Top 15 Things to Do in Queensland, Australia

Queensland – Australia’s second-biggest state and crown jewel of a beach destination has more to offer than meets the eye. In fact, an authentic and iconic Australian holiday experience wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Sunshine State.

From the pristine waters of the Gold Coast to the majestic Great Barrier Reef and the endearing wilderness of the peninsular region, Queensland offers a mix of things to do, making for a complete and wholesome family holiday.

If you are considering a once-in-a-lifetime summer vacation, Queensland is your perfect destination.

Here we have a round-up of the top 15 things to do in the state, to help give you a head start on your itinerary.

Dive into the world’s largest coral reef system

A Queensland holiday would be incomplete without a visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Encompassing over 3000 individual coral reefs, 300 coral cays or small isles, and 600 plus islands, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s largest and most exotic natural treasures. It is also home to a myriad of species of fish, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and other animals. Being an exquisite beach destination, water activities are aplenty at the reef. You can swim, surf, snorkel, go scuba diving, or sail and soak in the miracles of the ocean. Whatever you choose, make sure to dip your feet or dive into the world’s largest coral reef system before you leave. Most visitors spend a considerable amount of time at the place, making it one of the most iconic landmarks of Queensland.

Sail Through the Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands offer one of the most relaxing yet exquisite experiences in Queensland. With its numerous beaches and voted-best stretch of sand in the world, the place is a must-visit inclusion in your Australian itinerary. Boasting 74 remarkable islands and endless stretches of immaculate blue waters around, the Whitsundays are a delight to sail through.

Also Read: Iconic Experiences in Queensland, Australia, That Are Truly One of a Kind

Glide above the ancient Daintree Rainforest

The Daintree Rainforest is among the five World Heritage-Listed sites in Queensland. Being one of the oldest rainforests in the world, the place is home to a vast range of flora and fauna, many plant species of which are endemic to the state. There are several exciting ways to explore the Daintree forest, the safest one being the Skyrail – a 7.5 km scenic cableway that goes above the forest. It lets you enjoy sweeping aerial views of the lush wet tropics from above. The gliding journey is a one-of-a-kind experience that will make for a bucket-list worthy adventure.

Spend a Day of Adventure at Theme Parks

Queensland is home to a wide variety of theme parks, many of which offer more than fun adventure rides. The Ginger Factory for example, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state, offers opportunities to learn more about ginger, taste recipes, take tours of the garden, and more in addition to fun rides.

Some other exciting theme parks in the Sunshine State include Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, WhiteWater World, Sea World, and Nickelodeon Land. Spend a day exploring one or more of these parks and enjoy a day of adventure before moving onto more iconic attractions.

Catch the Waves at Surfers Paradise

Surfer’s Paradise is a post-card worthy pristine beach in Queensland that serves to be one of the biggest tourist attractions in the state. Located in Gold Coast, it boasts a 3-km strip of golden sand that not only provides an aesthetically pleasing exotic backdrop for your vacation pictures, but also provides a relaxing space to sunbathe or indulge in water activities. You can also choose to stay at the famous Surfers Paradise resort in the region and go for calming evening walks along the sparkling shores of the Gold Coast. The most exciting thing you can do at Surfers Paradise is of course, surfing. Whether you are a noob or an expert, catching the waves at the Gold Coast is another bucket-list adventure that you can potentially tick off at Surfers Paradise in Queensland.

Explore Brisbane’s Art Scene

Brisbane, the capital and the largest city of Queensland boasts a vibrant and diverse art scene that simply cannot be missed. It features a tasteful mix of art galleries, museums, and public installations that make for a wholesome art experience, more so for an art loving traveller. South Bank in particular in Brisbane, a riverside precinct is known to be the central hub for art and culture in the city home to various institutions like QAGOMA, Queensland Art Gallery, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. While QAGOMA houses an array of art collections and exhibitions by renowned artists, Queensland Art Gallery offers interesting takes on modern art. In addition to these, Brisbane is also famous for its street art. Featuring various art trails, public installations and iconic laneways like Fish Lane, Irish Lane, and Hutton Lane all of which display stunning street art, the city is a must-visit for art lovers.

Also Read: Taking a Detour: Hidden Gems in Queensland, Australia

Climb the Iconic Story Bridge

Brisbane’s Story Bridge is an iconic landmark with a ‘story’ that dates back to 1940 when it was constructed. Known to be the largest steel bridge designed, fabricated and constructed in Australia by Australians, the Story Bridge offers panoramic views of Brisbane city – an Instagrammable backdrop. The most fun experience at the landmark is the Story Bridge Adventure Climb – one of the only three bridge climbs in the world. Climbing the bridge gives you more sweeping views of the city, the Kangaroo Point, the mountain ranges in the distance, and even the Brisbane River. Climbing the Story Bridge would indeed be an unforgettable experience that you would cherish for a lifetime.

Take a Scenic Flight over the Iconic Heart Reef

The Heart Reef is yet another one of the most iconic specialties of Queensland. The naturally heart-shaped coral is brimming with incredible experiences including a spectacular scenic flight on a private chopper. The journey comprises a 30-60 minute ride over the heart reef covering Whitehaven Beach, and Hill Inlet as well during which you can enjoy stunning aerial views of the turquoise waters, the formation, and the greenery. At the island, you can explore the lagoon, learn more about the formation or simply relax on the soft sands of the beach. The place also offers a unique glass-bottom boat experience, where you can explore the underwater elements of the reef as well. With the kind of unique experience the Heart Reef presents, the scenic flight is a must-do experience in Queensland.

Indulge in the Sunshine Coast Food Trail

The Sunshine Coast in Queensland is a food lover’s paradise. Its unique coast and distinct geographic attributes make it a hub for wholesome food experiences featuring a vast array of producers, hinterland restaurants, waterfront eateries, cafes, breweries, tasteful farmers’ markets, cooking schools, and vibrant food festivals. Indulge in the food trail at the Sunshine Coast to get a feel of what authentic homegrown food tastes like. Tourists typically take weekend road trips to the trail and explore hidden gems in the coast by foot, while ensuring to savor distinct flavours on their way.

Get Up Close with the Aussie Wildlife

Queensland is home to several wildlife habitats, sanctuaries, and zoos, all of which provide ample opportunities to get up close and personal with the quintessential Aussie wildlife. From cuddling Koalas at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to feeding crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures and swimming with whales at Hervey Bay, the options are endless. For the less adventurous, there is also the Australian zoo popularized by the legendary Steve Irwin, spanning over 110 sections of land where you can walk around and interact with a wide variety of Australian fauna including kangaroos, koalas, rhinos, meerkats, giraffes, Sumatran tigers, elephants, and more.

Relax at Fraser Island

Fraser Island or K’gari, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest sand island in the world, houses some of the most magical natural wonders, including Lake McKenzie. Also known as Boorangoora, the McKenzie is the most popular one out of all of the island’s freshwater lakes. Ideal for taking a dip or relaxing by the shores, Fraser Island and the blue waters of the lake will take you to the zen mode in no time.

Connect With Nature at The Tamborine National Park

The Tamborine National Park is well known for its serene natural beauty and rich biodiversity. Located in Gold Coast Hinterlands, the place also boasts breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Scenic Rim on the other. Spend some time listening to the flowing waters, the chirping birds, and the lashing waves or capture the scenery on camera to revisit the experience when you get home.

Also Read: Taking a Detour: Hidden Gems in Queensland, Australia

Pump Your Adrenaline With Sports And Rides at The Gold Coast

If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Gold Coast theme parks. The region offers an array of interesting yet safe and solid theme parks to choose from. Plan your itinerary carefully fitting in the most number of rides in a day. For high-level thrill seekers, there is also flyboarding – one of the latest and most popular adventure attractions on the Gold Coast. In flyboarding, you will be launched into the air with a massive jet of water. Fly like a bird across the beach surface and plunge in like a dolphin to experience the most exciting adrenaline rush.

Safari Through the Mossman Gorge

Mossman Gorge, located at the southern border of Daintree National Park, offers one of the best ways to experience the world’s oldest rainforest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it allows visitors to get a closer look at the 130 million-year-old dense forest, which boasts a rich biodiversity. Hugely popular among swimmers and divers alike, the gorge is a must-visit site to get a feel of the essence of Queensland.

You can either choose to go on guided safaris through the region, many of which include fruit tastings and treks as well, or go on a tour yourself with a private vehicle.

Go on a Relaxing Ride Through The Noosa Everglades

The Noosa Everglades is famous for being one of Queensland’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Interestingly, it is also one of the only two Everglades on Earth. Also known as the “river of mirrors” the place offers a rich array of wetlands lined with mangrove forests and pristine lakes. A part of the Cooloola National Park, Noosa also houses ample varieties of birds and animals. You can choose to take private boat tours or cruises to explore Australia’s only Everglades to complete your Queensland trip.

Wrapping Up

Australia’s Sunshine State is well-known for offering one of the most wholesome holiday experiences in the world. From exploring the world’s natural wonders including the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest to indulging in exciting adventure sports and activities, Queensland has something to do for everyone. While our list of the top 9 things to do in the state is not exhaustive, we’ve managed to round up some of the core attractions.

Use it to plan your itinerary and contact Akbar Holidays for hassle-free Queensland tour packages.

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