Already dreaming of blue skies and warmth? With over 300 days of sunshine, Queensland boasts incredible weather all year round. But the daily hit of vitamin D is merely a side note to the host of incredible experiences Queensland is currently serving up.
Southern Great Barrier Reef…
Lady Musgrave underwater accommodation:
The Southern Great Barrier Reef is home to abundant wildlife and reef only metres from your bed, but in early 2020, the offering will become even more immersive with the opening of the Lady Musgrave Experience pontoon.
Based in Lady Musgrave Island‘s lagoon off the coast of Bundaberg and 1770, the 3-story, 36m pontoon will include diving and snorkelling experiences, reef data collection programmes and underwater accommodation so you can stay up all night watching the reef spur into action.
Watch the turtles hatch in January 2020:
January is turtle hatching season and the best place to do this is Mon Repos Turtle Centre. It re-opened in November 2019 after undergoing a $22 million refurbishment. Supporting the largest population of nesting marine loggerhead turtles (which are an endangered species) in the South Pacific, the centre provides visitors with an insight into both the life of these amazing creatures and the critical work scientists are leading to ensure their protection. Then you can head to the beaches at night to see the little hatchlings take their first steps down to the sea.
Wilson, is that you?
Looking for an island escape instead? Wilson Island, 80 kms off the coast of Gladstone recently launched eco-tent accommodation for a maximum of 18 on-island guests. A Green and Loggerhead turtle nesting site from November to March (closed 26 January-28 February due to proliferation of nesting sea birds), Wilson is the definition of reef within reach.
Fraser Coast…
Whale watching at Hervey Bay:
Humpback whales use the calm, protected waters around Fraser Island as a calf nursery to teach their young how to adult. It’s this phenomenon, along with the region’s dedication to research, cultural and celebratory ties to these majestic creatures that saw it crowned as one of the world’s first Whale Heritage Sites by the World Cetacean Alliance at the World Whale Conference in 2019.
These mammoth mammals visit between July and November, and so should you. Hervey Bay is an easy drive north of Brisbane (about 3.5 hours). Couple a visit with a day trip to Fraser Island or take a local walk in the footsteps of local Butchulla man, Dingka Dingka with the new Hervey Bay Aboriginal walking tour.
Brisbane…
Grown up Brisbane:
The Queensland capital is all grown up. From the host of new hotels which have popped up in the last two years, along with the arrival of new precincts like Howard Smith Wharves, Brisbane is a city which is transforming before our eyes.
Choose your own adventure; Brisbane has something to cater to every interest and every budget. Foodies will find themselves in a city armed with a blossoming number of fine diners, specialty bars and craft breweries. While the culturally inclined will love the artistic precincts in South Bank and Fortitude Valley; GOMA, QPAC, and Brisbane Powerhouse.
There’s also plenty on offer here for the adventurous. Hike or cycle your way to Mt Coot-tha summit, or get better acquainted with the Brisbane River with a kayak down its length, day or night.
Scenic Rim Region:
Scenic Rim Trail extension:
If a walking holiday is on your travel list for 2020 – especially one where the surrounding nature gives you serious heart-eyes – lace up for the Spicers Scenic Rim Trail five day ecotourism experience, launching in March 2020.
The walk starts at one Spicers retreat (Spicers Hidden Vale) and finishes at another (Spicers Hidden Peaks Cabins), with all the luxuries of good food, plush king-size bedding and ensuite bathrooms. However, it’s the newbies, Spicers Amphitheatre Eco Cabins and Spicers Timber Getters Eco Cabins, that will have you floating above the forest floor in a unique treehouse-like sleeping pod with private balcony and magical views to boot.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week:
Coincide your trip to the Scenic Rim Region with the Scenic Rim Eat Local Week which is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2020, from 27 June – 5 July 2020.
The event is a celebration of the region’s farmers and producers set against the stunning backdrop of the Scenic Rim.
Meet the people behind the produce in a celebration that features festivals, farm-gate events, and culinary experiences for all foodies.
The Whitsundays…
The rebirth of the Whitsundays:
The Whitsundays isn’t just having a moment, it’s undergoing a complete rebirth. New island resorts, including the highly anticipated re-opening of Daydream Island Resort and the new Intercontinental Hayman Island are just the beginning.
Add to this the opening of Cruise Whitsundays Reefsuites (the first underwater accommodation on the Great Barrier Reef); Elysian Retreat – the first 100% solar powered resort on the GBR; four pieces of underwater art installed throughout the islands; and the heli-turn-private-boat experience Journey to the Heart launching at the famous Heart Reef.
Yep, 2019 was pretty big. And 2020 is now the time to feast on the spoils.
Outback Queensland…
Travel your way slowly through the Outback
Undoubtedly the biggest trend of 2020 is going to be slow travel, exploring destinations in alternative ways. Leading the genre is train travel, which also happens to be one of the best ways to explore Outback Queensland.
Queensland Rail has multiple routes from Brisbane including the Spirit of the Outback to Longreach, the Westlander to Charleville and the Spirit of Queensland/ The Inlander combination taking you to Townsville then Mount Isa.
Cairns…
Immerse yourself in Tropical North Indigenous culture:
Visit the Great Barrier Reef with the recently launched Dreamtime Dive and Snorkel and explore the offshore reefs of Moore, Milln or Flynn with Indigenous sea rangers.
Back on the mainland, explore the oldest living rainforest and enjoy Australia’s only rainforest dining experience or join Juan Walker on a guided tour off Cooya beach, foraging the beach and mangroves for crabs, fish and other edibles while learning about his family’s connection to the land.
For a luxurious night’s sleep, head to Riley or Bailey in Cairns – two brand new offerings from Crystalbrook Collection, Australia’s newest five-star hotel brand.
Ones to watch…
Underwater Museum:
The Museum of Underwater Art will open in Townsville early 2020. It will be the only of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and has been designed by world renowned underwater sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor (creator of MUSA in Mexico and Museo Atlantico in Spain).
Cooktown Expo 2020:
2020 will be a big year for Australia marking 250 years since Cook’s epic journey up the east coast of Australia. The 2020 Festival in July and August 2020 anchors around the theme of reconciliation – two cultures, one people and the three things that happened in Cooktown and nowhere else in Queensland or Australia.
Laura Dance Festival:
The Ang-Gnarra Aboriginal Corporation is the new host of the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival which will be held on a traditional bora ground in July 2020. People from more than 20 Indigenous communities across Cape York Peninsula will come together to celebrate with music, dance, singing and cultural performances.
For more information Visit Queensland
