20 places to spend your summer holidays in Queensland, no matter your budget

The end of the year is in sight, and whether you're longing to splash out and celebrate, or simply take a little time out to reflect and rejuventate, there’s a Queensland summer holiday to fit every budget.

From beach camping to country escapes to hiring an entire island with friends, here are some ways spend your summer holidays in Queensland this year. 

Budget: $100-150

1. Dust off the tent and head for the cool of the hills with three nights at Binna Burra on the doorstep of lush Lamington National Park. Introduce the kids to a life less electronic with bush walks, star gazing and wildlife spotting.

2. Water babies (and their families) will enjoy camping on Noosa’s Lake Cootharaba; a vast, shallow, tree-fringed lake, perfect for kayaking or sharpening nascent SUP skills. Both Boreen Point campground and Habitat Noosa have unpowered sites right on the lake’s edge. 

3. You can also check Queensland National Parks' website for great value camping options in our national parks. Here are some of our favourite national parks to fuel your wanderlust.

Budget: Under $400

4. Cairns offers high adventure every summer, and plenty of places to cool off; from hotel swimming pools, to the city’s famous man-made lagoon, inland waterfalls and of course, snorkelling the reef. Spend a night at Crystalbrook’s Flynn on Cairn’s Esplanade, drive further north and settle into the lazy tropical rhythm of Palm Cove at The Reef Retreat or explore Port Douglas with a couple of nights of sightseeing and feasting by the water.

5. A sophisticated city break more your speed? Brisbane has plenty of perfectly positioned hotels, ideal for an urban itinerary taking in the city’s galleries, bars and restaurants. Dine out and spend the night at the art-inspired Crystalbrook Vincent overlooking the buzzing Howard Smith Wharves, or explore the boutique shopping, bars and restaurants in The Valley with a stay The Ovolo or Hotel X.

Budget: Under $600

6. An epicure’s dream getaway is just 2 hours drive from Brisbane. Explore the Granite Belt’s gourmet and vinous offerings over a few days, with winery visits, visits a cheesery, craft beer brewery, artisan chocolaterie and more. Walk it off with a hike in Girraween National Park or a bike ride around Ballandean’s country lanes. There are plenty of accommodation options, from a pretty 1-bedroom cottage at Diamondvale Cottages to a cabin overlooking the vines at Ridgemill Estate.

7. If water takes preference over wine, take your car on the ferry from Brisbane and spend a couple of nights on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island). Spend your time swimming, surfing and dolphin spotting. Minjerribah Camping offers ‘Eco tents’ overlooking the beach at several locations on the island, plus many options to pitch your own tent.

Budget: Under $800

8. Experience old-school beauty of the Gold Coast, with a couple of nights at the newly refurbed, gorgeously retro The Mysa Motel in Palm Beach. Hit the theme parks, learn to surf, or explore the southern Gold Coast’s exciting food scene.

9. You don’t necessarily need to rough it to explore the world’s largest sand island, K’gari (Fraser Island). Kingfisher Bay Resort has well-priced Wallum Resort rooms and there’s plenty to do, with guided bush tucker walks, water sports and private island tours.

10. Bring the whole family to meet alpacas, horses, piglets and plenty more furred and feathered new friends at Splitters Farm near Bundaberg. Not only will be your kids’ hero for taking them, but you can relax in a fabulously kitted-out deluxe glamping tent with verandas overlooking the tranquil Splitters Creek complete with a firepit to gather around for evening libations.

11. Get back to nature in Gladstone's twin towns of Agnes Water and 1770, where you can glamp by the beach, explore beaches, try your hand at surfing, and wander through enchanted forests. Time your trip for February and you can rock out at the annual Agnes Blues, Roots and Rock Festival. 

Budget: Under $1500

12. Spend a couple of nights in secluded luxury at the newly opened Beechmont Estate. Just minutes from Lamington National Park, this former dairy farm has been transformed into a luxury farm stay (and polo club!) where the food at their open-to-the-public restaurant, The Paddock, is equal to the views. There’s also an on-site spa for a bit of indulgence.

13. Despite its popularity, Mooloolaba retains its beach town charm and there’s heaps to see and do. Relax on the lifeguard-patrolled beaches, wander the always-buzzing wharf area with its plethora of bars and eateries, head to Parkyn Avenue to buy trawler-fresh seafood to eat a picnic tables with views of The Spit or even swim with seals at Sea Life aquarium.

14. Summer is turtle nesting and hatching season, so load the family in the car and road trip to Bundaberg to experience nature's wonder with your own eyes.

Budget: Under $2500

15. Spend your days underwater and your nights under the stars at Lady Musgrave Island’s new wind and solar powered pontoon moored in the pristine waters of the island’s protected lagoon. Snorkel or dive the lively southern Great Barrier Reef, dine on deck under the clear night skies, climb under the covers and wake up to an uninterrupted water view.

16. Set yourself up for a better year ahead with a health retreat. Gwinganna, nestled in the verdant Gold Coast Hinterland, offers multi-day wellness packages including all meals, snacks, beverages and seminars. After breakfast, there are classes on all kinds of topics by experts but there’s also plenty of time to have a treatment in their Balinese-style spa, lie around the pool, hike the local trails or just relax in your room with a book.

17. Set on 8000 acres, at over 1000 metres above sea level, with uninterrupted 360 views from its lofty plateau position, Spicers Peak Lodge is an all-inclusive luxury country getaway, where just about everything is taken care of for you. There’s a much accoladed restaurant, a spa, pool and plenty of walks around the property as well as additional bookable experiences, such as scenic heli flights, guided hikes, and 4WD discovery tours.

Budget: $10,000 (Sky’s the limit)

Imagine not having to think of anything but whether you want to take a motorboat to a secluded cove for a picnic or just swing in a hammock with a good book? Plan a retreat with your nearest and dearest to one of Queenland's most luxurious island resorts.

18. Off the coast of Townsville via a helicopter transfer, Orpheus Island is an all-inclusive resort that caters to just 28 people. Spend three glorious days exploring the island, snorkelling, sailing and dining on gourmet cuisine under the stars.

19. Further north, Lizard Island is accessible by private charter transfer from Cairns and also offers all-inclusive packages. Snorkel the reef right off the beach, indulge in spa treatments and toast sunset with a bottle of champagne.

20. If you’re feeling like more of a group getaway, why not persuade 19 of your closest friends to book out Elysian Retreat in the Whitsundays for three nights. Kick back in ocean-front solar-powered villas, with a mineral pool plus plenty of day beds and hammocks for all - and incredible day adventures among the beauty of The Whitsundays.

Of course, if it's just the two of you - forgo booking the entire island and plan a couples getaway at any of these resorts for much more wallet-friendly, yet still five-star, price.

Looking for more inspiration to plan summer holidays in Brisbane?

• Take time out at one of these family-friendly islands
• Get off the grid and go beach camping
• Dial up the luxury factor a little more with a glamping experience
• Work your way through these summer adventures