The moments that made 2023 in Queensland our best year yet

And just like that, 2023 is coming to a close. We’re getting ready to pack the car for a sunny beach getaway, or making plans to ring in the New Year under the sparkle of Brisbane’s Story Bridge fireworks. But what a year it’s been.

From hosting the world’s biggest sporting event to rare marine sightings on the Great Barrier Reef; a new airline making Queensland holidays more affordable than ever and new cultural experiences in the Torres Strait Islands, let’s look back at the year that was - and the top moments we’ll be remembering well into 2024.

1. FIFA Women’s World Cup magic in Brisbane

Whether you were cheering “Go Tillies!” from the stands of Suncorp Stadium or glued to the telly, the dramatic penalty shootout between Australia and France was one of the most heart-stopping and memorable moments of 2023, and forever etched into Australian sporting history. The FIFA Women’s World Cup™ cemented the place of soccer stars like Sam Kerr and Mackenzie Arnold in our hearts, and talent like Mary Fowler, Hayley Rasso and Courtney Vine quickly became household names. As Matildas magic took over the country, eight action-packed matches were played in The River City - and the crowds showed up and showed their support for every team that ran out onto the pitch. 

2. Fraser Island officially renamed to K’gari

Travellers lucky enough to venture here have understood its pure paradise for decades, but in 2023, Fraser Island – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the world’s largest sand island – was officially renamed K’gari. The renaming of the K'gari represents a profound shift towards recognising and honouring the enduring connection the Traditional Owners of K’gari - the Butchulla People - have with country. Want to discover it yourself in 2024? It’s time to get acquainted.

3. Queensland’s new podcast Accessed That rules the charts

It’s not just our world-class destinations, experiences and hotels that make waves. Queensland's new podcast, Accessed That, hit number one in the Apple Places and Travel Podcasts list quickly after its launch in August 2023. The 11-episode series, hosted by Oliver Hunter and Karni Liddell, explores navigating life and travel while living with a disability, interviewing travel lovers who have been there, accessed that, about their experiences in Queensland and beyond.

Haven’t tuned in yet? Catch up here.

4. Brisbane is recognised in Time Magazine’s 2023 World’s Greatest Places

Queensland’s laidback capital city continues to charm travellers, including the folks at TIME Magazine, which named Brisbane in its coveted ‘World’s Greatest Places of 2023’ list. It’s little wonder the world is taking notice: the city’s climate and liveability is unrivalled, it’s packed with world-class restaurants and bars, and thriving riverside precincts South Bank and Howard Smith Wharves are set to be joined by the opening Queens Wharf, a $3.6billion entertainment and leisure destination, in 2024. That’s before you jump off into the beauty of Brisbane’s surrounding islands and national parks.

There’s truly never been a better time to discover Brisbane for yourself.

The impressive accolades continued as Brisbane’s boutique urban oasis, The Calile, placed number 12 at the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels Awards.

5. A rare sighting on the Great Barrier Reef

In October 2023, Master Reef Guides Michelle Barry and Catherine Logan came face-to-face with a rare Leopard Toby fish while at Osprey Reef with Spirit of Freedom’s liveaboard dive adventure – and it’s believed to be one of the first recorded sightings in the Coral Sea.

6. A unique travel experience opens in remote Torres Strait

Strait Experience is renowned for connecting intrepid travellers to the unique culture and unparalled beauty of the Torres Strait Islands, and 2023 saw the launch of a new multi-day tour experience to remote coral cay, Masig Island. Swaying palm trees, fringing reef and a soul-stirring Welcome to Country by a Masig Island Traditional Owner greet visitors upon arrival - and follows with idyllic days getting to know the Ailan Kastom (island customs) and local way of life with community members. It’s a rare opportunity to get to know this special part of Queensland.

7. Museum of Underwater Art unveils a new exhibition

Snorkellers and divers have yet another reason to make their way to Townsville, with the unveiling on the Museum of Underwater Art’s newest exhibition. Crafted by leading underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, Ocean Sentinels is a captivating series of underwater sculptures that blend human figures with marine elements, fusing art and science. Each sculpture pays tribute to influential marine scientists or conservationists, highlighting their significant contributions to reef protection.

Installed at John Brewer Reef, Ocean Sentinels can be explored either by free dive, scuba or snorkel. Book your trip out with Adrenalin Snorkel and Dive or Yongala Dive.

8. Queensland restaurants heat up – and even send diners up in the air

You’re in for a real feast on your next Queensland getaway.

Brisbane’s bustling food scene welcomed many major players in 2023, including Sardinian fare at Pilloni, sleek NYC-inspired Midtown, and a farm-to-table pop-up restaurant at GOMA that proved so popular it’s sticking around for longer. But it’s Vertigo that might be turning the most heads, a gastronomic experience set in Brisbane’s first ever vertical restaurant. Located 17-metres in the air, on the exterior of Brisbane Powerhouse, Vertigo serves exquisite Italian dishes from onsite restaurant Bar Alto to hungry diners harnessed into their seats – who have the option to belay down to ground level after dessert.

Foodies on the Sunshine Coast can now tuck into Fijian-Indian flavour at Pataka, chow down on local seafood onboard a trawler at Prawn Star, kick-back at Noosa Hinterland hub The Doonan, or dine on modern-Australian cuisine while overlooking native wildlife at Warrior Restaurant & Bar, The Crocodile Hunter Lodge’s signature restaurant.

Cairns’ Crystalbrook Riley unveiled Calypso Club – a speciality rum and seafood bar, while the many new additions on the Gold Coast include waterfront dining at Southport Pavilion, California-style bites and cocktails at Malibu Racquet Club and a Queensland outpost of The Langham's Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, T'ang Court.

9. New luxury accommodation opens across the state

In 2023, luxurious new digs opened their doors across Queensland, making our top tourism destinations even more alluring.

Travellers can now relax beachside at the Gold Coast’s Burleigh Heads from five-star hotel, The Mondrian. Luxury resort, Essence, has helped solidify Peregian Beach’s spot on the Sunshine Coast holiday map with a 32-suite boutique hotel and 20 luxury holiday homes set on the shimmering coastline. North in Townsville, luxury hotel Ardo will take bookings from December, offering world-class dining, day spa and sea views in the heart of the city’s main attractions.

Seeking Whitsundays paradise without kids in tow? InterContintental Hayman Island Resort opened a collection of 12 ultra-luxurious beachfront villas – complete with a dedicated concierge at your service - The Pavilions. While among the vineyards in the state’s Granite Belt Wine Country, travellers can now spend the night in giant wine barrel-shaped cabins at Barrel View.

For those who prefer an island escape that resets mind and body, Pelorus Private Island is nature’s way of setting ‘do not disturb mode’. The ultimate in luxury and seclusion (with the price tag to match) the Northern Escape Collection property boasts our luxe suites sleeping eight guests at any one time, and it’s only accessible by helicopter or private yacht.

With so much more to come in 2024, there’s never been a better time to soak up the magic of Queensland.

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