Queensland, Australia, is preparing for a new phase of tourism growth, with Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville and the Sunshine Coast included in a state-wide strategy focused on visitor experiences, infrastructure, events and regional connections. The Queensland Government’s Destination 2045 plan sets a target of doubling visitor expenditure to A$84 billion by 2045, supported by investment in tourism products and access across the state.
For travellers, the strategy reaches beyond major cities. It connects coastal holidays, reef excursions, rainforest experiences, cultural attractions and events with the transport networks needed to reach them. Queensland’s tourism development is also taking place ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are expected to place the state’s destinations before international audiences.
Destination 2045 Sets the Direction for Tourism
The Queensland Government has committed more than A$1 billion in tourism investment over four years, including A$446 million in new funding to support delivery of Destination 2045. Priorities include attracting events, improving regional air connections, supporting new tourism experiences and strengthening industry capability.
The plan also includes a goal of creating 45 new or improved ecotourism experiences by 2045. This includes projects linked to protected areas, trails and nature-based visitor activities, giving travellers additional ways to explore Queensland beyond established resort centres.
Cairns Connects Visitors With Reef and Rainforest
Cairns remains a major gateway for travellers heading to the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics rainforest. Visitors can arrange reef cruises, snorkelling and diving trips, while inland excursions offer access to rainforest landscapes, waterfalls and heritage towns.
Cairns Airport is approximately seven kilometres from the central business district and provides domestic and international connections. Direct services link the city with Brisbane and other Australian destinations, as well as regional locations including Townsville and the Gold Coast.
The city’s tourism development also includes investment opportunities in aviation, marine activity and visitor experiences. For travellers, Cairns can serve as a base for multi-day itineraries combining reef trips, local dining, cultural attractions and journeys into Tropical North Queensland.
Townsville Opens the Door to North Queensland
Townsville provides access to Magnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef and the landscapes of North Queensland. Visitors can take a ferry to Magnetic Island for walking trails, beaches and wildlife experiences, or use the city as a starting point for regional journeys.
The city’s visitor offer includes waterfront attractions, cultural sites, events and access to inland destinations. Tourism infrastructure projects are also being considered through state funding programmes intended to strengthen regional experiences and visitor capacity.
A marine tourism hub at Flinders Street Wharves in Townsville is among the projects listed under Queensland’s Growing Future Tourism programme. The broader programme has supported developments in coastal and marine tourism, heritage and culture, and ecotourism. <Cite refs={[“turn587982search16”]}/>
Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast Broaden the Itinerary
Brisbane combines riverfront precincts, museums, galleries, dining and event venues. Its role as the state capital also places it at the centre of Queensland’s preparations for the 2032 Games and the associated visitor economy.
On the Gold Coast, beaches, theme parks, hinterland escapes and marine experiences remain key parts of the visitor offer. The Spit Master Plan is being implemented to improve public amenities and the tourism experience at a prominent coastal location.
The Sunshine Coast offers a different mix of coastal towns, hinterland villages, wildlife attractions and nature-based activities. Travellers can combine beach stays with visits to national parks, local markets and regional food destinations.
Transport Links Shape the Visitor Experience
Queensland’s geography makes transport an important part of tourism planning. The state’s tourism and transport strategy identifies visitor information, transport services, ticketing and products, and planning and investment as priority areas for improving access to destinations.
Brisbane, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and Townsville have airports supporting domestic and international travel. Road and rail services connect major centres, while ferries and tour vessels serve island and marine destinations.
Visitors planning a multi-stop holiday should check flight schedules, regional transfers and tour departure times before booking. Distances between destinations can be substantial, particularly when travelling from the southeast to Tropical North Queensland.
Events and Nature Experiences Extend the Stay
Queensland’s events strategy is designed to attract audiences beyond local markets and encourage overnight visits. Government-backed programmes support events that can generate visitor spending for accommodation, restaurants and local businesses.
The state’s natural attractions remain central to its tourism identity. Reef trips, rainforest walks, island stays and coastal activities offer different ways to explore Queensland, while ecotourism investment aims to expand the range of experiences available across regional communities.
As Destination 2045 progresses, Queensland’s tourism development is being shaped around more than individual attractions. The strategy links visitor growth with new experiences, event activity and improved connections between the state’s cities, coastlines and regional destinations.
