Here's where and how you'll want to travel in 2021

Every year travel trends change and with them bring new and exciting ways to explore. But after the year that was, where and how we travel in 2021 is guaranteed to change a little bit more than usual. 

So what are the big travel trends this year, and more importantly, where are the best places in Queensland to visit in 2021?

From wilderness adventures, to road trips, Indigenous experiences, and perfect destinations to spend quality time with loved ones, these are travel trends to watch out for, and the best places to match. 

The re-imagined road trip

In 2021, the road trip (especially in a glam van or motorhome) is emerging as the preferred travel format. It's a holiday that combines freedom with comfort, and the ability to venture with as much or as little structure as you like or need.

The long-distance road trip is quintessentially Queensland. Why not head inland to the Matilda Way which traverses through the heart of Outback Queensland from Cunnamulla via Longreach to Karumba and includes dinosaur discoveries, bore-fed bath tubs and sunsets in the Gulf Savannah.   

This year, smaller road trips that offer achievable escapism will be on the rise.

The Hinterland double of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast (Springbrook, to Binna Burra, via the Scenic Rim en route to the Glass House Mountains), Cairns to Cape York, or Brisbane to Bundaberg all offer wide open spaces, charm-filled towns (like Mossman and Childers), and varying ecosystems (such as rainforests to reef islands) all in the one adventure.

Connect with culture

Connecting and learning from the custodians of our country is a rewarding way to explore Queensland, and the magnificent landscapes they’ve protected for tens of thousands of years.

For many, a cultural experience means a journey to the tropical north of Cairns & Great Barrier Reef but there are tours across the state you can add to any itinerary.

In Brisbane, BlackCard Cultural Tours provide a guided walk through Meeanjin (Brisbane City) and afterwards you can visit Birrunga Gallery and dining, the only Indigenous owned and operated cultural hub in Brisbane.

Heading north you can explore the Great Sandy Strait with Hervey Bay Eco Marine Tours, the waters of the Sunshine Coast with Saltwater Eco Tours and the Whitsunday islands with the Ngaro Indigenous Cultural tour thanks to Whitsundays Paradise Explorer. 

For complete immersion, multi-day experiences with Jarramali Rock Art Tours, Yagurli Tours, or Culture Connect (all in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef) offer profound insight into Queensland’s Indigenous cultures.

Reunite with loved ones

Visiting friends and family or venturing off for quality time with loved one will be one of (if not the number one) motivating factor for travel in 2021.

The important part is finding the right destination and experience mix that blends exploration and downtime for a balanced multi-generational holiday.

When it comes to getting away and truly reconnecting, an island on the Great Barrier Reef with limited or no mobile service is the perfect way to switch off and be present.

Pumpkin Island, off the coast of Yeppoon can be rented out for just you and your clan (maximum of 34 people) and is the perfect place to sit around the fire sharing stories, venture for a snorkel right off the beach, or play on the sand until the little ones are knackered.

Off the coast of Brisbane, Moorgumpin (Moreton Island) and Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) equally feel like worlds away from normal life. Days are spent exploring nature, either spotting wildlife like koalas and kangaroos on the North Gorge Walk at Minjerribah or snorkelling with marine creatures including turtles off the beach at Moorgumpin.

Quieter seaside towns like Agnes Water and 1770, Yeppoon and Emu Park, and Cape Tribulation also offer the perfect mix of activities and seclusion.

The big-ticket holiday 

The focus on exploring our backyards in 2021 will see domestic holidays continue on their evolution trajectory from little escapes to life-changing holidays.  

Simply put, this is the year for your big-ticket item. It's different for all of us, so here are a couple of options:

• For the luxury escape, check-in to one of these Great Barrier Reef islands
• Head really far west and explore Birdsville and Big Red in the Simpson Desert
• Swim with the elusive and mysterious Dwarf Minke Whales on the Great Barrier Reef
• Sleep under the ocean with ReefSuites in The Whitsundays
• Enjoy the expanse of the outback without forgoing any luxuries at Mt Mulligan Lodge

Wilderness adventures

The urge to venture into the unknown in a minimalistic fashion has exploded in recent months, and with more than 1,000 national parks covering deserts, rainforests and sand islands, Queensland is the perfect place for escapism.

To get started, here are 11 national parks to visit (perfect for shorter stays) and once the hiking bug has bit, set your sights on one of Queensland’s 10 great walks, where nature will dwarf you at every step.

Want to escape the bustle but don’t want to carry a tent on your back? There are glamping options across the state (here are some of our top picks) that combine spectacular natural surrounds with unforgettable experiences. Picture hiking through the outback before settling into a beautifully appointed bell tent for the night, or glamping on the tiny coral cay of Wilson Island in the Great Barrier Reef.

Looking for more of a digital detox than a wilderness adventure? Check out these top retreats.