Australia

From luxury retreats to high-end hotels, tiny homes, and cosy Airbnbs, this epic list of the best romantic getaways in Queensland is guaranteed to earn you brownie points.

When life’s going at full pelt, the sweetest escapes are the ones that turn everything down a notch. These slow-down towns turn rest, stillness and a wander to the local bowlo the whole itinerary.

There’s no doubt about it—the Gold Coast in 2026 is a full-blown culinary paradise. But when it comes to choosing the perfect spot for a special night out, it can still feel a little overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

When TV personality, podcast presenter and dad of two Matty Fahd locked in his family’s first trip together, it turned out to be one for the books.

When the saying “once bitten, twice shy” was coined—the creators didn’t take Louis Hanson into account. 

If seas of puffer jackets have already got you Googling flights north, consider this your sign to swap scarves for swimsuits in the Sunshine State.

We’re spilling the beans on five Queensland beach towns that haven’t lost their quaint, quiet charm. Book yourself a beachfront cabin and hit the road. 

For the ultimate weekender, kick back at these best Gold Coast hotels—from luxury retreats to family-friendly stays. 

Where heart-thumping adventure meets slow, sun-drenched relaxation, Lake Macquarie is the under-the-radar coastal destination that strikes the perfect balance. 

From modern beachside villas to luxe hinterland glamping to sweet Airbnb cottages, here's the ultimate list of the Gold Coast’s best accommodation in 2026.

We’ve uncovered a luxurious lineup of local road trips that feel like a slice of Italy, the Alps and beyond.

If your feed is currently filled with Euro summer snaps but your bank balance is screaming “nope,” we have good news for the wanderlust-seekers out there.

From retro motels to renovated beach cottages, step into the laidback vibe of Brunswick Heads with our hit list of the best accommodation in town. 

Summer is just around the corner and we are eyeing off these dreamy Aussie escapes.

Spring is here, and it has us itching for a sneaky getaway before peak season.

Get those tabs open—it’s time to do some serious bookmarking. These are our top picks for the best Scenic Rim accommodation.

We Aussies are a pretty healthy bunch, so it's no wonder we host some of the best fitness events in the world—these are the best fun runs, marathons, triathlons, obstacle courses and ocean swims in Australia coming up in 2025. 

If you thought you had to leave our state to find an impressive natural sight, think again—the best national parks in Queensland are worth using your annual leave for.

If you’re chasing the van life but want to skip the epic endurance test, the half lap might be your new ultimate travel hack.

Off the back of their performance at HoMie's new Tiny Desk-inspired Store Sessions, Bad//Dreems chat to music writer Ben Madden about playing stripped-back music, writing a new record and finding rapport with a certain ilk of Aussie male.

Astro-tourism is the latest travel craze. From dark-sky parks to luxury bubble retreats, explore family-friendly stargazing spots across Australia. 

Explore the best Hamilton Island accommodation options, from luxury resorts to family-friendly stays and secluded villas. Whether you're after a romantic escape, family holiday, or relaxing retreat, our guide will help you find the perfect Hamilton Island resort for your dream getaway.

If you like your weekend getaways served up with a long lunch and a sip of three of wine you'll want to lock in this Kangaroo Valley event. 

Discover how a $500 junk sale purchase became a seriously unique South Australian tiny house stay.

Myself and the Urban List team have rounded up the best retro motels Gold Coast is home to.

Settle into a sunshine state of mind with this epic staycay. 

Forget muddy tents and damp sleeping bags, we’ve compiled the perfect list of glamping spots in Queensland for your next nature getaway without the fuss.

Dust off your suitcase and live it up in style by snapping up accommodation at one of the best luxury Queensland resorts. 

Flights from $49 one way sound tempting? Here’s all the intel you need about the Virgin Australia sale.

Itching for a winter vaycay? Make the most of whale-watching season and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of a Straddie winter.

If there's one thing Gold Coast has no shortage of, it's endless stretches of white sandy shores. Let us guide you to the best beaches on the Gold Coast.

Glamping really is the best of both worlds, with its proximity to nature minus the sacrifice of your favourite creature comforts. Scroll on for the best glamping spots on and around the Gold Coast in 2026.

Nestled in the heart of Queensland's tropical coast, the Whitsunday Islands beckon with their pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. 

From raging rooftops to craft beer bars and intimate tequila joints, here's our ultimate round up to the very best bars on the Gold Coast. 

If there’s one person who knows how to make the most of a weekend in Sydney, it’s the powerhouse NRLW player, sharp-witted commentator, and podcast co-host Millie Elliott. 

From rainforests to art deco terrace homes, treat yourself to a retreat among picturesque surroundings this Easter. 

Here's your ultimate Eat, Play, Stay guide to the Barossa Valley with Andy Allen.

​If your go-to food hit list is dwindling as you've eaten through your home city, Brisbane's pumping restaurant scene has got you covered.

Thanks to Visit Brisbane, we’ve found some unique wonderful adventures in this thriving city you can have with your lover so you can get planning, pronto.

Spicers Peak Lodge, two hours out of Brisbane up in the hills on the edge of the Scenic Rim, is the kind of luxe hotel that you book into for that very special occasion.

Imagine laying back in a plus queen-sized bed and being able to look up and see an uninterrupted view of the Milky Way above you—which is exactly what you can do in these bubble tents.

As the action revs up on the track, we'll show you how to ace the off-track scene

Is a city break in Melbourne calling your name? Whether it’s the arts and culture scene, the world-class dining or a sporting event that’s caught your interest, there’s plenty of reasons to head to the city—and we know just how to make the most of your time.

Babe, wake up—a new luxury eco-resort is set to drop in 2027. After a ten-year hiatus, Hook Island is making its return thanks to Epochal Hotels’ CEO Glenn Piper. 

This year's Sony Alpha Awards just landed, so we’ve sussed out some truly incredible places across Australia and New Zealand—to inspire you to pick up your camera and snag the winning shot. 

Get ready for some proper relaxation with our roundup of 10 weekend getaways near Brisbane you need to book right now. 

Check out these five scenic drives within an hour of Brisbane that will fulfill those desires for a road trip, without having to pack a bag.

See Sydney in a brand new light this year with our guide to the best spots to eat, stay, and play on your Vivid adventure.

A sprawling retreat nestled amongst the rolling hills of the Scenic Rim, Beechmont Estate is the stuff of fairytales. 

We all deserve to soar into the sunset as often as our jobs and lives allow, so this year, there’s a new plan of attack: staggered spending. 

Imagine all the smooches you’ll get when you whisk your other half away on a romantic getaway with all the trimmings. 

Check into any one of these cute-as-a-button Gold Coast cabins and cottages, perfect for your winter escape.

Swell Hotel Byron Bay is redefining the concept of hospitality, offering guests a bohemian escape that's equal parts indulgence and relaxation.

We teamed up with our mates at Webjet and Zip to uncover some of 2024’s coolest travel destinations that will make all your mates jealous.

We’ve done the digging and found a bunch of truly epic travel packages from the legends at Webjet for $1000*—flights included!

Coming to southern Queensland soon is the Cunnamulla Hot Springs, a stunning new hot springs destination where ultimate relaxation is guaranteed. 

Pristine immaculate coastline, endless lingering sunshine and bountiful local produce—Townsville has become a marvel of North Queensland for good reason, with a string of decadent new openings around the charming town awaiting exploration.

Round up the crew, book in that annual leave and make tracks to the Sunshine Coast’s most unique accommodation—The Crocodile Hunter Lodge. 

A pinnacle of creative collaboration, Sun Ranch is a picturesque 55-acre coastal estate in the Byron Bay hinterland, where ‘70s nostalgia meets California horse ranch. 

Check out our top picks for the ultimate homes among the gumtrees, and make those childhood dreams a reality in these Queensland treehouses. 

From tranquil natural spas to the best farmers markets, distilleries and unique stays, here are 7 lush Gold Coast experiences you won’t find in your guidebook. 

If you’re like us, food is a big part of planning a getaway and with everyone off enjoying Euro summer adventures the itch to slot in a mini escape is stronger than ever. Luckily for us Queenslanders, an oasis of food experiences exists right in our own backyard. With help from Bundaberg and Gladstone Tourism, we have curated a list of classic and unmissable experiences to satiate your senses and wanderlust. 

Dust off your passport—Urban List Vacays has arrived. 

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Turns out, as well as being home to some spectacular beaches and the access point to a World Heritage-listed marine park, Bundaberg is a food and booze lovers haven, chock-a-block full of amazing places to eat, drink and then drink some more (this is rum country after, all).  

Packed with beachside adventures and boasting access to the iconic Southern Great Barrier Reef, you need to send Gladstone to the top of your travel hit list. 

To help you start mapping out your next New South Wales adventure, we’ve rounded up a bunch of the most exciting events to mark in your diaries.

Boasting some of the best beaches and waves in the world, it’s no wonder that surfing is heavily ingrained into Australian culture. So whether you’re an experienced surfer, you’re just starting out or you’re simply after some picturesque locations to work on your base tan, here are Australia’s best surf beaches.

Searching for a unique and sophisticated space for your next birthday or work event can be tricky business. Fortunately for us, there’s a recently refurbished five-star hotel joining the ultimate party mix: Hyatt Regency Brisbane. 

Dig out your swimmers and make tracks to Townsville, because an incredible new snorkel trail has just been anchored in the depths of the Great Barrier Reef.

On the hunt for an unforgettable spectator experience? Here are some of Sydney’s most significant sporting events this year that you simply can't miss.

Whether you’re a homegrown local looking for a seaside staycay or you’re visiting this iconic slice of paradise from out of town, we’ve rounded up the best Airbnbs in Surfers Paradise.

The last year has robbed us of many things, including dreamy European vacations and it’s time to put a stop to this vacation-less madness—just because we live on the Gold Coast doesn’t mean we can’t fake it ‘til we make it and create our own dream vacation right here in our own backyard.

Itching for a digital disconnect? Throw everything you own in the boot and hit the road—we’ve done the hard yards for you and tracked down all the free camping spots in Queensland.

Start packing the nylon and get ready to cast a line, we’ve stumbled across the best beach camping spots in Queensland, complete with uninterrupted views of good old fashioned Mother Nature. 

Grab your mates and head down for live performances every Friday with some of the industry’s finest musicians at The Star’s vibrant Garden Kitchen & Bar Live On The Lawn, entertainment series.

Whether you're a culture seeker or a thrill junkie, the city of Brisbane has it all for you. 

The Gold Coast has welcomed a shining jewel of luxury, with the much-anticipated opening of Australia’s newest luxury resort hotel, The Langham

Airbnb never ceases to amaze us with its slew of niche getaways and hyper luxury cabins, but this one’s gotta take the cake. The Belafonte II is a boat-turned-cosy-sanctuary and it’s the coolest-looking getaway we’ve seen in a while.

Here are the best bunch of epic Indigenous culture destinations to visit around Melbourne. 

Here are the best music and cultural events to attend on your next trip to Victoria. 

If you're keen to live your best island life, you’re going to want somewhere equally as stunning to rest your head. Unwind, rejuvenate and soak up island luxury at Hamilton Island's best Airbnbs.

This is not a drill. Gold Coast Airport is giving away one million Qantas Points to make a lucky adventurer's travel dreams come true. 

We bet spending the night inside a giant wine barrel isn’t on your bucket list, but thanks to the Granite Belt’s quirkiest accommodation option, it can be.

Just up on the Sunshine Coast is Oasis, a luxury eco villa floating on the Noosa River and only accessible by rowboat. 

Done with dreary weather and chilly days? We hear you loud and clear. The winter blues might be in full swing, but the perfect antidote is just around the corner. 

Have your say and you could win a $500 in EFTPOS gift card.

It’s Flight Centre’s 40th birthday and they want to celebrate by shouting 40 holidays. 

A cosy, hidden rainforest retreat that’s nestled in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, and is just two hours from the Gold Coast, has been named the most romantic hotel in the world by Tripadvisor.

If your idea of a heavenly vacay is laying on the beach, slurping oysters, knocking back a schooey, and heading for a stroll along the coast, then book in that annual leave, hit the highway and spend a few days in Yamba.