Queensland: Things To Do & Places To See

Named ‘Sunshine State’ of Australia where metropolis meets beach, rainforest meets reef and outback meets mountains there is simply an endless array of things to do and places to see in Queensland. Here is a guide to the best of the sunshine state. 

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(Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

 

The sunkissed capital city of Brisbane is a welcoming urban metropolis. Eat your way through the open-air market precinct at Eat Street Northshore, stroll the Brisbane Riverwalk from New Farm to the Howard Smith Wharves precinct on the outskirts of the CBD, visit the Brisbane Botanic Garden or visit some of the world’s finest art galleries and theatres in South Bank.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

 

The gateway to tropical Queensland, Cairns is situated on the east coast of Far North Queensland and a great base for exploring both the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Walk the main esplanade and have a drink or a bite to eat at one of the lively restaurants or bars and visit bustling markets and local cafes or stay in a luxury resort.

 

 

(Photo Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

 

An evident favourite on a Queensland holiday is no doubt, the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise to the outer edges of the reef on an expedition style journey. Ignite the romance on a seaplane flight over the ‘the heart reef’, snorkel and dive among the world’s largest coral reef system or stay in Australia’s first underwater accommodation on Hardy’s Reef and wake up to the incredible underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of your bed.

 

 

(Photo Credit: South Australian Tourism Commission)

 

Close to the Great Barrier Reef, lies the 74 island archipelago of the Whitsundays. Walk the picturesque white sands of Whitehaven beach, often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Relax on the famous Airlie Beach. Sail between the islands on an island hopping adventure or stay at the ‘luxury lodge of Australia’, Qualia amid 60 secluded pavilions on Hamilton Island.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Brad Newton)

 

Queensland is home to the oldest rainforest in the world, estimated to be tens of millions of years older than the Amazon Rainforest and UNESCO World Heritage listed natural habitat, boasting incredible diversity in wildlife and scenery that should not be missed. Head to Cape Tribulation where the Great Barrier Reef meets the Daintree and explore gorgeous scenery, beautiful beaches and rainforest walks where you may even be able to spot an endangered cassowary. Visit Mossman Gorge and take a dip in one of the freshwater swimming holes or take an Aborginal guided tour and learn about the Kuku Yalanji traditions. Take a guided night walk through the jungle in search of Australian wildlife. Cruise the Daintree River, keeping an eye out for saltwater crocodiles. Stay in a treehouse high in the rainforest canopy or stay at a Silky Oaks, a ‘luxury lodge of Australia’ featuring an award-winning on-site spa overlooking the Mossman River.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

 

Just an hour’s south of Brisbane, travel to the Gold Coast for beach culture in an urban metropolis. Relax, swim and maybe even take a surfing lesson at the world-renowned beach of surfers paradise. Take a trip with the kids to the famed theme parks or walk amid the hinterland filled with rainforest walks and waterfalls.

 

 

 

 

But wait, there’s more. Cooktown and the Cape York Peninsula are rich in natural scenery, Aboriginal culture, and a colourful pioneering tradition. For remote wilderness lovers head to the ‘Tip’ of the continent in Far North Queensland to the Cape York Peninsula and take a 4WD journey. Cruise the peninsula on an experiential cruise or visit Cooktown and get to know part of Australia’s unique history.

 

 

 

 

For adventurous hikers, you can’t go past the Scenic Rim. Just an hour from the capital of Brisbane, explore ancient landforms, tropical rainforests, and stunning mountain ranges. Take a guided luxury walk on the Scenic Rim Trail, one of the ‘Great Walks of Australia’, starting in the foothills of Main Range National Park. Choose from walking sections or walk the entire track taking 5 days and stay in continuous through-walk accommodation at Spicers’ retreats.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Mt Mulligan Lodge)

 

Although there are plenty of attractions on the vast coastline, you can also experience the quintessential Aussie experience in Queensland’s outback. Just a three and a half hour drive from Cairns, stay at Mount Mulligan Lodge, where luxury meets the outback or take an epic rail journey from Brisbane to Longreach on the Spirit of the Outback through ever-changing scenery.

 

 

(Photo Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland)

 

How To Get To Queensland

Queensland supports three international airports including Brisbane, Cairns and the Gold Coast, where most people can fly internationally from main global hubs as well as regional and major Australian cities. Fly directly to Hamilton Island and Bundaberg with regular domestic flights or take to one of the many roads on iconic trips such as the Great Barrier Reef Drive or the Pacific Coast Way. 

 

Find your Queensland travel inspiration here