50+ Unbelievable Issues To Do In Queensland, Aus

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Queensland is stuffed 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 in search of 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 through the years, however we additionally spent three months exploring this state on our 18 month highway journey round Australia, and known as it residence for five months – so we really feel we’ve actually uncovered the most effective of Queensland.

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

1. Discover the Boodjamulla Nationwide Park, Savannah Means

We name it Queensland’s best-kept secret, however it’s possible you’ll 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 referred to as Garden Hill, Boodjamalla’s draw is its vivid pink sandstone cliffs, emerald inexperienced river, kayaking, mountaineering, 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 all Australia’s pure icons.

Made up of 900 islands and a pair of,900 particular person coral reefs, it’s the biggest residing construction on the planet, and whether or not you snorkel or dive you simply should expertise it for your self.

There are lots of choices for getting out on the Reef and from varied places alongside the Queensland coast, with Cairns being the principle 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 vivid pink LARC – an amphibious car 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 Means

One of the crucial fascinating 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 sequence of caves fashioned by lava move. It was particularly enjoyable for our children!

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 night time 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!! Probably the most lovely 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 may as well discover the close by Hamilton Island which additionally gives 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 quick 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 via the tracks, forged your eyes into the bushes to see for those who 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 Means, 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 sizzling air ballooning, amongst different issues.

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

A few of 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, after all. Take a look at Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls and Ellinjaa Falls.

8. Loosen up at Airlie Seaside

Airlie Seaside is a enjoyable city and is most effectively referred to as being the gateway to the Whitsundays, however that doesn’t imply it is best to skip previous the city!

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

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

9. Go to Girl Musgrave Island, Nice Barrier Reef

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

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

You may even camp right here, with no energy or water provide, and the close by snorkelling within the lagoon is sensible.

10. Trip the Skyrail Rainforest to Kuranda

The city of Kuranda close to Cairns is finest 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. Loosen up on the Kuranda Scenic Railway

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

It’s a powerful engineering feat and also you move via 13 tunnels.

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

12. Meet the characters at Movieworld, Gold Coast

Kalyra known as it the BEST. DAY. EVER…Bugs Bunny and the gang had come out on Major Road and Kalyra had danced Gangnam type with Sylvester and Tweety Hen, received 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 swimsuit older kids and adults who aren’t so fascinated 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 improbable!

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

Take the highway up via 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 received 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 splendid Eco-Villas.

15. Marvel at Cobbold Gorge, Savannah Means

Fashioned 135 million years in the past, sandstone cliffs tower on each side as a battery-powered boat glides you thru the majestic slim gorge (2m extensive 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 while 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, because of Mick and Lynda of Leahton Park Ranch in Charters Towers you see them!

You may journey an outdated chuck wagon and meet J.R, a long-horned steer who made the Guinness Ebook of Data for having the largest longhorns on the planet, 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 enjoyable.

Take the quick ferry throughout from Townsville, to Magnetic Island and you’ll 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 workforce, however we have been pleasantly stunned by how a lot we loved this metropolis.

Stroll the Strand – a 2-kilometre-long beachfront playground – take a look at the most effective aquarium in Australia and expertise a captivating Army 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 lovely in Queensland, so remember to add it to your record.

20. Swim or surf at Noosa Major Seaside

Noosa is a world-famous browsing vacation spot, and Major 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. Loosen up at Port Douglas

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

You may 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 e-book, and meet different travellers.

There are few locations you may safely swim in Cairns so remember to 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 inexpensive value.

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

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

24. See the celebrities at The Cosmos Centre, Charleville

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

The spotlight was within the night once we seemed on the stars via big telescopes within the outdoors observatory. The Moon is wonderful 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 option to respect the extreme and harmful work miners do and get educated in regards to the business that has held up our economic system via the GFC, than on a mining tour led by native larrikin Steve.

26. Go to the Qantas Museum, Longreach

Longreach has been going via 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’ve got been Qantas frequent flyers endlessly 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 in search of.

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

Winton is one in all our favourite locations to go to in Queensland.

28. Have a sporting weekend in Brisbane

Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane is the most effective 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 look at NSW get belted within the third State of Origin sport (that was enjoyable haha), however the environment makes all of it worthwhile.

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

29. Take a getaway to the Bunya Mountains

Queensland actually is stuffed 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 biggest stand of historic bunya pines on the planet, 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!

Make sure to take a look at 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 Means Drive

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

Head west from Cairns in direction of the NT border and also you’ll absorb 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 extensive and is without doubt one of the finest locations to go in Queensland. It’s the biggest sand island on the planet and is a 4wdriving paradise.

75 Mile Seaside on the jap aspect is Fraser’s Nationwide Freeway and it’s on this drive you may spot marine life thriving in its waters, comparable 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 midst 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 comfortable and simply ready so that you can clear your jewelry and exfoliate your pores and skin.

One other notable function is the heart-shaped tree.

34. Swim at Champagne Swimming pools, Fraser Island

One other in style 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 talked-about swimming gap with the ocean crashing over the rocks into shallow sandy swimming pools, with the foaming water being the place the title Champagne Swimming pools comes from.

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

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

Constructed across the stay croc present within the Crocoseum, you may as well meet and study in regards to 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 glorious for 4×4 journey driving, but it’s simply accessible simply off the coast of Brisbane.

Take your individual car 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, nevertheless 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 novel “Clear Kayak,” it’s such as you’re floating on water!

39. Go horse using on Rainbow Seaside

Rainbow Seaside has been featured on the entrance cowl of the publication “101 finest seashores of Australia” and Huffington Put up 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 using on a seashore.

40. Drive the Nice Seaside Drive, Noosa North Shore

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

I’m calling it Australia’s finest shortcut as a result of as a substitute of taking the M1 (Bruce Freeway) from the Sunshine Coast to Rainbow Seaside through Gympie, you’re 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 in search of 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 outdated bubble-busting enjoyable. 

Their sundown tour sounds wonderful!

42. Be surprised by Whitehaven Seaside, Whitsunday Islands

We’ve stated it earlier than and I’ll say it once more, Whitehaven Seaside is probably the most unimaginable seashore we now have 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 gives you a pole place in attending to a number of the finest locations on The Nice Barrier Reef, nevertheless it additionally gives a novel expertise of tranquillity, indulgence, and pure magnificence.

44. Catch the dawn at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast

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

The day begins in spectacular trend 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 gives a number of the finest 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 College.

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 best way 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 outdated the Daintree Rainforest is the oldest present rainforest on the planet, 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 should buy a move to catch the shuttle bus into the principle strolling space. Or you may stroll the 2km your self.

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

49. Have a blast at Dreamworld, Gold Coast

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

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

50. Hike in Carnarvon Gorge Nationwide Park

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

Now that we’ve been, we will say a tropical oasis awaits and Carnarvon will likely be added to our record of favorite Nationwide Parks in Australia.

This nationwide park is stuffed with pretty hikes, tenting spots, and night-time star-gazing talks, and is without doubt one of the finest 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 in regards to the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb, and the Story Bridge climb is the same 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 most effective of Brisbane’s metropolis skyline, however you may channel your inside adrenaline junkie.

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

52. Kayak the Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades are a sequence 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 in opposition to our boat and the lily pads.

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

Watch up discover the Noosa Everglades on this video:

Map of this stuff to do in Queensland

That can assist you plan your journey and navigate the way to get to those locations, right here is an interactive map with all these places marked.

It can save you this map in your machine by clicking the star button on the high.

Ultimate Ideas

So there you’ve it, these are the most effective 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 laborious to slim down the record of sights.

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

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

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

We hope this information helped you intend your journey and we want you the most effective time exploring this sunny state in Australia!

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