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Queensland

Destination guide

Brisbane

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International students and tourists are returning to Brisbane as occupancy rates reflect the rise.
The Calile Hotel Brisbane – a frequent award-winner.

An insider guide to the best places to stay in Brisbane

If you haven’t been recently, you won’t recognise Brisbane – this former big country town is now one of Australia’s most sophisticated cities.

  • Craig Tansley
The resort’s pool has been refreshed, but the popular swim-up bar remains.

Noosa’s landmark hotel has a brand-new look (and a great restaurant)

This iconic Queensland hotel has had a makeover, and its new Italian trattoria is a key attraction.

  • Trudi Jenkins
Evening light in the courtyard at Balfour Kitchen & Bar in Brisbane.

This sublime, boutique Brisbane stay is well worth discovering

There’s a dual personality here, but as much as they contrast, here at Spicers Balfour Brisbane, the two sides complement each other.

  • Jim Darby
Opera Queensland’s 2026 Festival of Outback Opera.

Forget the Opera House, this outback festival is the real deal

Once a year, this unpretentious Queensland town plays host to global opera superstars.

  • Katrina Lobley
Mondrian Gold Coast’s seafood diner, Haven.

The Gold Coast’s best places eat and drink

The Gold Coast’s dining scene used to revolve around surf clubs. Now a throng of talented chefs has turned the region into a genuine foodie hot-spot.

  • Craig Tansley
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The ultra-exclusive Lizard Island Resort is one of Queensland’s, if not Australia’s, most luxurious stays.

The best places to stay in Cairns

Long known as a backpacker town, Cairns’ cool factor has skyrocketed in recent years thanks to a $600 million accommodation investment.

  • Angela Saurine
This quirky restaurant spread across multiple trawlers specialises in cold seafood platters.

The best places to eat and drink in Cairns and Tropical North Queensland

The “rainforest to the reef” mantra is one you’ll hear repeatedly during your time in Queensland’s tropical north.

  • Angela Saurine
A Trump tower on the Gold Coast?

Donald wants a Trump Tower in Australia. Rejecting it could be a problem

Reports the Trumps are in talks for a giant tower on the Gold Coast should set off alarm bells.

  • Anthony Dennis
Kata Tjuta.

Australia’s 100 all-time greatest destinations

Natural beauty, cultural hotspots, amazing food and wine: it’s not hard to find 100 amazing places in our own backyard. The tricky bit? Deciding what to leave out.

Noosa’s main beach and boardwalk.

Thanks to a wrong turn, my family discovered its own slice of paradise

It may not be the quiet beach town it was in the ’80s, but I’m always drawn back to this Queensland holiday favourite.

  • Justin Meneguzzi