Queensland first stops

Here's our guide to instant satisfaction when you first arrive in Brisbane, in no time you'll feel right at home and ready to take the city by storm.
Dining at Joey's in Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Australia

Eat

Brisbane is at the edge of Moreton Bay, which is home to the bug of the same name. Moreton Bay bugs are not insects, they're a type of slipper lobster that looks like something from the Jurassic period. Take it from us, they are absolutely delicious. Find yourself a riverside restaurant and order a plate of grilled bugs, or go the whole hog with a seafood platter.

Moreton Island, Brisbane, Australia.

Explore

Catch a ferry from Brisbane or Redcliffe to spend a day or more on amazing Moreton Island, the third-largest sand island in the world. Activities include hiking, snorkelling, fishing, wildlife spotting and dolphin watching. You can visit the historic Cape Moreton Lighthouse too. The island has a choice of camping grounds, as well as Tangalooma Island resort – an all-in-one holiday destination.

Poolside at The Emporium Hotel in Southbank, Brisbane

Stay

Queensland's a big state with a coastline that's nearly 7,000 kilometres long, so there's huge scope for finding the kind of holiday accommodation you want. The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast offer everything from independent beachfront apartments to luxury resorts with all the trimmings. Brisbane has a great line up of world-class hotels and self-catering apartments. In Cairns and the far north you'll find resort hotels that are ideal for families, rainforest retreats and blissful Great Barrier Reef island lodges. Whether your budget's tight or fully flexible, Queensland's ready to make you comfortable.

Image courtesy of Tourism Queensland; Moreton Island image courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland