Home #WHERETONEXT Australia & New Zealand What’s new in Queensland, Australia

What’s new in Queensland, Australia

UNIQUE EXPERIENCE Skypark Cairns’ Walk the Plank Experience

Photo: Tourism and Events Queensland

Skypark Cairns are launching their brand new experience, Walk The Plank, to celebrate their 30 year anniversary. The new experience lets guests live life on the edge whilst walking across an elevated beam, balancing in the air 140m above sea level. Take in panoramic views of the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding World Heritage Rainforest while dangling high above the treetops. Ideal for the junior thrill seekers as those above 6 years old and 100cm are able to test their nerve! Be sure to check out the website to see the view from up above.

CULTURAL EXP. ACCOMMODATION: Transformed Talaroo Hot Springs Opens

Couple experiencing Talaroo Hot Springs

Now fully owned and managed by its Traditional Owners, the Ewamian people, the newly opened Talaroo Hot Springs has been transformed into a stunning tourism destination which showcases their hospitality while maintaining their cultural values and deep connection with the land. The guided Hot Springs Discovery Tour is a must, taking guests along the newly built elevated boardwalk for views of the vents and pools. You’ll also get the chance to submerge yourself in the healing waters of the hot springs in a private soaking pool at the end of the tour. Located 360km west of Cairns on the Savannah Way in the outback of Tropical North Queensland, the Talaroo Hot Springs is Australia’s only known tiered thermal hot spring, and also features an on-site caravan park and campground. Guided experiences include hourly tours of the Springs where visitors can learn about Ewamian Country, Talaroo’s extraordinary ranger program and the colourful cattle history of the property.

WILDLIFE, FOOD & BEV: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Breakfast With The Koalas

Koala holding experience

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary invites guests to meet everyone’s favourite Australian icon over a gourmet breakfast feast. Enjoy a morning surrounded by koalas, chatting to their keepers and learning all about their features, habitat and interesting facts. Guests can have a quick koala cuddle, snap a photo and take a keyring home with them. Tickets include entry to Wildlife Sanctuary for the day and can host small groups of up to 24 guests. 

For other great dining options, check out Best Restaurants in Gold Coast.

ACCOMMODATION: Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise

Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise is the newest five-star waterfront accommodation on the Gold Coast. Located directly on The Esplanade, this brand new designer-inspired building has already become a luxury sky-high landmark on the iconic Gold Coast skyline. The hotel occupies the first 31 levels of the 252m high building named ‘Ocean’ and with the perfectly positioned beachfront location, most suites boast uninterrupted views of the beach and ocean. Visit their website to book now.

MUSEUM Home of the Arts (HOTA) Opens on the Gold Coast

Outdoor Stage at HOTA

Launched in early May, the brand new HOTA (Home of the Arts) covers six levels of must-see artwork and displays and is the largest public gallery outside a capital city in Australia. The new $60.5 million gallery features a vibrant program of world-class international exhibitions and Australian-exclusive exhibitions and new artwork. Surrounded by parklands and lakes, HOTA is a vibrant cultural precinct situated in the heart of the Gold Coast. The gallery is open for walk-ins, with bookings for specific exhibitions and shows available on the website.