If you’re searching for the top activities in Queensland, Australia, you’ve landed at the right spot.
When you tour Queensland, anticipate an enchanting journey, epitomised by our tourism catchphrase: “beautiful one day, impeccable the following.”
This location boasts an array of attractions, such as balmy weather, stunning shorelines, the Great Barrier Reef, lush rainforests, and the chance for wildlife interactions, catering to diverse travellers.
Favourite activities in Queensland
The Sunshine State of Australia is renowned for its excellent exploration prospects.
Given the allure of the sites in Queensland, it’s clear to see why it’s a hotspot for many.
We’ve compiled a selection of our top activities and landmarks in Queensland. This ranges from tropical locales like Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, and the Great Barrier Reef to moments with crocodiles, koalas, and beyond.
Cuddle a Cute Koala
Have you genuinely visited Queensland if you haven’t embraced a koala?
Years ago, one could sporadically spot these charming beings in the gum trees of residential zones.
The only venues to witness these creatures are the diverse wildlife havens in Queensland.
Destinations worth exploring are Lone Pine in Brisbane, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at the Gold Coast, or Australia Zoo on the Sunshine Coast.
Should you desire a snug, be aware that a restricted count of snugs is offered daily. Early booking once you reach the sanctuary is advised.
Enjoy a swim at one of the beautiful beaches
Queensland is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, ranked among the finest in Australia.
Owing to its perpetually warm climate year-round, tourists can relish the beaches anytime.
Even in the colder months, vacationers persist in taking a dip.
Along the Gold Coast, situated south of Brisbane, are 17 beaches for selection.
Surfers Paradise stands out as a famed and frequented beach on the Gold Coast.
We recommend exploring shores such as Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta, which attract fewer crowds and boast even more picturesque beaches.
Should you feel weary from all the swimming, there are many cafes, eateries, and stores near the beaches.
Beaches like Caloundra and Coolum are also celebrated for their pristine allure.
The Noosa River presents serene, transparent waters perfect for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
There are varied kayaking choices, such as bringing your own, hiring one, or participating in an organised group.
If you make your way to the mouth of the Noosa River, multiple sandy islets await where you can relish a retreat on a remote desert isle for as long as you wish.
Tropical North Queensland showcases splendid beaches in locales like Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation. However, being alert and informed about the swimming environment is pivotal as you journey northward.
There’s a noted presence of stingers and crocodiles in Queensland, so heeding the advisory boards before diving in is crucial.
While swimming in Queensland, always ensure you’re between the flags.
Experience snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is recognised as one of the world’s seven marvels and is the most expansive coral reef ecosystem.
Situated along Queensland’s eastern shoreline, the Great Barrier Reef extends from Bundaberg in the southern end to the farthest north of Queensland.
Numerous tourists delve into the Great Barrier Reef via the northern hubs like Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Daintree.
Cairns is often seen as the primary and most convenient point for reef excursions, whereas Port Douglas, a bit more to the north, usually sees a thinner crowd.
Specific excursions provide the chance to dock at a pontoon within the reef, enabling activities like glass-bottom boat voyages and snorkelling.
From Bundaberg, explorers can embark on a day’s adventure with the Lady Musgrave Island Experience to discover the Great Barrier Reef’s southern extremity.
Other engagements on these voyages include snorkelling, diving, bathing, glass-bottom boat journeys, and aerial helicopter tours.
Visit Brisbane's rooftop bars for drinks
Discovering Queensland can be elevated by taking in the sights from a Brisbane rooftop bar.
Though Melbourne and Sydney are typically called “hip cities,” Brisbane boasts charm.
Over recent times, Brisbane has seen the emergence of several rooftop watering holes.
These establishments make for an ideal stop after a day of touring or for gaining a unique perspective of the metropolis.
Consider dropping by rooftop spots like Terrace in South Bank, offering splendid vistas of the South Bank green spaces.
You might also head to the Howard’s Wharves area to experience Fiume at The Fantauzzo, granting superb views of the Storey Bridge.
It’s advisable to time your visit to these establishments right around dusk to relish the city’s daytime and nocturnal panoramas.
Other notable rooftop venues include Eleven, Sixteen Antlers, and Wet Deck.
Enjoy the thrill of Gold Coast theme parks
Touring amusement parks in Queensland promises a delightful venture.
The Gold Coast is celebrated for its premier amusement parks.
Dreamworld is often lauded as the premier amusement park.
Within Dreamworld, there’s a wildlife haven spotlighting Aussie fauna and a water-themed zone with slides for a refreshing dip.
Other amusement venues encompass Movie World, Sea World, and Wet n Wild.
Whether young or simply young at heart, allocating at least a day to explore one of these amusement parks is suggested.
You can see a crocodile in its natural habitat
Queensland’s attractions span a spectrum from bustling urban settings to untouched natural expanses.
While observing crocodiles in the state’s wildlife reserves is delightful, viewing them in their organic settings is all the more enthralling.
The Daintree River up north in Queensland is the prime locale for witnessing crocodiles in their genuine environment.
One can partake in any of the numerous boat excursions to see these majestic aquatic creatures bask in the Queensland sun.
It’s wise to embark on these journeys during ebb tides to get an unobstructed glance at crocodiles as they traverse the river.
It’s worth noting that crocodiles have occasionally targeted humans in Queensland.
Witnessing these magnificent beings from the secure confines of a vessel remains a splendid experience.
Conquer Storey Bridge on an exciting adventure
The Storey Bridge stands as an iconic structure in Brisbane city.
However, it’s important to highlight that it’s one among just three bridge ascents globally.
Reaching 72 meters, the Story Bridge offers sweeping vistas of Moreton Bay to the east and the picturesque Scenic Rim to the west.
As you ascend, you’ll be enlightened with intriguing details about the structure and the surrounding Brisbane metropolis.
For those intrigued, there’s also an option to descend via abseiling from one of the bridge’s pillars.
Undertaking the climb doesn’t demand an extraordinary level of fitness.
Still, it’s vital to recognise that the journey entails climbing steep staircases, usually spanning about 2 hours.
See Australia's wildlife
Queensland provides numerous chances to experience native Australian creatures in their genuine environments.
Yet, if spotting them in the wild proves challenging, our wildlife reserves are at your disposal.
Prominent wildlife reserves in Queensland encompass Lone Pine in Brisbane, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary at the Gold Coast, and Australia Zoo at the Sunshine Coast.
Exploring the famed Steve Irwin Australia Zoo is strongly suggested for those allocated a complete day and keen on observing an array of species.
The showcased fauna ranges from native Australian reptiles to freshwater and estuarine crocodiles, koalas, raptors, kangaroos, red pandas and majestic tigers.
Throughout the day, attendees can relish assorted creature showcases spotlighting tortoises, otters, koalas, raptors, and crocodilians.
The primary spectacle of the day is the Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors presentation.
This spectacle transpires daily within the Crocoseum and is highly endorsed for viewership.
Guests can learn about colossal reptiles, feathered creatures, and saltwater crocs. It’s advisable to check the day’s agenda upon entry for showcase timings.
Engage in bushwalking in a national park
Queensland boasts more than 200 national parks, guaranteeing that a magnificent national park is within reach wherever you are.
Queensland’s national parks offer breathtaking vistas, chances for wildlife spotting, and scenic waterfalls.
Noosa National Park stands out as a favoured spot, celebrated for its captivating coastline and walking paths catering to different skill levels.
These paths weave through both the lush rainforest and the coastline.
The trails vary from mere hundreds of meters to 5.4 kilometres.
Noosa National Park features some of the finest beaches, such as Tea Tree Bay, Winch Cove, and Granite Bay.
Close to the national park lies the Noosa Beach – Little Cove.
Situated near the Gold Coast, the Burleigh Heads National Park is a serene haven not far from the urban hustle.
Venturing inland from the Gold Coast, other parks like Springbrook and Lamington emerge. Furthermore, the Gold Coast and the neighbouring Sunshine Coast hinterlands are recognised for their overwhelming natural allure.
Springbrook National Park presents mesmerising panoramas, lush rainforests, and tumbling waterfalls.
Witness a serene brook at the Natural Bridge or across the Springbrook Plateau.
Lamington National Park boasts over 160 kilometres of walking routes, unveiling waterfalls and a rich collection of ancient plant and animal species.
Nestled in Queensland’s distant north, the Daintree National Park is honoured to be a World Heritage site.
This park encompasses the Mossman Gorge, Daintree River, and the rainforests of Cape Tribulation.
The area has attractions such as thick rainforests, crocodile-inhabited rivers, crystal-clear streams, pristine shores, and the iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Experience a trip to a tropical island
Queensland is celebrated for its pristine shores and exotic islands within Australia.
The Whitsundays is Queensland’s most acclaimed and sought-after island just off the Airlie Beach coast.
This destination boasts isles with glistening white sands and crystal-clear azure waters. A visit to the famed Whitehaven Beach, recognised as one of the country’s top beaches, is a must.
Islands like Hayman, Hamilton, and Daydream offer accommodations for visitors.
Moreover, you can initiate a day-long excursion from Airlie Beach’s mainland, where engaging in a picturesque aerial view of the Whitsundays comes highly endorsed.
One can find some outstanding islands near our state capital, Brisbane.
Destinations like Stradbroke Island, Fraser Island, and Moreton Island are within reach for short trips from the city. Yet, an extended stay at these locations amplifies the experience.
Owing to its vastness, Fraser Island ideally warrants a multi-day visit. As the globe’s largest sandy isle, it’s admired for its vast sandbanks, untouched dive spots, and scenic spots, including Lake McKenzie.
These island destinations appeal to both camping enthusiasts and those pursuing luxury.
Stradbroke Island is famed for its rich biodiversity, housing kangaroos, koalas, dolphins, and pelicans.
In northern Queensland, islands like Green Island, Magnetic Island, Lady Elliot Island, Lizard Island, Fitzroy Island, and Bedarra Island beckon visitors.
While exploring Queensland, it’s advised to reserve at least a day to experience one of these breathtaking tropical islands.
Articles about Great Ocean Road
