{"id":7931,"date":"2019-05-29T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-05-28T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/?p=7931"},"modified":"2020-04-02T05:37:00","modified_gmt":"2020-04-01T19:37:00","slug":"qld-best-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/qld\/trending\/qld-best-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"10 reasons QLD is THE best state of 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

State against state. Mate against mate. Yep, it\u2019s State of Origin season again \u2013 that special time of year when QLD and NSW battle it out to decide which state reigns supreme.<\/p>\n

But the competition isn\u2019t limited to the footy field. Here are ten reasons why QLD is THE best state of 2019 at any time of the year, courtesy of the Queensland Wotif Team.<\/p>\n

1. It\u2019s the place to be for NRL fans<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Let\u2019s face it \u2013 QLD owns Origin. Of the 37 full series played so far, QLD have won 21 to NSW\u2019s 14. Two series came to a draw, but even then QLD came out on top \u2013 in both cases, because they retained the Shield from their wins the previous year.<\/p>\n

In just a few short sleeps, QLD will play host to Game 1 of the 2019 series \u2013 and it\u2019s looking to be a big one! But Origin isn\u2019t the only big event on the 2019 QLD NRL calendar. As Commercial\u00a0Director Donna Rodios<\/strong> points out…<\/p>\n

\u201cIn 2019, the best rugby league stadium in Australia was chosen to host the inaugural NRL Magic Round \u2013 four days of footy greatness in glorious Brisbane, showcased at Suncorp Stadium. It doesn\u2019t get any better than that.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Magic! Donna at Brissy\u2019s Suncorp Stadium.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Fans agreed, with nearly 135,000 attending over four days (um, WOW!). The Magic Round will be back in Brisbane again next year, officially cementing QLD\u2019s rep as the state for NRL awesomeness.<\/p>\n

2. Amazing weather<\/strong><\/h3>\n

QLD weather is, frankly, spectacular and show-off Queenslanders aren\u2019t shy about it. Social Media Specialist Adele Bevacqua<\/strong> boasts…<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s June, but it\u2019s still 25 \u00b0C and sunny in\u2026 that\u2019s right\u2026. SUNNY QUEENSLAND. Oh, hey, what\u2019s the weather like in NSW?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cI LOVE WINTER IN NOOSA!\u201d Okay, Adele, you can quit showing off… \ud83d\ude1c<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

Um, ouch, Adele! And double ouch with eCommerce Manager Kate Sutton<\/strong> rubbing even more salt in the wound:<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t think you can go past our epic winter weather. Brisbane and Queensland really come into their own at this time of year. Perfect cool nights for sleeping and pure blue skies with sunshine to warm up on those stunning winter mornings. As for most of NSW \u2013 brrrrr! Be sure to pack the brolly, trench coat, ugg boots, gumboots, gloves, beanie, scarf… Actually, it\u2019s probably safer just to stay inside and hibernate.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Smack bang smack in the middle of winter… note the singlet, sunnies and sunshine. Kate and baby Lenny, making the most of the QLD \u201cchill\u201d.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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3. Awesome free festivals<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Okay, QLD. We get it. Your weather is the best thing since sliced bread (that\u2019s now toasting itself in the warm QLD sun). But is there anything to do? \u201cYes!\u201d says Associate<\/strong>\u00a0Market Manager Chris de Closey<\/strong>. And heaps of it is free!<\/p>\n

\u201cIn QLD, you get amazing free events. So far this year, we\u2019ve already had Surfers Paradise Live<\/a> and Blues on Broadbeach<\/a> to name just a couple. Cooly Rocks On<\/a> is starting in a couple of days and we\u2019ve still got the Groundwater Country Musical Festival<\/a>, Brisbane Festival<\/a>, the Childers Festival<\/a> later in the year.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Brisbane has an ice-cream festival?! What more proof do you need that QLD is the superior state? Amy and her friend, Jessica, check it out.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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4. It\u2019s a traveller\u2019s dream<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve looked at a map recently, but QLD is MASSIVE. Like, seriously. It just goes on and on.<\/p>\n

There is no escape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
<\/div>\n

For travellers, this is awesome because it means there\u2019s heaps to explore \u2013 everything from mountain ranges to tropical rainforests, from red-sand deserts to white-sand beaches. But according to Partner Marketing Manager Amy Hourigan<\/strong>, the real jewels in QLD\u2019s crown are its islands:<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnetic Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, Stradbroke Island, the Whitsundays\u2026 You can\u2019t really beat our #islandvibe.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Market Manager Mark Kriesch<\/strong> agrees. In fact, he even has a fave:<\/p>\n

\u201cMoreton Island has amazing transparent kayaks where you can paddle over the wrecks and reefs. You can also toboggan down some massive sand dunes and feed dolphins at sunset. And all just a fun daytrip from Brisbane!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And if that\u2019s not enough, QLD offers easy access to the rest of the world too. Marketing Analyst Archina Turner-Mobbs<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cWe make it easy to fly to Asia. In fact, Jetstar has just announced new direct flights from the Gold Coast to Seoul!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cBRB, just checking out tropical North QLD\u201d \u2013 Archina, living her best travel life in Cairns.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Yikes! NSW, are you even still reading? \ud83d\ude31<\/p>\n

5. Brissy is made for foodies<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hold onto your stretchy pants, \u2018cause this section could be a blog post all on its own. QLD\u2019s capital is MADE for foodies, with an incredible mix of established faves and brand-new hot spots. Mark<\/strong> recommends…<\/p>\n

\u201cHellenika<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Mr Percivals Bar<\/a>\u00a0are serious must-visits. And don\u2019t miss Eat Street at North Shore<\/a> \u2013 you can hire a shipping container for a birthday party and then indulge in your fave foodie delights!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Meanwhile, Amy<\/strong> gave me her personal short list. And the only reason I\u2019m sharing it is because she spotted me trying to hide it for my own secret (delicious) use…<\/p>\n

\u201cHonto <\/a>is my fave new Brisbane restaurant. It\u2019s contemporary Japanese, hidden in a Valley backstreet and perfect for a date night or special occasion.<\/p>\n

I love newcomer City Winery<\/a> too. They source grapes from where they grow best in Oz, then ferment them into Gerler Wines at their warehouse behind James St. To top it all off, the staff are super personable. They\u2019ll find the right wine for you even if your answer to “What wines do you like?” is just \u201cRed\u201d.<\/p>\n

Pincadia<\/a> is also great \u2013 it\u2019s a bar, arcade and restaurant across the road from The Gabba. It’s fun to visit after catching a game, while you wait for the (still better than Sydney) traffic to clear.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sarah and her fianc\u00e9, Pej, taking selfies after another awesome Brissy dinner \ud83e\udd24<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Feeling hungry, NSW? Or, you know, defeated? \ud83d\ude1c<\/p>\n

6. Outdoor precincts you can enjoy all-year-round<\/strong><\/h3>\n

What\u2019s this? Is a Queenslander conceding a point to NSW? Social Media Specialist Sarah Duncan<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, we all know Sydney is the Queen of al fresco spaces \u2013 hello, Barangaroo and Circular Quay. But in Brisbane we have a whole host of new precincts popping up that you can actually ENJOY all year round. Want to taste test your favourite vinos before grabbing a bite in the shade of the Story Bridge? Head to the Howard Smith Wharves. You can even do a spot of yoga on the green on the weekend. Niiiice!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sarah, Adele and Yours Truly enjoying a cheeky lunchtime beer on the Howard Smith Wharves. If our boss is reading, we promise we were also working \ud83d\ude09<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Psych! QLD \u2013 and QLD weather \u2013 win again. Brissy\u2019s new outdoor precincts are bringing the cool in a way that NSW can only dream of. And \u2018cause we\u2019re back to talking food, Amy<\/strong>\u2019s got another short list:<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to Bowen Hills<\/a> on King Street is good fun with many a dog-friendly event. It\u2019s Brisbane\u2019s first permanent food-truck park and bar, running mini weekend food festivals (gin, mulled wine, ros\u00e9, cheese, bacon, garlic bread\u2026 if it\u2019s delicious, there\u2019s a festival for it). Be sure to check out Fish Lane<\/a> \u2013 it\u2019s the go-to spot before or after seeing a show at QPAC. It even has its own festival once a year, and is home to the clever Wandering Cooks<\/a> (a food-and-bev incubator). And, of course, there\u2019s also the growing Brisbane Quarter<\/a>. It\u2019s home to the W Hotel<\/a> and some NOICE<\/strong><\/em> restaurants, including one of my personal faves,\u00a0Persone<\/a> by Gambaro<\/a>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

7. Heeeaps of incredible new hotels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

NSW might be home to Australia\u2019s biggest capital city, but QLD\u2019s capital is fast becoming the fanciest \u2013 and it\u2019s got the hotels to prove it. Mark<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cThe recently opened Westin Brisbane<\/a> boasts Brisbane\u2019s only swim-up bar. Who doesn\u2019t love drinking in an infinity edge pool \u2013 or any pool for that matter?<\/p>\n

Brissy also recently welcomed its second Art Series property \u2013 The Fantauzzo<\/a>. Built on the Howard Smith Wharves, under the Story Bridge, The Fantauzzo features original artworks and gicl\u00e9e prints by acclaimed Australian artist Vincent Fantauzzo \u2013 so it really is \u2018state of the art<\/strong><\/em>\u2019 \ud83d\ude09 The Fantauzzo also has an infinity pool \u2013 it feels like you could swim right into the Brisbane River!<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also The Calile Hotel<\/a> on James Street, which feels like Miami in Brisbane. It has a stunning pool, private poolside cabanas, a fabulous gym, and it\u2019s home to Hellenika restaurant and Kailo Day Spa. The Calile is so gorgeous and Insta-worthy that it could be the best new hotel in Australia! Check out our review here<\/a>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The incredible Calile Hotel.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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Hmm, let\u2019s see… That\u2019s another one, two, three points to QLD. Sorry, not sorry, NSW \ud83e\udd37<\/p>\n

8. Excellent hotel bars, too<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With amazing hotels comes even more amazing hotel bars \ud83d\ude4c \ud83e\udd42 Chris<\/strong> is flying the flag for the GC\u2019s latest offerings:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have funky new hotel bars like Hyde Paradiso at Peppers Soul Surfers Paradise<\/a> (the first of the brand in Australia \u2013 take that, NSW!) and Driftwood Social at Vibe Hotel Gold Coast<\/a>. And make sure you also check out Burleigh Pavilion<\/a>. It\u2019s not part of a hotel, but you can\u2019t beat it for an afternoon drink with views up the coast to Surfers Paradise.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

9. QLD is home to Australia\u2019s newest Big Thing<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Which is basically the most important reason of all. Mark<\/strong> says…<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t forget the Big Melon at Chinchilla! It was built last year when Chinchilla won Wotif\u2019s Next Big Thing competition<\/a>. It celebrates Chinchilla\u2019s proud melon-farming history and Melon Fest<\/a>, an event that is unique to QLD.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Mark at Australia\u2019s newest Big Thing \u2013 the Big Melon in Chinchilla, QLD (a gift from Wotif \ud83d\ude09<\/span>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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When did you last win a Big Thing, NSW? \ud83e\udd14<\/p>\n

10. The Maroons have got it in the bag<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some would say the odds are stacked against the Maroons this year. Still smarting from the series loss to NSW in 2018 and with a bunch of players on debut, the 2019 QLD team is less experienced and perhaps even a little less confident than in previous years. But c’mon! This is Origin – Queensland’s game! You\u2019ve got this, guys. QUEENSLANDER! \ud83d\ude0e<\/p>\n<\/i> PLAN YOUR QLD GETAWAY <\/a><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

State against state. Mate against mate. Yep, it\u2019s State of Origin season again \u2013 that special time of year when QLD and NSW battle it out to decide which state reigns supreme. But the competition isn\u2019t limited to the footy field. Here are ten reasons why QLD is THE best state of 2019 at any …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7933,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[779,765],"tags":[96,483,44,101,35,102,482],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7931"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7931"}],"version-history":[{"count":49,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7931\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8027,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7931\/revisions\/8027"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7933"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7931"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7931"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.wotif.com\/vc\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7931"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}