Queensland tourism to reveal world-first adventures and cultural experiences in 2026
2026 is shaping up to be massive for tourism in Queensland, with plenty of ‘firsts’ in the pipeline across the State.
From Happitat’s cliffside adventure park and Dreaming Trails cultural tours to dinosaur-themed night walks, luxury coastal stays, and epic hiking trails, 2026 brings unforgettable experiences across the Sunshine State.
Natural escape with a dose of adrenaline
Welcoming guests from January 2026, Happitat is Queensland’s new adrenaline escape focusing on the natural landscapes of the Gondwana Rainforests – an Australian World Heritage Area.
Inspired by overseas cliff-based adventures in Europe and North America, it’s a world-first cliffside adventure park high above the Gold Coast hinterland bringing multiple cliffside experiences at the one park.
With sky-high ziplines (one stretching 200m), a via ferrata climb, an 80m bridge connecting to tightropes and timber crossings suspended high above the valley, forest trails and swimming holes, it’s a park built for those wanting to connect with nature in the most epic way.
Day-trip Dreaming in the Sunshine Coast hinterland
Also launching in January is the Dreaming Trails Tour from Mystic Mountain Tours, a full-day journey led by First Nations knowledge holders, weaving cultural stories with hinterland flavours including little-known favourites of the Sunshine Coast such as QCamel Dairy – a family-run camel dairy farm – and My Dilly Bag where Indigenous chef Aunty Dale and her team showcase seasonal bush tucker.
Guests meet the makers, taste native ingredients and take part in hands-on cultural activities – from ochre painting to rainforest walks – all designed to deepen connection to Country.
A view of Hill Inlet and a section of the Ngaro Track.
Take a hike in the Whitsundays
In 2026, World Expeditions will launch two grand hiking tours guaranteed to work up a sweat and capture the hearts of trekkers.
In May 2026, World Expeditions, in partnership with the Ngaro People, kicks off tours of the Ngaro Track, a 32km island hike linking Whitehaven Beach to Hill Inlet with snap-it-up moments at every turn.
Purpose-built camps and capped numbers keep the experience low-key and authentic while guided walks weave in Ngaro stories, turning this Whitsundays trail into a true must-do for nature-lovers.
Happy trails on Hinchinbrook Island
In another win for hikers in 2026, World Expeditions, supported by the Bandjin and Girramay Peoples, will guide walkers along the Thorsborne Trail – one of Queensland’s true off-the-grid treasures.
The fully supported four-day journeys will blend deep cultural storytelling with the island’s wild rainforest, waterfalls and beaches with nature calling all the shots.
Dinosaur Canyon at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs in Winton.
Big new attraction in the Outback
Opening in April 2026, Australian Age of Dinosaurs’ newest experience takes visitors on a time-travelling journey through Dinosaur Canyon – a sound-and-light trail where prehistoric shadows flicker across ancient landscapes.
As darkness settles over Winton in Outback Queensland, the adventure shifts to The Jump-Up Dark Sky Sanctuary for guided stargazing under skies so clear they’re showing off.
It’s a multi-sensory blend of dino tourism and astro-tourism that brings the long-lost world of Gondwana to life.
Oyster farm tours from Brisbane
Get shucked in 2026 when Brisbane Oyster Farm Tours serves up a day on the glass-blue water with fresh oysters and local stories just a 45-minute jaunt from the city.
Cruise across Moreton Bay before tasting oysters, while learning how these beauties are grown.
With bubbles in hand as the sand hills of Moreton Island rise in the background, just don’t forget the camera.
With so many new and tantalising experiences across Queensland, holidaymakers are truly spoilt for choice.
Visit queensland.com for more holiday inspiration
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