How to celebrate – and recover from - WorldPride in Queensland

Want to warm up for Sydney WorldPride? There’s no better place than Port Douglas in Queensland’s vibrant tropical north, which brings the party of a lifetime for Hot & Steamy Festival on 16 – 19 February 2023.

Fly into Cairns Airport and you’re just an hour from the glitz and action of four days by the beach, jam-packed with everything from luaus and long lunches to parades, pool soirees and high-energy parties.

All that, and the beauty of Port Douglas on your doorstep to explore each day. This coastal enclave is a melting pot of a bustling dining scene, boutique shopping, world-class day spas, beach-hopping, and soul-nourishing adventures in two World Heritage listed sites: Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Start planning here.

Take a beat at Turtle Cove Beach Resort near Cairns

The first thing to do after WorldPride is take a beat – you’ll need it. There’s nowhere better to replenish your stores than on the idyllic coast of Cairns, and no better place to stay than at the adults-only exclusively LGBTQIA+ resort, Turtle Cove Beach Resort.

This resort is a queer slice of heaven and is set on some of the most pristine and secluded beaches between Cairns and Port Douglas. It’s so private in fact that one of Turtle Cove’s tropical beaches is clothing optional. But no matter which patch of sand you throw out your beach towel on, you’ll be looking out towards with the Great Barrier Reef, with World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest behind you. When you’re kicking back beneath the shade of a grove of palm trees, or lounging by the pool, you’ll find peace here. If you prefer to kick on, check out their party calendar and time your resort stay for when things get pumping.

Looking for a different vibe? Whether you stay in the heart of Cairns or escape to an eco-retreat (newly revamped Silky Oaks Lodge is particularly stunning), don’t miss the chance to experience Australia’s best. Start planning here.

Discover our greatest natural wonders

If it’s your first time coming to Australia – or Queensland for that matter – you’re in for some natural wonders.

Whether you’re visiting before or after WorldPride, it’s a life-changing experience to witness two World Heritage sites run flush against each other: the Daintree Rainforest (part of the Wet Tropics) and the Great Barrier Reef. These two completely vastly different terrains make for some of the most incredible adventures, from snorkelling with manta rays to trekking through a rainforest 180 million years old. Here’s how to explore it.

On a quest to visit all five of Queensland’s World Heritage sites? We’ve got you covered.

Play your way through The Whitsundays  

If you’re craving more flair and excitement after WorldPride, plan your recovery in the sparkling Whitsunday Islands, home to world-famous Whitehaven Beach and endless ways to island-hop whether your style is five-star luxury or flip-flops optional.

The must-do’s while you’re here? Jump in a chopper for a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef that’ll have you land beside iconic Heart Reef, champagne in hand. Spend a day swirling your toes in the pure silica sands of Whitehaven while taking in the sights of swirling Hill Inlet. Set sail on the adventure of a lifetime. Bliss out at one of the many world-class island resorts – complete with day spas and dining experiences that are worth the flight here alone. There’s also many Great Barrier Reef experiences for a bucket-list worthy day out.

Start planning here.

Celebrate Pride on the Sunshine Coast 

The Mardi Gras spirit continues in chic coastal village, Noosa: a place that invigorates mind, body and soul and extends welcome arms to all travellers, year-round. Just two hours north of Brisbane on the Sunshine Coast, one of the best times to visit is for Rainbow River Festival – held over a weekend in March to time with Sydney WorldPride.

This spirited local festival offers a weekend of Pride celebrations, with past years including events like riverside cocktail parties, drag bingo, Mardi Gras party, parades and picnics.

Stay a few days and get to know the Sunshine Coast’s intoxicating, laid-back mix of beach, nature and community-led dining. Start planning with this LGBTQIA+ travel guide.

Dive into Brisbane’s cosmopolitan culture

The River City glistens day and night – as does the city’s queer culture. Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, might fly a little more under the international radar, but there’s a lot to uncover here between laneway cocktail bars, riverside restaurants, a thriving arts scene and plenty to do after dark.

Gallery-hop or island-hop by day, then get ready to let your hair down by night – local haunts like The Wickham and Black Bear Lodge are great for a drink and live music, while The Beat Megaclub and Cloudland’s Fluffy Sundays are infamous for good times. Fuel your adventure with this LGBTQIA+ travel guide to Brisbane.

Be sure to mark your calendar for unique events like Queensland Cabaret Festival or Brisbane’s best rainbow celebration: Big Gay Day. The beloved long-running annual event is set for 30 April 2023 and brings live music, arts, drag extravaganzas and one epic street party full of Pride.

Looking for more Queensland travel inspo while you’re here for WorldPride?

Check out our LGBTQIA+ travel guides to popular Queensland destinations:

• Brisbane
• Sunshine Coast
• Gold Coast
• Fraser Coast
• Queensland's queer nightlife