Reasons Why Gold Coast And Brisbane Are Our Post-Pandemic Dream Destinations

As we battle cabin fever after not being able to travel internationally for months, we have our eyes set towards the future where bright skies await us once all this is over. If you're daydreaming of a post-pandemic getaway, we recommend adding the beautiful region of Queensland, Australia onto your travel list! Queensland is home to two vibrant cities - Brisbane and Gold Coast with tons to offer from breathtaking natural landscapes, laid-back beaches, world-class theme parks, and amazing national parks.

Queensland is a paradise on earth for nature lovers - the region is home to The Scenic Rim, a 4,243 km² area that consists of six national parks with hundreds of kilometres of walking tracks and spots for adrenaline-pumping nature activities like kayaking, hang-gliding, hot air ballooning, waterfall-chasing, and more. Within Scenic Rim, a 1351 km² area has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is a haven for bushwalkers, naturalists, birdwatchers, and lovers of spectacular views!

Take your pick of a region within The Scenic Rim and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime - here are our favourite spots in the region:

The peaceful and picturesque Mt Tamborine is a hidden gem located just an hour from Brisbane and 30 minutes from Gold Coast, making it great as a day trip into the Green behind the Gold. You're in for a treat of fresh air and breathtaking views the moment you step foot here - the region is dotted with unique accommodation options, pathways for wonderful walks, waterfalls, and lush greens. You'll also get the chance to enjoy local produces and meet local artists and craftsmen!

The Lamington National Park is filled with forests, creeks, and waterfalls that will take your breath away. Fun fact: the national park has the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world! Its beauty, charm, and rugged wilderness is unparalleled and definitely one-of-a-kind.

#KlookTip: We recommend spending a night here to have more time with nature! Book a stay at unique accommodation spots such as the Binna Burra Lodge or O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat for an unforgettable adventure.

Go on an island escape from Gold Coast and Brisbane and explore breathtaking beaches and pristine waters right off the coast. Queensland is blessed with great weather all-year-round, so the beaches are great to unwind in even during the winter. Here are our favourite island escape spots in Queensland:

Moreton Island is the world's 3rd largest sand island, and is a popular spot for sand dune tobogganing, beach bumming, and riding ATV quadbikes! You can also witness wild bottlenose dolphins being hand-fed every evening during sunset. The island is also famous for the Tangalooma Wrecks, a dramatic cluster of 15 sunken ships that is home to a large variety of reef fish, coral formations, and marine life, making it a popular snorkelling spot.

North Stradbroke Island is a paradise on earth for beach and nature lovers. Hop on a ferry and explore its endless white sandy beaches, quaint villages, and scenic lookouts. The island is also known for serving really fresh seafood like king prawns, crabs, and oysters! Must-dos in the area include walking the picturesque North Gorge Headland Walk and taking a dip at one of its beautiful lakes.

Plan a road trip to the world's largest sand island, located in southeast Queensland! Fraser Island is home to striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant sand dunes, and lush rainforests. It was added to the World Heritage List in 1992. Activities to enjoy here include whale watching, exploring the island on a four-wheel drive, trekking through in its beautiful rainforest parks, taking in magnificent views of the island from a seaplane, and swimming in its lakes and creek. Pssst, it's also a spot for you to do a social detox as there's no wifi on the island (except at the resorts!).

Getting here: 80 minutes flight from Brisbane (Redcliffe)

Lady Elliot Island is an easy-to-reach slice of paradise famous for its gentle, awe-inspiring manta ray population (researchers have identified more than 700 individual rays here!), glittering white beaches lined with crushed coral, and 20 amazing spots for scuba diving. You'll get the chance to swim with schools of brilliantly-coloured fish, turtles, and possibly even whales here.

Both Brisbane and Gold Coast are beautiful cities with lots of walking space and so much to offer. You will not be rubbing shoulders with the crowds when you visit these open space cities! Explore the unique attractions in Brisbane such as the Gallery Of Modern Art, Queensland Museum, Brisbane City Hall, Story Bridge, and ANZAC Square.

Gold Coast, on the other hand, has over 57km of unending coastal line with many different coastal precincts to choose where you want to stay, from the popular Surfers Paradise to the Southern Gold Coast area (don't miss out on Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, and Coolangatta!) if you're looking to get away from the crowd. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, you'll find something for you in these two cities.

Kangaroos, crocodiles, or koalas? Queensland is a sanctuary for all of them. You can go on a trek through the jungle and get up-close and personal to wildlife on your own, or visit one of their amazing wildlife sanctuaries such as the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or the Australia Zoo.

Book a stay at a private sanctuary that will ensure you and your travelling companions have maximum comfort and minimum contact with crowds! Sleep in a tent pitched for you in a secluded private retreat space and prep your own meals while being surrounded by nature. Check out the myriad of luxurious glamping destinations in Queensland for an unforgettable romantic getaway or family holiday.

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