Top things to see and do in Queensland, from trendy and laidback Gold Coast to Australia’s soft adventure capital, Cairns
From the gloriously majestic Great Barrier Reef to the family-friendly theme parks and paradisiacal 70km of beaches and adventure in Gold Coast to the world-famous Australia Zoo, Queensland truly has it all. Whether you are travelling with your kids, friends, or significant other, make Queensland your next holiday destination!
Queensland is good to go so what are you waiting for? Bookmark these top 5 must-see and do experiences in each region for your first trip to the Sunshine State!
Planning Your Trip to Queensland
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Queensland is Good to Go
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1. Gold Coast
The city of Gold Coast has something for everyone, a spellbinding mix where laid back and relaxed metropolitan city and beautiful, picturesque coastline meet. You can be wining and dining, shopping and admiring the sparkling skyline at one moment and venturing out into hinterland, golden beaches and glorious surf spots the next.
If you’re travelling with little ones, Gold Coast is well-known and loved for its family-friendly attractions, from Dreamworld to Warner Bros. Movie World. But beyond theme parks, Gold Coast is perfect for that holiday break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take some time to explore its 70km coastline which brim with sandy beaches and nature escapes. Indulge in seaside swims, learn how to catch a wave at world-famous surf spots or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset; if you love a good view, embark on a scenic hot air balloon ride, or do the iconic SkyPoint Climb to take in the city views from a whole new vantage point. Ready to rest, rejuvenate and have a holiday like no other at Gold Coast?
Must Do:
Hot Air Balloon Experience
What could be dreamier than floating away on a tranquil and scenic hot air balloon ride? Take in the wonderful sights of Gold Coast as well as enjoy the sunrise from high up above, it’ll be an experience you won’t forget for sure.
For a fuss-free and convenient hot air balloon trip, this Hot Air Balloon Experience tour includes round trip transfers to and fro selected hotels as well as a hot three-course breakfast and champagne after your flight. Ah, bliss.
SkyPoint Climb Experience
When it comes to good views, there is truly nothing that beats being able to take everything in from a bird’s eye view. Embark on a SkyPoint Climb, Australia’s highest external building climb and be amazed by the unparalleled views of Gold Coast and the surrounds. Your guide leader will take regular stops so that you can get plenty of photos, and there’s also live commentary for everyone to learn more about Gold Coast too!
Choose from a day, night or twilight climb and witness the Gold Coast from a different light on each climb (P.S. we definitely recommend going at sunset so you can enjoy the city bathed in a golden glow).
📍Level 77, 3003 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise, Queensland, 4217 Australia
Heli Tandem Skydive
If you’ve always wanted to attempt a skydive and cannot decide on committing to it, let this be your sign to take the leap of faith (literally!). Skydive over the gorgeous Surfer’s Paradise and take in the amazing views from Coolangatta to Brisbane while enjoying your thrilling free fall. An experience that will definitely be etched in your memory forever!
📍 Seaworld Drive, Main Beach Gold Coast, Queensland 4217
(Meet at Sea World Helicopters, based in front of the Sea World theme park)
Dreamworld
Dreamworld is a theme park, water park and zoo in one, and it is also Australia's biggest theme park with over 40 rides and attractions! Besides your usual kid-friendly favourites, there’s also one must-do for all thrill-seekers, which is the world’s third tallest and fastest drop tower, aka The Giant Drop.
📍 Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera, Queensland 4209
⏱ Opening times depend on what day you are visiting. Check the website here for more information.
Note: Closed on 25 April 2022, ANZAC Day
Warner Bros Movie World
Batman, Scooby Doo, Superman, Green Lantern and more… These are just some of the characters and rides to take at Movie World, where there’s lots of character Meet and Greets (like Tom and Jerry!) and adrenaline-pumping theme park rides for all!
Love a good old-fashioned roller coaster ride? Don’t miss thrills like DC Rivals Hypercoaster (the tallest, longest and fastest HyperCoaster in the Southern Hemisphere!), which brings you through heart-stopping drops and loops as you descend from the iconic Joker head. There’s also Superman Escape, an accelerator launch coaster that will have you whizzing at 100km/h in two seconds! Don’t worry, younger ones won’t miss out on the fun with junior coaster rides like Road Runner Rollercoaster as well as Looney Tunes Carousel. It’s gonna be a fun day for everyone!
📍 Pacific Mwy, Oxenford, Queensland 4210
⏱ 9.30am to 5pm daily
Note: Open from 1.30pm to 5pm on 25 April 2022, ANZAC Day
Aquaduck Safari City Tour and River Cruise
If you’re looking for an exciting and fun way to do a city tour, the Aquaduck Safari City Tour and River Cruise has got you covered. Soak in the sights and sounds of Gold Coast and learn more about this city with live commentary onboard your cute Aquaduck bus-cum-cruise. It’ll take you from the city to a cruise past famous landmarks like the Marina Mirage and Versace Hotel in an instant!
If you’re travelling with kids in tow, there is also the opportunity for them to head up front to drive the Aquaduck on water (they’ll even get a free Captain’s Certificate too!). A memorable city tour for both the young and old.
📍 Aquaduck Safaris Gold Coast, 36 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217
2. Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and it offers a more relaxed pace for those who still want to enjoy big-city attractions. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the parks, gardens, and animal sanctuaries, or take a kayaking tour along the Brisbane River. Adventurous spirit bubbling over? There’s rock climbing and island hopping expeditions too!
Must Do:
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
When in Brisbane, you can’t miss a pilgrimage up the iconic Brisbane Story Bridge. There’s no need for any climbing experience, just a brave heart and a penchant for fabulous views. With your expert guide, make your way up to the top to enjoy sweeping views of the city skyline.
You can even choose the time of your climb to see the city in different colours. For the most enchanting experience, opt for the Twilight Climb, which coincides with sunset (yes to that golden hour glory!)
📍 Story Bridge Adventure Climb, 170 Main St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169, Australia
Moreton Bay Island Tour
For a nature and wildlife adventure out of the city centre, why not take the chance to explore Moreton Bay? The Best of Moreton Bay Island Tour from Brisbane will take you island hopping to three (yes, three!) islands in a fun day trip power-packed with activities like snorkelling, swimming and beachside walks. The best part? Fuss-free travel as you will be able to board your ferry right in Brisbane’s Northshore Harbour and be on your way to your island hopping adventure all in under 90 minutes!
Make fishy friends and marvel at the marine life as you snorkel and swim at Moreton Island (you might be able to spot turtles and even a dugong!), go on a guided koala-spotting walk on Stradbroke Island and end at St Helena Island where you can learn more about its interesting past (it was once known as the The Hell Hole of the South Pacific as it housed some of Australia's hardest criminals).
📍 Meet at Northshore Harbour Cafe, 285 MacArthur Avenue, Hamilton
Outdoor Rock Climbing
Instead of the usual hike, why not challenge yourself with a rock climbing session instead? The outdoor rock climbing session at Kangaroo Point Cliffs will have you scaling the craggy cliff sides to the top where sweeping views await.
Worry not if you don’t have rock climbing experience, both newbies and experienced climbers will be able to choose their level of difficulty when it comes to the climbing routes. You will reach the top feeling a huge sense of accomplishment and of course, be rewarded with splendid views of the city skyline too!
📍 Meet at Riverlife, Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point Queensland 4169
Kayaking Tour
Fancy seeing Brisbane from a different perspective? Try doing a guided kayaking tour down the iconic Brisbane River! Glide down southeast Queensland’s longest river with your instructor leading the way and giving commentary about the city. You can also choose from a day or night kayak (or you could do both!) tour to see Brisbane in different lights!
#KlookTip: It can get pretty hot if you are doing a day kayak tour, so make sure to protect yourself with sunscreen and wear a cap too!
📍Riverlife, Naval Stores, Lower River Terrace, Kangaroo Point Queensland 4169
Beer Brewery Tour
For those who love a good pint (and who doesn't?), the XXXX beer brewery tour is definitely a must-do! XXXX is the number one beer in Brisbane - and this tour will allow you to go behind the scenes to learn more about the legendary brand, it’s 135-year history, how they brew the beer, and of course enjoy some beer tasting too!
It’s a great way to experience and taste local beer as your tasting paddles come with 6 x 85ml tasters along with beer explanation and you will even get to go home with a XXXX memento!
📍XXXX Brewery, Black St & Paten St, Milton Queensland 4064
3. Sunshine Coast
Susnhine Coast is a beautiful region great for your self-drive adventures. Get ready to travel beyond Gold Coast and Brisbane and enjoy slow travel in its finest form. From the beautiful hinterlands in Maleny and Montville to coastal precincts and world-heritage experiences to choose from, it’s no wonder that the Sunshine Coast is so well loved by locals and tourists alike!
Some cannot-miss Sunshine Coast experiences include a day out to Australia Zoo to make new animal friends, as well as kayaking through the Noosa Everglades or exploring the Glass House Mountains which will leave you speechless at nature’s beauty!
Must Do:
Noosa Everglades
The Noosa Everglades (one of the two only everglades on Earth!) is a 60km stretch of pristine waterway flanked by thick vegetation and various flora along the upper reaches of the Noosa River. As you can imagine, the wildlife here is astoundingly extensive.
You can find more than 40% of Australia’s bird species here, as well as a myriad of reptiles and other species like echidnas, bandicoots and koalas too! The best way to explore this area? Doing an Eco Safari Cruise and Canoe of course! This tour will take you down the Noosa River on a cruise and allow you to canoe the waterways as well. You will get to bushwalk at Fig Tree Point and enjoy a tasty chef-prepared meal at CootharaBAR and bistro after.
📍 How to get to Noosa Everglades: Kayak tours leave from Boreen Point (about 25 minutes drive from Noosa Heads); and boat tours leave from Elanda Point.
A guided tour with pick up and drop off is recommended.
Glass House Mountains
Located in South East Queensland, the Glass House Mountains are a series of 11 volcanic peaks that offer a wealth of outdoor adventures. The mountains have a variety of walking tracks, gardens and nature reserves and offer breathtaking views of the surrounds of Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
If you’re short on time (or lazy to hike, we won’t judge!) and are looking for a way to enjoy the mountains without trekking on foot, the Glasshouse Mountain Adventure Helicopter Experience in the Sunshine Coast is an excellent choice. Hop on a helicopter ride and marvel at all the sights on this awe-inspiring ancient volcanic aerial tour. You definitely won’t get this view while on the ground!
📍 Meet at Caloundra Aerodrome, 14 Pathfinder Dr, Caloundra West Queensland 4551
Maleny Gardens and Bird World
For a relaxing day out with rolling green landscapes and colourful flora, a visit to the Maleny Gardens is a must. While your afternoon away as you stroll through the many walking trails, leading to serene ponds and lakes, as well as bubbly waterfalls. Make sure to pack some lunch and have a picnic out on the fields - good food and good views, nothing can beat that. When you’re done with lunch, head to Bird World, an aviary where you can make friends with colourful macaws and take pictures with them too!
📍233 Maleny Stanley River Rd, Maleny Queensland 4552
⏱ 9am to 4.30pm daily
Aviary tour timings: 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 2pm, 3pm
Eumundi Markets
Can’t go on a holiday without having some retail therapy, and one unique place to browse trinkets and things is none other than the Eumundi Markets, Australia’s premier artisan market!
You will find special, locally-made items from handmade jewellery and candles to freshly made goodies like bread, crepes and jam-filled donuts. Get ready for a scrumptious time and a fun shopping spree!
📍80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi Queensland 4562
⏱Wednesday 8am to 2pm & Saturday 7am to 2pm
Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo - Home of the Crocodile Hunter is a zoo owned by the Irwin family, so you know that crocs are definitely going to be something you can see here! Some must-hit highlights while you’re here include Showtime at the Crocoseum for some jaw snapping action, Roo Heaven, where you can make friends with kangaroos and Bindi’s Island, where you can see Bindi’s treehouse along with ring-tailed lemurs!
📍 1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah Queensland 4519
⏱ 9am to 5pm daily
4. Cairns
Often known as the doorway to the wonderful Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is a charming, laid back city in North Queensland. The CBD buzzes with restaurants and waterholes, so you will never get hungry or bored; there is always something new to try. Don’t forget to pop by the Esplanade Lagoon where you can swim all year round! Beyond the city centre, there are gems like Kuranda Rainforest just waiting to be explored.
Must Do:
Visit the Great Barrier Reef
Love everything about the deep blue sea? Then the Great Barrier Reef has definitely got to be on your bucketlist! The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system, and is home to thousands of species of marine life and vibrant, technicolour coral cays for you to discover. For the best experience, we recommend booking a tour such as the Cairns Dreamtime Dive & Snorkel Experience, which adds another layer of meaning and learning on top of your usual snorkel and dive experience.
Besides getting 5 hours of exploring the reef, the Dreamtime element of the tour includes learning more about the ecosystem from the Indigenous rangers, and there will be traditional dances and a didgeridoo performance too.
#KlookTip: Let’s be responsible when visiting the Great Barrier Reef. Refrain from touching the corals and use reef-friendly sunscreen!
📍Meet at Reef Fleet Terminal, 1 Spence Street, Cairns QLD Australia
Great Barrier Reef Cruise and Scenic Helicopter Flight Tour
Want to have the best of both worlds? Yes you can! Go from underwater world to lofty bird’s eye view with a Great Barrier Reef cruise plus scenic helicopter flight. This once in a lifetime experience will give you 4 hours of reef exploration time along with a slew of other inclusions (for free!). Jump and slide on an inflatable reef playground, or go paddling on a glass-bottom boat to see how many marine creatures you can spot!
P.S. There will also be a Marine Biologist onboard, who is happy to answer all your questions about the reef and explain more about the diverse ecosystem as well.
Following this, hop onto a scenic helicopter ride aerial tour that will grant you gorgeous panoramic views of the clear waters below. How awesome is that?
📍 Meet at Sunlover Reef Cruises, 1 Spence St, Cairns City Queensland 4870
White Water Rafting down Barron River
For a splashing good time of thrills and spills, the Half-Day Barron River Rafting Experience from Cairns or Port Douglas promises a thrilling afternoon like no other. Paddle and race down the Barron River in your white water raft, and hold on tight as you brave the Grade 3 rapids along the way!
The tour also provides round trip transfers so you don’t have to worry about getting to Barron River on your own, as well as all the necessary safety equipment and insurance too. There’s also free morning tea for everyone, just make sure you bring your own nibbles and snacks!
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Park
Award-winning Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures Park is a great place for wildlife encounters of all sorts. From cosy cuddles with koala bears to spotting crocs in their natural habitat and even getting to visit a crocodile farm, expect a fun and educational experience while you’re here.
Some must-sees within the park include:
- Cassowary Walk to see various flightless bird species
- Wildlife Discovery Trail to see freshwater crocs, reptiles and lizards
- Cruise down Hartley’s Lagoon to spot more crocs
Kuranda Rainforest
You cannot visit Cairns and not go on an epic journey via rail, skyrail and army duck (amphibious truck) to explore Kuranda.
Hop on the Kuranda Scenic Railway, a train ride which winds along forested hillside tracks carved out by early settlers. The view? Amazing beyond your wildest dreams. Then explore the Kuranda Rainforest via an army duck tour as well as a cable car ride on the skyrail cableway for views from high above.
If you want to see Kuranda from every angle, the Army Duck Tour with Skyrail Cable Car and Kuranda Scenic Railway Ride is something that cannot be missed.
Things to see and do at Kuranda:
- See Barron Falls, Stoney Creek Falls and Barron Gorge
- Stop by the Kuranda Heritage Markets to shop, eat at Frogs Restaurant, and visit Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda
BONUS: Other Regions to Explore
5. Daintree Rainforest
Nature lover or not, you can’t miss going on an adventure in the Daintree Rainforest region. Daintree Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests in the world at over 135 million years old! Expect long stretches of beaches and vibrant greenery that goes on for miles, as well as encounters with unique wildlife species like bearded dragons and the famous Saltwater Crocs!
Things to do in Daintree Rainforest:
- Visit the Daintree DIscovery Centre for all you need to plan your day out
- Do a crocodile cruise
- Visit natural landmarks like Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation
Must Do:
Mossman Gorge
Mossman Gorge is a great place for a cool dip after a hike. With its crystal clear rock pools and breathtaking tropical surroundings, stepping into the clear, crisp waters will have you all refreshed and ready for your next exploration.
📍 How to get here: From Cairns, it is a 1hr and 15min self-drive down the Captain Cook Highway. There is free parking available at the Mossman Gorge Centre when you arrive.
Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is where Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef, a spectacular, rugged coastline that is the gateway to underwater dives, or dips in the many swimming holes (Emmagen Creek Swimming Hole is one good option!). Land adventures will take you to walking trails and hikes or off road thrills, such as the Bloomfield Track by 4WD.
📍 How to get here: Choose from public transport, coach tour or self drive and find out more details here.
If Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation, and Mossman Gorge are on your bucket list of places to visit in Queensland, we highly recommend this day tour from Cairns! Make sure to wear your trusty shoes because your day is filled with exciting activities. Your tour starts with a traditional smoke ceremony of the Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal People at Mossman Gorge, then a meet-and-greet with crocs at a Crocodile and Wildlife Cruise.
6. The Whitsunday Islands
Beach bum who craves the island life 24/7? Paradise is here…at The Whitsunday Islands! Whitsundays’ 74 islands will have you island hopping to your heart’s delight! Just imagine sensational coastal views of aquamarine waters swirled with brilliant, pearly white-sand shores. How phenomenal. And there’s so much to see and do on the islands too.
Hit the gorgeous beaches like Whitehaven Beach, wade in the crystal waters of Hill Inlet or seek out world-class golf courses on Hamilton Island. Adventurous spirits should definitely skydive over Airlie Beach to take in those Whitsunday swirls from up above!
Must Do:
Whitehaven Beach
Whitehaven Beach is a must-visit when you’re planning an island escapade on the Whitsundays. You’ll get panoramic views of the iconic Whitsunday swirls, and enjoy all your favourite beach activities, from snorkelling to a cruise trip.
Another must do is visit Hill Inlet and Betty’s Beach, which is fantastic for swimming and maybe catching a glimpse of marine life like wild rays. For a picturesque top down view of the sea and beach swirls, you head to the lookout at Tongue Point.
Hamilton Island
Hamilton Island is one of the gateways to The Great Barrier Reef, so if you’re looking to go diving and snorkelling, this is a good place to start! There are also many hiking trails and bushwalks with various difficult levels that you can embark on. The Hamilton Island full day Nature Escape will take you on a cruise, nature walk and even admission to Wild Life Hamilton Island, where you can opt for a cuddle with a koala.
Nature activities aside, there’s also the Hamilton Island Golf Club if you want fantastic views while hitting those hole-in-ones.
Other Whitsunday Islands Tours and activities to check out:
📍 How to get to Whitsunday Islands:There are a number of ways to get to Whitsundays, find out what suits you here.
7. Fraser island
Venture into Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Did you know that it is one of the most unique places to visit in Queensland? Its rainforest grows on the sand! Head over to 75 Mile Beach, where you can bask under the sun and swim in crystal clear waters.
Must Do:
75 Mile Beach
The iconic 75 Mile Beach is a must-visit on Fraser Island! There are so many things to see and do, from fishing along the coast to swimming in the gorgeous Champagne Pools. These naturally formed rock pools are known to be “natural jacuzzis” (hence the name!), as they refill with each wave and create the fizzy seafoam creates a jacuzzi like feeling around you. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sand, sand and sea!
You will also have to visit the Maheno Shipwreck which has been on 75 Mile Beach since 1935. Once a ship that was in the New Zealand Naval Forces during World War I as well as a New Zealand Hospital Ship, today it’s hull serves as a mammoth piece of history for curious visitors and tourists.
Looking for a comprehensive Fraser Island tour? Personalise your day tour around the sandy island on a 4WD instead! Your itinerary is up to you. But don’t worry, a personal guide will be there to help you make the most out of your chosen places and give you suggestions as well. Other Fraser Island attractions include Lake McKenzie as well as the beautiful Wanggoolba Creek. All you have to do is sit back on a comfy 4WD vehicle that fits up to 4 people and explore the island at your own pace!
Other Fraser Island Tours and activities to check out:
📍 How to get to Fraser Island: There are a number of ways to get to Fraser Island, find out what suits you here.
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