When to go to Queensland
They don’t call it the Sunshine State for nothing; the vast majority of Queensland experiences an average of eight or nine hours of sunshine a day. With that in mind, there’s truly never a bad time to visit Queensland. To see the unique highlights and events that take place throughout the year, click on the months below.
Explore by monthSurfers Paradise, Gold Coast
Weather
Brisbane
21-30°C
The Whitsundays
25-31°C
Cairns
24-31°C
Avg. sunny days
15
Australia’s Summer
Queensland enjoys both sub-tropical and tropical climates. January is when it experiences its hottest temperatures with 30°C days consistent around the state. It’s also when locals typically enjoy their holidays. Sports fans will also love the cricket tests taking place around the country, including Brisbane.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
26 January, 2018
Australia Day
The national day of Australia is a country-wide public holiday and an ideal time to be in Queensland. Head along to an Australia Day celebration at famous pubs like the Regatta Hotel in Brisbane, The Birdsville Pub in Birdsville or the Cock and Bull in Cairns and get caught up in the Aussie spirit, or head to the beach with many of the locals.
13 January, 2018
The Jeep Magic Millions Race day, Gold Coast
Australia’s richest race day attracts an international audience, where horses race to secure a slice of the AU$4.7 million in prize money.
31 December – 7 January, 2018
The Brisbane International presented by Suncorp
Attention tennis fans! Don’t miss the Brisbane International in January, which is widely regarded as the warm-up to the Australian Open.
25 January, 2018
The Burleigh Pro, Gold Coast
Time your visit to Queensland to coincide with the Burleigh Pro and see the country’s best surfers in action. Located at one of Australia’s best surf spots, Burleigh Heads, the surfing competition takes place over three days and includes some of the world’s most talented male and female competitors.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysKuranda Skyrail, Tropical North Queensland
Weather
Brisbane
21-30°C
The Whitsundays
25-31°C
Cairns
24-31°C
Avg. sunny days
12
Australia’s Summer
As the last month of summer, this is also the hottest and wettest month in Tropical North Queensland with afternoon thunderstorms quite common. However this is also the ‘green’ season, with flourishing vegetation and the region’s waterfalls are at their fullest and most impressive.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
14-17 February, 2019
The Chinchilla Melon Festival (next event Feb 2019)
The Chinchilla Melon Festival is a biennial country town event in Outback Queensland that combines hair-raising, thrill-inducing activities with, well, watermelons! Taking place across four days, at this unique Australian festival you can try your hand at melon skating, melon tossing and even melon bungee – to name a few.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysGranite Belt
Weather
Brisbane
19-29°C
The Whitsundays
24-29°C
Cairns
23-30°C
Avg. sunny days
15
Australia’s Autumn
March is the first month of autumn in Queensland, but don’t let that deceive you, the temperatures are still warm, especially in Tropical North Queensland where March still falls within the “green” season. In Southern Queensland, enjoy the beach vibe on the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, or 4WD along the sand highway on Fraser Island.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
21-25 March, 2018
World Science Festival, Brisbane
In its inaugural outing, this five-day homage to all things science will spoil with debates, interactive exhibits, workshops and artistic performances, covering myriad topics including Albert Einstein and global warming.
24-26 March, 2018
CMC Rocks, Queensland
Taking place across multiple venues, CMC Rocks boasts the impressive title of the ‘biggest international country and roots festival in the Southern Hemisphere’. Expect country vibes aplenty, reinforced by performing musicians from all over the planet.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysMission Beach, Tropical North Queensland
Weather
Brisbane
17-27°C
The Whitsundays
23-28°C
Cairns
22-30°C
Avg. sunny days
16
Australia’s Autumn
April is a great month to explore all of Queensland, with temperatures still hovering in the twenties. Easter usually falls during the month with many locals heading to the coastline and hinterland. Camping holidays are particularly popular during this time as there is less humidity.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
4–15 April, 2018
Gold Coast Commonwealth Games
From 4 to 15 April 2018, over 6,600 athletes and team officials from 70 nations and territories will converge on the Gold Coast for this 11 day sporting and cultural event. With beaches, World Heritage listed rainforests and thrilling theme parks mixed in with some of the greatest athletes on earth battling it out, the Gold Coast will be the place to be.
13-15 April, 2018
Julia Creek Dirt ’n’ Dust Festival
Looking for a taste of outback Queensland? You’ll find it at the Julia Creek Dirt ’n’ Dust Festival, taking place in the rural town of Julia Creek near Mount Isa. Now in its 22nd year, the three-day weekend festival showcases the very best in Outback hospitality.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysKoala, Magnetic Island, Townsville
Weather
Brisbane
13-24°C
The Whitsundays
21-26°C
Cairns
20-28°C
Avg. sunny days
21
Australia’s Autumn
May is the first month of the dry season in Tropical North Queensland, and is a great time to explore all around the state. In addition to the ideal climate, May offers plenty of wildlife watching opportunities as well as low-season travel rates.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
TBC May, 2018
Noosa Food and Wine festival
This foodie festival showcases new flavours alongside great Australian wines, artisan foods, culinary talent with some of Australia’s leading chefs and producers, and the finest Queensland produce, all taking place in one of Australia’s leading culinary destinations, Noosa.
TBC May, 2018
Brisbane Bike Week
Cyclists will love being in Brisbane during early May as the city celebrates its love of bike riding. During the week there are a number of organised bike rides that take place throughout the city, ranging in themes from chocolate to city laneways and a family fun ride.
24 May, 2018
Captain Cook 1770 Festival
The Captain Cook 1770 Festival commemorates Australia's roots, marking the date (24th May) when Cook and his crew first landed in Queensland. The celebrations at the SES Grounds in Agnes Water include a 20-minute firework display, street parades, historical re-enactments, market stalls, live music and period costume in abundance.
TBC May, 2018
Port Douglas Carnivale
Taking place for over 20 years, the Port Douglas Carnivale is a festive celebration of food, fun and family in beautiful Port Douglas. Be sure to check out the new (and somewhat unusual) inclusion to the festival repertoire: the National Esky Racing Championships.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysHook Island, Whitsundays
Weather
Brisbane
11-22°C
The Whitsundays
18-24°C
Cairns
18-26°C
Avg. sunny days
20
Australia’s Winter
June may technically be Australia’s winter, but the season is practically non-existent in Queensland as temperatures still reach up to the mid-twenties, while there’s also less rainfall and humidity. There are also plenty of activities such as local festivals and sporting events so you can really immerse yourself in the Queensland lifestyle.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
6-10 June, 2018
Cooly Rocks On, Gold Coast
Coolangatta and Tweed Heads come alive with rock’n’roll fever. More than 50 Australian rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands will perform alongside international artists, and over 1,300 cars will line the streets for one of the biggest car displays ever staged in Australia.
TBC June, 2018
Mary Poppins Festival
The author of Mary Poppins, Pamela Travers, was born in Maryborough and the town celebrates its unique link to the iconic nanny with the world’s only Mary Poppins Festival – a week long explosion of colour, art, culture and “practically perfect” fun for everyone.
TBC June, 2018
Cape York Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival
Taking place in Cape York Peninsula, The Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival is a biennial gathering that highlights the many diverse communities, language, song, dance and stories. Witness the passing on of culture the generations, along with showcasing the strength, pride and uniqueness of Aboriginal people.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysUndara National Park, Tropical North Queensland
Weather
Brisbane
10-22°C
The Whitsundays
18-23°C
Cairns
17-26°C
Avg. sunny days
21
Australia’s Winter
July is famous for its beautiful blue sky weather. Conditions during this month are less humid, while rain is quite rare. As a result, July is a fantastic month to explore Tropical North Queensland as well as Southern Queensland’s countryside and hinterland.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
7 July, 2018
Scenic Rim Winter Harvest Festival
Located west of the Gold Coast in Southern Queensland, this relaxed day out has a big focus on food, with plenty of local produce stalls, cooking demonstrations and food markets. Seize the chance to mingle with the local farmers and taste the best the region has to offer.
1-31 July, 2018
Brisbane Times Good Food Month
An absolute must for foodies, this event will showcase the very best of Brisbane’s burgeoning foodie scene. The month is choc-full of mouthwatering events including pop-up restaurants, limited edition menus, chef competitions and the locally beloved night noodle markets.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysPalm Cove, Tropical North Queensland
Weather
Brisbane
11-23°C
The Whitsundays
18-25°C
Cairns
17-27°C
Avg. sunny days
21
Australia’s Winter
The last month of Queensland’s so-called ‘winter,’ August still enjoys warm 20°C weather, with temperatures in Tropical North Queensland reaching up to 27°C, so it is a great time to explore the state and encounter the famous Australian wildlife.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
11-20 August, 2017
The Royal Brisbane Show
Referred to locally as the Ekka, Brisbane’s royal show is the city’s largest cultural festival. Traditionally showcasing the local agricultural scene, the event features a range of unique stalls and entertainment including a wood chuck competition, farm animal displays, fashion parades and plenty of rides.
24-27 August, 2017
Gympie Music Muster
Held in the serene Amamoor State Forest, the Gympie Music Muster is one of the most popular music events in the country. Originally beginning in 1982 as a small country music festival, the event has grown to feature a diverse range of music performances from Australian artists covering country, folk and pop.
19-26 August, 2017
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
A great time to visit the Whitsundays, the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week is Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta and one of the world’s most famous yachting events. The race week is more than just yachts, with a range of other events showcasing celebrity chefs, wine tastings and golfing competitions.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysSouth Bank, Brisbane
Weather
Brisbane
13-25°C
The Whitsundays
20-26°C
Cairns
19-28°C
Avg. sunny days
20
Australia’s Spring
September marks the beginning of spring in Queensland, with days growing longer. This time in the state is best spent exploring the national parks and botanic gardens to see the colourful spring flowers in bloom.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
15-24 September, 2017
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Food, wine and all things gardens, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is one of Australia’s leading spring carnivals. The award-winning weeklong event sees the country town of Toowoomba come alive with gardens to explore, wine and food tours to indulge in, and even classic car and railway events to enjoy.
9-30 September, 2017
Brisbane Festival
September is an exciting time to be in Brisbane as the city hosts a range of exciting events covering music performances, theatre, comedy, talks, film screens, family, food and more. The festival ends with the River Fire event, which features a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.
1-2 September, 2017
Birdsville Races
Dubbed as the Melbourne Cup of the Outback, crowds of 6,000 racegoers converge on Birdsville each year to enjoy two days of quality outback racing and entertainment. The second race meet in the Simpson Desert Racing Carnival, the 13 race program features horses from all over Australia competing for the coveted Birdsville Cup.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysNoosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast
Weather
Brisbane
16-26°C
The Whitsundays
22-28°C
Cairns
21-30°C
Avg. sunny days
21
Australia’s Spring
Warm but not too hot, October offers ideal conditions for exploring much of Queensland. If you’re looking for heat, you’ll find it in Tropical North Queensland. Head for sunny sandy spots like Palm Cove, Port Douglas, or Mission Beach, where temperatures will reach around 30°C.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
29 September – 2 October, 2017
Caloundra Music Festival
Bringing the Sunshine Coast to life with an eclectic mix of live art, performers and carnival entertainment, the four-day Caloundra Music Festival is all about celebrating the region’s diverse character. So if you really want to get under the skin of the Queensland lifestyle, here’s the place to do it.
6-8 October, 2017
Palm Cove Reef Feast
Reef Feast in Palm Cove is Tropical North Queensland’s premier community event and one of the Australia’s best food events. The events celebrates cuisine, fresh produce, live music, plus the relaxed culture and lifestyle of the magnificent tropics.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysGlass House Mountains
Weather
Brisbane
18-29°C
The Whitsundays
23-31°C
Cairns
22-31°C
Avg. sunny days
22
Australia’s Spring
November offers warm temperatures making it the perfect time to relax on one of Queensland’s many islands and beaches. There are lots of events happening in the Whitsundays too, making it a fantastic time to visit and be part of all the action.
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
10-12 November, 2017
Airlie Beach Festival of Music
If soaking up some sunshine while listening to some of Australia’s best music acts sounds like bliss, then you’ll love the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. Taking place over three days, the event hosts a great array of performers at the Whitsunday Sailing Club, right on the shores of the Coral Sea.
12 November, 2017
Fujifilm Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim
With undoubtedly Australia’s most beautiful beach as its location, the Fujifilm Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim is ideal for those who love exercising in the great outdoors. The event is also suitable for the whole family, with three ocean swims covering 2km, 750m and 350m for junior swimmers aged 13 and under.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidaysWhitsundays, Tropical North Queensland
Weather
Brisbane
20-29°C
The Whitsundays
24-31°C
Cairns
23-31°C
Avg. sunny days
21
Australia’s Summer
December is one of the most exciting months to visit Queensland as it heralds the beginning of summer and the festive season. It may seem strange to celebrate Christmas in 30°C temperatures but Queensland makes the most of it with Christmas decorations adorning towns and Santas spotted everywhere – even on the beach!
Exciting Events
From large festivals to small country fairs, Queensland has a continuously revolving events calendar. This means that no matter what time of year you visit there’s always something unique to experience. The below events are just some of the highlights we recommend for this month.
27 December – 1 January, 2017
Woodford Folk Festival
One of Australia’s most popular events, Woodford Folk Festival features more than 2000 performances covering music, dance, street theatre, comedy and more. Taking place at the end of December near the town of Woodford, the festivities culminate in a spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration featuring performances from the headline acts.
30 November – 3 December, 2017
Australia PGA Championship
The Australia PGA Championship is the country’s oldest professional golfing tournament, where athletes navigate a gruelling series of bunkers and holes in a bid to clinch the title. Held on the Gold Coast, the event is incredibly popular with sporting fans so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Dreaming of Queensland
You’re in fantastic hands! As an Australian born company, many of our Experts have visited the Sunshine State and specialise in creating tailor-made Queensland holidays. From road trips along the coastline to delving deep into the Great Barrier Reef, we offer a great range of Queensland holiday ideas, all of which can be tailored to suit you.
View Queensland holidays