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Why is Queensland called ‘The Sunshine State’?
- Known as ‘The Sunshine State’ for its spectacular weather and sun-soaked, golden beaches, Queensland is a holiday paradise with a plethora of fun things to see and do.
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What natural attractions can visitors enjoy in Queensland?
- From fantastic surf breaks, secluded tropical islands, and meandering rivers to a magnificent coastline stretching nearly 4,500 miles, Queensland is an idyllic destination for nature lovers.
- The region is bordered by the world’s most extensive coral reef system, providing breathtaking underwater experiences.
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What are some must-visit places in Queensland?
- The Great Barrier Reef and the spectacular Whitsunday Islands offer some of the best diving in the world.
- Fraser Island is a fantastic place for four-wheel-driving adventures and exploring its diverse landscapes.
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Which cities in Queensland offer cultural and urban attractions?
- Cities such as the picturesque Port Douglas, the tropical tourist-magnet of Cairns, and Queensland's capital, Brisbane, offer excellent restaurants, buzzing bars, art galleries, museums, and more.
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1. The Great Barrier Reef
Snorkel coral gardens and see vibrant marine life on an exciting summer trip.
Home to more than 3,000 coral reefs, 600 islands, and 300 coral cays, and a wealth of marine creatures ranging from thousands of species of tropical fish, turtles, dolphins, dugongs and sharks, The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s most extensive coral reef system and the largest living structure on the planet. Extending off the northern coast of Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park protects most of the reef, which offers a wealth of outdoor activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, kayaking, and canoeing and boating in glass-bottom boats. Airlie Beach, Cairns, and Port Douglas are the main launching points for tours.
Queensland, Australia
2. K'gari
Drive sandy tracks and explore rainforests on an unusual island adventure.
Nestled between Brisbane and Bundaberg off Australia’s eastern Queensland coast, the World Heritage-listed K’gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world, and one of the best island escapes in the country. Stretching over 75 miles, the island features spectacular natural landscapes ranging from cliffs sculpted from colored sand, white sandy beaches, and ancient rainforests to rocky outcrops, rock pools, and freshwater lakes. The island is a popular destination for camping, four-wheel-drive adventures, and eco-adventures, and other top attractions include the Cathedrals cliffs and The Pinnacles, 75 Mile Beach, Eli Creek, Champagne Pools, Lake Wabby, and Lake McKenzie.
Fraser Island, Australia
3. Kuranda
Ride the scenic railway and explore village markets on an easy weekend outing.
Kuranda is a picturesque rainforest village on the Atherton Tablelands near Cairns that is home to several exhilarating attractions. The charming and folksy village features the Kuranda Scenic Railway, which was carved out by early settlers and winds it way along forested hillside tracks boasting spectacular views. Visitors can ride the vintage steam train through the rainforest and along the gorge and soak up the spectacular natural beauty. The Skyrail Rainforest Cableway glides through the air above the treetops of the rainforest, offering adventurers the chance to see the forest from a different perspective. The rugged Barron Gorge National Park features the impressive cascading Barron Falls that tumble over steep rocks into the Barron River. Other attractions in and around the little town include the Kuranda Koala Gardens, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Rainforestation Nature Park, and Birdworld.
Kuranda, Queensland
4. Queensland Cultural Centre
Visit top museums and admire local art on a peaceful retirement trip.
Located just across the river from the Brisbane CBD, the Queensland Cultural Centre is home to the state’s leading arts and cultural institutions, from classic and modern art collections to performance centers and a library. The center is based in a cluster of monolithic, architecturally-designed buildings on the banks of the river, which house the Queensland Museum, the Queensland Art Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, and the State Library of Queensland. The center offers an array of award-winning programs in the performing arts, educational programs, events, and exhibitions throughout the year.
Grey St, South Brisbane QLD 4101, Australia, Phone: +61-13-62-46
5. Tangalooma Wrecks
Snorkel sunken ships and spot sea turtles on a fun kids-friendly adventure.
Located just off the shore of the protected sand island of Moreton Island, the Tangalooma Wrecks are comprised of a cluster of 15 sunken boats that were scuttled by the Queensland Government between 1963 and 1984. The ships were destroyed to provide a spot for the residents of Moreton Bay to anchor their boats and offer an outstanding snorkeling and scuba-diving experience. The shipwrecks can be reached by walking or riding a beach bike along the beach from the Tangalooma Island Resort and then a short swim from the shore. The wrecks now have coral growing on them and are home to a variety of marine life ranging from over 100 species of fish, dugongs, dolphins, and wobbegongs.
Queensland, Australia
6. Capricorn Caves
Explore limestone chambers and discover underground wonders on an affordable family tour.
The Capricorn Caves is a privately owned limestone cave system located 14 miles north of Rockhampton. The cave system features a maze of natural limestone formations created over millions of years of water and wind erosion such as flowstones, cave coral, columns, speleotherms, shawls, and stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors can explore the subterranean complex on guided tours ranging from a few hours to a few days, and people can even get married in the cave.
30 Olsens Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702, Australia, Phone: +617-49-34-28-83
7. Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre
Learn bush legends and see historic gear on a unique educational attractions trip.
Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame & Outback Heritage Centre is a museum in Longreach that is dedicated to the explorers and pioneers of the Australian outback, indigenous Australians, and the exceptional bravery and courage of Australian stockmen. The museum tells the story of Australia’s outback from the arrival of the Aborigines more than 40,000 years ago to settlement by the British and the establishment of agriculture, forestry, mining, and other industries. Displays also include the development of technologies and living in the outback and follow the lives of the stockmen who call the outback home.
Landsborough Hwy, Longreach QLD 4730, Australia, Phone: +617-46-58-21-66
8. Mossman Gorge
Walk along rainforest trails and swim in clear pools on a spring outing.
The Mossman Gorge is a beautiful boulder-strewn valley in the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, which is bisected by the breathtakingly beautiful crystal-clear Mossman River. One of the hidden gems of Cairns, the gorge is surrounded by lush, tropical rainforests and colossal granite boulders dating back 135 million years and gin-clear freshwater swimming pools. The Daintree Forest is the oldest rainforest on earth and has been a place of significant cultural importance to the Kuku Yalanji for thousands of years. Visitors can learn more about the ancient forest, the strong spiritual connection of the woods to local Aboriginal people, and soak up the spectacular natural beauty of the area.
212r Mossman Gorge Rd, Mossman Gorge QLD 4873, Australia, Phone: +617-40-99-70-00
9. Australia Zoo
See iconic wildlife and enjoy interactive exhibits on an exciting kids day trip.
Australia Zoo is a 1,000-acre zoo near Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains. Founded by the late Steve Irwin, the 110-acre animal sanctuary is home to a variety of more than 1,200 endemic creatures such as crocodiles, koala bears, dingoes, wombats, and snakes. The zoo houses different habitats ranging from the jungles of South-East Asia to the savannahs of Africa, and visitors can feed kangaroos, cuddle koala bears, walk wombats, climb a three-story treehouse and take a trip to Bindi’s Island which is home to giant Aldabra tortoises, ring-tailed lemurs, and brightly colored parrots.
1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519, Australia
10. Historic Village Herberton
Explore heritage buildings and look at vintage tools on a cheap cultural visit.
The Historic Village Herberton is a historical open-air museum that delves into the early Australian life through fascinating exhibitions and over 50 lovingly restored heritage buildings. The landmark township was opened by Joh Bjelke Petersen in 1977 and take visitors on a journey back in time to the bygone era of early Australia. The outdoor pioneer museum collects, preserves, and displays fascinating historical artifacts and items, such as priceless antiques, and buildings in the village include a school, a grocery store, a chemist, a toy shop, and jail. The Bakerville Tearooms offers refreshments such as coffee, tea, and homemade pies, scones, and sandwiches, as well as an array of gifts and souvenirs.
6 Broadway, Herberton QLD 4887, Australia, Phone: +617-40-96-20-02
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