Queensland - The South

Jump down to find what to do and where to stay in Southern Queensland

Surfers Paradise, The Sunshine Coast, The Gold Coast...“Welcome to Australia's Playground!”

Vibrant Brisbane gives way to the glorious coastlines, pristine beaches and natural hinterlands that all add up to great days out in Southern Queensland.

Lining the coast of Southern Queensland, some of Australia’s most gorgeous beaches attract those seeking relaxation and excitement. Stretches of sand that fill the Sunshine Coast and link absorbing towns, popular resorts and beaches form the vivacious Gold Coast and walking trails of the hinterlands lead across national parks and mountain ranges. And at the centre of it all, the lively city of Brisbane is a hub of activity, from shopping and dining to heritage and attractions.

Brisbane is a bustling city that will welcome you with an open, friendly attitude. Discover the history of this city at one of many museums dotted around the centre. It’s easy to get close to wildlife in and around Brisbane, too – take a cruise, visit a sanctuary,watch pelicans being fed, go bird watching or delve into glow-worm caves. Indulge yourself in the fine dining or exquisite shopping available, or simply relax in a park or by the river.

South of Brisbane, the beaches of the Gold Coast stretch to the New South Wales border. Its hinterland includes the spectacular McPherson Range and national parks that offer plenty of walking trails, truly amazing scenery and a host of wildlife. For fun on the Gold Coast, try the roller coasters of Dreamworld, glamour of Movie World (also known as ‘Hollywood on the Gold Coast’) and the attractions at Sea World.

Surfers Paradise and Main Beach are two of the most popular destinations, offering attractions,watersports, dining, shopping and a great nightlife. Lying behind the Gold Coast is the world’s largest sub-tropical rainforest, known as the Gold Coast Hinterland. This magnificent place is a great escape from the buzz of the coast. Dramatic landscapes of sandstone cliffs,waterfalls and mountain villages with rock pools and bush walking trails can be found in this World Heritage site.

Reaching up from Caloundra towards the Tropical North, the Sunshine Coast has pristine beaches and weather to match. More than 100km of beaches stretch through the coastal towns of Caloundra, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Coolum Beach, Noosa and Rainbow Beach. Coast mixes with country in the hinterland: see the Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Noosa Hinterland and the Mary Valley. Here, days can be spent fishing, visiting attractions, canoeing or wandering around markets. There are plenty of places to swim, including rivers, sheltered bays and surf beaches.

What to do and where to stay in Southern Queensland

What to do Southern QLD Attraction Australia Zoo Review	- The legacy of Steve Irwin (Crocodile Hunter) is on full show at Australia Zoo. I would highly recommend this zoo for a day visit. I know zoos aren't for everyone, but the wildlife attractions at Australia zoo are varied enough to keep all ages happy....
Where to stay Surfers P'dise Hotel - 3star+ Holiday Inn, Surfers Paradise Listing	Next to the surf... Occupying an excellent location right by the beach and surrounded by boutiques and restaurants, this is a great option for relaxing on the Gold Coast...
Where to stay Surfers P'dise Hotel - 4star Australis Sovereign Hotel Listing	Australis Sovereign Hotel is the perfect place to relax and unwind in the vibrant beachside resort of Surfers Paradise, with its endless sandy beaches and beautiful hinterland. The hotel is ideally located close to shops, restaurants, entertainment and cafés...
Where to stay Gold Coast Hotel - 5star Gold Coast International Listing	Great for relaxing beach breaks, the Gold Coast International pampers its guests with a choice of excellent facilities that include award-winning restaurants and two bars...
Where to stay Moreton Island - 3star+ Tangalooma Island Resort Listing	This resort is a magical place encased by national park and ocean, where guests can hand-feed the bottlenose dolphins that swim up to the beach...
Where to stay Fraser Island Hotel - 4star Kingfisher Bay Resort Listing	On the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest sand island. Take the opportunity to explore ancient rainforests, coloured sand cliffs on Five Mile Beach and Mirrored Lakes...
Where to stay QLD Country Hotel - 4star Peppers Hidden Vale Listing	Country Romance. A romantic country getaway, Peppers Hidden Vale occupies a beautifully restored homestead, with 19th-century cottages converted into upmarket farmstay accommodation amongst the gardens...
Where to stay Noosa Hotel - 4star+ Noosa Blue Resort Listing	Amazing Views. Perched on Noosa Hill and offering spectacular views, the boutique design Noosa Blue Resort is close to the cosmopolitan seaside village resort of Noosa...
Where to stay Noosa Hotel - 4star+ The Sebel Resort Noosa Listing	Centrally located boutique apartments. The Sebel Resort Noosa is a first-class resort and the apartments embody marvellous design, including marblelined bathrooms and gourmet kitchens...
Where to stay Sunshine Coast Hotel - 4star Novotel Twin Waters Resort Listing	An award-winning resort that’s renowned for its supporting facilities, the Novotel Twin Waters rests amidst lush sub-tropical gardens around a saltwater lagoon fed by the Maroochy River...
Where to stay Gold Coast Hotel - 4star+ Mantra Coolangatta Beach Listing	Beach vistas. The oceanfront Mantra Coolangatta Beach Resort is located on Marine Parade within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and bars and overlooks both Coolangatta and Greenmount beaches...
What to do Coolangatta - Eating Ferelli's Italian Cafe Listing & Review	- We are the only restaurant in Queensland that you order and eat the meal and then you decide what to pay for it. We are open seven days per week for breakfast, lunch and dinner...
What to do Ashmore - Eating Ashmore Seafood & Steak Review	- The location is excellent plenty of parking space, the building is huge - food is to die for staff very friendly and helpful - cost is amazingly reasonable...