Queensland holiday destinations that always feel like summer

Yes, it is officially winter. But if it's time to plan your mid-year dose of sunshine (without three layers), you'll be looking to find holiday destinations that always feel like summer. Here are some of the best locations across Queensland to warm up at this winter.

Beach-side neighbourhood

For a laid-back Queensland winter holiday destination with some old-school charm, you can’t beat a classic Queensland beach town.

Find your own adventures, chat with the locals at your new favourite café and fully embrace stripping back this holiday to relaxing basics.

Kirra

While you’re welcome to throw down a towel and spend a lazy day soaking up the surf, sand and sun anywhere on the Gold Coast, we can’t help but recommend Kirra. There are variations on what this word means, but some believe Queensland Aboriginal people named it after a boomerang – and we can certainly see why visitors want to keep heading back.

Here you can slow down and soak it all in. Have a go at a famous surf break, lunch at one of the many emerging must-do cafes, walk to the top of Kirra Hill Lookout for panoramic views of the coastline, or tandem skydive high above the beach. 

Rainbow Beach

For a quintessential Australian road trip and a stunning coastal town in one, you’ll want to embark on the Great Beach Drive and pass-through Rainbow Beach. Oozing with homely charm, here you can marvel at the multi-coloured sand dunes, saddle up for a horse ride along the beach, and end your day with a drink at Rainbow Beach Surf Club, looking out to the ocean view

Not only are temperatures more forgiving on the Sunshine Coast during the winter months, but humpback whales are also on their annual holiday, making their migration along the coast so you might see them jumping and playing offshore along the way.

Agnes Water

Head further north to Gladstone and you’ll stumble upon the serene seaside communities of Agnes Waters and Town of 1770 which are much-loved spots for holidaying families with quiet, crowd-free beaches.

Work up a sweat on a scenic coastal hike, watch an ocean sunset from a kayak at Captain Cook’s Landing Place (one of the only places you can do this on the east coast), sample local flavours and home-cooked goodness and glamp beachside under the stars.

Palm Cove 

With idyllic weather, warm water and unique cuisines, Palm Cove is a tropical slice of paradise all year round. Just 35 minutes from Cairns, grab Instagram-worthy moments on the beach, shop along the esplanade, indulge in the region’s finest produce at award-winning beachfront restaurant Nu Nu, and drink cocktails while you swim at Peppers Beach Club and Spa.

Sunny city break

There's no need to compromise on beautiful weather for luxury stays, fine dining, shopping and culture. Catch all this and more on a winter city break in Queensland.

Brisbane

Boasting 283 days of sunshine a year, clear blue skies all year round and a subtropical alfresco lifestyle, Brisbane is the perfect long-weekend option in winter.

With a slew of 5-star resorts and boutique hotels, hidden dining gems and rooftop bars, you can tailor your experience in the River City however you like. Sight-see on your own hired picnic boat, abseil the Kangaroo Point Cliffs, join a boutique brewery tour or check out some of Brisbane's best galleries. 

Tropical Island Getaway

For an idyllic escape from the every day, embrace the stunning weather and explore the untouched natural beauty and surrounds of Queensland's islands. 

Magnetic Island

Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island is an island getaway to remember.

You'll never be stuck for choice on things to do but if you're looking for ideas, why not cruise around in a topless car, snorkel spectacular coral reef sites, say hello to the koalas and native rock wallabies, or hike to an incredible piece of history. 

Hamilton Island

Nestled in The Whitsundays is the popular Hamilton Island, offering a multitude of activities and luxurious accommodation options. Whether you want to stay on the move with sea-kayaking, scenic helicopter flights and ‘Breakfast with the Koalas’, or you simply want to concentrate on doing nothing at all and lay around one of the pools or beaches, you can tailor Hamilton Island to fit around you.

An adventurer’s dream

If you’re looking for adventure, Queensland's unique landscape has more than 1.8 million square kilometres of countless adventure opportunities for you to explore and get you out of your comfort zone. 

Moreton Island

For a natural playground like no other, set your compass to Moreton Island, the third-largest sand island in the world.

From speeding down iconic sandhills and flying over the island by helicopter, to  snorkelling on the Tangalooma Wrecks or exploring by 4WD, your craving for adrenalin won't go unsatisfied here. 

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

You’d be hard-pressed to find somewhere with more to offer in the adventure stakes than Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Among its reefs, rainforests, and rivers sits plenty of potential for unforgettable fun - there’s a reason it’s been dubbed the adventure capital of Queensland.

Whether you want to dive on the Great Barrier Reef,  hike the strenuous Devil’s Thumb in Mossman Gorge, or white water raft through Cairns’ raging rapids, you'll have the time of your life. 

Ready to go but need somewhere to stay? Check out this guide to the best winter accommodation in Queensland for inspiration.