Destination
Things to do in Queensland
Discover Queensland
Wunya (welcome, greetings) is from the Yuggera language of Brisbane and the Gubbi Gubbi language of the Sunshine Coast.
From the bright lights of the Gold Coast to the technicolour underwaterworld of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland has a slice of paradise to suit everyone.
With Brisbane as the capital city of Queensland, and where the Congress is hosted, you can explore our cosmopolitan hub for arts, culture and dining. Brisbane boasts stunning natural assets, clear blue skies all year round and subtropical alfresco lifestyle in this urban metropolis with a relaxed vibe. Here, you’ll receive a warm welcome from the city with timeless nature in its soul.
Visit www.queensland.com for more information
Brisbane
Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA)
See the world from a new perspective at QAGOMA. Together, the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art offer compelling experiences that will move and surprise you.
Their two galleries each have their own distinct personalities but are united in their purpose to share exceptional art.
Fortitude Valley
It is where elegance and style meet grungy and offbeat, and heritage-listed properties proudly stand among contemporary buildings. From the cranking of a coffee grinder to the final closing doors of nightclubs – Fortitude Valley is the suburb that never sleeps.
Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)
An adventurer’s dream just 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane, Moreton, the third-largest sand island in the world, lies waiting for you to step into its natural wonder.
Known to the Ngugi people as Mulgumpin or Moorgumpin (the Place of Sandhills) this island is a 4WD heaven (unless you’re staying at Tangalooma Island Resort). Bring your own 4WD or jump on an organised tour. From glistening beaches to the oldest lighthouse in Queensland, you’ll know your sense of discovery won’t go unsatisfied.
Minjerrinah (North Stradbroke Island)
Rest assured there’s no bad time to visit, with plenty of year-round experiences that will leave a unique footprint on your heart and mind. The Goompi Trail is a historical walk with a local Indigenous guide, where you’ll learn about traditional hunting methods, bush tucker and medicines. An early morning or evening stroll along the North Gorge Walk as good as guarantees an appearance from local kangaroos and wallabies.
Gold Coast
Tee off on the best Gold Coast golf courses
Fun fact: There are more Gold Coast golf courses per head of population than anywhere else on earth.
And it isn’t just a matter of quantity over quality: you’ll find plenty of world-class courses a short drive (or putt) away from Surfer’s Paradise.
The Gold Coast has courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Peter Thomson, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer, while also playing host to one of Australia’s leading tournaments each year. Here’s a list of the best Gold Coast gold courses.
Sun Sailing
Sun Sailing provides luxurious sailing cruises on the Gold Coast waters. Being a family owned and operated business, they offer unforgettable tours aboard Epsilon, their beautiful 38ft yacht.
Australian Outback Spectacular
Embark on a journey to the heartland of Australia through an all new show featuring a transformative arena, mesmerising animals and immersive technology. Delve into the real-life struggles Aussie farmers face and rejoice with them as the community’s courage, bravery and generosity help them overcome a stunning, yet unforgiving life on the land.
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Set alongside the famous Surfers Paradise Esplanade, the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets are an iconic shopping and cultural experience since 1995. Featuring artisan and iconic Australian goods, fresh produce (in season), gourmet provisions, handmade wares and so much more. A market dedicated to supporting and showcasing the best growers, makers, characters and creators locally and from afar.
Sunshine Coast
Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains Visitor Information Centre in Settlers Rotary Park is a delightful gateway to the Sunshine Coast. The centre is on the way into the township of Glasshouse Mountains and has an interpretive centre for the region providing information about the mountains and national parks. The centre provides a free booking service for accommodation, tours and activities, and also showcases local produce. Enjoy the extensive landscaping with barbecue facilities and playground.
Sunshine Coast Shopping
With more and more independent businesses setting up shop the Coast, there’s never been a better time to support local and spend a day shopping on the Sunshine Coast.
Make a day (even a weekend) of it by visiting these hidden gems the locals love, and booking a table at your favourite Sunshine Coast restaurant; here are the best places for shopping on the Sunshine Coast.
Hot Air Ballooning
Sunshine Coast Ballooning is a boutique, family-operated hot air ballooning company that offers personal early morning flight experiences over the beautiful Sunshine Coast and Noosa Hinterland areas.
Sunshine Coast's best camping spots
Sure, holidays in lush hotels and resorts at the Sunshine Coast are excellent, but there’s something truly special about camping. This simple way of living frees you from the distractions of daily life and allows you to soak up the natural beauty of your surroundings with the people you love.
Whether you’re keen to make the beach your backyard, or settle in amongst the lush rainforest and majestic mountains – the Sunshine Coast has a camping spot for you.
Far North Queensland
Green Island
A day trip to Green Island will give you a good taste of what makes this island special, but you’re better off staying for at least a few days to really experience all the natural beauty and activities that Green Island has to offer.
Here’s a guide on how to have the perfect island escape.
Mossman Gorge
Be taken on a journey steeped in heritage, ancient culture and traditions.
A “must do” for every visitor to Mossman Gorge are the Indigenous guided Dreamtime Walks, conducted by the local Indigenous people. Ngadiku (Nar-di-gul) meaning stories and legends from a long time ago in local Kuku Yalanji language, takes visitors on a journey along private, easy graded tracks, visiting special places and culturally significant sites, past traditional bark shelters and over meandering cool rainforest streams.
Atherton Tablelands
Celebrated for some of the best food experiences in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef, in the Atherton Tablelands, an hour from Cairns, you’ll find an abundance of flavours to try.
Visit the many farms to sample home-grown produce, starting with Australia’s oldest coffee plantation, then graze your way through the farmers’ markets in Yungaburra or enjoy a tipple at a distillery. Learn about sustainable and organic farming practices and breathe in the fresh Tablelands air while enjoying a cheese platter for two. Plan your day trip with this guide on where to go.
Fitzroy Island National Park
Fitzroy Island National Park is rugged with diverse landscapes featuring granite outcrops, open woodlands, rainforest, mangroves and coral beaches.
This island national park, close to Cairns on the mainland, and its surrounding waters form part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
Great Barrier Reef Tours
Rich in biodiversity and natural wonder, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, stretching from the tip of Cape York in Queensland’s north, all the way to Bundaberg – where it’s known as the Southern Great Barrier Reef and home to idyllic and paradisiacal islands, including Great Keppel, Heron, Pumpkin, Wilson, Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave. One of the most breathtaking destinations in Queensland and, indeed, all of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef rewards all who take the time to visit – you’ll be rewarded with a soul-nourishing experience, creating memories that will stay with you long after you’ve left.
Congress Office
Think Business Events
Level 1, 4 Anderson Street
Port Melbourne, VIC 3207
T: +61 (3) 9417 1350
E: ioc@thinkbusinessevents.com.au