5 reasons why you should book a short break in Queensland

Travel in Queensland is Good to Go so now is the perfect time to treat yourself to a short break. Take advantage of the flexible booking options and discounted experiences on offer and recharge the batteries in Queensland. If you are looking for the perfect excuse to escape the daily grind for a while then why not consider a holiday close to home instead.

Here are five reasons why you should book a weekend getaway in Queensland.

Queensland is famously known for its warm climate all year round, a factor that is quite alluring to visitors when the temperatures begin to dip in New South Wales and Victoria. A short getaway to Queensland in February and March marks the best time to visit Queensland as the season slowly moves away from the hot and humid summer conditions into autumn.

The cooler change is far more pleasant for those unfamiliar with Queensland’s humidity along with lower rainfalls recorded and an average daily temperature of 28 degrees. Picture yourself enjoying endless sunny days exploring Queensland’s beaches and rainforests, cruising the Whitsundays and The Great Barrier Reef or downing a cocktail at one of Brisbane’s best al fresco dining precincts.

Queensland’s off-peak travel season kicks off from February so you will have no trouble finding a patch of sand to call your own. With over 1,700 beaches and thousands more remote islands, Queensland is the ideal place to relax and unwind without the crowds.

In fact, it is not unheard of to have a beach to yourself during a visit to The Whitsundays or North Queensland in the low season. The water temperature remains warm at 25 degrees and there is plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

A short break in the Sunshine Coast offers a combination of sun drenched beaches alongside national parks and wildlife, the perfect destination for those seeking a nature break. Meanwhile, the Gold Coast is Australia’s playground with miles of golden beaches perfect for those who love the outdoors and quiet strolls in the rainforest.

Further north, The Whitsundays have a collection of 74 islands to discover and a bounty of luxurious resorts to rest the mind, body and soul. And, of course, who could forget Cairns, a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The laid back city is a tropical paradise with multiple reef and island day tours to suit every visitor.

Travellers are spoilt with choice when planning a getaway in Queensland. Not only are there multiple destinations to choose from and discounted experiences on offer, but flexible booking options are available. This gives visitors the peace of mind to book with confidence and know that if your travel plans are disrupted, experiences can be changed to suit your availability.

Queensland is blessed to have a huge population of native and migratory animals that love to play on our shores and in our forests. A breathtaking encounter with wildlife is a precious reminder that we are not the only living beings on the planet.

Visit Queensland between January and March to see hundreds of turtles hatching on Mon Repos Beach. Watch on with national park rangers as the turtles make their first steps on the beach to the ocean. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity few are lucky to experience and a beautiful way to see the circle of life in action.

On the Great Barrier Reef, dive on into the crystal clear waters and coral reefs to check the “Great Eight” off your list. Lady Elliot Island is the home of the Manta Ray, while Lady Musgrave Island in the Southern Great Barrier Reef welcomes turtles ashore during their nesting and hatching seasons from November to March each year.

The best way to experience a magical underwater world filled with an array of wildlife and thriving coral reefs is to join Great Barrier Reef cruises from Cairns and The Whitsundays. Keep your eyes peeled for giant clams, clownfish, Maori wrasse, sharks, potato cod and even whales. Non- swimmers can still enjoy this wonderful spectacle by joining a scenic helicopter flight over the Great Barrier Reef or from the comfort of a glass bottom boat.

Visitors seeking a short getaway in the Sunshine Coast won’t miss out on the action with plenty of opportunities to enjoy a face to face encounter with wildlife. Grab a paddle and kayak and join a guided dolphin kayaking adventure near Noosa. As you take in the sights, don’t be surprised to see dolphins pop up beside you to say hello. The region is also home to the Australia Zoo, run by the Irwin family and SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium, where you can see giant sharks, cheeky seals and cute little penguins.

Visitors travelling to Brisbane can also enjoy a once in a lifetime encounter hand feeding dolphins on a Tangalooma Island day trip from Brisbane. Moreton Island is only 75 minutes away from Brisbane on a ferry, however, the palm tree fringed beaches and clear waters will ease you into island time instantly. Dolphin feeding takes place in the evening but you have the whole day to enjoy exploring Moreton Island.

When determining a suitable destination for a holiday you may consider what experiences are on offer within a region. Queensland has so many ancient landscapes and one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, however, many Australians are yet to discover these treasures for themselves.

Cairns is the central hub for visitors wishing to explore the world’s largest coral reef system and the world’s oldest rainforest. In just a few short hours, visitors can fly in from all major Australian cities and find themselves snorkelling the dazzling Great Barrier Reef or wandering through the lush Daintree Rainforest with Indigenous elders. Whether you choose to snorkel it, dive it, fly over it or view it from a glass bottom boat without getting your feet wet - the Great Barrier Reef never ceases to amaze all who make the journey.

Further south, The Whitsundays is a haven for those who love to sail and explore remote tropical islands. Find your bliss on the ocean with Whitehaven Beach tours, Whitsundays sailing adventures or tours to the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Exotic destinations and adventure can be found in all corners of Queensland including the Fraser Coast where Fraser Island tours will help you explore the world’s largest sand island. See unique rainforest growing on a sand island, wildlife, dozens of perched freshwater lakes, coloured sands and a historic shipwreck all in one destination.

Brisbane is lucky to have so many awe-inspiring natural attractions and sand islands in their backyard too. Take a short drive down the Pacific Highway to venture to the Gondwana Rainforest in the Gold Coast Hinterland. See the famous Natural Bridge glow worm caves, wander the streets of Mount Tamborine, sip your way through the winery trail in the mountains or visit one of the Moreton Bay Islands.

Don't wait for the next public holiday to come around - make the most of your annual leave and book in a long weekend getaway to Queensland this month. With so many destinations to explore and extraordinary experiences to fill your days, Queensland is Good to Go for a short break.