The itinerary covered both Tropical North Queensland, including Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest, and south Queensland, following the coastline down from Rockhampton to Brisbane.
Jenny Taylor Page, programme ambassador – Australia and New Zealand at Prestige Travel says: “Our objective was to host an authentic Queensland fam trip, showcasing the difference in a Prestige Itinerary, which is focused on crafting an immersive and memorable holiday for clients. The whole trip was designed to showcase the icons along with the lesser-known regions of Queensland, with a real mix of accommodation types and ways of travelling.”
Holly Weller, agent with The Sussex Travel Company, says her knowledge of Queensland before going on this fam trip was limited. “I knew it was the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, but that was about it. Thanks to an incredible journey hosted by Prestige Travel, I’ve now fallen completely in love with this awe-inspiring corner of Australia — and I can’t wait to share it with my clients.”
As a self-confessed water baby, Holly’s heart was stolen by Lady Elliot Island – a coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef. “This was voted the world’s number one snorkelling destination by Lonely Planet, and it’s easy to see why,” she says. “Manta rays gliding gracefully below, curious turtles, vibrant coral gardens, and so many fish! Lady Elliot is a family-run eco-tourism resort, and from the moment you step off the scenic flight, you feel that special, untouched charm.”
The view flying to Lady Elliot Island © Jenny Taylor Page
Megan Turner, agent with Ponders Travel, agrees that no trip to Queensland would be complete without time on the Great Barrier Reef: “A helicopter flight over Hastings Reef [from Cairns] offered a breathtaking new perspective, and our full-day adventure at Lady Elliot Island in the Southern Reef region was a dream come true. We flew over by small plane from Bundaberg (20 minutes), spent the day snorkelling in lagoons, swimming with turtles, and learning about the island’s unique ecosystem. I can’t recommend this experience enough!”
Megan says she thought she had a pretty good grasp of what Queensland was all about, but after spending time there on this fam trip, “I quickly realised how wrong I was,” she admits.
“You don’t truly understand just how vast Australia is until you experience it first-hand. Then, when you start to break it down by state, it becomes even clearer how much there is to learn — and how much I’ve now discovered.”
“Of course, there’s still so much more to explore,” she adds. “In just eight days, we only scratched the surface, but it gave me a much deeper understanding of the region and a greater appreciation for Queensland as a whole.”
The agents soak up the vibe on Great Keppel Island, part of the Southern Great Barrier Reef © Jenny Taylor Page
The itinerary was “wonderfully off the beaten track,” she says. “It was not your typical Queensland route. We visited places I hadn’t even heard of before, and I loved that sense of discovery. One of the most interesting parts of the trip was seeing the contrast between the Northern and Southern Great Barrier Reef — something I hadn’t really considered before this visit.”
Another of Megan’s trip highlights was the River Drift Experience on the Mossman River: “Floating gently through crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush rainforest was unforgettable. Another standout moment was the Cultural Walk at Mossman Gorge, where we were guided through ancient rainforest by a local Aboriginal guide — a truly insightful and grounding experience.”
And Holly agrees: “Drifting peacefully down the Mossman River and joining a guided Aboriginal walk through Mossman Gorge were experiences I will never forget.”
Diverse accommodation options
Holly notes that the agents were spoiled with an incredible range of stays that showcased Queensland’s diversity — from stylish city hotels and serviced apartments to luxury glamping under the stars. “My personal favourites were the adults-only Reef House Retreat in Port Douglas for pure indulgence, and the charming glamping tents at Splitters Farm in Bundaberg for a peaceful, nature-filled escape. Completely different, but equally unforgettable.”
For Megan, the glamping experiences really stood out. “Splitters Farm was a charming, family-owned farm, home to highland cows, goats, peacocks, alpacas, and more. It was a perfect blend of comfort and countryside charm. And over at Habitat Noosa, kangaroos roamed freely outside our glamping pods, and at sunrise, you can often spot them hopping along the edge of Lake Cootharaba — an unforgettable sight.”
Megan Turner meets one of the residents at Koorana Crocodile Farm © Jenny Taylor Page
The cuisine also impressed, with Holly describing Australia as “a foodie’s dream, and Queensland is no exception”.
“Whether you’re after world-class seafood, locally sourced beef, or an excellent flat white (coffee culture here is serious business!), there’s something for every palate and dietary need. Breakfasts are a big deal — you’ll definitely want to make time for those leisurely morning café stops.”
Megan says the Australian cuisine felt familiar yet distinct, with an “Aussie twist” on what you might typically find at home: “Expect plenty of BBQs, fresh seafood, and top-quality beef — staples of the local food scene.”
Best hire a car
Getting around was easy, explains Holly. “Planes, trains, and automobiles — we did them all! Queensland is wonderfully easy to explore, whether you are road-tripping, hopping on a scenic train, or flying between regions to save time. I’d recommend hiring a car for at least part of your trip; driving is on the same side of the road as the UK, and it gives you total freedom to explore at your own pace.”
Megan also favours the self-drive option: “While you can easily incorporate internal flights if you’re short on time, I’d highly recommend hiring a car. The freedom to explore at your own pace – from reef to rainforest to outback – allows you to truly experience the heart of Queensland and discover its hidden gems.”
Holly concludes that Queensland truly has something for everyone – solo travellers, couples, families, and everyone in between, and with the exchange rate currently around $2 AUD to £1, the value for money is excellent, she says.
“The locals’ pride in their home shines through in every warm welcome and every unforgettable experience.”
She adds: “Whether you’re splurging in the cities or keeping things low-key, you’ll find great food, friendly service, and genuine hospitality wherever you go.”
“This trip has deepened my love for Australia, and I now feel even more confident recommending Queensland to clients looking for an authentic, vibrant, and truly unforgettable escape.”
