22 new Queensland experiences that are Good to Go in 2022

Think you know Queensland? Think again.

Whether you’re coming for the first time, returning for more fun or are a born-and-bred Queenslander, there’s so much to uncover on every visit.

Discover hidden wonders on the Great Barrier Reef – or glamp in the middle of it. Escape to luxurious hinterland retreats where you’ll be among the first guests, cruise through the Whitsundays, or skydive from a helicopter.

This is just the beginning.

Make it your resolution to try one of these incredible new Queensland experiences in 2022.

On the water

1. Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef has largely been a hidden wonder - until now. Award-winning Red Cat Adventures has launched day tours on the new Wildcat catamaran, introducing travellers to untouched parts of the reef and secluded island beaches, with plenty of time for snorkelling. Prefer scuba diving? You can book private diving charters to the outer reef, too.

Featured image: @escapewithchris

2. Spend a night on the Great Barrier Reef on the new Lady Musgrave HQ: a pontoon that offers bunking in the underwater observatory or glamping on the deck, under the stars. Even better? It’s got a zero-carbon footprint thanks to being 100% wind and solar powered.

3. Always wanted to visit the Whitsundays? Take your seat inside or on the rooftop deck of SeaLink’s one-of-a-kind Whitehaven Beach Big Island Cruise. Sink your toes into the sand on famous Whitehaven Beach, then cruise well beyond the tourist hotspots on the Ngaro Sea Trail, taking in 360-degree views of the islands with a full bar service throughout the tour. 

4. River to Bay is making it easier than ever to explore Brisbane’s many islands. The new, fast connection to North Stradbroke Island takes just an hour from the CBD, where you can explore the island’s best scenery along North Gorge Walk, spot koalas in the bush, delve into Indigenous culture and have lunch on the beach. The Sandstone Point to Tangalooma Day Cruise means you can see Moreton Island in a day – it’s a quick 45-minute cruise to Tangalooma Island Resort where you can swim, shop, dine and snorkel the Wrecks. Or, stay a little closer to home on River to Bay’s Cocktail Cruise. The best way to bar-hop through the city, coast along Brisbane River and stop to raise your glass at stunning waterfront venues.  

5. Head to Brisbane’s Moreton Island and discover more than just The Wrecks. Tangalooma Island Resort has launched two new tours to their huge range of activities, including a two-hour fast-boat adventure to explore the island’s west coast, and a sunset cocktails experience that gives new meaning to Happy Hour. 

For the foodies

6. Surfers Paradise’s Cali Beach Club has quickly become the hotspot for poolside parties, with luxe cabanas, a rooftop pool, bustling bar and huge DJ sets – and now world-class dining is added to the mix with the opening of Sake Sisters. Helmed by executive chef Marcelino Papio Jr. (of Nobu Sydney and Zuma Japanese, Dubai), this modern Japanese will give you even more reason to put your best summer-style forward.

7. Pavilion Mooloolaba is making waves on the Sunshine Coast, with sweeping beach views and an offering that’ll impress from morning coffee to late-night cocktails, including 72 hour fermented pizzas. 

8. Things are getting a little nutty in Bundaberg with the opening of Macadamias Australia’s new visitor experience: take a self-guided tour of the orchard and dive into the region’s rich farming history, taste your way through macadamia products, or come for harvest season to pick and crack your own nuts. And if you work up your appetite, stop for a feast at The Orchard Table café and grab some macadamia goodies to go from the farm store.

9. The Sunshine Coast Hinterland’s peacefulness and beauty is made for picnics – and Tasty Tours takes all the hard work out of your hands with a luxury experience. Bookmark this for a special occasion: door-to-door transfers to your private location, stylish picnic décor, wait staff, then feast on grazing boards and a three hour drink package with local distillery Sunshine & Sons.

Raise your sense of adventure

10. There’s skydiving, then there’s helicopter skydiving. The Gold Coast’s newest thrill-seeker experience will get your blood pumping and give you iconic views of the skyline and beaches as you freefall from 10,000 feet in a tandem heli skydive.

11. A trekking adventure like no other, keen hikers can test their fitness on a new Packers’ Ghost Trek south-west of Cairns. The trek combines history, nature and adventure as you visit historical mining sites, country towns, cross mountain ranges and rivers – with the help of donkeys. Sleeping under the stars, you’ll see whole new side of our tropical north.

12. Get a taste of life on the land with AAT Kings’ new Heart of the Outback tour. Over 7 days you’ll visit frontier towns, explore the birthplace of Qantas, discover Australia’s largest collection of dinosaur fossils and stay in some truly unique outback accommodation, from restored shearers’ quarters to glamping.

13. Explore the capital with Museum of Brisbane: wander through city laneways on the Public Art Walking Tour, or step back in time on the Tides of Brisbane Boat Tour that delves into stories of the city’s past, before mooring at Sea Legs Brewing Co for a taste of local flavour.

Escape and rejuvenate

14. Tune out the noise at Serenita Stanthorpe, the Granite Belt’s newest glamping destination. Set on a cattle property, the private hideaway boasts a king bed, wood fireplace, self-contained kitchen and outdoor bathtub to soak in. Indulge even more with in-tent massages and complimentary locally-sourced wine and snacks.

15. Paddock-to-plate reaches new heights at Hazelwood Estate, where luxury accommodation is paired with a stylish country restaurant and bar on a privately owned polo field and wagyu farm. Tucked next to Lamington National Park, spend your days exploring or soaking up the rural setting – a dedicated wagyu tasting cellar door is set to open in early 2022.

16. Spend the night by the vines of The Overflow 1895 at the Scenic Rim’s newest sustainable accommodation: five eco-luxe WanderPods offer a cosy retreat overlooking Lake Wyaralong, with local wine, award-winning dining and dark sky beauty to enjoy in privacy. 

17. Switch off where Scandinavian-style meets hinterland views at boutique Scandi at Maleny, a low-impact adults-only cabin retreat overlooking the Blackall Range. This dose of fresh air and tranquility, with luxurious touches from the linen to the beauty products, makes it the perfect country weekender for couples or friends.

18. Escape to Cairns and stay in the heart of the city at new art-deco inspired The Benson Hotel. It’s set to be the new place to play and unwind with a rooftop bar and pool area, regular live music and far north Queensland flavours on show at the restaurant.

19. Refurbished and reimagined, iconic Silky Oaks Lodge has reopened – bringing a whole new level of luxury to this retreat beside the Daintree Rainforest. 

20. Flashpackers take note: if you’re looking for some coastal chill with plenty of fun thrown in, Bounce Noosa brings a beach-club style resort to the bustling Noosa River Foreshore. Whether you’re looking to explore or stay put and soak up the vibes by the pool, Bounce offers glamorous private suites and premium shared rooms to suit any traveller.

Get a little wild

21. Swimming with crocodiles is usually a no-no, but Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas offers thrill-seekers the chance to get face-to-face (safely) with these modern day dinosaurs on the Swim with Salties experience – you’ll be submerged in 180-degree Perspex pool, but it’s a rush like no other. Out of the water, you can also see the crocs in an underwater viewing area and the CrocArena.

22. Meeting friends for brunch looks a little different at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Southern Gold Coast. Book Breakfast with the Koalas and not only will you get a good feed, but the opportunity to chat with the keepers and meet a koala too – the package also includes day entry into the sanctuary.