Explore Queensland

Beautiful one day, perfect the next.

An aerial view of a coastline, with clear blue waters, white sand and green forests.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Queensland is home to a diverse range of experiences, from golden beaches and tropical islands to emerald green rainforests and rugged mountain ranges. We're making it easy for you to explore Queensland while you're here for the Ring Cycle. Between each opera, or before or after the Ring Cycle, add a trip to one of the many remarkable destinations easily accessible from Brisbane.

Brisbane

Brisbane has been energised by a raft of glittering new hotels, restaurants and events. Tucked beneath the Story Bridge, Howard Smith Wharves has been transformed into a stunningly picturesque boardwalk of restaurants, a brewery and a hotel that hugs the contours of the magnificent cliffs. The city offers up a thriving restaurant scene. Sip wine straight off the wood at City Winery. Savour a mouth-watering degustation at a hidden ultra-modern Japanese restaurant and bar, Honto. And finish with an expertly crafted cocktail at glamorous rooftop bar The Terrace at Emporium Hotel.

After you've had your fill, hit California­-cool shopping precinct James Street. The boutique shopping strip is renowned for Australian fashion, sought-after coffee and is centred around The Calile, a new resort-style hotel inspired by Palm Springs. No trip is complete without a cruise down the winding river where local neighbourhoods vary from bohemia to European village. And the city's beloved modern art gallery, GOMA, is an absolute must-see, transforming into a glowing rainbow beacon at twilight. 

The Brisbane River and the skyline of the city of Brisbane. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

A man and a woman sit on a rock staring out over Brisbane River to a city skyline as the sun sets.

If you're looking to swap the city bustle for a countryside escape, set the GPS to world heritage rainforests, idyllic islands, foodie trails and charming towns. You'll find it all in Brisbane — the river city on the rise. 

Overlooking the Brisbane River, the W Hotel offers exceptional design and contemporary luxury just a stone's throw from QPAC. View the city from above on a scenic flight to picturesque Moreton Island where a gourmet picnic lunch with wine awaits on a white-sand beach overlooking the waters of Moreton Bay. 

Housed in a classic Queenslander-style building, Spicers Balfour Hotel is the perfect choice for discerning guests seeking privacy and elegance as it offers just nine uniquely designed rooms. Spend a day experiencing the delights of the Scenic Rim and discover delectable cheeses, fine wines, craft beers and more among the Australian bush scenery.Once a private residence and medical practice, the building was first constructed in the 1930s, with this being the foundation to drive the artistic concept behind Ovolo Inchcolm. Think Gertrude Stein's Paris salon, where Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Picasso and Matisse would comfortably rub shoulders while sharing trailblazing ideas and indulging in gourmet food & wine.Carved into the cliff under Story Bridge with an impressive presence, overlooking the new Howard Smith Wharves precinct, The Fantauzzo takes inspiration from acclaimed Australian Painter Vincent Fantauzzo. This luxury hotel features 166 suites, a roof top pool & bar, gymnasium, four food and beverage outlets, plus conference and event facilities all with custom contemporary furnishings, three original artworks and 500 giclee prints of Fantauzzo's most recognised works. A seamless combination of art, design and functionality, the hotel will be a powerful representation of contemporary creativity, with connected and inspiring spaces for guests to discover.Our hotel partners are offering special rates for your stay in Brisbane. See the offers

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland.

A man and a woman ride bicycles along the side of a river with skyscrapers in the background.
Brisbane River at night, with colourful lights shining off tall buildings.

Hinterland

For the ultimate gourmet escape, head inland from Brisbane to Spicers Peak Lodge, the highest non-alpine lodge in Australia. Enjoy an air of intimacy and refinement with luxurious accommodation, warm and attentive service and a multi award-winning in­-house restaurant set against a backdrop of World Heritage-listed national park.

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

The Whitsundays

Experience the ultimate in barefoot luxury at Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort. This iconic private island is the northernmost in the Whitsunday archipelago, and the nearest to the Great Barrier Reef. Do as little or as much as you please with free use of all non-motorised water sports, guided walk, snorkel tours and more.

Enjoy a tropical island escape at the Beach Club on Hamilton Island. An adults-only oasis, this boutique resort boasts a peaceful ambience on Catseye Beach, overlooking the Coral Sea. Enjoy an 18-hole round of golf at the stunning Hamilton Island Golf Club or let your cares melt away with a de-stress massage at the spa.

InterContinental Hayman Island Resort. Photo: InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

A resort with a large pool on an island, surrounded by clear blue water.

Tropical North Queensland

For an idyllic eco luxury retreat, stay at Silky Oaks Lodge, spectacularly set along the Mossman Gorge River in Tropical North Queensland. Choose from individual tree house accommodations, unwind at the Healing Waters Spa and enjoy a Dreamtime Gorge Walk while an Indigenous guide provides an enchanting narrative of the rainforest.

Marvel at the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef from above on a scenic flight, then land on a picturesque sand cay for a gourmet picnic lunch and time to snorkel among the corals on the Ultimate Sand Cay Experience. Back ashore, stay at the Peppers Beach Club and Spa in the heart of charming Palm Cove village.

Lady Musgrave Island near Gladstone in Queensland. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Gold Coast

Visit Queensland's sunny Gold Coast and stay in style at the stunning Palazzo Versace. With a waterfront setting, award-winning restaurants and a day spa, it has an ambience of pure glamour. Then soar above the rainforest in a hot ­air balloon for sweeping hinterland views, followed by a delicious champagne breakfast at O'Reillys.

Tee off for a round of golf at the Intercontinental Sanctuary Cove Resort. Set at the northern end of the Gold Coast, amid picturesque fountains, lush gardens, a marina and spectacular one-acre beach lagoon pool, this elegant resort boasts not one but two champion­ship golf courses, plus a day spa for those who prefer a little pampering.

Curtis Falls at the Tamborine Mountain on the Gold Coast. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

A man and a woman walk through a rainforest.

Sunshine Coast

Drive along the beach from Noosa to Rainbow Beach on a Great Beach Drive Private 4WD tour. Set your own pace as you visit Double Island Point Lighthouse, take a dip at stunning Honeymoon Bay and explore the rainforest before heading back to Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas, just 500 metres from Noosa Main Beach and Hastings Street.

Boiling Pot Lookout near Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

A man holding a surfboard stands on a shoreline in front of very clear blue water.

Fraser Island

Explore Fraser Island with a stay at the Kingfisher Bay Resort — the perfect getaway to immerse yourself in nature. Head out on a ranger-guided tour to experience the best of this World Heritage­–listed island. Swim in the waters of Lake McKenzie and Eli Creek, view the Maheno Wreck and marvel at the coloured sands of the Pinnacles.

Wathumba on Fraser Island. Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

A beach with white sand and blue skies.
Want someone to do all the planning for you?

Make your trip a breeze and let Travel Associates do all the planning. With over 20 years of experience, Travel Associates will craft a tailored itinerary around the Ring Cycle to perfectly fit your travel style and preferences. For more information call Travel Associates on 13 70 71.

The Ring Cycle

Queensland Performing Arts Centre
1–21 December 2023