Paradise found is an understatement when it comes to this small rainforest village which forms of the quartet of towns in Mission Beach. About 1.5 hours drive from Cairns, this place is largely untouched – picture a destination of dreamy beaches fringed by foliage, with the Great Barrier Reef (and Dunk Island) right on your doorstep. Drop by the Bingil Bay Cafe while in town, or The Pocket a little further afield.

This coastal town lives up to its colourful namesake thanks to the rainbow-hued sandy beachside cliffs that line the coastline. Take a drive along Rainbow Beach to take in these mammoth sand dunes before making your way to the scenic spot of Carlo Sand Blow, made famous by its moon-like landscape. When you’re ready for a feed, the homemade pasta at Arcobaleno on the Beach will go down a treat.

Okay, so it’s not exactly under-the-radar, but Port Douglas in tropical north Queensland has it all – access to the Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree rainforest, not to mention excellent dining options. Make sure you visit on a Sunday and go to the iconic Port Douglas market but get there early to nab an artisan doughnut from Duke’s Doughnuts (we’re talking beauties like the cookie dough and brownie batter doughnut with vanilla bean custard).

Nestled among the rolling hills of the Sunshine Coast hinterland is this quaint gem of a regional town laden with cafes, boutiques and even its own fromagerie. A wander down the main drag of Maple Street will introduce you to coffee fave Frank Food & Wine, or find something heartier at Brouhaha Brewery down the road.

Within easy drive of Noosa is picturesque Eumundi. The bi-weekly markets (one of the nation’s biggest arts and crafts congregations) form the main attraction of this town, but permanent fixtures (just as worthy of your time) include the Eumundi Coffee Roasters and Eumundi Brewery. Spend the night at art-devoted hotel HOLA.

Welcome to apple country! As one of Queensland’s coldest districts this is a place awash with orchards and vineyards, and within arm’s reach of the dramatic landscapes and granite boulders of Girraween National Park. But the dining scene is blossoming too thanks to the arrival of seasonal fine diner Essen.

Don’t let this tiny North Queensland town fool you. What Palm Cove lacks in size makes up for in beauty by tenfold. Shaded by ancient Melaleuca trees, this uncrowded patch of paradise is just the spot to unwind along the sandy shores. If that’s not enough, treat yourself at the award-winning Vie Spa located in the Pullman resort. Go on, you deserve it.

The unofficial capital of Tropical North Queensland, Cairns isn’t just the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef but worthy of a visit in its own right (especially when you keep in mind its t-shirt weather here all year). There’s a trio of Crystalbrook hotels here now for luxe sleeping options. And plenty of ways to spend your time; explore bustling Rusty’s Market in town centre for local tropical fare, wander the Botanic Gardens and grab breakfast (or any meal for that matter) in NOA in neighbouring Edge Hill.

While Cairns garners most attention for its access to neighbouring reef and rainforest, Tropical North Queensland is also home to the arguably more beautiful (and definitely cheaper) Mission Beach. Nudging Dunk Island on the mainland this quartet of villages just 1.5 hours drive south of the city, a place rich in beaches, island access, and dense jungle. While there is a luxe accommodation to be found at The Elandra, budget-friendly caravan parks and hotels are scattered all over the precinct, sitting alongside equally wallet-friendly venues like local favourite The Garage Bar and Brewhouse.

The southern Gold Coast seems a world away from its northern cousin Surfers Paradise. Away from the Glitter Strip, this border town is a haven of surfing (thanks to point-break Snapper Rocks and nearby Dbah), with water that remains inviting no matter the season – winter sees temperatures dip to low- to mid-twenties making for an endless summer (if that’s what you fancy). Plus the dining scene continues to thrive with the arrival of eateries like Franc Jr’s, and Bar Evelyn.

Bay, beach, park and river – Noosa Heads has it all. Home to the Kabi Kabi people, walk the trails of Noosa National Park, splash around the clear waters of Laguna Bay, take your pick at one of the many waterfront restaurants and meander through plenty of boutique shopping. End your evening at Noosa Spit for a spectacular view of the sun setting that’ll rival anything the west coast has to offer.

What do Rio de Janeiro, Mauritius and the coastal town of Yeppoon have in common? They all share the same line of latitude resulting in stunning subtropical climates. This central Queensland town along the Capricorn coastline is home to glistening corals and an abundance of marine life. Head into the town centre for a dip in the public lagoon, a spot of op shopping and a bite to eat at one of the many beach-side cafes.

The largely untouched coastal town of Bowen in North Queensland is often referred to as “the jewel” in the Whitsundays crown. With eight different beaches to choose from within ten minutes, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to swimming, exploring, snorkelling or just lounging on the sand. Australia’s affinity for comically large fruit structures extends to Bowen where you’ll find the Big Mango. We reckon that in itself deserves a mention in our Instagram Stories dump.

The Indigenous land of Jellurgal in the very heart of the Gold Coast has long been known as one of the best beach towns for its surfing culture and first-rate point-break. Swells aside, take a stroll down James Street to sample one of the many cafes, eateries and boutique shops. Bonus points if you’re there on a Sunday to visit the bi-monthly pop-up market, The Village Markets. Burleigh Heads National Park is also a must-visit for a spot of whale watching when conditions are just right.