Queensland's best: 61K votes reveal top beach to pub to Big Thing

Queensland’s best of the best, as voted by its people.

To honour the Sunshine State’s 166th birthday this year, thousands of Queenslanders have participated in an online survey to determine the state’s best of the best. The poll received more than 61,000 votes across 15 separate categories and on Queensland Day (6 June), state premier David Crisafulli announced the winners. From coffee and burgers to pubs and beaches – this is officially Queensland at its absolute best.

Queensland’s best Big Thing

Don’t skip the Big Mango in Bowen. (Image: Getty Images/Kokkai Ng)

Every Aussie shares a unique love for the country’s iconic Big Things – our eclectic yet incredible collection of giant sculptures dotted across Australia. Quite a few of them call the Sunshine State home, including the Big Mango, which has taken out the title of Queensland’s best Big Thing. Located in the Whitsundays’ town of Bowen, this 10-metre structure symbolises the region’s prolific cultivation of the summer fruit. Pop in for a photo opp and some delicious sorbet made from locally sourced mangoes.

Queensland’s best pub

Slipstream Brewery Co in Brisbane — Slipstream Brewing in Brisbane took out the best pub in the state.

From iconic outback pubs to boutique breweries on the rise, Australia has a watering hole for all kinds of occasions. And for Queenslanders, their thirst for good beer has been well and truly quenched by Slipstream Brewing Co in the Brisbane suburb of Yeerongpilly. Beating an exquisite line-up of Brissy pubs, the local landmark is known for its delicious range of craft beers that are brewed onsite. It also does a mean pub feed, hosts trivia nights and offers takeaway, too – so you never have to go without.

Queensland’s best beach

Coolum Beach in Queensland — Coolum Beach is a Queensland hotspot. (Image: Getty Images/Harmonise Creatives)

If Queensland is famous for one thing, it’s definitely its beaches. With over 6000 kilometres of coastline, there’s no shortage of places for seaside fun. But according to Queenslanders, nowhere does it better than Coolum Beach. While it has long been recognised as one of the best beaches on the Sunshine Coast, it’s now officially the best in the state. And it’s not hard to see why – fringed by greenery, this pretty patch of sand offers crystal-clear waters, rock pools and sunshine all year-round.

Queensland’s best fish and chips

Nothing beats fresh fish and chips. (Image: Unsplash/Meelan Bawjee)

It’s a meal no Australian can say no to – a fresh, newspaper-wrapped batch of fish and chips. But with a seafood shop on the corner of almost every beachside town, how do you find the best? Well, ask the Queensland public and they’ll direct you to Bird’s Fish Bar in Bowen – a town proving to be a real hotspot! The quintessential co-op took out the title thanks to its boat-to-plate philosophy, locally caught seafood and fresh hot chips seasoned to perfection. And from a quick glance at the menu, it could be in the running for the best fish and chips in Australia.

Queensland’s best meat pie

Stock images of meat pies — The best meat pie can be found in Blackbutt. (Image: Unsplash/FitNish Media)

Nothing beats a good meat pie – chunky bits of beef and flaky pastry fresh out of the oven. And while we’ve got some incredible meat pies around the country, there’s only one in Queensland that does it best. The town of Blackbutt’s eponymous bakery has come out on top in 2025 for its classic meat pie, which is served alongside a range of other sweet and savoury treats. Don’t wait until you’re simply passing through this scenic town; this is a pastry worthy of a trip in itself.

Queensland’s best coffee

The Coffee Commune in Brisbane — Queenslanders claim The Coffee Commune is home to the best brews statewide.

While the best coffee in the country can be found in NSW, Queensland’s best brew is located in Bowen Hills. Not to be confused with the other Bowen (the town that took out ‘best Big Thing’ and ‘best fish and chips’), it’s another suburb of Brissy. Make a beeline for The Coffee Commune to sample the best coffee in Queensland for yourself. Where else would you want to buy a brew?

The rest of the best

Keen to find Queensland’s coolest cafe? Or the best burger in the state? From food to festivities, these are the nine remaining category winners from Queensland’s best of the best 2025 .

Queensland’s best parmi: Botany Restaurant & Bar in Newstead
Queensland’s best bahn mi: My Street Food in Woolloongabba
Queensland’s best ice-cream: Rad Rolled Ice Cream in Hervey Bay
Queensland’s best burger: Mr Jeebus in Tingalpa
Queensland’s best beer: Qld Pale Ale by Archer Brewing Company in Wilston
Queensland’s best cafe: Dorney’s Cake Shop in Chinchilla
Queensland’s best event: India Fest in Townsville
Queensland’s best landmark: the Story Bridge in Brisbane
Queensland’s best natural attraction: the Great Barrier Reef

As the cooler weather rolls in, head to this popular Sunshine Coast destination to enjoy stunning natural beauty, culinary wonders and mild temperatures.

As southern Australia’s weather starts to cool – the frost visiting every morning and the evening chill descending at dusk – you might reach for your thickest cable knit sweater and warmest blanket. But why not reach for your suitcase and sunglasses and book a ticket to Noosa in winter instead?

Sure, it’s a favourite destination for sun-seeking summer travellers. But as locals will readily tell you, winter is the best time to uncover hidden gems across the region – not only is the weather mild and enjoyable, but the beaches and hinterland are picture-perfect, too. You might even spot a whale or two if you visit from June to September.

Discover how to spend your winter surrounded by Noosa’s stunning natural beauty.

Noosa Rivermouth And Main Beach — Make the most of mild temperatures of Noosa in winter.

Where to eat in Noosa

Known for its dynamic cuisine, Noosa is an overflowing foodie destination. Whatever your tastebuds fancy, the region has it covered.

There are the classic eateries, like lively beachfront Bistro C (try the caramelised pork belly), popular Season Restaurant on Hastings Street (order the spanner crab pasta) and stylish Locale (our pick is the slow roasted White Pyrenees lamb shoulder).

There are also chic new restaurants offering tasty dishes, like the Mediterranean fare at Pelis , Cantonese-inspired dim sums at Sabrosa , organic sourdough pizza from El Capitano , traditional recipes and tequila at Dona Cocina Mexicana and modern Italian-Australian creations from Lucio’s Marina .

diners at Lucio's Marina in noosa in winter — Taste modern Italian-Australian at Lucio’s Marina. (Image: Nickolas May)

Where to stay in Noosa

Once you’re full, you’ll need to find a place to lay your head, and Noosa has no shortage of accommodation options. From five-star resorts with palm-fringed lagoon pools to self-catered apartments and family-friendly budget options, stays in the heart of the action on Hastings Street to sleeping steps from the beach or in more spacious and relaxed accommodation along the river, Noosa offers something for everyone.

There’s the laid-back luxury of Netanya Noosa overlooking Noosa Main Beach, which offers studios, two- and three-bedroom apartments, or the family-oriented Ivory Palms Resort in Noosaville, with its three pools, jumping pillow and playground. Guests also love the versatile RACV Noosa Resort and its numerous pools, waterslides and tennis courts.

For a wildlife experience, hop on a ferry and travel to the eco-friendly Senses Noosa North Shore . Surrounded by 16 hectares of native bushland, the beautiful architect-designed property blends indoor and outdoor living and offers three stunning pools and a spa. Guests can even spot kangaroos and rainbow lorikeets from shaded verandahs.

a beachfront swimming pool at Netanya Noosa — Gaze over Noosa Main Beach at Netanya Noosa. (Image: Lumea Photo)

Things to do on land

There’s no denying it, the main beach – with its creamy-coloured sand, consistent breaks and epic coastline views – is Noosa’s shining star attraction. Bordering this is the wildly popular Noosa National Park, where you can explore over 15 kilometres of walking tracks, including options like the Coastal Walk, Tanglewood Walk and Palm Grove Walk.

A short stroll away is busy Hastings Street, which is full of life during the day and long into the night. Enjoy a little shopping, a late brunch, dinner out and a cocktail as the sun goes down.

Climb onto a fully electric tuk tuk with Noosa e-TukTuk to get an insider’s tour of the region. For a more in-depth exploration, book a bespoke tour with Joel’s Journeys and head to the lush green hinterland, or discover the rugged landscapes of Great Sandy National Park with Sunny Jeeps to spend the day with the wind in your hair and sand underfoot.

woman enjoying the view after hiking through Noosa National Park, noosa in winter — Take in views of the beautiful Noosa Hinterland. (Image: Demy Gavin)

Things to do in the water

Noosa isn’t just about the beach, the national parks and shopping; one of the most popular ways to embrace winter is to explore on water.

You could brave the waves on a surfboard, explore the languid Noosa River on a stand-up paddleboard or even head to the Noosa Everglades for a day adventuring on a boat, canoe or kayak.

Enjoy the winter sunsets aboard the newly launched HV Stillwater , a luxury, hybrid-powered catamaran that glides silently along Noosa’s waterways. You can also book a table on the only floating restaurant on the river – Noosa Cruiser – and dig into freshly cooked cuisine.

For a little more adventure, head out with Kingfisher Safari Co and cruise around the Noosa River Inlet and Lake Cootharaba. Or search for whales and dolphins (from June to September) on a small charter boat tour with WhaleSongs Noosa ; with an onboard researcher to explain what you’re seeing, as well as a hydrophone, you’ll be able to listen to the haunting songs of some of the world’s biggest animals while enjoying a winter’s day in the sun.

women kayaking through Noosa everglades noosa in winter — Explore the gorgeous Noosa Everglades. (Image: Emily Redfern)

Book your winter getaway in Noosa at visitnoosa.com.au.

61K votes reveal Queensland’s best – from beach to pub to Big Thing