What’s new in Queensland right now

From the Reef to the rainforest, and our vibrant cities in between, there’s a lot to love about Queensland. But it’s not just our natural beauty that you need to know about – there’s plenty of exciting new things to do in Queensland too.  

To find out what’s happening in Queensland right now, head here each week where we’ll wrap up the very best news you need to know about.

Flavour & Forage: A Westholme Wagyu x Naldham House Feast

Queensland’s world-class wagyu is taking centre stage - for one night only.

Westholme Wagyu, the name behind some of the world's top restaurant menus, is teaming up with Naldham House, Brisbane’s hottest new dining precinct, for an exclusive six-course feast celebrating Queensland’s rich produce, people, and paddocks.

From smoked bone marrow beignet to perilla tartare with wasabi leaf and beef cheek agnolotti, Chef Doug Keyte showcases the depth and versatility of Westholme’s nature-led, station-to-table wagyu - raised on Queensland’s vast rangelands.

And it’s more than just a meal - you’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories from the Westholme team, diving into the philosophy and passion behind their sustainably raised wagyu.

Date: Wednesday, 9 April, 6pm
Tickets: $100pp (+ optional wine pairing: $95)
Book now – seats won’t last!

Redefining sustainable luxury, Hook Island which is nestled among The Whitsunday Island has revealed plans for a world-class eco-lodge to open in 2027.

The eco-lodge will include 39 unique cabins, two dining experiences, pools, wellness spaces and various adventure activities.

Epochal Hotels’ CEO Glenn Piper (leaseholder alongside a small group of investors) said, "Hook Island is a truly spectacular part of the world - its raw beauty deserves a sanctuary that both preserves and celebrates every facet of its charm. Our vision is bold: to create an experience that redefines luxury travel through a deep, authentic and wild-spirited connection to nature”. 

Mick Fanning offers an exclusive overnight summer stay at his local Surf Life Saving Club

11 December 2024: The ultimate trifecta, Airbnb is partnering with Surf Life Saving Australia and surfing legend Mick Fanning to launch an exclusive overnight summer stay at Palm Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

From the glistening ocean views to the historical Palm Beach memorabilia throughout and Mick Fanning’s competition surfboards and silverware, it's the classic summer beach escape you've been craving.

A stay here is bookable for a family or group of four and includes a surf session with Mick, as well as a sunset barbecue and personalised shopping trip to Mick’s local Rip Curl store (with Mick on hand to offer advice on the best surf-ready gear).

Available to book on Wednesday 18 December 2024, this one-time-only summer stay takes place from Friday 24th to Monday 27th January 2025. The three-night stay can be booked for just $7 * (a nod to Mick’s competition number) for a group of four guests. Visit airbnb.com/mickfanning for more information. 

Feeling inspired to hit the beach this summer? Check out the best things to do in Palm Beach.

Meet the Brisbane CityDogs

3 November 2024: Bluey and Bingo have made a splash in Brisbane with two iconic CityCats transforming into fun CityDogs, offering families and fans a unique and entertaining way to travel and explore the river city.

This playful makeover arrives just in time for the highly anticipated opening of Bluey’s World Brisbane this month, so you can now arrive in true Bluey style, travelling on the CityDogs to and from the Northshore Hamilton ferry terminal.

Wangetti Trail's first section opens

25 September 2024: The first instalment of the long-awaited Wangetti Trail is now open to walkers and mountain bikers, providing a one-of-a-kind experience to explore Tropical North Queensland’s coast and hinterland.

The 7.8-kilometre dual route takes you from Palm Cove Jetty to the Ellis Beach foreshore (north of Cairns), treating you to both bush and spectacular panorama coastal views. A one-way journey will take roughly three hours for hikers and 45 minutes for mountain bike riders

The full 94-kilometre trail to Port Douglas is expected to open in 2026. Get to know more incredible coastal walks in Queensland.

Bookings now open at The Star Brisbane

15 July 2024: Brisbane’s most anticipated resort this year – The Star Brisbane – has officially opened hotel bookings for stays from 29 August 2024, so you can soak up the city’s most spectacular views in luxury.

Sitting at the heart of Queen’s Wharf Brisbane precinct, choose between contemporary River King and City King Rooms, or sophisticated open-plan River and City Suites.

NB: Three infinity-edge pools, pool bar, steam room and sauna are expected to open in early October and the hotel gym in late October. 

Meet Queensland's top tourism towns 2024

8 June 2024: Looking for your next getaway? Queensland's top holiday destinations have been revealed at QTIC's Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards 2024, and they're going straight on our travel list.

• Queensland Top Tourism Town: Roma in Outback Queensland (just six hours from Brisbane). Plan your road trip here.
• Queensland Top Small Tourism Town: Airlie Beach in The Whitsundays. Find out why the locals love it here.
• Queensland Top Tiny Tourism Town: Winton in Outback Queensland. Check out the ultimate guide to Winton.

Magnetic Island’s Adam Hinks from Aquascene was also announced as Queensland’s best tour guide for 2024.

New Wizard of Oz precinct coming to Warner Bros. Movie World

7 May 2024: Keen to travel the iconic Yellow Brick Road in Queensland? An all-new The Wizard of Oz-themed precinct is coming soon to Movie World on the Gold Coast, featuring a Wizard of Oz-themed suspended family-friendly coaster, as well as a family boomerang racer.

Now, put on those ruby slippers, click your heels three times and we'll see you there! Prepare yourself with this guide on how to navigate Movie World in a day.

Brisbane's Vertigo restaurant is now wheelchair accessible

26 April 2024: Brisbane restaurant Vertigo is the world's first vertical restaurant to be accessible for wheelchair users. Launching a lightweight wheelchair tailored for elevating individuals to high-altitude adventures, this unforgettable culinary experience will enable even more people to enjoy Brisbane from a different perspective. See here for more information.

Looking for a brunch like no other? Vertigo has also launched a champagne brunch available every Sunday, including fruit, croissants, cooked breakfast and an Aperol Spritz on the ground (after an abseil down) to calm your nerves.

Savannah Sounds on the Reef is coming — a once-in-a-lifetime floating gig!

10 April 2024: Want a taste of what's to come at the country music event Savannah in the Round this October? An exclusive musical experience is coming to the Great Barrier Reef on Saturday 27 April 2024 bringing together Australian artists for a gig to remember.

Staged on a floating pontoon, Sheppard and Lee Kernaghan will dip their toes in the Tropical North and put on a show, with support from Max Jackson and Kairos Kin. 

With a limited number of spots available on the pontoon, the search is on for community heroes from across Australia who have demonstrated significant positive contributions to their local community, including those from the Cairns region following Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding in late 2023. Submit your nominations below.

Queensland wins gold at Australian Tourism Awards

16 March 2024: On the tourism industry's biggest night of the year, Queensland has taken home five huge awards. Deciding on your next Queensland getaway? Let these experiences lead the way...

Gold

• Major Festivals and Events: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
  The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers takes over the Southern Queensland city of Toowoomba in the most beautiful of ways each spring with a program of unique events and experiences. Thinking of attending? Here's how to spend a long weekend at Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers.
  
• Adventure Tourism: Ocean Rafting
  See the best of The Whitsundays from above, on and below the water on an action-packed Ocean Rafting Tour. Piqued your interest? Here are 12 ultimate adventure activities in The Whitsundays.
• Ecotourism: Fun Over 50 Holidays
  Specialising in taking guests aged 50 years and over on journeys of discovery, expect to explore the best of  Queensland's pristine rugged wilderness and heritage-listed locations. Find your dream tour here.
• Caravan & Holiday Parks: BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort
  With 13 13-slide waterpark, a 32m lagoon pool heated in winter and over 15 onsite activities, this resort is heaven on earth for guests of all ages. Here's your go-to guide for a family holiday in The Whitsundays.
• 5 Star Luxury Accommodation: The Reef House Boutique Hotel and Spa | Adults Tropical Escapes
  Serving boutique colonial-style accommodation overlooking Palm Cove Beach, The Reef House Boutique Hotel is famous for its luxury escapes. Discover the top 10 things to do in Palm Cove.

Charters Towers wins gold at The Australian Street Art Awards

13 March 2024: Recognising the best street art experiences in the nation, The Australian Street Art Awards have announced their 2023 winners with Tonwsville coming out on top.

Standing over seven metres tall, ‘The World’ sculpture has taken the Gold award for the Best Monument/Memorial, as well as Silver for the Best Landmark Sculpture.  The sculpture stands as a tribute to the pivotal moments that have shaped Charters Towers - the town they called the world during the 1800 gold rush.

The 80 metre 'Wall of History' also received a finalist nomination for the Best Mega Mural in the national awards.

Want to see them for yourself? Here's everything you need to know about Charters Towers.

Bindi Irwin meets Bluey in a new audiobook

1 March 2024: In the ultimate Queensland crossover, Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin has announced she's joining the Heeler gang as the voiceover on a new Bluey book – The Creek.

As part of the Bluey Book Reads series, Bindi narrates Bluey's adventure as she sees dragonflies and lizards, and explores a beautiful creek.

Watch the full read on Bluey.tv or check out the best waterfalls and swimming holes near Brisbane for your own creek adventure. 

New ferry services to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)

20 February 2024: Launcing on 1 March 2024, Brisbane's River to Bay is gearing up to provide convenient transportation to Minjerribah (Noth Stradbroke Island), the second largest sand Island in the world and home of the traditional owners, the Quandamooka people.

Currently only accessible from Cleveland, you'll soon be able to hop on board a ferry from Hamilton (one hour trip) or Manly (30 minutes trip), so you can travel there in style and explore for longer. Visitors will dock at the small seaside township of Dunwich and can jump on the bus to Point Lookout.

Want to make a weekend out of it? Here's how to spend 48 hours there.

Brisbane makes the New York Times’ 52 Places to Go in 2024 list

11 January 2024: The New York Times has released its annual 52 Places to go in 2024 list, with Queensland’s capital city Brisbane making the cut at number 39.

Visitors are eager to set their taste buds on the food and drink offering of this cultural hub, and with the expansion of the Queen's Wharf precinct and restaurants like Vertigo cutting through, it's an exciting destination to add to your travel list.

Here are 24 more reasons to visit Queensland in 2024.

North Queensland is open! Grab a holiday deal today

24 December 2023: North Queensland is open and looking forward to welcoming you! After recent weather events, Great Barrier Reef operators are restoring their tour schedules, and the World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics are putting on a show with stunning greenery and waterfalls cascading in full flow. 

Want to book a summer holiday? Check out these terrific travel deals* for a North Queensland getaway: 

• Get $50 off 15,000ft skydives and gift vouchers with Skydive Cairns when you use the promo code XMAS50. Sale ends 26 December 2023 and jumps can be redeemed at any time. 
• Get 10% off Great Barrier Reef tours with Reef Magic when you use the promo code QLD10. Sale ends 6 February 2024.
• Get 10% off Indigenous-led Great Barrier Reef tours with Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel when you use the promo code QLD10. Sale ends 6 February 2024.
• Get 10% off Great Barrier Reef tours with Fitzroy Island Adventures when you use the promo code QLD10. Sale ends 6 February 2024.

Or gift yourself some well-deserved ‘me time’ at one of the many resorts and hotels in North Queensland:

• Get seven nights for the price of six at NMRA Cairns Holiday Park. Sale ends on 2 February 2024. 
• Save up to 15% off a five-night stay and up to 30% off seven-night stays at Mantra Esplanade. Sale ends March 2024.
• For a limited time, Peppers Blue on Blue Resort is taking 10% off five-night stays. Sale ends 20 March 2024. 
• Snap up the Summer Sale at Daydream Island Resort offering daily breakfast, a $200 food and beverage credit, welcome bottle of wine, half-price ferry transfers and a kids club session for two this summer. 

*Terms and conditions apply.

Bluey’s World is coming to Brisbane

4 December 2023: If you're a fan of the Heeler family, listen up. Set to kick-off in August 2024, a world-exclusive one-of-a-kind Bluey’s World experience is coming to Brisbane, paying homage to the city’s most beloved superstar. 

All ages can enjoy interactive play activities, a touch of theatre, and a guided walk-through real life-size sets, including Bluey and Bingo’s bedroom and living room. Read more here.

Catch Black Friday flight deals to Queensland

24 Novemner 2023: Looking to book your next holiday to Queensland for less? Here's where you can find the very best Black Friday flight sales. 

Qantas is running a 72-hour Surprise Sale with discounted domestic flights to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Bundarberg, Mackay, Townsville, Hamilton Island, Longreach and Mount Isa. Sale ends 11.59pm Friday 24 November.

Rather get a free ride home? Jetstar has a 'return for free' sale when you book your flight and hotel together as a package deal. Fly to The Whitsundays, Cairns, Townsville, or Mackay. Sale ends 11.59pm Monday 27 November 2024.

Virgin has flight specials on offer from $49 to Brisbane, Gold Coast, Cairns, Gladstone, Hamilton Island, Mackay, Mount Isa and Rockhampton. Sale ends 11.59pm Tuesday 28 November.

Now you just need somewhere to stay - check out Queensland's best holiday deals here.

The Pink Flamingo lands in Brisbane

14 November: What's flamboyant, feathery and fabulous? A night at Brisbane's newest entertainment venue, The Pink Flamingo Spiegeland, of course. 

After years of success on the Gold Coast, the birds are spreading their wings and launching on 1 December in Hamilton. Fans of cabaret, burlesque, comedy, acrobatics, dancing and singing are invited to step into a night at Gatsby's to watch an incredible show paired with food and cocktails. Tickets on sale now. 

Fly, wine and dine around Queensland on a new luxurious Heli Tour

10 November 2023: Looking to travel with any extra dose of comfort? Kiff & Culture has launched its new collection of Heli-Tours so you can explore the rich tapestry of Queensland while taking in spectacular aerials views along the way.

From flitting between vineyards in Southern Queensland Country, to touching down for a private picnic on K’gari, or dining with a MasterChef at Tamborine Mountain, each tour offers the dream holiday mix of adventure and luxury.

Get to know more helicopter experiences in Queensland. 

Coral spawning season begins on the Great Barrier Reef

3 November 2023: It's that magical time of year again when the Great Barrier Reef gives birth to the next generation of coral.  The start of the annual coral spawning season was recorded last night (2 November) on Moore Reef, 47km east of Cairns.

What is coral spawning exactly? It's the biggest reproduction show on Earth where corals simultaneously release eggs and sperm bundles (spawn) into the water. There's a lot of science, but it's a phenomenal sight. 

Marine biologist Stuart Ireland filmed the 2023 rebirth of the Great Barrier Reef event from the Sunlover Reef Cruises pontoon and has captured some outstanding images.

Tour operators are operating night trips for diving and snorkelling in November and December 2023, including Divers Den, Pro Dive Cairns and Tusa Reef Tours.

Small ship cruise now departs from Hamilton Island

27 October 2023: Searching for a way to see all of The Whitsundays highlights from one platform and for one price? Now departing from Hamilton Island (previously only from Airlie Beach), hop on board a small ship cruise with Explore Group for the ultimate Whitsunday islands experience, including a pit stop at Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet.

The two night cruise is priced from $1499 per person, twin share and includes accommodation, all meals, day tours and water activities. 

Luxurious new Rolling Seas accommodation opens its doors

25 October 2023: Searching for a piece of Europe on the Gold Coast? Anchored aside Bilinga Beach is the sprawling mansion of Rolling Seas – a bespoke experience for up to 12 guests. Made up of two spacious villas with white-washed walls reminiscent of Greece alongside Hampton-inspired exteriors and alcove day beds, you’ll feel exactly like you’ve walked into a holiday house in the Mediterranean. Bookings are now available.

Explore Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary after dark on new nocturnal night tours

23 October 2023: As the sun sets in Brisbane, discover the extraordinary world of marsupials at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as it branches out into night-time guided tours.

Running three nights a week from 1 November 2023, leave your torch behind and discover koalas, wombats, tree-kangaroos, Tasmanian devils and more in the new Nocturnal Precinct using portable thermal imaging cameras to find your way around. As the wildlife comes to life under the moonlit sky, choose between a twilight tour for younger families or an after dark tour for ages 13 and above. Bookings are essential.

Master Reef Guide captures rare sighting of Leopard Toby fish

20 October 2023: Queensland is home to some iconic underwater locals and just this week, Master Reef Guides Michelle Barry and Catherine Logan came face-to-face with a Leopard Toby fish – believed to be one of the first recorded sightings in the Coral Sea.

Usually inhabiting the waters of the Philippines, Indonesia, Guam and Micronesia, the rare encounter took place on the Western Side of North Horn at Osprey Reef while leading a group of divers onboard Spirit of Freedom.

Turtle Encounter tours reopen at Mon Repos

16 October 2023: From November to late March, head to Bundaberg to catch a rare glimpse of a turtle’s world at Mon Repos. Bookings are now open to join park rangers on a guided tour see mother turtles lay their eggs (November to January) or watch young hatchlings dig free and hustle down the beach (January to March). Bookings are essential and can be made through the Bundaberg Visitor Information Centre.

Motel Caloundra reopens after sustainability transformation

6 October 2023: Striving to be the Sunshine Coast’s first net-zero energy hotel, Motel Caloundra in the heart of Caloundra’s arts and culture precinct has re-opened its doors after a sustainability refresh. Alongside its style and tranquillity, the rooftop now has 47 solar panels, meaning the motel can operate without external energy sources.

Get to know this gorgeous coastal town’s laid-back lifestyle with our local’s guide to Caloundra.

New tropical oasis is coming to Cairns

5 October 2023: At the heart of Cairns, Crystalbrook Collection is soon to unveil its latest addition – Calypso Club – a speciality rum and seafood bar. Opening its doors on 19 October at the iconic Crystalbrook Riley resort, the club is poised to be the hottest new dining destination.

Nestled amidst palm trees and blue skies, everyone is welcome to unwind, feast on inspired seafood from beloved Australian fish and chip shops and American crab shacks, and sip on reimagined classic holiday tipples in a contemporary 'Calypso' way.

Noosa Eat and Drink Festival returns in 2024

4 October 2023: Early bird tickets are now available for the next Noosa Eat and Drink Festival, set to take place from 30 May to 2 June 2024. A standout on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar, this unmissable Noosa weekend will feature over 75 events including a new-look Festival Village, a long lunch destination and twilight beach events like no other. 

For more culinary delights, add these Queensland food festivals to your calendar. 

Netflix hit Love is in the Air highlights The Whitsundays

3 October 2023: Looking for a feel-good Hallmark-style watch? Queensland-made movie Love is in the Air starring Australian singer Delta Goodrem is topping the global Netflix charts. This romantic comedy follows Goodrem’s character as a pilot, as she works to keep her business flying while also sparking up a new love interest. While the movie’s fictional base is Fullerton, look out for similarities with The Whitsundays, including Airlie Beach, Whitsunday Coast Airport, and the region’s scenic islands, blue waters and ocean views.

The Whitsundays is no stranger to Hollywood – check out these movies shot right here in Queensland.

Get swept up in the magic of Fairy Tales at GOMA this summer  

27 September 2023: Journey beyond the everyday and escape to a world of magic and fantasy at Fairy Tales – GOMA’s new immersive exhibition. Running from 2 December until 28 April 2024, step back in time as you meander through more than 100 works (including sculpture, painting, film, costumes, installations and augmented reality) re-telling folk stories of your childhood. Highlights at the exhibition include Corupira 2023, a major new commission by Brazilian sculptor Henrique Oliviera, that envelops visitors in a twisted forest crafted from found tree branches, plywood and strips of salvaged timber. Plus, incredible costumes designed by Eiko Ishioka for the 2012 film Mirror Mirror and Timothy Horn’s Mother-load 2008, an embellished stagecoach created from crystalised rock sugar. Until then, if you’re keen to see all that GOMA has to offer, check out this guide and the best art and culture events in Queensland.  

Celebrate art, music, Indigenous culture and the reef at Bundaberg’s Milbi Festival  

25 September 2023: As if you needed another reason to visit the eco certified Bundaberg region, the Milbi Festival is a must-do for your festival calendar. Kicking off the southern Great Barrier Reef’s turtle season, the festival will run for 10 days from Friday 27 October with a jam-packed program filled with incredible free and ticketed events to check out. Think: free music concerts from Christine Anu, Pete Murray and local musicians, plus artist talks and workshops, cultural immersion tours from Taribelang Bunda Cultural Tours, twilight dinners and days spent on the reef at Lady Elliot Island with a Master Reef Guide. If you want to extend your stay in Bundaberg (trust us, you do!) check out the best things to do in the region, this tasty foodie itinerary and the how to make the most of turtle season.  

The Calile named amongst the 50 best hotels in the world

20 September 2023: The Calile Hotel, Brisbane’s boutique urban oasis nestled on trendy James Street, has just snagged the number 12 spot at the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels awards. The awards, which were held in London overnight, also saw the hotel pick up The Best Hotel in Oceania gong. The voting process involved more than 580 independent leaders, who considered every element of the hotel’s operation from first contact point, to room comfort, quality of food and beverage, on site facilities and check out.  The 175-room hotel has quickly garnered a cult following since it opened its doors in 2018, thanks to its dreamy pastel colour palette, pool deck lined with cabanas and mouth-watering restaurants. Ready to pack your bags and make tracks to Brisbane for a getaway? Check out our guide to the best Brisbane hotels.

Art meets foodie haven at Brisbane Quarter

4 September 2023: Step inside a technicolour rainbow as Brisbane Quarter transforms into an immersive art installation for Brisbane Festival. Running from 1 to 30 September, Hiromi Hotel: YU KA by renowned artist Hiromi Tango, will see the area transform into a mesmerising pop-up of golden oversized peony flowers. Inspired by a poem by ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuang Zi, Hiromi’s installation invites audiences to envision their own metamorphosis, mirroring the symbolic journey of the peony flower in various Asian cultures. Once you’ve snapped those all-important pics, you can go on a culinary journey with a bunch of Brisbane Quarter restaurants and cafes creating unique dishes and cocktails that celebrate the installation. Think: W Brisbane’s Citrus Smile cocktail (made with mandarin gin, lemon juice, egg white, vanilla syrup, and sumac spice, adorned with edible art) and Brisbane Phoenix’s Food of Flower - a moreish Chinese donut stuffed with fresh prawn. Pro tip: come with your phone charged and an empty stomach.

Searching for more of what's new in Queensland? Here are 24 new and must-do Queensland experiences to try in 2024.