G’day, travelers!
If you’re planning a trip to Australia, there is one coastline that reigns supreme. Queensland isn't just a state; it’s a sun-drenched playground where skyscrapers meet surf breaks, and ancient rainforests collide with the world's largest coral reef system.
If you’re looking to explore the Sunshine State, you can find Australia’s Holiday Feeling through its cityscapes, beaches, and natural terrain. Scroll down and find your ultimate guide brought to you by Tourism and Events Queensland.
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1. Gold Coast: Australia’s Favorite Playground
The Gold Coast is famous for its 57 kilometers of golden sand and its iconic skyline, but there is so much more to it than just Surfers Paradise. This area is described to be high-energy, glamorous and family-friendly with its various hot spots:
Hot Spot | What To Know | Known Activities |
Tallebudgera Creek | Nature’s giant, sparkling blue swimming pool! With clear and calm creek waters. | Paddleboard, kayak, and calm watersports |
Main Beach | Massive beach area with space to lay out and lounge. | Long bike rides or sunset strolls by its coastal path |
Surfers Paradise | Beach views with giant skyscrapers nearby. | Arcades, ice cream shops, and street performers |
Broadbeach | A wide stretch of white sand beach and nearby Pratten Park. | Perfect for weekend events and barbeque cookouts |
Mermaid Beach | Near-empty white sand beach for quality quiet beach time. | Lounge, beach activities such as frisbee and casual ball sports |
Burleigh Heads | Gold Coast’s bohemian and surf-centric beach. | Surfing, swimming |
You can’t visit the Gold Coast without hitting at least one of the Theme Parks. Whether it’s the high-speed coasters at Warner Bros. Movie World or visiting Australia’s largest theme park - Dreamworld, it’s a right of passage.
Klook Tip: Head inland to the Lamington National Park. Just an hour from the beach, you’ll find the O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk, where you can walk through the canopy of an ancient Gondwana rainforest.
Klook Recommendation: Book a Skypoint Observation Deck ticket for sunset to see the coast from 230 meters above sea level. Book one of Australia’s highest external climb.
2. Brisbane: The River City
Often overlooked for its beachy neighbors, Brisbane has evolved into a sophisticated, subtropical hub of culture and world-class dining. While you’re in this urban river city, you can spend an afternoon at South Bank. Take a dip in Streets Beach (Australia’s only man-made inner-city beach) and explore the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA).
Klook Tip: For the best view of the city, do the Story Bridge Adventure Climb at twilight. Watching the city lights flicker on as the sun sets behind the mountains is magic.
City hop via Brisbane's river taxi ‘CityCat’ for only AUD50cents and see the city from a different view. CityCat to Howard Smith Wharves for its vibrant night scene. We also recommend checking out Eat Street Northshore *Friday - Sunday’ for the city’s largest street food container market for a carnival of food and music.
Klook Recommendation: Grab a Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary pass. It’s the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary and a short, scenic boat ride from the city center.
3. Sunshine Coast: The Chill Escape
Just north of Brisbane lies the Sunshine Coast. This laidback escape has boutique shopping, organic cafes, and hidden swimming holes. This upscale and scenic spot has Noosa Main Beach where you can hike through Noosa National Park and see pristine waterways of Noosa Everglades.
Watch your reflection as you cruise along the Noosa Everglades. Image credits: @jbpricey86 on Instagram
This area is also home to world-class attractions such as Australia Zoo (home of the Crocodile Hunter) and offers rare nature encounters, including the opportunity to swim with humpback whales in Mooloolaba or feed wild dolphins at Tin Can Bay.
The Sunshine Coast is a hub for "farm-to-table" dining and artisanal goods, highlighted by the famous Eumundi Markets, its high density of craft breweries, and the charming, gallery-filled mountain villages of Maleny and Montville.
Klook Tip: Head to the Eumundi Markets (Saturdays and Wednesdays). It is one of the biggest artisan markets in the Southern Hemisphere—perfect for picking up unique Australian crafts.
Klook Recommendation: Don't miss Australia Zoo. Founded by the Irwin family, it is the most interactive wildlife experience in the country.
4. Cairns & Great Barrier Reef: Where Two Wonders Meet
Photo: Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree
Cairns is the gateway to the only place on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage sites meet: the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. For the vibe check, get ready for a tropical and adventurous landscape. For an unforgettable tropical getaway, you can come face-to-face with toothy giants at Hartley’s Crocodile Farm, dive into the deep blue without getting wet at the Cairns Aquarium, and then dial up the adrenaline with a wild river rafting adventure through the ancient rainforest.
Meet a friendly fishy face at Cairns Aquarium.Image credits: @ourwanderinghearts on Instagram
While you’re here, don’t miss a Full Day Reef Cruise. Whether you snorkel or scuba dive, seeing the vibrant coral and "Great Eight" marine life (like sea turtles and giant clams) is life-changing.
Klook Tip: Take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway up to the village of Kuranda, and return on the Kuranda Scenic Railway. You’ll glide meters above the rainforest canopy and pass massive waterfalls.
Klook Recommendation: Book a day trip to Fitzroy Island. It’s less crowded than the main reef platforms and offers incredible hiking and snorkeling right off the beach.
