Discover the Ticket to Paradise film locations in Queensland

The recipe for a perfect feel-good rom-com? George Clooney + Julia Roberts + Queensland.

You get all three in Ticket to Paradise, which hits Aussie cinemas from September 15. Academy Award^® winners George Clooney and Julia Roberts reunite on the big screen as exes who find themselves on a shared mission to stop their lovestruck daughter from making the same mistake they once made.

But look a little closer and you may notice that the island paradise on show was not actually Indonesia. In fact, the film was shot on location in Queensland – in parts of Brisbane, Gold Coast and The Whitsundays. It joins a host of other movies filmed here recently, including Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis and Netflix hit A Perfect Pairing.

The Oscar-winning stars, cast and crew called the Sunshine State their home and office for three months during production, and our backyard of sugar-white sand beaches, pristine islands and greenery-strewn rainforest provide a breathtaking set from start to finish.

If the film sparks your wanderlust for a dreamy tropical getaway, follow in their footsteps and create your own movie magic at these Ticket to Paradise film locations in Queensland.

Chase waterfalls and walking trails in Mt Tamborine

The jungles of Bali? That’s actually the lush rainforest just outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast known as Tamborine Mountain. Home to the third oldest national park in the world, teeming with waterfalls, walking trails and a quaint village, Tamborine is the place to escape when you want a little time out among nature’s finest.

How to do it: Hike your way to enchanting Curtis Falls along the 1km walking track – then spend 48 hours exploring the best of the area, from wineries and coffee plantations to country escapes.

Dive into iconic spots on Hamilton Island

With much of the film’s resort moments taking place on Hamilton Island, a visit to this crown jewel of The Whitsundays – undoubtedly the most popular of its 74 islands - is your chance to get among movie magic.

The film’s Hotel Garden Path? That’s the dreamy Bougainvillea Pool, and well worth sinking into on a Whitsundays escape. Other must do’s: sunset at One Tree Hill (known as ‘Nusa Penida’ in Ticket to Paradise), and a dip at Catseye Beach, another spot that took centre stage at lights, camera, action.

How to do it: Bring the family or bring your love on a Hamilton Island escape for the ages. Here’s some more tips to nail the ultimate tropical getaway here.

Sink into the ultimate luxury experience at qualia 

There’s five star resorts, and then there’s qualia. This world-class resort – which posed as Batu Karang Resort in the movie – is nestled into the serene, northernmost tip of Hamilton Island and leaves no stone unturned when it comes to luxury. The team here has mastered the art of a refined experience that still holds nature at its core and feels down to earth. So unique it’s been awarded the world’s best resort – among its many trophies – it’s little wonder this special spot became a Ticket to Paradise film location.

How to do it: Splash out for a glamorous 48 hours at qualia, complete with beachside private dinners and spa indulgence.

Seek sand adventures on Moreton Island

Sand so soft you’ll want to sink your toes into it and never leave. Mulgumpin (Moreton Island) left its print on Ticket to Paradise with film locations at Tangalooma Island Resort and the sparking waters of nearby Lucinda Bay.

The world’s third largest sand island is home to just one resort, a glamping area and a whole lot of wild camping adventures. Found just 75-minutes by ferry ride from Brisbane City, you can experience it for yourself in a day, a weekend or whole week of soul-stirring disconnection.

How to do it: Bring the 4WD to camp or book yourself into Tangalooma Island Resort. Be sure to try all the adventures at your fingertips like sandboarding, quad biking and snorkelling The Wrecks while you’re here. 

Find paradise at Palm Bay Resort, Long Island

Check into Palm Bay Resort on Long Island and you’ll immediately understand why it played a starring role in Ticket to Paradise. Balinese-inspired villas tucked into the rainforest with beckoning Coral Sea views – it’s a slice of total tranquillity.

It might fly a little more under the radar compared to Hamilton Island, but it's easy to reach. Stretching for 9km, Long Island is the nearest island to The Whitsundays’ mainland, surrounded by World Heritage Great Barrier Reef beauty.

How to do it: Spend a weekend soaking up the best of Long Island and its postcard perfect vistas – with plenty of opportunities to jump off into adventures like scenic flights over the reef and boat trips to famous Whitehaven Beach.

Escape among the trees of Mt Cotton Rainforest Gardens

Just outside of Brisbane City, Mount Cotton’s Rainforest Garden is an idyllic destination for weddings and accommodation, setting the scene for the family temple during filming. Sprawling over 27 acres, it’s home to stunning curated gardens, event spaces and luxury chalets – complete with romantic fireplaces - among a hoop pine forest.

How to do it: Book a stay in one of the rainforest chalets to enjoy the property – or go all out and get hitched here yourself! While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by for a wine at Sirromet.

Explore local beaches, food and art on the Gold Coast

Locals and film crew know some of the best beaches in the world are found on the Gold Coast. While North Burleigh Hill/Miami Beach was the set of Tanah Lot Temple for the movie, it’s just as locally loved by surfers and sunbathers.

But the Gold Coast has much more to its coastline – including its vibrant food scene and creative space HOTA (Home of the Arts), which gave Ticket to Paradise its LA gallery flair.

You can also get a taste of the movie’s iconic Goldfish Bar right here. The venue is actually Hungry Hub & Bevvy Bar within Carrara Markets, and while you won’t find George Clooney busting a move or playing beer pong, you’ll find the café serves up some of the best brunch in the region alongside Byron Bay artisan coffee.

How to do it: Get to know the Gold Coast for a week and you’ll have plenty of beach time – and more. Be sure to spend a morning at HOTA to fuel your creative side, and stop for a bite and cocktail at its art inspired rooftop bar. Carrara Markets is Australia’s largest marketplace, open every Saturday and Sunday 7am – 3pm.

Get off the grid in The Whitsundays

Yup, the water really is that blue in Queensland.

You’ll need a yacht to pull up to Katie’s Cove like Julia and George – unlike the movie, there’s no ferry that will drop you off here. Luckily, The Whitsundays is one of the best places in the world to skipper your own yacht, no license required. A secret little white-sand spot on the northern tip of Haslewood Island (which has plenty of star power, being used as a film location for Pirates of the Caribbean), Katie’s Cove is a place of interest to discover, but not an overnight anchorage. Other scenes took place nearby in Hunt Channel, but no matter which way you look in this neck of the woods, you’ll find scenery that forces you to stare and warm waters that tempt you in.

How to do it: Set sail on a Whitsundays adventure to cruise at your own pace and explore deserted islands, quiet beaches and sunset over the sea each evening.  

Craving your own ticket to paradise? Find out which Queensland island getaway suits you here.