tourist in queensland

Australia Recommends 2024

Come and Say G'day

G'day, the short film

Discover your Australia

Travel videos

Deals and offers

Australian Capital Territory

New South Wales

Northern Territory

South Australia

Western Australia

External Territories

The Whitsundays

Mornington Peninsula

Port Douglas

Ningaloo Reef

Airlie Beach

Kangaroo Island

Rottnest Island

Hamilton Island

Lord Howe Island

Tiwi Islands

Phillip Island

Bruny Island

Margaret River

Barossa Valley

The Grampians

Hunter Valley

McLaren Vale

Glass House Mountains

Alice Springs

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

The Kimberley

Flinders Ranges

Kakadu National Park

Eyre Peninsula

Karijini National Park

Great Barrier Reef

Blue Mountains

Daintree Rainforest

Great Ocean Road

Purnululu National Park

Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park

Litchfield National Park

Aboriginal experiences

Arts and culture

Festivals and events

Food and drink

Adventure and sports

Walks and hikes

Road trips and drives

Beaches and islands

Nature and national parks

Eco-friendly travel

Health and wellness

Family travel

Family destinations

Family road trips

Backpacking

Work and holiday

Beginner's guide

Accessible travel

Planning tips

Trip planner

Australian budget guide

Itinerary planner

Find a travel agent

Find accommodation

Find transport

Visitor information centres

Deals and travel packages

Visa and entry requirements FAQ

Customs and biosecurity

Working Holiday Maker visas

Facts about Australia

Experiences that will make you feel like an Aussie

People and culture

Health and safety FAQ

Cities, states & territories

Iconic places and attractions

When is the best time to visit Australia?

Seasonal travel

Events and festivals

School holidays

Public holidays

How to get to Australia's most iconic cities

How long do I need for my trip to Australia?

How to travel around Australia

Guide to driving in Australia

How to hire a car or campervan

How to plan a family road trip

How to plan an outback road trip

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism Australia

• Share Share on Facebook Share on Messenger Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Copy Link
• Top things to do
• Getting to Queensland

From the bright lights of the Gold Coast to the technicolour underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland has a slice of paradise to suit every traveller.

Home to more than 1,000 ecosystem types and five World Heritage-listed sites, there’s something altogether magical about the beauty of Queensland. Here, islands of white sand dot aqua waters in the Whitsundays, colourful coral bursts to life with fish and turtles on the Great Barrier Reef, and lush green canopies dance in the sun in the Daintree Rainforest.

Queensland may be best known for its sparkling coastline and idyllic islands dotting the wonderous Great Barrier Reef, but the state also features rugged outback landscapes and ancient rainforests which are home to some of the world's most unusual animals. Explore this state to see just how unique it is.

• Snorkel or scuba dive with The Great Eight on the Great Barrier Reef
• Experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture in the Daintree ; the world's oldest living rainforest
• Enjoy an oceanside escape on K'gari (Fraser Island), the Sunshine Coast , the Gold Coast or The Whitsundays

Queensland has international airports in  Brisbane , Cairns, the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, with direct flights from many global hubs, as well as major and regional Australian cities. 

Regional airports in ports like  Hamilton Island  and  Bundaberg  offer regular domestic flights that will help you explore more of Queensland’s diverse destinations. With well-maintained routes and endless adventure, the Sunshine State is also ideal for road trips – the Great Barrier Reef Drive, the  Pacific Coast Way  and Matilda Way are a few of the best.

Popular destinations in Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef

The Gold Coast

The Southern Great Barrier Reef

The Daintree Rainforest

The Sunshine Coast

Trips and itineraries.

10-day coast to coast itinerary

14-day Tropical North Queensland drive

9 days of family fun on the Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast: 8-day family road trip holiday

13-day itinerary for foodies and design lovers

6-day family adventure around Cairns

4-day road trip through the Scenic Rim

3 days on the Great Sunshine Way

16-day family road trip: Gold Coast to Cairns

The Pacific Way: Gold Coast to Cairns

10 days of shopping, design and art

4 days on the Great Beach Drive

Things to do in queensland.

The best day trips from Brisbane

Best places to scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef

Unforgettable Great Barrier Reef experiences

Looking for more inspiration? Go to queensland.com

Travellers' stories, explore australia's states and territories.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience.  Find out more . By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Owners of the land, sea and waters of the Australian continent, and recognise their custodianship of culture and Country for over 60,000 years.

• New Zealand (English)
• United States (English)
• Canada (English)
• United Kingdom (English)
• India (English)
• Malaysia (English)
• Singapore (English)
• Indonesia (Bahasa Indonesia)
• Deutschland (Deutsch)
• France (Français)
• Italia (Italiano)
• 中国大陆 (简体中文)

*Product Disclaimer:  Tourism Australia is not the owner, operator, advertiser or promoter of the listed products and services. Information on listed products and services, including Covid-safe accreditations, are provided by the third-party operator on their website or as published on Australian Tourism Data Warehouse where applicable. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator’s website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD). Tourism Australia makes no representations whatsoever about any other websites which you may access through its websites such as australia.com. Some websites which are linked to the Tourism Australia website are independent from Tourism Australia and are not under the control of Tourism Australia. Tourism Australia does not endorse or accept any responsibility for the use of websites which are owned or operated by third parties and makes no representation or warranty in relation to the standard, class or fitness for purpose of any services, nor does it endorse or in any respect warrant any products or services by virtue of any information, material or content linked from or to this site.

16 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Queensland

Written by Karen Hastings Updated Sep 13, 2021 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Queensland, "the Sunshine State," is Australia's most popular vacation destination. Golden beaches, idyllic tropical islands, fantastic surf breaks, World Heritage-listed rainforests, rivers, reefs, and waterfalls are just some of the state's natural jewels.

All Queensland's sun-soaked settings offer exhilarating outdoor adventures. The dazzling Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef offer superb diving and snorkeling. K'Gari ( Fraser Island) is a favorite four-wheel-driving adventure, and the wilderness areas along the Queensland coast are excellent for hiking, biking, boating, and fishing.

For a change of pace, Queensland's capital, Brisbane , delivers big-city attractions with a small-town feel. South of Brisbane lies the glitzy Gold Coast with its hedonism and high rises. Traveling north along the coast from the capital, you can explore a string of holiday resorts, from sleepy beach towns and rainforest villages, to picturesque Port Douglas, and the tropical tourist-magnet of Cairns. Learn more about the best places to visit in this sunny state with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Queensland.

1. Dive or Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef

2. take a safari through daintree national park and cape tribulation, 3. go four-wheel-driving on k'gari (fraser island), 4. island hop at the whitsundays, 5. stroll along four mile beach in port douglas, 6. visit cairns, 7. bask on the beaches of noosa heads and the sunshine coast, 8. soar over the rainforest to kuranda, 9. live it up on the gold coast, 10. get a culture fix in brisbane, 11. hop aboard a whale watching cruise in hervey bay, 12. enjoy the views in maleny & montville, 13. bird-watch at lamington national park, 14. tour townsville and magnetic island, 15. feed a kangaroo at australia zoo, 16. explore the cape york peninsula & the torres strait islands, map of tourist attractions & things to do in queensland.

It's difficult to overstate the beauty and ecological importance of this World Heritage-listed natural wonder. This is the planet's largest living structure , and it's so vast, you can see it from space.

Much of the reef lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park , which extends off the northern coast of Queensland, from Mackay to the northeastern corner of Australia. The park itself is about half the size of Texas and protects more than 3,000 coral reefs, 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays, and a patchwork of mangrove islands.

Diving or snorkeling the reef is one of Australia's must-do outdoor adventures . The astounding diversity of marine life lures visitors from around the world. More than 1,600 species of tropical fish inhabit the reef, as well as sharks, dugongs, dolphins, turtles, giant clams, and kaleidoscopic soft and hard corals. Underwater viewing stations and glass-bottom boats also offer a window into this underwater wonderland.

Other popular things to do during a visit to the Great Barrier Reef include scenic flights, island-hopping cruises, and sailing trips.

On the mainland, Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach are the top gateway towns for tours. Alternatively, you can stay at one of the resort islands within the marine park. The Whitsunday Islands offer popular attractions and accommodation options and make a great base to explore the reef.

Remote Lizard Island , the park's most northerly island, is famous for its exclusive resort , and Lady Elliot Island , the reef's southernmost coral cay, is home to a popular eco-resort .

A Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, Daintree National Park is the planet's oldest surviving rainforest . That alone should be reason enough to visit, but it also harbors one of the world's highest concentrations of threatened and endangered species.

Located in Far North Queensland, the two main sections of the park include the crystal-clear waters and lush forests of Mossman Gorge , as well as Cape Tribulation , where tropical rainforest fringes the reef-splotched shores of the Coral Sea.

The ecosystems here are incredibly diverse. More than 18,000 plant species, as well as a fascinating array of animals live within the park, including the flightless southern cassowaries (ostrich-sized birds), crocodiles, Boyd's rainforest dragons, brightly hued azure kingfishers, spotted cuscuses, and musky rat-kangaroos.

The best way to explore this area is on a guided safari. Many companies offer tours on amphibious vehicles and include rainforest hikes and tropical fruit tastings. However, you can also take a self-drive tour.

Other popular things to do include ziplining through the rainforest, horseback riding, swimming at Mossman Gorge, looking for cassowaries along the Jindalba Boardwalk , and hiking the many other rainforest trails.

Just south of the park, the resort town of Port Douglas is a popular base for arranging rainforest wilderness safaris. This area is one of the best places to visit in Queensland in winter, during the dry season.

On the beautiful Fraser Coast, about a 3.5-hour drive from Brisbane, World Heritage-listed K'Gari (Fraser Island) is the largest sand island in the world . Four-wheel drive adventures here explore wide windswept beaches, crystal-clear lakes and streams, dingoes, dense forests, sacred Aboriginal sites, and multi-hued rock formations.

Seventy-Five Mile Beach is the island's main thoroughfare and provides access to some of K'Gari's top attractions . These include the rusted hull of the Maheno shipwreck , the bubbling rock pools of Champagne Pools , Eli Creek , and the colored sandstone cliffs of The Pinnacles .

Tiger sharks, dolphins, and whales swim in the wind-whipped waters, and the island's fauna includes Australia's purest strain of dingo and more than 300 species of birds.

Top things to do inland include swimming in the aquamarine Lake McKenzie ; exploring the rainforest trails of Central Station; and visiting Lake Wabby , backed by a towering sandblow.

The most popular access point for tours to Fraser Island is Hervey Bay, the whale watching capital of Australia. From here, you can hop aboard a car or passenger ferry to K'Gari or book a Fraser Island Day Tour .

Off the coast of central Queensland, the Whitsunday group encompasses 74 stunning islands strung along the Great Barrier Reef . The Whitsundays are continental islands, the summits of a coastal range emerging from the sea. All but five of them have been declared national parks, and about eight are home to popular resorts.

Popular things to do in the Whitsundays include diving and snorkeling tours, sailing trips, basking on the dazzling tropical beaches, and relaxing at the island resorts.

The most famous resorts include luxurious Hayman Island ; tiny Daydream Island Resort ; well-developed Hamilton Island , the largest of the island resorts; and Palm Bay Resort on beautiful Long Island, with access to 13 kilometers of walking tracks.

On uninhabited Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach, with its powdery white sands and turquoise water, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Australia .

Airlie Beach is the main launching points for island excursions.

Dotted with palms and mango trees, the once-sleepy village of Port Douglas is now a charming holiday resort. It's the closest mainland town to the Great Barrier Reef , making it a popular base for reef trips, as well as wilderness safaris in Daintree National Park . This picturesque town lies about an hour's drive north of Cairns, along a scenic coastal road, which winds between beaches and rainforest-cloaked hills.

Skirting the beautiful blond sweep of Four Mile Beach , Port Douglas has a relaxed tropical vibe, with cute cafés, shops, and art galleries. From the Flagstaff Hill Lookout enjoy breathtaking views of the palm-fringed beach merging with the turquoise Coral Sea.

Top things to do in Port Douglas include getting up close to Aussie animals at the Wildlife Habitat , shopping at the farmers markets, and soaking up the downtown scene on Macrossan Street. Other adventures on offer include safaris in all-terrain vehicles to Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation , fishing trips, northbound expeditions through the rugged landscape of the Cape York Peninsula , and boat trips to Cooktown and the Great Barrier Reef.

Thanks to the year-round toasty weather in the tropics, Port Douglas is one of the best places to visit in Queensland in winter. This is the prime tourist season, when the weather is typically sunny and dry.

In a superb location, between the Great Barrier Reef and the dark hills of the Atherton Tableland, Cairns is one of the most popular tourist towns in Far North Queensland. It makes a great base to explore the best of Queensland.

Cairns is a friendly, laid-back town, with palm-fringed streets, large parks, and colorful gardens. Beautiful beaches radiate out along the coast from Trinity Bay and Palm Cove to Port Douglas. Feel like a stroll? The five-kilometer-long Cairns Esplanade runs along the bay, with a saltwater swimming lagoon and free water-themed playground for young children.

Cairns is an excellent base for day trips. It's one of the most popular launching points for excursions to the Great Barrier Reef , as well as tropical islands such as Green Island and Fitzroy Island .

The Atherton Tableland to the southwest is another popular day trip destination, where you can explore rainforest reserves, waterfalls, and the charming attractions in the mountain village of Kuranda. The Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Skyrail cableway offers spectacular views over the surrounding countryside and the World Heritage-listed rainforests of Barron Gorge National Park .

Other top things to do in Cairns include visiting the Flecker Botanic Gardens, with more than 100 species of palms, and learning about the region's history at Cairns Museum. Cairns is also one of Australia's best fishing destinations .

Wondering where to stay in Cairns? You'll find accommodation to suit all budgets, from buzzy backpacker digs to flashy resorts.

Stretching from Caloundra to Noosa Heads, the Sunshine Coast is one of the most popular places to visit in South East Queensland. Known for its beautiful beaches, it's also a popular holiday spot for Aussies, only about two hours north of the Gold Coast high-rises but seemingly a world away. Beaches are among the top attractions on the Sunshine Coast , from peaceful, cliff-fringed bays to famous surf breaks.

Noosa Heads is one of the most popular resort areas. Its postcard-perfect slice of sand and sea, Main Beach, is one of Noosa's top attractions , and it's also home to a famous surf break.

For more beautiful beaches and fantastic surfing, Coolum is another great place to visit on the Sunshine Coast. The Point Arkwright Trail here connects a series of secluded cliff-fringed bays, where you can escape the crowds and take a cool dip on a hot summer's day.

And more beaches await at Caloundra , from popular Kings Beach, with its oceanfront pool, to Moffat's point break and the perfect paddling waters of Paradise Beach.

Maroochydore is the region's bustling commercial center and the location of the Sunshine Coast airport.

A trip to Kuranda, a charming rainforest village on the Atherton Tableland, is as much about the journey as the destination. From just outside of Cairns, you can take the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway and fly over World Heritage-listed rainforests and the beautiful Barron River and Gorge .

Alternatively, the Kuranda Scenic Railway chugs through the rainforest, past rugged peaks and waterfalls. The journey ends in the little station at Kuranda, about 25 kilometers northwest of Cairns, which is almost hidden by tropical plants and palms.

Exploring Kuranda's highlights starts with a stroll around the village. Artsy shops, galleries, and the colorful Kuranda markets sell souvenirs and local crafts, and you can soak up a slice of nature at several animal sanctuaries. The Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and Rainforestation Nature Park are favorite things to do in Queensland for families.

Walks can be arranged on request from Kuranda to the wildly romantic Barron Gorge National Park . At Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park by the Caravonic Lakes, you can learn about Aboriginal culture and enjoy frequent native dance performances.

Travelers wishing to take the scenic self-drive route to Kuranda will also enjoy the journey.

The Gold Coast is one of Australia's best-known holiday regions. During the last few decades, a building boom transformed the coast into a kind of tropical Las Vegas, with skyscrapers and shopping malls stretching from Southport in the north to Coolangatta in the south.

Packed with tourist attractions and high-rise hotels, Surfers Paradise - "Surfers" for short - is a tourist magnet, legendary for its alliterative assets: sun, surf, and sand. But it's easy to escape the crowds in the surrounding wilderness areas or on the outlying beaches.

Despite Surfers Paradise's reputation for hedonism, you'll find plenty of Queensland attractions for families in the region. South of Surfers Paradise, kids love Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary , and Movie World , where old film sets have been recreated by Warner Bros. To the north, in Southport, you can see your favorite marine creatures at Sea World .

Not surprisingly, swimming, sunbathing, and surfing are popular things to do on Queensland's Gold Coast , and nature lovers will find plenty of attractions to explore. Excellent networks of roads lead to scenic lookouts in the hinterland, where many wilderness areas are within easy reach, including popular Lamington National Park .

To visit the Gold Coast, you can fly into Coolangatta airport, near the Queensland-New South Wales border.

Brisbane, Australia's third largest city and the capital of Queensland, offers a more relaxed pace than the larger capitals in the country's southeast. It makes a great base to explore Queensland. The city straddles the Brisbane River and is bounded on the east by the sea and on the west by the Great Dividing Range.

Visitors love the city's sunny climate and its luxuriant parks and gardens. Top things to do in Brisbane include strolling around the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, with more than 2,000 species of plants, and visiting Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , one of the few places where you can touch and feed koalas.

Family-friendly South Bank Parklands features riverside walking and biking trails, lush gardens, shops, and restaurants.

River cruises are also popular. One of Brisbane's best known tourist attractions is the Kookaburra Queen , an old paddle steamer, which cruises down the Brisbane River, and the River Life Adventure Centre offers adrenalin-fueled water sports on the river.

Other things to see and do include shopping at the Queen Street Mall , climbing the Story Bridge , exploring the exhibits at the kid-friendly Queensland Museum , browsing the inspirational art exhibits at QAGOMA , and enjoying beautiful city views from Mt Coot-tha Lookout .

Brisbane is also a great jumping-off point for a range of rewarding day trips that showcase the best of Queensland, from island getaways and wildlife-rich national parks to the famous Australia Zoo and family-friendly theme parks.

Ever wanted to swim with a humpback whale or come eye-to-eye with one of these gentle giants? This bucket-list adventure is one of the top things to do in Hervey Bay , the whale watching capital of Australia .

In 2019, Hervey Bay became the first place in the world to earn a World Cetacean Alliance designation as a Whale Heritage Site .

What makes it so special? K'Gari (Fraser Island) shelters the shallow waters off Hervey Bay, providing a sanctuary for these magnificent marine mammals. Here, they take a break from their long migration to rest, socialize, and teach their calves, and lucky visitors can enjoy up-close exhilarating encounters with them. Some cruises even offer you the chance to swim with the whales , one of the unique things to do in Queensland.

Wondering about the best time to visit Hervey Bay for whale watching? Late July through early November are the prime months. And if you're not visiting during whale season, you'll find plenty of other nature experiences in Hervey Bay, from eco-cruises , sunset cruises, and fishing charters to Indigenous cultural tours and spending time on the peaceful beaches.

Craving some tranquility in the country? Head to the Sunshine Coast hinterland villages of Maleny & Montville. Both these charming villages sit high in the Blackall Ranges with breathtaking views of the Glasshouse Mountains, a cluster of volcanic plugs rising out of the coastal plain.

Maleny is dairy country. That means rolling green hills, cows, and, best of all, cheese! You can sample some while you're here, as well as other artisan products, like the sweet cocoa treats at Maleny Chocolate Factory.

Montville also offers inspirational views of the lush valleys and the Glasshouse Mountains. Art galleries, craft cottages, boutiques, and gift shops peek out from veils of blossoms on the main street. Along with Maleny, it's one of the best country towns to visit in Queensland, and it's the perfect place to linger and enjoy Devonshire tea.

Nature is also never far away. Look for pademelons on the rainforest trails at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve , enjoy a picnic at Barron Pocket Dam , spot platypus on the Obi Obi Boardwalk right near downtown Maleny, or hike to Kondalilla Falls .

About a two-hour drive south of Brisbane, Lamington National Park is a World Heritage Area and one of the state's most popular national parks. Located on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range , amid the remnants of an ancient volcano, the park contains spectacular scenery, with steep gorges, more than 500 waterfalls, tropical and subtropical rainforests, and beech forests in the higher elevations.

Nature buffs will be in heaven here. More than 190 species of birds live in the park, including bowerbirds and colorful flocks of parrots. Red-necked pademelons, a small kangaroo-like marsupial, frolic at the rainforest fringes, and the shy platypus swims in the park's river rock pools.

Lamington National Park is also a haven for hikers with more than 150 kilometers of walking trails.

Official site: http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/lamington/

Townsville is the largest tropical town in Australia. It's an excellent base for excursions and tours, particularly to beautiful Magnetic Island and the Great Barrier Reef, but it also offers plenty of tourist attractions of its own.

The town lies on Cleveland Bay at the foot of Castle Hill , a 300-meter-high granite crag. Walking tracks lead to its peak, with panoramic views over the town and sea. But perhaps the best place to start exploring the city is the Strand . Strolling along this scenic waterfront promenade, you can take a dip at one of the swimming areas, soak up some of the region's history at Jezzine Barracks , enjoy a picnic in a park, or dine at a nearby café.

Apart from the picturesque waterfront, Townsville owes much of its charm to its many parks and private gardens filled with luxuriant tropical flowers. While you're here, be sure to take a stroll through the Queen's Gardens, Townsville's oldest botanical garden, and Townsville Palmetum, with the world's largest collection of palms.

Families will find plenty of kid-friendly attractions. Pack a picnic and head to Riverway , with its pretty riverfront parkland, walking and biking trails, art exhibits, and free swimming pools, and if you're interested in the local aquatic life, Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium features an underwater tunnel where you can view the coral reef and marine life up close.

Other popular things to do in Townsville include visiting the Museum of Tropical Queensland and diving the SS Yongala wreck.

Made famous by the late Steve Irwin, the charismatic croc-loving Aussie conservationist, Australia Zoo is one of Queensland's best loved family attractions. An easy day trip from Brisbane , the zoo has a strong focus on education and conservation. As well as Aussie favorites like kangaroos, koalas, emus, dingoes, - and crocs - you can also see exotic animal species, including Sumatran tigers, rhinos, meerkats, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, and elephants.

Crocoseum performances are a great way to learn more about some of the fascinating creatures that call the zoo home, including birds of prey, snakes, and the venue's namesake crocodiles. You can also ride a camel, feed a kangaroo or red panda, and cuddle a koala. The zoo is spread out over 110 acres, so make sure you wear your walking shoes.

Official site: http://www.australiazoo.com.au/

Remote, rugged, and rich in Aboriginal history, the Cape York Peninsula & Torres Strait Islands are some of the most the unique places to visit in Queensland.

Looking for adventure? You'll find it on the legendary "trip to the tip" of Cape York Peninsula, one of Australia's epic road-trips. You can also reach some of the top Cape York destinations on a day trip from Cairns, including the historic settlement of Cooktown and the wildlife-rich wetlands of Lakefield National Park .

But to hit the northernmost tip of Australia, excellent planning and an off-road vehicle are essential. River crossings are part of the adventure, and in the far north, wet season deluges wash out the rudimentary roads, so travel must be tackled during the dry season, from May to October.

Along the way, you'll see jungly rain forests, wild mangrove-fringed beaches, sprawling savannah, croc-filled rivers, ancient rock art, and fascinating Aboriginal communities. North of Weipa, it's usually necessary to camp, and satellite phones are highly recommended.

If you're not up for the planning and logistics of a self-drive tour of this wild, relatively unspoiled region, you can always take an organized tour or fly directly into one of the 274 Torres Strait Islands north of Cape York's tip. Thursday Island is the main administrative center and a great place to learn about the culture of the Torres Strait islanders. Horn Island reveals a fascinating military history. Private Roko Island offers a unique glamping experience, and you can tour a pearl farm here and on Friday Island .

Fishing charters off Weipa are another popular way to explore this untamed coast.

More on Australia

41 Best Places to Visit in Queensland Australia

By: Author The Aussie Tourist

Posted on Last updated: 03/28/2021

Categories Queensland (Qld)

Sharing is caring!

Looking for the best places to visit in Queensland including some of Queensland’s secret spots?

So, you’ve done it; You’ve saved up your money, purchased your plane ticket, sat through the long flight to arrive in the land most of us experienced through watching the Crocodile Hunter on television. Now you are dying to explore, stretch your legs and start enjoying your vacation.

What do you do first? What are the best things to do in Queensland?

If you are out of ideas, overwhelmed by the endless possibilities, or just plain unsure of where you should go while you are there, look no further. We are going to review the best places to go in Queensland, including the top 10 attractions, to really experience what Australia is all about.

41 Top Queensland Tourist Destinations

Our first stop is the city of Cairns where you can get a taste of pretty much anything. As you walk down the streets there are plenty of shops to peruse and restaurants when you want a quick bite to eat.

The real attraction though is that it is the closest city to the Great Barrier Reef, which means more time for scuba diving and less travel! One of the cool driving routes we would recommend from Cairns is the Cairns to Port Douglas Drive .

Due to the location of Cairns it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland in winter – it is hot all year round! It is also one of the best areas to stay in Queensland due to the affordability. A nice hotel in Cairns is much less than in Brisbane for example. For instance, this 5 star hotel would be double the price elsewhere.

• Things to do in Far North Qld

Whitsundays

There are 74 islands off the coast that offer so much to the adventurous soul. Most of these islands are uninhabited and are perfect for hiking or experiencing a little slice of the rain forest.

After wandering through nature and taking in the view you can easily take a dip in the ocean that surrounds you and enjoy your toes in the nice white sand. Definitely one of the best Queensland places to visit.

Kuranda really knows how to kick it up a notch!

Not only can you view the breathtaking waterfalls and vast rainforest from the safety and comfort of the railway, but if trains aren’t your idea of a good time they have a gondola ride to relax on.

Need something more exciting? You need to check out the amazing view from the Skyrail. Hope you aren’t afraid of heights! One of the most unique places to visit in Queenland.

The Gold Coast is the place to be with a balance of city life, scenery and long sandy beaches to enjoy. One of the best weekend getaways from Brisbane .

But what it is really known for are the number of theme parks it offers. You can enjoy your day at places such as Sea World, Wet’n’Wild,or Dreamworld then enjoy some hiking in the national park’s mountains.

If you keep your eyes peeled you might even see a few rare birds that call the Gold Coast home.

Known for its perfect surfing conditions Noosa is the place to be. Sunshine Beach is the best place for relaxing on the beach, shopping, grabbing a bite to eat and, more importantly, enjoying the surf either from the beach or from the board.

Further inland, if you need a break from the salt water, Noosa River is the best place to enjoy some kayaking or canoeing through the everglades.

As you make your way around Queensland you should stop in Mackay to visit Eungella National Park. There are rare frogs that call this place home along with the very unusual platypus.

If you want to continue with the foliage theme you can also visit Mackay’s botanical gardens and enjoy the afternoon seeing the nature, art exhibits and grabbing a snack in the café.

Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation

For nature lovers, the next must see would have to be Daintree National Park. There are many trails and tours you can take to enjoy one of the world’s oldest rainforests that many exotic birds call home.

Then on the edge of the park you will come upon Cape Tribulation; secluded beaches where rainforest meets sea. There you can swim, visit the reef or even take a self-guided horseback ride.

Fraser Island

If you get sick of your hotel room and are looking for something more authentic, head to Fraser Island, one of Australia’s best island across from Harvey Bay .

Go camping among the multicolored cliffs and gorgeous beaches. There are even fresh water lakes on the island so you can take a nice refreshing dip in the middle of all that natural beauty.

Just remember to pack everything you’d need including water, it is very secluded!

Heron Island

For a more pampered Island stay, Heron Island is the way to go. The island is a coral cay with its own resort so you can lounge and relax in the sun or go out and enjoy snorkeling among the coral reef.

Don’t forget to see the turtle nesting hatching sites from October to April to see the tiny newly hatched turtles march to the ocean!

Daydream Island

Another terrific resort location is Daydream Island.

Relax in the ocean air and take advantage of all the resort has to offer. Taste the Asian fusion cuisine while overlooking the pool from your spacious newly renovated hotel suite. Take a yoga class with the waves as your background noise. Take a guided tour.

Whatever you do, you will not be disappointed – one of the best places to go in Qld.

Green Island

What would a visit to Australia be if you didn’t see any crocodiles?

Safer, for sure, but one of the safest ways to see these reptilian creatures is by visiting Marineland Melanesia on Green Island. Its home to Cassius, the largest crocodile in captivity at nearly 18ft long and weighing more than a ton! Truly a once in a life time opportunity.

Springbrook National Park

Back to the outdoors and straight to Springbrook National Park.

They have the most breathtaking mountains, caves and waterfalls, among them being Springbrook Natural Bridge cave which is a sanctuary for glow worms. Take a walk through the cave and the walls light up like something out of the movie Avatar. The waterfall in the cave adds to the unique atmosphere and proves that nature is truly amazing.

Mt Tamborine Skywalk

For an even better view of the trees, try walking through the canopy on the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. Admire the bird’s eye view of all the diverse flora and fauna the rainforest has to offer while strolling at your own pace nearly 100 feet in the air!

Now that’s an adventure!

Port Douglas

Feeling the need to do a little Golfing on your trip? Stop by Palmer Sea Reef in Port Douglas. The city has many shops and restaurants to try, beaches and rainforest to visit, but if you like to hit the green, they have a tropical links course that is truly a one of a kind experience.

Don’t forget to watch out for crocodiles while you play, they enjoy the green too.

If you are visiting between July and November, Hervey is the place to be.

During this time the humpback wales are visiting and you can either watch them from shore or get a better view from a whale watching boat tour. Whichever you choose, enjoy some local cuisine, put your toes in the sand and relax while watching the tails of humpbacks clap the ocean surface.

For a step back into history, travel to the Mount Isa for a tour of the underground Hard Times Mine. It was once one of the most productive mines in history, and being situated in the outback, it’s a must see.

If you wish to go even further back in time, check out the Riversleigh Fossil Fields where you can see the evolution of animals in limestone.

• Things to do in Mt Isa
• Mt Isa Accommodation 

Boodjamulla National Park

Have you ever wanted to walk through the outback?

If you go to Boodjamulla National Park that is exactly what you’ll do. They have trails that will lead you through the best the outback has to offer; gorgeous scenery, orange sandstone cliffs, and Emerald green waters. There is even a trail that will lead you to see the rock art of the Aboriginal people.

Town of 1770

If you find yourself yearning for more history in a more relaxed setting, the town of 1770 will be your favorite place to stay. It was one of the first settled towns and the locals are very proud of the history.

Take surf lessons, backpack along the coast and look for kangaroos, snorkel. Whatever you wish to do you can find it here loaded with historical fun.

Charleville

In Charleville you’ll enjoy the many different museums in the area.

Highly suggested is the Charleville Cosmos Center where you can view the wonders of the Milky way and see the night sky without any interruption. Learn about Astronomy in a friendly comfortable setting then head to the Royal Flying Doctor Hangar Visitor center for a cozy non-staffed experience where you can see what there is to see without interruption.

• Things to do in Charleville

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

No matter your interest, you must make your way to the unbelievably beautiful Carnarvon Gorge.

You can walk the easy trails and be captivated by the wildlife or you can challenge yourself by climbing the gorge walls in search of the perfect view. There is camping, biking, and hiking throughout the park, everything you need for the perfect outdoors adventure.

Don’t forget your camera, it is one of the best places to visit in Qld.

North Stradbroke Island

For a natural, relaxed, laid back vibe, head to the North Stradbroke Island, known as ‘Straddie’ to the locals. It is one of the Queensland tourist attractions for locals and tourists alike.

Kangaroos and Kolas hang out wherever they wish, you can whale watch from the coast and kookaburra can be spotted on the island. Also an interesting site is the Blue and Brown lakes; the brown lake has its color because of the native tea trees around it.

Agnes Waters

Close to the Town of 1770 you will find Agnes Waters, a little town that share’s in its rich local history.

It’s also at the southernmost end of the Great Barrier Reef so it is wonderful place to go for underwater activities. But there is so much to see and do here!

From hiking the Red Rock Trail to walking along the boardwalk or strolling the beaches, you will never be bored. I would rate this one of the best places to relax in Queensland.

See more: 

• Things to do in Agnes Waters

Lamington National Park

Another National Park you need to see is Lamington National park.

The forest and mountain range alone is worth the trip down the trails, but the Mountain View Alpaca farm is a great place to have lunch on the weekends and feed the alpacas.

There is also a treetop walkway, if the ground trails aren’t enough, Lookout point will provide a panoramic view of everything the park has to offer, and then some!

A nice relaxing family trip would be going to the Rotary Park in Redcliffe. There are plenty of jungle gyms to crawl around on for the little ones, and a beautiful ocean backdrop for a picnic lunch.

While you are there don’t miss the Redcliffe Botanical Gardens or the markets. In both locations you get to look at everything at your own pace, only at the markets you can bring it home with you.

• Things to do in Redcliffe

After traveling around so much, you are sure to want a nice glass of wine. Look no further than Stanthorpe. You can find plenty in some of the highest vineyards in Australia. Stroll through the luscious gardens, enjoy the fruit trees and surrounding farms as you taste Australia in every glass.

Remember, it is more than ok to have more than one!

Rainbow Beach

There are very few places where you can actually drive through the sand on the beach. Rainbow Beach is one of the places that does. It is one of the must see places in Queensland.

Drive through the sand dunes to the edge of the water where you can take surfing lessons. If you would rather stay in the water rather than doing doughnuts in your vehicle, you can also swim, snorkel or even do a little kayaking with the dolphins.

• Things to do in Rainbow Beach

Great Keppel Island

Need a unique ocean experience? How about a Jet Ski safari?

If you make your way to Great Keppel Island you can take a guided Jet Ski tour around the island and see some of the most beautiful scenery it has to offer.

If Jet Ski’s aren’t your idea of a good time there are still tons of stuff to do like snorkeling, swimming and waterboarding.

If you are wondering where to do in Queensland – head to Roma and you will be impressed with its interesting claim to fame.

Roma has the biggest cattle sale yards around, moving over 400,000 cows each year. You can take a tour and see all the different types of cows for sale and learn about the process.

After that, watch the Big Rig Night Show; a fun way to learn with trivia and a show.

• Things to do in Roma
• Best Places to Stay in Roma

Bunya Mountains

Want a trip that the whole family can enjoy? Take to the trails in the Bunya Mountains.

They are home to the Bunya trees that drop pines containing nuts that are a local delicacy and can be tasted in many of the foods nearby.

You can even stay in cabins in the mountains if the walk was just not enough of the fresh mountain air.

If you want to see cows but want a little more to go along with the trip, give Dalby a go. They have cow sales there as well as the Lake Broadwater Conservation Park which is a great place to walk, swim, ski and you can even go camping.

There is also Dalby Country Antiques if you would like to view, and possibly purchase, a little bit of local history.

• Things to do in Dalby
• Best Accommodation in Dalby

Townsville and Magnetic Island

You cannot visit one and not the other.

Townsville has the Reef HQ Aquarium that allows you to get up close to the marine life that resides in the surrounding ocean and the Billabong Sanctuary wildlife park where you can see creatures native to the area like koala and wombats.

But when you are that close to the Magnetic islands you must take the ferry so you can enjoy the ideal beach vacation complete with snorkeling in the surrounding coral reef.

If you are looking for that small town feel on your vacation, head to Burleigh where they have a laid back life style and eating out is the thing to do.

They have many different types of restaurants to choose from and you can work off all those calories by surfing the perfect waves for any level of experience, so no need to feel guilty! One of the best places to go in Southern Queensland.

• Things to do in Burleigh

Moreton Island

One of the most incredible things to see is just off the beaches of Moreton Island.

This gorgeous island is perfect with its white sandy beaches, sand dunes and places to hike, But in the waters around the island there is the Tangalooma Wrecks where old rusty boats are sunken into the water.

And if that doesn’t grab your attention, the Dolphin feeding spot nearby is sure to do the trick!

Bribie Island

Still looking for that perfect panoramic view?

Try Wild Horse Mountain and its scenic lookout point on Bribie Island. You can see for miles, viewing all of the lush greenery and other mountain peaks.

If you would rather stay in the sea, rent a boat or go kayaking to see the beauty of the island from the outside.

• Things to do in Bribie Island

The biggest draw to Currumbin, other than the beautiful beaches, shopping opportunities and local cuisine, is the Wildlife Sanctuary. They participate in many different preservation projects and provide homes for as many threatened and endangered species from all over Austrailia.

Come visit the Tasmanian Devil’s, the Bilby’s, Goodfellow’s tree Kangaroos and more. Make learning about them and how to save then fun and adorable.

From thrill-seeker’s paradise to family vacation, whichever you are looking for you will find in Caloundra. For the brave of heart there is sky-diving, jet-skiing and go-carting.

For those of tamer interests, there is plenty of food, scenery and swimming to entertain. If you visit on Sunday there is the Caloundra Street Fair with all kinds of food and crafts. Try a little of everything and see it all.

• Things to do in Caloundra

In Mooloolaba you will find relaxation and easy days as you stroll Mooloolaba Beach and take in the gorgeous view of sun and sand.

From there if you are curious about ocean life, visit SEA LIFE Sunshine zoo and aquarium where you can see everything up close and learn more about everything.

Of course there is always Moolooaba Osteopathy and Massage clinic where you can have them rub away vacation tension.

Hopefully you are not lactose intolerant because it would be a shame for you to miss out on Maleny Dairies. They have won awards for their milk and produce some of the best ice-cream and yogurt around.

When you are done taste testing, head to Maleny Cheese to see cheese being made and explore the café and shop.

And that is only a sample of what Maleny has to offer!

• Best things to do in Maleny

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

Surfer’s Paradise is perfectly named because it is right next to the perfect surfing beach. Become one with the waves and ride your board with ease, but this place is not just about the surfing.

They offer many different attractions such as an amazingly built skyline, plenty of shops and cafes, an incredible view from Sky Point Observation Deck, and for the night owls, plenty of nightclubs on the strip.

The most populated city in Queensland, but the most activities to offer is Brisbane. Unmissable places to visit in Brisbane include: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Mount Coot-tha.

Brissie or Bris-vegas, as the locals call it, is bustling with city life and culture, an interesting mix that you can see at any of the local art galleries or museums. You will never be bored in Bris-vegas!

• Fun things to do in Brisbane at night
• Romantic things to do in Brisbane

Cape York Peninsula & the Torres Strait Islands

Last but not least is Cape York Peninsula and the Torres Strait Islands.

Cape York is mostly flat and used for cattle grazing, but you can bike or drive through the beautiful land with ease.

From there you can travel to the Islands which are the northernmost part of Australia before you hit New Guinea. Because of its location it is full of cross cultural history, which they are more than happy to share.

Hopefully now you have some ideas as to where you wish to travel on your vacation. Relax, seek adventure, learn about culture and the land around you, swim, do something new. Whatever you want to do you can find it here in Queensland, Australia.

Looking for places beautiful places beyond Queensland?

• Things to do in Melbourne at Night
• Romantic Things to do in Sydney
• Romantic Things to do in Melbourne
• Day Trips from Melbourne

Don’t forget to end your trip with some epic Australian Quotes !

©Matt Munro/Lonely Planet

Queensland is Australia's take on paradise. Warm, laidback and heartbreakingly beautiful, its sweep of pristine beaches, luxuriant jungle and ethereal peaks conjure a southern Shangri-La.

Best Things to Do

Attractions, must-see attractions.

Whitehaven Beach

The Whitsundays

One of of Australia's most photogenic and hyped beaches, Whitehaven is a pristine 4.3 mile-long (7km) stretch of blinding sand (at 98% pure silica, some…

Botanic Gardens

Rockhampton

These Heritage-listed gardens, begun in 1873, are a beautiful escape from often-sweltering Rockhampton, with tropical and subtropical rainforest,…

Whitsunday Island

The largest of the paradisaical group to which it gives its name, Whitsunday Island is ruggedly forested, and surrounded by clear teal waters and coral…

Mossman Gorge

The Daintree

In the southeast corner of Daintree National Park, 5km west of Mossman town, Mossman Gorge forms part of the traditional lands of the Kuku Yalanji people…

Split Rock Gallery

Cairns & Far North Queensland

About 12km south of Laura look out for the badly signposted turn-off to the Split Rock Gallery, the only rock-art site open to the public without a guide…

Capricorn Caves

Riddling the Berserker Range some 24km north of Rockhampton, this vast cave complex is one of the Capricorn Coast's foremost attractions. Technically not…

South Bank Parklands

Should you sunbake on a sandy beach, saunter through a rainforest, or eye-up a Nepalese peace pagoda? You can do all three in this 17.5-hectare park…

Great Sandy National Park: Cooloola Section

Sunshine Coast

Extending from Lake Cootharaba north to Rainbow Beach, this 54,000 hectare section of national park offers wide ocean beaches, soaring cliffs of richly…

Top picks from our travel experts

Experience the best of queensland’s scenic rim with these 8 awesome things to do.

Tamborine National Park

Queensland’s oldest national park comprises 13 sections stretching across an 8km plateau. Pick up a map at the information centre in North Tamborine for…

Lamington National Park

The 200-sq-km Lamington National Park is a Unesco World Heritage Site with more than 160km of walking trails. This is a wonderful place for bushwalking,…

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge

This atmospheric mountain retreat is the nearest thing to a ski lodge in the bush and offers absolute offline peace. You can stay in rustic log cabins,…

Latest stories from Queensland

Filter by interest:

• All Interests
• Adventure Travel
• Art & Culture
• Beaches, Coasts & Islands
• Food & Drink

Feb 4, 2024 • 6 min read

From sampling wine from cellar doors to hiking through national parks, here are the top things to do in southeast Queensland’s stunning Scenic Rim.

Jan 14, 2022 • 2 min read

Dec 1, 2021 • 6 min read

Mar 31, 2021 • 5 min read

Mar 25, 2021 • 5 min read

Nov 22, 2020 • 4 min read

Feb 7, 2020 • 5 min read

Jan 31, 2020 • 15 min read

Jan 28, 2020 • 5 min read

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Queensland

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks.

Get to the heart of Queensland with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

Queensland and beyond

23 of the Best Places to Visit in Queensland

Are you planning your Queensland holiday but not sure where to go?  Geographically, Queensland is a massive place and with so many awesome things to do in Queensland, it sure can be tough putting together all your itinerary – particularly if you are short on time. 

Which is where this guide comes in handy, as with the help of some of the top travel bloggers, I’ve compiled this guide on 23 of the very best places to visit in Queensland.  From the stunning beaches on the Gold Coast in South East Queensland to the lush rainforests of Far North Queensland and all areas in between, this guide covers the very best of Queensland.

This post may contain compensated links.  Please refer to my disclaimer  here  for more information.

Page Contents

• 1.1 The Gold Coast Beaches
• 1.2 Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• 1.3 Burleigh Heads
• 1.4 Springbrook National Park
• 1.6 South Bank               
• 1.7 Explore the Brisbane Islands
• 1.8 Glass House Mountains
• 1.10 Australia Zoo
• 1.11 Fraser Island
• 1.12 Whale Watching in Hervey Bay
• 1.13 Sunrise with the Kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough
• 1.14 Airlie Beach
• 1.15 Whitehaven Beach
• 1.16 Sail the Whitsundays
• 1.17 Magnetic Island
• 1.18 Great Barrier Reef
• 1.19 Port Douglas
• 1.20 Kuranda
• 1.21 Stay in a Rainforest Tree House
• 1.22 The Daintree
• 1.23 Cooktown

Planning a trip to Queensland? Have any questions? Join our Queensland Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Best Places to Visit in Queensland

The gold coast beaches.

The beaches are among the most popular places to go in Queensland and some of the best beaches in Queensland can be found on the Gold Coast.  Some of the more popular Gold Coast beaches include Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach, Burleigh (see more below) and Currumbin.  The beaches are stunning with warm, clear water and long sandy beautiful beaches.  With both surf and calm waters, whether you want to swim, surf, boogie board or SUP, there is the perfect beach for you.

And if you have had enough of the beaches, there is plenty to do in the region including theme parks , hiking trails and national parks. Not to mention shopping centres, boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and sporting events.

If stunning beaches weren’t enough, the good news about visiting the Gold Coast is given the year-round warm weather you can visit at any time of the year.  However it’s probably worth mentioning that our summers can get super-hot and are long!  Summer is officially between December and February – but more typically is between October and March.  The cold weather is really only across June, July and August which are our winter months.

Click here for our full guide on all there is to do on the Gold Coast.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Thanks to Maureen from So Many Places! So Little Time!

When it comes to Queensland places to visit to see Australian native animals, the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary should be on the top of your list.  It’s got 27 hectares of wildlife park in a tropical rain forest with all the iconic Australian wildlife, flora and fauna all together, in one easy to get to location and suitable for both family groups and solo travelers.

The park opens at 8 am with free entry to the very noisy and colorful lorikeet feeding and the cafe. It is worthwhile doing a bit of homework before you come to prioritize the things you want to see. Go to the website and take note of shows with their times and location so you don’t miss anything. Entry is $49.95 for adults and $39.95 for 4-14 year olds but you can often get discounted tickets online .

Once inside the park, you can wander around the open animal enclosures, cuddling a koala or feeding the kangaroos, or hop on the mini train when you want a break from walking. Catch some of the shows if you can. There’s the Free Flight Bird Show, the Crocodile Show, the snakes and reptiles in the Big Fang Theory Show, the Aboriginal Dance Show or Blinky Bills Studio Adventure.

There’s also a range of extra activities at a surcharge that includes a very interesting tour of the Wildlife Hospital or if you like your adventure sport, there’s the Treetop challenge with its zip line rides and challenges.

If you’re traveling by car, put “28 Tomewin Street, Currumbin” in your GPS. Tomewin Street is just off the Gold Coast Highway. There is both paid parking and free street parking available.

If you’re using public transport and coming from Surfers Paradise, take the tram to  Broadbeach South Station and then the 700 bus to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The cost will be $8 to $12 and will take about 45 minutes. From Coolangatta take the 700 or 760 bus towards Broadbeach.

Burleigh Heads

Thanks to Carolin from Breathing Travel

When thinking of where to go in Queensland, you cannot go past Burleigh Heads!   Pumping surf, cute cafes, unique boutique stores and friendly locals. Burleigh is a great place to visit for the whole family, there is plenty to do, see and eat. Or simply relax on the beach and don’t do anything. 

A good day in Burleigh starts with a fresh juice from The Fruit Shop on James Street or head to Commune Cafe for a hearty breakfast! Wander along the famous main street and check into the beautiful homeware and clothing boutiques. Then, stroll over to the beach, hit the surf or take a walk in Burleigh National Park. The afternoon is a great time to chill or have a picnic on Burleigh Hill watching the Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach skyline in the distance while the sun glows and slowly goes down behind the mountains.

If you happen to be in Burleigh on the weekend, don’t miss The Village Markets, a lively market with local food stalls, boutique fashion and live music. Come night time, Burleigh also has some great bars. Check out Burleigh Pavilion, Justin Lane Rooftop Bar and Mister Hizolas or Rick Shores for the best places to eat in Burleigh.

Click here to find some great accommodation in Burleigh Heads.

Springbrook National Park

Thanks to Eloise from My Favourite Escapes

Springbrook National Park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and is a Queensland must see. Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, it offers fantastic opportunities for hiking in the rainforest. There’s no public transport, so the best way to get there is by driving or joining a tour. It’s 40 minutes away from Surfers Paradise and 1.5 hrs from Brisbane.

Natural Bridge is one of the most famous walks there. The 1.5km circuit is accessible for all ages and fitness levels. It leads to a beautiful cave where you can see a rare colony of glow worms at night. Many stunning lookouts are accessible by car, as well as short and long hikes to please all kinds of adventurers.

Springbrook National Park is excellent all year round. If you wish to see the waterfalls full, it’s better to visit in summer or autumn, during or after the wet season. It does get hot in summer, which can be uncomfortable for hiking. But as you are mostly in the shade of the rainforest, so it’s not as bad as most places in Queensland.

If you want to stay in the region for a few days, the Mouses House Retreat has beautiful chalets nestled in the rainforest that can host the entire family or click here for alternative accommodation in the region .

Being Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane is usually the starting point for most when they visit Queensland. It is an excellent gateway to popular Queensland holiday destinations such as gorgeous beaches of the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast and of course, the famous Gold Coast theme parks and attractions.

While Brisbane City is an excellent base for day trips, the city itself is also worth exploring for a few days and the best news is that many of the main tourist attractions are free!!  You can visit museums, art galleries, cruise the river, swim at South Bank (see below), take guided tours as well as get around the city completely free of charge.   And of course, as with all cities, there are plenty of shops to quench your shopping urges in the CBD, and you never know you may win a small fortune at the Treasury Casino, to finance your shopping spree.

My top tips on things to do in the Brisbane CBD are to take a cruise up the river, have a drink or two at a rooftop bar and have dinner at one of the restaurants at Howard Wharf.

Click here for our full guide on visiting Brisbane.

South Bank               

Thanks to Stephanie from Navigating Adventure   

Queensland is known for its spectacular beaches, and arguably one of its most iconic beach is located at South Bank – right on the edge of the Brisbane River and just a short stroll from the CBD.

South Bank parklands were created for Expo ’88 and they have been a popular family destination ever since. Children love cooling off at Streets Beach or paddling in the surrounding lagoons during the warmer months and playing on the numerous playgrounds year-round.

The beautifully landscaped gardens are perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch, or families can eat at one of the many cafes. For a unique experience, you can treat yourself to refreshments high in the sky on the Wheel of Brisbane!

South Bank is home to Brisbane’s cultural precinct, which includes several child-friendly educational attractions. We recommend the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA) and the Queensland Museum, which features Sparklab, an interactive science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) space designed for young, curious minds.

Perfect for a whole day out, South Bank is a ten-minute walk from the Queen Street Mall and accessible by train, bus, the City Cat ferry or paid parking. For nearby accommodation, search for apartments at South Brisbane, West End or central Brisbane.

Click here for our full guide on things to do in South Bank.

Explore the Brisbane Islands

If you’re not from Brisbane, you may be surprised to learn that there are some stunning islands off Brisbane including North Stradbroke Island, Peel Island, Bribie Island and Moreton Island to name a few.  These Brisbane islands are some of the best places to visit in South East Queensland and all easily accessible by a short ferry ride.  In fact Bribie Island, you can drive right there.

All of these islands are just stunning and the perfect spot for swimming, as well as other water activities such as kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and snorkelling.  If you can, it’s best to spend a few days at each island exploring all that’s on offer, but if you have only have a day, it’s best to join a tour.

For more information, check out our guide on visiting North Stradbroke Island and our guide on visiting Tangalooma on Moreton Island .

Glass House Mountains

Thanks to Laura from Passport Collective

The Glasshouse Mountains are a group of 13 mountains located in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, around an hour north of Brisbane. The mountains were formed by ancient volcanic activity in the region and as such offer a beautiful and spectacular display of rock formations in the area. Mt Ngungun is popular with families for hiking. It’s well laid track takes around 45 minutes to hike and there are plenty of scenic rest stops along the way. The peak offers the opportunity to scramble over rocks and enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the mountain range.

Mt Tinbeerwah is fantastic for families with younger children. The peak is a 15-minute climb from the car park on a well-made track. Once you reach the summit, you can make the final climb up to the observation deck which gives you a great vantage point for the rest of the range. Mt Tinbeerwah is particularly pretty during sunset. A gorgeous misty glow envelops the surrounding mountain range and the sound of kookaburras can be heard from the trees. The path is not lit, so if you’re planning to stay until dark, make sure to pack a torch.

The range is steeped in Aboriginal history, so make sure to stop and read the trail markers and park signs as you explore.

When it comes to Queensland destinations, they don’t come much more lovely than Noosa.  Noosa is not only a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast, but with the Noosa National Park, Main Beach and Noosa River, it is a great place to get out and about in the great outdoors.

The Noosa National Park offers both picturesque coastlines as well as a variety of walking tracks from easy to moderate, through the rainforest and along the gorgeous coastline. Walking tracks start from a few hundred metres to 5.4 kilometers.  Some of the best Noosa beaches can be found in the Noosa National Park, such as Tea Tree Bay, Winch Cove and Granite Bay.  Just outside the park you will find my favourite Noosa beach – Little Cove.  With the back drop of the lush Noosa National Park and the calm crystal clear water, these beaches are without a doubt some of the most stunning in Australia. 

These beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, or stand up paddleboarding.  When the tide is out, the waves pick up just enough for some gentle boogie boarding too.  You’ll find the entrance to the Noosa National Park just a short stroll or drive from the famous tourist strip of Hastings Street.

The calm crystal-clear waters of the Noosa River are ideal for getting out and exploring in a kayak or SUP.  You can bring your own or hire your own or join a tour group.  If you paddle right out to the mouth of the Noosa River, you will find many sand islands where you can hang out on your own deserted island for as long as you like. There are also several pathways around the area perfect for biking, walking and running.

Noosa is also a great place to base yourself for some of the other Queensland attractions located on the Sunshine Coast.

Click here for our full guide on visiting Noosa.

Australia Zoo

Thanks to Sinead from Map Made Memories

One of the most popular Queensland tourist attractions is Australia Zoo.   Located in the small town of Beerwah on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the 1,000-acre zoo was founded by the late Steve Irwin, and the Irwin family still owns and operate the zoo today.

Our family has mixed feelings about zoos so we choose carefully which zoos we visit and support. But each of us loved our packed day at Australia Zoo.  The zoo contains large enclosures as close to the animal’s natural habitat as is possible. You can see animals from all over the world such as tigers, cheetahs and red pandas as well as Australian animals such as wombats, echidnas and the park’s most famous residents, crocodiles.

Our children’s favourite part of the park was hand feeding the kangaroos in their gigantic enclosure. For me, it was tickling a giant tortoise under its chin during an Animal Encounter experience. Education and conservation is a key focus of the zoo and we were impressed with the passion and knowledge of the zoo rangers, many of whom were volunteers. The zoo also has an attached medical centre where sick and injured animals are treated, rehabilitated and wherever possible re-released. 

Fraser Island

Thanks to Nicky from Go Live Young.

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, located off the Queensland coast. Stretching for more than 120 kilometres, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, alongside other Australian highlights, including the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru and Kakadu. This giant sand island can only be explored by 4WD, either independently or as part of a tour . The island consists of long sandy beaches backed by coloured sand cliffs, huge sand dunes, freshwater inland lakes and ancient rainforest.

We opted to visit Fraser Island independently, hiring a 4WD vehicle from the mainland, complete with camping gear, for a two night/three day trip. Hiring a 4WD gives you complete freedom to roam the island, giving you complete flexibility when travelling as a family. Campsites and ferry crossing are also organised as part of the rental. Other options include organised tours on large 4WD buses and tag-along tours, popular with backpackers, where groups of travellers pile into a 4WD convoy and follow a lead vehicle with a guide. 

The island is known for its natural beauty and the highlights include: the freshwater inland Lake McKenzie surrounded by perfect white sand; the Champagne Pools, natural rock seawater pools; causing along Seventy Five Mile Beach in your 4WD; Eli Creek which you can float down if you bring rubber rings; and Lake Wabby with its huge sand dune. There are no roads on the island, just sand tracks and miles of beach along the east coast of the island. 

Fraser Island is a unique and special place and one of the best places in Queensland for adventure-loving families.

Whale Watching in Hervey Bay

Thanks to Christina from Travel2next.com

One of the best things to see in Queensland is the humpback whales in Hervey Bay.  While whale watching in Hervey Bay it’s possible to see humpback whales on their annual migration in many coastal towns in Queensland.  But there’s only one place where you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic experience. The reason why Hervey Bay is known as the Whale Watching Capital of the World is that lots of humpback whales hang around in the calm and sheltered waters between July and November.

Hervey Bay is a natural resting point for the humpback whales during their long swim back to the Antarctic. Here, the whales are curious and unafraid of the whale-watching boats. It’s common to see whales breaching, blowing, spy hopping and tail slapping in Hervey Bay.   There is a range of different whale watching cruises you can join from half days to full day cruises.

There are direct flights to Hervey Bay from Sydney and Brisbane, or you can hire a car and drive from Brisbane (about 3.5 hours). It’s worth the drive as there are other family-friendly attractions on the Fraser Coast, such as exploring Fraser Island and the historic town of Maryborough.

While in Hervey Bay, stay at one of the hotels (such as Mantra Hervey Bay ) on the Urangan Marina for easy access to the whale watching boats.  

Sunrise with the Kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough

Thanks to Tracy from Tracys Travels in Time  

One of the absolute best Queensland things to do is to visit Cape Hillsborough to see the kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise. Located a 30-minute drive from Mackay, this experience really should be on everyone’s must-do Queensland list.

To ensure you actually see the kangaroos at Cape Hillsborough beach , it is essential to be on the beach at sunrise as this is when they come down to feed on seedpods that have been washed ashore. If possible, book nearby accommodation at Cape Hillsborough (there are a few options) as it makes it easier (and safer) to get to the beach. 

Remember that the animals are wild – don’t try to feed them or touch them. And don’t stand between them and the back of the bach – they need to know they can leave when they want to.

Also don’t forget your camera – I have literally hundreds of photographs and videos as it is such a stunning sight. The beach turns orange and golden as the sun rays seep over the horizon and is really beautiful, especially with the kangaroos silhouetted.

Another tip If you are visiting in winter is to wrap up warmly as it can be bitterly cold on the beach.     

Airlie Beach

  Thanks to Tina from Hangry by Nature

Laid-back, hip and perfect for those who love the slow life – Airlie Beach is the ideal base to jumpstart your Whitsundays adventures. If you’re planning to tick off Queensland activities such as the Great Barrier Reef and Whitehaven Beach from your bucket list, then you’ll no doubt be passing through this picturesque coastal town.

We found the best time to visit Airlie Beach is from June to September, outside of stinger and wet season so that you can enjoy the water, sunshine, and possibly even spot a few migrating whales.

If you don’t fancy a dip in the ocean (especially during stinger season), then head to Airlie Beach Lagoon. Situated in the town centre, lagoon features shallow wading pools for kids and deeper swimming areas for adults. 

Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the scenic Bicentennial Walk, dotted with public BBQ facilities and playgrounds; it’s a perfect leisurely walk for families. Admire the sunset over Coral Sea Marina and admire luxury yachts in all their million-dollar glory.

Don’t forget to explore the bustling town centre where you’ll stumble upon boutique shops, restaurants with killer views, trendy cafes and cool bars. While you’re there, stroll over to the revitalised foreshore and let the kids exert their energy at the brand new adventure playground.

Click here for our guide on cheap family accommodation in Airlie Beach.

Whitehaven Beach

Thanks to Jan from Budget Travel Talk  

There are 74 islands in North Queensland’s Whitsunday Group of Islands, with only a handful of islands visited commercially. Although each have individually charming beaches, there is one beach that stands out in the crowd.

Whitsunday Island, the largest of all the Whitsunday Islands, is where you will find Whitehaven Beach, known the world over for it’s shining white sand. An even bigger Whitsunday draw-card is the view over Whitehaven’s Hill Inlet, where the white sand and clear blue-green water challenge each other in an ever-changing display. I liken it to Nature’s lava lamp.

Even with megastar status Whitehaven Beach retains a natural beauty, no doubt due to day visitor numbers being strictly controlled within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Abell Point Marina at Airlie Beach is one mainland departure point for Whitehaven Beach day trips , as is Port of Airlie. Nearby Shute Harbour caters for bare-boating, sailing charters and a barge service delivering campers to the islands.

Whitehaven Beach can be accessed from the other Whitsunday islands including Hamilton Island. If pressed for time, get a bird’s eye view of Whitehaven Beach from a Seaplane or Helicopter.

September is billed as the ultimate month to visit Whitehaven Beach, followed by the winter months of June, July, August. Winter temperatures can be cold, but we wore full wet suits when snorkelling, which can be hired from your boat trip provider.

The best way to arrive in the Whitsundays is by road from Brisbane or Cairns and by plane from Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne to Whitsunday Coast Airport near Proserpine.  

Sail the Whitsundays

Thanks to Emily from Websites From A Van  

Sailing a yacht around The Whitsunday Islands is one of the best things to do in Queensland with kids and something the whole family will remember in years to come.

The Whitsundays are renowned for calm seas, turquoise waters, tropical weather and of course access to pristine islands and beaches with National Park status. The islands are also the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, one of the seven wonders of the natural world.

When you hire a bareboat charter yacht, you’re taught how to manage the craft and then given complete control over where you go and what you see. Don’t let a lack of sailing skills put you off; you can always “sail” with the motor on.

Kids will enjoy snorkelling off the boat, exploring secluded beaches, rainforest walks and learning how to sail. You must visit the world-famous Whitehaven Beach and stop in at Hamilton Island for amazing views and restaurants. 

It is possible to sail the Whitsundays all year round with some great deals in the offseason, however the best conditions are expected between June to October.

Hire a yacht through Whitsunday Rent a Yacht; located in Shute Harbour and you will have the closest access to the islands and they have the most competitive prices.

Proserpine Airport is less than an hour away, and Airlie Beach is the closest town offering the perfect base to prepare for your tropical adventure.  

Magnetic Island

Thanks to Annie from Off Goes Annie  

Magnetic Island is one of the best Queensland tourist destination for any family trip around Queensland. Easily accessible by ferry from Townsville, the 52 square kilometre Magnetic Island boasts a huge 320 days a year of sunshine and is guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.

The most popular attraction on this small paradise island is to hire a car and drive around the numerous secluded bays. In the Northern part of the island, you’ll find an old WWII fort, as part of a brilliant one hour and a half long Forts Walk. Many families choose to hire one of the infamous ‘Barbie cars’ to zoom around the island but note that you must have a 4WD to access the West side’s beaches.

Alternatively, it’s possible to get a $7 per day unlimited bus pass to explore the island, helping to keep costs down. What’s more, take the kids to Bungalow Bay Koala Village to check out the adorable koala sanctuary. 

Click here for accommodation on Magnetic Island.  

Great Barrier Reef

Thanks to Nicci from Trip Chiefs

A visit to the Great Barrier Reef would have to be my number one must-do for families visiting Queensland. And I’m a Queenslander, so I’ve seen a lot! 

Swim amongst stunning coral reefs full of colourful fish, turtles, giant clams, sea cucumbers, and more. There are options to suit all ages, but for me, the ultimate way to see the reef is to take a guided tour to the outer reef from Port Douglas or Cairns where you can snorkel or scuba dive from a pontoon.

For those with younger kids who aren’t strong swimmers, then sticking closer to land would be my recommendation.

Visiting the reef doesn’t come cheap, but it’s absolutely worth seeing, exploring and learning about this incredible slice of nature up close. As the world’s largest coral reef, it needs to be seen in person to be believed.

The best time to visit is late autumn and winter. You can choose to see the Great Barrier Reef anywhere between Bundaberg and Port Douglas.

Click here to view a range of tour options to the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns.

Port Douglas

Thanks to Arian from World of Travels with Kids

Port Douglas is one of the best destinations in Queensland for family travellers.  It’s small, charming, and has a beautiful ambiance.  Nestled on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, and close to the World Heritage Daintree Rainforest , Port Douglas makes a wonderful base for day trips.  Alternatively, if poolside relaxation and beach time is your idea of a holiday, there are some stunning resorts that will most definitely tick this box.  Small kids will enjoy the Bally Hooley Train, a restored cane train that puffs around the town, while big kids will enjoy the adventure possibilities.

Port Douglas is best visited in the winter (June to October) a period when it is warm and there is not too much rain. This is also the season when it is safe to swim in the ocean, as there are no stingers.  The Summer is from November through May and the weather is typical for the tropical wet season:  hot with downpours. 

To get to Port Douglas, we flew into Cairns via Brisbane.  From there, we hired a car and drove the 110 kilometres along a stunning highway, with tantalising glimpses of the stunning ocean, palm trees and rainforest vegetation. 

Thanks to Keri from Our Globetrotters  

For an absolute quintessential Queensland experience, head to the village in the mountains, Kuranda, between Cairns and Port Douglas in the Tropical North.   Half the fun of visiting Kuranda is getting there and back with the choice of the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway or the Kuranda Skyrail – a cable car .  Both are amazing experiences offering stunning views over the Barron Falls and McAlister Range, so definitely opt for a different mode of transport in each direction!

Once in Kuranda, there’s a variety of Australian shopping, food and wildlife experiences to choose from, most within walking distance of the adjacent stations.  Some favourites with the kids include the Butterfly Sanctuary , Birdworld and Kuranda Koala Gardens , or simply enjoy the plentiful markets packed with handy crafts and wonderful food – and, of course, the Kuranda Kandy Kitchen!

Slightly further away but a must to truly experience the beauty in among the mountains are the Kuranda River Cruises on the Barron River and Rainforestation Nature Park . Pick your attractions carefully though, as you don’t want to miss your ticket back down the mountains, definitely book early so you have the choice of optimal timings on the train and Skyrail.

The weather is best in the dry season, however a wet season visit will allow you to see the dramatic Barron Falls in full flow.

Click here to read our full guide to visiting Kuranda.    

Stay in a Rainforest Tree House

  Thanks to Katy from Untold Morsels

Imagine waking up to the sound of native birds and the gentle babble of a creek in the middle of pristine nature. You can’t get closer to nature than this, and the best way to experience it is to stay at a rainforest treehouse. Queensland’s tropical forests are some of the oldest and most complex ecosystems in the world. When you stay right in the heart of this special environment, you can discover unique and ancient species of wildlife that have roamed this area for thousands of years. Try to spot a cassowary making its way through the bush or a pademelon wallaby foraging for food from your balcony.

You can stay in a rainforest treehouse in locations throughout Queensland’s tropical north. Our favourite places are in the Daintree Rainfores t and Atherton Tablelands close to Cairns. In particular, the award-winning Canopy Treehouses close to Millaa Millaa Falls are a haven for tree kangaroos, endangered possums and cassowaries.

The Daintree

  The Daintree region covers almost 900,000 hectares of tropical north Queensland and is home to the World Heritage listed Daintree National Park.  The Daintree area covers the Mossman Gorge at the southern point, the Daintree River at its centre and then all the way up to the dense rainforests of Cape Tribulation.  The region has numerous tourist attractions including the lush dense rainforest, crocodile infested rivers, cool fresh water streams, pristine beaches and the Great Barrier Reef.

This is the only place in the world where 2 World Heritage listed sites exist side by side – Daintree National Park and the Great Barrier Reef.

While you can visit the Daintree in a day trip from Cairns, or better still spend a few days exploring this magnificent area.  Whilst visiting the Daintree you must visit the Mossman Gorge (pictured above), take a Daintree River Cruise to see crocodiles and other wildlife, the Daintree Discovery Centre and one of the gorgeous Daintree Rainforest Beaches – where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. 

One of the best things to do in the Daintree is to see the crocs in the wild!  Join one of the various boat tours and get ready to see these massive beasts as they bask in the glorious Queensland sun.  My tip is to go during low tide, this way you will get to see the full views of crocodiles rather then just their tips as they zig zag down the river.

Click here for a our full guide on visiting the Daintree.

Thanks to Natalie and Steve from Curious Campers Australia

Cooktown is 4.5 hours from Cairns. For the more adventurous, take the Bloomfield track, but note that it’s only accessible by 4WD and not suitable for caravans. The track has steep hills and potentially deep water crossings, so be sure to check the conditions before you go.

One of the highlights in Cooktown was the James Cook Museum.  Besides Captain Cook history, the museum also honours the local indigenous people and the early Chinese population. Not every museum is a winner with kids, but ours enjoyed this one. The Endeavour’s canon and anchor really caught their imagination.

We also had great fun fishing at the local wharf. Even if we didn’t catch much, the kids had a ball watching the locals reel in some enormous fish. The water park on the esplanade was also a big hit.

Cooktown Holiday Park is a great place to stay for families.  Here you find fantastic amenities such as a camp kitchen and pool.  For free camping, try Archer Point 20km south of Cooktown.

Cooktown has a wet season and a dry season. If you want to avoid rain, humidity, cyclones and stinger season, May to October is the best time to visit.

___________________________________________________________

Click here for more tips on where to visit in Queensland

1 thought on “23 of the Best Places to Visit in Queensland”

Australian Zoo was the best! I really want to go and know more about it! Thanks for this great post!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Planning a trip to Queensland?

Or just want some ideas on short breaks.

Let us help you plan the  PERFECT ,  STRESS FREE ,  BUDGET  friendly trip to Queensland for  FREE !!

We will send you everything you need for an awesome trip - itineraries, hotel suggestions, budget guides, getting around or just some inspiration on short getaways and day trips.

PLUS  you can download our packing checklist immediately.

Awesome - let's go to Queensland

You can unsubscribe at any time.

Skip links and keyboard navigation

• Skip to content
• Use tab and cursor keys to move around the page (more information)

Popular services

• Renew vehicle or boat rego
• Check my licence demerit points
• Renew my driving licence
• Change my address

Browse by category

• Transport and motoring
• Employment and jobs
• Education and training
• Queensland and its government

Tourism and recreation

Queensland is home to great places to holiday, relax and play. From the cities to the country, the beaches and reef to the rainforests Queensland has it all.

Find out more about tourist destination across our great state.

Check out the destinations:

• Gold Coast – places to stay, places to visit, holiday deals and more.
• The Whitsundays – tropical islands and reefs. Find accommodation, deals and more.
• Tropical North Queensland – access the reef and the rainforests. Find places to stay, things to see and do, and more.
• Explore all of Queensland – find destinations, deals and experiences across the state.

Check out things to do:

• Adventure and sport – cave diving, off road adventures, outback walks, white water rafting, fishing, snorkelling, scuba diving, horse riding, sky diving and more.
• Arts and culture – explore galleries, museums and memorials, or enjoy the theatre, ballet, festivals and more.
• Nature and wildlife – World Heritage Sites, national parks, rainforest, the outback, eco tourism, parks, gardens and more.
• Explore more things to see and do – discover the many things to see and do.

Find out more about recreational and outdoor activities across Queensland:

• Parks, forests, recreation centres and outdoor adventures
• Bike paths, cycling and walkways
• Camping and caravanning – permits, where to camp, caravanning destinations and explore the caravanning parks directory
• Boating and fishing – rules, permits, licensing and more
• Explore more recreational and outdoor activities

Explore Queensland’s regions

• Cairns and Far North  Queensland
• Central West (includes Gladstone and Rockhampton)

Mackay and Whitsunday

Mount isa and north west (includes townsville), brisbane and south east queensland, south west and darling downs, wide bay burnett.

Browse a map of Queensland if you’re unsure where to  start.

Cairns and Far North Queensland

Far  North Queensland is where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

• swim among the coral and sea life
• explore World-Heritage-listed rainforests
• 4-wheel drive in the outback.

Find activities and places  in Far North Queensland.

Central West (includes Gladstone and  Rockhampton)

Gladstone has a sub-tropical climate with many  recreational activities at the edge of the Great Barrier   Reef. Enjoy diving and fishing in the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean or riding and hiking in the region's  national parks.

Rockhampton  is bordered by tropical beaches on the coast, and rainforests and highlands in  the west.  On the Tropic of Capricorn, it  offers a range of activities like bushwalking, gem fossicking, fishing and  diving.

Discover  some of Queensland’s history at:

• the Workers' Heritage Centre at Barcaldine
• the Stockman's Hall of Fame
• the Qantas Founders' Museum at Longreach
• the Waltzing Matilda Centre at Winton
• Blackall's historic woolscour
• the Lark Quarry National Park with the world's only preserved tracks of  a dinosaur stampede.

Find activities and places in:

• Central West
• Rockhampton .

The  Mackay Whitsunday Region is in the heart of Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.

• relax on one of the 74 Whitsunday Islands
• snorkel and dive on the Great Barrier Reef
• bushwalk in Eungella National Park.

Find  activities and places in:

• the Whitsundays .

The  land of legendary cattle drives, this region is a vast area of rugged mountain  ranges, eucalyptus and red gum forests, spinifex plains, and dry and flooded  waterways.

You  will find:

• the World-Heritage-listed Riversleigh fossil area
• Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill Gorge) National Park
• regional camel races
• remote locations for gem fossicking.

The  Townsville region covers coastal towns, rainforests and rugged outback terrain.  Dive and snorkel among brightly coloured fish in the Great Barrier Reef or  fossick for gold in Charters Towers. Enjoy canoeing, jet-skiing, fishing or  relaxing on sandy beaches, or visit the rainforests and the outback.

• Mount Isa and North West
• Townsville .

South  East Queensland is home to Queensland’s capital Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast  and the Gold Coast. Stay in 5-star hotels or camp under the stars—choose from  beachside apartments, luxury resorts, cosy hinterland cabins, or welcoming ‘bed  and breakfasts’.

You  can:

• surf stunning beaches
• enjoy exciting nightlife
• escape to mountain getaways
• explore hinterland art galleries
• spot koalas in our national parks
• treat yourself to something special at the Eumundi markets
• watch the sunset over Moreton Bay from the beach at Tangalooma.
• Sunshine Coast .

Discover  Queensland’s pioneering past in an area rich in history, wineries and country  towns 2 hours drive west of Brisbane.

• explore Stanthorpe's 65 wineries
• go bushwalking in Currawinya National Park
• see the City of Toowoomba in full bloom during the annual flower  festival
• fish for Yellowbelly and Murray Cod on the banks of the Balonne River  in St George
• enjoy Warwick's Jumpers and Jazz Festival.

Find activities and places  in South West and Darling Downs.

A  4-hour drive north of Brisbane is the southern gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. This region offers a range of natural attractions and recreational activities:

• 140km of sandy coastline
• several national parks
• humpback-whale-watching off Hervey Bay from June to November
• 4-wheel driving across the world's largest sand island K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)
• a vibrant cultural community with an exciting calendar of events.
• Fraser Coast .

Places to Visit in Queensland

Here are the top 21 places to visit in queensland in 2024:, 1. brisbane.

1 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland 48 Tourist attractions

Brisbane, the vibrant capital of Queensland, Australia, is a flourishing urban hub renowned for its dynamic city life and thriving cultural scene. It boasts a laid-back yet energetic atmosphere, offering a blend of bustling city attractions and serene natural landscapes. The South Bank Parklands, a ...

Best Time: May to October. Winter season.

2. Gold Coast

2 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland 31 Tourist attractions

The Gold Coast, a coastal city in Queensland, Australia, epitomizes the quintessential beach lifestyle with its sun-kissed shores and vibrant urban atmosphere. Known for its pristine beaches, such as Surfers Paradise and Burleigh Heads, the city offers a plethora of water sports, from surfing to sno...

Best Time: Throughout the year, except monsoon

3 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland 49 Tourist attractions

Situated in Far North Queensland, Cairns is synonymous with Australia's tropical climates and oceanic bliss intertwined. Popularly known as the gateway to the magnificent Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, this city is the home base for those who wish to explore the abundant tropical riches...

Best Time: June to August

4 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Home to pristine beaches and lush greenery, Noosa is considered the main highlight of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. It is also home to the Noosa Everglades, an exotic labyrinth of lakes and rivers among lush wetlands, one of the only two everglades in the world.

Best Time: September to November

5. Fraser Island

5 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, and a World Heritage-listed island. It is abundant in Australian natural beauty, boasting of vast sandy beaches, pristine lakes and dense rainforests.

Best Time: September to November, March to May

6. Townsville

6 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Nestled in tropical North Queensland, Townsville is a vibrant city where coastal living meets cultural richness. Life here revolves around the iconic Strand, offering a picturesque waterfront with cafes and recreational areas. Magnetic Island, just a ferry ride away, invites exploration of coral ree...

Best Time: May to September

7. Port Douglas

7 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

The beautiful seaside town of Port Douglas, located around 60 km north of Cairns, is the staging point when visiting Australia's famous Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest. A swanky resort town in its own right, it is home to five-star properties, fine-dining restaurants, golf courses and lar...

8. Airlie Beach

8 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

The beautiful resort town of Airlie Beach is considered a popular gateway to the Whitsunday Islands. The budget accommodation, relaxed atmosphere and incredible natural beauty makes it a popular spot for backpackers and road-trippers exploring the scenic East Coast of Australia.

Best Time: June to October

9. Surfers Paradise

9 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Surfers Paradise, one of Australia's most iconic beachside destinations, is as exciting and vibrant as it is beautiful. Located on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, it is a paradise for beach lovers, offering stunning beaches, an array of attractions, and plenty of activities for travelers.

Best Time: April - May, September - October

10. Bundaberg

10 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

The city of Bundaberg is the birthplace of Bundaberg Rum, one of the most famous rums in the world. The Bundaberg Rum Distillery has stood in the city since 1888, where visitors can explore more about this exquisite spirit. The region’s coast is considered the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier R...

Best Time: Mid-November to February

Best tourist destinations & places in Queensland

11. hamilton island.

11 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Hamilton Island is a beautiful tropical destination located in the Whitsunday Islands of Queensland, Australia. It is one of the most popular holiday destinations for tourists and travelers alike. Hamilton Island boasts stunning white beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts, making it a...

Best Time: April - November

12 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Mackay, Australia is a popular destination for travelers seeking an outdoor paradise. Nestled in the heart of the Whitsundays, Mackay offers visitors a range of activities, attractions, and sights to explore. Located on the central east coast of Queensland, Mackay is a great starting point for explo...

Best Time: June - August, September - November

13. Toowoomba

13 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Toowoomba, located in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia, is a paradise for travelers looking for a unique experience. The city, known for its breath-taking views of the Great Dividing Range, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. Its lush green parks, botanical gardens, and u...

Best Time: September - November, March - May

14. Hervey Bay

14 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Hervey Bay is a picturesque city in the Wide Bay-Burnett region of Queensland, Australia. It is known for its beautiful beaches, fringing coral reefs, and whale-watching opportunities. It is the perfect destination for those looking for a relaxed getaway with plenty to explore and discover.

Best Time: July - November

15. Gladstone

15 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Gladstone is a coastal city located in Queensland, Australia. It is a vibrant city with plenty of attractions and activities to keep any traveler entertained. With its stunning harbour views, pristine beaches, and abundance of wildlife, there is something for everyone to explore. From snorkeling and...

Best Time: April - October

16. Rockhampton

16 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Rockhampton is a vibrant city in Queensland, Australia, known for its stunning natural beauty, and its unique cultural and historical attractions. The town is located between the tropical rainforest-covered mountains of the Great Dividing Range and the beautiful Fitzroy River, making it a perfect ho...

Best Time: May - September

17. Kingscliff

17 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Kingscliff, Australia, is a small coastal town located in the Tweed Valley of northern New South Wales. It is known for its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal views. It is the perfect place to get away from it all and relax. The main reason to visit Kingscliff is to take advantage of its stunnin...

18. Maroochydore

18 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Maroochydore, situated on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, embodies a vibrant coastal lifestyle surrounded by pristine beaches and a bustling urban center. Its golden shores, including Maroochydore Beach and Alexandra Headland, invite visitors to bask in the sun and partake in various water sports. The ...

19. Mooloolaba

19 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Mooloolaba, nestled on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, epitomizes a laid-back beach town lifestyle embraced by pristine sands and azure waters. The renowned Mooloolaba Beach invites visitors to soak up the sun and partake in a variety of water activities, including swimming and surfing. The vibrant Esp...

20. Palm Cove

20 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Palm Cove, nestled along the tropical coastline of Far North Queensland, offers a serene escape where palm-fringed beaches meet laid-back luxury. Life in Palm Cove centers around its pristine white sands, inviting visitors to relax beneath swaying palms or embark on water adventures. The picturesque...

Best Time: May - October

Best Tourist Attractions in Queensland

South Bank Parklands

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Riverlife Adventure Centre

Queensland Cultural Centre

Roma Street Parklands

21. Caloundra

21 out of 21 Places to visit in Queensland

Caloundra, situated on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, radiates a relaxed coastal lifestyle blended with natural beauty. Life here revolves around pristine beaches like Kings Beach and Bulcock Beach, offering ideal spots for sunbathing and water activities. The lively town center, with ...

Nearby States

Get the best offers on Travel Packages

Compare package quotes from top travel agents

Compare upto 3 quotes for free

• India (+91)

*Final prices will be shared by our partner agents based on your requirements.

Log in to your account

Welcome to holidify.

Forget Password?

Share this page

• Group Enquiry? NEW

Places to Visit in Queensland

• Places To Visit

Places to see in Queensland

Here's the list of best places to see in queensland:.

Cairns is a city in the Queensland State of Australia and a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier reef . Its beautiful landscapes, fantastic skylines, great mountains, and waterfalls makes it a great place to visit. Nature enthusiasts can visit Cairns Botanic Gardens , Australian Butterfly Sanctuary or even Barron Gorge National Park allowing themselves to see and learn about wildlife. Plan your trip to other prominent attractions of the city like Cairns Esplanade or Fitzroy Island and get lost in the resplendent beauty of the city. The city is also known for its adventure sports because of the presence of the opulence water sources where one can enjoy activities like snorkelling, river rafting and more. Thrill seekers have a good time while trying other adrenaline pumping activities such as ziplining, bungy jumping and skydiving. Cairns has a tropical climate, with the weather being usually hot and humid during summers and mild dry during winters. The best time to visit and explore the city is during the winter season, between the months of June to August, when the city has pleasant weather with mild temperatures.

The city of Gold Coast is located on the east coast of Australia , in the state of Queensland. It is the second-largest city in Queensland and the sixth-largest city in Australia. The Gold Coast is a major tourist destination, with its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and surfing conditions. With its beautiful beaches, stunning hinterland, and vibrant city life, the Gold Coast has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a laid-back beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, the Gold Coast has it all. And with so many things to see and do, you'll never be bored. If you're looking for fun in the sun, head to one of the Gold Coast's many beaches. The Gold Coast is home to some of Australia's best beaches. Surfers' paradise is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast. The beach is known for its waves and surfing conditions. Other famous beaches include Broadbeach , Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta .  If you're feeling adventurous, take a walk along the coastline and explore what Surfers Paradise offers. Another great activity in Gold Coast is checking out the local markets. From fresh produce to handmade goods, there's something for everyone at the markets.

The beauty and richness of Tourist places in Brisbane are what make this great city a magnet that attracts people from all around the globe. One of the best things about Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland is how the government has recognized the city’s value as a heaven for tourists. The wonderfully maintained beaches, the natural attractiveness, the food, the vineyards, and a lot of other aspects of the city will surely satisfy your senses. The cultural scene of Brisbane includes adventure, traditions, and the ever growing metropolitan itself. Located along the Brisbane River, this third largest city of Australia is a home to a huge variety of wildlife. The coexistence of nature only adds to the great diversity of Brisbane, which makes it a city you must visit.

In last decade, Brisbane has become one of the fastest developing cities of Australia . The modern restaurants and bars, the unconventional architectural progress, and the traditional sense of Brisbane offer a perfect tourist destination. Your traveling goals will never be fulfilled if you do not plan to make a trip to this city. And, if you like adventure and danger then Brisbane will be even more attractive to you. Like any other city in Australia, the people here too are always hunting for thrill. This is why the adventure sports are popular as activities in Brisbane and you must take a taste of it.      

The gentle subtropical weather makes the city really comforting. This has made the beaches even more popular among the tourists as there cannot be a better way to spend a sunny day than to lazing around on the sand. The beauty of Brisbane was almost undiscovered until 1982 when the city hosted the Commonwealth Games. The world suddenly came to know about this gem of a tourist destination and it has been busy being so since.  

Nestled at the mouth of Ross Creek on the Bay of Cleveland, Townsville is one of the largest urban cities and a prime port on the north-eastern coast of Queensland. Founded back in 1864 and designated as a town in 1865, Townsville is named after Robert Towns. At present, Townville is home to a number of business administrative offices, government buildings, and industries. Presenting the perfect amalgamation of a contemporary metropolis and and a peaceful coastal town, Townsville has a unique charm of its own. With tropical islands, breathtaking national parks, and lush rainforests sheltered across its length and breadth, this city is one of the scenic places to see in Queensland. Townsville is packed with a host of stunning attractions that propel tourists from across the globe. The prime landmarks of this city include The Strand, Castle Hill, Billabong Sanctuary, the Museum of Tropical Queensland, and Dan Gleeson Memorial Gardens. On your to Townsville, you can go on whale watching tours, dive to see the SS Yongala Wreck on the Great Barrier Reef, and enjoy a BBQ picnic at the Riverway on the banks of the Ross River. You can also visit the Army Museum North Queensland and stroll through the tropical orchard of Anderson Garden. Townsville experiences a tropical savanna climate with hot and rainy summers and warm winters. The most ideal time for visiting Townsville is between the months of May and September, when the evenings are cool and the days are warm.

The mining city of Mount Isa is located in the Gulf Country region of Queensland, at the northern end of the Selwyn Range. Discovered back in 1923, this city was formed due to the huge mineral deposits found in this region. The name ‘Mount Isa’ can be accredited to John Campbell Miles, who named one of his silver-lead ore leases after Isabelle, his sister. The beauty of Mount Isa is well described by its rich history and glorious culture. The picturesque Lake Moondarra adds an element to the scenic natural beauty of the city. The ever-charming city of Mount Isa is packed with a host of important places of tourist interest. The most recommended places to look out for in Mount Isa include Riversleigh Fossil Centre, the Mount Isa Underground Hospital & Museum, the Mount Isa School of the Air, Lawn Hill National Park, and the The Cloncurry-Mount Isa Road. While you are in Mount Isa, you can spend time taking a mining tour, exploring indegenous plants at the Outback Park, and fishing at Lake Boondara. You can also enjoy canoeing, hiking, and bird watching at Lawn Hill Gorge. Mount Isa experiences a local steppe climate with cool, dry clear, windy, and short winters and humid, sweltering,cloudy, and long summers.

Counted among the best places in Queensland, the port city of Bundaberg is nestled on the Burnett River, in Queensland state. Bundaberg city is located around 239 miles north of the capital of the state, Brisbane. This city is named after the original inhabitants of this place, the people of  the Taribelang Bunda tribe. The beauty of the ancient sugarcane city of Bundaberg lies in its cultural treasures and rich biodiversity. Flaunting 140 kilometres of sparkling white sand beaches and sheltering a unique colony of nesting turtles and coral cays, this place is naturally beautiful. The green botanical gardens, stunning heritage buildings, and intriguing museums add to the charm of this city. Bundaberg is home to an extensive array of national parks including the Cania Gorge National Park, the Burrum Coast National Park, the Mt. Walsh National Park, and the Mon Repos Conservation Park. Other top attractions of Bundaberg city include the Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery, Children's Art Space, Bundaberg Port Marina, and Woodgate Beach. On your tour to Bundaberg, you can take a gin sampling tour at Kalki Moon Distilling and Brewing Company, drive to the top of The Hummock, walk through the Australian rainforest in the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, and encounter the emus and wallabies at the Alexandra Park. The climate of Bundaberg is classified as warm and temperate. The summers are warm and wet and the winters are cool and dry and there is a significant amount of rainfall during the year.

Maryborough

Lying on the Mary River, Maryborough happens to be a city in the Fraser Coast Region in southeastern Queensland. Established back in 1843, Maryborough is named after Mary River, which is named after the consort of Gov. Sir Charles Fitz Roy, Mary. Maryborough became a town in 1861 and a city in 1905. Nicknamed as the 'Heritage City', Maryborough boasts a host of brilliantly architectured historic buildings. Its lush riverside parks, intriguing museums, and charming art galleries further describe the beauty of this boisterous city. The city also flaunts colonial vibes, lush trees, and bountiful wildlife, all of which make it even more appealing. Maryborough is packed with renowned places of interest, spread across the length and breadth of the city. The Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum, the City Hall, St Paul's Anglican Church and Tower, Australian Joint Stock Bank and Mary Poppins Statue, the Maryborough Heritage Centre, and the Queens Park are the popular attractions of Maryborough. While you are in Maryborough, take a drive tour of the city and explore the Rosehill Homestead, the Pioneer Graves, Baddow House, and the Maryborough Cemetery. You can also take a walk through the iconic Maryborough Mural Trail and explore quirky past stories of the city presented in the form of impressive murals.Maryborough enjoys a warm and temperate climate with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The summers are warm, wet, muggy, and long, while the winters are cool and short.

The Hervey Bay is nestled in the Fraser Coast Region, in Queensland. Known popularly for its humpback whales, this place was declared as the First Whale Heritage Site in the world, owing to its initiatives for sustainable dolphin and whale watching. Protected by the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the coastal Hervey Bay town offers a relaxed atmosphere. Perched lazily along the charming bayside shorefront, Hervey Bay is a scenic beach side town. The elegant restaurants, jazzy pubs, and boisterous streets add to the never-ending beauty of this place. Hervey Bay is packed with a host of pleasing places of interest. The attractions that you need to definitely check-out here include the Dundowran Beach, the Hervey Bay Botanic Garden, WetSide Water Park, Arkarra Lagoon, Torquay Beach & Reef, and Hervey Bay Boat Club. On your visit to the town of Hervey Bay, you can shop for crafts at the Pier markets, take a walk through the Coopers broadwalk, take a seaplane to the picturesque Lady Elliot Island, and go bird watching at the Arkarra Lagoon. Hervey Bay is blessed with a sub-tropical climate, with the average temperature being 30 °C in summer and 22 °C in winter. The south east trade winds keep the temperatures high in winter and low in summer.

Nicknamed as ‘The Garden City’, Toowoomba is located in the Darling Downs, southeastern Queensland, on the Great Dividing Range, about 2,300 feet above sea level. Founded back in 1849 as a village, this place was turned into a town in 1858. In 1860, it was turned into a municipality and in 1904, it became a city. The beauty of the largest inland City of Queensland, Toowoomba is described perfectly by its impressive street art and urban coffee culture. The charming sunflower farms, colourful gardens, lush parks, and quiet hamlets add to the scenic beauty of this city. One of the best places in Queensland, the city of Toowoomba is packed with a myriad of attractions, ranging from parks and restaurants to breweries and museums. The top places to visit in Toowoomba include Cobb & Co Museum, Lake Annand Park, Empire Theatre, First Coat Outdoor Gallery, Toowoomba Regional Art Gallery, and Toowoomba Salt Cave. On your tour to Toowoomba you can go shopping at the Toowoomba Farmers' Market, enjoy bird watching at the Queens Park, sample some good beers at Volcanic Brewing, and relish exotic Turkish pizzas at the Sofra Turkish Cuisine. Toowoomba is blessed with a warm and temperate climate with a significant amount of rainfall throughout the year. The summers are warm, partly cloudy, and long, while the winters are mostly clear, cold, and short.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is perched on the Fitzroy River, around 600 kilometres north of Brisbane, the state capital. Lying in Central Queensland, Rockhampton happens to be the fourth-largest city in the state. Established back in 1858, Rockhampton is considered to be one of the oldest cities of Queensland and Northern Australia. The rustic beauty of Rockhampton is well-defined by the stunning Victorian buildings that showcase the 19th century beef-rearing and mining heyday of the region. The cane trains being driven down the wide streets, add to the old world charm of this city. The coastal breezes and stunning regional galleries add to the quaint beauty of Rockhampton. The city of Rockhampton is packed with a myriad of prime places of interest, starting from theatres and galleries to parks and restaurants. On your tour to Rockhampton, you can plan to visit the Pilbeam Theatre, the Rockhampton Art Gallery, the Rockhampton Zoo, the Rockhampton Heritage Village, Emu Park Anzac War Memorial Boardwalk, and Keppel Bay Islands National Park. While you are in Rockhampton, go rock climbing in Mount Archer National Park, experience fossicking at the Capricorn Caves, and explore the galleries and gem shops in The Gemfields. You can also relish fine wines and delicious desserts at the Bliss By Night Restaurant. Rockhampton is blessed with a humid subtropical climate, with wet summers and dry winters. The average annual rainfall of Rockhampton is slightly more than 800mm.

The coastal city of Gladstone is located on Port Curtis, in eastern Queensland. Nestled between the Calliope and Boyne Rivers, this city is spread across an area of around 246.1 square kilometers. The Port of Gladstone happens to be the fourth-largest coal-exporting terminal in the world and the fifth-largest multi-commodity port of Australia. With lush botanical gardens, breathtaking national parks, and charming seaside villages spread across the length and breadth of the city, it is safe to say that Gladstone has a unique scenic appeal. The intriguing museums and stunning oceanfront parks add to the unending charm of this city. The nature-dominated attractions in Gladstone include the Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Lake Awoonga, and Spinnaker Park. Other renowned places of interest in the city include the Gladstone Regional Art Gallery & Museum, the Gladstone Maritime Museum, William Golding Memorial Lookout, Heron Island, Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, Round Hill Lookout, and Mount Larcom. You can spend a lovely time in Gladstone by taking the Gladstone Harbour Cruise, exploring the seaside villages of Agnes Water and 1770, and taking a leisurely walk through the East Shores Precinct. Gladstone city experiences a humid subtropical climate. The most ideal time for visiting Gladstone is during the summer season, between the months of December and February.

Lying around 603 miles north of Brisbane, Mackay happens to be the sugar capital of Australia, owing to its whopping sugar production of over one third of the total sugar produced in the country. This city is named after John Mackay, who led an expedition into the Pioneer Valley back in 1860. Home to the longest expanse of sub-tropical rainforest in Australia and a host of lush national parks, Mackay brims in virgin natural beauty. The pristine tropical islands, impressive public artworks, stunning architectural marvels, and picturesque secluded beaches add to the charm of this quaint city. The city of Mackay is packed with a plethora of important landmarks, starting from gardens and beaches to parks and shopping malls. The top attractions of Mackay include the Mackay Aqua Park, Cape Hillsborough National Park, Keswick Island, Bucasia Beach, Greenmount Homestead,  the Artspace Mackay, Lamberts Lookout, Bluewater Quay, and the Mackay Orchid House. You can explore sub-gardens and exotic plants in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, enjoy a refreshing swim in the Bluewater Lagoon, and go angling at Harbour Beach. You can also enjoy hiking in Eungella National Park and go shopping at Caneland Central Shopping Centre. Mackay enjoys a tropical climate, which is marked by wet and hot summers and warm and sunny winters. The winter nights are, however, cool.

Other Attractions

Moreton island.

Airlie Beach

Australia Zoo

Daintree National Park

The Daintree National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site traditionally owned by the Eastern Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal people and is also known as the Daintree rainforest. The two parts of the park namely Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation with a small agricultural area between them, making it one of the unique places to visit in Queensland.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed island and traditional home of the Butchulla people and is located in the Fraser Coast Region in Queensland. It is one of the most exquisite places to visit in Queensland because of the lush breathtaking rainforests growing on this sandy island.

Whitsundays Island

Magnetic Island

Noosa National Park

Sunshine Coast

Port Douglas

Cape Tribulation

Hamilton Island

People Also Ask About Queensland

Which are the honeymoon places in queensland, which are the must visit cities in queensland, which are the best camping places in queensland, which are the best historical places in queensland, what is queensland most famous for, how much does a trip to queensland cost, what's the best month to visit queensland.

Queensland Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Queensland

More things to do in queensland, more on queensland tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

At the end of your visit today, would you complete a short survey to help improve our services?

Thanks! When you're ready, just click "Start survey".

It looks like you’re about to finish your visit. Are you ready to start the short survey now?

Drive tourism in Queensland

Benefits of drive tourism to rural and regional businesses.

Businesses in rural and regional communities rely on income from drive tourists (on stopovers), as they are often encouraged to buy local tourism products and services, and basic travel necessities like fuel, food and other supplies. Drive tourism provides a number of benefits to businesses, including:

• increased profits
• opportunities for new business start-up
• increased demand for new products and services
• opportunities for business collaboration
• addressing skills shortages by tapping into the skills of temporary visitors.

Key measures of success for Queensland's drive tourism market include the number of tourists embarking on self-drive journeys, the length of their journeys, the time they spend in particular places and the amount of money they spend. This market is expected to experience significant growth due to Australia's ageing population and a corresponding increase in retirees who travel around Australia.

Self-drive routes

Queensland has a number of popular self-drive routes. On a self-drive journey, tourists often drive from town to town, stopping over to sample products, services and experiences from local businesses.

If you are running a business along one of these popular self-drive routes you should consider how you can attract visitors to your business and take full advantage of the drive tourism market.

If you are looking at starting a business in regional Queensland, think about how you can take advantage of the nearest major self-drive routes and attract drive tourists to your business.

Some of Queensland's most popular self-drive routes include:

• Pacific Coast Way (Cairns to Brisbane)
• Adventure Way (Brisbane to South Australian border)
• Warrego Way (Brisbane to Charleville)
• Australia's Country Way (Wallangarra to Rockhampton)
• Great Inland Way (Hebel to Cairns)
• Great Tropical Drive (Townsville to Cairns)
• Savannah Way (Cairns to Northern Territory border)
• Matilda Country and Matilda Way (Cunnamulla to Karumba)
• Overlander's Way (Townsville to Northern Territory border).

Also consider...

• Find research and insights into domestic and international markets and destinations from Tourism and Events Queensland.
• Read domestic visitor profiles from Tourism Research Australia.
• Develop your unique selling points to market your products and services.
• Last reviewed: 17 Jul 2023
• Last updated: 17 Jul 2023
• Print topic

• Create Free Account

Thursday - April 25, 2024

4wd tour by g’day adventure tours explores bribie island queensland’s gidden tourist gem in new light, posted on april 25, 2024.

Bribie Island has often been considered one of Australia’s hidden treasures for travelers. To help tourists explore Bribie Island up and close, G’day Adventure Tours offers 4WD tours to explore this unique destination just an hour from Brisbane.

Speaking to the media, Jason Brown from G’day Adventure Tours invites the tourists, saying, “Escape to the pristine shores and quiet charm of Bribie Island, where relaxation meets adventure in perfect harmony with our 4×4 adventure tour.”

What makes Bribie Island unique:

Nestled just off the Queensland coast, Bribie Island is considered Queensland’s hidden treasure. Bribie Island offers a blend of relaxation and adventure for travelers seeking a getaway from the bustle of city life.  It is just off the coast and boasts stunning beaches, lush national parks, and endless outdoor activities.

Things to do at Bribie Island:

Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Ocean Beach with its expansive golden sands ideal for sunbathing, beach games, or long, relaxing walks. For those inclined towards more dynamic activities, the Pumicestone Passage Marine Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The area teems with dolphins, dugongs, and various shorebirds, perfect for nature-watching or water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.

Accommodation on Bribie Island ranges from quaint beachfront cottages to luxurious resorts, ensuring comfort for every budget and preference. Whether seeking a serene retreat or an exciting exploration, Bribie Island provides various activities to satisfy visitors.

The 4WD tours by G’day Adventure Tours:

Guests who love adventures will love the 4WD tours provided by G’day Adventure Tours. These tours take participants through Bribie Island’s less traveled paths, offering scenic views and a touch of adventure. Fishermen and women will also find their needs met, as the island boasts several prime fishing spots, each providing an excellent opportunity for a memorable catch.

From a different perspective, scenic flights are available, giving tourists a bird’s eye view of the island and its surroundings, revealing the area’s extensive natural beauty. On the ground, local eateries serve fresh seafood, while various shops and markets offer unique local finds for souvenirs and gifts.

Conclusion:

Bribie Island promises a refreshing escape and caters to those looking for an insightful experience through its historical sites and rich wildlife. G’day Adventure Tours enhances this experience by offering three distinct 4×4 tour options. Each tour delivers engaging and educational insights into the island’s unique environment and history, ensuring visitors leave with lasting memories.

Tourists can book their 4×4 adventure tour today by visiting https://www.gdayadventuretours.com or email [email protected]

About Company:

Founded in 2016, G’day Adventure Tours specializes in 4×4 outdoor experiences on Bribie Island, Queensland. The company provides guided tours that blend driving adventure with natural and historical exploration. Situated conveniently close to Brisbane, G’day Adventure Tours aims to offer memorable, safe, and educational experiences in one of Australia’s most scenic locations.

For updates, follow G’day Adventure Tours on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gdayadventuretours/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gday_adventure_tours/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gdayadventuretours5365

Watch “Bribie Island 4×4 tour” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c3cONdPhZ8

Media Contact Company Name: G’day Adventure Tours Contact Person: Jason Brown Email: Send Email City: Bribie Island State: Queensland Country: Australia Website: www.gdayadventuretours.com

• Travel Updates

‘Disrespectful’: Photo of three men standing on White Rock in Ipswich sparks outrage

A photo of three young men standing on a rock in the Queensland bush has sparked furious controversy online.

Chaos expected: ‘70% of flights cancelled’

‘Respect our culture’: Visitor ban at lake

Aussies ‘locked out’ of national parks

A group of young men have been branded “ignorant and disrespectful” after they were seen standing on top of a rocky outcrop in a popular hiking area in the Queensland bush.

White Rock in Ipswich’s Spring Mountain Conservation Estate, southwest of Brisbane, is a “sacred site known culturally as a women’s area” to the Yagara people, according to the local council .

While the impressive sandstone formation, known as “Nugum/Boogun”, is accessible via a 1.5 kilometre trail, climbing the rock itself and the adjacent southern ridge is prohibited. It is registered cultural heritage and protected under the Queensland’s Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003.

But the trio of hikers, one of them shirtless, were seen standing on top of White Rock and casually chatting on Saturday.

One local took a video using their phone camera’s powerful zoom and posted it to a local Facebook group, saying they had ignored the signs along the trail requesting them not to climb the rock and labelling the group “ignorant and disrespectful”.

The City of Ipswich states on its website , “This conservation estate remains sacred to the traditional owners of Ipswich. Some of the cultural landscapes within this estate include White Rock, the caves and outcrop overhangs. These sacred sites are very important to the traditional owners as they provide a link between country and personal identity and allow the passing on of cultural knowledge. As per cultural protocol the traditional owners have requested no one climbs White Rock.”

The footage sparked heated debate in the Redbank Plains Facebook group, The Daily Mail reported .

Many locals fumed that men had invaded a place of “women’s business”.

One pointed out that the rock was traditionally a place where Indigenous women would give birth, adding “it is a very sacred place for all womenfolk”.

Another likened it to someone breaking into a church “because they want to”.

But others said they should be allowed on the rock because “it’s nature”.

“I personally don’t see the harm I realise it says don’t climb but if they aren’t defacing it or leaving rubbish everywhere then no harm done probably just enjoying the view better then having them out doing crime,” one person commented.

Another said, “The rock belongs to no one, it’s part of nature so anyone should be able to walk near it, climb it. Locals have been climbing White Rock since the 1800s.”

Others admitted to climbing the formation in the past and while another said “I still climb it”, adding, “You won’t be able to walk out your door soon as it will be disrespectful to someone.”

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding has urged people to show “respect”.

“White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate is one of Ipswich’s most beloved and popular nature reserves, enjoyed by all,” Cr Harding said in a statement on Thursday.

“It is also a site of great significance to the traditional owners of this region, protected under the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003. Council recognises this significance and has put signs in place throughout the estate requesting no one climbs White Rock or desecrates the site.”

Cr Harding said there were “many beautiful walking trails throughout White Rock Spring Mountain Conservation Estate and other Ipswich nature reserves that can be enjoyed without impacting culturally significant sites”.

“I encourage all residents to think about how their actions can impact others, and treat culturally significant sites with respect,” she said.

Similar debates over recreational access to national parks and other sites deemed sacred by traditional owners have been raging across the country.

Visitors could soon be banned from walking on Lake Eyre in South Australia without a permit, and the closure of many popular hiking trails such as Mount Warning in NSW has sparked backlash.

On the Sunshine Coast, traditional owners have proposed restrictions on three summits in the Glass House Mountains, including Mount Beerwah .

Last year, a section of rock at Mount Beerwah, considered a sacred Indigenous site to the Jinibara people, was defaced with a message reading “Jesus saves just ask him”.

Jinibara elder Kenny Murphy told The Guardian at the time that he believed the vandalism was “clearly payback” for efforts by traditional owners to stop people climbing the mountain.

“The mountain is very important, it’s like our St John’s Cathedral, it’s a special mountain to us,” he said.

More Coverage

“Why can’t we have that respected? It’s just bulls**t what they’ve done, this is a birthing site, it has a special meaning to us, but Jesus is clearly the only spiritual thing this person understands.”

He added, “They want to show that there isn’t anything significant to the mountain, they would’ve cried if it was their cathedral. They can’t just leave us alone, they’ve killed our way of life, killed all the animals, poisoned our waters, and now this. It’s a big insult to us.”

[email protected]

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

Travellers are being warned to expect major disruptions at French airports, with an anticipated strike threatening to cause chaos.

Visitors could soon be banned from one Australia’s most popular outback tourist destinations under a plan to protect the “sacred place” for its traditional owners.

A growing number of Australia’s most beautiful natural environments are being closed off to the public in a “crazy” trend.

• Skip to content

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology builds the eBird global platform for communities and partners around the world to advance data-driven science, education, and conservation.

Change Region

Big4 atherton woodlands tourist park, recent checklists.

• Illustrated Checklist
• Hotspot Map
• Rare Bird Alerts
• Printable Checklist

24 Apr 2024 11:33 AM

22 jan 2024 3:44 pm, 18 jan 2024 7:57 am, 17 jan 2024 2:18 pm, 29 nov 2023 1:30 pm, 12 oct 2023 12:00 am, 11 oct 2023 12:00 am, 27 sep 2023 8:30 am, 8 aug 2023 6:50 pm, 19 jul 2023 11:07 am, 12 jul 2023 7:32 am, 4 jul 2023 7:00 am, 15 jun 2023 3:41 pm, 14 jun 2023 3:55 pm, 5 may 2023 3:08 pm, 5 may 2023 10:18 am, 5 may 2023 9:10 am, 21 mar 2023 4:47 pm, 21 mar 2023 4:46 pm, 20 mar 2023 4:06 pm, 20 mar 2023 4:02 pm, 19 mar 2023 5:31 pm, 19 mar 2023 5:29 pm, 31 jan 2023 7:13 am, 28 jan 2023 8:34 am, 28 jan 2023 8:13 am, 20 nov 2022 2:40 pm, 17 aug 2022 5:16 pm, 4 aug 2022 4:46 pm, 1 jul 2022 12:00 am, 30 jun 2022 4:13 pm, 31 may 2022 7:16 am, 24 apr 2022 7:09 am, 14 apr 2022 1:40 pm, 14 mar 2022 12:00 pm, 10 jan 2022 3:15 pm, 10 jan 2021 8:00 am, 8 jan 2021 6:54 am, 28 oct 2020 11:29 am, 28 oct 2020 3:40 am, 27 oct 2020 5:37 am, 24 oct 2020 5:36 pm, 29 sep 2020 7:10 am, 29 sep 2020 5:45 am, 28 sep 2020 4:35 pm, 27 sep 2020 3:06 pm, 27 sep 2020 4:59 am, 26 sep 2020 5:51 am, 25 sep 2020 4:38 pm, 25 sep 2020 3:01 pm, 25 sep 2020 2:14 am, 23 sep 2020 5:40 pm, 23 sep 2020 4:26 pm, 23 sep 2020 5:09 am, 20 aug 2020 5:19 pm, 17 aug 2020 6:00 pm, 17 aug 2020 12:53 pm, 27 oct 2019 7:25 pm, 9 oct 2019 7:43 pm, 9 oct 2019 7:00 am, 8 oct 2019 5:51 pm, 8 oct 2019 5:31 am, 27 jun 2019 3:20 pm, 4 jun 2019 4:14 pm, 18 may 2019 7:33 am, 17 may 2019 5:14 pm, 5 jan 2019 6:46 am, 7 nov 2018 6:00 am, 16 sep 2018 2:00 pm, 13 sep 2018 11:00 am, 12 sep 2018 8:30 am, 10 sep 2018 9:25 am, 6 sep 2018 12:00 am, 4 sep 2018 3:00 pm, 3 sep 2018 3:00 pm, 11 jul 2018 12:29 pm, 16 nov 2017 5:32 am, 15 nov 2017 6:28 pm, 15 nov 2017 3:35 pm, 22 oct 2017 5:28 pm, 17 oct 2017 6:00 am, 12 oct 2017 3:46 pm, 6 aug 2017 8:00 am, 29 jul 2017 12:00 am, 28 jul 2017 12:00 am, 27 jul 2017 12:00 am, 26 jul 2017 12:00 am, 25 jul 2017 12:00 am, 9 oct 2016 6:30 am, 3 oct 2016 5:30 am, 19 sep 2016 7:48 am, 18 sep 2016 7:23 am.

French tourist Tea Baudu attacked by dingo at K'gari says animals should not have to change their behaviour

Australia has a reputation for having some of the most dangerous animals in the world, something Tea Baudu was acutely aware of when she arrived Down Under for the trip of a lifetime.

But the French tourist wasn't anticipating making headlines for a snappy encounter with the iconic Australian wild dingo while sunbathing on the heritage listed Queensland island of K'gari last year.

"It was just another one of those animals in Australia that you cannot touch … and you have a lot of them," Ms Baudu told the ABC.

Ms Baudu was left relatively unscathed by the dingo attack, but it wasn't her first run-in with Australia's potentially deadly wildlife during her travels down the Queensland coast.

"When I first got to Australia, I got stung by a jellyfish in the sea," she said.

"I'm not going to be mad at all the jellyfish in the sea because I got stung by one — it's the same with the dingoes … I'm on their island."

As far as Ms Baudu is concerned, it's all part of the risk and reward of experiencing the wonders Australia has to offer.

"I love that animals are around you, I love that part of Australia," Ms Baudu said.

"I don't have a bad image of the dingoes because of that.

"It's not their fault and I would 100 per cent go again."

First reaction was to flee

Now safely ensconced in her home in France, with not a dangerous animal in sight, Ms Baudu still dreams of her backpacking adventure on the other side of the world.

It's a rite of passage for many carefree 20-somethings like her.

Ms Baudu shrugs off the moment she unwittingly became a lightning rod for dingo safety last June .

"It was the day before we were leaving [K'gari] … we had an amazing day. We had been to Champagne Pools and Eli Creek," she recalled.

Resting on the sand after lunch, Ms Baudu admits she wasn't on her guard when she closed her eyes surrounded by a big group of tourists at Eurong Beach, on the eastern side of the island.

"I felt something on my bum and I started to hear the people around gasping, so I could feel something was happening," she said.

"When I opened my eyes, I saw three dingoes behind me, and my first reaction was obviously to try to leave."

For the natural-born predators, this attempt to flee was their cue to pounce.

"When I did that, the dingo just nipped me," Ms Baudu said.

"It was just a little nip, I had a small mark, like three teeth marks."

Ms Baudu was treated on the island as a precaution, but she said no bites or stings would keep her from exploring K'gari's natural beauty.

"[The dingoes] should not have to change their behaviour because I'm there — I should change my behaviour because [the dingoes] are there."

Attacks on the rise

There have been 12 high-risk interactions between dingoes and tourists on K'gari so far in 2024, according to Queensland's Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

That's more than double the five reported attacks for the same time last year.

"That could be because of increased visitor numbers in families, or it could be an increase in some of the high-risk behaviour that we might be experiencing with the dingoes at this time," said head ranger Dr Linda Behrendorff.

"[The dingoes] will be triggered by any sort of running or movement," she said.

"Like when they're hunting swamp wallabies … if that prey runs, they will chase it."

In 2023, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers found 60 per cent of visitors caught up in high-risk interactions such as chasing, nipping or full-blown attacks were children under the age of 17.

Indigenous ranger Tessa Waia said parents must always watch children closely as dingoes, otherwise known as Wongari, often lurked within the scrub or behind a sand dune without being seen.

"It is important for the children to stay close. I know people are on holiday so they're in holiday mode," she said.

"But keep in mind, this place is the Wongari's country."

'Like wolves or lions'

With up to 200 dingoes roaming the island, Ms Waia said treating them as wild and dangerous was a matter of respect.

"It's quite important that people understand there is a big difference from your domestic dog to these fellas in the wild … they're like wolves or lions," she said.

"You wouldn't jump out of the car if the lion was over there and try to get a picture with them because they look cute and cuddly."

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to K'gari every year, and as one of the unlucky ones, Ms Baudu warned visitors to do their homework first, including reading the safety messages and carrying a stick.

"I wouldn't run around the dingo, or [do something] that would make it think I am a prey," she said.

"It's really important to tell people they're not domestic animals.

"You need to behave how you'd like a person who comes to your house to behave – it just makes sense."

• X (formerly Twitter)

Related Stories

Boy, 10, dragged under water by dingo after french tourist, others attacked on k'gari (fraser island).

Jogger flown to hospital after being attacked by four dingoes on K'gari in 'very traumatic ordeal'

Thinking of feeding a dingo on K'gari? Don't, they have plenty of food

• Animal Attacks
• Animal Behaviour
• Fraser Island
• Travel and Tourism (Lifestyle and Leisure)

A Consumer-Centric Shift in Association Strategy with Michelle Weston, Caravan Parks Association of Queensland #29 Association Hub Podcast

Imagine if your day job as an association professional involved swapping the boardroom for the open road, creating content about exciting tourist destinations and catching amazing sunsets after your meeting with clients. Welcome to a very special episode of the Association Hub podcast, where we peel back the curtains on a professional life that sounds more like a permanent vacation. Today, we're diving into the extraordinary world of caravanning in Queensland, where the blend of association management and breathtaking travel destinations is just another day at the office. Our guest, Michelle Weston, CEO of the Caravan Parks Association of Queensland, shares with us how Caravanning Queensland supports caravan enthusiasts and works to enhance the caravanning experience across the state. This episode promises a peek into how shifting focus towards end-consumer marketing, embracing the beauty of Australia's landscapes, and infusing a bit of humour and sunshine into your work can not only elevate your association's appeal but lead to exceptional member engagement. Tune in for an enlightening chat that might just inspire you to pack your bags, grab your laptop, and hit the road on your quest for the next big idea in association leadership and marketing. To explore what Caravanning Queenslad is all about, visit their website at https://www.caravanqld.com.au/. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/associationhubpodcast/message

• Episode Website
• More Episodes
• Angela Shelton & Olena Lima

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

ACTU calls for sanctions on Israel over Gaza war – as it happened

This blog is now closed.

• Anthony Albanese criticises X’s ‘extraordinary’ fight against removal of church stabbing posts
• Queensland police fatally shoot man at rest area south of Gladstone
• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast
• 3d ago Summary of the day
• 3d ago ACTU calls for sanctions on Israel over Gaza war
• 3d ago Man shot by Queensland police near Gladstone dies
• 4d ago Electric utes rolling to Australia, mining sites first
• 4d ago Greens want Musk to 'front parliament' after refusing to take Wakeley stabbing videos down
• 4d ago Steve Gollschewski appointed as new Queensland police commissioner
• 4d ago Murujuga traditional custodians call for investigation into leak of cultural heritage report
• 4d ago PM says it is ‘extraordinary’ X not complying with takedown order
• 4d ago ‘It just doesn’t work’: Liberal senator weighs in on job-sharing MP proposal
• 4d ago Erin Patterson appears via video link ahead of today’s court appearance
• 4d ago ‘Insulting and offensive’ to conflate X takedown order with censorship: Birmingham
• 4d ago Inspection report finds ‘serious concerns’ at Western Australian detention centre
• 4d ago Nationals leader denies tension in Coalition around nuclear power
• 4d ago FA announces host states for Women's Asian Cup
• 4d ago Assistant treasurer ‘incredibly disappointed’ by Elon Musk’s response to takedown directive
• 4d ago 'More determined to remove journalists than criminals': assistant treasurer on social media giants
• 4d ago ‘An attitude they’re above the laws of a nation’: Bill Shorten on X
• 4d ago Treasury downgrades growth forecasts ahead of budget
• 4d ago International travel closer to pre-pandemic levels than domestic at Sydney Airport
• 4d ago Albanese government announces 'largest-ever' tender for renewable energy projects
• 4d ago Good morning

Summary of the day

And that’s where we’ll leave you this evening. Here’s a wrap of what we’ve learned today:

The federal government has announced Australia’s “largest-ever” tender to build renewable energy projects, which will be underwritten by the commonwealth.

Prime minister Anthony Albanese said it was “extraordinary” that X, formerly known as Twitter, did not comply with orders from the eSafety commissioner to take down footage of the Wakeley church stabbing.

The X boss, Elon Musk , should “front up here to parliament”, Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has declared, calling the billionaire CEO a “tech thug” and “cowboy” after his platform refused to take down the videos.

The shadow foreign minister, Simon Birmingham , said the opposition would support any moves from the government to place penalties on social media companies that won’t remove content deemed damaging to social cohesion.

The Nationals leader, David Littleproud , has denied there is tension in the Coalition around nuclear power, telling Sky News that a “clear majority” of his party want nuclear power.

Global financial uncertainty has prompted the Treasury to downgrade its growth forecasts for major economies ahead of the federal budget.

The Australian Council of Trade Unions has called for the government to issue targeted sanctions on Israel and cease all military trade due with the country due to the war in Gaza. It has also called for a commitment of an additional $100m in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.

An inspection report by the Australian Human Rights Commission has found a high-security immigration detention centre in Western Australia was, in part, “no longer fit for purpose”.

Steve Gollschewski has been named as the new Queensland police commissioner, following the resignation of Katarina Carroll last month.

Erin Patterson , the woman accused of murdering and attempting to murder her relatives by serving them a meal laced with deadly mushrooms, may spend 15 months in custody before she faces a committal hearing, a court has heard.

Murujuga traditional custodians have called for an immediate inquiry to investigate the alleged leak of a confidential report on the Burrup peninsula to the media.

International traffic is now closer to pre-pandemic levels than domestic flights at Sydney airport.

A man has died after being shot by police at a rest area south of Gladstone, Queensland.

Electric utes are being shipped to Australia for use on mining sites after a local firm signed a deal with one of America’s leading vehicle manufacturers.

Thanks so much for your company today. We’ll be back bright and early with all your news, live, tomorrow morning, just after 7am. See you then.

Crocodile euthanised after fatal attack on teenager

Wildlife officers have euthanised a large crocodile believed to have killed a 16-year-old boy in the Torres Strait last week.

The teenager, and a 13-year-old boy, reportedly attempted to swim back to Saibai Island from a broken-down dinghy early on Thursday morning last week, Queensland police said, with the younger boy making it to safety.

Wildlife officers located the four-metre animal responsible during spotlight searches on Friday night near where the boy died and it was killed on Saturday, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation.

Read the full story here:

Moody’s seems in no hurry to downgrade NSW credit rating

As we saw earlier today, NSW treasurer Daniel Mookhey was almost daring credit agencies to cut the state’s credit rating in the wake of what he dubbed a “rip-off” GST carve-up:

So bad was it from the budget outlook, Mookhey said, it was almost certain to cost NSW its remaining AAA rating with two of the big three agencies.

Well, one of the two, Moody’s, had kicked the tyres earlier this month and seems in no hurry to downgrade NSW.

John Manning , vice-president and senior credit officer for Moody’s Ratings, told Guardian Australia:

Moody’s retains its stable outlook on the state of New South Wales’ AAA rating ahead of the release of the state’s fiscal 2025 budget.

So nothing changing just yet. The NSW budget lands in June.

Fitch, the other agency with a top-notch rating for NSW, is yet to get back to us. (S&P cut NSW’s debt rating in 2020.)

The state opposition, meanwhile, aren’t impressed, saying Mookhey was using the GST carve-up complaints to divert attention from the impact on the budget of lifting the cap on public wage increases.

The parliamentary budget office had indicated prior to the 2023 election that Labor was relying on productivity gains to offset higher salaries – something the Coalition says is yet to happen.

Call for second Melbourne injecting room amid synthetic opioid fears

Health experts are warning of the looming threat of strong synthetic opioids called nitazenes among Australian drug users, as former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark said there was an urgent need for a second safe-injecting room in Melbourne .

Referring to the long-mooted facility, Clark, who is chair of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, said:

The bottom line is that people that are using drugs need to be safe. And that’s why a centre is so important … I hope it will go ahead. The first one is clearly highly successful .

Speaking at the World Health Summit regional meeting, Clark said there was a need for drug decriminalisation, public drug-testing facilities and safe-injecting sites to get ahead of what was described as the imminent threat posed by synthetic opioids, which are already causing an epidemic of drug fatalities in North America .

Nitazenes have already been identified in the ACT , New South Wales , Victoria and South Australia . Certain nitazenes can be from 10 to 100 times more potent than fentanyl, which is also a powerful synthetic opioid.

ACTU calls for sanctions on Israel over Gaza war

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has released a new statement on Gaza, calling for the Australian government to, among other things, place sanctions on “Israeli officials who have called for the denial of aid, and military and civil servants denying essential food and materials to civilians in Gaza”.

Speaking for the Australian union movement, the ACTU statement says it is “horrified by the escalating violence and death toll of civilians in Gaza”.

It continues:

The ACTU reiterates its statements and resolution of 19 October 2023 and 23 February 2024 and continues to call for an urgent and permanent ceasefire and the release of hostages and political prisoners.

The union movement has urged the Albanese government to use “all influence, pressure and diplomatic measures to achieve a permanent ceasefire” and the end to all military trade with Israel.

As well as targeted sanctions and the cessation of all military trade, the ACTU has called on the government to commit an additional $100m in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the West Bank.

The statement says:

The ACTU calls on the Israeli government and the Palestinian leadership to promote open, tolerant and respectful societies through adherence to democratic principles in governance, respect for human rights and equal treatment for all. The ACTU calls for an end to the occupation of Palestine and a just and sustainable peace in accordance with UN security council resolutions. Including the removal of illegal settlements, the withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian lands along with the dismantling of the separation wall. In line with the ACTU’s commitment to a two-state solution with the security of borders for both nations, we call on all countries to recognise, without delay, Palestine as a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This will confirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in a free and independent Palestine.

Greens press for student loan overhaul

Speaking of student debt, the Greens have renewed their push for sweeping loan reforms that would scrap the process of Hecs/Help rising with inflation.

The prime minister has been dropping his own hints that recommendations to reform student loans in the University Accord are being looked at in the federal budget.

One recommendation is to tie student loans to whatever is smaller out of the wage price index (WPI) and the consumer price index (CPI) rather than setting automatically to CPI. Last year, loans were indexed by 7.1% due to high inflation, with a rise in excess of 4% expected this year.

Another option, put forward by higher education economist Andrew Norton in this masthead , would impose a cap at 3% or 4%.

But the deputy leader of the Greens, senator Mehreen Faruqi , says this isn’t enough.

WPI is usually higher than CPI (including this year, according to the govt’s projections) so this change will make little difference ... a cap of 4% still means at least a $1k hike in the avg. HECS debt and almost $3k for someone with a $70,000 debt. A hike people should not be slugged with in a cost of living crisis.

Labor refused demands from the Greens to protect students from huge debt increases last year, but there's still time to stop the massive indexation hit coming again this June. No more tinkering around the edges. In the May budget, Labor must scrap indexation on student debt. — Mehreen Faruqi (@MehreenFaruqi) April 22, 2024

Man shot by Queensland police near Gladstone dies

A man has died after being shot by police at a rest area south of Gladstone.

Police said the man was shot by an officer on Monday, 20km south of Miriam Vale, around 10.50am.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokesperson said the man was assessed in a critical condition but they did not transport him to hospital.

Guardian Australia understands that he died at the scene.

The Bruce Highway at Gindoran, 5km north of John Clifford Way, remains closed.

Guardian Australia is still awaiting further details about the circumstances of the shooting. A police investigation is under way.

Treasurer considers relief for ‘under pressure’ students

We mentioned it briefly earlier but the treasurer, Jim Chalmers , has further hinted that relief may be on the way for students completing mandatory unpaid university placements.

Students in a range of courses including nursing, teaching and social work are required to complete hundreds of hours of internships in order to graduate.

Academics, the Greens and grassroots group Students Against Placement Poverty have lobbied the commonwealth for years to address the burden, pointing to high drop-out rates and burnout .

The University Accord final report, handed down earlier this year, urged the government to front the bill for “care” degrees, and work with industry to implement stipends for remaining mandatory internships.

Speaking to the media today, Chalmers said both loan reform and placements were being looked at in the budget, acknowledging “students are under pressure”.

With the budget a mere three weeks away – watch this space.

Court hears conflicting accounts over Victorian school bus crash

A bus driver says he slowed to a near stop at an intersection west of Melbourne when a truck rammed into the back of his bus, seriously injuring eight students, a court has heard.

But another motorist has disputed Graham Stanley’s claims, telling the Melbourne magistrates court he saw no brake or indicator lights in the lead-up to the May 2023 collision that saw a truck crash into the back of the bus.

At the time, 45 students from the Exford primary school in Eynesbury were on the bus. Eight children suffered life-threatening injuries, with two students needing to have arms and hands amputated. Stanley was also hospitalised with a broken ankle.

The driver of the truck was charged with 11 offences, including four counts of dangerous driving causing serious injury.

He faced the Melbourne magistrates court on Monday for the start of a two-day committal hearing.

Read the full story from AAP here:

Funding boost for warning systems in flood-hit regions

Flood-prone areas across Queensland will receive $7m for early warning infrastructure, AAP reports.

The federal government has announced 170 projects, including new river height gauges, cameras, signage and sensor technology for areas heavily impacted by flooding in 2022.

The emergency management minister, Murray Watt , said that with more frequent and intense flooding in recent years, this infrastructure was crucial.

While we can’t predict the future, we know complacency is simply not an option when it comes to building disaster resilience. With earlier flood warnings and more comprehensive information captured we’ll significantly improve our defence against disaster events.

More than 20 Queensland councils will get $235,000 each for new flood warning infrastructure. An extra $1m will be set aside for “high-priority” projects within nine of these local government areas.

Many thanks for joining me on the blog today. Stephanie Convery will be here to guide you through the rest of today’s news. Take care.

Crocodile believed to be responsible for fatal attack on teen euthanised

A crocodile believed to be responsible for a fatal attack on a 16-year-old boy in the Torres Strait last week has been euthanised.

Last Thursday a search and rescue operation was launched near Saibai Island after reports a 16-year-old was missing. That night a spokesperson confirmed they had discovered his body with injuries consistent with a crocodile attack.

According to a statement from the Queensland Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, the four-metre crocodile was located during night spotlight searches on Friday, near where the teenage boy was killed.

The animal displayed parading behaviour such as raising its head as it swam, which is consistent with it being the target animal.

The crocodile was “humanely euthanised” on Saturday and disposed of at sea, the department said, “in keeping with the wishes of the Saibai Island community”.

The [department] expresses its sincere condolences to the friends, family and community on Saibai Island.

New Zealand PM interested in Taiwan trade, but not travel

In some international news via AAP : the New Zealand prime minister, Christopher Luxon , says he wants to increase trade links with Taiwan, but has ruled out visiting the island nation while leader in deference to the One China policy.

Last week, NZ sent its first-ever official cross-parliamentary delegation to Taiwan. Taiwan is eager to join the 11-nation CPTPP trade bloc ( which includes Australia and NZ) but is considered unlikely to be admitted, given China also wants membership.

NZ does not have an official diplomatic relationship with Taipei, but has a free trade deal signed in 2013.

Luxon said his government has a goal of doubling its export value in the next decade, and plans to lean on Asia heavily to do so. Asked specifically if that included Taiwan, he said: “Yes, we already have a free trade agreement with Taiwan.”

NZ’s openness to Taiwan comes at a moment of geopolitical inflection, with the new right-leaning government exploring closer ties with the US and “traditional” partners.

Each of the countries Luxon visited last week (Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines) have strong relationships with Washington – Thailand and the Philippines were formally allied to the US.

• Coronavirus
• Australia news live
• Renewable energy
• Australian politics

Most viewed