great places to visit queensland

41 Best Places to Visit in Queensland Australia

By: Author The Aussie Tourist

Posted on Last updated: 03/28/2021

Categories Queensland (Qld)

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Looking for the best places to visit in Queensland including some of Queensland’s secret spots?

So, you’ve done it; You’ve saved up your money, purchased your plane ticket, sat through the long flight to arrive in the land most of us experienced through watching the Crocodile Hunter on television. Now you are dying to explore, stretch your legs and start enjoying your vacation.

What do you do first? What are the best things to do in Queensland?

If you are out of ideas, overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, or just plain unsure of where you should go while you are there, look no further. We are going to review the best places to go in Queensland, including the top 10 attractions, to really experience what Australia is all about.

41 Top Queensland Tourist Destinations

Our first stop is the city of Cairns where you can get a taste of pretty much anything. As you walk down the streets there are plenty of shops to peruse and restaurants when you want a quick bite to eat.

The real attraction though is that it is the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef, which means more time for scuba diving and less travel! One of the cool driving routes we would recommend from Cairns is the Cairns to Port Douglas Drive .

Due to the location of Cairns it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland in winter – it is hot all year round! It is also one of the best areas to stay in Queensland due to the affordability. A nice hotel in Cairns is much less than in Brisbane for example. For instance, this 5 star hotel would be double the price elsewhere.

• Things to do in Far North Qld

Whitsundays

There are 74 islands off the coast that offer so much to the adventurous soul. Most of these islands are uninhabited and are perfect for hiking or experiencing a little slice of the rain forest.

After wandering through nature and taking in the view you can easily take a dip in the ocean that surrounds you and enjoy your toes in the nice white sand. Definitely one of the best Queensland places to visit.

Kuranda really knows how to kick it up a notch!

Not only can you view the breathtaking waterfalls and vast rainforest from the safety and comfort of the railway, but if trains aren’t your idea of a good time they have a gondola ride to relax on.

Need something more exciting? You need to check out the amazing view from the Skyrail. Hope you aren’t afraid of heights! One of the most unique places to visit in Queenland.

The Gold Coast is the place to be with a balance of city life, scenery and long sandy beaches to enjoy. One of the best weekend getaways from Brisbane .

But what it is really known for are the number of theme parks it offers. You can enjoy your day at places such as Sea World, Wet’n’Wild,or Dreamworld then enjoy some hiking in the national park’s mountains.

If you keep your eyes peeled you might even see a few rare birds that call the Gold Coast home.

Known for its perfect surfing conditions Noosa is the place to be. Sunshine Beach is the best place for relaxing on the beach, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat and, more importantly, enjoying the surf either from the beach or from the board.

Further inland, if you need a break from the salt water, Noosa River is the best place to enjoy some kayaking or canoeing through the everglades.

As you make your way around Queensland you should stop in Mackay to visit Eungella National Park. There are rare frogs that call this place home along with the very unusual platypus.

If you want to continue with the foliage theme you can also visit Mackay’s botanical gardens and enjoy the afternoon seeing the nature, art exhibits and grabbing a snack in the café.

Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation

For nature lovers, the next must see would have to be Daintree National Park. There are many trails and tours you can take to enjoy one of the world’s oldest rainforests that many exotic birds call home.

Then on the edge of the park you will come upon Cape Tribulation; secluded beaches where rainforest meets sea. There you can swim, visit the reef or even take a self-guided horseback ride.

Fraser Island

If you get sick of your hotel room and are looking for something more authentic, head to Fraser Island, one of Australia’s best island across from Harvey Bay .

Go camping among the multicolored cliffs and gorgeous beaches. There are even fresh water lakes on the island so you can take a nice refreshing dip in the middle of all that natural beauty.

Just remember to pack everything you’d need including water, it is very secluded!

Heron Island

For a more pampered Island stay, Heron Island is the way to go. The island is a coral cay with its own resort so you can lounge and relax in the sun or go out and enjoy snorkeling among the coral reef.

Don’t forget to see the turtle nesting hatching sites from October to April to see the tiny newly hatched turtles march to the ocean!

Daydream Island

Another terrific resort location is Daydream Island.

Relax in the ocean air and take advantage of all the resort has to offer. Taste the Asian fusion cuisine while overlooking the pool from your spacious newly renovated hotel suite. Take a yoga class with the waves as your background noise. Take a guided tour.

Whatever you do, you will not be disappointed – one of the best places to go in Qld.

Green Island

What would a visit to Australia be if you didn’t see any crocodiles?

Safer, for sure, but one of the safest ways to see these reptilian creatures is by visiting Marineland Melanesia on Green Island. Its home to Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity at nearly 18ft long and weighing more than a ton! Truly a once in a life time opportunity.

Springbrook National Park

Back to the outdoors and straight to Springbrook National Park.

They have the most breathtaking mountains, caves and waterfalls, among them being Springbrook Natural Bridge cave which is a sanctuary for glow worms. Take a walk through the cave and the walls light up like something out of the movie Avatar. The waterfall in the cave adds to the unique atmosphere and proves that nature is truly amazing.

Mt Tamborine Skywalk

For an even better view of the trees, try walking through the canopy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Admire the bird’s eye view of all the diverse flora and fauna the rainforest has to offer while strolling at your own pace nearly 100 feet in the air!

Now that’s an adventure!

Port Douglas

Feeling the need to do a little Golfing on your trip? Stop by Palmer Sea Reef in Port Douglas. The city has many shops and restaurants to try, beaches and rainforest to visit, but if you like to hit the green, they have a tropical links course that is truly a one of a kind experience.

Don’t forget to watch out for crocodiles while you play, they enjoy the green too.

If you are visiting between July and November, Hervey is the place to be.

During this time the humpback wales are visiting and you can either watch them from shore or get a better view from a whale watching boat tour. Whichever you choose, enjoy some local cuisine, put your toes in the sand and relax while watching the tails of humpbacks clap the ocean surface.

For a step back into history, travel to the Mount Isa for a tour of the underground Hard Times Mine. It was once one of the most productive mines in history, and being situated in the outback, it’s a must see.

If you wish to go even further back in time, check out the Riversleigh Fossil Fields where you can see the evolution of animals in limestone.

• Things to do in Mt Isa
• Mt Isa Accommodation 

Boodjamulla National Park

Have you ever wanted to walk through the outback?

If you go to Boodjamulla National Park that is exactly what you’ll do. They have trails that will lead you through the best the outback has to offer; gorgeous scenery, orange sandstone cliffs, and Emerald green waters. There is even a trail that will lead you to see the rock art of the Aboriginal people.

Town of 1770

If you find yourself yearning for more history in a more relaxed setting, the town of 1770 will be your favorite place to stay. It was one of the first settled towns and the locals are very proud of the history.

Take surf lessons, backpack along the coast and look for kangaroos, snorkel. Whatever you wish to do you can find it here loaded with historical fun.

Charleville

In Charleville you’ll enjoy the many different museums in the area.

Highly suggested is the Charleville Cosmos Center where you can view the wonders of the Milky way and see the night sky without any interruption. Learn about Astronomy in a friendly comfortable setting then head to the Royal Flying Doctor Hangar Visitor center for a cozy non-staffed experience where you can see what there is to see without interruption.

• Things to do in Charleville

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

No matter your interest, you must make your way to the unbelievably beautiful Carnarvon Gorge.

You can walk the easy trails and be captivated by the wildlife or you can challenge yourself by climbing the gorge walls in search of the perfect view. There is camping, biking, and hiking throughout the park, everything you need for the perfect outdoors adventure.

Don’t forget your camera, it is one of the best places to visit in Qld.

North Stradbroke Island

For a natural, relaxed, laid back vibe, head to the North Stradbroke Island, known as ‘Straddie’ to the locals. It is one of the Queensland tourist attractions for locals and tourists alike.

Kangaroos and Kolas hang out wherever they wish, you can whale watch from the coast and kookaburra can be spotted on the island. Also an interesting site is the Blue and Brown lakes; the brown lake has its color because of the native tea trees around it.

Agnes Waters

Close to the Town of 1770 you will find Agnes Waters, a little town that share’s in its rich local history.

It’s also at the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef so it is wonderful place to go for underwater activities. But there is so much to see and do here!

From hiking the Red Rock Trail to walking along the boardwalk or strolling the beaches, you will never be bored. I would rate this one of the best places to relax in Queensland.

See more: 

• Things to do in Agnes Waters

Lamington National Park

Another National Park you need to see is Lamington National park.

The forest and mountain range alone is worth the trip down the trails, but the Mountain View Alpaca farm is a great place to have lunch on the weekends and feed the alpacas.

There is also a treetop walkway, if the ground trails aren’t enough, Lookout point will provide a panoramic view of everything the park has to offer, and then some!

A nice relaxing family trip would be going to the Rotary Park in Redcliffe. There are plenty of jungle gyms to crawl around on for the little ones, and a beautiful ocean backdrop for a picnic lunch.

While you are there don’t miss the Redcliffe Botanical Gardens or the markets. In both locations you get to look at everything at your own pace, only at the markets you can bring it home with you.

• Things to do in Redcliffe

After traveling around so much, you are sure to want a nice glass of wine. Look no further than Stanthorpe. You can find plenty in some of the highest vineyards in Australia. Stroll through the luscious gardens, enjoy the fruit trees and surrounding farms as you taste Australia in every glass.

Remember, it is more than ok to have more than one!

Rainbow Beach

There are very few places where you can actually drive through the sand on the beach. Rainbow Beach is one of the places that does. It is one of the must see places in Queensland.

Drive through the sand dunes to the edge of the water where you can take surfing lessons. If you would rather stay in the water rather than doing doughnuts in your vehicle, you can also swim, snorkel or even do a little kayaking with the dolphins.

• Things to do in Rainbow Beach

Great Keppel Island

Need a unique ocean experience? How about a Jet Ski safari?

If you make your way to Great Keppel Island you can take a guided Jet Ski tour around the island and see some of the most beautiful scenery it has to offer.

If Jet Ski’s aren’t your idea of a good time there are still tons of stuff to do like snorkeling, swimming and waterboarding.

If you are wondering where to do in Queensland – head to Roma and you will be impressed with its interesting claim to fame.

Roma has the biggest cattle sale yards around, moving over 400,000 cows each year. You can take a tour and see all the different types of cows for sale and learn about the process.

After that, watch the Big Rig Night Show; a fun way to learn with trivia and a show.

• Things to do in Roma
• Best Places to Stay in Roma

Bunya Mountains

Want a trip that the whole family can enjoy? Take to the trails in the Bunya Mountains.

They are home to the Bunya trees that drop pines containing nuts that are a local delicacy and can be tasted in many of the foods nearby.

You can even stay in cabins in the mountains if the walk was just not enough of the fresh mountain air.

If you want to see cows but want a little more to go along with the trip, give Dalby a go. They have cow sales there as well as the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park which is a great place to walk, swim, ski and you can even go camping.

There is also Dalby Country Antiques if you would like to view, and possibly purchase, a little bit of local history.

• Things to do in Dalby
• Best Accommodation in Dalby

Townsville and Magnetic Island

You cannot visit one and not the other.

Townsville has the Reef HQ Aquarium that allows you to get up close to the marine life that resides in the surrounding ocean and the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park where you can see creatures native to the area like koala and wombats.

But when you are that close to the Magnetic islands you must take the ferry so you can enjoy the ideal beach vacation complete with snorkeling in the surrounding coral reef.

If you are looking for that small town feel on your vacation, head to Burleigh where they have a laid back life style and eating out is the thing to do.

They have many different types of restaurants to choose from and you can work off all those calories by surfing the perfect waves for any level of experience, so no need to feel guilty! One of the best places to go in Southern Queensland.

• Things to do in Burleigh

Moreton Island

One of the most incredible things to see is just off the beaches of Moreton Island.

This gorgeous island is perfect with its white sandy beaches, sand dunes and places to hike, But in the waters around the island there is the Tangalooma Wrecks where old rusty boats are sunken into the water.

And if that doesn’t grab your attention, the Dolphin feeding spot nearby is sure to do the trick!

Bribie Island

Still looking for that perfect panoramic view?

Try Wild Horse Mountain and its scenic lookout point on Bribie Island. You can see for miles, viewing all of the lush greenery and other mountain peaks.

If you would rather stay in the sea, rent a boat or go kayaking to see the beauty of the island from the outside.

• Things to do in Bribie Island

The biggest draw to Currumbin, other than the beautiful beaches, shopping opportunities and local cuisine, is the Wildlife Sanctuary. They participate in many different preservation projects and provide homes for as many threatened and endangered species from all over Austrailia.

Come visit the Tasmanian Devil’s, the Bilby’s, Goodfellow’s tree Kangaroos and more. Make learning about them and how to save then fun and adorable.

From thrill-seeker’s paradise to family vacation, whichever you are looking for you will find in Caloundra. For the brave of heart there is sky-diving, jet-skiing and go-carting.

For those of tamer interests, there is plenty of food, scenery and swimming to entertain. If you visit on Sunday there is the Caloundra Street Fair with all kinds of food and crafts. Try a little of everything and see it all.

• Things to do in Caloundra

In Mooloolaba you will find relaxation and easy days as you stroll Mooloolaba Beach and take in the gorgeous view of sun and sand.

From there if you are curious about ocean life, visit SEA LIFE Sunshine zoo and aquarium where you can see everything up close and learn more about everything.

Of course there is always Moolooaba Osteopathy and Massage clinic where you can have them rub away vacation tension.

Hopefully you are not lactose intolerant because it would be a shame for you to miss out on Maleny Dairies. They have won awards for their milk and produce some of the best ice-cream and yogurt around.

When you are done taste testing, head to Maleny Cheese to see cheese being made and explore the café and shop.

And that is only a sample of what Maleny has to offer!

• Best things to do in Maleny

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Surfer’s Paradise is perfectly named because it is right next to the perfect surfing beach. Become one with the waves and ride your board with ease, but this place is not just about the surfing.

They offer many different attractions such as an amazingly built skyline, plenty of shops and cafes, an incredible view from Sky Point Observation Deck, and for the night owls, plenty of nightclubs on the strip.

The most populated city in Queensland, but the most activities to offer is Brisbane. Unmissable places to visit in Brisbane include: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Mount Coot-tha.

Brissie or Bris-vegas, as the locals call it, is bustling with city life and culture, an interesting mix that you can see at any of the local art galleries or museums. You will never be bored in Bris-vegas!

• Fun things to do in Brisbane at night
• Romantic things to do in Brisbane

Cape York Peninsula & the Torres Strait Islands

Last but not least is Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands.

Cape York is mostly flat and used for cattle grazing, but you can bike or drive through the beautiful land with ease.

From there you can travel to the Islands which are the northernmost part of Australia before you hit New Guinea. Because of its location it is full of cross cultural history, which they are more than happy to share.

Hopefully now you have some ideas as to where you wish to travel on your vacation. Relax, seek adventure, learn about culture and the land around you, swim, do something new. Whatever you want to do you can find it here in Queensland, Australia.

Looking for places beautiful places beyond Queensland?

• Things to do in Melbourne at Night
• Romantic Things to do in Sydney
• Romantic Things to do in Melbourne
• Day Trips from Melbourne

Don’t forget to end your trip with some epic Australian Quotes !