Air Canada Vacations to Australia? Am I available to go? How is that even a question?
On hearing about the Australia FAM trip I started packing before I even looked at the dates. A week-long visit to Queensland was all the information I needed before replying with a “when does the flight leave” email.
Alongside Clementina Iannuzzi, Area Sales Manager Air Canada Vacations, and 10 travel advisors who successfully completed the ACV Aussie Specialist Program, we were off!
Over the week, we would explore Queensland’s food, luxury travel offerings and natural wonders. With such a variety of things to see and do, this Australian state is much more than a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
"All I can say is ‘amazing,” said Iannuzzi. “We brought travel advisors from across Canada and had a wonderful time together. Queensland Tourism outdid themselves with activities, hospitality and service excellence.
Air Canada Vacations offers traveller's different packages from fly and drive, guided tours, flight and hotel and the option for hotel only for your clients to explore and enjoy this beautiful destination.
"I was amazed by what we got to experience on this amazing journey," Marj Valenzuela from Travel Best Bets told me, "We got a small taste of what Queensland has to offer, and it left us wanting more and a yearning to return to Australia".
"The biggest thing I am taking away from this experience, is the learning opportunities and support from colleagues I now call friends,” added Jennine Hamilton of South East Travel in Chilliwack, B.C.
“When I thought about going to Australia, I was worried about the distance,” said Deborah Hickey from TTI Travel in Montreal. “But, after landing, Australia felt easy to navigate, welcoming, and full of hidden gems.”
Queensland's landscape is as diverse as it is vast, with turquoise reefs, rainforests, mountains, and more than 1,700 beaches. Known for its nature and wildlife, it’s a paradise for eco-conscious travellers. But this FAM revealed that Queensland as a top destination for luxury, wellness, and culinary exploration, where ancient cultures intertwine with modern cuisine.
Here's a look at some of our group’s experiences.
Port Douglas: A Luxe Hotel and the Great Barrier Reef
We kicked off our journey in Port Douglas, where we checked in to the Pullman Sea Temple Resort. This luxury property is surrounded by lush palm trees and tropical plants, with a private white sand beach. With 130 studio rooms and spacious two- and three-bedroom apartments, the Pullman caters to guests seeking a private, home-away-from-home experience. Luxurious villas with private plunge pools, swim-out apartments, and a rooftop spa complete with barbecue areas make this property feel like a tropical oasis.
Eager for a full day on the Great Barrier Reef, we headed to the Port Douglas Marina for our marine adventure. After a 90-minute boat ride, we arrived at the Agincourt Reef platform, outfitted for snorkelling, diving, and semi-submarine tours for a close-up reef experience without getting wet. Many first-timers took the plunge, with instructors offering a basic scuba course and guided snorkel tours. As stunning as the underwater scenes were, the view from above was even more memorable. ACV and Queensland Tourism surprised our group with a helicopter flight over the reef. This epic, once-in-a-lifetime tour gave us an unparalleled perspective on the delicate beauty of this iconic wonder. Several of the advisors experienced their first helicopter ride here, making this day even more unforgettable.
"The attractions and incredible experiences excited and challenged us,” Air Canada Vacations' Iannuzzi said. “For me personally, it got me out of my comfort zone, from trying new foods to driving an ATV, or riding a helicopter and taking a submarine ride in the Great Barrier Reef."
Venturing inland, we explored the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world and a world heritage site. Our full-day rainforest tour began with a traditional Smoke Ceremony from the Kuku Yalanji people, who shared their profound connection to these ancient forests. We learned about their traditional practices, from crafting tools and weapons to utilizing local plants for healing and body paint, which serve to identify their tribe. As we explored the forest trails, we encountered unique flora and fauna found nowhere else on Earth, as well as a few super-sized bugs along the way. At Mossman Gorge, we took a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the natural pool, a favourite spot for both locals and travellers seeking relief from the heat. No visit to Australia would be complete without a crocodile sighting, and our knowledgeable rainforest guide led us on a river cruise through the mangroves. Spotting these elusive creatures was a challenge, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that they were watching us from beneath the muddy waterways.
Trading Forest Trails for the Sunshine Coast
We traded forest trails for the Sunshine Coast's coastlines and breweries. Our first stop was Brouhaha Brewery, where we sampled craft beers; everything from classic IPAs to a fruity strawberry-rhubarb blend, giving us a taste of the Sunshine Coast’s regional flavours and underscoring its reputation as Australia’s craft beer capital. Beer wasn’t the only thing on tap that day, as we toured the Sunshine & Sons Premium Spirits and sampled gin, rum, and their award-winning vodka. Some of the most unique blends were infused with local and seasonal fruits, like wild peach and pineapple, but my personal favourite was Mr. Barista, a gin infused with coffee, molasses, and macadamia nuts.
Queensland’s culinary scene continued to impress at Paper Crane in Cairns and The Spice Bar in Mooloolaba (say that five times fast!), where Asian fusion of local seafood, meats, and veggie dishes reflected a farm-to-table dining experience. For Deborah Hickey from TTI Travel, Queensland’s food and beverage options were an unexpected highlight. “The food and drink scene is blossoming,” she said. “I loved all the variety of cuisines and new breweries. Queensland is truly an unknown gem.”
"I expected stunning scenery and warm sunny weather - and got it,” said Michelle deKort, Expedia Cruises, "What I didn't expect were how the restaurants compete to be the best.”
Rather than filling our limited time on the coast with back-to-back site visits, Emily Zinowski, Trade Manager from Visit Sunshine Coast curated a breakfast workshop with local operators at Wharf Events in Mooloolaba. Advisors mingled with Sunshine Coast accommodations, attractions, and tour members to provide a sort of speed-dating experience. With growing interest from the Canadian market, Brisbane and surrounding regions are ready to welcome travellers eager for their own Aussie adventures.
One of the culinary highlights was a ‘Bush Tucker Cruise’ with Saltwater Eco Tours, where we experienced Indigenous-inspired dishes, from oysters in a Bloody Mary-style sauce, to sea cucumber puree and scallop, to tempura crocodile with green ant vinaigrette (yes, you read that correctly). The chef's inventive use of local ingredients and the immersive cultural experience, which included didgeridoo and drum performances, made this cruise a FAM favourite.
Vibrant Brisbane and the Tangalooma Trifecta
Brisbane, Queensland’s riverfront capital, had more of a big-city vibe with a huge food and entertainment scene. We toured the newly opened Star Grand Hotel, with its sleek, modern spaces. Comprised of four luxury hotels, 12 football fields of public space, an event centre with the largest hotel ballroom in Brisbane, and a variety of exciting entertainment experiences including Brisbane’s only casino, they’ve definitely elevated the hotel experience. There are 340 rooms, including 60 suites, and the luxurious Skyline Penthouse Suite, with its panoramic river views and designer furnishings. Up on the Sky Deck, we stood on the glass floor 100 meters above Queen’s Wharf with 360-degree city views.
Our final day was spent on Moreton Island, where the ocean and wildlife took centre stage. After a scenic ferry ride, we arrived at Tangalooma Resort, a haven for nature lovers. Cruising along, we spotted sea turtles and tropical fish, and we passed shipwrecks dotting the coastline. The thrill continued with an ATV tour through sand dune trails, but the real magic came at dusk. Standing knee-deep in the water, we fed dolphins that swam right up to the shore; a truly unique experience enjoyed by all.
"Some of the highlights of this amazing whirlwind trip were dolphin feeding at Tangalooma Resort, and a koala meet and greet at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary," said Cindy Sedge, Expedia Cruises.
Queensland’s Endless Surprises and the Road Ahead
After a week of breathtaking landscapes, luxurious stays, and immersive cultural experiences, the consensus among us was clear: Queensland is more than a stopover on the way to the Great Barrier Reef. Its mix of natural wonders, luxury accommodations, and innovative cuisine makes it a well-rounded destination with something for everyone
“Going to Australia has truly been one of the most eye-opening experiences,” said Brooklyn Munson from Marlin Travel in Nanaimo, B.C. “It has been such an amazing group; we met as strangers and ended up being friends.”
The FAM offered a glimpse of Queensland’s growth as a must-visit destination, and with Air Canada offering daily direct flights into Brisbane, now is the time for travellers to explore Queensland’s diverse offerings.
Zinowski added, “We have had incredible growth from the Canadian market, and with daily flights on Air Canada into Brisbane, we look forward to welcoming more Canadians to our region to create their own sunshine moments soon!”
As Brisbane gears up for the 2032 Summer Olympics and continues its developments, there’s no doubt that Queensland will remain on the radar for travellers seeking authentic, unforgettable experiences.
