Discover What’s New in Queensland for 2025: Adventure, Luxury, and Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

Sunset tours

Queensland has always been a paradise for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and culture buffs—but 2025 takes the Sunshine State to new heights. With luxurious new stays, groundbreaking attractions, and a world-first eco-adventure cliff park, this is the year to rediscover Queensland with fresh eyes.

Runway to 2032: Olympic Legacy Begins Now

Brisbane is already building momentum as the host city of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. A world-class 63,000-seat stadium is planned for Victoria Park, joined by a 25,000-seat National Aquatic Centre and a $257 million transformation of the Chandler Sport Precinct. Meanwhile, upgrades across regional Queensland—from Rockhampton to Cairns—are shaping the state into a global sports and tourism hub. New athlete villages and revitalised event venues will serve tourists long before and after the Olympic torch is lit.

Luxury Stays from the Beach to the Bush

From tropical islands to misty mountains, Queensland’s accommodation scene is booming. On Hamilton Island, The Sundays has just opened on Catseye Beach, where 59 breezy rooms and a restaurant helmed by acclaimed chefs Josh and Julie Niland promise ultimate island indulgence.

In Gladstone, Peppers Gladstone offers five-star comfort near the reef, while in the Gold Coast hinterland, The Tamborine Boutique Hotel provides serene mountain views and mineral spa luxury.

Animal lovers can lodge next door to kangaroos and crocs at Crocodile Cabins near Australia Zoo, and off-grid adventurers will find peaceful refuge at The Firebreak near the Bunya Mountains or Valhalla Glamping in the Lockyer Valley.

In Brisbane, the newly opened Queen’s Wharf and The Star Brisbane redefine luxury. Soaring 100 metres above the river, the Sky Deck and Isoletto Pool Club offer unbeatable views, fine dining, and boutique shopping.

Step into Bluey’s Backyard

At Bluey's World, the beloved animated Heeler family comes to life at Northshore Pavilion in Brisbane. Open since late 2024, this interactive attraction immerses families in the familiar charm of Bluey’s Queenslander home, complete with life-size sets and cheeky garden gnomes.

Adventures Under and Over the Reef

New experiences across the Great Barrier Reef offer deep connections to its beauty and culture. In Bundaberg, Indigenous-led Sunrise Cultural Tours at Mon Repos explore local flora, fauna, and turtle Dreaming stories.

Magnetic Island

Snorkellers can dive into reef wonders with Pure Snorkelling half-day tours from Cairns, or join Poseidon from Port Douglas for a more immersive ecotourism experience. On Hamilton Island, the Cultural Island Discovery tour visits ancient cave sites with an Indigenous guide, while Fraser Island Boat Charters offers Australia's only private overnight whale-watching tour.

For off-road adventures, MI Ride Discovery Tours explores Magnetic Island’s hidden coasts by 4WD.

Accessible Thrills and Outback Distilling

In a global first, Brisbane’s Story Bridge Adventure Climb is now wheelchair accessible thanks to a custom stair-climber chair. It’s an empowering way to see the city skyline.

In Roma, Western Queensland Spirit distillery serves handcrafted gin flights with a twist—you can fly there by helicopter and blend your own spirit beside a firepit under the stars.

Train buffs can ride through the heartland with Outback Aussie Tours, with new itineraries including Longreach’s historic sites and the scenic Great Southwestern Adventure.

Prefer your feet on the ground? New walking tours by Boobook explore wildflower country and cultural legacies around Roma, while the new Wangetti Trail near Palm Cove is already drawing hikers and bikers to its stunning coastal path.

Soak, Stargaze, and Sip

The Lan Bathhouse in Surfers Paradise is a serene new wellness hub featuring magnesium spas and holistic treatments. At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Astra Lumina dazzles as a light and sound trail that transforms the rainforest into a starlit dreamscape.

Wine lovers can raise a glass at the newly opened Dear Vincent Vineyard in the Granite Belt, where altitude meets attitude in bold wine expressions.

Over on the Sunshine Coast, Oceanview Helicopters now offers Picnic on a Peak, where you land atop a hinterland hill for a private feast of local flavours. For a floating escape, charter Pandora, a luxe houseboat at 1770/Agnes Water perfect for romantic retreats on the sea.

Big Fun at the Theme Parks

Rivertown at Dreamworld

The Wizard of Oz Precinct at Warner Bros. Movie World is enchanting families with its new rides and whimsical setting. At Dreamworld, Rivertown takes guests deep into jungle adventures, featuring the world's first coaster with an inclined triple-switch turntable.

What’s Still to Come in 2025

Get ready to soar with Happitat, a thrilling eco-cliff park opening soon in Lamington National Park with Australia’s highest zipline.

The Mondrian Hotel debuts in Burleigh Heads in June, bringing a splash of Hollywood glamour with sweeping ocean views and refined hospitality. Island lovers can soon glamp in style on Dunk Island or at Great Keppel Island Hideaway, where new eco-tents offer back-to-nature comfort.

Construction continues at Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel, set to open in 2026 with rooftop bars, coastal restaurants and a prime location just steps from the surf.

Just inland, Sixty6 Acres Woombye is transforming into a premium farm stay and high-end caravan park complete with heated plunge pools and paddock-to-plate dining.

To plan your next Queensland holiday, visit www.queensland.com

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