Top 10 Cool Water Escapes in Queensland
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Top 10 Cool Water Escapes in Queensland

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  • Great Barrier Reeftop_1
    󰺂7.3
    249.11
    Cairns>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2025 Global 50 - Cool Water Escapes
    Highlights:
    See the Spectacular Heart Reef by Helicopter
    󱨜2,000 km long with over 600 coral reef islands
    󱨠Saved by 479 users󱨠281 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    It was quite fun. I snorkeled and played in the water for four hours straight. It took a little over an hour to get to the island. They dropped me off at Green Island, but I had to explore the island and snorkel for four hours total. There wasn't much to see on the island. The sea was incredibly shallow, so the maximum depth was about ankle-to-chest. I saw a lot of turtles and various fish, but there were a lot of bare sandy areas, so I was a little confused at first. The fish were really huge. The sky and sea were really beautiful. If you go to the island and go to the left, there's a strange salty and fishy smell... But I had a great time. The sea was clean. The staff were super friendly. However, the lunch buffet wasn't worth paying 30,000-40,000 won more for. There was shrimp, three kinds of salad, two kinds of curry, one kind of pasta, and rice... It was something like that, but I wouldn't recommend it. Meal times were set. It might have been better to just buy some food and eat it.

  • Whitehaven Beachtop_2
    󰺂4.7
    Whitsundays>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰋄A barefoot experience on the white sand beach to escape the summer heat
    Island hop through the Whitsundays by speedboat
    󱨠26% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    XiancongXiancong

    Whitehaven Beach is a paradise on Earth. Its pristine white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters create a stunning visual spectacle. The serene ambiance and untouched natural beauty make it a perfect escape from the daily grind. Relax, soak up the sun, and revel in the tranquility of this breathtaking beach paradise.

  • Southbank Parklandstop_3
    󰺂5.3
    South Brisbane>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 4 of Night Attractions in Queensland
    󱨠Saved by 279 users󱨠116 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    Rita MashiroRita Mashiro

    It is a very nice place to chill around, especially on the weekend. There are also restaurants by the river where you could grab a drink and enjoy your day.

  • Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast
    4
    󰺂6.2
    199.43
    Oxenford>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 9 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland
    󱨠Saved by 128 users󱨠46% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M60***30M60***30

    5 stars for the degree of enjoyment and 5 stars for the degree of excitement. Try to avoid weekends and holidays, as the queues under the sun are too long. If you go in the morning, it is recommended to grab a good position in the surfing pool after arriving. There is a row of lounge chairs on the shore.

  • Dreamworld
    5
    󰺂7.3
    188.7
    Coomera>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 2 of Night Attractions in Queensland
    󱨠Saved by 402 users󱨠286 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    BennoxBennox

    My family spent a day at Dreamworld in the Gold Coast and it was an unbelievable experience. The park is a super place for thrillng rides, engaging shows, and an ideal destination for family with kids. The variety of exciting rides are amazing, which cater for all levels of adventure and excitement. The park also allows visitors to enjoy and meet wide range of animals. Dreamworld’s facilities are excellent and also has many dining options available. The park is clean and well maintained.

  • Palm Cove
    6
    󰺂4.1
    Palm Cove>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊Swim with dolphins to explore coral reefs
    Enjoy sunbathing on the white sand beach
    4.1/5
    _TI***kg_TI***kg

    A quiet, peaceful and comfortable harbor! The eucalyptus trees along the coast are also very old. Because it is so natural, the fallen leaves pollute the beach on the surface, but they are very ecologically friendly!

  • Airlie Beach Lagoon
    7
    󰺂4.7
    Airlie Beach>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 14 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland
    Highlights:
    The lagoon pool area is perfect for the whole family
    󰋄Enjoy summer fun in crystal-clear waters
    4.6/5
    BbybellsBbybells

    the lagoon is very pretty and huge to swim in - the centre of Airlie beach is a beautiful walk

  • Sunshine Coast
    8
    󰺂4.5
    Maroochydore>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 16 of Family-friendly Attractions in Queensland
    Highlights:
    󰋄Dozens of beaches for surfing fun
    Taught by experts from Coolum Surf School
    󱨠29% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    sculptorsculptor

    The Sunshine Coast of Queensland, Australia, is in the middle of Australia's east coast, and Maroochydore is the main business district on the Sunshine Coast. Maroochydore Beach is the venue for surfing carnivals and a popular holiday destination for travel to other parts of Queensland.

  • Barron River Rafting
    9
    󰺂4.3
    262.35
    Cairns.Cairns City>100 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󱓊A variety of rafting activities for all skill levels
    󰋄Go rafting in summer and enjoy the tropical rainforest scenery
    4.5/5
    部长大人好部长大人好

    The most fun rafting, no doubt about it. The journey lasted more than four hours, and it was exciting and combined with team spirit. Although it was tiring and sunny, the experience was absolutely invincible and it is a must-do rafting in life.

  • Tamborine National Park
    10
    󰺂4.6
    Tamborine>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in Best Things to Do
    4.5/5
    🎀 张珍🐾🎀 张珍🐾

    The Temporin Mountain National Park in Gold Coast is located not far from the Gold Coast. The forests here are dense, and you can overlook the sea view of Gold Coast from the viewing platform on the top of the mountain. There are many wild parrots living in this national park. They are colorful and very beautiful. They fly around in the forest like little elves.

Best cool escapes in Queensland (2025)

Looking for the perfect getaway in Queensland? From hidden retreats to trendy hideaways, Queensland offers an exceptional collection of cool escapes that combine style, comfort, and unique experiences.

Whether you're here for a romantic weekend, solo adventure, or a creative retreat, these top-rated spots promise memorable and refreshing escapes.

Top-rated cool escapes in Queensland

If you want accommodations that stand out for their design, atmosphere, and uniqueness, these properties are exactly what you are looking for. Expect modern interiors, relaxing environments, and experiences that go beyond the ordinary.

Great Barrier Reef

• Cairns | >100 km from downtown

• : See the Spectacular Heart Reef by Helicopter,2,000 km long with over 600 coral reef islands

Whitehaven Beach

• Whitsundays | >100 km from downtown

• : A barefoot experience on the white sand beach to escape the summer heat,Island hop through the Whitsundays by speedboat

Southbank Parklands

• South Brisbane | >100 km from downtown

Cool escapes with unique experiences

These hotels and retreats focus on style, relaxation, and creative experiences. Enjoy cozy lounges, rooftop views, scenic surroundings, or curated activities that provide a refreshing change of pace.

Cool escapes near Queensland

If you want a refreshing getaway just outside Queensland, there are plenty of cool escapes that combine tranquility with convenient access to the city, perfect for weekend retreats or multi-day breaks.

Each of these properties offers a stylish and refreshing escape within 1–3 hours of Queensland, ideal for travelers looking to unwind and recharge.

What makes Queensland's cool escapes special

• Unique design: Trendy, creative, and Instagram-worthy spaces.
• Relaxing atmosphere: Cozy, serene, and inviting environments.
• Convenient locations: Close to attractions, dining, and nature escapes.
• Memorable experiences: Curated activities, rooftop lounges, and scenic retreats.

Tips for booking cool escapes in Queensland

1. Book early during weekends or peak travel periods for the best rooms.
2. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and Trip Coins.
3. Check for unique amenities and experiences offered by the property.
4. Consider weekday stays for quieter surroundings and personalized service.

Book your cool escape in Queensland

Ready to enjoy a stylish and refreshing stay in Queensland? Explore Trip.Best's curated list of cool escapes and experience comfort, uniqueness, and unforgettable moments.

Book your perfect cool escape on Trip.com today, where style, relaxation, and adventure wait.

What Cool Water Escapes are there in Queensland?
These are all Cool Water Escapes in Queensland:Great Barrier Reef, Whitehaven Beach, Southbank Parklands, Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast, Dreamworld
What are some highly-rated Cool Water Escapes in Queensland?
Some highly-rated Cool Water Escapes in Queensland include:Great Barrier Reef:4.6, Whitehaven Beach:4.7, Southbank Parklands:4.6, Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast:4.7, Dreamworld:4.6
At what locations in Queensland can Cool Water Escapes in Queensland be found?
The Cool Water Escapes in Queensland are mainly located in:Great Barrier Reef:Cairns, Whitehaven Beach:Whitsundays, Southbank Parklands:South Brisbane, Wet'n'Wild Gold Coast:Oxenford, Dreamworld:Coomera
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