11 Best Small Towns in Queensland for a Weekend Retreat
Spanning from the tropical north to the more temperate southern regions, Queensland boasts everything from the Great Barrier Reef to ancient rainforests and mountain ranges. While many visitors flock to its bustling cities, Queensland's charm often lies in its smaller towns, where you can experience heritage architecture and coastlines. For those seeking a peaceful escape, the state's lesser-known destinations offer ideal weekend retreats, combining relaxation, adventure, and a glimpse into the local way of life. These 11 small towns in Queensland are perfect for a weekend getaway where history meets nature in compelling ways.
Airlie Beach
Located in the Whitsunday region of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a coastal town. Initially settled in the 1930s, it grew as a gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. Originally, Airlie Beach was a key port for fishermen and sailors navigating the nearby islands, with local life revolving around its marina. Over the years, the marina expanded, welcoming yachts and tour boats. Heart Hotel and Gallery Whitsundays is a modern boutique hotel located in the town’s heart. It combines sleek design with an artistic flair, featuring local art on its walls—a great stay for a weekend away.
Whitsunday Islands National Park is accessible by boat. Most visitors head to Whitehaven Beach, known for its pure silica sand, but the islands also have secluded bays, snorkeling spots, and walking trails through tropical rainforests. Conway National Park, located just outside Airlie Beach, is home to rainforests, waterfalls, and mountain ranges. Hiking the Conway Circuit will take you through dense rainforest to panoramic views over the Whitsunday Passage. As the gateway to the Whitsundays, Coral Sea Marina is the pulse of Airlie Beach’s boating activity. It’s more than just a place to board tours—it's a historical part of Airlie, with a lively waterfront precinct.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas has a history tied to the sugar cane industry and the Great Barrier Reef. The town boomed in the 1870s during the gold rush and became an important port for exporting sugar, timber, and gold. By the 1980s, Port Douglas shifted from being an industrial port to a premium holiday destination, thanks to its proximity to two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Perched on the edge of Four Mile Beach, the Peninsula Boutique Hotel has beachfront suites that provide uninterrupted views of the Coral Sea.
Unlike many of Queensland’s beaches, Four Mile Beach is long, flat, and stretches uninterrupted for miles, making it perfect for walks at sunrise or sunset. Located within Daintree National Park, Mossman Gorge is home to crystal-clear water flowing through large boulders, creating a scene for swimming or exploring the surrounding trails. Flagstaff Hill Walking Trail starts near the town center. The walk takes you up to Flagstaff Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views and discover information about Port Douglas’s history.
Hervey Bay
Hervey Bay’s sheltered bay has been home to Indigenous people for thousands of years, and it became an important site for fishing and whaling in the 1800s. By the early 20th century, Hervey Bay had become a popular spot for visitors seeking calm waters and coastal relaxation. Today, the town is best known as one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. For a weekend stay, Akama Resort provides luxury apartments with expansive views of the Great Sandy Strait and Fraser Island (K'gari).
Hervey Bay is renowned for its whale-watching tours, which offer an up-close experience with humpback whales as they migrate through the region. The calm, protected waters of the bay make it an ideal spot for whales to rest and play with their young. Just off the coast, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and a place of biodiversity. You can take a ferry from Hervey Bay to explore its freshwater lakes, such as Lake McKenzie, towering sand dunes, and ancient rainforests. Urangan Pier was once used to transport coal and sugar. Today, it’s a popular spot for a leisurely walk, stretching nearly a kilometer into the bay.
Noosa Heads
Located on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Noosa Heads was originally a quiet coastal village. However, Noosa transformed in the 1960s into a premier holiday destination, attracting surfers and nature enthusiasts alike. Its roots are in the surf culture of the region. Today, it’s known for its eco-friendly development and environmental conservation. Opt for the Sebel Noosa for a boutique apartment-style stay in the heart of downtown, just steps from Noosa’s main beach.
Noosa National Park is one of the town’s most famous natural reserves and has a network of walking trails that hug the coastline. It has sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and opportunities to spot koalas resting in the eucalyptus trees. Main Beach, just off Hastings Street, is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers, with gentle waves and golden sand for a day spent by the water. Finally, the Noosa Everglades, a short drive from town, is an environment where you can kayak or boat through mirrored waterways surrounded by subtropical rainforest.
Maleny
Maleny, located in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, was established in the late 1800s. The town grew from its roots in dairy farming and timber milling into a center for artisans and organic farming. Maleny’s cooler climate and fertile soil made it a prime spot for early settlers, and over time, it became known for its cooperative spirit and creative energy. Spicers Tamarind Retreat is nestled in the rainforests just outside Maleny. It has luxurious, private pavilions perfect for a weekend of tranquility.
The Maleny Botanic Gardens and Bird World have gardens set against the backdrop of the Glass House Mountains, where you can stroll through landscapes filled with exotic plants and enjoy the vibrant aviaries. Just outside the town, the Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve is a protected subtropical rainforest with walking trails. Here, you will get views of the Glass House Mountains and see abundant wildlife, including pademelons and various bird species. A visit to the Maleny Dairies, one of the last remaining family-run dairy farms in the area, hosts farm tours that include tastings of fresh milk and local produce.
Agnes Water
Agnes Water, along with the neighboring town of Seventeen Seventy, holds a special place in Queensland’s history as the site of Captain James Cook’s first landing in the state in 1770. Once a hidden gem along the Discovery Coast, the town has maintained its quiet, unspoiled nature while becoming a favored destination for surfers and nature lovers. With its long, golden beaches and surrounding national parks, Agnes Water is one of the last spots to catch a surf break along Queensland’s coast as you head north. Sunrise at 1770 Holidays is an eco-friendly resort with private beach houses set within a gated nature reserve.
Deepwater National Park lies just south of Agnes Water. It has remote beaches and dense forests where you can spot turtles nesting or go for a secluded swim. The Bush Heritage Paperbark Forest Boardwalk is a local favorite, taking you through a unique wetland forest filled with towering paperbark trees on a short, raised path. For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Captain Cook Memorial in the nearby town of Seventeen Seventy is essential. It marks the site of Cook’s first Queensland landing with a scenic lookout and historical information.
Mission Beach
Mission Beach is another coastal town where two World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics Rainforest. Historically, the area was home to the Djiru Aboriginal people. Mission Beach began as a farming and fishing settlement, but its tropical rainforest surroundings and beaches soon drew visitors. The town is a mix of vibrant rainforest and stunning coral reefs. Castaways Resort & Spa sits right on the beachfront—a base to enjoy both the sea and the nearby rainforest. The resort features beachfront rooms with easy access to the sand for a weekend away.
Mission Beach is a place to explore the nearby Dunk Island, just off the coast, accessible by water taxi. The island has hiking trails through rainforest and palm-fringed beaches, where you can enjoy the quiet beauty of the Coral Sea. Closer to town, you can walk through Licuala State Forest, home to the iconic fan palm and cassowary birds. For snorkeling or diving enthusiasts, a trip to the nearby reefs within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is essential. Float above coral gardens and an abundance of marine life, just a short boat ride from Mission Beach.
Yungaburra
Yungaburra is a historic village located in the Atherton Tablelands, known for its heritage-listed buildings and connection to early European settlers who arrived in the late 19th century. Initially a timber town, it quickly became a center for agriculture and tourism due to its fertile soil. The town has original buildings from the early 1900s, including the Yungaburra Pub. Eden House Retreat is a perfect match for Yungaburra’s heritage vibe, with cozy cottages in a peaceful garden setting.
Lake Eacham, a volcanic crater lake surrounded by dense rainforest, is for swimming and picnicking. It has crystal-clear waters and well-maintained walking trails. Another highlight is the Curtain Fig Tree, a massive ancient tree that is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the region, with a boardwalk allowing close-up views. Yungaburra is also famous for spotting platypuses in Peterson Creek, where you can follow the walking trail along the creek for the best chance of seeing these elusive animals in their natural habitat.
Cooktown
Cooktown, one of Queensland’s most historic towns, was established in the late 1800s during the Palmer River gold rush. The town has embraced its historical significance, with several museums and heritage sites preserving its past as a gold rush and shipping hub. Sovereign Resort Hotel, located in the heart of Cooktown, has modern comforts. It’s a great place to stay while exploring Cooktown’s history and natural surroundings.
A visit to the Cooktown Museum is a must, where you can learn about Cook’s Landing and explore exhibits that showcase the town’s maritime and Indigenous history. The nearby Grassy Hill Lookout provides panoramic views over the Coral Sea, where Cook himself stood to map a safe route through the reef. Finally, Nature’s Powerhouse, located in the Botanic Gardens, is home to a gallery showcasing botanical illustrations and is an ideal starting point for walks through the tropical gardens and along the coastline.
Montville
Montville, nestled in the Blackall Range, was established in the late 1800s. It became a center for logging and farming, but over the years, it has developed into a retreat for artists and writers. The town’s heritage is reflected in its preserved colonial architecture, craft shops, and galleries, which line its narrow streets. Visitors are drawn to Montville’s peaceful atmosphere, which is surrounded by lush rainforest and views of the Sunshine Coast. The Falls Montville, a series of rainforest cottages, is a cozy retreat where guests can experience the serenity of the hinterland. Each cottage is surrounded by nature—a private escape with all the comforts of home.
The Kondalilla National Park, just outside town, is a must-visit. It has hiking trails through the rainforest that lead to the Kondalilla Falls, a popular spot for picnics and swimming. Another highlight is the Baroon Pocket Dam, where visitors can enjoy kayaking, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water. The town’s rich artistic culture is also reflected in Montville’s many galleries, including the well-known Montville Art Gallery, which showcases the work of local artists and artisans. It is a chance to take a piece of the town’s creative spirit home.
Eungella
Eungella, perched high in the Clarke Range, is known as one of the most ecologically diverse areas in Queensland. The name "Eungella" means "Land of Clouds" in the local Indigenous language, and the area is often blanketed in mist. Originally a remote farming area, it is now known for its national park, which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the platypus. The rainforest surrounding Eungella is ancient, and much of it remains untouched. Broken River Mountain Resort is located within this wilderness, featuring eco-friendly cabins that allow guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area while providing all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay.
In Eungella, nature is the star attraction. The Broken River area is one of the best places in Australia to see platypuses in the wild, and the viewing platforms along the river are for spotting these shy creatures at dawn and dusk. The Sky Window Lookout, located within Eungella National Park, has views over the Pioneer Valley, making it a spot to stop for a picnic or simply enjoy the scenery. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the many walking trails throughout the park, such as the rugged Clarke Range Track, take you deep into the rainforest, where you can explore waterfalls, spot rare bird species, and truly appreciate the area’s untouched wilderness.
Queensland’s small towns each offer a blend of history, nature, and culture, making them perfect for a weekend retreat. In Airlie Beach, you can appreciate the vibrant marina life, surrounded by the Whitsunday Islands. Meanwhile, Port Douglas offers a more luxurious escape, with its rich gold rush history and unparalleled access to the Daintree Rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Further down the coast, Hervey Bay provides a spot for whale watching and exploring the vast natural wonder of Fraser Island. Whether you are drawn to the coast, the hinterland, or Queensland’s fascinating history, each of these towns has something special to offer.
