Queensland - US June 2024

I'm iconic | coasting through life | beyond the beach

Queensland

Take a moment and think about the ideal destination for your next vacation. Chances are, this place has sun-drenched beaches with sugar-white sand surrounded by clear, blue waters. There's iconic wildlife and natural wonders you need to experience firsthand to believe. It has both a rich cultural heritage that dates back millennia and a modern city with enough global clout to host an upcoming Olympics. To top things off, this place doesn't take itself too seriously—welcoming visitors for a beach day and barbecue or a Sunday session in the sunshine with your newest mates. That vacation destination we just described exists in real life. It's all there in Queensland, Australia, and with United Airlines you can fly nonstop from San Francisco to the capital city of Brisbane. From there, any number of adventures await across this state, whether that's an immersive dive in the Great Barrier Reef, a walkabout with Traditional Owners in the Daintree Rainforest or a restorative respite on Daydream Island (yes, it's a real place). Check out our suggestions to build your vacation, based on the traveling style that connects with you.

Great Barrier Reef You've come all this way, you might as well dive right in, so to speak, starting with the Great Barrier Reef. One of the best ways to get the full scope of this 133,000-square-mile expanse of impossibly blue waters and lush islands across a bright coral kaleidoscope is by air. Get a glimpse from your window seat when you are landing in Cairns. If that's not enough, several operators out of Cairns or Port Douglas offer helicopter or seaplane tours for a bird's-eye view. Equipped with the big picture (and likely a ton of incredible photos), the next step is to see the Reef up close. Most travelers choose a half- or full-day sailboat or catamaran tour, which cater to first-time snorkelers or divers and will include all equipment—just bring a suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a camera. More serious divers may choose a liveaboard for several days of diving to seek out the Great Eight in the deeper waters of the Outer Reef. However you immerse yourself this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's important to do it in a sustainable way so that future travelers get the chance to experience this natural wonder.

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I'm iconic

Coasting through life

Beyond the beach

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Cape Hillsborough

Great Sandy National Park

Whitsundays

Mount Mulligan

Cedar Creek Falls near Airlie Beach (left); An Aboriginal walkabout in the Daintree Rainforest (right)

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Wallaby at Cape Hillsborough National Park

Brisbane

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Heart Reef, Graet Barrier Reef

Great Sandy National Park

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

Daintree Rainforest The only thing that might compete with the spectacular scenery found at the Great Barrier Reef is the incredible biodiversity on display in the Daintree Rainforest, located a few hours' drive north of Cairns. At 180 million years old, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is older than the Amazon. The flora and fauna found here are stunning, but what might be most fascinating is the deep connection of the Aboriginal culture to this environment. Walkabout Cultural Adventures allows travelers a way to experience this through a walkabout led by an Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guide, during which you'll forage for bush tucker, seek out mud crab in the mangroves and hear stories that date back thousands of years. Closer to Cairns is the chance to take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge, which includes a traditional "smoking" ceremony to ward off bad spirits and a refreshing dip in a freshwater swimming hole. Many of these experiences are especially family-friendly. The guides will often ask if this is "your mob" (family and friends).

Whitsunday Islands Tropical weather, romantic resorts, natural wonders, alabaster white sand beaches—if there is a checklist for a perfect beach vacation, the Whitsunday Islands in the center of the Great Barrier Reef has it in spades (or sand shovels, if you will). If you only have a few days, anchor yourself on the mainland in Airlie Beach, an coastal town considered the entry point to the Whitsundays that keeps it "light and breezy". Accommodations there cover every budget, and you can catch a sailboat into the azure waters surrounding the 74 idyllic islands for a day trip, sunset cruise or overnight charter. If you have more time and wish to island-hop, you're spoilt for choice: luxury resorts dot these waters on outposts like Hayman Island and Daydream Island, families flock to Hamilton Island (which has direct flights from Brisbane) and you can even camp overnight on Whitehaven Beach, a four-mile stretch of silica renowned as one of the world's best beaches.

Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast Even if you stay on the mainland, there's plenty of options for a seaside stop or two among Queensland's 4,300 miles of coastline. After landing in Brisbane, a quick drive south will take you to the Gold Coast, Queensland's second-largest city. It may be best known for its fashionable neighborhoods and golden beaches, but there are several ways to get your heart rate up around here: whether it's scaling the outside of Australia's tallest building on the SkyPoint Climb, taking on rollercoasters and waterslides at several theme parks or catching a wave in aptly-named Surfers Paradise. Meanwhile, a short drive north from Brisbane takes you to the Sunshine Coast, a laid-back stretch of coastal communities. Nestled on the northern end, Noosa offers a beachy chic getaway option with high-end shopping and dining on Hastings Street, Australia's biggest artisan market in nearby Eumundi and, of course, breathtaking beaches.

Australia's Nature Coast As you venture farther north from Brisbane, the beach towns give way to national parks and state forests with any number of ways to experience and explore Queensland's abundant natural beauty. A short drive from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, you could be hiking amid the striking peaks of the Glass House Mountains or kayaking through the Noosa Everglades, one of only two systems in the world and home to over 40% of Australia's bird species. For a memorable road trip, try the Great Beach Drive—which takes coastal cruising in a different direction since you're driving on the sand. Equipped with a 4x4 vehicle, permits and safety briefing, you'll drive through the Great Sandy Biosphere to see the multi-colored sand dunes at Rainbow Beach, then take a barge over to K'gari, the world's largest sand island with its own treasures—including the freshwater Lake McKenzie with remarkably clear water and white-sand beaches.

Pacific Coast Way While we're on the topic of road trips, if you have the time, the 1055-mile drive from the Gold Coast to Cairns doesn't disappoint. Go big or go home, right? The Pacific Coast Way takes you through bustling cities and stylish suburbs, Gold Rush country towns and sun-drenched seaside spots, prolific national parks and flourishing farming regions. Don't miss the chance to go whale watching in Hervey Bay, the world's first Whale Heritage Site, where migrating humpbacks frolic in the calm, protected waters around K'gari each winter (June through November). Just north in Bundaberg (or "Bundy" as the locals call it), you'll find the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific at Mon Repos beach; visit the nearby Turtle Center for the lowdown on the life cycle of these sea turtles. The wild times continue as you reach the Cape Hillsborough National Park north of Mackay. Wake up before sunrise and head to Casuarina Beach for an unforgettable sight as wallabies emerge from the bush to forage for their breakfast on the beach—mangrove seed pods left by the receding tide.

Brisbane Your nonstop United flight lands in this future Olympic host city, endorsed by The New York Times as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2024. Brisbane's must-sees include the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, twin art spaces set along the trendy South Bank of the Brisbane River. The galleries host immersive art exhibitions, works from contemporary, Indigenous and experimental artists and a cinema showing thought-provoking films. The city is a hot spot for dining, too. At the Howard Smith Wharves, you’ll have your pick of Greek, Japanese, Italian and Cantonese restaurants—along with a German-style beer hall, a rooftop bar and riverfront views from all angles. Don’t miss a locally sourced scoop or two from Goodtimes Gelateria for dessert. Those traveling with kids will want to venture outside the city to Australia Zoo, a wildlife park once managed by “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, whose family continues his legacy there today. From watching crocodiles strike in the 5,000-seat “Crocoseum” to petting fluffy koalas, animal lovers will have a literal field day in the 700-acre conservation area.

Outback In Queensland’s wild lands, there’s much more to do than contemplate wide-open spaces. Adventurous types can hike, drive (4-wheel-drive vehicle required) or even sandboard down the Simpson Desert’s massive rich-red sand dunes within Manga-Thirri National Park, pausing atop the 130-foot-high one known as “Big Red” for a picnic or an epic sunset. (Fun fact, Big Red is the site of a popular music festival—Big Red Bash—held each July.) For an intriguing look into Queensland’s prehistoric roots, take a drive across the Dinosaur Trail, a route that winds through several towns where dinosaur fossils have been found. In Winton, visit the Australian Age of the Dinosaurs Museum to view one of the largest collections of Australian dinosaur fossils, including a near-complete Australovenator skeleton. The next stop is Hughenden and its Flinders Discovery Centre Museum, where fossilized dinosaur footprints are one of the top attractions. Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner museum shines light on ancient marine reptiles, including its namesake, a 30-foot-long, sharp-toothed beast that stalked the waters 120 million years ago.

National Parks Queensland is home to 237 national parks—more than any other Australian state. Then there are many more protected state forests, marine parks and land areas on top of that. This is all to say that the place is a nature-lover’s utopia. You can explore everything from cave systems and Australia’s longest lava tube (Undara Volcanic National Park); to the highest single-drop waterfall in the country (Girringun National Park); to variegated sandstone cliffs, boulder-bedecked creeks and Aboriginal rock art (Carnarvon Gorge National Park); to volcanic mountain peaks that play a central role in the culture and spirituality of First Nation Peoples (Glass House Mountains National Park). This list is, of course, a drop in the bucket (or in the rock pool, maybe) considering the thousands of stunning nature experiences on offer, but it’s a place to start. Camping is available in many of the parks—in Main Range National Park, for example, whose Scenic Rim Trail requires about four days to complete. (Availability varies and permits are required.) But for those who prefer to post up in a more permanent structure, lodging is typically available in the towns neighboring the parks.

Noosa (left); Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast (right)

Carnarvon Gorge National Park (left); Munga-Thirri National Park (right)

Great Barrier Reef

Glass House Mountains

I'm iconic | coasting through life | beyond the beach

Great Barrier Reef You've come all this way, you might as well dive right in, so to speak, starting with the Great Barrier Reef. One of the best ways to get the full scope of this 2300-kilometre expanse of impossibly blue waters and lush islands across a bright coral kaleidoscope is by air. Get a glimpse from your window seat when you are landing in Cairns. If that's not enough, several operators out of Cairns or Port Douglas offer helicopter or seaplane tours for a bird's-eye view. Equipped with the big picture (and likely a ton of incredible photos), the next step is to see the Reef up close. Most travellers choose a half- or full-day sailboat or catamaran tour, which cater to first-time snorkelers or divers and will include all equipment—just bring a suit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen and a camera. More serious divers may choose a liveaboard for several days of diving to seek out the Great Eight in the deeper waters of the Outer Reef. However you immerse yourself this UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's important to do it in a sustainable way so that future travellers get the chance to experience this natural wonder.

Daintree Rainforest The only thing that might compete with the spectacular scenery found at the Great Barrier Reef is the incredible biodiversity on display in the Daintree Rainforest, located a few hours' drive north of Cairns. At 180 million years old, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is older than the Amazon. The flora and fauna found here are stunning, but what might be most fascinating is the deep connection of the Aboriginal culture to this environment. Walkabout Cultural Adventures allows travellers a way to experience this through a walkabout led by an Indigenous Kuku Yalanji guide, during which you'll forage for bush tucker, seek out mud crab in the mangroves and hear stories that date back thousands of years. Closer to Cairns is the chance to take a guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge, which includes a traditional "smoking" ceremony to ward off bad spirits and a refreshing dip in a freshwater swimming hole. Many of these experiences are especially family-friendly. The guides will often ask if this is "your mob" (family and friends).

Whitsunday Islands Tropical weather, romantic resorts, natural wonders, alabaster white sand beaches—if there is a checklist for a perfect beach vacation, the Whitsunday Islands in the centre of the Great Barrier Reef has it in spades (or sand shovels, if you will). If you only have a few days, anchor yourself on the mainland in Airlie Beach, an coastal town considered the entry point to the Whitsundays that keeps it "light and breezy". Accommodations there cover every budget, and you can catch a sailboat into the azure waters surrounding the 74 idyllic islands for a day trip, sunset cruise or overnight charter. If you have more time and wish to island-hop, you're spoilt for choice: luxury resorts dot these waters on outposts like Hayman Island and Daydream Island, families flock to Hamilton Island (which has direct flights from Brisbane) and you can even camp overnight on Whitehaven Beach, a seven-kilometre stretch of silica renowned as one of the world's best beaches.

Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast Even if you stay on the mainland, there's plenty of options for a seaside stop or two among Queensland's 7,000 kilometres of coastline. After landing in Brisbane, a quick drive south will take you to the Gold Coast, Queensland's second-largest city. It may be best known for its fashionable neighbourhoods and golden beaches, but there are several ways to get your heart rate up around here: whether it's scaling the outside of Australia's tallest building on the SkyPoint Climb, taking on rollercoasters and waterslides at several theme parks or catching a wave in aptly-named Surfers Paradise. Meanwhile, a short drive north from Brisbane takes you to the Sunshine Coast, a laid-back stretch of coastal communities. Nestled on the northern end, Noosa offers a beachy chic getaway option with high-end shopping and dining on Hastings Street, Australia's biggest artisan market in nearby Eumundi and, of course, breathtaking beaches.

Australia's Nature Coast As you venture farther north from Brisbane, the beach towns give way to national parks and state forests with any number of ways to experience and explore Queensland's abundant natural beauty. A short drive from the beaches of the Sunshine Coast, you could be hiking amid the striking peaks of the Glass House Mountains or kayaking through the Noosa Everglades, one of only two systems in the world and home to over 40% of Australia's bird species. For a memorable road trip, try the Great Beach Drive—which takes coastal cruising in a different direction since you're driving on the sand. Equipped with a 4x4 vehicle, permits and safety briefing, you'll drive through the Great Sandy Biosphere to see the multi-coloured sand dunes at Rainbow Beach, then take a barge over to K'gari, the world's largest sand island with its own treasures—including the freshwater Lake McKenzie with remarkably clear water and white-sand beaches.

Pacific Coast Way While we're on the topic of road trips, if you have the time, the 1800-kilometre drive from the Gold Coast to Cairns doesn't disappoint. Go big or go home, right? The Pacific Coast Way takes you through bustling cities and stylish suburbs, Gold Rush country towns and sun-drenched seaside spots, prolific national parks and flourishing farming regions. Don't miss the chance to go whale watching in Hervey Bay, the world's first Whale Heritage Site, where migrating humpbacks frolic in the calm, protected waters around K'gari each winter (June through November). Just north in Bundaberg (or "Bundy" as the locals call it), you'll find the largest turtle rookery in the South Pacific at Mon Repos beach; visit the nearby Turtle Centre for the lowdown on the life cycle of these sea turtles. The wild times continue as you reach the Cape Hillsborough National Park north of Mackay. Wake up before sunrise and head to Casuarina Beach for an unforgettable sight as wallabies emerge from the bush to forage for their breakfast on the beach—mangrove seed pods left by the receding tide.

Brisbane Your nonstop Air Canada flight lands in this future Olympic host city, endorsed by The New York Times as one of the 52 Places to Go in 2024. Brisbane's must-sees include the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art, twin art spaces set along the trendy South Bank of the Brisbane River. The galleries host immersive art exhibitions, works from contemporary, Indigenous and experimental artists and a cinema showing thought-provoking films. The city is a hot spot for dining, too. At the Howard Smith Wharves, you’ll have your pick of Greek, Japanese, Italian and Cantonese restaurants—along with a German-style beer hall, a rooftop bar and riverfront views from all angles. Don’t miss a locally sourced scoop or two from Goodtimes Gelateria for dessert. Those travelling with kids will want to venture outside the city to Australia Zoo, a wildlife park once managed by “Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin, whose family continues his legacy there today. From watching crocodiles strike in the 5,000-seat “Crocoseum” to petting fluffy koalas, animal lovers will have a literal field day in the three-square-kilometre conservation area.

Outback In Queensland’s wild lands, there’s much more to do than contemplate wide-open spaces. Adventurous types can hike, drive (4-wheel-drive vehicle required) or even sandboard down the Simpson Desert’s massive rich-red sand dunes within Manga-Thirri National Park, pausing atop the 40-metre-high one known as “Big Red” for a picnic or an epic sunset. (Fun fact, Big Red is the site of a popular music festival—Big Red Bash—held each July.) For an intriguing look into Queensland’s prehistoric roots, take a drive across the Dinosaur Trail, a route that winds through several towns where dinosaur fossils have been found. In Winton, visit the Australian Age of the Dinosaurs Museum to view one of the largest collections of Australian dinosaur fossils, including a near-complete Australovenator skeleton. The next stop is Hughenden and its Flinders Discovery Centre Museum, where fossilized dinosaur footprints are one of the top attractions. Richmond’s Kronosaurus Korner museum shines light on ancient marine reptiles, including its namesake, a 10-metre-long, sharp-toothed beast that stalked the waters 120 million years ago.

National Parks Queensland is home to 237 national parks—more than any other Australian state. And there are many more protected state forests, marine parks and land areas on top of that. This is all to say that the place is a nature-lover’s utopia. You can explore everything from cave systems and Australia’s longest lava tube (Undara Volcanic National Park); to the highest single-drop waterfall in the country (Girringun National Park); to variegated sandstone cliffs, boulder-bedecked creeks and Aboriginal rock art (Carnarvon Gorge National Park); to volcanic mountain peaks that play a central role in the culture and spirituality of First Nation Peoples (Glass House Mountains National Park). This list is, of course, a drop in the bucket (or in the rock pool, maybe) considering the thousands of stunning nature experiences on offer, but it’s a place to start. Camping is available in many of the parks—in Main Range National Park, for example, whose Scenic Rim Trail requires about four days to complete. (Availability varies and permits are required.) But for those who prefer to post up in a more permanent structure, lodging is typically available in the towns neighbouring the parks.