Whether spotting koalas on Magnetic Island or blissing out in Brisbane, the top weekend getaways in Queensland prove you don’t need a passport to get away from it all.
Blending adventure and relaxation, even a short escape is unforgettable in the Sunshine State. Chase a taste of the tropics, retreat to the hinterland or reconnect with family on a luxe island hideaway. Below is our curation of the best weekend getaways in Queensland for every travel taste.
A Moreton Bay mini break for young and old
Moreton Island is home to the famous Tangalooma Wrecks. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? This pristine pocket of paradise just 60 kilometres from Brisbane offers the perfect multi-gen getaway.
Tell me more: Take your tribe to Trevena Glen Farm to interact with goats, horses and alpacas; browse the family-friendly (and free) Redcliffe Art Gallery; see bottlenose dolphins and the famed Tangalooma Wrecks on a day cruise to Moreton Island; or simply admire the stunning sunsets together from Woody Point Jetty.
A blissful beachside stay on the Sunshine Coast
Splash into a sunshine state of mind at Avani
Mooloolaba Beach Hotel.
Treat yourself to a bubble bath with ocean views at the new hotel. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel boasts a rooftop pool. (Credit: Rhiannon Taylor)
What? A fabulous stay in Mooloolaba that combines sailing, sunsets and seafood galore, plus a sleek new hotel.
Tell me more:Sight majestic migrating whales (June to October) or spot turtles on an Adventure Rafting wildlife cruise, sip your way through the region on a craft beer tour or shop till you flop at The Wharf Mooloolaba. Then re-energise with a return to your chic base at the new Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel to indulge in spa treatments, rooftop sundowners and seafood dining.
An escape to greener pastures in Toowoomba
Spot vibrant street murals in Toowoomba. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? A restful Queensland Country getaway offering far more than a breath of fresh air.
Tell me more: Filled with foodie finds and overlooking misty valleys from atop the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba has a habit of exceeding expectations. Take a morning stroll through Queens Park, discover 100-plus street art murals and explore the host of eateries proving the city is worth its salt as a flourishing dining destination.
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A hiking adventure through the Scenic Rim
Hikers can now tackle the Scenic Rim Trail independently.
Mt Mistake is situated within the Main Range National Park.
What? Discovering the splendours of the Scenic Rim on a four-day hike, sans guided group.
Tell me more: Skilled ramblers, rejoice. You can now immerse yourself in nature’s glory on a multi-night walk, without the need to lug around a tent and meals or wrangle a guided group (though guided options are still available). Lace up for the Scenic Rim Trail’s 60-kilometre independent tour – for capable hikers – through World Heritage-listed subtropical rainforests, before treating tired muscles to a comfy private eco-camp, complete with hot showers, prepared meals and soft beds.
A nature-meets-city getaway in Townsville
A palm-fringed beach on Magnetic Island. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
Tell me more: You had us at koalas. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island draws nature lovers to one of the largest koala populations in northern Australia. Stroll among the gums to spot our national symbol in situ, snorkel from the beach to swim amid colourful corals, then sail back to your base in Townsville for all the city spoils.
Active wellness on Hamilton Island
A sunrise yoga session at The Sundays on Hamilton Island. (Credit: Kara Rosenlund)
Beachside eats at Catseye Beach. (Credit: Nikki To)
Climb to the top of the popular Passage Peak Hamilton Island hike. (Credit: Riley Williams)
What? A tropical island escape where hiking trails, watersports and wellness experiences prove holidays can be equal parts adventure and relaxation.
Tell me more: A short direct flight from many major Australian cities, Hamilton Island figures among the best short breaks in Queensland for good reason. Start the day on a high with an e-mountain bike ride along Hamilton Island’s scenic trail network before cooling off with a spot of kayaking, paddleboarding or snorkelling at Catseye Beach. It’s all about balance, so be sure to book a treatment at Spa wumurdaylin, join a sunrise yoga session and savour a mighty breakfast at Beach Club before you leave, returning home feeling refreshed in both body and mind.
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A luxe Brisbane stay with scenic flight to boot
You can reach Lady Elliot Island via a scenic plane from Brisbane. (Credit: Ben Andryc)
What?Emporium Hotel South Bank has launched a series of bespoke helicopter and scenic plane experiences to elevate special occasions.
Tell me more: From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef off pristine Lady Elliot Island to a gourmet grazing picnic on North Stradbroke Island, the flight packages promise true escapes without the need to sacrifice your convenient Brisbane base. Return to your room by evening, then toast the day with sunset cocktails and skyline views at The Terrace rooftop bar.
A taste of the tropics in Cairns and Port Douglas
Savour the flavours of Tropical North Queensland at the annual Taste Port Douglas festival.
What? A short break spotlighting Tropical North Queensland’s high-calibre cuisine.
Tell me more: Discover bars, breweries and Daintree delights with Cairns Tasting Tours, or tuck into a smorgasbord of fragrant fruit at Rusty’s Markets. Just north, the Taste Port Douglas festival is one to make room for each August. Join celebrity chef masterclasses, food trivia and long lunches aplenty.
Rainforest recovery in Tamborine Mountain
Cool off at Curtis Falls. (Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)
What? Just 30 minutes from the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain offers lush canopies, national parks and boutique stays.
Tell me more: You’ll find endless exciting things to do in Tamborine Mountain, from a wellness session at SOL Elements bathouse to the ethereal Curtis Falls rainforest walk and a host of chic eateries dishing up delicious culinary creations. For a , bed down at beautifully restored The Tamborine boutique hotel, where a mineral pool looks out over jaw-dropping views.
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Leanne Archer is a journalist with decades of experience in the media industry. She currently works as a freelance sub-editor and writer for Australian Traveller Media working across Australian Traveller and International Traveller, as well as a...
Eleanor Edström is Australian Traveller’s Associate Editor. Previously a staff writer at Signature Luxury Travel & Style and Vacations & Travel magazines, she's a curious wordsmith with a penchant for conservation, adventure, the arts and...
There’s more to Australia’s Garden City than meets the eye.
With Victorian-era and traditional Queenslander buildings, an abundance of manicured gardens and the famous Carnival of Flowers painting the streets in vibrant colours each spring, Toowoomba is one of the most charming regional cities in Queensland Country.
While its beauty alone is reason enough to visit, there are lesser-known sides to Toowoomba that locals love most, from its burgeoning culinary scene to its artistic flair. Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane (or a direct flight from Sydney), it’s all too easy to discover on a long weekend away.
1. There’s an awesome local arts scene
Find incredible works of art around Toowoomba’s streets. (Credit: Nathan McNeil)
Australia’s second largest inland city is a flourishing arts and culture hub waiting to be discovered. Over 100 vibrant street art murals and graffiti works decorate the city, and they’re best viewed along Bank Lane and Searles Walk.
As a regional city, Toowoomba has direct access to incredibly fresh produce that’s shaping its culinary scene. At sunset, head to the verandah at Rosalie House Cellar Door Restaurant for a grazing-style dining experience and to discover Queensland’s underrated wine scene. Indulge in dishes such as Warilba lamb rump and roasted pumpkin with ginger-roasted potatoes and lime yoghurt, paired with their delicious cool-climate wines.
For a more relaxed affair, sweet tooths should make a beeline for award-winning The Baker’s Duck. Be sure to try their cult favourite strawberry cheesecake danish; you’ll learn why 35,000 of these treats are sold annually.
3. Small bars are doing big work
Pop into small bars like Uno Más.
Toowoomba doesn’t disappoint with fantastic pubs, but discerning drinkers can take happy hour to the next level at one of the city’s impressive small bars. Savour Spanish-style bites paired with a thoughtful line-up of wines at the newly opened Uno Más Tapas & Wine Bar. On Thursdays, head to Cork & Lever to tap your feet to live music over creative cocktails made with their all-Australian gin collection. And enjoy elevated toasties and premium drops at the cosy Press’d Coffee & Wine. Or try newly opened The Book Pour.
4. There’s no shortage of fabulous stays
Chill out in beautiful surrounds at Bunnyconnellen. (Credit: Salt Media)
Whether you prefer the buzz of the city centre or retreating to the hinterland, there are stylish stays aplenty to settle into in this idyllic corner of the world. Apartment-style living can be found at Quest Toowoomba; partly housed in a heritage church building in the city, it’s a comfortable and convenient base. And at The Arbour Boutique Apartments, spacious rooms are injected with old-world charm.
In the hinterland, enjoy bucolic bliss at the boutique Bunnyconnellen, where an 1880s farmhouse and self-contained cottage are backdropped by rolling hills. And at the secluded Ravensbourne Escape, one-bedroom studios, two-bedroom chalets and three-bedroom holiday homes overlook Ravensbourne National Park and the Brisbane and Lockyer Valleys.
5. It’s a nature-lovers paradise
Tackle Table Top Mountain. (Credit: Ariana Potamianakis)
Toowoomba is hugged by national parks, making it a haven for nature lovers. On its doorstep you’ll find the extinct volcanic peak Table Top Mountain, where keen hikers can tackle the challenging two-kilometre return trail which rewards them with 360° views of the Lockyer Valley and surrounds.
For a more gentle experience, Ravensbourne National Park offers peaceful walking trails within lush rainforest. It’s a top spot for bird watching as there are over 110 bird species that call the area home, including the paradise riflebird. Crows Nest National Park is home to platypus and koalas, and its refreshing natural swimming spots, like Kauyoo Pool, are a great place to beat the heat.
6. Wellness enthusiasts are well looked after
Toowoomba’s cool and calm energy lends itself to a wellness-focused getaway. Slated to open in August 2026, soak in the serenity at Vikasati Toowoomba, a bathhouse oasis with outdoor hot and cold magnesium pools, ice baths and Finnish saunas. Rest and recharge at City Cave Toowoomba, which offers float therapy, infrared sauna and massage services, or visit Kalm Springs for LED therapy, cryotherapy and float therapy.
7. It’s preserved its 19th-century charm
Learn all about the history of Cobb+Co.
History buffs can step back in time at Toowoomba’s fascinating cultural and historical museums.
Explore 50,000 years of Darling Downs and Toowoomba history at the Queensland Museum Cobb+Co; it’s known for its impressive National Carriage Collection of 47 restored horse-drawn vehicles, which were put to use for Queensland’s urban expansion. Visitors can also try their hand at blacksmithing or leadlighting in heritage workshops, refuelling with traditional scones at the onsite cafe.
Train enthusiasts can celebrate the golden era of rail travel on a heritage steam locomotive thanks to the volunteer-driven, community-led organisation DownsSteam Toowoomba. Vintage train rides range from a two-hour journey between Toowoomba Station and DownsSteam Railway Museum to an overnight adventure from Toowoomba to the Southern Downs and Granite Belt
8. There are vintage gems waiting to be found
Whether it’s to pick up a unique piece for your home or a one-of-a-kind accessory for a loved one, you’re guaranteed to find something special in one of Toowoomba’s antique and vintage stores. Range Antiques sells everything from furniture, rugs and lamps to fine porcelain, jewellery and art, while Toowoomba Antiques & Collectables is a treasure trove of Art Deco, farmhouse, retro and mid-century modern pieces.
