A Trip to Queensland Will Have You Feeling Like a King
If you’re spending hard-earned cash and taking precious time off to venture Down Under, chances are likely that Sydney and Melbourne are part of the preliminary itinerary. After all, Australia’s two most populous cities are world-renowned hubs of vibrant beach cultures, seafood-heavy cuisine, and pockets of unrivaled natural beauty.
But if you’re looking to stray a bit from the norm and immerse yourself in a region that, quite frankly, has all of the above and then some, consider the Northeastern State of Queensland. Home to capital city Brisbane, quaint coastal towns, and the Great Barrier Reef, the burgeoning locale is an ideal destination to plan three completely different types of trips in one.
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I recently went on an epic one-week adventure and have compiled my favorite highlights below.
The Brisbane Bookend
Fresh off the heels of COVID lockdowns and the 2032 Olympics hosting announcement, Brisbane has experienced a tremendous surge in popularity, boasting multi-billion dollar dining and entertainment projects that will welcome thousands of tourists from all over the world. It’s also the place you’ll want to start and end your journey with direct routes to and from every major West Coast city in the U.S. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to Polaris, United’s business class experience with private, lie-flat seats, personal charging ports, Therabody amenity kits (with an eye serum!), and even a fresh set of pajamas. I experienced virtually zero jet lag in both directions, all thanks to being well-fed and well-rested during the grueling 14 and a half hour flights.
Where to Stay
Brisbane’s crown jewel will be The Star, a riverside adult playground of world-renowned hotels, celebrity chef-backed restaurants, bars, and luxury shopping, which is slated to open in August 2024. In the meantime, accommodations at the airy and dreamy Calile Hotel are a must with warm, inviting rooms that look straight out of a spread in Architectural Digest. Waterfront Crystalbrook Vincent is another safe bet with bold, eclectic interiors and unparalleled views of the city’s skyline and Brisbane River.
What to Do
Brisbane is a walking town with picturesque piers and bridges, botanical gardens, and sprawling parks. Simply allow yourself to get lost and among the harmonious balance of nature and architecture, which you won’t really find anywhere else on the island.
For those seeking a more formal walking tour, opt for one of many offerings from Kiff & Culture. These curated experiences will bring you to some of the city’s gems, both revered and hidden, so that you can see a little bit of everything within a short period of time.
What to Eat and Drink
Starbucks, begone. Start each and every day at one of Brisbane’s many cafes and bakeries, one just as good as the next. Australia takes pride in its coffee and baked goods with unhurried lattes and pastries filled with everything from chocolates and creams to jams made from native fruits.
A trip to Thai Hoa Grocer is necessary to sample exotic produce like durian and less popular mango varieties, but you’ll also get a sneak peek of the ingredients utilized at Stanley: a Cantonese and Chinese-inspired restaurant that sits pretty on Howard Smith Wharves. Staples like dim sum and cleverly concocted cocktails are no-brainers, but be sure to also order a la carte items like peking duck pancakes and crispy skin chicken with a ginger shallot relish and tongue-tingling chilies.
Dinner is where the laidback metropolis really comes to life at haunts like Pilloni and Agnes, both of which lean into an open fire kitchen concept. The former, located in West End, features Sardinian staples such as goat shoulder pasta, wild venison tartare, and a Berkshire pork loin with celeriac puree while the latter, which is arguably Brisbane’s most coveted reservation to nab, delights palates with everything from a yellowfin tuna sourdough crumpet to lamb sweetbreads with fenugreek, tonnato sauce, and pickles.
Needless to say, Brisbane has established itself as a certified foodie mecca, rivaling Australia’s other major cities when it comes to culinary talent, diversity, vision, and clout.
A Sunny Disposition
The perfect next stop before heading to the Great Barrier Reef is to hit up one of Queensland’s many coastal towns. Sunshine and Gold are the two most popular, though we chose the former since it was less crowded and offered a bevy of unique gastronomic experiences.
Where to Stay
A stay at Essence Peregian Beach is a stone’s throw away from the ocean, which should be walked at sunrise every morning. Enjoy coastal chic rooms next to a mini shopping center with eateries, an ice cream parlor, and shops brimming with sand and sun-hued home goods.
For a more luxurious escape to the mountains, consider Spicers Clovelly Estate, an idyllic oasis tucked in the the valleys of Montville with tree-lined roads, French provincial-style guest houses, and an on-property restaurant, The Long Apron, that touts a wonderful vegetarian tasting menu with highlights like kohlrabi with tarragon and pistachio puree and lemon and caper gnocchi.
What to Do
Start with a boat trip though Saltwater Eco Tours to take in the sea breeze and nosh on Australian delicacies like mini meat pies and grilled shrimp, but also explore the dock’s surrounding businesses upon your return.
Australia has seen a huge boost in gin production and consumption with distilleries like Sunshine & Sons, which is absolutely worth a visit for a tasting. My favorite sipper of the bunch was their pineapple parfait flavor, soaked in fresh tropical fruits, coconut, and vanilla to convert even the staunchest of vodka and tequila purists.
Once you’re feeling toasty, walk it off on one of the area’s many hiking trails, from Mary Cairncross’s scenic reserve to the wet rainforest of Booloumba Falls.
What to Eat and Drink
As a very green and healthy respite from all of the protein and pastries consumed in Brisbane, Mapleton Public House takes you through the literal garden, showcasing seasonal bounties from nearby farms that may or may not include (depending on what’s ripe) heirloom tomatoes in a cheddar tart, hasselback zucchini on labneh with kasundi and wakame oil, as well as buttermilk-fried oyster mushrooms in a burnt yuzu aioli.
Down the street, the Asian fusion at Sum Yung Guys is also some of the best in Australia, attracting residents from all over the country to dine on netted spring rolls, spicy beef rendang, and a “crying tiger” short rib with fried garlic, kaffir, and Thai basil.
Reef Life
And finally, to go completely off the grid, hop on a helicopter from Townsville and escape to where Oz’s hottest export, Chris Hemsworth, famously spent his 34th birthday. Orpheus Island Lodge, an all-inclusive, luxury island resort, accommodates only 28 guests at a time to keep the general vibe sacred and special.
The secluded property is where you’ll sleep, eat, drink, and embark on all of your favorite beachside activities like paddleboarding, snorkeling, fishing, and yoga. But perhaps the best activity of all is perching yourself above the infinity pool’s edge with a fresh coconut in tow. It is here where you’ll disconnect, reflect, and essentially become one with the turquoise water that teems with stingrays and sharks below.
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