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Top 21 – Queensland Must See Destinations
Looking for inspiration on what to do on your Queensland holiday? We have you covered! Here is our round up of Top 21 Things to do in Queensland.
1. Airlie Beach
As the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach sure doesn’t disappoint. This seaside paradise is the perfect destination for a couple’s getaway or a fun filled family holiday. Beaches abound, adventure calls and the relaxation is waiting to be appreciated!
2. Brisbane
As the capital city of Queensland, Brisbane encompasses everything one would expect from a major city. Of course there are your traditional tourist activities such as the State Library, Museum and Botanical Gardens, yet there is just so much more on offer here. Take a city cat up the length of the river, passing South Bank, Victoria Point and Kangaroo Point, explore the shopping wonders of Queen Street Mall or try your luck at a round of poker at the Conrad Treasury Casino. One thing is for sure in Brisbane: you will never be bored!
3. Cairns
The Cairns region literally has it all: pristine rainforest, the Great Barrier Reef, stunning beaches and a unique metropolitan vibe. Cairns is the undeniable hub of Far North Queensland and is a must-see for anyone travelling up this way. Although a recent development, the Cairns Esplanade has fast become one of the city’s most popular attractions and features an outdoor amphitheatre, a large sandy swimming lagoon, grassy picnic areas and a multitude of walking tracks. This is just one of the many things that you will grow to love while visiting Cairns.
4. Carnarvon Gorge National Park
One of my favourite areas of inland Queensland would have to be Carnarvon Gorge. This area is simply spectacular, particularly after a little bit of rain. Hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland’s highlands, the gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, diverse flora and fauna, and Aboriginal Rock Art. You will also be pleasantly surprised to find hidden waterholes and waterfalls along the tracks, which are perfect for a refreshing dip after a hot day of hiking!
5. Daintree Rainforest
Situated in far north tropical Queensland is one of the world’s finest examples of Mother Nature: The Daintree Rainforest. This is literally the home of the planet’s largest collection of plants and animals and offers everything a wilderness lover could want.
6. Emerald
Emerald is a large, modern town of Queensland and is considered the hub of the Central Highlands. It is also regarded as the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields, which is one of the richest sapphire fields in the Southern Hemisphere. Emerald is a pleasant community, offering endless attractions both of the recreational and metropolitan kind.
7. Glasshouse Mountains
These are possibly the most beautiful set of mountains in the country. These volcanic peaks tower above pine plantations, eucalypt forests and open fields and feature walking tracks that range from simple to challenging. Beerwah Mountain is the most prominent of the range and is simply stunning and the other mountains are no exception!
8. Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is perhaps the strongest tourist magnet of Queensland as there really is something here for the whole family. Best known for being home to the country’s most popular theme parks (Dreamworld, Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild), amazing beaches and Surfer’s Paradise, the Gold Coast doesn’t fail to please. Take a drive down The Strip to get a true taste of the coastal life or venture out on a day cruise to soak up the sun, fresh air and calm, blue waters.
9. Lamington National Park
Two hours south of Brisbane you will find lush rainforests, spectacular views, extensive walking tracks, exceptional ecological importance and natural beauty. All of this can be found in Lamington National Park, a stunning park that features some of the world’s best walks, animals and plant life.
10. Longreach
The legendary town of Longreach is full of history and heritage and is located in central western Queensland. The town is home to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame as well as the Quantas Founders Outback Museum. A visit to these places will broaden your knowledge of Australian history and get you back in touch with our culture.
11. Lower Barrier Reef Islands
If you are in the towns of Bundaberg or Mackay you simply must take a day trip out to the southern islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The most popular of these include Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave, but really, there are so many you can explore and explore until your heart is content. This is the perfect way to discover the wonder and beauty of the reef, without having to travel so far north to enjoy it.
12. Mackay
The Mackay region offers picturesque landscapes, exotic flora and fauna, a rich multi-cultural history and warm friendly locals. Mackay is the perfect place to escape to for adventure, relaxation, and exploration, offering everything from pristine beaches and islands to unique galleries and museums, as well as all the shops your heart could desire.
13. Montville
Located right in the heart of the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, there really is no better place for couple’s to escape to the quaint village of Montville. Walk the tree lined streets and discover antique shops and hidden boutiques which specialise in locally handcrafted masterpieces. The drive up here alone is breathtaking, because as you climb the mountain terrain you will be able to enjoy the stunning views of the Sunshine Coast throughout.
14. Mount Isa
This city in Far North Queensland is perhaps most famous for its mining status. The Mount Isa mines are some of the most successful in the world’s history and this is essentially why people want to visit. Another popular attraction in the city would have to be Lake Moondarra, which is a great spot for fishing and outdoor recreational activities.
15. Noosa
This small resort town on the Sunshine Coast is popular all year round, most likely due to its great surfing beach, unique shops and awesome restaurants and cafes. It is also at the heart of the Noosa and Cooloola National Parks. This means that you can get the best of both worlds (rainforest and beach) all in the one place. This is definitely one to add to the trip if you want to experience the best of Queensland coastal living.
16. Roma
Situated in the western Darling Downs of Queensland, Roma is a diverse town that is rich in pastoral and wheat farming. Roma is also famous for its brilliant wine producing industry and is also well known for its beef. Attractions in the area include the Big Rig and Oil and Gas museum, as well as elements of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park.
17. Stanthorpe
Where in Queensland do you find a cool climate as well as spectacular landscapes? The answer to your question is Stanthorpe! Nestled in the heart of the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is a pleasant town and is regarded as Queensland’s premier wine region. The town is also surrounded by some of the country’s finest National Parks which means that you are only within a short driving distance of Mother Nature.
18. Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast begins around 100 kilometres north of Brisbane and is a popular escape from the hassles of city life. Home to some of the state’s best beaches, the Sunshine Coast is a tourist mecca and offers everything a good holiday should encompass. Laze under a beach umbrella by the sea, check out the massive shopping centres or take a drive up the mountains into the hinterland where you will find classic towns such as Montville and Maleny. The Sunshine Coast is the quieter alternative to the Gold Coast, and in my mind at least, the preferred one!
19. Toowoomba
Known as the “Garden City”, Toowoomba features some of the state’s most beautiful public gardens. The architecture and cityscape are also focal points of interest, with history and heritage just oozing from their walls. Toowoomba is a pleasant city nestled in the Darling Downs of Queensland. Its relatively high position means that it enjoys a pleasantly cool climate; a nice escape from the usual heat that Queensland offers.
20. Townsville
This magnetic destination is at the very heart of the tropics of Queensland. The city is surrounded by a rich hinterland of tropical rainforests and waterfalls and is also right on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef. The city itself offers everything a major city should and doesn’t disappoint in the shopping and restaurant departments. Townsville is a must is you are in this part of the state as there really is no other place like it!
21. Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and 74 tropical islands so what more needs to be said! Sink your feet in the white sands of the pristine beaches or take a dip in the refreshing aquamarine waters of the stunning beaches. This is the ultimately the best place in Queensland for an island holiday because, really, there is no place better!
