Queensland is one of the best places to visit with all the fun and adventurous things to do in the area. Exploring the wildlife and natural sanctuaries are on the top on the list, with sumptuous local cuisine and sunkissed days at the beach as perfect complements to your journey. There are amazing shorelines to laze around as well as sights to see underneath the waters of the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Fondly called the Sunshine State, Queensland will live up to your expectations of a dream vacation. Get ready to have a grand time and read on for the places to visit and things to do in Queensland, Australia.
1. Explore the wonderful Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge is known for having one of the most breathtaking sights in Queensland. It features a natural rock formation that hovers over the canopy of ancient forests, brooks, and creeks. There are also different ways to enjoy the area. This can be via a guided nature tour during the day, a hiking expedition or having a night tour to see a galaxy of stars and glow worms in the cave. Although swimming is not allowed, you can definitely be taken in awe by the beauty of nature here at Natural Bridge.
Natural Bridge
Address: Gold Coast, Springbrook, Queensland
2. Engage in beach activities at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
A great way to start or cap your day traveling through Queensland is a stopover at Cairns Esplanade Lagoon. Here, you can jump-start your morning with several group jamming exercises offered by the staff. Currently, the most popular activity is Zumba by the beach. There are also a range of restaurants and bars to choose from. You can opt to lounge and simply take in the sun along with the vast ocean view it offers at almost any point.
Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Address: 52-54 Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, Australia 4870
Website: Cairns Esplanade Lagoon
Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 6am - 9pm; Wed: 12pm - 9pm
3. Appreciate the lush greenery at Lamington National Park
Grab the chance to experience how amazing a forest really can be. take the opportunity to visit Lamington National Park. Trees stoop down above you, creating a canopy of diverse flora and fauna you can immediately see, hear and breathe in. The sound of the forest is enchanting as it is a way to spark curiosity on how the nature reserve has thrived so well despite its proximity to other suburbs. Make sure to choose the best trail for your skills as a hiker. This will spell the difference in enjoying Lamington National Park and all the natural gifts it has to offer.
Lamington National Park
Address: Queensland, Australia
Website: Lamington National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Go snorkeling at Great Barrier Reef (from USD 166.0)
If getting to one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites is included in your travel bucket list, fulfill that dream by having an exciting full-day diving and snorkeling tour at Great Barrier Reef. Here, you’ll get inspired by the captivating views of marine life. You can also experience other thrilling activities such as scuba diving and a helicopter flight. Beginner and experienced divers are welcome here! Plan this activity with your family for a fulfilling experience.
Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling and Diving Cruise from Cairns
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
5. Float above the forest canopy with Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Take a different route to explore the rainforest at Barron Gorge. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway will let you glide above the forest canopy and let you see how beautiful the nature reserve truly is. Sit on the glass-floor gondola to take in the breathtaking views that surround you and the sights and scent of the lush greenery to leave you in awe. A one-way ride should take about one and a half hours, whereas a return trip should be about two and a half to three hours. You will stop at the two lovely rainforest stations namely Barron Falls and Red Peak and Barron Falls.
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Address: 6 Skyrail Drive, Smithfield 4878, QLD, Australia
Website: Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Opening hours: 8:30am - 5:15pm (daily)
Price: 55 USD onwards
6. Check out iconic spots at Fraser Island (from USD 182.0)
Spend your precious time on a full-day tour from Harvey Bay to Fraser Island and explore captivating tourist spots such as Lake McKenzie, Central Station, or Wanggolba Creek. In Fraser Island, you will also see the colored sand cliffs of the Pinnacles and the Maheno. In this tour, you will also enjoy swimming in the lakes and/or trekking across the rainforests. If you want to get the best out of this tour, you also have the option to pay for a flight over Fraser Island. Additionally, if you visit as a part of a tour group, you may expect lunch, local guide, park fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Hervey Bay to Fraser Island 4WD Tour with Lake McKenzie Swim
Duration: 9 hours
7. Go kayaking at Noosa Everglades (from USD 81.0)
Noosa Everglades offers eco-tourism where you can go kayaking through the Noosa River while witnessing the tropical rainforest and Australia’s pristine landscape. Noosa Everglades has a wide land area that measures 65 acres (26.3 hectares), so aside from kayaking, you can also camp, play frisbee or football, or just walk to appreciate the views. Inside this eco-tourism spot, you’ll find a sports bar where you can stop by, chill, and enjoy a serving of grilled steak.
Self-Guided Noosa Everglades Kayak Tour
Duration: 6 hours
8. Soak in Undara Volcanic National Park's beauty
Complete your Queensland trip by experiencing the astonishing geological wonders of Undara Volcanic National Park. This iconic national park has 164 volcanoes and is well-known for the sight of eye-catching minerals such as garnet, aquamarine, quartz, moonstone, and gold. You’ll also see lava tubes and remnants of the longest lava flow from a single crater. Even though the park has been existing for many years, it is still well-maintained and you can see various animals and rainforest plants thriving.
Undara Volcanic National Park
Address: Mount Surprise QLD 4871, Australia
Website: Undara Volcanic National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
9. Take a scenic railway journey to Kuranda (from USD 133.0)
If you want to see exotic birds or adorable koalas, take a one-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. This trip will take you to a mesmerizing rainforest village that has lush greeneries and enchanting wildlife scenes. You’ll also be given the option to visit Tjupakai Aboriginal Cultural Park and Rainforestation Nature Park, eat buffet lunch, and explore local markets. If you book a tour package then they will also include hotel pickup and drop-off, a written itinerary, and much more.
Kuranda Scenic Railway Day Trip from Cairns
Duration: 7 hours
10. Take pictures of the enchanting Daintree National Park (from USD 144.62)
If you’ve taken the time to hike Mossman Gorge, extend your adventure by taking a tour at the entire Daintree National Park. The national park is divided into two sections – Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Cape Tribulation is comprised of the coastal range and lowland rainforest. You’ll also see unspoiled beaches and the Daintree River in the said part of the national park. As for the entire park, make sure to have your camera ready for photographs, because Daintree National Park is surrounded by picturesque tropical rainforest.
From Cairns: Daintree Rainforest & Cape Tribulation 4WD Tour
Duration: 8.0 hour
11. Have an encounter with native animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary (from USD 43.0)
Have you ever had the chance to see Tasmanian devils, wombats, or echidna? If not, get yourself a ticket to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and see these amazing native animals. The general entry ticket will also give you the opportunity to tour the whole park, interact with kangaroos and reptiles, and watch daily keeper presentations and animal shows. There’s also a Lost Valley forest in the sanctuary where you can check out the exotic reptiles, lemurs, and pandas.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary General Entry Ticket
Duration: 2 to 6 hours
12. Cruise from Brisbane to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (from USD 73.0)
Meet amazing koalas, platypus, lorikeets, and other animals and appreciate the native Australian wildlife scene in this river cruise to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. The sanctuary is well-known for being the largest koala sanctuary in the world. Here, you can adore koalas while eating lunch or hand-feeding other animals. Aside from general admission to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the cruise along Brisbane River includes an orientation of what to expect at the sanctuary and other information about the Australian wildlife.
Brisbane River Cruise with entry to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes
13. Hop from one beach to another at Port Douglas
Port Douglas looks like a paradise. If you want to witness the beauty of this tropical holiday destination, don’t forget to include it in your Queensland itinerary. Here, you can hop from one beach to another and also see the world’s popular Four Mile Beach. After beach hopping, you can also tour the Reef and Rainforest Coast, a coastline stretch that extends up to Port Douglas. Great Barrier Reef is also near the area, so you can grab the chance to visit the said world wonder attraction. If you will stay at Port Douglas for days, you would never have to worry about accommodations. There are many hotels and rentals to choose from, and all of these have great reviews from guests.
Port Douglas
Address: Queensland 4877, Australia
14. Learn about exotic plants at Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Located in Brisbane, Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens offers access to gardens and a museum with exotic plant collections for free. You can tour these gardens and museum with guided walks, also for free! You can also ride bikes in some areas within the botanic gardens. If you’re visiting Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens with your family, you can bond with them at the designated picnic areas. If you’re alone, you can unwind at Gardens Cafe after witnessing the gardens’ scenic wildlife scene.
Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Address: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Opening hours: Summers: 8am - 6pm (daily); Winters: 8am - 5pm (daily)
15. Have a fun-filled adventure at Fitzroy Island (from USD 68.0)
Spend your day exploring the Great Barrier Reef through a full-day trip to Fitzroy Island. On this trip, you can snorkel on the world’s famous reef, hike towards a lush rainforest, sunbathe on the white sand beach, and many more. You can also choose to upgrade to get a picnic lunch, glass-bottom boat cruise, use a floating trampoline, or go stand up paddleboarding. You will also be provided with a roundtrip ticket from Cairns – the starting point of the trip.
Fitzroy Island Day Tour from Cairns
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
16. Discover the mesmerizing beauty of Tamborine Rainforest (from USD 119.0)
Pack your travel bags, head on to South East Queensland and explore the Springbrook Plateau and Tamborine Rainforest! You can check out the skywalk which is the best way to traverse the rainforest. You can easily travel the 45-minute path taking leisurely strides while pausing all along to catch your breath or learn something new. Enjoy a total of 1.5 km (0.9 mi) trail through forest floors, steel bridges, creeks, and a cantilever bridge.
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest from Brisbane
Duration: 8 hours 45 minutes
17. Draw some inspiration from Undara Experience
Posted by Undara Experience on Monday, 8 April 2019
If you’ve visited Undara National Volcanic Park, that means you’ve already explored part of Undara Experience – but there’s more to that experience! At Undara tracks, you can also try bushwalking, setting up campfires, and mountain biking. If you’re extra friendly, you can also engage with the locals and eat lunch with them. If you’re lucky, you may also have the chance to witness events. One of the well-known events here is the annual Outback Rock and Blues where you can groove and chill to 12 hours of music.
Undara Experience
Address: Undara Volcanic Park, Savannah Way QLD 4871, Australia
Website: Undara Experience
18. Sit down and enjoy the views from Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Have a laidback sightseeing experience at Mount Coot-tha Lookout, a stunning garden situated in Brisbane National Park. At night time, you can sit on the clean and green grasses to witness the stunning bright views of Brisbane City. You can also try the signature dishes in the restaurants here or check out interesting stuff at the Lookout’s gift shop. The place is also perfect for bushwalking and picnic. Worthy to mention is the aboriginal art that you can witness while exploring the entire place.
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Address: 1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-Tha QLD 4066, Australia
Website: Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
19. Make great moments at Green Island (from USD 79.0)
Make your Queensland experience a very memorable one by heading to Cairns and taking a trip to Green Island. Green Island is a protected coral cay where you can enjoy numerous water activities such as scuba diving, glass-bottom boat touring, sea walking, snorkeling, and guided nature walking. If you love having some food while enjoying the views, you can opt to upgrade to get a buffet lunch. The Green Island tour package also includes cruise transfers, complimentary tea or coffee, and environmental management fees.
Green Island Day Trip from Cairns
Duration: 8 hours
20. Fall in love with twinkling stars at Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory
A taste of the weekend that was...One Giant Leap for Mankind, 50 years on. #Cosmoscentre #Driveinmovies #Outbackqueensland
Posted by Charleville Cosmos Centre on Tuesday, 23 July 2019
If you love astrology or anything cosmic, Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory is the perfect place for you. The observatory offers clear night sky viewing of the Milky Way Galaxy using Meade Telescopes. You’ll surely get lost in the moment as you also see the stars through the telescope! The observatory has daytime and nighttime activities. Night-time activities are focused on viewing the stars, planets, and as mentioned, the Milky Way. Meanwhile, daytime activities let you enjoy educational engagements such as holding meteorites or touring Cosmos Theatre.
Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory
Address: 1 Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470, Australia
Website: Charleville Cosmos Centre & Observatory
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
21. Shop until you drop at Queen Street Mall
If you miss the urban lifestyle after exploring the Queensland nature and wildlife scene, head to Brisbane City’s Queen Street Mall. This mall is an open-air pedestrian shopping center that has 700 stores. You’ll surely need a full day to explore these stores of mixed global and local brands and names. For Brisbane folks, this mall is their usual place to hang out with family and friends. The mall also houses historic arcades such as the Brisbane Arcade and Tattersall’s Arcade. In these arcades, you can shop for locally designed fashion finds and artisan pieces of jewelry.
Queen Street Mall
Address: Queen St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
22. Appreciate vintage items at Qantas Founders Museum
Qantas Founders Museum was founded by Qantas Airways, Australia’s national airline. Touring this museum might be something new yet interesting experience for you – you’ll get to see vintage stuff related to the said airlines’ 100 years of legacy. Here, you can experience wing walks of the Boeing 747 aircraft and thrilling yet information-filled aircraft tours. After your museum tour, you can stop by for some quick snack or coffee break at the museum’s in-house McGinness’ Restaurant. Souvenirs are also available in case you want to purchase for your friends.
Qantas Founders Museum
Address: 1 Hudson Fysh Drive, Longreach Airport, Longreach QLD 4730, Australia
Website: Qantas Founders Museum
Opening hours: 9am - 4pm (daily)
23. Take a stroll at Boodjamulla National Park
Get some fresh air and feel the invigorating breeze of Queensland by taking a walk at Boodjamulla National Park (also known as Lawn Hill). This national park is dubbed as one of the most scenic parks not just in Queensland but in entire Australia. While strolling, you will enjoy the views of sandstone ranges and fossils. Check out the jaw-dropping, sparkling clean spring waters surrounded by impressive vegetation. You’ll also witness the abundance of wildlife which makes this national park worth visiting.
Boodjamulla National Park
Address: Wills Road, Lawn Hill QLD 4825, Australia
Website: Boodjamulla National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
24. Observe the crocodiles at Hartleys Crocodile Adventure (from USD 79.0)
Whether you want to conquer your fear or you just want to see crocodiles, Hartleys Crocodile Adventure is definitely for you. Enjoy this half-day eco-park and crocodile farm tour where you can witness how crocodiles move or eat. Aside from crocodiles, you can also observe other wildlife animals such as turtles, koalas, or lizards.
Hartley's Crocodile Adventure Half-Day Tour
Duration: 5 hours
25. Camp at Lakefield National Park
Indeed, Queensland has many stunning national parks and that includes Lakefield National Park. This scenic national park is well-loved by tourists for its picturesque landscape, grasslands, wetlands, mangroves, woodlands, and sandstone hills. You can take a walk while witnessing the beauty of the park or setting up a camping area near the rivers or creeks. If you’d really enjoy Lakefield National Park, why not stay here for three weeks? Yes, you can camp here for a maximum of 21 days!
Lakefield National Park
Address: State of Queensland 4892, Australia
26. Watch the dolphins at Tangalooma Wrecks (from USD 133.0)
If seeing cute animals makes you happy, then you should definitely visit Tangalooma Wrecks. Tangalooma Wrecks is located in Moreton Island, and from this area, you’ll find numerous adorable dolphins roaming around. You can hand-feed these dolphins while you’re in Queensland. Aside from watching dolphins, you can also explore the wrecks through snorkeling. Or you can also take a boat tour to appreciate the paradise-like beauty of the entire Moreton Island. You also have the option to hire a bike tour of the nearby beach within the area.
Snorkeling and Dolphin-Spotting Cruise at Moreton Island
Duration: 8 hours
27. Get your feet moving through hiking at Mossman Gorge (from USD 53.0)
If you are excited about hiking through a forest that’s been existing for over 135 million years, this is your chance while you’re in Queensland! Go to Mossman Gorge and explore the oldest rainforest where rich plant and animal species thrive. When you go for a hike, just make sure you wear quality hiking shoes and be careful because the rainforest surfaces could be wet, especially from December to April. Moreover, aside from hiking, you can just casually walk around the area and just appreciate the breathtaking views of Mossman Gorge’s flora and fauna. You can even book a guided tour of the forest to learn more about the heritage of the entire region.
Mossman Gorge: Dreamtime Indigenous Guided Walk
Duration: 1.5 hour
28. Go on a cave adventure at Capricorn Caves (from USD 24.0)
Learn more about pre-historic Australia through fossils by exploring Capricorn Caves. This tour is only for one hour but is surely worth your time. Your professional guide will lead you to spots where you can hold fossils and treasures with your bare hands. Not to mention that the guide is not just a plain tour guide, but one with a paleontologist. You will also learn more stories about the extinction and survival of some Australian wildlife creatures.
Capricorn Caves Fossil Tour
Duration: 1 hour
29. Cruise through the Whitsundays Islands (from USD 113.0)
Forget the beach or resorts, go island hopping for a day at Whitsunday Islands. This tour is exciting as it includes a ferry ticket pass that allows you to cruise three islands in just a day! Hop between Airlie Beach, Daydream Island, and Hamilton Island, and stop as often as you like within the tour time to appreciate these gorgeous islands. You can even create your own itinerary so you can enjoy the entire island-hop at your own pace. Aside from hopping three islands, you can also enjoy interacting with the wildlife and nature on this day tour.
Whitsunday Islands Hopper Pass
Duration: 1 to 10 hours
30. Pop in at the popular Gold Coast Theme Park (from USD 90.0)
Gold Coast Theme Park is truly a dream destination! It houses the three most thrilling theme parks namely: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet'n'Wild. Feel the thrill by hopping onto the roller coaster at Warner Bros. Movie World. You can also meet the friendly seals and dolphins showcasing their adorable moves at Sea World. If you’re with family, spend time with them riding slides and plunging in pools at Wet n’ Wild. You have the option to enjoy these theme parks for 3, 7, and 14 days because Gold Coast Theme Park offers great value passes equivalent to the said days.
Gold Coast Theme Park Pass: Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet'n'Wild
Travel like there's no tomorrow in Queensland
With the numerous things to do in Queensland, Australia, you’ll surely go back to your hometown with a heart filled with joy and a smile across your face. Just don’t forget to take many pictures of the attractions that you visit. These photographs will be proof of the sweet times you spent in Queensland. Have a wonderful and safe trip!
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