Getting Around Queensland

How Do I Get to Queensland? Flights and Travel Options to Australia’s Sunshine State 

Planning your dream holiday to Queensland, Australia? Whether you’re travelling from within Australia or internationally, especially from New Zealand or nearby Asia-Pacific regions, getting to Queensland is simple, fast and more affordable than you might think.

With multiple airports across the state and frequent flights daily, it’s easy to land in the heart of Australia’s tropical paradise, where golden beaches, lush rainforests and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef await.

Flying to Queensland from within Australia

Queensland is well-connected to every major city in Australia. If you’re flying domestically, you’ll find multiple direct flights daily from:

  • Melbourne to Brisbane, approximately two hours.
  • Sydney to Gold Coast or Brisbane, approximately an hour and a half.
  • Adelaide to Brisbane, approximately two hours.
  • Perth to Brisbane, approximately four and a half hours.
  • Hobart to Brisbane or Gold Coast, approximately two and a half to three hours.

Major airlines such as Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar operate regular routes to Queensland’s major and regional airports. Thanks to competitive pricing and frequent flights, domestic travel to Queensland is fast and budget-friendly, making it ideal for weekend getaways, family holidays or longer stays.

Flying to Queensland from New Zealand and international destinations

If you’re travelling from New Zealand, it’s just a short trans-Tasman flight to Queensland:

  • Auckland to Gold Coast, approximately three hours.
  • Auckland to Brisbane, approximately three and a half hours.
  • Christchurch to Brisbane, approximately four hours.
  • Wellington to Brisbane, approximately three and a half hours.

Several airlines, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia, offer daily direct flights from New Zealand’s major cities into Queensland. For travellers coming from Asia or further abroad, Brisbane Airport is the state’s main international gateway, with direct services from:

  • Singapore
  • Tokyo
  • Hong Kong
  • Bali (Denpasar)
  • Kuala Lumpur
  • Los Angeles and select US cities via Qantas and partners.

Many international routes also connect via Sydney or Melbourne, offering seamless onward travel to Queensland.

Queensland’s main airports: where you can arrive

Here are the major arrival points for travellers flying into Queensland:

1. Brisbane Airport (BNE)

  • Queensland’s largest and busiest airport.
  • International and domestic terminals.
  • Just 20 minutes from Brisbane CBD.
  • Gateway to southern Queensland, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.

2. Gold Coast Airport (OOL)

  • Located in Coolangatta, on the border of New South Wales and Queensland.
  • Great for beach holidays and theme park visits.
  • Serves domestic and select international flights like New Zealand and Bali.

3. Sunshine Coast Airport (MCY)

  • Direct flights from Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Auckland.
  • Gateway to Noosa, Mooloolaba and Fraser Coast.

4. Cairns Airport (CNS)

  • Primary airport for Far North Queensland.
  • Ideal for accessing the Great Barrier Reef, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest.
  • Offers domestic and limited international services.

5. Townsville, Longreach and Mount Isa Airports

  • Key regional hubs for travellers venturing into Outback Queensland, the Savannah Way and tropical north coast towns.
  • Regular connections from Brisbane and other Queensland cities.

Tips for booking flights to Queensland

  • Book early during school holidays and peak travel seasons (December–January, Easter and June–July).
  • Consider multi-city flights if you want to explore different regions, like flying into Cairns and out from Brisbane.
  • Low-cost carriers like Jetstar often offer flash sales for both domestic and trans-Tasman routes, perfect for last-minute getaways! Ask your My Queensland Holiday Expert!

Arriving by road or rail?

Prefer to take the scenic route? Queensland is accessible by car, campervan or train from neighbouring states:

  • The Pacific Highway connects Brisbane with Sydney.
  • The Bruce Highway runs along the coast from Brisbane to Cairns.
  • Long-distance trains like the Spirit of Queensland offer a scenic alternative to flying, perfect for slow travel enthusiasts.

Start your journey to Queensland today!

No matter where you’re coming from, Queensland is closer than you think. With multiple entry points, convenient flights and easy onward travel, it’s never been easier to plan a holiday in Queensland, Australia’s top destination for sunshine, adventure and relaxation!

Aerial view of a vibrant city skyline with tall skyscrapers, lush green parks, and a wide river dotted with boats under a bright, partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of a vast, empty beach bordered by towering, sunlit red cliffs with lush greenery. A lone vehicle drives on the sandy shore, evoking solitude.
A white yacht sails in clear, turquoise waters above a vibrant coral reef.
Aerial view of a white car traveling on a winding road surrounded by lush green palm trees, casting long shadows. The scene conveys a tropical, serene ambiance.
Aerial view of a boat cruising on clear blue waters away from a small, lush green island with a pier.

How do I get around Queensland? Your complete guide to transport options 

Planning your Queensland holiday? Getting around Queensland is convenient, affordable and flexible, whether you’re exploring buzzing cities, coastal towns or tropical islands. From budget-friendly public transport to scenic road trips, Queensland offers a wide range of transportation options for tourists, perfect for every type of traveller.

Affordable public transport across Queensland – Just 50 cents!

Queensland has made it easier than ever to explore with an incredible public transport deal. You can travel across the state for just 50 cents per ride. That includes trains, buses, trams and ferries in many major areas. This budget-friendly initiative is ideal for solo travellers, backpackers and families looking to save money while getting around cities like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and regional hubs.

Getting around the Gold Coast: light rail and buses

If you’re visiting the Gold Coast, the G:link tram is a fantastic way to get around. It connects key destinations like Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Southport and Helensvale, making it easy to reach beaches, shopping precincts and attractions, without a car. There’s also a bus network, operated by Translink, that services popular tourist areas and connects seamlessly with train stations and tram lines.

Exploring Brisbane and the surrounding areas

In Brisbane, getting around is a breeze. Public transport options include:

  • CityCat ferries along the Brisbane River
  • Trains connecting the suburbs and the airport
  • Buses that reach all corners of the city

The 50 cent fare applies here too, making Brisbane one of the most accessible cities in Australia for visitors. You can also download the Translink app to plan your routes and check real-time schedules.

Rideshare and taxis: on-demand travel at your fingertips

Prefer door-to-door convenience? Queensland is well-served by rideshare services like Uber, DiDi, Ola and taxis. Whether you’re heading to a dinner reservation, returning from a day trip or going to the airport, rideshare is a quick and reliable option available in all major cities and many regional areas. Just download your preferred app, set your location and get moving.

Car hire in Queensland: freedom to explore

Want the freedom to travel on your own schedule? Hiring a car in Queensland is one of the best ways to explore more remote or scenic areas, especially these must-see places:

Car rental services are available at airports, major cities and regional towns, and many offer child seats, GPS units and one-way drop-off options.

Travel between cities: trains, buses and flights

Queensland is a sprawling state, so if you’re travelling long distances, here are some great options:

  • Queensland Rail offers scenic long-distance trains like the Spirit of Queensland, connecting Brisbane to Cairns.
  • Domestic flights between cities such as Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns and the Whitsundays are frequent and fast.

Island transfers: ferries and flights

Planning to visit Queensland’s islands like K’gari (Fraser Island), Moreton Island or the Whitsundays? There are regular ferries, boat transfers and even scenic flights to help you access these tropical getaways.

Queensland travel tips

  • Use the Translink Journey Planner or Queensland Rail websites to map out routes.
  • Buy a Go Card for easy access to public transport in Queensland.
  • Book car hire in advance during school holidays and peak seasons.
  • Always check weather and road conditions if you’re planning long-distance drives.

Explore Queensland your way

Whether you’re zipping through city streets on a tram, catching a scenic train up the coast, or embarking on an epic road trip, Queensland makes it easy to travel your way. With affordable transport, accessible cities and endless sights to see, getting around Queensland is all part of the adventure!

Start planning your journey today and let the road (or rail) lead you to unforgettable experiences in the Sunshine State.

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