It has links with seven world heritage sites. It boasts the biggest coral reef system on the planet. And, its coastal region extends for almost 7,000km! We are, of course, talking about Queensland, Australia. If you haven’t ticked this Australian state off your travel bucket list yet, it’s time to discover Queensland like a pro! I will be heading there in August, and in true travel blogger fashion, I asked travel experts for their top places in Queensland to stop at.
For the ultimate things to do in Queensland and to discover what Queensland attractions are worth your time, read on.
10 Places in Queensland you need to make a stop at
A profusion of popular attractions pepper our map of Queensland and its picture-perfect landscape. Australia tourism is booming and rightly so. With so many places to visit in Queensland, as a first-time visitor, you may feel perplexed about what is worth adding to your Queensland holidays. No sweat, I’ve got you covered.
Here are 10 must-see stops in Queensland that I recommend for a spellbinding experience…after you’ve slept off your jet lag of course!
1. Great Barrier Reef
Located off the coast of Queensland is this world-famous diving spot. Visible from outer space, the diverse ecosystem stretches for a length of 2,300 kilometers. This makes it the biggest “living thing” on Planet Earth.
Colorful coral reefs merge with blue waters and tropical islands to create a breathtaking vision – one that can be seen using Google Street View! Dive or snorkel to get up-close to dolphins, turtles and starfish.
2. Gulf Savannah Region
There is so much to do and see in this untouched region, including fishing, riding on ancient trains, bird-watching, golfing and camping. The Undara Lava Tubes are a big hit with visitors, where you can learn about outback heritage from the knowledgeable tour guides.
3. Gold Coast
Situated on Australia’s east coast is this surfing hotspot, which is composed of a vast system of waterways and canals. Hikers can explore the mountain ridges at Lamington National Park and families can enjoy a day out at one of the theme parks in the region, such as Sea World. Before you leave, ascend to the highest point in the city at the SkyPoint Observation Deck!
4. Whitsunday Islands
This group of 74 islands is mostly uninhabited, adding to the allure. Stimulate your senses on a boat tour of the Whitsunday Islands, which sits in the nucleus of the Great Barrier Reef. Home to ancient archaeological sites, the Whitsundays offers activities like bushwalking, camping and snorkeling. Only five of the islands are home to resorts and if you start the experience at Airlie Beach, you need to anticipate a lot of partying with fellow travelers!
5. Fraser Island
This heritage-listed island covers 120 kilometers. Numerous panoramic viewpoints dot the pristine landscape; one of which is called Indian Head. Island tours commence daily around the island’s stunning swimming sites and camping grounds. Wildlife can be witnessed in all forms here, including the Small Eared Mountain Possum, Swamp Wallaby and more than 350 species of bird.
6. Daintree National Park
This national park was founded back in 1981. Contained within the land that comprises the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Daintree National Park paints a pretty picture of rainforest-rich mountains, granite boulders and lush lakes. Experience the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for a bird’s-eye view of the jungle landscape.
7. Kuranda
Described as “the village in the Rainforest,” this town is a wildlife attraction with a lot to offer visitors. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary can be found near here, as well as the Rainforest Interpretation Centre, Kuranda Markets and Kuranda Koala Gardens. Hop on a personalized river cruise alongside local naturalists to learn more about what lurks beneath the water. Don’t miss an opportunity to ride the Kuranda Scenic Railway either. Psst: Kuranda offers opportunities for great video content.
8. Capricorn Coast
This segment of the Southern Great Barrier Reef coastline shares territory with the Shire of Livingstone. Named after the region on which it hugs, the Tropic of Capricorn, Capricorn Coast is majorly undiscovered for the most part. You can stumble upon secluded stretches of sand at Stanage Bay, explore Emu Park and swim where the reef meets the rainforest at Byfield National Park.
9. Outback Queensland
Here we have the dinosaur capital of Australia. Spend some time here and you’ll leave with plenty of knowledge on fossils and bones from dinosaurs and sea monsters! In the Sandstone Wonders Region, more than 25 mountain ranges can be seen and if you spend a sunset at Simpson Desert, you won’t forget it in a hurry. Stare at the stars through a telescope in Charleville after fossicking for amethyst, opal or even gold around Outback Queensland. In addition to this, visitors are invited to shear a sheep at a working cattle farm.
10. Lamington National Park
Declared a national park in 1911, this majestic environment is part of the Australia World Heritage Area at Gondwana Rainforests. Two sections of the park feature trails – Green Mountains and Binna Burra. Admire unspoiled mountain views from the Border Track or look out onto Coomera Valley from the Caves Circuit.
Book Your Flight
Are you ready to visit Queensland?! It may be the third-busiest airport in Australia, but Brisbane Airport is very well-organised. Domestic and international flights depart from the airport every single day. You might consider staying near the airport when you arrive, because there are various attractions in the area, including Hop On Brewery Tours and Circus Arts shows. Set aside some time to search online for the best deal on direct and connecting flights.
Use a site like Skyscanner to get the best deals on flights to Brisbane, and make sure you do so earlier enough to snag a good deal!
Travelling on a budget?
Here’s some great advice on what your month budget for Australia should be!
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