In need of a getaway, but don’t want to break the bank? We feel you. That’s why – with the help of Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) – we’re so excited to share these budget-friendly holidays with you.
“While peak season can mean higher prices, these Queensland destinations provide cost-conscious travellers with stays for every budget, discounted deals, and free activities to deliver a value-packed Sunshine State getaway,” says TEQ.
Let’s go, then…
The Gold Coast
There’s more to explore than the much-loved holiday favourite, Surfers Paradise. In fact, it’s the southern Gold Coast that boasts plenty of bang for your buck! From The Pink Hotel in Coolangatta – known for its retro charm and striking pink paint job – has rates starting at $259 per night in early-to-mid December for a pre-Christmas beach break.
Keen to camp, but don’t want to travel too far? Paradise Country’s ‘Farmstay and Theme Parks’ package offers a van or camp site, plus unlimited entry to Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, Wet’n’Wild and of course Paradise Country, from $345 per night in the week before Christmas. Not bad for a quick family getaway.
Relax and recover with a luxury vacation (or staycation) at the Dorsett Gold Coast, which has rooms up for grabs from $219 per night.
While you’re on the Gold Coast, you can explore affordably with the The Hoppo or G:link. We’ve got plenty of cheap thrills, too – enjoy free entry to Home of the Arts (HOTA) for a serious arts fix or join the free daily bird-feeding sessions at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
Check out these 50 free things to do on the Gold Coast.
Brisbane
Want to enjoy one of Brisbane’s best accommodation options for less? The river views and luxe vibes are made even better at Crystalbrook Vincent, where you can score 10 percent off stays and 10 percent off in-house dining when you sign up to Crystalbrook Crowd.
Nearby at Hotel Indigo – in the heart of Brisbane city – make the most of bonus extras with the ‘Neighbourhood Discovery’ package (starting from $339 per night). It includes an $80 credit to be redeemed at in-house speakeasy bar 1603, a buffet breakfast for two and an in-room cocktail making station featuring local gin and confectionary. Even better, wine and dine for less with the ‘Stay and Dine’ offer which scores you $100 credit each night to use Hotel Indigo’s Japanese-style restaurant or bar.
While you’re in town, make the most of the city’s free river travel on the CityHopper, get the low-down on Brisbane highlights on a free on a Brisbane Greeters tour or uncover the city’s rich history with a City Hall tour or Clocktower tour at the Museum of Brisbane, both tours are free of charge.
Up north
The savings continue as far north as Cairns, with fantastic rates on offer this summer. Take your pick from Mantra Esplanade Cairns (from $209 per night) and The Oaks Cairns Hotel (from $229 a night), or head to Mission Beach and unwind at Licuala Lodge (from $160 a night across a minimum two-night stay).
Thrill-seekers can take a deep dive and save on the cost of their flight to Cairns with a $400 discount applied to multi-day diving expeditions with Spirit of Freedom. Bathe beneath the sunlit dappled canopy and soak up the magic of the rainforest for free with a swim in one of the many natural waterholes along the Tropical North Queensland’s waterfall circuit. Alternatively, treat the family to a day among the trees and walk among the World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest at the Daintree Discovery Centre with family passes for less than $100 ($95 for a family of four).
A little further south, Airlie Beach is the ideal base for a cost-savvy summer escape. Keep the end of year budget in check with $175 per night stays in refurbed adults-only private cabins at Magnums in the heart of Airlie Beach.
Family value doesn’t get much better than BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort’s ‘Kids Driving You Nuts Package’. The $650 package (across three nights either side of Christmas and New Year’s Eve) includes free stays and eats for kids, one free kids craft session, free mini golf and tennis, plus a daily action-packed activity schedule.
Travellers can save on Great Barrier Reef experiences from Airlie Beach, with Cruise Whitsundays slashing 20% off a full-day Great Barrier Reef Adventure and the half-day Whitsundays Islands and Whitehaven Beach tour for travel before the end of the year.
An hour and a half south of Airlie Beach lies Mackay’s magical landmark, Cape Hillsborough. Sleep in a two-person Beach Hut just 20 metres from the shore at Cape Hillsborough Nature Tourist Park from just $133 a night. The next day, wake up to resident wallabies and kangaroos that hop to Cape Hillsborough Beach for their breakfast at sunrise.
Out west
Breathe in that fresh country air on a jaunt through Queensland’s picturesque rural landscapes. Bunk at a farm, feeding and playing with farm animals, at Bestbrook Farmstay, thanks to the five-person self-contained cabins available from $340 per night in late January.
Couples seeking a pocket-friendly retreat should consider bed and breakfasts and quaint country stays like the restored self-contained cottages at Diamondvale Estate (from $310 per night for dates between the Christmas-New Year period).
For those who fancy themselves an oenophile (wine connoisseur) or just a general fan of a good drop, many of the Granite Belt wineries offer a free tasting when you buy a bottle of wine.
If a wander out west during the region’s quieter months is on the radar, make the most of Queensland Rail’s ‘2 for 1 Summer Rail’ deal and get the Spirit of the Outback sleeper train to Longreach (departing Brisbane) from just $427 for two people.
Arriving in Longreach, while away the afternoon watching the sunset over the sprawling Outback plains at Mitchell Grass Retreat thanks to the ‘Summer Season Stay 4 Pay 3 Deal’. Spend four nights in one of 15 luxe glamping tents, complete with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, daily gourmet breakfast, complimentary port and snacks and transfers from Longreach Railway Station from $289 per night.
From days exploring tropical islands to country sojourns and big-city celebrations, there are plenty of ways to holiday on any budget in Queensland this summer. Start planning a summer escape at queensland.com.
Images and information courtesy of Tourism and Events Queensland.