The best things to do on your 30th birthday in Queensland
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By Alessia Castiglione
If you turn 30 this year, or know someone who is, you could be faced with the feeling of “how on earth will I celebrate?” You’re a fully-fledged, sophisticated adult now, but you also want to pick something playful. Just how do you commemorate the last 30 years? Never fear, we’re here with plenty of inspiration for a legendary celebration, whatever that looks like for you. Our list of things to do for your 30th birthday is sure to do this impressive milestone justice.
Through the grapevine
Photo by @canungravalleyvineyards
Let’s start with a drink – it’s your thirties, after all. If you have a passion for vines, or at the very least been wine tasting, you’ll know that Australia’s grapes are some of the best in the world.
Now that you’re turning 30, what better time to cruise into your next decade than with a new hobby?
Plan a weekend of vineyard hopping and learn a new skill, like describing notes, body and texture. Start off with these wineries on the Granite Belt, where in Stanthorpe you can up the ante with the Strange Birds trail (alternative variety wines) and sip on a Fiano, Montepulciano or Saperavi.
Or head south to the wineries of the Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim for those spectacular views.
Hop your way around a brewery
More of a beer fan? We’ve got you covered.
Go on the XXXX Brewery Tour in Brisbane to warm up with 90 minutes on the origins of beer brewing and the story of XXXX in Queensland’s history. See the inner workings of the brewery as you walk through and learn to pour your own beer like the responsible 30 year old you are!
While you’re at it, hit the craft beers and get some food into you with their equally impressive menus.
Afterwards, do Australia’ classiest bar crawl with all manner of gins, cocktails and delightful drinks awaiting you at these prime spots.
Indulge in a degustation
Photo by @spicersclovellyestate
Whether you’ve experienced a degustation before or not before this point, your 30th birthday is the perfect opportunity to be taken on a culinary odyssey at one of Queensland’s renowned fine dining restaurants.
Not only is it the perfect way to treat yourself, you might kick off your next decade with new knowledge of (and appreciation for) local produce, ingredients, dishes and techniques you may not have tried before. Your palate is sophisticated now, after all.
Go camping
Want to see in your thirties surrounded by the great outdoors? Pile into the car with your closest and just drive. Navigate your way with these road trips and pack the car for a few nights of sleeping under the stars and big bush BBQs.
There are so many great places to camp in Queensland, so we’ll give you the creme de la creme. You are 30 now, after all – and deserve the very best.
Fancy some island camping? Head to Dunk Island.
Got a long weekend to make the most of? Check these places out.
For secluded camping, try and find these remote getaways.
Sail the seas
The only birthday blues you should have about turning 30 are the colours you see when you climb the mast of your own yacht. Yes, it’s time to celebrate your milestone birthday the way you deserve.
Queensland Yacht Charters will furnish you with your own personal yacht to sail around the Whitsundays islands. No boat license needed. Just bring the food, drinks and your luckiest friends and family. Then check our handy guide to make sure you didn’t forget anything.
Wave and smile serenely at passing boats and wildlife as you realise turning 30 is actually pretty fantastic.
Great walk for a great day
Healthy mind, healthy body. Breeze into your thirties without the backaches by practicing a little self care in the form of exercise (coupled with spectacular views).
The Great Walks that wind their way around Queensland are a step into the wild and a foot in the door of discovery. This list of 10 of the best walks will put you in the right direction; it’s just up to you on how far you want to go. Make sure you’re prepared by reading this guide to make each step a little easier – and don’t forget your camera to capture the memories.
Rent an entire island for your party
Photo by @deegregoree
That’s right – stay on your own very secluded, private (and eco-friendly) island. Opt for the private chef catering so you truly don’t have to lift a finger while you sway in your hammock before experiencing the best produce the region has to offer.
For the ultimate secluded experience, book Elysian Retreat, Pumpkin’s sister island. Situated on three hectares of private cove surrounded by rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Elysian has a small team of dedicated staff, so you’ll literally want for nothing.
If you could get used to island life and shirk all real world responsibilities, check out Wilson, Bedarra, Lizard and Orpheus.
Have a very special staycation
Photo by @kami_sweet
If you haven’t yet been for a slice of the ridiculously delicious saganaki cheese at Hellenika, or sipped on an Old Fashioned in the Lobby Bar, now’s a good time to start while you kick off your birthday celebrations in the heart of James Street.
The young Calile Hotel (one of a string of newly opened hotels in Brisbane) is home to 175 guest rooms, nine suites and two premier suites. Each room is designed with the guest experience in mind – think soft pastels, brushed brass and marbled everything. Lay back in a private cabana, browse the tiny but perfect private library, or visit the spa for some rejuvenating treatments.
Go glamping
Tucked in the Gold Coast hinterland in the Scenic Rim area, Nightfall Wilderness Camp is the most luxurious a glamp can get.
Restricted to only eight guests at a time, the perfect camping spot features permanent hand-built safari tents, delicious fire-cooked cuisine and an immersive, tranquil forest as the backdrop. Nurture your mind, body and spirit with this creekside escape.
