Queensland's most memorable moments of 2024

In what feels like a blink of an eye, we’re flipping over the calendar to the end of the year. Christmas lights are sparkling from our shopping districts to enchanted city parklands, kids are excitedly awaiting the final school bell, and the beach is calling.

The year may have zoomed by, but between setting world records, launching world-exclusive experiences and new world-class entertainment precincts, Australia’s favourite holiday destination continues to inspire travellers from across the globe to make the journey to our sunny shores.

Here are Queensland’s top moments of 2024. 

1. Bluey’s World opened in Brisbane

Brisbane is Bluey’s World, for real life. The iconic Aussie TV show is set right here in the River City, and the one-of-a-kind experience – exclusive to Brisbane – opened its doors at Northshore in early November. Inspired by Bluey episodes you know and love, Bluey’s World takes you into the Heeler’s family home, backyard and beyond, with real-life sets, recognisable scenes, and beloved characters and games to enjoy.

Bluey’s World is set to thrill families well into 2025, with tickets currently on sale until 14 September.   

Haven’t booked your visit yet? Head here for all the details.

2. Queensland set a world record

On Sunday, 2 June 2024, hundreds of Bluey fans came together around Queensland to set a world record for the biggest game of keepy uppy. Seriously fun – and serious business for the record books – adjudicators from The Australian Book of Records oversaw three official games played simultaneously at Brisbane’s South Bank, the Gold Coast’s sparkling Kurrawa Beach and Cairns Esplanade, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

3. Hikers and bikers get their first taste of the Wangetti Trail 

Queensland’s awe-inspiring landscapes are home to some of the world’s best journeys, whether on foot, bike, or by car. In 2024, the Wangetti Trail opened its first 8km stretch from Palm Cove to Ellis Beach, offering hikers and mountain bikers a new adventure with unbeatable coastal and bush views. A one-way hike takes about three hours, while bikers can complete it in 45 minutes.

Once finished, the Wangetti Trail will span 94 kilometres from Palm Cove to Port Douglas, providing multi-day hiking and biking experiences through the UNESCO-listed Wet Tropics Rainforest, following an ancient path once used by First Nations People.

4. World-first platform connects visitors to the Great Barrier Reef like never before

Travellers can become champions of Great Barrier Reef conservation thanks to Guardian of the Reef, a world-first online platform promoting reef-positive holiday choices.

Developed by Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Expedia, the program blends science and environmental education to deepen visitors’ understanding of the Reef's health and conservation efforts, and cultural significance. It’s also a helpful planning tool, connecting travellers with over 140 eco-certified tourism operators – who can earn Expedia points along the way to use towards Great Barrier Reef bookings.

5. Women’s rugby league soars to new heights

The 2024 Women's State of Origin series made history by being played over three games for the first time ever, with two matches hosted in Brisbane and Townsville. Marking another milestone in the growing profile of women’s rugby league, the fierce rivalry between Queensland and New South Wales thrilled sports fans who packed into stadiums to watch the action – with Queensland ending the series in victory.

6. Brisbane welcomes brand new entertainment precinct 

In 2024, Brisbane City’s energetic riverfront buzzed with the opening of stunning Queen’s Wharf, and luxury resort The Star Brisbane is its crown jewel. The $3.6 billion luxury entertainment and dining precinct is one of the largest infrastructure investments in the city’s history, now a vibrant, world-class hub for the heart of the city, boasting a glittering casino, rooftop bars and restaurants, and smorgasbord of foodie and retail destinations.

7. Destinations recognised on the world stage

The excitement – and accolades – continued to roll into Brisbane in 2024. Queensland’s capital was recognised in The New York Times annual 52 Places to Go in 2024 list, as well as the #1 trending Destination by American Express Travel – undoubtedly due to the city’s ever-expanding food and culture offering.

It wasn’t just the bold river city that stole the spotlight, either. Remote Great Barrier Reef escape, Lizard Island, scooped up #20 in the World’s 50 Best Beaches. Shining light on tiny Anchor Bay Beach – labelled “the epitome of a small island beach paradise” – it’s tucked within a national park, with the most incredible reef snorkelling and diving right off the beach. Tempted to come see it for yourself? Here’s how.

8. New theme park rides bring more thrills to the Gold Coast

Australia’s biggest adventure playground has expanded – just in time for the summer holidays.

Movie World is bringing the magic of The Wizard of Oz to life with a brand-new precinct, as characters and scenes from the beloved movie come to life through entertainment, a suspended family coaster and boomerang ride through the land of Oz.

Over at Dreamworld, the all-new Rivertown precinct offers an immersive, family-friendly wildlife adventure, complete with the Jungle Rush family coaster, debuting the world’s first inclined turntable.

9. Haute couture visionary’s Brisbane showcase stunned fashion lovers 

The Gallery of Modern Art transformed into a catwalk during exclusive exhibition, Iris van Herpen: Sculpting the Senses. Celebrating the haute couture masterpieces and whimsical creations of the internationally acclaimed Dutch fashion designer, the exhibit buzzed with fashion and design lovers, especially during the Friday Nights series where the gallery stayed up late with drinks, DJs and creative workshops.

One of QAGOMA’s most impressive exhibitions to date, created in collaboration with Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, 100 garments were on show alongside contemporary artworks, natural history specimens and cultural artefacts from which van Herpen draws inspiration – set to a soundscape by artist Salvador Breed.

10. Thousands bare all on Story Bridge

Sunrise looked a little different on Story Bridge one special Sunday in October. Closed to vehicle traffic, 5,500 volunteers gathered high above Brisbane River for a striking public artwork to celebrate 30 years of Spencer Tunick’s art.

One of the most talked about events during Melt, Brisbane’s queer arts and culture festival, the installation saw participants strip down to celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion as part of Tunick's 'Rising Tide' series. Known for his large-scale works featuring the human body, Tunick’s installation is set to become a powerful symbol of unity and acceptance.

11. Brisbane takes centre stage on Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe

Award-winning Brisbane journalist and writer Trent Dalton needs no introduction in Queensland – the local author famous for his raw and heart-wrenching tales of life in Brisbane. But when adaptation of his first semi-autobiographical novel, Boy Swallows Universe, debuted as a seven-part series on Netflix earlier this year, a global audience was captivated by his 1980’s Brisbane experience.

Fanfare around the series has inspired new exploration around Brisbane, as visitors flock to set locations from the now-famous clock tower at City Hall to Darra’s Que Huong Vietnamese restaurant.

Uncover the story with our Brisbane guide, or dive into Dalton’s favourite spots around town.

Inspired to visit Queensland for your own top moment? Dive into the most incredible experiences here.