How to plan the perfect getaway to Queensland

Telegraph

17-04-2025

From the white-sand isles of The Whitsundays to the lush canopies of the Daintree Rainforest; the mountainous hinterlands of the Sunshine Coast and the underwater lure of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is as diverse as it is spectacular.
Wildlife-watching, diving, hiking, 4x4 drives and other cultural explorations are among the many adventures on offer here – and thanks to Singapore Airlines' one-stop flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Brisbane and Cairns, it's easier than you might think to reach, with award-winning service and an exceptional on-board experience that will help you kick off your travels in style.
Here are two itineraries to give you a flavour of what to expect.
Itinerary one: Queensland highlights
Cultural explorations in Brisbane
From cutting-edge restaurants to rooftop bars, contemporary galleries to scenic nature spots, Brisbane makes an ideal base from which to kick off a trip around the Sunshine State of Queensland.
After flying direct to Brisbane with Singapore Airlines, any visit to Queensland's capital should start with a stroll along South Bank, where manicured lawns line a picturesque riverfront. Visit the manmade Streets Beach to lounge by a white-sand, cerulean lagoon or cool off with a swim, before browsing the Gallery of Modern Art and Queensland Museum.
Climb the Story Bridge for a sky-high adventure, visit the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to learn more about these adorable endangered creatures or take a boat to Moreton Island. One of the world's biggest sand islands, it's a happily secluded spot, with honeyed sand dunes tumbling into an expanse of serene, aquamarine water.
All these thrills will set you up nicely for an exploration of Brisbane' equally adventurous dining scene. Make a pilgrimage to Howard Smith Wharves, a bustling hotspot for foodies, where your palate can travel continents, from Cantonese cuisine at Stanley's to classic Italian dishes at Ciao Papi.
Beach to mountains on the Sunshine Coast
From Brisbane, travel around 90 minutes north to reach the Sunshine Coast – a 60-mile stretch of coastline backed by mountainous hinterland. Beyond the swathes of gold beaches, you'll find three Unesco Biosphere Reserves here, alongside the quaint coastal towns of Noosa and Mooloolaba, and rural spots like Eumundi, known for its creative vibe and huge artisanal market.
It's also the home of the renowned Noosa National Park and the Noosa Everglades, one of only two everglades systems on the planet. Book a kayaking or canoeing tour to see its emerald waterways up close – 40 per cent of Australia's bird species live among its wetlands.
Adventures abound here, too; head inland to the Glass House Mountains to hike among the dramatic, volcanic peaks, or keep going north of Noosa on the coast and take a 4x4 drive along the Great Beach Drive to the unmistakable K'gari (formerly Fraser Island).
Island paradise in The Whitsundays
For snow-white sand, electric-turquoise water as well as spectacular diving and snorkelling, The Whitsundays is unmissable. This archipelago of 74 islands sits on the Great Barrier Reef and is easily accessible from Brisbane, with daily Virgin Australia flights to Hamilton Island and Proserpine offered as part of a codeshare with Singapore Airlines.
Popular highlights here include Whitehaven Beach, known for its bright-white silica sand, and the aptly named Heart Reef, whose coral formations sit in a perfect heart shape. Book an overnight sailing trip or yacht charter to combine the better-known islands with some of the archipelago's hidden treasures; it's genuinely beautiful, and many of its isles still feel pristine.
Itinerary two: Tropical North Queensland
Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef
If you fancy exploring the natural charms of Far North Queensland, Singapore Airlines' flights to Cairns make it easy. This tropical, warm-weather city might be best-known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, but it's also worth visiting in its own right, thanks to its trendy restaurants, cafes and galleries that blend with indigenous culture to create a laid-back, friendly vibe. North Queensland is home to two of the world's oldest living cultures, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
You could also take a dip in the Esplanade Lagoon, an outdoor pool offering idyllic ocean views, and if you'd prefer a more cultural exploration, pay a visit to Cairns Art Gallery or Cairns Night Markets.
If you're here to explore the Great Barrier Reef, you won't be short-changed. Vibrant and full of life, a whole kaleidoscope of marine life inhabit the surrounding waters. The experiences available to visitors are as varied as the reef – whether it's snorkelling or scuba diving, enjoying an aerial view or simply soaking it up from a secluded sand cay.
Set within the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Cairns and the popular beachside resorts of Palm Cove and Port Douglas are surrounded by rainforest, and a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway is the best way to see its cascading waterfalls and tumbling, tree-carpeted slopes from the comfort of a heritage carriage.
The world's oldest tropical rainforest
The true jewel in Far North Queensland's crown is the Daintree Rainforest. the ancient rainforest is older than the Amazon, and is estimated to have been around for no less than 180 million years.
Located 124km north of Cairns, it's easily accessible either independently or on a tour – and both provide some of the most spectacular views you'll see on your trip. Look out for some indigenous-led tour options available to gain a deeper insight into the culture of the region's traditional owners.
A clutch of eco-lodges and retreats lie within the lush canopy if you want to stay right in the heart of it, while riverboat cruises can take you to explore its myriad wildlife, from crocodiles to wallabies, kangaroos, frogs and more than 400 species of bird. Expect tumbling waterfalls, twisting vines, majestic mountain peaks and hidden-away swimming holes as you explore this beguiling wilderness, and get a glimpse into just one of many places that make Queensland so special.
Icons of the Sky
Discover dream destinations and learn about Singapore Airlines' award-winning cabins and services at Singaporeair.com/FlyQueensland. Fly non-stop to Singapore from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester with a choice of 40 weekly flights, and seamlessly connect to Brisbane or Cairns.