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From the best time to travel to the best places to eat, and everything in between, our Holiday Experts know Queensland like the back of their hands. Our dedicated team are at-the-ready to answer any questions you have about the Sunshine State on 0800 526 452.
The latest official information is available via the following links. We recommend that travellers visit Travellers to Queensland and check back regularly for changes.
Sherpa is your guide to travel post-COVID-19, Sherpa’s interactive map provides real-time information on travel restrictions, testing requirements and quarantine measures for countries across the globe. With access to over 64 government systems, understanding travel restrictions has never been easier. To discover where you can go, please visit Sherpa.
The safety and wellbeing of our customers remains our priority. That’s why we’re closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and will continue to do our best to keep you informed on the latest travel information.
No. International arrivals are no longer required to take a COVID-19 test prior to travel or on arrival into Queensland. Monitor closely for symptoms of COVID-19 after arrival. If you get any COVID-19 symptoms in the first 7 days after arrival, you should get tested. A PCR is preferred if you have symptoms.
No. As of July 06 2022, you no longer need to complete a Digital Passenger Declaration (PDP) to enter Australia.
No. As of 06 July 2022, international travellers to Queensland are no longer required to provide evidence of their vaccination status.
For the latest official information regarding requirements for re-entering New Zealand, we recommend that travellers visit COVID-19 travel to New Zealand government updates and check back regularly for changes.
New Zealand citizens do not need to apply for a visa before coming to Australia. You will only need to apply for a travel exemption before you travel to Australia if you intend to travel to Australia by sea.
Unless you are an Australian or a New Zealand citizen, you will need a valid Australian visa to enter the country. All other passport holders must apply for a visa before leaving home.
Yes. Anyone travelling overseas regardless of their age should make sure they are covered by International Travel Insurance. Medical emergencies and unfortunate incidents don’t discriminate, so it is vital you cover yourself for large, unexpected bills. Insurance also covers you and your family in case of acts of nature, lost or stolen luggage and unexpected changes to your travel plans. It is wise to research your insurance thoroughly to make sure you have the appropriate level of cover that you want.
We recommend please visiting the following airport sites for the latest information.
In general, travellers are expected to:
All travellers to Australia are required to complete an Australian Travel Declaration at least 72 hours prior to travel. For more information visit The Australian Travel Declaration page.
Travellers re-entering New Zealand are required to complete a travel declaration form prior to departure. For more information visit The New Zealand Travel declaration Page.
A place like no other, Queensland is home to stunning natural wonders, dazzling cities, and rich history. From the Great Barrier Reef to tropical islands, world-class attractions to the outback and culture, Queensland is hard to leave and impossible to forget.
Queensland is like no other place in the world. Known as Australia’s playground, the Sunshine State is the perfect destination to get out and enjoy the great outdoors! The state boasts 7,400km of stunning coastline and 1,727,000sq. kilometres of land to explore. It is home to some of the most iconic natural wonders in the world, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest and the beautiful beaches of the Whitsundays and the south coast. Queensland is a destination where the sun is always shining. You’ll always find a smiling face to great you no matter where you go—from the cityscape of the capital and the Gold Coast, to the technicolour underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef and the ancient awe-inspiring Daintree Rainforest and Queensland outback, Queensland has something for everyone to enjoy.
There is something to experience and enjoy at any time of year in Queensland. If you’re heading to Tropical North Queensland, the wet season runs during November to April. Stinger season from October to May when box jellyfish are common in the waters. You can still swim during this time as most tours provide stinger suits and many local beaches contain stinger resistant enclosures. If the south east is your destination, then the cusps of winter in April to May is an ideal time to visit. The tourist scene is quieter, and the weather is perfect. To read more about the best time to visit Queensland click Queensland’s weather.
From centre to centre, Queensland is 3,522 kilometres from New Zealand.
New Zealand is two hours ahead of Queensland. Queensland operates on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) but does span multiple time zones. During summer, Queensland does not observe Daylight Saving Time (DST). Between October and April, Queensland time remains the same while NSW, VIC, SA, TAS and ACT turn their clocks forward one hour. Gold Coast tourists should be careful during this time as the suburb of Coolangatta sits close to the New South Wales border. If activities are planned across these regions, be sure to check the time difference.
A short flight across the ditch will see you arrive in your chosen airport across the state. We team with travel partners and airlines including Air New Zealand to offer non-stop flights from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown into Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Cairns and the Sunshine Coast. Our My Cruises experts also arrange cruises from your home to ours, take a look at our great Queensland holiday deals and start planning your next summery Queensland escape.
Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and sail to unique tropical islands. Get up close and personal with Australian wildlife and wander breathtaking rainforest trails. Head inland for stargazing and travel red dirt tracks to incredible waterfalls and gorges. Have a yarn with local characters in heritage pubs, learn of our ancient indigenous culture or be entertained in vibrant world-class cities. Indulge in delicious fresh produce everywhere you go and rejuvenate your soul in this sun-drenched state.
Queensland is Australia’s playground, home to incredible natural wonders and contains a range of world-class day spas and exquisite restaurants. Explore the underwater wonderland of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, stroll along the pristine white sands of Whitehaven Beach, hug a koala or feed a crocodile at Australia Zoo or ride a rollercoaster at Australia’s best theme parks on the Gold Coast. Explore the wet tropics of the stunning Daintree and Kuranda rainforests, watch the splashing of migrating humpback whales and get to know our Aboriginal culture. The opportunities are seemingly endless, so check out our experiences and things to do.
Depending on which kind of holiday you are after, your suitcase will vary slightly but on any holiday in Queensland be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen. If travelling to tropical beaches, pack light summer clothes and swimmers with a light jacket for those cooler nights. If you’re off on a hinterland adventure be sure to pack comfortable enclosed shoes for hiking and slightly warmer clothes to compensate for altitude and night-time temperature drops. If you’re exploring cities pack for relaxed sunny days and nights to impress. Most of Queensland is casual, relaxed, and sunny so be sure to check the season and pack whatever you feel comfortable in.
While most of what you need can be found when you arrive, be sure to pack your passport, booking paperwork, phone any medicines and camera. A beach tote with high SPF sunscreen, swimmers, hat and sunnies are essential along with chargers, toiletries, thongs/jandals, walking shoes and casual clothing. We suggest bringing some smart casual evening wear, reef shoes if you’re off to the islands and insect repellent for the rainforest.
Professional drones must be pre-registered with the CASA. They’re restricted within 5km of an aerodrome and it is recommended to let the property you’re staying at know before using one.
Aussies are friendly, laid-back and welcoming people – just like many of our NZ friends. As a multi-cultural society, there are people here from many different walks of life and nations. Our indigenous language is one of the oldest in the world and spans many dialects and language groups throughout the country. Home to plenty of Kiwi’s too, you’ll feel right at home in Queensland.
Australia pays respects to our indigenous people past, present and emerging. Traditional owners of this beautiful country, Welcome to Country ceremonies may be performed by Aboriginal elders, which are an honour to be a part of. You can learn much about the different language groups in Queensland and their traditional culture and customs on many of our tours throughout the state, often included in our holiday packages.
Queensland has an extensive and reliable transportation network of airlines, rental cars, Ubers, taxis, ferries, and both long-distance and local buses. Our holiday packages often include transfers from the airport to your accommodation and to tours and experiences. If travelling around outback Queensland, be sure to pre-plan your trip according to distance between re-fueling and places of limited connectivity for phone and internet. Contact our My Queensland Holiday Experts who can provide a more detailed insight on travelling around the Sunshine State.
You won’t need a power plug adapter as what we have in Australia and Queensland are the same as yours at home in New Zealand. In Australia the power plugs and sockets are of type I. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Internet coverage is very reliable in Australia. With both the National Broadband Network and 4 and 5G available, all capital cities and most towns are able to receive strong signals. If you are travelling to remote areas of our beautiful state including some islands in The Whitsundays and off the coast around the Great Barrier Reef, you will lose signal. Similarly, outback towns and natural landscapes that you tour through and visit may have limited availability. With our tours and some quick planning, you will be connected again when you head back to the main parts of town or mainland. Frankly, it’s a welcomed digital detox when exploring our great Sunshine State.
The Australian dollar is used throughout Queensland. Visit a currency exchange store either before you travel or when you arrive to be sure you are covered. Use of Eftpos and credit cards are also available throughout the state.
The legal drinking age in Australia is 18. The responsible consumption of alcohol is strongly encouraged.
General goods: AUD $900 worth of goods per adult (18 years or over); AUD $450 worth of goods per child.
Alcohol: Up to 2.25 litres (0.5 imperial gallons or 0.59 US gallons) of alcoholic beverages (liquor, wine and Champagne) per adult.
Tobacco: 25 cigarettes or the equivalent of 25 grams (0.88 ounces) of smokeless tobacco products per adult.
As of 07 September 2022