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Welcome to our blog post devoted to sharing the best Queensland travel resources for planning and booking memorable holidays to and within Queensland. As local explorers of this vibrant and varied region, we know it can be hard to plan your adventure here.
Queensland is a mix of natural splendours, from tranquil beaches that span the expansive coastline to tropical rainforests and awe-inspiring coral reefs.
Throughout our years of visiting Queensland, we’ve uncovered valuable websites, apps, and tips that have simplified the task of planning and booking holidays.
Here we reveal our top picks, encompassing everything from the best accommodation options to dependable transportation services and excellent tour operators.
We assure you that our recommendations in this blog post is based on our experience and usage. We are firm believers in providing authentic and credible suggestions, and we would never advocate for something that we haven’t personally tried and validated ourselves, as we are committed to sharing only the resources that meet our rigorous standards.
✈️ Flight Search Engines
Finding the best airfare deal is crucial when planning your adventure to Queensland. Thankfully, several reliable flight comparison websites can help you secure the most cost effective and convenient options.
Skyscanner
Skyscanner is a well-established platform that scans a wide range of airlines, from low-cost carriers to full-service airlines, offering an extensive view of available flights.
Kayak
With Kayak, you can compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel websites in one place, saving you time and money. Kayak’s powerful search engine scans through countless options to find the most competitive fares available.
You can filter results based on your preferences, such as flight duration, layovers, and airlines, helping you tailor your search to meet your needs. Kayak also offers useful features like price alerts, allowing you to track fare changes and receive notifications when prices drop.
Google Flights
Google Flights offers a similar service, with the additional benefits of a user-friendly interface and the ability to track price changes.
These search engines make finding flights easier but bear in mind extras like baggage and seat allocations. Also, look at reviews and airline safety before making a final decision.
We’ve found that booking flights well in advance provides the best deals.
✈️ Budget Airlines
In Queensland, a couple of budget airlines offer affordable domestic and international flights. These airlines focus on providing low-cost air travel options, often by offering no-frills services and charging extra for additional amenities or services.
Jetstar Airways
Jetstar is a well-known budget airline and a subsidiary of Qantas Airways. It operates domestic flights within Queensland and offers international flights to various destinations. Jetstar provides a range of fare options, allowing passengers to choose between budget-friendly options or add-ons for extra comfort.
We use Jetstar a lot for travel within Australia and to Bali and Singapore.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia is a prominent airline in Australia, offering both full-service and budget-friendly options. While it is not exclusively a budget airline, Virgin Australia provides competitive fares and has a range of offerings to cater to traveller preferences.
Virgin is our preferred airline within Australia.
The availability of flights and destinations may vary among these airlines, and it’s recommended to check their websites or contact their customer service for up-to-date information on routes, schedules, and fares.
Additionally, budget airlines often have stricter baggage policies and may charge fees for services like seat selection, additional baggage, and in-flight meals. Review their terms and conditions before booking a flight to avoid any surprises.
✈️ Full-Service Airlines
Virgin Australia operates domestic flights within Queensland and other parts of Australia. They serve major cities like Brisbane, Cairns, Gold Coast, Townsville, and more. This airline offers different fare types, including economy, economy plus, and business class, allowing passengers to choose the level of service and comfort they want.
Qatar Airways consistently win awards and would be my choice for international flights via the Middle East.
🏩 Accommodation
Utilise popular online booking platforms such as Booking.com, VRBO, or Agoda. These platforms provide a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, apartments, hostels, and vacation rentals. You can search based on your desired location, travel dates, and specific preferences, read reviews from previous guests, compare prices, and make reservations directly through the platform.
Here are some of the top accommodation sites that we widely use:
Booking.com
With an extensive selection of accommodations, an effortless booking process, transparent reviews, outstanding customer support, and user-friendly technology, Booking.com is the ideal platform to make your travel dreams a reality.
Airbnb & Stayz (VRBO)
These two leading platforms offer unique accommodations beyond traditional hotels, providing a personalised and authentic travel experience.
(Vacation Rentals by Owner) offer a seamless booking process, allowing you to search, compare, and book your ideal accommodation easily. Their user-friendly platform provides detailed descriptions, photos, and honest reviews from previous guests, so you to make informed decisions and find the perfect place for your stay.
I compare the prices of both sites (many properties are listed on both), and nine times out of ten, Stayz is the cheaper option.
Read more about the pros and cons of booking with Airbnb.
Hotels.com
Hotels.com offers an extensive range of accommodations to suit every traveller’s needs and preferences. You’ll find various choices, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to budget-friendly options.
One of the standout features of Hotels.com is its Best Price Guarantee, providing peace of mind that you’ll get the most competitive rates available.
Agoda
Agoda With a vast network of hotels, resorts, vacation rentals, and more, Agoda offers an unparalleled selection.
Consider factors such as location, amenities, pricing, and customer reviews while selecting accommodation. It’s best to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and secure the best deals.
🚘 Car Rental
With a vast network of reliable rental car providers worldwide, Discovercars.com offers a seamless and convenient platform to find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs.
Whether you’re exploring a bustling city, navigating scenic landscapes, or embarking on a road trip, Discovercars.com ensures you can access a diverse range of rental options at competitive prices.
Their user-friendly website allows you to easily compare prices, vehicle types, and rental terms, allowing you to make informed decisions and find the ideal car that suits your preferences and budget.
🚐 Campervan/RV Rental
Whether you’re planning a road trip across stunning landscapes or seeking the flexibility of a mobile home, Drivenow.com offers a wide selection of campervans to suit your travel needs.
With their extensive network of reputable rental providers, you can easily find the perfect campervan that combines comfort, convenience, and style.
Drivenow’s user-friendly platform allows you to compare different vehicles, check availability, and secure your booking with ease.
🎢 Tours & Attractions
We usually book tours direct with the tour operator, but we occasionally use third-party sites Viator, Get Your Guide & Klook if we want free cancellation or for last minute mobile bookings.
💵 Accessing Money While Away
Formerly known as TransferWise, Wise is a trusted and innovative platform allowing you to send, receive, and convert money at a fair and transparent exchange rate, avoiding unnecessary foreign currency fees.
With their user-friendly mobile app and online platform, you can quickly transfer funds between accounts, convert currencies, and make payments with just a few clicks. Wise’s multi-currency account also provides you with local bank details in various countries, making receiving payments convenient and avoiding costly international transfer fees.
Wise ensures that your financial transactions are secure, reliable, and efficient, with bank-level security and excellent customer support allowing you to focus on enjoying your travels without the worry of excessive fees or unfavourable exchange rates.
Travel Insurance 🌏
Cover-More and Travel Insurance Direct are our preferred travel insurance companies for domestic and international travel.
See this Travel Insurance for Australia guide for more information.
Planning an unforgettable holiday to Queensland doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Armed with these valuable resources, you can navigate your way through a world of choices – from finding the best flights and accommodation to choosing captivating tours and reliable transportation services.
These tools aren’t just about making your trip easier – they’re about enhancing the entire experience, ensuring every aspect of your Queensland adventure is nothing short of extraordinary.
Enjoy the sunshine state, Queensland awaits you!