25 new and must-do Queensland experiences in 2025
News
By Danielle Reckless
Need some daydream fuel to carry you into the new year? Whether you want to splash out on a big holiday or simply maximise long weekend adventures, make it your 2025 mission to discover something special in Queensland.
From dazzling light shows on a UNESCO World Heritage island to energetic new city precincts; opportunities to indulge and recharge surrounded by nature or take part in Reef conservation; luxurious country escapes and unforgettable new ways to explore the outback, these ready-to-be-discovered and coming-soon Queensland experiences will make any travel lover swoon.
Adding to our award-winning attractions and unique, transformative experiences, here are even more exciting reasons to visit Queensland in 2025.
Family experiences | See a new side of Brisbane | Great Barrier Reef | Nature | Wellness | Accommodation
New experiences to thrill the family
Bluey's World, Brisbane
1. Grab the kids and step into Bluey’s World – a unique immersive experience that takes families into the heart of the Heeler’s iconic Queenslander home, backyard and neighbourhood. Open now until 14 September 2025, the Brisbane-exclusive delivers real-life sets, beloved characters and games from Bluey as guests interact with cheeky Fairies and curious Garden Gnomes. There’s never been a better time to take that family trip to Brisbane.
2. Wicked may be dominating the box office, but movie lovers can get their own taste of Oz at Warner Bros. Movie World’s newest attraction. Follow the yellow brick road to the world-first The Wizard of Oz™ precinct, home to two new family-friendly coasters and incredible scenes from the classic film brought to life by characters and enchanting sets.
3. Coming in March 2025, set off on a spectacular nighttime journey through Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to experience its Astra Lumina night attraction, using light, audio and projection technologies to create an unforgettable multi-sensory experience.
4. Visit Dreamworld this summer for a wild river experience at Rivertown. The new adventure precinct has plenty to explore but the kids will beeline to Jungle Crush, a mine-style coaster showcasing the world’s first inclined turntable.
New ways to explore and learn about the Great Barrier Reef
Agincourt Reef, Great Barrier Reef
5. Experienced divers and snorkellers can discover a new side of the Reef on board Quicksilver Group’s Poseidon. Departing Port Douglas, the small-group outer reef adventure offers access to exclusive remote Agincourt ribbon reef sites, and citizen science opportunities throughout an action-packed day of exploring vibrant coral formations and unique marine life.
6. Witness Great Barrier Reef beauty from above and below the surface on an all-new half-day tour from Cairns. Sunlover Reef Cruises and Zoom Helicopters have teamed up to create this unforgettable experience, which combines a cruise out to Moore Reef pontoon, snorkelling adventures, and then a birds-eye view of the Reef’s vast turquoise network on a heli flight back to the mainland.
7. Got big love for the world’s biggest reef – but short on time? Pure Snorkelling is a new experience that packs Great Barrier Reef wonder into a half-day tour from Cairns. You’ll have the best possible guides to show you the sights and share mind-bending reef knowledge: this is a joint venture between two Cairns family-owned reef operators, Passions of Paradise and Ocean Freedom.
Lady Musgrave Experience, Southern Great Barrier Reef
8. The Lady Musgrave Experience team has made day trips to the Southern Great Barrier Reef even more special with the launch of the new ‘Reef Sanctuary’ pontoon. A purpose-built education hub in the lagoon of Lady Musgrave Island, visitors can join wildlife ecologists and marine biologists as they conduct data collection and monitoring, participate in Marine-Biologist-for-a-Day activities and Reef Keeper program research, coral adoption and transplanting programs and reef health surveys. Read more here.
9. Brisbane’s Emporium Hotel South Bank has made the Great Barrier Reef easier to reach than ever. The new ‘reef and retreat’ package includes two nights accommodation at the luxurious city hotel and a full-day adventure by air, land and water to Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort on the Southern Great Barrier Reef - recently named the 'Best Place in the World to snorkel in 2025’ by Lonely Planet. Enjoy an incredible five hours to explore the island, before returning to Brisbane in time to toast to a day of adventure at the rooftop bar.
Sky Deck, The Star, Brisbane
10. Brisbane’s sparkling skyline has a brand new addition, with the long-awaited Queen’s Wharf precinct opening in 2024 – and there’s much more to come in the year ahead. Check into the luxury hotel The Star Brisbane, head 100 metres above the riverbank to take in the views, dining and bar offerings of the Sky Deck, then explore the huge range of retail, food and entertainment opportunities below.
11. Hit the pavement with Local Sauce Tours to explore a new side of Queensland’s capital. Two new walking tours are available, whether your taste is funky small bars and creative street art, or delving deeper into Brisbane’s culture and history.
Illumina, K'gari, Fraser Coast
12. Kingfisher Bay Resort is lighting up the skies of of K’gari (formerly Fraser Island) in 'Illumina' – Queensland’s first permanent light show. Set within the natural beauty of the resort, the innovative installation showcases an extraordinary journey of discovery, regeneration, and growth, providing resort guests with an unforgettable nighttime attraction.
13. Trailblazers have a new reason to head to the tropics, with the first stage of the Wangetti Trail now open. Hikers and mountain bikers looking for spectacular views among World Heritage Wet Tropics rainforest can now explore the 7.8km two-way, shared track from Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach. Once completed, the Wangetti Trail will span 94 kilometres, setting the scene for epic multi-day hiking and biking journeys between Palm Cove and Port Douglas.
Plan your trip to Queensland
Cunnamulla Hot Springs, Cunnamulla, Outback Queensland
14. Leisure-seekers can now add a little R&R to their Outback Queensland adventure at Cunnamulla Hot Springs. Featuring three free-flowing pools with varying temperatures on the banks of the Warrego River, take a moment to soak between the artesian-fed hot pools and a chilled plunge pool or choose from a range of therapeutic activities onsite.
15. How about exploring the Outback by rail? Outback Aussie Tours is set to debut two new rail journeys in 2025, with all the trimmings. Meet the region’s most historic attractions, mouthwatering tucker and sunset cruises on the Outback Whistle-Stop Longreach tour (May to October), or spend seven days in Mulga heartland onboard the Great Southwestern Adventure (April to August).
16. Oceanview Helicopters has redefined the perfect picnic spot. Taking off from the Sunshine Coast, you’ll soar over the Glass House Mountains before landing on a private peak in the hinterland hills to enjoy a secluded picnic brimming with local produce, craft beer and wines – best shared with your special someone.
Incredible new Queensland accommodation
The Tamborine, Mount Tamborine, Brisbane. Photo by @thetamborine
17. Make 2025 the year you experience turtle nesting and hatching season in Queensland – and base yourself in the heart of the action at NRMA Parks and Resort’s newest nature-based accommodation, Turtle Sands. Located at Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg, stay in a villa, glamp or camp metres from one of nature’s most incredible experiences with easy access to ranger-guided tours.
18. Mount Tamborine is one of South-East Queensland’s most tranquil hinterland weekenders – and it’s been made all the more idyllic with the opening of The Tamborine, a boutique hotel with so many luxe touches you won’t want to leave. Soaking up mountain views hits differently while soaking in a heated mineral pool and spa.
19. Turn your Australia Zoo visit into a weekend of wild wonder when you stay overnight in the Crocodile Cabins, the newest addition to Crocodile Hunter Lodge. The rustic family-friendly cabins encourage quality time and truly take in your surroundings – which includes spotting your many neighbours, like kangaroos, emus, koalas, freshwater crocodiles and turtles. Along with unlimited entry to Australia Zoo, guests will get a fascinating sneak peek into the wildlife hospital.
20. Hit the beaches of the Gold Coast while staying at the hottest new accommodation – TRYP by Wyndham. Located in Southport, the very best of the coast is at your fingertips, alongside the indulgence of TRYP’s 225 stylish suites, state-of-the-art fitness centre and inviting rooftop pool with ocean views.
Mondrian, Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast.Photo by @mondriangoldcoast
21. Start the year with a digital detox in the rolling hills of the Bunya Mountains at The Firebreak, an off-grid luxury accommodation that encourages total natural immersion. Set on a regenerative farm, the views are as calming as the thoughtfully appointed cabins complete with outdoor tubs. The living is easy here, as it should be.
22. It’s time to book your visit to the heart of The Whitsundays, where The Sundays will open its dazzling doors from April 2025. The 59-room luxury boutique hotel stands proudly by the sands of Hamilton Island’s favourite swimming spot, Catseye Beach, and pairs its relaxing surroundings with a restaurant from award-winning Aussie chefs Josh and Julie Niland.
23. LA-based hotel heartthrob, Mondrian, will make its Australian debut this autumn in the Gold Coast’s centre of effortless chic, Burleigh Heads. Expect flawless design inspired by the coast’s sparkling sands and pandanus trees across the 208 studios, suites and homes, along with oceanfront bars and dining that are sure to become destinations onto themselves.
24. Moments from the surf of Mooloolaba Beach, the $250 million 4.5-star Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is slated to open in spring 2025. The new hotel will feature 180 rooms plus four restaurants, a rooftop pool bar with panoramic water views and event spaces – ready to make your next Sunshine Coast escape one to remember.
25. A short hop from the iconic Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, luxury farm stay venue Sixty6 Acres Woombye is undergoing a multi-million-dollar makeover, growing from a modest seven luxury cabins to include a high-end caravan park with 93 powered sites, heated outdoor plunge pools, restaurant and bar – alongside the cute farm animals past guests know and love.
What magical new experiences in Queensland will you make a reality in 2025? Get started here to mix the newest activities with the ever-enchanting classics.
Make your Queensland plans in 2025
