From a mesmerising luxe new stay on the Whitsundays to the world’s first eco-adventure cliff park and a major announcement ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will elevate Brisbane’s status as a premier destination for major events – 2025 is already delivering new and exciting tourism experiences…and there’s plenty more on the horizon.
Runway to 2032
A new 63,000-seat state-of-the-art stadium at Victoria Park headlines a new and exciting chapter for Brisbane and Queensland as the countdown to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games begins in earnest. Planning is now underway for the once-in-a-generation opportunity, which also see a new 25,000 seat National Aquatic Centre at Centenary Pool in Spring Hill; a $257 million makeover for the Chandler Sport Precinct, transforming it into a dedicated para-sports facility; a major upgrade of the Queensland Tennis Centre including a new 3000-seat arena and 12 new match courts; a revitalised upgrade to the Brisbane Showgrounds to accommodate 20,000 spectators and be converted into the Athletes Village.
Regional Queensland is also feeling the investment love with new Athletes Villages earmarked for both Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast; major upgrades to the Toowoomba Showgrounds, Barlow Park Stadium in Cairns and Fitzroy River course in Rockhampton to name a few with the Olympics and Paralympic Games lighting a flame to supercharge Queensland tourism to 2032 and beyond.
Accommodation boom for Queensland
Staying with the Olympics, sporting venues are not the only beneficiaries to the positive Olympics glow-up with the Queensland hotel industry witnessing a boom with 31 new hotels either opened or under construction in the lead-up to 2032 equating to almost 4,000 extra rooms across the state. From boutique minimalism to expansive precincts, Queensland is catering to all holidaymakers.
Take a drive north from Brisbane, along the Pacific Coast Way, to find Queensland’s newest luxe accommodation in the heart of the Whitsundays – The Sundays on Hamilton Island welcoming their first guests this month. The motto here is simple – live everyday like it’s a relaxing Sunday and Mondays are a just a figment of your imagination. Sitting proudly on the shores of Catseye Beach, the luxe boutique hotel encourages guests to relax, reconnect and recharge at one of the 59 rooms boasting stunning views and a gentle sea breeze. The hotel has also teamed up with Australian award-winning chefs Josh and Julie Niland to open a new restaurant at the property, ensuring a dining experience that complements the Instagram-worthy setting.
Gladstone’s first five-star hotel, and first new hotel built in the region in more than a decade, Peppers Gladstone opened its doors to guests in February, 2025. Featuring 32 rooms, Peppers provides travellers with a comfy base before or after any adventures on the reef.
Further south, tucked away in the hills behind the Gold Coast’s glistening beaches, and set in the tranquil surroundings of Mount Tamborine, The Tamborine Boutique Hotel is now open and offers luxe stays across 23 rooms with mountain views. Guest won’t want to leave the comforts of the property thanks to the heated mineral pool and spa, a central bar, and a selection of indoor and outdoor lounging spaces for guests to lap up the serenity of the lush surrounding landscapes.
Travellers looking for a totally wild stay can now perch themselves at the new Crocodile Cabins adjacent to Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast, where the neighbours happen to be kangaroos, emus, koalas, freshwater crocodiles and turtles. Forming part of the Crocodile Hunter Lodge, which launched in 2022, guests have access to the resort’s existing facilities, including onside restaurant, and access to Australia Zoo.
Surrounded by the vistas of the towering Bunya Mountains, just a 2.5 hour drive northwest of Brisbane, The Firebreak is the perfect place to digital detox with luxury off-grid cabins surrounded by rolling pastures of the property’s working regenerative farm. Heading directly west from Brisbane, at the southern end of the Lockyer Valley lies Valhalla Glamping – a luxury glamping getaway offering breathtaking views across the valley.
The official opening of Queen’s Wharf and The Star Brisbane – the new luxury hotel and lifestyle precinct perched adjacent to the Brisbane River – has dramatically sculpted a new skyline above the city. The imposing Sky Deck ‘hangs’ 100 metres above the riverbank below and offers unparalleled views across South Bank, Mount Coot-tha and wider Brisbane. In April, 2025 The Star Brisbane made a splash opening three new infinity-style pools, a café, pool bar, gymnasium, sauna and steam room as part of The Isoletto Pool Club – to ensure guests can soak in the views. Levels below boast a delectable lineup of restaurants, bars and entertainment spaces with a raft of retail offerings on the horizon
It’s Bluey’s World and now you’re living in it
Still in the capital city, one of the most popular TV shows in the world has been immaculately recreated in fine detail at Bluey’s World. Bluey’s World, opened to the public in November 2024, is a unique experience that takes families into the heart of the Heeler’s iconic Queenslander home, backyard and neighbourhood. The interactive attraction delivers real-life sets, beloved characters and games from Bluey as guests interact with cheeky Fairies and curious Garden Gnomes. Located at the 4,000sqm Northshore Pavillion, just 15 minutes from Brisbane CBD, the game-changing venue will attract tens of thousands of visitors from around the world to Queensland.
Reef-freshing news on the Great Barrier Reef
As the sun rises across Bundaberg take a journey through time and discover the rich cultural history of turtle haven region Mon Repos with the new Sunrise Cultural Tour at Turtle Sands, led by Taribelang Bunda Cultra Tours. Exclusive to guests at NRMA Parks and Resort’s new nature-based accommodation, Turtle Sands, at Mon Repos Beach near Bundaberg, learn about local bushtucker, native flora and fauna while being transported to another time with the Dreaming Story of the Saltwater Turtle. The beachfront accommodation combines a selection of stays including camping, glamping and cabin accommodation with an incredible close-up encounter with the region’s population of nesting and hatching turtles (November – March).
Explore Magnetic Island’s secluded west coast landscapes such as mangroves, rainforests, and coral reefs with MI Ride Discovery Tours on 3.5-hour guided 4WD tour where you’ll encounter wildlife in their natural habitats including koalas and native birds.
Join Indigenous guide Robbi Congoo for a new four-hour intimate journey through Ngaro Country in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Cultural Island Discovery takes Hamilton Island guests to the Ngaro Cultural Site at Nara Inlet on Hook Island, home the Ngaro People, ancient artefacts and millennia-old cave paintings.
Australia’s only private overnight humpback whale watching adventure Fraser Island Boat Charters’ skippered yacht launched in February 2025 bringing guests face-to-face with humpback whales during their annual migration, when these magnificent creatures seek shelter in the calm waters between K’gari and the mainland. From the yacht’s deck, witness spectacular breaching displays, curious approaches, and tender moments between mothers and calves.
Pure Snorkelling is a new experience designed for reef lovers short on time but big on diving into the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef. The new half-day snorkelling tour which launched in November 2024, departs from Cairns and is a joint venture between two Cairns family-owned reef operators, Passions of Paradise and Ocean Free and Ocean Freedom, who together have more than 60 years’ combined experience showcasing the Great Barrier Reef to inquisitive travellers.
Also in the Tropical North, the Quicksilver Group relaunched Poseidon in October 2024, an adventure focused ecotourism experience targeted at small groups of keen divers and snorkellers with access to exclusive remote reef sites and citizen science opportunities. Operating from Port Douglas, the day trip visits three different sites at Agincourt Ribbon Reef.
Queensland adventures by land, sea and air
Tourism reaches new heights in the River City as people with accessibility requirements including wheelchair users now able to experience the thrill of scaling Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge in a world-first accessible bridge climb. Story Bridge Adventure Climb has created a custom-designed a stair climber wheelchair using advanced technology specifically for the Story Bridge ensuring everyone can perch themselves atop this Brisbane icon for panoramic views across Brisbane River.
Fancy a tipple? Welcome to Outback Queensland’s first craft gin distillery in Roma and furthest distillery from the east coast, Western Queensland Spirit where you can travel to the distillery in style with a return Omni helicopter transfer from Roma Airport. Create your own gin blend with classes guided by an expert as you swap stories around a cracklin’ firepit.
Traverse the Outback by rail with two new tours on track from Outback Aussie Tours. Running in 2025 the first tour is the five–six-day Outback Whistle-Stop Longreach tour (May to October), which includes visits to the region’s most historic attractions, mouthwatering tucker and sunset cruises. A second tour, the seven-day Great Southwestern Adventure (April to August), travels through the Mulga heartland with stops at historic homesteads, Queensland’s largest planetarium and a secret World War II base.
To explore the vast and remote Queensland Outback region on foot Boobook is offering three new tours in 2025. The Wildflower Wonderland tour (Sept 2025) takes you to Gurulmundi on the crest of the Great Dividing Range to discover stunning displays of native wildflowers. The Landscape and Legacy in Roma explores the town’s past and present day, following in the footsteps of Australia’s early explorers, indulging in the excitement at the Roma Sale Yards, and a picnic lunch at Mount Abundance. A third tour, the one-hour Guided Nature Trail, takes you on a walking journey around Roma Bush Gardens to learn about native habitat, flora and fauna
Keep your walking shoes on because further north at Palm Cove in Tropical North Queensland, the first stage of the Wangetti Trail opened to hikers and mountain bikers in September 2024. The two-way, shared track takes approximately 1.5 hours to hike and 45 minutes to ride one way from the Palm Cove Jetty to Ellis Beach. The 7.8km Grade 3 track is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
The highly anticipated Lan Bathhouse on Surfers Paradise opened its doors in April, 2025 allowing guests to soak in six magnesium infused spas, each meticulously designed to rejuvenate the body and calm the mind. Along with a holistic wellness experience including massage, body treatments, and singing bowl healing you’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure on the Gold Coast.
Nature meets the stars at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s new first-of-its-kind attraction in the Southern Hemisphere – Astra Lumina – a breathtaking night-time light and sound experience that transforms the rainforest into a glowing, cosmic wonderland. The enchanting 1.5km walk launched in March, 2025 and is suitable for all ages.
Australia’s highest wine region can be found in the southern edge of Queensland at the Granite Belt and a new winery has joined the cluster, Dear Vincent Vineyard, located at the iconic St Judes Vineyard shaking up the traditional wines with unique twists on classic crisp Chardonnays to bold Shiraz Viogniers.
Oceanview Helicopters’ new Picnic on a Peak experience, is elevating food tourism on the Sunshine Coast with a scenic flight over the Glass House Mountains before landing on a private peak in the hinterland hills to enjoy a secluded picnic brimming with local produce, craft beer, wines and premium spirits.
Wake up to breathtaking sunrises, explore sandy coves and fish from your private deck aboard Pandora, a seven-metre houseboat in 1770/Agnes Water with Salty Life Luxury Boat Hire. Pandora features a cozy queen bed, fully equipped kitchenette, private bathroom, and barbecue deck for the ultimate romantic getaway as you cruise the turquoise waters and drive yourself or indulge, and let a skipper guide your ocean adventures.
Coast on down to family-favourite theme parks
With three clicks of their heels, thrill-seekers will be transported to a wickedly entertaining new experience on the Gold Coast with the Wizard of Oz Precinct at Warner Bros. Movie World, which opened in December, 2024. Fandom for all things Oz is high post Wicked so the new precinct – with two new rides centred around the classic 1939 movie – will be in high demand this summer.
Meanwhile at Dreamworld, visitors can step into the wild jungle of Rivertown which also opened last summer. The new precinct features a revamped Murrissippi Motors and Jane’s Rivertown Restaurant alongside the main attraction – Jungle Crush – a mine-style coaster showcasing the world’s first inclined triple-switch turntable allowing the ride to switch directions and change paths in multiple ways leading to an unpredictable yet fun experience.
What’s still to come in 2025 and beyond
Perched on a 200-metre-high cliff face in the Binna Burra section of Woonoongoora-Lamington National Park, Happitat is a world-first eco-adventure cliff park featuring Australia’s highest zipline, allowing adventurers to soar 400 metres above one of Queensland’s majestic national parks. Due to open in 2025.
The highly anticipated Mondrian hotel at Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast is set to open in June 2025. Spanning 24 floors with sprawling views across the iconic Burleigh Beach and out to the Pacific Ocean, as well as west to the leafy Hinterland, it’s the Los Angeles-based brand’s first entry into Australia with the design of the 208 studios, suites and homes inspired by the white sands and pandanus trees it will call home. To keep guests entertained, the third floor hosts an oceanfront restaurant and pool adding an exclamation point to the style and comfort on offer.
Set in leafy surroundings with direct beach access Great Keppel Island Hideaway’s new eco-tents, available from July 2025, offers the perfect blend of camping simplicity and home comforts where guests can wake up to ocean breezes, explore pristine beaches, and unwind under the stars for an island escape.
The only island glamping experience in Tropical North Queensland is set to open on Dunk Island in 2025 with luxe new glamping tents adding a touch of comfort to the stunning natural surroundings. The new glamping spots will be situated alongside the existing four traditional campsites on the jetty-side foreshore, which will also have a new cafe and bar open for guests to enjoy a tropical cocktail as you admire the sweeping views.
Construction has already started on the long-awaited $250 million 4.5-star Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel on the Sunshine Coast, just 100 metres from the surf and sand of Mooloolaba. Designed by renowned architect Cottee Parker Architects, the new hotel will feature 180 rooms plus four restaurants, a rooftop pool bar with panoramic water views and event spaces. Avani Mooloolaba Beach Hotel is slated to open in 2026.
Just down the road from the iconic Big Pineapple on the Sunshine Coast, luxury farm stay venue Sixty6 Acres Woombye is undergoing a multi-million-dollar redevelopment to build a high-end caravan park including 93 powered sites, heated outdoor plunge pools, restaurant and bar. These new offerings will complement the luxe seven farm quarter stays and cute farm animals the popular accommodation provider is renowned for so families, couples and friends will find it harder to leave.
To plan your next Queensland holiday visit queensland.com.
