Warm sunshine, glimmering coast, and outstanding nature. Those are what Queensland is all about! This northeast Australian state is home to the Great Barrier Reef, which everybody must have heard about. However, there are endless options for fun that you can choose from in the region. Then, are you looking for the best places to visit in Queensland? Here is the right blog for you!
Best Places to Visit in Queensland – Summary
- Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
- Gold Coast
- Whitsundays Islands
- Brisbane
- Hervey Bay
- Cape York Peninsula
- Undara Lava Tubes
- Townsville
- Tambourine Mountains
- Lawn Hill Gorge
- Atherton Tablelands
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
When we talk about Australia, we won’t leave out the Great Barrier Reef. This world’s largest reef area can make everyone stand in awe. Consisting of over 2,300 kilometers of coastline, Great Barrier Reef becomes home to over 3,000 species. As you dive into the crystal-clear waters, you can see gaudy corals with colorful fish swimming through them. Undoubtedly, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
If you love diving, the Great Barrier Reef should be on your bucket list. Nothing feels better than exploring one of the best diving spots in the world, with its unique marine special and beautiful corals. Thus, glide through the gentle waves with the turtles or spot an eel popping out of corals. Furthermore, if you are not feeling like going into the waters, you can choose to hop on glass-bottom boats. It gives you a peek at how wonderful the Great Barrier Reef’s underwater scene is.
The Gold Coast
Just like its name suggests, the Gold Coast is gold. Gorgeous beaches fringe the stretching coastline, palm trees sway on the golden sand, and estuaries caught your eyes with their striking blue colors. Not to mention, the city center offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Whether you are a shopaholic or an adrenaline junkie, the Gold Coast welcomes you for a wholesome experience.
The Gold Coast is renowned for its abundance of dazzling beaches. The all-busy Surfers Paradise and the sun-soaked Burleigh Beach will tell you that. However, make sure to check out the Gold Coast’s other attractions. Greet a cute koala in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, get your heart racing on a roller coaster at the Warner Bros Movie World, and learn about the indigenous culture in Jellurgal Aboriginal Cultural Center. Then, do you know what makes traveling to Gold Coast more awesome? Yes, having some travel buddies share lots of fun moments with you!
Whitsundays Islands
Are you looking for a great getaway spot in Australia? Then, head to Whitsunday Islands! This archipelago of 74 islands lies next to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef. Fringed with golden-sand beaches and cloaked in lush jungles, the islands of the Whitsundays are breathtakingly beautiful. Moreover, most of them are uninhabited, keeping the wildlife safe and sound. Nonetheless, some island keeps luxurious resorts and comfortable accommodations for you to stay.
Whitsundays Islands welcome you to relax, explore, and go on an adventure. You can choose to book a fancy resort and spend a sumptuous night. Some of the islands you can stay on are Hayman Island, Daydream Island, Hamilton Island, and Long Island. All of them offer stunning beach resorts and aesthetically-pleasing hotels. Moreover, you can say yes to diving or snorkeling and get the chance to see the gorgeous underwater landscape. Therefore, Whitsundays Islands are one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Brisbane
Nobody can say no to Brisbane. This lively city features towering skyscrapers, beautiful tiny islands, mouthwatering food spots, and buzzing nightlife. Not to mention, it is the getaway to famous destinations in Queensland like the Great Barrier Reef. Driving a few hours from the city, you can also see untouched national parks and mesmerizing indigenous cultural centers. For that reason, Brisbane is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Do you want to get the best out of Brisbane? Then, here it goes! You can spend the morning strolling through the Brisbane River while enjoying a cup of coffee. Then, head to some of Brisbane’s amazing museums such as the Museum of Brisbane and Queensland Museum. Also, pay a visit to the Australia Zoo and greet the adorable Australian animals. Have a late lunch in one of Brisbane’s al-fresco restaurants while enjoying the sunset. Finally, you can end the day with a nice cocktail or a great dance session in a nightclub.
Hervey Bay
Stretched around 300 kilometers from Brisbane, Hervey Bay boasts the best of nature. Humpback whales live in its Pacific waters, ready to greet travelers with their jaw-dropping show. The K’gari-Fraser Island, which is a major part of the bay, houses glimmering lakes, roaring rivers, and rocky headlands. As you step into the area, you will know why UNESCO listed it as one of the World Heritage Sites.
Traveling to Hervey Bay will lead everyone to an unforgettable experience, whether you are a nature lover or a casual traveler. We recommend you visit from July to November, when there are a lot of whales and you can watch them leap from the surface. Thus, you can have an enjoyable time on Fraser Island. Have a relaxing stroll on the seaside esplanade, stop by some beaches like Seventy-Mile Beach, see Lake Mckenzie, and munch on some dishes in world-class restaurants. Therefore, Hervey Bay is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Cape York Peninsula
Unleash your wild side in this remote peninsula – literally. The Cape York Peninsula shows you what a real wilderness looks like. Lush jungles cloak the area, untouched streams flow throughout the valleys, and wild endemic animals call the peninsula home. Moreover, it is also home to Aboriginal communities that still live and practice their fascinating culture. So, traveling to the Cape York Peninsula will enrich your horizons.
Visiting the Cape York Peninsula requires you to be well-prepared. Exploring Australia’s deep jungles and untouched lands challenges you for an adventure. Thus, get ready to drive off-road and set foot in an area where a phone signal can’t reach you. Alternatively, travelers are taking a guided tour to reach this peninsula. As you reach the area, you can enter the jungles, go camping, walk along the beach, and learn about the Aboriginal culture. Therefore, Cape York Peninsula is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Undara Lava Tubes
Are you down for a Journey to the Center of the Earth – like adventure? Then, head to Undara Lava Tubes. Tucked in the Gulf Savannah, the underground site looks like no other. It is a 190,000-year-old lava tunnel that is created through years of lava activity and explosion. Now, the tunnels are protected by the Undara National Park. It is one of the best places to visit in Queensland, especially if you are looking for a hidden gem.
As you go below the earth’s surface, you will be surprised by the gapping caves and basalt structures. At some spots, you can spot a primordial-looking forest, framed by the cave’s arches. It looks surreal and magical. So, make sure to snap a lot of pictures of it. Thus, to visit the tunnel, you have to book a guided tour. It allows you to safely explore the area.
Townsville
Seaside towns always make us happy and Townsville is one of them. The laidback and sunny town is known as the gateway to the Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef. However, it offers a myriad of attractions of its own. Townsville has a scenic waterfront promenade, wonderful beaches, well-manicured gardens, and lovely art exhibitions. Not to mention, the joyful and relaxing vibes from the town will make you want to stay longer.
Visiting Townsville means a lot of strolling and going for a picnic. During a sunny day, you can walk along the seaside promenade and stop for an ice cream or refreshing drink. Then, see some of the town’s beautiful gardens like the Queen’s Gardens or Townsville Palmetum. If you are down to doing something different, you can head to Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium which features some of the region’s beautiful aquatic landscape. Moreover, you can enjoy a picnic in a city park.
Tambourine Mountain
This one’s for the foodies and wine lovers! Nothing matches Tambourine Mountain’s locally-produced delicacies, ranging from coffee to wine. Not only that it is a haven for foodies, but also a comfort place for nature lovers. Tambourine Mountain offers jungle-clad hills, cascading waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints. Imagine yourself sipping on some wine and picnicking on the top of a hill, while looking at the green vineyards and farmhouses down there.
Visiting Tambourine Mountain means trying out local delicacies, shopping, and going outdoors. There are a myriad of distilleries and breweries that are ready to showcase their amazing products. Also, make sure to go for a wine-tasting session and sample Queensland wine. Besides that, Tambourine Mountains is known for its glow worms. You can visit this unique animal’s home at the Glow Worm Caves. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Lawn Hill Gorge
A shade of green in the middle of the Shire of Bruke’s red desert – Lawn Hill Gorge is truly an oasis. Freshwater springs flow throughout the park, attracting many kinds of wildlife. Moreover, the gorge looks outstanding with its massive, blazing orange sandstone structures and emerald waters. Lawn Hill Gorge is a major part of the Boodjamulla National Park. Thus, it is always a good idea to head there.
Lawn Hill Gorge invites you to do a lot of activities. Canoeing is one of the most popular things to do in Lawn Hill Gorge. You can row along the emerald waters of the Gorge while enjoying exceptional scenery. Besides that, the gorge keeps prehistoric fossils in its sandstone structures. You can see the unique shapes on Riversleigh Fossil Trail. Additionally, get in touch with the Waanyi Aboriginal community to learn more about Australia’s diverse culture.
Atherton Tablelands
Verdant and diverse – those are the two words that describe Atherton Tablelands. Tucked a few kilometers from Cairns, Tablelands becomes a playground for nature lovers. It encompasses misty rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and shimmering lakes. Numerous wild animals, from endemic birds to wallabies, call this place home. Therefore, it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
There are a lot of things to do in Atherton Tablelands. Visitors mostly stop first at Milaa Milaa Waterfall, which stands as tall as 17 meters high. You can also take the Waterfalls Route to see a myriad of Atherton Tablelands’ stunning falls. Moreover, pay a visit to the Herberton Historic Village and see Australian traditions. Additionally, you can head to Wooroonooran National Park for hiking.
No one can deny how amazing Queensland is! It is a bucket-list worthy destination that you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Then, are you thinking about traveling to Queensland or other region in Australia but wanting to make it easy? Then, we have something for you!
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