11 Best Queensland Towns For A Weekend Trip

As Australia’s second largest by size and third most populous state, Queensland is a vast land with a wide variety of towns and landscapes. From the arid wilderness of the Outback to the rugged mountains of the Great Dividing Range, the state’s inland regions offer ample opportunities for exciting country-style adventures. And from the snazzy shores of the Gold Coast to the idyllic tropical beaches by the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland also has an incredible coastline with plenty of lovely options for beach vacations. Whether you can use some ambitious excursions or a soothing spa retreat, take a look at these 11 best Queensland towns for a weekend trip, and perhaps you will find some inspiration for your next getaway.

Coolangatta

Just across the New South Wales (NSW) state line sits Coolangatta, a very cool town where the Gold Coast essentially begins. Though it’s about 34 kilometers (or 21 miles) south of Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta actually has world-class beaches and surf breaks at Rainbow Bay and Greenmount Beach. At the easternmost end of town lies Snapper Rocks, a point break that hosts the World Surf Leagues’ Quiksilver and Roxy Pros surfing competitions and a pretty spot to admire the views on dry land.

Nearby, you will also find the Captain Cook Memorial, established at the Queensland-NSW state line in 1971 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of British Royal Navy Officer James Cook’s landings on Australia’s Pacific Coast, and it has a working lighthouse that continues to guide ships toward safe harbors. And just a short stroll away, Columbia Beachfront Apartments really help you feel right at home in Coolangatta with well-appointed two and three-bedroom suites with everything you need for a comfy beach holiday.

Springbrook

About 50 kilometers (or 31 miles) southwest of Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise, Springbrook reveals a verdant stretch of mountains that comprise the “green behind the gold.” At the heart of this emerald treasure chest is Springbrook National Park, a subtropical rainforest wonderland with walking tracks suitable for hikers at all levels, gorgeous waterfalls Goomoolahra Falls and Purling Brook Falls, the striking Natural Bridge rock formation, and a diverse array of native wildlife (including Richmond birdwing butterflies, orange-eyed tree frogs, and Albert's lyrebirds).

Beyond Springbrook’s incredible landscapes, you can also enjoy an outing that’s truly out of this world at Springbrook Observatory, which opens to the public on Friday and Saturday nights to witness this wondrous window to the larger universe. Once you’re ready to return down to earth, check into the Mouses Rainforest Retreat and relax in a self-contained and stylishly furnished chalet that opens up to lovely rainforest scenery.

Helidon

Nestled in the region that’s often referred to as “Queensland’s Salad Bowl,” Lockyer makes the ideal “base camp” for exploring the fertile countryside of the Lockyer Valley. Nearby, you can head out to Lockyer National Park to take a long bushwalk and potentially spot wildlife like brush-tailed rock wallabies and black-breasted button quails. In addition, you can go south to 9Dorf Farms to do a farm tour, see where the produce and livestock are actually grown, and even join in on some fun farm activities.

Closer to town, stop at the German Bake and Wurst House to feast on German-style sausages, hearty vegetable soups, and sweet treats like lemon cake and apple strudel. Also consider a leisurely breakfast or brunch at the Floating Café for some classic Lockyer Valley hospitality and refreshments. And speaking of hospitality, Murphy’s Creek Escape offers authentic and eco-friendly bush campsites alongside power hookups, firepits, swimming holes, and even luxury glamping tents if you’d rather “camp out” without sacrificing your favorite creature comforts.

Coominya

Venture about 83 kilometers (or 51 miles) west of Brisbane, and you will reach the laid-back town of Coominya that makes country life cool. Pop over to Coominya Hobby Farm to hang with the local community of horses, pigs, chickens, ducks, and other friendly farm animals. For more quality time with horses, book a ride with Nash Horse Trekking and ride out to the beautiful countryside with your new four-hoofed companion. Or, if you really want to explore on your own two feet or two wheels, hit the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail to hike or bike your way through more of southeast Queensland’s scenic countryside.

For a different view of Coominya and the Lockyer Valley, head down to Lake Atkinson, where you can launch a boat, do some fishing, throw a barbecue picnic, check out their animal farm, and even do a longer waterfront camping trip. But if you’d rather stay in a farmhouse, book a stay at Bellevue Homestead to relax in your own beautifully appointed room and indulge in morning and/or afternoon tea.

Marcoola

Head north, about 116 kilometers (or 72 miles) from Brisbane, for a sunny yet secluded-feeling corner of the Sunshine Coast. Of course, no Marcoola trip feels complete without some quality time at Marcoola Beach, a generally quiet stretch of sand that’s picture-perfect for laid-back sunbathing and strolls on the shore, as well as refreshing swim and surf sessions in the water. If you’d like to experience more at sea, head out to sea with Sunreef Mooloolaba for scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale watching excursions. And back on dry land, Marcoola celebrates the weekend with their Friday night Twilight Market featuring a feast of tasty street foods, along with the Saturday morning farmers’ market.

Just beyond the shore, there’s even more to see and do around Marcoola. Go west to Mount Coolum National Park to try a bushwalk to the 208-metre (or about 682-foot) summit and keep your eyes out for rare wildlife like peregrine falcons and ground parrots. Or book a tee time and enjoy some rounds of golf at Mount Coolum Golf Club. Once you’re back in town, check into White Shells and relax in your own luxury apartment with ample space, high-quality furnishings, and an easy walk to the beach.

Noosa Heads

When it comes to the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, there’s nothing quite like the spectacular land and seascapes of Noosa Heads. Come for Noosa National Park, the incredible natural wonderland where verdant rainforest meets sparkling, pristine beaches. If you want to explore on dry land, try the Palm Grove and Noosa Hill trails for easy bushwalks, or do the Tanglewood Walk for a longer hike up the hill. When you’re ready to cool off at the Coral Sea, take in the lovely views at Tea Tree Bay, stretch out at the tranquil Granite Bay Beach, and do some surfing at Little Cove Beach.

Back in town, Noosa Heads Main Beach is another prime spot for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing, and it’s steps away from the cool boutiques and bistros on Hastings Street. (For restaurants, highlights include Sails Restaurant and Bistro C.) Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, retreat for the night at the plush and luxe Tingirana Noosa apartment-style boutique hotel.

Torrens Creek

Located on the Flinders Highway near the Great Dividing Range, Torrens Creek is an Outback outpost that’s perfect for the kind of trip where you really get out there. Right by town is White Mountains National Park, a great expanse of white sandstone rock formations, deep gorges, white sand dunes, and thick woodlands that make for a special paradise for nature lovers. Though this can be rough terrain for casual bushwalkers, the park provides fantastic opportunities for seasoned hikers and mountain bikers, as well as a scenic drive from the Burra Range to Sawpit Gorge and Poison Valley.

Meanwhile, to the south of town sits Moorrinya National Park, a stunning preserve of desert uplands, eucalyptus and acacia woodlands, and native grasslands. This park does have designated tracks for bikers and hikers, and it’s an animal lover’s dream with its native population of kangaroos, koalas, and emus, along with rare species like square-tailed kites, squatter pigeons, and Julia Creek dunnarts. Moorinya also has campsites available to book, but if you’d rather stay somewhere more civilized, head back to town and check into the quirky yet friendly Oasis Exchange Hotel. (They also have a great pub on site!)

Rainbow Beach

Queensland may have an abundance of beautiful beaches, but Rainbow Beach bursts into view with a vibrant array of rich colors and patches of pristine coastal paradise. Directly south of town lies Great Sandy National Park, a magical land full of lush rainforests, golden bluffs, and white sands that open up to turquoise sea. Closest to town is Carlo Sandblow, a “moonscape” like area of expansive sand dunes perched above the shore. Head down to Searys Creek to spot its unique tea-colored freshwater adorned with bright rainbowfish and surrounded by coral ferns. And for double the fun at the beach, go to Double Island Point for calm water at the lagoon side and a prime surf spot on the north end.

For even more amazing beaches, take a tour to the nearby island of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), the world’s largest sand island with the tea tree oil infused Lake McKenzie, or simply stay in town and enjoy the playful shores of Rainbow Beach. And while in town, do a leisurely and luxurious stay at Rainbow Sea Resort.

Hamilton Island

Part of the Whitsundays that lie between the Australian mainland and the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island is like a dream come true with its tropical climate and spectacular beaches. Since the island opens up to the world’s largest coral reef system, Hamilton Island is the perfect starting point for snorkeling and diving excursions. Do a day cruise to the remarkable white sand beach at Whitehaven Beach and head out to the uniquely shaped Heart Reef. Back on the island, Catseye Beach is another option for a lovely, laid-back beach that’s great for paddling, kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling.

Beyond the beaches, Hamilton Island offers even more pleasant activities, including the par 71, 18-hole, championship grade Hamilton Island Golf Club that’s located on its own private island, as well as off-road ATV tours and relaxing full-service spas. And at the northern tip of Hamilton Island, qualia is a serene beachfront resort with private, posh pavilions and residences and concierge services that can help arrange a variety of exciting tours of the Whitsundays and the Great Barrier Reef.

Port Douglas

Sitting between two UNESCO World Heritage recognized natural treasures, Port Douglas makes for an extra precious and dazzling destination. Do a short drive northwest to reach Daintree National Park, where you can marvel at the spectacular waterfall and colorful rainforest at Mossman Gorge. (Also, consider doing a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk to go deeper into the natural beauty of the Daintree Rainforest and Kuku Yalanji indigenous culture.) Closer to town, you can also head out to Mowbray National Park to do plenty more bushwalks into the rainforest and the region’s towering mountains.

Meanwhile, at the coast, Port Douglas opens up to the north end of the Great Barrier Reef, and more specifically the Low Isles that are picture-perfect for a day trip to snorkel by the coral reefs, spot some swimming sea turtles, and explore the secluded coconut palm-lined beaches on the islands. Even at the mainland, Four Mile Beach is a coastal rainforest paradise with a calm, reef-protected shore that’s fantastic for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking at sea. Back in town, check into the Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel to enjoy laid-back vibes and a posh adults-only environment.

Thursday Island

Situated in the Torres Strait that runs between the Australian mainland and Papua New Guinea, Thursday Island (also known as Waibene in the Kalau Lagau Ya indigenous language) gives “island time” a whole new meaning. Even the boat ride from Horn Island or Cape York can feel like an amazing adventure. But if you really want to go out there, book an excursion with the locally owned and operated Torres Strait Eco Adventures, as you can choose from fishing charter boat journeys, trips to the nearby Goodes and Prince of Wales Islands, and indigenous cultural experiences.

On the island, there’s more to explore, including the Green Hill Fort that was built in the early 1890s, then used as an Allied Forces operations base during World War II. Also check out the Gab Titui Cultural Centre to discover a vibrant array of local indigenous art, and stop at the Torres Hotel to enjoy some refreshments at Australia’s northernmost pub. And for a grand way to complete your Thursday Island getaway, book a stay at the Grand Hotel for a warm and cozy family-run establishment near the center of it all.

For a Great Weekend Getaway, Go Big and Go North to Queensland

With everything from chic beach towns with refined resorts to rugged outposts in the Outback, Queensland has all you need for a perfect weekend trip (or a longer journey, if you fancy). Hit Coolangatta for an easy, breezy, and beautiful Gold Coast surfing trip, or go inland to Springbrook to wander the rainforest and chase those magnificent waterfalls. Go wild and reconnect with Mother Nature at Torrens Creek and White Mountain National Park, or pop over to Port Douglas to experience the stunning landscapes of the Daintree Rainforest and the rich marine life at the Great Barrier Reef. And for something that really feels out of this world, make your way to the small yet grand tropical paradise that is Thursday Island. No matter what you consider the ideal weekend, Queensland is where you make it happen.