When it comes to our favourite domestic travel destinations, Queensland remains our top holiday hotspot, with the Gold Coast typically at the top of the travel tree. However, for those keen to explore more of the spectacular Sunshine State, why not swap the glittering Gold Coast for the diverse delights of Hervey Bay, Mackay, Gladstone, Townsville or Port Douglas?
Dreaming of your next winter getaway? Oaks Hotels, Resorts and Suites is inviting travellers to escape the chill, shed the winter woollies, and save up to 30% on stays of two nights or more with its latest deal: Getaways Are Better When You Get Away with Oaks.
Lock in your get-together with the current winter sale where guests can save 20% on stays of two nights or more, and Oaks Discovery loyalty program members eligible for an additional 10% off. That’s a saving of up to 30%!*. Plus, if your plans change, you can rest assured with our flexible cancellation policy with free cancellations until 24 hours prior to check in.
This deal ends 28 June 2024. Valid for travel until 20 December 2024 – Get away together at Oaks, book direct now!
Check out these five alternatives to the Gold Coast for a well-deserved winter getaway:
HERVEY BAY
Three hours north of Brisbane, winter is the perfect time for an unforgettable whale watching tour in Hervey Bay, when majestic humpback whales frolic off the coastline between July and November. Home to beautiful beaches, sheltered waters, and plenty of adventure activities on nearby K’gari (Fraser Island), it’s the ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Options include snorkelling, kayaking, 4X4 exploring, fishing and sensational sand dunes made for family fun.
Stay: Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
Situated along Hervey Bay’s picturesque Esplanade, Oaks Hervey Bay Resort & Spa offers accommodation from spacious studios through to multi-bedroom apartments where the family can settle in and spread out in comfort. Onsite facilities include a sparkling swimming pool, spa, onsite cafe, and easy access to waterfront restaurants.
MACKAY
With easy access to 31 beaches and lush rainforests, Mackay is one of Queensland’s undiscovered gems and the perfect pick for those seeking a less touristy holiday hotspot, but with plenty to do. Check out the Art Deco architecture, public artworks and cultural hub, Artspace, on a day exploring town, then get out and about to experience sunrise with wallabies on the sand at Cape Hillsborough National Park, zipline over the forest floor at Finch Hatton Gorge, or drop a fishing line in the Pioneer River to try your luck.
STAY: Oaks Mackay Carlyle Suites
Conveniently located in the heart of town, guests can choose from a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments with modern kitchens, spacious living areas and laundry facilities. The hotel is home to a gym, swimming pool and handy BBQ facilities.
PORT DOUGLAS
Renowned as the meeting place of the rainforest and the sea, Port Douglas is the ultimate tropical playground. From hiking the lush Daintree Rainforest to sailing, snorkelling and diving adventures on the Great Barrier Reef or wildlife experiences with crocodiles and cassowaries, this laidback coastal town is what holiday dreams are made of. Food fans will also be spoilt for choice with the raft of gourmet restaurants, markets and sublime seafood on offer – including the famous six-course Flames in the Forest rainforest dining experience – an unforgettable addition to any Port Douglas escape.
STAY: Oaks Port Douglas Resort
Moments from iconic Four Mile Beach, Oaks Port Douglas Resort offers lush tropical landscaping, an onsite restaurant and spa and a lagoon-style pool with swim-up bar – the perfect place to unwind after a day discovering the reef or rainforest. Accommodation options include hotel rooms and one and two-bedroom apartments with pool or garden views, kitchenettes, living and dining zones and roomy balconies.
TOWNSVILLE
Less discovered than its northern neighbours – Cairns and Port Douglas – Townsville enjoys an idyllic coastal location on the Coral Sea, plenty of natural assets to share, and an impressive 300 days of sunshine a year. Head across to magnificent Magnetic Island in just 20 minutes by ferry for snorkelling, shipwreck diving, Australia’s first Museum of Underwater Art and a true tropical escape vibe. Back on the mainland, popular activities include the latest dining hotspots along City Lane, the Wet Tropics Great Walk, the misty mountain village of Paluma – one of the top places in the country to spot the elusive platypus – and wildlife encounters at Billabong Sanctuary.
STAY: Oaks Townsville Metropole Hotel
This spacious apartment-style hotel features a selection of studios and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and balconies with city, hinterland or marina views, as well as a fully equipped gym, restaurant and sparkling swimming pool.
SUNSHINE COAST
A perennial holiday favourite, the Sunshine Coast lives up to its name with a raft of activities including swimming, surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as whale watching and hiking and biking in the glorious hinterland. Noosa’s gourmet dining scene and boutique shopping attract a chic crowd, while families love the vibrant Eumundi markets, Australia Zoo, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast aquarium and Aquaduck Tours along the Mooloolaba waterways.
STAY: Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort
Voted among Australia’s top 10 family resorts, Oaks Sunshine Coast Oasis Resort is a haven for kids and parents alike. Features include an expansive onsite waterpark, resort-style pool, mini golf, restaurant, climbing frame and giant Kangaroo Jumper, with a choice of one and two-bedroom apartments as well as ultra-generous three-bedroom villas.
GLADSTONE
One of the hidden treasures of the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Gladstone is the new go-to for a relaxing, nostalgic holiday combining fishing, surfing and underwater adventure. From trying your luck catching dinner at Chinaman’s Beach to surfing the breaks off nearby Agnes Water to picking up something tasty to cook at Gladstone Seafood Markets, Gladstone delivers a laidback holiday experience. Popular day trips from Gladstone include watersports at Tannum Sands or discovering the dramatic natural beauty of the Sandstone Wilderness district.
STAY: Oaks Gladstone Grand Hotel
Conveniently located in the Gladstone CBD, the hotel offers spacious, modern suites equipped with kitchens as well as first-class onsite facilities including a restaurant, swimming pool and handy tour desk.
