24 January 2023
Travel guide: Queensland, Australia
Nowhere does freedom and adventure quite like Queensland. Australia’s second-largest state is a place of epic diversity, and with First Class Holidays, you can enjoy it to the full
Nowhere does freedom and adventure quite like Queensland. Australia’s second-largest state is a place of epic diversity, and with First Class Holidays, you can enjoy it to the full
It’s impossible not to fall for Queensland. This is a land of endless sunshine, dramatic landscapes, charismatic wildlife and picturesque beaches, a place where no less than five World Heritage-listed areas spread across the map. It’s where you’ll find – among many other delights – the incomparable Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the incredible K’Gari (Fraser Island), and the long white sands of the Gold Coast. And whether you’re a surfer, a seafood-lover, or just a seeker of those special experiences that turn a trip into something far more than a holiday, First Class Holidays has got you covered.
Between July and October each year, humpback whales migrate along Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. These giants of the ocean are a majestic sight at any time, but by heading out to sea from the beach resort of Mooloolaba, you’ll have the chance to see them at breathtakingly close quarters. First Class Holidays has partnered with Sunreef, the first operator in Australia to offer the opportunity to swim with whales, and over a four-hour voyage, you’ll take the plunge and witness these gentle creatures passing by.
Picture the scene. The sun’s first rays are setting the sea a-glitter, there’s not a cloud in the sky, and the beaches of the Gold Coast are stirring to life for the day. It’s calm, it’s warm, and as you draw in a deep breath, you feel yourself truly relax. Yoga takes on a fresh magic in Queensland – and you can go one better by joining a guided session that combines yoga with stand-up paddleboarding. There’s arguably no better way to start the day.
You don’t need to be an experienced diver to enjoy the Reef’s rich diversity of life. First Class Holidays, will ensure you’re taken to the spots that suit you best, whether you’re happiest snorkelling in the shallows, keen to explore further afield, or eager to factor in some serious scuba action. In all cases, you’ll see first-hand why the Reef is so renowned for its marine wildlife, as turtles, parrotfish and all manner of rainbow-bright species swim before your eyes.
Australia is an ancient world. People have been living here for tens of thousands of years, forging the strongest of connections with the land around them. By taking part in an indigenous experience, you’ll learn something of the country’s age-old past, the creation stories that define it, and the customs and knowledge that still burn strong. Through First Class Holidays' Cairns-based partners Adventure North, you can join an Aboriginal art class, immerse yourself in the Kuku Yalanji culture, or take part in a traditional fishing tour.
Queensland is home to all manner of iconic Aussie wildlife, from crocodiles to platypuses, but few of its creatures are quite so lovable as the wallaby. With First Class Holidays, you’ll have the chance to start the day by breakfasting in the company of these remarkable animals – in the beautiful surrounds of the beaches of Cape Hillsborough, in the Mackay region. It’s common for eastern grey kangaroos to appear too, so you’ll have plenty to marvel at over your coffee and pastries.
We all love feeling the sand between our toes – but how about feeling the beach beneath your tyres? On this one-of-a-kind road trip from the Sunshine Coast resort of Noosa to the long sands of Rainbow Beach, you’ll drive on the beach for some two hours, potentially spotting everything from whales to kangaroos on your way. First Class Holidays knows a thing or two about forging memories that last, and this adventure is one of the best of them.
Some thirty packs of wild dingoes roam the dunes and woodland of spectacular K'Gari (Fraser Island), and while you’ll find these golden-coated canines elsewhere in the country, here on the island you’ll see the breed at its purest. Conservation efforts are ongoing in safeguarding the future of this unique species, and when you get the chance to watch them in their natural habitat, you’ll understand just why they’re valued so highly. Where dingoes are concerned, wild is wonderful.
If you could design the archetypal Aussie city, it would look a lot like Queensland’s laid-back capital. Brisbane has warm sunshine, a gleaming skyline, a lively arts scene and a pulsating nightlife. The locals love their sport, their food, and their hospitality. With First Class Holidays, you can spend your time here exactly how you choose, from browsing the fashion boutiques of trendy James Street or touring the legendary Gabba Cricket Stadium to bike-riding through the historic City Botanic Gardens.
Not many parts of Australia are quite so enticing as the Gold Coast. In one direction you’ve got the white sands of the beaches and the shimmering blue of the Coral Sea, a heavenly pairing that sees the region welcome world-class surfing events. And in the other direction, just half an hour inland, there’s a subtropical hinterland to explore, with plunging waterfalls, quiet villages and glorious hiking trails. From foodies and families to outdoor-lovers and surfers, it really does have something for everyone.
Nature goes into overdrive in the far north of the state. This is the only place on Earth where two World Heritage-listed areas merge into one another, with the sun-soaked beauty of the Great Barrier Reef meeting the timeless wonder of the Daintree Rainforest. Both destinations are brimming with biodiversity – at around 180 million years old, the Daintree is the most ancient rainforest in the world – and the activity options are staggering. Let First Class Holidays open your eyes to this special region.
In terms of sheer, God-given beauty, there’s arguably nowhere to touch The Whitsundays. This glittering archipelago of 74 islands – many of them uninhabited – is a vision of secluded beaches, clear waters and tropical greenery. The lively town of Airlie Beach stands onshore, from where cruises and excursions head out to the islands. First Class Holidays can help you find the experiences that fit your time here, from gourmet restaurants to wildlife sanctuaries.
The near-perfect weather of the Sunshine Coast is just one reason to come calling to this glorious part of the Queensland coastline. Roam the Glass House Mountains, explore the Great Sandy National Park, or just relax into the easy-going surrounds of Noosa and its surrounding beaches. Here, the lush scenery and mellow rivers mean you’ll feel your shoulders loosen from the moment you arrive.
First Class Holidays is proud to offer 27 years of exceptional service with a personal, friendly approach that’s led the company to becoming an industry leader in delivering memorable, tailor-made holidays. First Class Holidays has won many awards and all of its trips are ABTA and ATOL protected. Its team of Australian experts can provide first-hand knowledge on everything, from flights and hotels to sightseeing and excursion. Thinking of visiting Australia but don’t know where to start? Contact First Class Holidays at enquiries@fcholidays.com or 0161 888 5632. You can also download a free brochure here.
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