot and humid summers and warm dry winters. This may be sufficient to make an informed decision but of course, we can’t all be flexible time-wise. Summer is the wet season and average temperatures reach 31 Celsius/88 Fahrenheit. Because winter has the pleasantest weather, it is the high season in Cairns when there is little rainfall and temperatures are around 26 Celsius/79 Fahrenheit. The fall is warm, day and night, with some wind and temperatures reaching 29 Celsius/85 Fahrenheit. Spring is when the humidity starts to rise with some rain towards the end of the season. Temperatures reach 31 Celsius/88 Fahrenheit.

Whether your Australia vacation is about adventure or relaxation, there’s a part of Queensland waiting to join your list of favourite destinations.

 

Read More

FEATURED TRIP
  • Take a walk at Tropical Beach at Cape Tribulation during your next Australia tours.
  • Port Douglas' renown Four Mile Beach
  • Take a boat ride or snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef in Australia during your next trip to Australia.
FEATURED TRIP

Best of the Tropical North

FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: From Cairns experience easy access to tropical islands, rainforests, mountains, palm-fringed sands, beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s wonders of the world.

More Details

Queensland, Australia

  • Essence of Queensland

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the wonders of the Sunshine State on this 14-day Queensland vacation, taking you from Surfers Paradise to Moreton Island, Brisbane, Noosa, and Port Douglas. Hand feed dolphins, explore Lamington National Park, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, and dive into the wondrous ecosystem of the Great Barrier Reef and ancient tropical Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,869
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Gold Coast: Tropical Islands and Rainforest: Guided Vacation

    MODERATE | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: Embark on this 9-day vacation along Australia’s Gold Coast with a highly experienced travel director and driver. Relax on the many beaches, tropical islands, and rainforests as you make your way from the Gold Coast to Cairns, stopping at Fraser Island, Langmorn Station, Rockhampton, Sarina, Airlie Beach, and the Whitsundays Islands.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,320
    Trip Type:
    Escorted Coach Touring, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Sydney and Reef Discovery

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the spectacular Sydney harbour, visit with unique Aussie wildlife, learn about the indigenous culture in the rainforest and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef. This package is perfect if you want a taste of Australia and you are limited on time.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,184
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Signature Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef & Rainforest

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the icons of Australia in the company of a private guide. Go behind the scenes of the Sydney Opera House and cruise Sydney Harbour. Explore the Outback and see Uluru lit up at dawn and dusk. Explore the Daintree Rainforest and cap off the experience with a couple nights at a resort in the Whitsundays.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,959
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Signature Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

    DELUXE | PRIVATE-GUIDED: See Sydney’s famous sites behind the scenes in-style with your private-guide and cruise the fabulous harbour like a local. Head North to explore the Great Barrier Reef from your luxurious deluxe retreat. The tranquility and natural beauty of Lizard Island will pamper you.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,149
    Trip Type:
    Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic Aussie Rail Spectacular

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: This 12-day adventure combines two of Australia’s famous rail journeys: The Indian Pacific and The Ghan. Starting in Sydney, you will travel through the best of South Australia before going on to Ayers Rock and the Great Barrier Reef. Explore the Australian outback and beyond aboard these luxury trains.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,939
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Rail Travel Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Aussie Family Adventure

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the best of Australia combining the excitement of snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, a visit to the Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo, dolphin feeding at Tangalooma, soaring above the rainforest in a cable car, and touring Sydney by ferry. An ideal family vacation.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Family Vacations, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Classic South Pacific; Australia, New Zealand and Fiji

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the Classic South Pacific by encountering Fijian, Maori and Aboriginal cultures. Travel from Fiji to New Zealand to Australia taking in fantastic sights and experiences enroute in Auckland, Rotorua, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    14 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 4,396
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers), Multi Country Vacation Ideas, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Best of the Tropical North

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: From Cairns experience easy access to tropical islands, rainforests, mountains, palm-fringed sands, beautiful beaches and the Great Barrier Reef, one of nature’s wonders of the world.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,164
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Highlights & Wildlife: Sydney, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Cairns

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Enjoy the best of Australia’s wine, culture and wildlife on this 12 day journey. Experience diverse and historic Sydney, renowned wineries in the Barossa Valley, the local wildlife of Kangaroo Island and experience a close encounter with the abundant sea life on the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,516
    Trip Type:
    Classics (Bestsellers)
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime

    FIRST-CLASS | ESCORTED COACH TOUR: See the highlights of Australia in under two weeks on our fully-escort Best of Australia Holiday of a Lifetime. On this unforgettable tour, you’ll see Australia’s major urban centres like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, view unforgettable icons like the Sydney Opera House, get into the heart of the Outback with visits to Uluru/Ayers Rock and Alice Springs, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Bucket List Travel Ideas, Escorted Coach Touring, Holidays of a Lifetime, Single Friendly
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Adventures in Paradise Luxury Adventure Cruise: Cairns to Cairns

    Escape to the remote paradise of Papua New Guinea to explore fascinating islands and exotic underwater worlds. Cruising aboard the True North, you’ll scuba dive through wrecks from World War II around the Deboyne Islands, visit the Trobiand Islands to learn about the villagers’ exotic customs, and fly in a helicopter over Benua Cave on Bougainville Island.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Cruises & Sailing, Luxury and Beyond
    Papua New Guinea See Trip Details

  • Australian Experience

    FIRST-CLASS | SPECIALITY GROUP: Discover the land Downunder on this group vacation full of city tours, wildlife encounters, and great food and wine. See some of the highlights of Australia, including Melbourne, Sydney, and the Great Barrier Reef. Our Groups Only Specialist would be delighted to tailor your very own group vacation Downunder. Note: This is a sample itinerary, which is private and fully customizable for group travelers.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices:
    On request
    Trip Type:
    Specialty Groups & Events
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Brisbane and Sydney in Style

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Start your vacation with a visit to sunny Brisbane and visit the famous Crocodile Hunter's Australia Zoo. Head on down to Sydney and see the city's iconic sights on a luxury yacht. Visit the beautiful Blue Mountains and witness cascading waterfalls and the famous Three Sisters.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,121
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Small Group Touring, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Brisbane and the Top End of the Northern Territory

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Brisbane has emerged in recent decades as one of Australia's fastest-growing capital cities. Explore the city, see koalas and other native Aussie animals, and enjoy feeding wild dolphins. Next is the Northern Territory. Vacation through Australia’s “Top End”, beginning and ending in Darwin with stops at Kakadu and Katherine along with way.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,655
    Trip Type:
    Active & Adventurous, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Coast & Hinterland Self Drive

    Spend a week with a self drive car from Brisbane with stops along the Sunshine Coast with its dramatic cliff scenery and white sandy beaches. You will also have a guided overnight tour to Fraser Island plus a stay in the hinterland of the region.
    Duration:
    7 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,129
    Trip Type:
    Self-Drives
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Coastal Gems: Melbourne, Great Barrier Reef & Sydney

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore Australia's crystal coasts on this 15-day Australia vacation. This ideal introduction to the country's most famous gems takes you from Sydney to Port Douglas and Melbourne, immersing you in the rich culture and landscapes. Venture from the Blue Mountains to the Coral Sea with spectacular city stops along the way.
    Duration:
    15 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,999
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Discover Australia

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: This 12-day Australia vacation promises a remarkable experience combining Australia’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary scenes. Travel from the historical harbour of Sydney to the awe-inspiring Uluru, the Great Barrier Reef, and the vibrant laneways of Melbourne as you discover Australia.
    Duration:
    12 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,479
    Trip Type:
    Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Discover Friendly Brisbane

    MODERATE | TAILOR-MADE: Offering a subtropical climate, Brisbane is Australia’s “city of sunny days”. Take advantage of this gateway to the Sunshine Coast and visit the famous Crocodile Hunter’s Australia Zoo.
    Duration:
    3 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 680
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Discover Tropical North Queensland

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Explore the world’s oldest rainforest and the world’s largest coral reef on this journey to Far North Queensland. Based in Cairns and Port Douglas, you’ll tour the lush rainforests of Kuranda via train, cruise and snorkel the Outer Barrier Reef, enjoy a wine and food tour in the Outback, and cap it off with an adventure through the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    8 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 1,919
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Go as you Please, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Brisbane and the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Spend 9 days exploring Queensland out of Brisbane, Australia's only sub-tropical capital city, and Port Douglas, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree National Park. Floating along ancient rainforest rivers, feeding dolphins on a sailing tour of the Great Barrier Reef, and cuddling with koalas at Australia Zoo are just some of the unforgettable experiences you will have on this tailor-made trip to Australia.
    Duration:
    9 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,269
    Trip Type:
    Beach & Island Escapes, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Brisbane, Melbourne and the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Discover the best of Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Great Barrier Reef on this 11-day Australia vacation. Explore sunny Brisbane and its nearby rainforest on an exciting river cruise. Venture north to Port Douglas and immerse yourself in the Great Barrier Reef and ancient Daintree Rainforest. Finish your trip exploring Melbourne's iconic laneways and Phillip Island's Penguin Parade.
    Duration:
    11 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 2,749
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of Brisbane, Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Combine three Aussie highlights on one convenient vacation. Start in sunny Brisbane, where you’ll explore the city and visit the nearby rainforest. Connect north to Cairns to cruise the Great Barrier Reef and explore the Daintree River. Finish your trip in Sydney to see the city’s iconic sights on a luxury luncheon cruise.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 3,349
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas, Vacation Packages with Airfare
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essence of the Great Barrier Reef

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Visit the reef and rainforest on this 4-day escape to Port Douglas. Cruise a protected coral cay along the Great Barrier Reef and snorkel off white-sand beaches. Then travel north to Cape Tribulation to explore the Daintree Rainforest and spot Australian wildlife in their natural habitat.
    Duration:
    4 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 761
    Trip Type:
    Stopovers/City Breaks, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details

  • Essential Australia: Sydney, Rock, Reef, Melbourne

    FIRST-CLASS | TAILOR-MADE: Experience Australia’s diverse landscape and world-class landmarks on this journey across the nation. Explore the famous cities of Sydney and Melbourne, delve into ancient culture and see Uluru/Ayers Rock, cruise the Great Barrier Reef, and discover the Daintree Rainforest.
    Duration:
    13 Days
    Prices From:
    US$ 5,656
    Trip Type:
    Tailor-made Travel Ideas
    Australia See Trip Details
Trip Finder

What our travelers say

Trustpilot

Goway Toolkit

Need help planning your holiday? Our toolkit is a great place to get started.

Australia