How to make the most of one week in Queensland

Stop one on this action-packed sojourn across the state has to be the Gold Coast.

With a laid-back vibe that will have you quickly switching gears from work/life mode to a happy holiday mood, it’s the perfect starting point for any visit to Queensland. Add to that stunning beaches from north to south, a cool dining and bar scene and the breathtaking green behind the gold, you’ll definitely begin your week on a high note.

With only a single night here, we recommend a little beauty called Burleigh Heads. From Coolangatta Airport, it’s just a quick 15-minute taxi ride away.

The reasons to visit Burleigh Heads could go on and on, but as a teaser: the beach is what you see in postcards, Burleigh Hill is perfect for sunrise, traverse the hill and you land at Tallebudgera Creek (a haven for stand up paddle boarding - head to the southern side of the creek to hire a board), the restaurant offering is top-class (do yourself a favour and have a bug roll at Rick Shores) and Black Hops Brewery on Gardenia Grove serves up some seriously delicious local craft beer.

If you want to balance those beach feels with lush rainforest, the Gold Coast Hinterland  is less than an hour’s drive away. Set your GPS for the World Heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest of Springbrook National Park. Then, head off on foot to explore the nature walks, cascading waterfalls and babbling creeks as you wander through a changing landscape of subtropical and temperate rainforest, open eucalypt forest and montane heath. By day, take in the serene waterfall that flows through the rock arch of Natural Bridge. By night, see the basalt cave in a new light as it’s lit up with glow worms.

For more must-do activities while you’re on the Gold Coast, have a look at these top things to do on the Gold Coast and read our local’s guide to the Gold Coast Hinterland.

Need help choosing where to stay? See this Gold Coast accommodation guide.

Day 2: Discover a different side of Brisbane

Before you head north to Brisbane, there’s always time to load up at one of the Gold Coast’s best breakfast spots.

From the Coast, you can catch public transport all the way to Brisbane via tram connections to the train line, or you can arrange a private transfer or hire a car for the 60km drive up the M1 Highway.

Even if you've been to Queensland’s capital before, chances are you’re in for a surprise. Placing at 39 in New York Times list of 52 Places to go in 2024, the easy-going city is constantly evolving with a raft of new hotels recently opening, supported by incredible dining precincts such as the Brisbane Quarter (home of the W Hotel featuring Three Blue Ducks, Phat Boy and Persone) and the game-changing Howard Smith Wharves.

Located under the iconic Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves includes the massive Felons Brewing Company (named after the four felons that discovered the Brisbane River), the over-water bar Mr Percival’s, and Grecca (headed by Jonathan Barthelmess, owner of Sydney’s The Apollo).

As well as progressively dining your way across the city, be sure to check out some of the top things to do in Brisbane, discover Brisbane’s cultural heart, and read our Brisbane precincts guide to plan your day around the areas that most pique your interest.

And if you need even more inspo, here’s our cheat’s guide to Brisbane.

Day 3: Swim with turtles on the Great Barrier Reef

This is not a drill. You can wake up in Brisbane and be snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef in only a few hours’ time.

When it comes to awe-inspiring, mind-blowing locations, Lady Elliot Island, the most southern island on the Great Barrier Reef, is right towards the top of that list.

The 45-hectare coral cay off the coast of Bundaberg is accessible only by plane, with Seair Pacific operating routes daily from Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gold Coast and Brisbane (Redcliffe). The 80-minute flight is an absolute treat in itself, with spectacular views of the islands off Brisbane and in whale season (June to November) there’s a high chance you’ll spot a majestic humpback.

Upon touching down you have one task – get into the water ASAP. Lady Elliot Island has two main sides for snorkelling: the eastern lagoon which is tidal and perfect for less-confident snorkellers (it’s also loaded with turtles!) and the western side which is teaming with coral bommies and larger marine life including manta rays, turtles and a myriad of creatures you didn’t know existed. Don’t fret if you can’t choose, there’s time for both.

Tonight, you’ll be resting your weary head at the island’s only accommodation, Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Regardless of whether you choose to stay in a unit, tent or cabin (all of which have been thoughtfully designed to minimise environmental impact on the island and surrounding reef), you’ll be treated to a full buffet dinner and breakfast, use of all snorkelling equipment and a glass bottom boat tour during your stay.

If you’re staying on Lady Elliot Island between November and February, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. Join the night-time guided tour and watch green and loggerhead turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. For those visiting after nesting season between February and April, you’ll instead get to witness hundreds of turtle hatchlings popping up from below the sand and making their way down to the ocean.

Those with a keen interest in protecting the Great Barrier Reef (including the turtles) and learning how you can minimise your footprint during your visit to Queensland should read this guide before you go.

Day 4: Take off to the tropics

We’re only three days down and you’ve already left footprints on beaches, visited Queensland’s capital and explored the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

Today, head north to Cairns and beyond in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef (multiple flights leave daily from Brisbane). Tip: If you landed in Brisbane instead of the Gold Coast at the start of your journey, you can swap day one and two in this guide as flights to both Lady Elliot Island and Cairns depart from the Gold Coast.

If you get the change to score a window seat on your flight from Brisbane to Cairns, take it, and keep an eye outside to witness the landscape and diversity of the natural environment change. Now, remember this when thinking about the Great Barrier Reef.

Stretching a ridiculous 2300km along the Queensland coastline (roughly the size of Japan) ensures the Great Barrier Reef, like the terrain from Brisbane to Cairns, is extremely diverse depending on where you visit, making multiple trips really worth your while.

Cairns is the gateway to the Northern Great Barrier Reef, but it’s also home to so much more. Like a good Choose Your Own Adventure book, you can make the next move by picking from an array of different activities, including:

●      9 action-packed adventures including white water rafting

●      Hiking nearby mountains including the tallest in Queensland

●      Cooling off in swimming holes with the locals

●      Living your best life in a hammock on a Great Barrier Reef island

●      Connecting with Indigenous culture from Cairns to Cooktown

However, if you don’t divert and stick with the main storyline, it’s time to head further north and base yourself at Cape Tribulation - the only place in the world where two World Heritage sites meet.

The best way to explore Cairns & Great Barrier Reef is by hiring a car and driving the stunning Great Barrier Reef Drive, stopping off at Palm Cove (for palm trees and stunning beaches), Mossman Gorge (for a swim and an Indigenous guided Dreamtime Walk) and crossing the Daintree River by ferry before ending in the closest thing to tropical paradise, Cape Tribulation.

Cape Trib is the perfect place to disconnect – to forget about your worries and just enjoy the finest nature has to offer. For more ideas on how to spend your time here, check out this local’s guide to the region.

Day 5: Explore reef and rainforest in a day

This morning, join the crew at Ocean Safari and head out on a zippy half-day Great Barrier Reef tour departing Cape Trib to Mackay and Undine Reefs to meet the local turtles, eagle rays and giant clams.

After your morning snorkel, it’s time to swap the horse-power of the boat for actual horse power, cantering through the rainforest onto the beach and even into the waters of the Coral Sea on horseback with Cape Trib Horse Rides.

Finish your afternoon with a scoop of homemade ice cream at Daintree Ice Cream Company. Made from organic seasonal fruits picked straight from the property’s orchard, expect unique exotic flavours and some of the best tasting ice cream of your life. The surrounding views of the Daintree Rainforest are also hard to beat. 

Day 6: From one natural wonder to the next

You’ve explored one of the region’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, now it’s time to immerse yourself in the second, the Daintree Rainforest.

Pack your bags, because for your last night it’s time to lift the luxury level by staying in a treehouse in the heart of the rainforest at Silky Oaks Lodge.

You may not want to leave the tranquility of the lodge or its Healing Waters Spa (and be sure to have dinner at Silky Oaks, the menu is sensational), but for the rest of your day, there is a gigantic rainforest to explore. For inspiration on how to spend your day, we’ve pulled together 30 of the best activities for the Daintree Rainforest and nearby Port Douglas.

This evening, book a sunset tour on the Daintree River Wild Watch with Ian ‘Sauce’ Worcester to witness the rainforest come to life. Look out for crocodiles soaking up the last few rays of sun on the side of the river, large Amethystine Python sleeping in the trees that line the bank’s edge, or watch Cattle Egrets hunting overhead for their final meal of the day. Or, simply sit back and admire the spectacular sunset as you listen to Ian share his vast knowledge of the wildlife and history of the area.

 Day 7: Take the scenic route back to Cairns

Your trip is sadly coming to an end. For your final day, be sure to tick off any nearby experiences you’ve missed before heading back to Cairns, or maybe just stop off at a deserted beach along the drive back home to enjoy that last piece of freedom.

Seven days, four regions, beaches, rainforests, foodie heaven and the Great Barrier Reef – that’s where to go in Queensland for the holiday to end all holidays.

Prefer to travel off the beaten track? Here are new places to discover in Queensland.