International students and tourists are returning to Brisbane as occupancy rates reflect the rise.
Carnival Splendor is unashamedly a cruise ship.

On board the cruise ship that’s not ashamed to be a cruise ship

Some cruise ships aim to win over people who don’t like cruising. This isn’t one of them.

  • Craig Platt
Beachfront bliss.

Iconic ’90s resort’s new must-see island spectacle

This is a tranquil,eco-friendly base to explore the beauty,landscapes and wildlife of the biggest sand island in the world.

  • Kerry van der Jagt
Couple sitting on blanket on the waters edge at Copperfield Gorge.

I did an epic outback road trip without a four-wheel drive (or a tent)

If you’ve never visited Australia’s great outback before,this is the place to do it.

  • Emily McAuliffe
A ride on the CityCat costs just 50¢.

Sorry,southerners,but this bargain city is our coolest summer capital

Fifty-cent public transport and $2 public swimming pools? Bring your spare change and swimmers for a good time in Brissie.

  • Christine Retschlag
The barge and the tip of North West Island,Queensland.

No running water,no escape,but this trip became my idea of paradise

I still can’t believe we did this – camping on a remote coral cay. We cooked our own meals,slept in basic tents,spent days conducting “science” experiments. Now I realise it was brilliant.

  • Ben Groundwater
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Make Airlie Beach your base.

How to do Queensland’s dreamiest islands without breaking the budget

Let Airlie Beach be the launchpad for your affordable island-hopping escape. Here’s where to eat,stay and play without spending a fortune.

  • Riley Wilson
Peregian Beach is just a short distance from Noosa,but far more laid back.

The Sunshine Coast’s underrated,laid-back beach town

Just 11 kilometres south of Noosa,Peregian Beach offers an untouched shoreline,a village atmosphere and a vibrant local scene.

  • Kerry Heaney
That long beach and the Sheraton Grand Mirage Port Douglas.

This Aussie holiday mecca is finally atoning for its tourism sins

I first visited Port Douglas in the 1980s,before mega-resorts came and changed its character. Thankfully,tourism operators today have a different approach.

  • Lee Tulloch
Time the tides right at Burleigh Heads,and a shallow lagoon appears on the sand.

I never liked the Gold Coast. Now,as a parent,I love it

It would be fair to say that I have never previously clicked with the Gold Coast,but returning with kids in tow changed my perspective.

  • David Whitley
The retreat’s lap pool is shaded and private.

This luxe Queensland retreat is a haven for foodies

A soothing stay at this south-east Queensland rural retreat also attracts food-loving day-trippers keen to linger over a long lunch at Homage restaurant.

  • Katrina Lobley