The ultimate LGBTQIA+ guide to backpacking around Queensland

Welcome to Queensland – one of the best (and warmest and most exciting) states in Australia to travel around as a backpacker. From the beach to the bush, there are so many backpacker budget-friendly things to see and do…and, just between us, if you’re here as a working holidayer, Queensland serves as the backdrop for the ultimate work-life experience.

Looking for LGBTQIA+ friendly places to see, stay and play at? We’ve got the ultimate guide for you. Pack your bags, it’s time to discover the beauty of Queensland.

Backpacking in Far North Queensland

As a backpacker – or working holidayer – in Far North Queensland, the convivial city of Cairns is the perfect place to call home. The “gateway to the Great Barrier Reef” as it’s aptly named, Cairns provides visitors with the opportunity to live in a city with so many diverse activities right at their doorstep. Like a jungle tour through the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world, or a snorkel amongst a kaleidoscope of coral, turtles and fish. On the more laid-back days, Palm Cove Beach, and Nudey Beach (on Fitzroy Island) provide the perfect setting for a day full of R&R.

When it comes to accommodation options, staying in Cairns as a backpacker will have you spoilt for choice. However, for a room in a central location close to the heart of the city, it’s the Jack Hotel & Backpackers, or Summer House Backpackers that you’ll want to look into. These options also allow you to be front and centre when it comes to a drink after work or play at one of the many backpacker bars in Cairns, like Down Under Bar, Gilligan’s, and The Woolshed. And keep the vibes high with this guide to Cairns nightlife.

Backpacking on the Sunshine Coast

Visitors to the Sunshine Coast are often surprised at just how vast the region is. To the north, you’ll find Noosa (and surrounds), famed for its beautiful beaches (like Noosa Main Beach), buzzing Hastings Street and untouched national park. In the middle of the coast, there's Maroochydore and Mooloolaba full of excellent restaurants and pristine coastline, while towards the south, you’ll find yourself in Caloundra, full of personality and spotted with epic surf beaches. Ype, it’s safe to say that as a backpacker on the Sunshine Coast, you’ve got plenty of options.

If you’re planning on planting your feet further north, Nomads and Flashpackers are both excellent (and central) choices in Noosa. If you’re looking somewhere south, however, it’s the Beach Hostel Mooloolaba (just a stone’s throw from the popular Mooloolaba Main Beach) that you should check into. Staying in either of these locations opens you up to a bunch of tours – like an Indigenous-owned Saltwater eco tour – and nightlife options – like Peak Wine Bar in Maroochydore (which hosts an LGBTIQ+ night on a Sunday) – that are unique to the Sunshine Coast.

Backpacking in Brisbane

Russell, Macleay, Karragarra and Lamb Islands make up the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, all easily accessible from the Weinam Creek Marina in Redland Bay, an hour from Brisbane’s CBD. The SeaLink ferries run daily between each of the four islands, so you can choose your own adventure.

Karragarra Island and Lamb Island are the smaller of the cluster. Both sandy escapes are perfect for family-friendly daytrips where the intention is to relax and unwind – think gentle kayaking, calm swimming enclosures, waterside picnics and mangrove-lined enclaves waiting to be explored.

A quick (and free) ferry trip from Lamb Island, across Lucas Passage, will take you straight to the more populated Macleay Island (Jencoomercha), where there’s a lot more action. Browse markets, soak up the bay views at the bowls club, or fire up the barbecues in the coastal parks of Potts Point or Dalpura Beach. There are holiday houses and cottages aplenty on Macleay Island for longer stays.

Hugging the southern end of Minjerribah, Russell Island (Canaipa) is the largest of the four islands, offering a laid-back lifestyle for residents and a perfect escape for adventurous visitors. Find a shady spot on the picturesque foreshore and roll out the picnic rug, throw in a line or venture to Rocky Point to get acquainted with scores of local wildlife. Keep the camera handy!

If you’re looking for somewhere central (that is, smack bang in the middle of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast) to drop your bags as a backpacker, then Brisbane is the place for you. Staying in Brisbane will have you spoilt for choice, too. There are more than half a dozen popular backpacker choices to choose from. Our favourites include Brisbane City YHA – which boasts spectacular city views – to Brisbane Backpackers Resort – which provides guests with that resort-style living on a budget.

Of course, being Queensland’s largest city, Brisbane is home to some of the best LGBTQIA+ pubs and clubs (like The Sportsman Hotel, The Wickham, The Beat Megaclub, and Fluffy).  There's also loads of exciting activities to tick off (like abseiling inner-city cliffs), LGBTQIA+ events, rooftop bars to sip at and bucket list-worthy experiences perfect for the solo traveller. And, of course, all of these venues, tours and experiences are well within reach from either of the aforementioned accommodation options, because we know just how important locality is.

Backpacking on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast, synonymous with long, pristine beaches, is the perfect place any backpacker looking for an experience which marries the best of the sea and the city together. And just like the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast is deceptively large with Surfer’s Paradise it's lively, beating heart.

Bunk in Surfer’s Paradise is one of the top picks of accommodation for backpackers looking to be in the thick of it all. For something more chilled out, you can't beat Rainbow Bay Backpackers - perfect for the quieter traveller.

Wherever you choose to rest your head, you’ll be close to all the best beaches on the Gold Coast (like Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta), all the best tour options (like glow worm tours, and learn-to-surf schools), bars, AND all the best LGBTQIA+ nightlife on the Gold Coast, too (like LGBTIQ+ club Chameleon and the burlesque bar, Pink Flamingo).

Of course, we aren’t telling you that you have to choose one of these pristine destinations and stick to it. In fact, if you’re here for fun time (AND a long time), why not rent a car, embark on a few road trips around the state, and tick off some activities from your backpacker bucket list while you’re here!