The best places to visit during spring in Queensland

List

Kim	 Barnard

By Kim Barnard

When the weather warms up and days become longer, it’s natural to get the urge to venture outdoors. Spring in Queensland (late August to November) brings with it an endless offering of outdoor activities—from road tripping through ancient rainforest to whale watching adventures.

Once you’ve packed away your winter woolies, head to one of these destinations to experience the beauty of spring in Queensland.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Couple onboard the luxury sailing catamaran Sailaway, watching the sun set over the Coral Sea

Sailaway, Port Douglas, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

A destination that blends laid-back lifestyle with exhilarating adventure, just a stone’s throw from two World Heritage-listed sites - the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. You won’t ever be short of activities up here in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef.

Port Douglas is beautiful all year round, but it’s extra special during spring; there’s a perfect balance of blissfully warm days and water temperatures meaning you can kick-start your summer early.

Tantalise your taste buds at Hemingway’s (a microbrewery, bar and restaurant) while watching boats bob up and down by the marina, witness the colourful blooms that precede tropical summer fruits, and explore the oldest rainforest in the world.

Spruce up your Port Douglas trip by staying in a luxurious lagoon edge suit. Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort is a five-star resort that beautifully reflects the Tropical North Queensland lifestyle. With two hectares of sparkling lagoons, a surrounding 147-hectare garden, and an 18-hole golf course, you’ll have no trouble transitioning into island time. In Port Douglas for a weekend? Follow this handy 48-hour guide.

For a taste of resort living by one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, make your way to Palm Cove. Just 25 minutes north of Cairns Airport, this tropical paradise thrives in springtime. Idyllic weather, warm water and unique cuisines makes this destination an absolute dream.

Indulge in the region’s finest produce at the award-winning beachfront restaurant Nu Nu, and eat while you swim at Peppers Beach Club and Spa (they have poolside catering so you never have to choose between meals and pool time).

Note: While the start of spring in Queensland is just outside of stinger season (which runs from November to June), keep in mind this can vary; so if you spot stinger nets out earlier, make sure to swim within their confines. If you’re feeling unsure, check in with the local Surf Life Saving Club for expert advice.

Brisbane

Couple walk through fields of blooming lavender at Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, Scenic Rim

Kooroomba Vineyards and Lavender Farm, Scenic Rim, Brisbane

As Queensland’s capital city, it’s no surprise that Brisbane is buzzing all year round. But when spring hits, the city really explodes, kicked off by the impressive spectacle that is the annual Brisbane Festivalalong with a calendar full of exciting events - there's never a quiet night in Brisbane.

Spring is perfect picnic weather, so roll out a rug on the banks of South Bank for a day of sunshine, cityscape views, and good food. There’s plenty of restaurants and cafes to pop into for a sweet and savoury accompaniment to your chill day by the Brisbane River – or you can up the ante with a kayak or jet ski tour.

Flower lovers will appreciate the towering jacaranda trees that are in full bloom, painting the city magnificent shades of purple.

During spring in Queensland, don’t pass up the opportunity to frolic in lavender fields at Kooroomba Vineyard and Lavender Farm. Located one hour from Brisbane, this is a unique tourist destination complete with a cellar door, restaurant, gift shop, vineyard, and views of the Scenic Rim mountains. Book a picnic basket and dine among the sweetly scented plants, or visit on a Sunday afternoon for wine and live tunes.

From must-visit markets to camping and island adventures, discover more things to do in Brisbane during spring here.

The Whitsundays

Aerial view of people looking out over the blue waters, from Hill Inlet Lookout

Hill Inlet Lookout, The Whitsundays

Boasting soft silica sands, crystal-clear waters, Great Barrier Reef adventures and the best beach in AustraliaThe Whitsundays ticks all the boxes for a rejuvenating getaway.

Besides the beautiful aesthetics that draw visitors from all around the world, this region is springing into action when winter is over—with unique events and new experiences.

Test your level of endurance with the Hamilton Island Triathlon and Ocean Swim, which take place on consecutive days in November.

If that sounds like a little more cardio than you bargained for, make your way to Airlie Beach Festival of Music to boogie along to tunes from Aussie artists.

Want to discover Australia’s best beach? Hop on Cruise Whitsundays’ ‘Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet Chill and Grill’ to spend more time here than any other day cruise allows. Once you arrive on the beach, you’ll go on a guided hike to Hill Inlet lookout, which follows a path walked by the Whitsundays’ Traditional Owners, the Ngaro people. Then, back on the beach, devour a tasty gourmet burger before you swim, sunbathe or tackle the stairs to the Whitehaven Beach Lookout (you can see the entire length of the beach from this spot).

Gold Coast

Guests enjoying the Jet Boat Adventure Ride on the Broadwater

Paradise Jet Boating, Gold Coast

The Gold Coast isn’t just a gem in summer; it’s got a whole lot to offer during spring. If you don’t like the idea of getting sweaty while traversing lush hinterland, riding roller coasters, and having a beachside picnic, then this season is the best time to visit.

Some family-friendly springtime activities include mingling with creatures at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and taking on the tree-top challenge, screaming on rides at the coast’s infamous theme parks, taking a dip at Currumbin Rock Pools, and eating your way through the best kid-friendly cafes.

But there’s so many thrills to be had – whether that’s jet boating through open water, or discovering hidden waterfalls in the Scenic Rim.

Discover why we love spring on the Gold Coast.

Sunshine Coast

Aerial view of the Noosa Everglades and kayakers paddling through narrow waterways

Kanu Kapers, Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast

Visit the Sunshine Coast in spring to take advantage of its spectacular nature – a pocket of Queensland that really puts the ‘great’ in great outdoors.

Sunny spring temperatures are ideal for getting outdoors too, and the region is a playground that rewards those willing to walk the walk, from coastal tracks in Noosa National Park and striking summits of the Glass House Mountains to paddle power through the enchanting Noosa Everglades – one of only two everglades ecosystems on earth.

The beaches beckon visitors to take pause – as without the peak summer crowds you’ll always find space to relax. But if you prefer to get involved, community events are in full swing during spring, with everything from IRONMAN to multi-day music festivals.

Dive into the best of spring on the Sunshine Coast.

Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

Guests on board Spirit of Hervey Bay watch a humpback whale breach in front of the boat

Spirit of Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

Queensland’s beloved whale watching capital is in its prime during spring, with migratory humpbacks resting and playing in the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay.

This is more than just vacation time for these gentle giants, with mumma whales taking full advantage of the perfect conditions to teach their newborn calves how to survive in the ocean ecosystem, before heading to the Antarctic around November.

For a guaranteed glimpse of humpbacks, hop on one of the best whale-watching tours in town.

Use this 48-hour itinerary if you plan on having a long weekend full of sun, sand, and seafood.

Bundaberg, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Guest on a ranger guided Turtle Encounter Tour watch a female turtle on the beach at night time at Mon Repos Turtle Centre

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Bundaberg

Bundaberg is another excellent destination to visit during spring in Queensland, where you can spend your time picking strawberries right from their stems and witness mother nature at her finest.

SSS Strawberries, located just 10 minutes from the town centre, is one of Australia’s largest strawberry farms, with over 140 acres of fields. Pick-your-own season takes place from August to November (depending on the season), so when the weather warms up you know where to go. The expert farmers will even teach you the knack of getting the cleanest snap.

In November, you’ll have the bucket-list opportunity to join a ranger-guided Mon Repos Turtle Encounter to witness mother loggerheads laying their clutch of eggs. For more information on when and where to see turtles in Queensland, check out this article

Toowoomba, Queensland Country

A group of friends are sitting amongst multi coloured flowers at Laurel Bank Park as part of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers festival.

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

This garden city truly comes alive in springtime. Located just over an hour west of Brisbane, Toowoomba is an excellent place to rejuvenate and thaw out after winter.

Welcome the change of season with a visit to the annual Carnival of Flowers—a festival celebrating all things spring, with flowers and gardens in full bloom, community spirit at full throttle, a carnival and a host of arts and food events to enjoy. If you miss the Carnival, don't worry! Toowoomba is blooming in more ways than just flowers. 

Venture into the CBD to discover the evolving food scene; there’s a host of restaurants and bars for all tastes and occasions. Visit family-owned Host. Dining + Wine Bar for seasonal local produce, Muller Bros for a Brazillian BBQ, and explore the town’s ever-growing café scene.

If you're looking for an unexpected place for an evening drink, you'll have to look very hard to find Bodega. Hidden in the Walton Stores Laneway off Ruthvern Street, look out for the convenience store-style drinks fridge, this is your way in. 

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