Brisbane weekenders
The city sits between the tourist hotspots of the Gold Coast in the south and the Sunshine Coast in the north, meaning that weekend breaks to the likes of Surfers Paradise and Noosa are viable options. You’re also on the doorstep of all the major theme parks and even Steve Irwin’s famous Australia Zoo.
While breaks to the Sunshine and Gold Coast are popular, there are also a whole host of stunning locations to check out.
The Islands
Although Brisbane does not boast its own beach, there are a whole host of amazingly beautiful islands that sit just out from the river mouth.
The choice of island getaways is virtually endless, with the most popular being North Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island.
Both have fantastic beaches that can rival anywhere in the country, and are popular diving and snorkelling spots.
North Stradbroke Island is the second biggest sand island in the world, behind Fraser Island and has the same beauty of its illustrious fellow Queensland island.
Moreton Island is also popular for the pod of dolphins that come into the shallows.
Widgee Mountain
Widgee Mountain is a top spot to try a bit of 4WD action and is a short drive from Brisbane, sitting just inland of the town of Gympie.
Organised 4WD tours will take you into the heart of the mountain where you can catch some spectacular views, take a dip in the mountain pools and shower under a waterfall.
Mount French
Just an hour-and-a-half from downtown Brisbane, Mount French offers a great break from city life.
It’s a great stop for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities such as rock climbing, horse riding, bushwalking or fishing and is the perfect place to relax and take in the scenery.
Seasonal issues
There can be no denying that Queensland offers some of the best tourist attractions in the country. The state boasts everything from fantastic theme parks to uninhabited outback terrain, and of course the Great Barrier Reef.
But while the state is a popular tourist attraction all year round, the seasonal weather means that the best time for you to visit will depend on exactly what it is you are looking to do.
The weather in Queensland is, as a rule, glorious all year round, meaning that essentially any time is a good time for chilling on the beaches and catching some rays. However, if you are not a fan of the baking heat then it is probably best to plan your trip around the winter months between June and August.
This particularly applies if you are planning to visit the Queensland outback and the tropical north, where the heat and humidity is at its most extreme.
The weather will also be a factor when visiting one of Queensland’s most famous attractions, the Whitsunday Islands.
Summer (from December to March) is the rainy season, meaning that it will rain most evenings and nights, but is usually clear from mid-morning to afternoon. The most popular times to visit are in the spring and autumn months. The water temperature is pleasant all year round. Another issue to consider is the stingers, or jellyfish.
Stinger season runs from October to May and at this time of year it is not advisable to head out into the sea without a stingersuit for protection.
The Gold Coast is a particularly popular tourist region, meaning it’s important to book ahead for accommodation if you’re planning to travel during peak periods, such as the school holidays.
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