Queensland Day, celebrated on June 6, came about when Queensland first kicked off our move towards statehood and separation from NSW in 1851. We approached Queen Victoria to consider creating a separate colony based in Moreton Bay. The Queen gave her approval — she must have liked the name — and signed the Letters Patent on June 6, 1859, and so Queensland, the loveliest state, was born!
This year, on our state’s 166th anniversary on Friday, June 6, we got to have a look at everything that makes Queensland special. From our iconic Queenslander houses to our stunning landscapes, magnificent food, incredible culture, thrilling sports, and vibrant communities, most of us would be hard-pressed to choose a favourite… But that didn’t stop us from trying!
Enter The Queensland Day Kombi roadtrip, which wound its way through the state this past month, stopping at several quintessential Queensland locations and major events in the lead up to and on Queensland Day, looking for the best the state has to offer in 15 different categories.
The winners
No gatekeeping here! Here are the winners for each of the 15 All the Best of Queensland categories:
Fish and chips – Bird’s Fish Bar (Bowen)
This beloved local spot is known for its incredibly fresh boat-to-plate fish and perfectly golden chips. Set right in the waterfront, you get to have stunning ocean views and the soothing sound of waves as a side dish.
📍42 Henry Darwen Drive, Bowen
Meat pie – Blackbutt Bakery (Blackbutt)
Quaint Blackbutt is home to legendary Blackbutt Bakery, renowned for it’s hefty, comforting, freshly-baked pies.
📍34 Coulson Street , Blackbutt
Parmi – Botany (Newstead)
This garden-inspired restaurant and bar has a European-inspired lunch and dinner menu, and you can get their Queenslander-approved parmi for only $20 Monday through Friday!
📍Gasworks Plaza, 1/76 Skyring Terrace, Newstead
Bahn Mi – My Street Food (Woolloongabba)
The perfect bahn mi should be as unfussy as it is delicious, so it’s no surprise that this amazing casual restaurant snagged the trophy for best bahn mi! Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and loaded with freshness: they know what they’re doing.
📍130 Logan Rd, Woolloongabba
Ice cream – Rad Rolled Ice Cream (Hervey Bay)
This colourful hand-rolled ice cream shop, offers every flavour and topping your heart could desire, plus indulgent rotating specials that you’ll want to gobble down, brain freeze be damned. It’s pretty rad that it won Best Ice Cream!
📍Shop 15/564 Esplanade, Urangan
Burger – Mr Jeebus (Tingalpa)
This food truck, which roams SEQ, serves up some of the juiciest, most mouth-watering burgers around. Not to mention their sinful loaded fries!
📍Tingalpa
Beer – Qld Pale Ale by Archer Brewing Company (Wilston)
Archer Brewing’s QPA was crowned best beer, and it couldn’t be more fitting. From the grain to the hops, every ingredient used is grown in the Sunshine State and comes together in a labour of love so refreshing, you’ll have no choice but to raise a glass to it!
📍1/278 Newmarket Road, Wilston
Pub – Slipstream Brewery Co (Yeerongpilly)
This airy pub and brewery is the perfect space to while away an evening with friends or family, to take a brewery tour if you’re in a learning mood, or to celebrate All the Best of Queensland. Plus, in a happy coincidence, it’s their 8th anniversary today, Saturday, June 7! Join the party at either of their venues!
📍94 Wilkie St, Yeerongpilly
Café – Dorney’s Cake Shop (Chinchilla)
This hidden gem in Chinchilla is known for its heaps of delicious goodies and SOHO specialty coffee. The café’s creamy cheesecake is a highlight, as is the warm and welcoming atmosphere.
📍83 Heeney St, Chinchilla
Coffee – The Coffee Commune (Bowen Hills)
Queensland is home to some superb coffee shops, but The Coffee Commune reigned supreme when it came to Queenslanders’ favourite. This leading roastery and coffee hub stood above the rest thanks to its quality brews, cosy space and community-centred values.
📍82 Abbotsford Rd, Bowen Hills
Event – India Fest (Townsville)
Dethroning Ekka is no easy feat, but that’s the power of India Fest! Established a decade ago, India Fest Townsville has grown to become a beloved event that embraces the rich heritage of India through a joyous and immersive cultural experience every August.
📍731-739 Riverway Dr, Thuringowa
Big thing – Big Mango (Bowen)
Australia loves its big things, and Queensland is no exception. So The Big Mango, which celebrates the Kensington Pride mango, also known as the Bowen mango, and whose roots in the area date back to the late 1800s, was crowned the best big thing. Let’s (man)goooo!
📍The Big Mango Queensland 4805, Bowen
Beach – Coolum Beach (Sunshine Coast)
It’s no secret that Queensland has some stunning beaches, so choosing only one is, like the mango, no small thing, but Coolum Beach emerged victorious. With its laidback vibe and surf-perfect waves, this slice of paradise is the perfect place to unwind.
Landmark – The Story Bridge (Brisbane)
No surprises here! Iconic Story Bridge snagged the Best Landmark award, and it’s well-deserved! Synonymous with the River City, the Bridge is not just a landmark nor even a means of getting from point A to point B, but an attraction in itself, making it a part of Queenslanders’ lives.
📍State Route 15, New Farm
Natural attraction – Great Barrier Reef
It might be not just Queensland’s best natural attraction, but maybe Australia’s, and it’s definitely among the world’s top 10 at least. This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of remarkable variety and beauty and contains the world’s largest collection of coral reefs, with 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc!
Local legends
But Queensland was not about to ignore what makes it most special: its people. Local legends — people who embody the values of our communities and go above and beyond to make Queensland a great place to live in were also recognised! From scientists and teachers to veterans, we all know someone who deserves to be celebrated for all they do.