From the tip of Cape York in the north to where the Gold Coast becomes New South Wales in the south, we’re seeing out the best Queensland weekend getaways on offer.
We thrive in cities, yet surrender to quiet beaches, seek out quirky landscapes and dive into the offshore unknown, and this state is one of the best places to do all that. So whether you’re after Brisbane breaks or scuba tours of the Great Barrier Reef, our guides will help you discover the best of the Sunshine State.
2-day getaways in Queensland
Just because you’re short on time, doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of a short break. Here’s some of our shortest overnight breaks we’ve taken in Queensland and how we made the most of them.
3-day getaways in Queensland
Queensland hotel reviews
Inspiration for Queensland weekend getaways
Queensland getaway ideas: Where to go
Know you want to go away, but not sure where to start? We break down dozens of destinations by type to help you find your perfect escape. Some places do fit into a few categories, so if you’re looking for a combo holiday, be sure to check out each section.
Where to go for a cheap weekend getaway in Queensland
“Cheap” and destinations within Australia don’t often go hand-in-hand, but there are affordable breaks to have if you know where to look.
- Southern Gold Coast: You an still get the beautiful beaches and be close to the area’s attractions but pay a lot less for accommodation.
- Cairns: Compared to nearby resort areas like Palm Cove and Port Douglas, stays in Cairns can be surprisingly affordable. If you’re happy to stay in moderate accommodation, there’s plenty of options here for well below $200 per night.
- Southern Sunshine Coast: As dreamy as it is in Noosa, stays in spots like Mooloolaba or Coolum also offer access to beautiful beaches and are within reach of the lush hinterland — for a fraction of the accommodation cost.
And it’s not just about the destination, but where you stay. Instead of staying at a beachfront hotel in Surfers’ Paradise, stay a street or two away to save. Skip the Airbnb (we still love you, Airbnb!) in order to have a self-catering unit and opt for a modern cabin in a caravan park.
Where to go for a romantic Queensland weekend getaway
Whether it’s a honeymoon or a couples’ getaway, Queensland has some stunning and secluded spots that will give you that away-from-it-all feeling that’s perfect for a romantic escape.
- Whitsundays: Secluded spots like qualia on Hamilton Island or Hayman Island offer luxe island escapes that don’t necessarily cater to families (but they aren’t excluded from stays).
- Daintree: Quiet rainforest lodges offer the perfect setting to relax and take in the lush greenery all around.
- Lady Elliot Island: On our bucket list, this island is home to an eco resort with upscale glamping tents and plenty of opportunities to watch the sun rise and set over the sea.
Where to go for family weekend getaways in Queensland
- Gold Coast: With beaches, theme parks and plenty of family-friendly resorts there’s more than enough to keep kids entertained all weekend long.
- Noosa: With relatively gentle surf or a river to swim in, a national park to explore and pools at just about every accommodation in town a weekend in Noosa is never a bad idea.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these destinations:
Tropical island vibes
- Lady Elliott Island
- Heron Island
- Lizard Island
- Hamilton Island
- Magnetic Island
- Mission Beach (okay, technically not an island, but sure feels like it!)
>> Read more about Queensland islands that are perfect for weekend getaways
Rainforest retreats
- Daintree
- Cape Tribulation
- Sunshine Coast Hinterland
- Gold Coast hinterland
City breaks:
- Brisbane
- Gold Coast
- Townsville
- Cairns
Relaxing resort stays
- Port Douglas
- Palm Cove
- Hamilton Island
- Noosa
Nature-lovers paradises
- North Stradbroke
- Fraser Island/K’gari
- Chillagoe
- Great Keppel Island