Budget holiday rentals for your next Queensland getaway

Dreaming of days soaking up the sun, sand and cool sea breezes? Make your way to the laidback town of Mission Beach, where Sea Pearl at Mission offers the perfect hoiday base from $180 per night. With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, private pool and fully-fenced pet-friendly yard, all you’ll need to bring is a sense of adventure - and this 72 hour guide for what to do. 

Or, retreat to the cooler hills outside of Cairns at Kuranda - a tiny village tucked into the rainforest. On five pristine acres of land, two-bedroom Honeybee House is the ultimate retreat for friends or a small family, complete with a wood burning fire. Prices start from $150 per night. 

Keen to explore the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation? Base yourself at a beachside cabin at Thornton Beach Bungalows from $130 a night. Two cabins accommodate couples, while the three-bedroom house sleeps up to six people with a fully equipped kitchen and living room.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast boasts some of Queensland’s most diverse and luxurious places to stay, but those looking for budget holiday rentals will discover great options from the beach to the hinterland.

If staying moments from the sand is your idea of a holiday, check into Kirra Beach Apartments. Located on the quieter, local end of the Southern Gold Coast, take your pick of self-contained apartments ranging from one to four bedroom, all well-appointed with everything you might need for a beach getaway. Speaking of, the lifeguard patrolled beach is just across the road. Prices start from $130 per night.

For something different, book a waterfront villa or apartment at Isle of Palms Resort – if you book a multi-day stay prices can be as low as $120 per night. And if you want to stay in the heart of the action of Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and nearby theme parks, BreakFree Beachpoint Apartments go for as little as $145 per night, while guests have access to pools, sauna, spa and tennis court. 

Brisbane

Craving a country escape that’s an easy drive from the city? The Scenic Rim boasts endless adventure, and The Grove Cottage at Olive View Estate is possibly one of the most unique places to stay, a historic Queenslander on a sprawling 700-tree olive grove. Perfect for groups of friends or family, the property features its own pool and fireplace, from $200 per night.

For quiet moments with sand between your toes, jump on the ferry to Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) where a collection of self-contained cabins await at Sea Shanties. Nestled into the waterfront of Amity Point, $200 per night will get you basic digs with a small kitchen and living space – but it’s everything you need in a beach shack. Dog friendly cabins are also available for a small additional fee.

Mackay

All the amenities of a resort, but the privacy and convenience of your own self-contained accommodation - Comfort Resort Blue Pacific won’t disappoint. Sitting directly in front of Blacks Beach, you’ll wake up each day to the sound of crashing waves. Choose between a range of residences to be your home away from home from as little as $155 per night, including studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom villas, a beach house and three-bed townhouse.

If you’re looking for more central Mackay accommodation, Lanai Riverside Apartments is a short walk from the city’s restaurants and bars, with spacious accommodation starting at $185 per night.

When you’re done putting your feet up on the beachfront, explore these natural wonders on your doorstep or reel in with the rod at one of Queensland’s best fishing spots.

Capricorn

Queensland’s Capricorn Coast has an atmosphere that allows visitors to truly unwind, and there’s a range of budget holiday rentals in which to do so. Beachfront Zilzie Holiday Home and Cottage is surrounded by postcard-perfect palms, with a spacious one-bedroom cottage and two-bedroom house to suit couples and small groups respectively. Walk your pup on the dog-friendly beach every morning and drift into island time (bring your own doggie beds though as the furniture is a no-go zone). Prices from $120 per night.

Further north towards Yeppoon, Beaches on Lammermoor Apartments boasts a range of luxurious two and three-bedroom fully self-contained apartments starting from $250 per night. Choose to walk across the road to the beach, or kick back around the lagoon-style pool within the complex. There’s even a wading pool for the littlies. 

Townsville

No visit to Townsville is complete with soaking up the national park beauty and fringing reef of Magnetic Island, with 23 beaches to explore. Lana’s Cottage is a great spot for families on a budget, with the three-bed, one-bath property a short stroll from Alma Bay and Geoffrey Bay – from $228 per night. Situated on Nelly Bay, Pure Magnetic offers 10 island-style two-bedroom villas among the gardens, only 20-metres from the beach (from $225 per night). Or, settle into a Queenslander in Arcadia – a 10 minute walk to Alma Bay – at Daggombah. With two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, living and dining rooms, laundry facilities, barbecue, plus a large balcony to relax on at the end of each day, it’ll set you back $200 per night.

Fraser Coast

To swap your front yard for a lake, book a villa at Sanctuary Lakes Fauna Retreat in Hervey Bay. This property features 36 private villas, all surrounded by 10 acres of lush nature reserve. Each comes with a balcony where you can enjoy your morning coffee or watch the sun go down with a glass of wine. When you want to move those legs, go for a wander and see how many resident ducks, turtles and possums you can spot. Starting from $100 per night, the standard villa sleeps up to three people, while the family villa sleeps up to five.

Over on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), Fraser View is home to two self-contained two-bedroom units, priced from $200 per night. Located close to the beach in the Happy Valley area, kick back and listen to the sound of the waves from the adjoining deck. Equipped with pretty much everything you need, what the property lacks in luxuries it makes up for with its UNESCO World Heritage surrounds. Besides, you’re here for the natural immersion anyhow. A 4WD vehicle and beach driving skills are required to reach this property. 

Gladstone

If you want to treat your partner to a romantic getaway in the tropics, stay in one of the Sunbird Gardens cottages. Located just 300 metres from Agnes Water Beach, each modern cottage boasts ample space and privacy. The inside has everything you need, with a queen-sized bed, bathroom, self-contained kitchen, comfy sofa and TV. The outside is full of luxuries; dig into a barbecue under the gazebo before jumping into the spa bath. Let the sounds of native birds be your holiday soundtrack. Villas start from $180 per night.

Wake up to the sound of waves lapping against the shore with a stay at Pavillions on 1770. Spacious and beautifully equipped one, two and three-bedroom apartments - boasting a large spa bath in all – feel like a home away from home from $200 per night. 

Southern Queensland Country

One of the best budget holiday rentals in Queensland for country-style accommodation is Dumaresq Homestead in Goondiwindi. Set among 9000 acres of rolling hills and grassy plains, this residency is bursting with character and space for up to 12 guests (there are six bedrooms in total). This property will give you a true taste of farm life and allow you to embark on once-in-a-lifetime adventures that the city can’t replicate. Gallop along the Dumaresq River on horseback, attempt to catch the big cod, and stare at the night skies for a galactic show. Prices start from $170 per night.

Does a quaint cottage in Toowoomba pique your interest? Featuring a soft ambience and warm fireplace, Homewood Cottages, located in Highfields, has two charismatic residences for you to choose from. When you’re ready to explore, walk around and let yourself stumble upon the local eateries, shops, historical sites and picturesque natural beauty of the town. There’s something to discover around every corner. From $165 per night.

If exploring Bunya Mountains National Park is on the cards, snuggle up in one of the many cabin rentals managed by Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre. They offer over 100 chalets and holiday homes to suit all tastes, group sizes and budgets - from cosy timber chalets and budget-friendly cottages to architecturally-designed houses with spectacular views of rainforest, mountains and valleys.

Sunshine Coast

Holiday apartments by the seaside don’t usually come cheap, but you can stay in the heart of Mooloolaba at Sandcastles from $190 per night. The collection of one-bedroom apartments are a stone’s throw from Mooloolaba’s lifeguard patrolled beach, bustling restaurant strip and activities like Sea Life Aquarium. When you want to unwind, sprawl out on the balcony and enjoy the ocean breeze.  

But if your kind of beach holiday means finding a patch of sand all to yourself, head north to Rainbow Beach where Rainbow Getaway Holiday Apartments sit adjacent to Cooloola National Park and a five minute stroll to the surf. Fully self-contained apartments in one, two and three bedrooms are ideal for couples and families alike, and start from $180 per night.

The Whitsundays

A holiday to The Whitsundays doesn’t have to break the bank – and you'll want to save your money for iconic adventures worth the price tag, like sailing to Whitehaven Beach. Luckily, the region offers a host of budget holiday rentals for those who crave their own space – and with your own kitchen, you can eat some meals at home and save a little extra, too.  

Couples and small families can settle at Airlie Sunset Waterview from $205 per night, conveniently located near the marina with ocean views and a fully-equipped kitchen. Over by the Port of Airlie, Casa Mama is a two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment within the popular Mediterranean Resort, giving guests access to the wet edge resort pool, spa, BBQ area and free onsite parking – from $220 per night. Set on the waterfront, Marina Shores apartments go for a steal at $225 per night, and you can often grab a deal for longer stays.

Prefer the serenity of Cape Gloucester? Birdsong House in Dingo Beach is a pet-friendly three-bedroom property just 80-metres from the sand, and the tranquil beachside community feels a world away from lively Airlie Beach. Getting away from it all starts at $150 per night. 

Outback Queensland