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Roadtrip

Darling Downs to Tropical Treasures, QLD

This Queensland road trip starts in Toowoomba, the friendly inland destination known in the state as Garden City thanks to its swathes of greenery and annual Carnival of Flowers. A little over an hour east in the car will bring you to Ipswich, the heritage city nestled along the Bremer River that’s full of warm country charm and colonial architecture. Finally, follow the Pacific Coast north and feel the air turn balmy as you head to the tropical gem of Mackay, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef that sits perched on the coral coast, ready to reveal its natural beauty to those who explore.



Explore our local picks


Toowoomba Itinerary

With 74 apartment-style rooms, some of which overlook the lush Queen’s Park (one of the city’s oldest spots) the pet-friendly Quest Toowoomba is an oasis within walking distance of some of the town’s most popular attractions. It’s next to Fitzy’s pub, a local institution where you can tuck into what might be one of Queensland’s best steaks, and also just a short walk from the buzz of Ruthven St and the Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery.

The Baker’s Duck
Flaky croissants, wood-fired sourdough, and glossy Danishes are on the menu at The Baker’s Duck, the best spot in town to load up on treats and coffee for breakfast. Eat in or take your haul to Queens Park and Botanic Gardens to enjoy the morning sunshine among the flowers.
Gummingurru Ceremonial Site
Gummingurru, a sacred site of the Jarowair Aboriginal people, was used as a ceremonial location until the 19th century. Book a tour with a Traditional Custodian to hear the stories of the site and view stone artefacts that are part of the rich Jarowair culture.
Picnic Point Parklands
Just a 10-minute drive from Quest Toowoomba, Picnic Point Parklands offers panoramic vistas over the Lockyer Valley and Tabletop Mountain. Enjoy the views, have a bite at the restaurant, or stick around for a stunning sunset with the distant twinkling lights of Brisbane.
Cobb+Co Museum
A short drive from Quest Toowoomba, Cobb+Co Museum is part of the Queensland Museum network and houses the National Carriage Collection. Enjoy interactive science experiments with the kids, explore the colourful history of horse-drawn carriages, or let the little ones play shopkeeper in the Museum General Store.
Host Dining + Wine Bar
Located on popular Ruthven St, Host Dining + Wine Bar is a casual, cool eatery that earned a Chef’s Hat shortly after opening in 2016. The ‘Just Feed Me’ menu lets you be guided by the chef, who’ll serve dishes like slow-cooked lamb, kingfish crudo, and BBQ octopus.

Ipswich Itinerary

Bright, airy and overlooking serene parkland, Quest Ipswich is just two kilometres from the historic Top Of Town precinct, a stretch of Brisbane Street bordered by Ellenborough and Waghorn Streets where bars, restaurants and shopfronts peep out from original heritage facades. With an expansive pool and BBQ area, as well as accessible accreditation, the 64 bright, breezy apartments are the perfect home away from home.

Fourthchild Cafe & Restaurant
A 25-minute walk north from Quest Ipswich will bring you to the iconic facade of the Shamrock Inn, where you can enjoy breakfast on the balcony, overlooking tree-dappled streets and the spires of St Mary’s church. Come hungry for the rib fillet eggs benni.
Ipswich Art Gallery
A modern space in a heritage city, Ipswich’s Art Gallery focuses on fostering emerging artists. Children are welcomed with a variety of touring and permanent immersive experiences, making it a great destination for families.
Flinders Peak Hike
Located in the Flinders-Goolman Conservation Estate, this moderately challenging hike offers stunning views over Ipswich. The summit is culturally significant to the Jagera, Yuggera, and Ugarapul People. Be sure to stop at the Flinders Plum Picnic Area afterward for a relaxing break.
Bakehouse Steakhouse
Bakehouse Steakhouse is one of Ipswich’s top dining spots. The wagyu flank served on creamy pecorino polenta with chimichurri is a must-try, and the housemade cocktail jugs will keep you relaxed until the end of your meal.
Stony Creek Brewing
Set in the old Pumpyard, a colonial building in Ipswich, Stony Creek Brewing is the perfect spot to unwind. Enjoy burgers, pizzas, and the infamous Stacker Challenge, where finishing a six-patty burger earns you a spot on the Stacker Wall of Fame.

Mackay Itinerary

You might come for the natural wonders surrounding the tropical outpost of Mackay, but the friendly locals, humming bar scene and laidback coastal vibes give this town a magnetism all its own. Quest Mackay on Gordon, our accessible-accredited property with 114 breezy apartments, also boasts a rooftop pool overlooking the mouth of the Pioneer River. Here, you’ve got everything you need to settle in and stay a while.

Woodman's Axe Espresso
A short walk from Quest Mackay on Gordon, Woodman’s Axe Espresso is a must-visit for coffee lovers. They serve some of the best flat whites in town, and with unique menu options like karaage chicken benny and vanilla panna cotta bowls, it’s the perfect place to kickstart your morning.
Platypus Paradise Tour with Mackay Adventure Tours
Explore the heart of Yuwi Country on the Platypus Paradise Tour. This adventure will take you to Finch Hatton Gorge in Eungella National Park, where you’ll swim in crystal-clear waterholes, hike through subtropical rainforest, and (if you’re lucky) spot a platypus in its natural habitat.
Snorkelling and Island Reef Tour with Barrier Reef Australia
Just 10 minutes from Quest Mackay on Gordon, embark on a fast catamaran journey to the outer reef islands. Paddle through vibrant coral formations, swim with schools of tropical fish, and discover secluded islands like Cockermouth, Brampton, and more. It’s a snorkelling experience you won’t forget.
See the Sunrise with Wallabies
A 45-minute drive from Quest Mackay on Gordon, Casuarina Beach in Cape Hillsborough National Park is the perfect place to catch the sunrise. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Coral Sea, and share the moment with curious wallabies hopping along the sand for the morning show.
Rare Bar and Grill
Located just a block from Quest Mackay on Gordon, Rare Bar and Grill is a haven for meat lovers. Indulge in their Wagyu experience with skewers, carpaccio, and the main event: a Wagyu F1 NY Striploin with a marble score of 7+. It’s the ultimate dining experience.