Bringing Queensland to Life for You

The Journey Begins: Heathrow to Brisbane with Singapore Airlines

As I relaxed in the Singapore Airlines lounge at Heathrow, cocktail in hand (it had to be a classic Singapore Sling), I was reminded why this is one of my go-to airlines for long-haul travel. I have flown with Singapore Airlines several times now, and they consistently deliver a premium experience that feels calm and considered from the moment you check in. Smooth, well-timed connections through Changi Airport, often voted one of the best airports in the world, whether you are travelling in Economy, Premium Economy, Business or Suites, Singapore Airlines is known for its reliability and high standards.

The whole experience is designed to be seamless, soothing and just a little bit special, which makes all the difference when you land on the other side feeling ready to explore, rather than exhausted.

After a smooth journey into Brisbane, it was time to head straight for the coast. 

First Stop:  Checking In at Dorsett Gold Coast From Brisbane we drove down to the Gold Coast, where the skyline of glittering towers gives way to endless stretches of golden sand. This was the first chapter of my Queensland adventure and it immediately set the tone: vibrant, coastal and full of energy. A brilliant base for those first few nights is Dorsett Gold Coast, which makes an ideal introduction to Queensland for. It suits travellers who enjoy stylish, modern design with a fresh, contemporary feel, a lively, sociable atmosphere that is far from stuffy but never overwhelming, super comfy rooms that feel like a cocoon after a long international journey.  The hotel is set within The Star Gold Coast precinct in Broadbeach, which means here you have restaurants, bars and entertainment right on your doorstep and a gorgeous pool area that is perfect for a quiet morning coffee or a sunset cocktail.

Day One: Culture, Coastlines and Creatures on the Gold Coast 

My first full day on the Gold Coast was the perfect blend of arts, views, wildlife and local flavour. First stop we began at HOTA (Home of the Arts), a bold, colourful cultural hub set by the water. It is full of galleries, outdoor artworks and that wonderful energy that comes from a space genuinely loved by locals. One of the most moving highlights was the Happy Birthday 2U2 exhibition by Hikoko, you find your birth date, open the matching mailbox, and read a birthday card left by someone with the same birthday. Then you create a new card for the next person. It is such a simple idea, but a powerful reminder that small, thoughtful gestures can connect strangers across the world.

Next stop was the SkyPoint Observation Deck we traded galleries for sky-high views at the SkyPoint Observation Deck, perched at the top of the Q1 building. From here you have jaw-dropping 360-degree views over the sweeping coastline and surf beaches and the city below and the lush hinterland rolling away into the distance. It is a fantastic way to get your bearings and to appreciate just how varied the landscapes are in this corner of Queensland.

The afternoon was spent at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which feels like stepping into a living postcard of Australian wildlife. Kangaroos hopping lazily across the grass, Koalas doing what they do best: eating, sleeping and looking impossibly cute. Set within lush, leafy surroundings, the sanctuary feels close to nature without being too rugged. It is an amazing way to meet Australia’s iconic wildlife in a setting that still feels wild and green.

Day Two From Coast to Rainforest with Southern Cross Tours. 

After a fabulous first day by the sea, it was time to head inland with Southern Cross Tours to discover a completely different side to Queensland, the lush green hinterland and the beautiful Tamborine Mountain. As we left the coast, the scenery changed quickly from beaches and high-rises to winding roads, towering trees and rolling hills. It felt like slipping into an entirely new world. Our first stop was the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, walking along elevated walkways high in the treetops, I was surrounded by dense rainforest and dappled light,birds calling from the canopy and the soft sound of a creek flowing far below. From the viewing points you can see right over the valley, and the interpretive signs help you appreciate just how ancient and precious this environment is.

Next, we joined a guided walk to Curtis Falls. The track winds gently through forest shaded by tall eucalypts and lush ferns, while the guide shares stories about local wildlife and the region’s volcanic past. Standing at the viewing platform, watching the water drop into the rock pool below, felt wonderfully peaceful. To round off the afternoon, we wandered along Gallery Walk, Tamborine’s main strip of boutiques, galleries and cafés. It is great for picking up local products, meeting makers and enjoying a more laid-back, village-style atmosphere.

Day three in Australia felt like a love letter to the Gold Coast Think surf, ancient stories and sensational food. 

The morning started with a private surf lesson with Australian Surfing Adventures. There is nothing quite like paddling out into the surf with those iconic Australian beaches behind you. Even though I only managed to catch one wave, it was one of those “I really am in Australia” moments.

From there, we headed to Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Centre for a private cultural walking tour at Burleigh Heads. Listening to our guide share stories, history and deep connection to Country as we walked the coastline added a powerful, grounding layer to the Gold Coast experience. It is an experience I would highly recommend for anyone wanting their trip to go beyond the surface and truly connect with First Nations culture and perspectives.

The next morning, it was time to farewell the Gold Coast and head for the next chapter. 

After checking out of Dorsett Gold Coast, I was met by Alex from Kiff & Culture for a private tour of the Scenic Rim, one of Queensland’s most beautiful rural regions. Kiff & Culture specialise in immersive experiences that connect guests with the area’s best purveyors and artisans, and the day felt beautifully curated from start to finish.

Our first stop was Tommerup’s Dairy Farm, a working family farm where I could slow down, meet the animals and see where so much of the region’s incredible produce begins. It is an ideal experience for travellers who value authenticity and want to understand the stories behind what they eat.

Next we continued to Mount French Lodge for a relaxed lunch with panoramic countryside views. Afterwards, I explored the property and could immediately see how special a stay here would be for anyone seeking peace, privacy and a sense of escape.

Then came Summer Land Camels for a private tour and tasting. Gentle camels, fascinating stories and delicious camel milk products made this a surprisingly delightful highlight. The rural backdrop completes the sense of being a world away from city life. After a full day in the Scenic Rim, we headed into Brisbane and checked in at Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences for a three-night stay, swapping rolling hills for a modern river-city skyline. 

Day five: Lady Elliot Island: A Day on the Great Barrier Reef 

One of the true standouts of this trip was an early departure from Redcliffe Airport in a small light aircraft bound for Lady Elliot Island, a tiny coral cay at the southern tip of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef. Set within a highly protected Green Zone, Lady Elliot is known as the “Home of the Manta Ray”, and is a premier sanctuary for marine life. It hosts over 1,200 species, including huge populations of manta rays, green and loggerhead turtles, reef sharks and a dazzling array of  fish. During my day on the island, I was lucky enough to experience this extraordinary marine world up close: Snorkelling above coral gardens teeming with life, spotting a white tip reef shark, giant moray eel, eagle ray, “Nemos” (clownfish) and turtles. We also enjoyed a glass-bottom boat trip to appreciate the reef from above, a leisurely lunch overlooking the water, and time to learn more about the island’s flora, fauna and vital conservation work. It is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you have rinsed the salt from your hair.

Final day: Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) If there was a single day that made me want to press pause and never leave, it was my final day in Australia.

We joined Yura Tours for a private cultural tour to Minjerribah, formerly known as Stradbroke Island, and that is where the magic truly happened. A Journey With Yura Tours & Elisha Kissick. Yura Tours is founded and led by Elisha Kissick, a warm, eloquent and wonderfully sassy contemporary Indigenous woman. As a child, Elisha spent summers following her Nana, learning about Quandamooka culture and collecting stories that are passed down only through the female line. Travelling around the island’s iconic beaches and dramatic headlands near Point Lookout with Elisha as our guide felt like stepping into a living storybook.

Along the way we: Tasted bush foods and learned about native medicines, listened to stories about Quandamooka way of life, gained a deeper understanding of the land, sea and sky through a First Nations lens, a Simple, Perfect Lunch. Wildlife everywhere, lunch from Fish Lass was a simple plate of fresh sea mullet eaten by the water, yet it felt incredibly special in its simplicity, especially in such a meaningful setting. Throughout the day, Minjerribah felt like a wildlife documentary unfolding in real time.

In just one day I saw koalas dozing in the trees, kangaroos grazing in gardens, osprey resting in the branches, dolphins playing in the sea, green sea turtles drifting through the shallows, kookaburra calling from above, manta rays gliding beneath the headland. If ever there was a day that made me want to press pause and stay forever, it was this one.

This whirlwind trip reminded me just how diverse and special Queensland is. Every element of my journey can be woven into a bespoke itinerary: whether you want to focus on wildlife, food and wine, culture, coastal luxury, or a little bit of everything. If this has sparked ideas for your own Queensland adventure, I would love to help you design a trip that feels just as magical, but uniquely yours.