Check out these Queensland versions of the world’s top destinations
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By Sarah Bristow
Looking for your next big holiday adventure? Queensland is home to some of the world's best holiday destinations. From the Great Barrier Reef to tropical islands, famous surf breaks and surprising city experiences, epic experiences are closer than you think.
Start planning your next getaway with these Queensland versions of the world’s top attractions.
The Croatian coast = The Whitsundays
There are plenty of comparisons to be had between the European sailing haven and The Whitsundays, where cruising the cluster of 74 islands as a part of a bareboating expedition is a popular way to explore. At the helm of a sail boat you can explore Whitehaven Beach and secret havens at your own pace (not to mention the snorkelling options such as Manta Ray Bay).
Bali = Elysian Retreat
It may be a fairly small island compared to Bali, but Elysian Retreat on Long Island in the Whitsundays has all the elements for a stress-free, tropical escape.
Staying in beautifully appointed (and completely solar-powered) beachside bungalows, you can do as much or as little as you like on this palm tree-fringed island. Better still, it's easy to arrange all your day trips for exploring the islands including Whitehaven Beach and the Outer Great Barrier Reef.
Palm Springs = The Calile Hotel
Fans of Palm Springs’ modernist architecture will find a friend in Brisbane resident The Calile Hotel. The inner-city urban resort is a design lover’s favourite thanks to its statement-making interiors and soft, gelato-hued colour palette.
Maldives = Lizard Island
Off Cairns sits the definition of paradise Lizard Island, a sandy stretch of crystal clear waters and white sands. The natural beauty of this Queensland holiday destination rivals any island in the world, not to mention the Great Barrier Reef being only steps from your luxury accommodation.
The Greek Islands = Keppel Islands
Save yourself the airfare of travelling to Greece to explore its islands - Queensland is home to an equally idyllic tropical retreat in the 18-strong Keppel Islands surrounded by piercingly blue waters. Great Keppel Island is the jewel in its crown with 17 white-sand beaches, secret bays, and hidden caves to explore.
New Caledonia Barrier Reef = Great Barrier Reef
New Caledonia may be home to its own Barrier Reef, but its coral collection has nothing on the international icon that resides within Queensland borders. The World Heritage-listed region belongs on every bucket list as the largest reef in the world (and arguably most beautiful).
For those looking for solitude, privacy and tropical views over the turquoise waters of the Great Barrier Reef, head to Orpheus Island where you can spend your time snorkelling, exploring neighbouring beaches by dinghy, or paddleboarding around this island paradise.
If you'd like to see the Great barrier Reef from a whole new perspective, join a helicopter tour with Nautilus Aviation to soar above the reef before landing on Vlassoff Cay (as pictured in the feature image).
Nazaré, Portugal = Snapper Rocks
It’s in Portugal’s Nazaré that some of the world’s largest waves are surfed. But veteran wave riders will find themselves just at home at the Gold Coast’s Snapper Rocks and Kirra, famous for its surfing comps and reliable swell.
Machu Picchu = Hinchinbrook Island
Forgo the arduous trek of Machu Picchu for one much closer to home on Hinchinbrook Island. The Thorsborne Trail is known as a challenge - picture a 32 kilometre, four-day schlep through the jaw-dropping national park. Don't have four days to spare? You can explore nearby Lucinda before heading to the island on a one day tour with Absolute North Charters.
Miami Beach = Surfers Paradise
Both Miami and the Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise boast a reputation for glitz and glamour. In Queensland, skyscrapers mingle with stunning beaches, and a pumping night-time economy, with the added surprise of lush hinterland less than 30 minutes away.
Amazon Rainforest = Wet Tropics Rainforest
Forget about making your way through the dense canopy of the Amazon. Stick closer to home with a mosey through the Wet Tropics, an ancient region populated in unique flora and fauna (and including the Daintree) that’s estimated to be about 60-70 million years older than its South American cousin.
Cancun Underwater Museum of Art = Museum of Underwater Art, Townsville
The Southern Hemisphere has welcomed its first underwater gallery to the waters off Townsville. Scattered across the Great Barrier Reef are underwater art installations from sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, whose submerged works also make up the majority of the Mexican version.
Sahara Desert = Windorah Sand Hills
Windorah Sand Hills
The sandy dunes of the famed Sahara have some stiff competition in Windorah in Outback Queensland. This town of just 100 people in the heart of Channel Country, nestling Cooper’s Creek, is surrounded by an immense panorama of giant red sandhills. The best way to explore Outback Queensland is to embark on one of many epic road trips.
Dumbo, New York = Howard Smith Wharves
New York boasts quite a reputation when it comes to eateries, but these days so too does the Queensland capital of Brisbane. On par with Dumbo’s Brooklyn is our own waterside precinct Howard Smith Wharves, a sophisticated, industrial-style space laden with restaurants, hotels and a brewery.
Florida Everglades = Noosa Everglades
It’s on the Sunshine Coast that you’ll find the Noosa Everglades, one of the duo of everglades found around the world. Spend days cruising the Queensland holiday destination by kayak, spending the night at its resident eco-camp.
Cappadocia = Chillagoe
Eye-catching caverns and surreal rock formations prosper in both Turkey’s Cappadocia and Cairns & Great Barrier Reef’s Chillagoe. But the Queensland holiday destination is estimated to be some 400 million years old, the ancient reef now home to stalactites, stalagmites, and Indigenous relics to boot.
Alhambra Granada = Paronella Park
While the hills surrounding Granada are home to the majestic Alhambra Granada, Queensland has its own opulent Spanish castle to explore. Namely Paronella Park in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, a decadently romantic crumbling building and lush gardens created back in 1935 by a Spanish immigrant.
Utah = Mount Mulligan
The canyons of Utah draw comparisons with the rocky red mountains and mines of remote Mount Mulligan. After days trawling the historically rich region (complete with Indigenous and gold rush significance) rest your head at luxury abode Mount Mulligan Lodge.
Feature image: Vlassoff Cay
