09/05/2026
Back in February, I was lucky enough to be invited out to Queensland by the tourism board to experience first-hand what the region has to offer… and honestly, it completely exceeded my expectations.
Like many people, I had always associated Queensland mainly with beaches and the Gold Coast, but there is so much more to it than that.
One day I was exploring the incredible hinterland, surrounded by ancient rainforests, waterfalls and small historic towns full of character. The next, I was down on the Gold Coast experiencing the amazing energy, beach culture and world-famous surf scene.
Brisbane really surprised me the most...
I genuinely think it is one of the most overlooked cities in Australia. The whole place has this incredibly relaxed, healthy and outdoorsy feel to it, whilst still having loads of life, amazing restaurants, rooftop bars and beautiful riverside areas.
With Brisbane hosting the Olympic Games in 2032, there are already huge investments and improvements happening across the region, and you can really see the incredible plans they have in the works.
To top it all off, we ended the trip with a full day spent on Lady Elliot Island, one of the southernmost islands within the Great Barrier Reef.
The island itself, and the experience it offers, is genuinely bucket-list worthy. Crystal-clear water, incredible marine life and a feeling of complete escape. If you are ever visiting this region, I honestly think it is an absolute must-see.
Queensland has properly moved up my list of favourite destinations after this trip.