11 Perfect Destinations for a Long Weekend in Queensland
Queensland may be Australia’s third-most-populous state and second-largest state by area, yet it comes second to none in spectacular natural scenery and charming towns worth exploring. Whether you seek the perfect beach to go surfing, a tropical rainforest that abounds in wondrous wildlife, or a cool and relaxing mountain retreat, Queensland really does have all of these and so much more. Oh, and did we mention that Queensland is also home to the world’s largest and most famous coral reef system?
With so many options up and down the state, it might seem hard to figure out which Queensland town works best for your next long weekend trip. So, to help you make the right call, here’s our cheat sheet of 11 perfect destinations for a long weekend in Queensland.
Ballandean
Situated in the Granite Belt Wine Country, about 146 miles north of Armidale (New South Wales), Ballandean continues over 90 years of tradition in crafting palate-pleasing treasures. Make a reservation with Ballandean Estate Wines to do a tasting experience at their cellar door, enjoy an elegant meal at the wine lounge, and tour the lovely vineyards at Queensland’s oldest family-owned winery. For even more winery adventures, head out with a designated driver to Golden Grove Estate and Tobin Wines nearby.
For an even deeper dive into the local scene, head up to Bent Road: Not only do they make their own wines, but they also operate their own distillery that crafts gins, vodkas, and cane-based spirits, and they offer everything from “winemaker for a day” immersive experiences to small-batch spirit tastings on campus. And for the ultimate wine country getaway, book a stay at the Fergie Hill Cottage at Granite Ridge Wines to enjoy a night at the vineyards and spend a day getting a very intimate view of the winemaking process.
Maryvale
Located in the Southern Downs Region of South East Queensland, around 150 miles northwest of Byron Bay (New South Wales), Maryvale is a friendly, charming rural village full of incredible natural beauty. For a generous helping of this natural beauty, head over to Main Range National Park, part of the UNESCO-recognized Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area and a perfect park to spot rare birds like the Albert's lyrebird, the endangered eastern bristlebird, and the black-breasted button-quail. If you crave an exciting hike, hit the Mount Mathieson Trail for a deeper exploration of this ruggedly beautiful wilderness. And for more amazing bushwalks and thrilling adventures by (four-wheel drive) vehicle, check out the nearby Janowen Hills 4WD Park.
In town, you will find a historic village anchored by the welcoming Crown Hotel Maryvale that’s been serving guests since 1913. Once you’re ready for some more refreshments, along with a uniquely relaxing and luxurious environment, check into the Spicers Peak Lodge and take advantage of their all-inclusive plan that provides limitless possibilities for leisure.
Beechmont
Head about 31 miles west of the Gold Coast and discover a soothing and tranquil country environment at the town of Beechmont. At Rosins Lookout Conservation Park, take in the wonderful mountain and valley views from the top. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, go paragliding or hang gliding with Canunga Hang Gliding Club. To experience more of Beechmont’s natural beauty, go south to Lamington National Park, a 21,176 hectare preserve with numerous walking tracks that lead to the amazing rainforests, creeks, and waterfalls of the McPherson Range.
Since Beechmont is such a picturesque town, it’s the picture-perfect place to celebrate special events, and Providence Farm Hall is ideal for hosting wedding celebrations and other group parties. No matter what you’re celebrating, even if it’s merely the fact that you have an extended weekend holiday, treat yourself to the ultimate holiday retreat at the Beechmont Estate, a boutique resort featuring five-star luxury accommodations, The Paddock for delectable chef-curated cuisine, a relaxing day spa, and a concierge desk that can help arrange a number of excursions around the area.
Tallebudgera Valley
Seemingly hidden at the outer edges of the Gold Coast region, Tallebudgera Valley (known by locals as the Tally Valley) is a Queensland backcountry village with farmland and forests that might make you wonder how this idyllic town is so close to the busy Gold Coast beaches. Go to Harley Creek Reserve and kick back at this lovely park with a pleasant swimming hole at Tallebudgera Creek and ample grassy space for picnics. If you seek a more exhilarating exploration of local nature, try a hike at Bally Mountain Conservation Area, or head out to the nearby Springbrook National Park to discover a lush preserve full of gorgeous rainforest and mighty waterfalls.
Once you’re ready for some nourishment after spending some quality time exploring nature, stop at the Hideaway Cafe for a quaint and spot to enjoy a scenic breakfast or lunch. Whenever it’s time to call it a day, make your way to the Healing Garden Retreat, a Bali-style bed-and-breakfast that makes it easy to leave your troubles behind and unwind with a full suite of spa amenities and secluded-feeling cabins on site.
Ravensbourne
About 29 miles northeast of Toowoomba, find the perfect base camp for exploring the Great Dividing Range of Southeast Queensland. Just outside town, Ravensbourne National Park is ideal for bushwalks in the verdant rainforest, as well as fruitful birdwatching (and listening). For more adventures in nature, stop at Ravensbourne Nature Reserve for more opportunities to spot local birds, such as wonga pigeons, glossy black-cockatoos, variegated fairywrens, and red-browed finches. Also, consider doing the short drive to Crows Nest National Park, a preserve with spectacular granite rock formations, a rich eucalypt forest, and native wildlife like platypus, swamp wallabies, echidnas, and bandicoots.
If you fancy an easy-breezy day on open water, pop over to Lake Cressbrook for boating, paddling, and fishing, along with bushwalking and picnicking on the shore. For an even easier time in the mountains, do a stay at Cloudlake Mountain Retreat, a wonderful oasis with two spacious cabins set by a pond in a sheltered hidden valley adorned with gardens, orchards, and vineyards.
Bunya Mountains
Venture about 146 miles west of Brisbane, and take a walk into the wilder side of Queensland’s backcountry. The key attraction here is Bunya Mountains National Park, home to the world’s largest stand of ancient bunya pines and over 30 rare animal species. Take it easy while taking in the gorgeous views at Cherry Plain Picnic Area or hit the nearby Bottle Tree Bluff Trail for a great hike and a chance to spot wildlife, such as red-necked pademelons (a marsupial).
From Cherry Plain, head over to Burtons Well Camping Area, where you will find a good spot to pitch a tent or set up a picnic, and you might get to see animals like koalas, squirrel gliders, and sugar gliders. Around here, you can also catch the walking track to reach the summit of Mt. Kiangarow, the highest point of the park at about 3,723 feet above sea level. Once you’re ready to take a break, pop over to the Bunyas Mountain Tavern to enjoy some hearty mountain cuisine and grab a drink at Australia’s highest whisky bar. In addition, the tavern has six motel-style rooms that place you at the heart of this beautiful park.
Mooloolaba
Nestled on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, around 60 miles north of Brisbane, Mooloolaba is a great option for a bright and sunny beach holiday. Right at the heart of town is Mooloolaba Beach, a safe and friendly spot for surfing, sunbathing, beachcombing, and family fun. Just across the street from this beach, you will find much more to see and do at The Wharf Mooloolaba, itself a central hub for shopping and dining, and the perfect launchpad for whale watch boat tours and scenic cruises. And if you’re more in the mood for an edible exploration of the town, hit up the Parkyn Parade precinct and hop on board with Seafood Cruise Mooloolaba for the ultimate seafood feast while cruising the canals.
For a wilder experience at the coast, do a short drive to Point Cartwright, home to one of the region’s best surf breaks, incredible panoramic views from the coastal headlands, and the Point Cartwright Lighthouse that’s been illuminating the coast since 1978. Then, return to town and retreat to the cool and chic atmosphere at The Peninsular, a beachfront resort that’s pretty much at the center of it all.
Noosa Heads
At the north end of the Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads has some of Australia’s most beloved beaches, and one of the nation’s most spectacular national parks. Just to the east of town lies Noosa National Park, which includes the stunning beauty of Granite Bay and the Fairy Pools, along with the strong surf break at Alexandria Bay. Back in town, you will find Noosa Heads’ Main Beach, a perfect stretch of sand for surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. In addition, there’s the nearby Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve for cycling, walking, and even a designated beach where dogs can play in the water off-leash.
While in town, you will find plenty of options for dining and refreshments, including Season Restaurant for dinner with the perfect ocean view. And for even more quality time right by the sea, check into Seahaven for luxurious and comfortable beachfront accommodations offering all the space you need to relax and enjoy your stay.
Hamilton Island
As the central hub island of the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island makes the ideal launchpad for all sorts of excursions at and around one of Australia’s most famous natural landmarks, the Great Barrier Reef. If you’re here to get up close and personal with the world’s largest coral reef, head out with Cruise Whitsundays for a daytime snorkeling or diving expedition out at sea, or try a Reefsleep cruise where you can spend the night at the reef. For another perspective on the Great Barrier Reef and its ecosystem, hop on board a high-speed catamaran and sail to Whitehaven Beach, Queensland’s cleanest and most pristine white-sand beach that also places you a short flight away from the iconic Heart Reef that must be seen to be believed.
Even if you don’t feel like leaving the island, you can take an easy stroll to Catseye Beach for ample opportunities for watersports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, as well as swimming and snorkeling. Or, if you’re more in the mood to hit the greens, book a tee time at the 18-hole, par 71 Hamilton Island Golf Club that’s one of Australia’s most scenic and challenging golf courses. Finally, head up to qualia to indulge in glorious five-star luxury with private pavilions, a soothing and refreshing spa, and tantalizing on-site gourmet restaurants.
Mission Beach
On a quiet corner of the Cassowary Coast, about 90 miles south of Cairns, Mission Beach is great for experiencing a different side of the Great Barrier Reef, as well as a vast expanse of verdant rainforest inland. To experience the local rainforest at its finest, head to Djiru National Park to see some of the rare cassowaries who are native to this region, along with turtles and birds at Lacey Creek. Also check out Alligators Nest, a scary-sounding swimming hole that’s actually a safe natural stream to cool off on a piping hot Tropical North Queensland day. And for plenty more adventures in the rainforest, take some time to explore the rest of the lush, tropical wilderness at Tully Gorge National Park.
Back at the coast, take advantage of Mission Beach’s sandy shores to stretch out and find your own secluded spot for an easy beach day. You can also hop over to Clump Point Jetty to embark on a journey with Mission Beach Adventures to go snorkeling and/or island-hopping at the Coral Sea. Whenever you’re ready to call it a day, spend the night at the cozy and comfy Mission Reef Resort for apartment-style accommodations that are mere steps away from the sand.
Port Douglas
The incredible coastal town of Port Douglas provides another inviting portal to explore the Great Barrier Reef out at sea, yet there’s even more to experience on dry land. Head to Mowbray National Park for exhilarating four-wheel drives up Black Mountain Road and ample opportunities for bushwalking, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. Go up to the Mossman Gorge region of Daintree National Park to feast your eyes on this incredible natural blend of granite rock formations, imposing mountains, and rich tropical rainforest, and book a Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk with Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre to get to know the Kuku Yalanji Indigenous people and their relationship with the land.
Of course, no trip to Port Douglas feels complete without visiting the UNESCO-honored Daintree Rainforest at Cape Tribulation, a 180 million-year-old forest with a remarkable array of biodiversity (including kangaroos, crocodiles, owls, and butterflies), and one that opens up to exotic tropical beaches. Speaking of beaches, return to town to reach Four Mile Beach, a long and splendid stretch of golden sand adorned with palm trees that’s ideal for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. And right by Four Mile Beach, you can stay (at) By the Sea Port Douglas, a lovely boutique resort offering rooms and suites with all the space you need for the perfect beach vacation.
Make Your Long Weekend Feel Much Longer at These Picture-Perfect Queensland Towns
Whether you favor a tasty wine country getaway, a weekend full of surf sessions at sea, or an amazing excursion into one of the world’s oldest and most cherished tropical rainforests, Queensland has all of these and so much more to offer you. Yes, you really can sip and savor high-quality wines at Ballandean. It’s also possible to do a long and luxurious spa weekend at Beechmont, or a cool beach holiday at Noosa Heads. And when it comes to the grand wonder of the world that is the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, Mission Beach, and Port Douglas all make fantastic options to get out and see the world’s largest coral reef. With so many enticing options up and down this state, it will be hard to limit yourself to merely one long weekend trip in Queensland.
