50+ Unbelievable Issues To Do In Queensland, Aus

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Queensland is filled with surprises. It’s recognized for its abundance of nature, pristine seashores, tropical islands, and being the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef. Should you’re searching for issues to do in Queensland so as to add to your itinerary, you actually are spoiled for alternative.

It’s a state we’ve visited many instances over time, however we additionally spent three months exploring this state on our 18 month highway journey round Australia, and referred to as it residence for five months – so we really feel we’ve actually uncovered the very best of Queensland.

Should you’re planning a visit to Queensland however you’re undecided what to do there, then learn on to see our favorite issues to do and actions.

1. Discover the Boodjamulla Nationwide Park, Savannah Manner

We name it Queensland’s best-kept secret, however you might understand it as Boodjamulla Nationwide Park – an emerald inexperienced oasis in Outback Queensland that thrives with wildlife, native crops and fauna, and is the off-the-beaten-path expertise you crave.

In any other case generally known as Garden Hill, Boodjamalla’s draw is its vibrant purple sandstone cliffs, emerald inexperienced river, kayaking, mountain climbing, and tenting.

Go for a swim within the Boulgi waters, or discover the gorges by boat. It’s probably the most tranquil oasis’s within the Outback area of QLD.

2. Snorkel or dive the Nice Barrier Reef

The Nice Barrier Reef is one in every of Australia’s pure icons.

Made up of 900 islands and a couple of,900 particular person coral reefs, it’s the most important dwelling construction on the planet, and whether or not you snorkel or dive you simply must expertise it for your self.

There are numerous choices for getting out on the Reef and from varied areas alongside the Queensland coast, with Cairns being the primary gateway.

It’s an icon in Australia for a purpose.

3. Take a Larc Tour of 1770

We beloved exploring the City of 1770, a small city believed to be the primary city in Queensland, in a vibrant pink LARC – an amphibious automobile designed to move items in time of conflict.

Tour proprietor Neil is as passionate as they arrive, and the day was filled with journey, historical past, surroundings, and laughs!

Learn extra in our evaluation of the LARC tour in Seventeen Seventy.

4. Uncover the Undara Lava Tubes, Savannah Manner

Some of the attention-grabbing locations we explored in Outback Queensland was Undara, a city residence to 164 volcanoes, cones, and vents.

Who knew Australia had such a volcanic historical past?

It was fascinating for us to tour the Undara lava tubes, a collection of caves fashioned by lava movement. It was particularly enjoyable for our youngsters!

The caves are accessible by guided tour solely. The tour lets you sleep in a practice carriage, have breakfast within the bush, take a wildlife sundown tour and spend half a day exploring the lava tubes.

5. Daydream on Daydream Island, Whitsundays

We solely had one evening on Daydream Island and wished it was extra. The island is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Queensland.

There’s sufficient mixture of leisure and actions for all of us and also you’re in The Whitsundays!! Essentially the most stunning a part of Queensland.

A spotlight was Kalyra succeeding for the primary time at SUP – Stand Up Paddle Boarding!

When you have extra time, you can too discover the close by Hamilton Island which additionally provides leisure and serenity while being surrounded by lush tropical waters.

6. Go to Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park, Gold Coast

Burleigh Heads is our favorite place on the Gold Coast and we have been lucky to name Burleigh residence as soon as.

It’s residence to probably the greatest brief coastal walks in Australia, which is thru the Burleigh Heads Nationwide Park.

Stand up early and catch the magnificent dawn while watching the surfers on the level. As you stroll by way of the tracks, forged your eyes into the timber to see should you can spot sleeping koalas, and look out onto the ocean to see humpback wales migrating.

Then proceed across the headland and you’ll encounter one other Gold Coast favorite, Tallebudgera Creek.

7. Drive the Waterfall Manner, Atherton

Drive for about an hour southeast of Cairns and also you’ll arrive within the Atherton Tablelands area.

Right here you may go mountain biking, espresso tasting, and scorching air ballooning, amongst different issues.

However my favorite a part of this area was driving the 15km Waterfall Manner Circuit, which embraces a number of the greatest waterfalls within the area.

Among the most iconic stops on this scenic drive are Lake Barrine, a part of the Crater Lakes Nationwide Park and the village of Yungaburra.

To not point out the waterfalls, in fact. Take a look at Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.

8. Chill out at Airlie Seaside

Airlie Seaside is a enjoyable city and is most nicely generally known as being the gateway to the Whitsundays, however that doesn’t imply you need to skip previous the city!

We spent every week there earlier than visiting The Whitsunday Islands, and there’s sufficient happening within the city to make Airlie a enjoyable vacation vacation spot inside itself.

For the adults, there are countless bars, cafes, and eating places, and our youngsters beloved the man-made lagoon!

9. Go to Woman Musgrave Island, Nice Barrier Reef

On the day we visited Woman Musgrave Island, it was a tough 90-minute boat trip out from the City of 1770 as a result of swell, however the vacation spot was magnificent and well worth the bumpy trip.

This island is a coral cay and the second island within the Nice Barrier Reef chain of islands after Woman Elliot Island.

You’ll be able to even camp right here, with no energy or water provide, and the close by snorkelling within the lagoon is good.

10. Journey the Skyrail Rainforest to Kuranda

The city of Kuranda close to Cairns is greatest recognized for being the vacation spot of the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

Glide for 7.5 kilometres excessive of the pristine rainforest with superior coastal views thrown in.

Should you’re courageous, bounce within the open-air Cover Glider (harnessed in) for uninterrupted and breathtaking views.

11. Chill out on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

When you go up the mountain to Kuranda on the Skyrail, a calming technique to descend by way of the rainforest is on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, which passes waterfalls and deep ravines.

It’s a formidable engineering feat and also you cross by way of 13 tunnels.

It’s positively probably the most thrilling issues to do in Queensland.

12. Meet the characters at Movieworld, Gold Coast

Kalyra referred to as it the BEST. DAY. EVER…Bugs Bunny and the gang had come out on Predominant Avenue and Kalyra had danced Gangnam fashion with Sylvester and Tweety Hen, obtained a hug from Sylvester, and took a selfie with Austin Powers.

Film World on the Gold Coast is for the film lovers in the home, however there are many thrill rides to go well with older youngsters and adults who will not be so concerned with assembly the characters.

13. Freak your self out on Skypoint Climb, Gold Coast

The SkyPoint Climb takes you to the highest of the Q1 constructing on the Gold Coast.

At 270 meters above the bottom is Australia’s tallest residential constructing.

To place that into perspective, this constructing is taller than the Chrysler constructing in New York Metropolis. 

I’ve a deep concern of heights however you’re protected and safe and the views over the Gold Coast are incredible!

14. Keep at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Gold Coast

Take the highway up by way of the sub-tropical rainforest to the UNESCO World Heritage Lamington Nationwide Park within the Gold Coast Hinterland and keep at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat.

Up right here you’ve obtained waterfalls and lookouts for days, plus 160 km of graded strolling paths, a Tree High Boardwalk, a 180m flying fox, segway adventures, birds of prey present, rainforest retreats, and opulent Eco-Villas.

15. Marvel at Cobbold Gorge, Savannah Manner

Shaped 135 million years in the past, sandstone cliffs tower on either side as a battery-powered boat glides you thru the majestic slim gorge (2m huge in locations) with 20 metre excessive cliffs.

Fed by a number of springs the gorge is stocked with a wide range of native fish and Johnstone River Crocodiles.

And if you keep at Cobbold Gorge Village you’ll swim in probably the greatest infinity swimming pools I’ve seen!

16. Meet J.R the Texas Longhorn, Charters Towers

Y’all thought the Longhorns have been in Texas, proper?

Properly, due to Mick and Lynda of Leahton Park Ranch in Charters Towers you see them!

You’ll be able to trip an previous chuck wagon and meet J.R, a long-horned steer who made the Guinness E book of Data for having the largest longhorns on the earth, measuring 2.82 metres tip to tip.

17. Slip into Maggie Island Time at Magnetic Island

Maggie Island time is my kinda time; it’s slow-paced and stress-free.

Take the brief ferry throughout from Townsville, to Magnetic Island and you may slip into Maggie time too.

We spent every week right here having fun with beautiful sunsets, bush walks, snorkeling, fishing, cuddling koalas, and feeding the resident rock wallabies.

18. Get to know Townsville

It’s no secret Townsville is residence to the “Cowboys” soccer crew, however we have been pleasantly shocked by how a lot we loved this metropolis.

Stroll the Strand – a 2-kilometre-long beachfront playground – try the very best aquarium in Australia and expertise an interesting Navy Tour.

19. Discover Noosa Nationwide Park

It’s the Nationwide Park that retains us going again to Noosa.

We haven’t walked the entire park but, and we’re but to identify koalas right here who name it residence, however strolling the coastal monitor from the surf membership to Tea Tree Bay, and the part that begins at Sunshine Seaside the place we noticed a whale breaching is purpose sufficient to go to.

This nationwide park is without doubt one of the most stunning in Queensland, so you should definitely add it to your listing.

20. Swim or surf at Noosa Predominant Seaside

Noosa is a world-famous browsing vacation spot, and Predominant Seaside is a favorite spot for locals to surf the clear waves, and for newbies to get a browsing lesson.

It’s one of many solely north-facing seashores on the east coast of Australia, and since it’s sheltered with light waves it makes for a family-friendly seashore.

21. Chill out at Port Douglas

Tropical North Queensland must be probably the most enchanting areas in Australia, and Port Douglas is a incredible place to spend just a few days exploring the native space.

You’ll be able to take pleasure in beautiful sundown views from the marina, eat good meals, occasion, and store till you drop.

It’s an ideal base to go out to the reef from and discover extra of the encompassing area.

22. Hit up the Cairns Lagoon

In addition to being the gateway to the Nice Barrier Reef, Cairns is well-known for its man-made lagoon.

Crystal clear waters (no crocs in right here), seashore views, and lifeguards. It’s a cool place to laze round, learn your guide, and meet different travellers.

There are few locations you may safely swim in Cairns so you should definitely test it out when visiting this a part of Queensland.

23. Escape to Nice Keppel Island

There aren’t too many islands within the Nice Barrier Reef the place you may escape the crowds and keep in your individual seashore bungalow for an affordable value.

On Nice Keppel Island, a 30-minute ferry trip from Yeppoon, you may. 

Keppel looks like one thing you’d discover within the Caribbean – barefoot dwelling, 15 seashores to discover, snorkeling, kayaking, and killer sunsets.

24. See the celebs at The Cosmos Centre, Charleville

Fascinating place this – I walked away wanting to purchase my first ever telescope! I feel I realized extra right here concerning the solar, the moon, the celebs, and outer area than I’ve in a lifetime.

The spotlight was within the night after we regarded on the stars by way of large telescopes within the outdoors observatory. The Moon is superb up shut!

25. Go underground in Mount Isa

Mount Isa has the largest underground mine in Australia and is the world’s largest producer of copper.

What higher technique to admire the extreme and harmful work miners do and get educated concerning the trade that has held up our economic system by way of the GFC, than on a mining tour led by native larrikin Steve.

26. Go to the Qantas Museum, Longreach

Longreach has been going by way of a extreme three-year drought, however Longreach is open for enterprise! And in case you didn’t know, Longreach was the place Qantas started again in 1920.

We have now been Qantas frequent flyers without end and it was a deal with to study extra about how this nice Australian firm was began right here within the Outback heartland.

27. Discover Winton, Outback Queensland

It’s solely a one-street city however Winton was the Outback nation city we’d been searching for.

The historical past of Banjo Patterson and the dinosaurs, old-world attraction, and sitting across the Tattersalls Lodge with city people open to conversations with strangers made this place particular.

Winton is one in every of our favourite locations to go to in Queensland.

28. Have a sporting weekend in Brisbane

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is the very best venue in Australia for watching Rugby League, Rugby Union, and Soccer.

I flew my mate up from Sydney to see a Wallabies and Broncos match, and flew my dad and brother-in-laws up from Sydney to observe NSW get belted within the third State of Origin recreation (that was enjoyable haha), however the environment makes all of it worthwhile.

Iconic Caxton Avenue is the place to be pre-game!

29. Take a getaway to the Bunya Mountains

Queensland actually is filled with surprises. Bunya Mountain Nationwide Park is located between Kingaroy and Dalby, and is a spectacular wilderness vary overlooking the South Burnett area.

The Bunya Mountains are residence to the most important stand of historic bunya pines on the earth, there are pretty walks right here, and it’s one of many solely locations within the Sunshine State to expertise an actual winter.

30. Spot whales in Hervey Bay

Yearly between June and October 1000’s of humpback whales migrate up and down the east coast of Australia and the protected calm waters of Hervey Bay is a favorite transit cease for them as they relaxation and play. It’s a spectacular sight!

You’ll want to try the boat excursions leaving from Hervey Bay or Fraser Island, which put you shut to those majestic beasts of the ocean.

31. Drive the Savannah Manner Drive

Tropical North Queensland is filled with surprises – it’s greater than reefs, rainforests, and seashores! And with a daughter named Savannah this highway journey has all the time been on our listing.

Head west from Cairns in direction of the NT border and also you’ll soak up highlights just like the Atherton Tablelands, Undara Lava Tubes, Cobbold Gorge, and Boodjamulla Nationwide Park.

32. Drive the 75 Mile Seaside Freeway on Ok’Gari (Fraser Island)

Fraser Island stretches 123 kilometres lengthy and 23 kilometres huge and is without doubt one of the greatest locations to go in Queensland. It’s the most important sand island on the earth and is a 4wdriving paradise.

75 Mile Seaside on the japanese facet is Fraser’s Nationwide Freeway and it’s on this drive you may spot marine life thriving in its waters, akin to dolphins and migrating whales.

Additionally, you will see wild dingoes, the island’s native residents, shipwrecks, and way more!

33. Swim in Lake Mackenzie, Fraser Island

In the course of Fraser Island is Lake Mackenzie, a lake that holds the important thing to youth – the water is claimed to maintain you youthful.

It’s crystal clear and glows iridescent blue and the white silica sand is powdery mushy and simply ready so that you can clear your jewelry and exfoliate your pores and skin.

One other notable characteristic is the heart-shaped tree.

34. Swim at Champagne Swimming pools, Fraser Island

One other well-liked place to go to on Fraser Island is Champagne Swimming pools, situated north of Indian Head alongside 75 Mile Seaside.

These swimming pools present a very fashionable swimming gap with the ocean crashing over the rocks into shallow sandy swimming pools, with the foaming water being the place the identify Champagne Swimming pools comes from.

35. Watch a Croc Present at Australia Zoo, Sunshine Coast

House to the late, nice Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is the final word wildlife journey.

Constructed across the stay croc present within the Crocoseum, you can too meet and study concerning the who’s who of Aussie and African wildlife.

A go to to the Koala Hospital subsequent door is one thing I like to recommend.

36. Go 4×4 Driving on Moreton Island

Moreton is sort of a mini Fraser Island, one other sand island that’s wonderful for 4×4 journey driving, but it’s simply accessible simply off the coast of Brisbane.

Take your individual automobile or do a tour with the oldsters from Sundown Safaris like we did.

37. Go sandboarding at Tangalooma, Moreton Island

While on Moreton Island, get amongst the sand dunes and zoom down on a sandboard reaching speeds of as much as 40km per hour!

You’ll get sand in locations you by no means thought doable, however it’s a lot enjoyable!

38. Kayak the Wrecks of Tangalooma, Moreton Island

Discover and snorkel the beautiful Tangalooma Shipwrecks on Moreton Island, and see the coral and fish surrounding the shipwreck in a singular “Clear Kayak,” it’s such as you’re floating on water!

39. Go horse driving on Rainbow Seaside

Rainbow Seaside has been featured on the entrance cowl of the publication “101 greatest seashores of Australia” and Huffington Publish ranked it at quantity 5 of their article of “9 of the Most Unbelievable Seashores within the World”.

However Rainbow is particular in additional methods than one, being one of many solely locations within the State the place you may go horse driving on a seashore.

40. Drive the Nice Seaside Drive, Noosa North Shore

Leaping in a four-wheel drive and taking over the Nice Seaside Drive from Noosa North Shore to Rainbow Seaside confirmed there’s just one technique to do a lap of Australia – with a 4×4!

I’m calling it Australia’s greatest shortcut as a result of as a substitute of taking the M1 (Bruce Freeway) from the Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Seaside by way of Gympie, you are taking the prettier and faster Seaside Freeway.

41. Go kayaking within the City of 1770

1770 Liquid Adventures is owned by a pair who completely understands what travellers are searching for in an expertise, particularly with children.

We did a guided household kayaking journey up the creek to Butterfly Seaside the place we stopped for morning tea, a play with the butterflies, and good previous bubble-busting enjoyable. 

Their sundown tour sounds superb!

42. Be shocked by Whitehaven Seaside, Whitsunday Islands

We’ve mentioned it earlier than and I’ll say it once more, Whitehaven Seaside is essentially the most unbelievable seashore we’ve got been to in all of Australia. In reality, it’s most likely probably the most well-known seashores in Australia!

The pure white silica sand, the turquoise water, the Nationwide Park backdrop, the fusion of swirling colors seen from Hill Inlet lookout, and the isolation. Simply go!

43. Get pampered on Hayman Island, The Whitsundays

Queensland makes a behavior of blowing your thoughts, and while Hayman Island has had an entire makeover and a reputation change to One&Solely since we visited, I’m certain it blows much more now! 

Hayman not solely provides you a pole place in attending to a number of the greatest locations on The Nice Barrier Reef, however it additionally provides a singular expertise of tranquillity, indulgence, and pure magnificence.

44. Catch the dawn at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

I mentioned it earlier – Burleigh Heads is our favorite place on the Gold Coast – and one in every of our favorite locations in Australia, interval!

The day begins in spectacular vogue with dawn, and I like to take a seat on the headland with espresso in hand and watch the surfers carve up the well-known surf break. Do dawn in Burleigh!

45. Study to surf on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast provides a number of the greatest surf breaks in Australia.

Assume Snapper Rocks, Greenmount, Kirra Level, Currumbin Alley, and Burleigh Level to call just a few. Should you’re going to study to surf, the Goldy caters to all ranges.

Kalyra beloved studying to surf with former World Champion Cheyne Horan Surf Faculty.

46. Watch the sundown at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast

We love having a sundown beer at Rainbow Bay Surf Membership, which overlooks Snapper Rocks, it’s our favourite sundown spot on the Goldy.

The views all the way in which over to Surfers Paradise are beautiful, the meals is nice and low cost, and when the waves are pumping there are few locations prefer it.

Snapper Rocks is residence to the Rip Curl Professional Browsing occasion!

47. Stroll or kayak at Cape Tribulation

At 110 million years previous the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest present rainforest on the earth, even pre-dating the Amazon.

Cape Tribulation – a headland situated inside Daintree Nationwide Park – sits the place two World Heritage Listed websites collide.

Surrounded by native crops and flora, you may expertise the place the Daintree Rainforest meets the Nice Barrier Reef. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

48. Hike in Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge is on the southernmost finish of the Daintree Rainforest.

It’s historic, pristine, and filled with excessive vibrational vitality.

Mossman Gorge is free to enter however you do must buy a cross to catch the shuttle bus into the primary strolling space. Or you may stroll the 2km your self.

A boardwalk takes you to the Mossman River and a good looking swimming space.

49. Have a blast at Dreamworld, Gold Coast

I’ve formally declared Dreamworld as the very best theme park on the Gold Coast. And don’t simply take my phrase for it, I’ve back-up within the type of an knowledgeable – our 8-year-old daughter Kalyra!

Dreamworld has one thing for everybody. With over 50 rides and points of interest, it’s the BIGGEST theme park and it’s the one park we by no means miss out on after we return to the Goldy.

50. Hike in Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park

A number of readers advised we go to Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park.

Now that we’ve been, we are able to say a tropical oasis awaits and Carnarvon can be added to our listing of favorite Nationwide Parks in Australia.

This nationwide park is filled with pretty hikes, tenting spots, and night-time star-gazing talks, and is without doubt one of the greatest locations in Australia to see wild Kangaroos!

51. Climb the Story Bridge

Sitting above the Brisbane River is Story Bridge which connects the CBD to Kangaroo Level.

We’ve all heard concerning the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, and the Story Bridge climb is an analogous expertise.

From the highest of the bridge, you may see the Glass Home Mountains within the north, throughout to Moreton Bay, and even in direction of the Scenic Rim Mountains within the south.

Not solely do you get to see the very best of Brisbane’s metropolis skyline, however you may channel your internal adrenaline junkie.

There are solely three bridge climbs on the earth, so don’t miss out on this thrilling factor to do in Queensland!

52. Kayak the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are a collection of waterways and tropical wetland and swampy land that join the Northern Noosa River system to the ocean close to the Sunshine Coast.

The everglades are nestled amongst two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, the Noosa and the Cooloola area of the Nice Sandy Nationwide Park. 

We determined to kayak a 16 km spherical journey from Lake Cootharaba, which took us out into the center of nowhere in a pristine pure surroundings with solely the sounds of the birds flying and the water lapping towards our boat and the lily pads.

Or you may mix a brief kayaking journey with a ship tour, should you don’t fancy paddling for too lengthy.

Watch up discover the Noosa Everglades on this video:

Map of these items to do in Queensland

That will help you plan your journey and navigate get to those locations, right here is an interactive map with all these areas marked.

It can save you this map in your gadget by clicking the star button on the prime.

Ultimate Ideas

So there you’ve gotten it, these are the very best issues to do in Queensland and as you may see, there’s a lot variety in what you are able to do it may be onerous to slim down the listing of points of interest.

It’s not simply tropical islands, stunning Queensland seashores, and theme parks. Queensland has a ton of historical past, superb wildlife, heat and pleasant locals, and nature that can not be crushed.

And Outback Queensland and the Southern Queensland Nation is an entire new expertise!

I feel we are able to all agree there’s loads of this and extra in Queensland.

We hope this information helped you propose your journey and we want you the very best time exploring this sunny state in Australia!

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