Give the gift of Queensland travel experiences this Christmas

Looking for the perfect gift for that person who has everything? This Christmas, why not swap socks for snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef? Candles for candle-lit dinners in the middle of the Daintree, or undies for under-the-sea hotel rooms. The list goes on and on.

Whether you're looking for affordable gift ideas with a travel twist, would like to splash out on that special someone, or want ideas on how to treat the whole family, there's a gift experience on this list for every type of traveller.

Let’s get out there and kick-start our summer adventures with a little something under the tree.

Queensland experience gifts under $70

Learn something new

• Know a little one who would love their first surfing lesson? From $70, the Gold Coast’s Get Wet Surf School offers a two-hour introduction to surfing for kids. 
• For a different kind of water challenge, learn how to stand-up paddleboard in the Noosa river and waterways with a $50 SUP Noosa gift card.
• Unleash your creative side with an art workshop at Janbal Gallery in Mossman. Over 1.5 hours you'll learn Aboriginal art techniques and paint your own boomerang or canvas, with the help of Kuku Yalanji artist and gallery owner, Binna Swindley. Workshops cost $55 per adult, $27.50 per child under 16 years, or $154 for family (2 adults, 2 kids)

Feed your soul

• Does your lucky recipient have a passion for food and drink? Gift them with a $50 gift card to Brisbane's Sirromet Winery to use for a meal at Tuscan Terrace overlooking the property, or to celebrate at Cellar Door with a wine and tasting tour.
• Take a macadamia orchard tour in Bundaberg, an immersive experience on the Steinhardt family's multi-generational farm where visitors learn firsthand about how their passionate team care for the land and manage the quality of their premium, single-origin macadamias; from seed, to tree, to table. Stop by the cafe and tasting room afterwards. Tours are $42 per adult, $21 per child.

Queensland experience gifts $70 - $200

Learn something new

• For a hands-on cooking class using Asian ingredients and cooking techniques, Spirit House cooking class on the Sunshine Coast is a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and have an enjoyable day out. Around $180 per person depending on the class.
• Gin School at Brisbane Distillery will take you into a classroom like no other, as you learn the history of the spirit, distilling techniques and then craft your own unique gin from over 180 Australian botanicals. Gift cards from $149.

Feed your soul

• How does a unique cultural sailing experience sound? Immerse yourself in the Dreamtime legends, ancient traditions, beliefs, stories and lifestyle of the Sunshine Coast’s first eco-custodians, the Saltwater People with Saltwater Eco Tours (adults $120).
• Everyone has a friend or relative that loves alpacas, so it’s time to roll with it and throw in a foodie experience. Ranging from $50 to $180, guests can head to O’Reilly’s Vineyard to eat their lunch with these furry friends. Choose from a Devonshire tea, cheese and wine, pizza, or a family picnic.
  
• Like local beer and local stories? For $195 per person, Sunshine Coast Craft Beer Tours 'Coastal Hop' covers four breweries in five hours, where you'll meet the brewers, get behind the scenes and see how beer is made, with a tasty lunch at Your Mates Brewery and plenty of beer included along the way. 

Discover hidden gems

• For the ultimate wildlife adventure, go behind the scenes at Australia Zoo for a sneak peek at the animal hospital. Priced at $199.95 per family of four (admission included).
  
• If blockbuster views and enough local trivia to win the next pub trivia round sounds perfect, give the gift of Brisbane's Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Choose between a dawn climb, daylight, twilight or night – all within budget and guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
• Get exploring in Agnes Water and 1770 with Cruising Round - their specially designed round boats are a comfortable and fun way to get out on the calm waters (no boat licence required), complete with BBQ and bluetooth speakers. Prices start from $145, with space for up to 10 passengers/
• Know someone who's a footy fan? Grab them a three-day pass to NRL Magic Round 2024 for an action-packed weekend at Suncorp Stadium. Passes on sale soon. 

Queensland experience gifts over $200

Learn something new

• How about an island-hopping experience with a difference? The Whitsunday Paradise Explorer Ngaro Indigenous Cultural Tour introduces visitors to The Whitsundays' rich cultural history along the Ngaro Sea Trail. Prices are $330 per adult, $250 per child 5 - 15 years, with private charter options available.

Feed your soul

• If you thought a winery tour around stunning vineyards was experience enough, think again. ABC Heli offers an incredible day out from the Gold Coast, flying guests over the coastline and into the hinterland to touch down at O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyard for a picnic by the creek. It’s next-level luxury but any wine lover will love it.
• In a world of busy, sometimes you need to stand still, take a breath, and relax in the moment. Located in the beautiful Tallebudgera Valley, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat provides a relaxing escape – perfect for anyone who needs to take a day for themself. Book a day spa experience, or treat your recipient to a 2-night stay.
• Join Seaway Kayaking Tours and paddle to the Gold Coast's Wave Break Island for a picturesque beach picnic and snorkel. A family of four costs $239. 

Discover hidden gems

• Got a thirst for adventure? A day trip to one of the world’s top dive sites is required. From $272, gift a visit to the historic S.S. Yongala shipwreck in Townsville. Here guests will learn about the tragic story of the wreck, discover spectacular marine line within it on two dives.
• Our very own Great Barrier Reef is a true underwater treasure, which families can explore together with a Sunlover Family Fun Pass. The Moore Reef Marine Pontoon is fully equipped with state of the art facilities and activities including the Sunlover Sunslide – the only theme park waterslide on the reef. $685 for a family of four, or $265 per adult. Gift vouchers are available, too. 
• Spend the night on the Great Barrier Reef, under the stars, on board Lady Musgrave HQ. Nestled in the lagoon of Lady Musgrave Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this luxury pontoon experience offers glamping on the upper deck, bunk beds below the surface, chef-prepared meals, plus the opportunity to snorkel or dive among the marine beauty of the Reef.
• Prefer to glide over the landscape? For $3700 per couple, travel first-class with Go Ballooning Gold Coast on an exclusive charter balloon, complete with champagne and a pink stretched hummer to a buffet breakfast at the Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort. 

Most importantly this Christmas, celebrate with your nearest and dearest – and if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s why you need to experience a Christmas in Queensland.