tourist attraction queensland

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.

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Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Queensland © Tourism Australia

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• 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.

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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.

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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!

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The 8 best places to visit in Queensland

Get ready to explore the best of the Sunshine State with our curated list of its most captivating spots

So you’re one of the many Southerners who flocked to the Sunshine State. You like our friendly people, warm weather and distinctly unpretentious all-round ambience, but what is there to actually do and see? 

Queensland is a warm combination of all our country’s best bits – the coolness and culinary prowess of Melbourne meets quintessential outback Australia, UNESCO World Heritage sites meet annual leave submission-worthy events, and unbelievable road trips meet unbeatable surf culture and hospitality. These are the eight best places to visit in Queensland.

RECOMMENDED: Travel further afar with our ultimate guide of the best things to do in Australia .

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The best places to visit in Queensland

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

In Queensland, most of the time a destination is kind of a three-for-the-price-of-one situation. In the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, you can work your way through a string of charming country towns like Maleny, Montville and Kenilworth, each offering a collection of antique stores, markets, bed and breakfasts, and galleries. The Glass House Mountains, rolling green pastures and rainforests will serve as the backdrop for your winding journey to each town. Australia Zoo is also on the way, as is Nambour and the Big Pineapple. Pull up for the day at one of the many microbreweries or wineries in the area.

Moreton Island

• Redland Islands

With its convenient proximity to Brisbane (just an hour's ferry ride away), Moreton Island is an ideal getaway for unwinding in both luxury and nature over a weekend. Whether you opt to camp behind the sandy dunes, rent one of the island's numerous holiday houses or stay at Tangalooma Island Resort, you'll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in swimming, snorkelling and for 4WD owners, cruising the island's beach highways. The hand-feeding wild dolphin experience is a must, as is donning your finest snorkel and exploring the breathtaking Tangalooma Wrecks. Bonus: there are no requirements to wear a stinger suit in Southeast Queensland because there are no Box jellyfish or Irukandji.

Peregian Beach

• Brisbane City

A friendly, sleepy seaside village waits for you at Peregian Beach, located just over ten kilometres south of Noosa Heads. Its neighbouring beaches are just as lovely, but the quiet ambience and shade of the village square paired with the diverse range of boutique shops, cafés and restaurants is unbeatable. Perigean is the perfect distance from the Noosa National Park, Mount Coolum and stunning neighbouring beaches.

Boodjamulla National Park (Lawn Hill Gorge)

• Parks and gardens

This national park in the remote northwest corner of Outback Queensland is an absolute must-do. The park is currently closed due to damage sustained by flooding but when it’s open you can canoe through sparkling emerald water surrounded by soaring vibrant rock, see native wildlife on walking trails and even spend the night camping under the stars. The World Heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Site is close by too.

In North Queensland, Cairns and Port Douglas serve as the quickest entry points to the Great Barrier Reef, the largest and most stunning coral reef ecosystem on Earth. Beaches surrounding Cairns are downright tropical and destinations in their own right. With Cairns as your hub, you can opt for a luxury cruise, sail through the islands, dive to your heart's content or board a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef, Heart Reef and Whitehaven Beach. When you’re all dried off, hop back in the car and journey to what Sir David Attenborough called “the most extraordinary place on earth”, the Daintree Rainforest. It's bigger than the entire area of Sydney, millions of years older than the Amazon and you can stay in it in luxe treehouses hidden in the rainforest canopy.

Dramatic arbours of huge Camphor Laurel trees line the streets here, and amidst fresh garden strolls and heritage walks, you can indulge in expertly brewed espresso at stylish cafés, explore an unparalleled urban art scene, sip on afternoon cocktails or catch a show at the theatre. You don’t want to miss the Carnival of Flowers, Festival of Food and Wine, Gather and Graze, or the Curve Ball, so plan trips for September and October.

In the vast and vibrant landscape of Outback Queensland, you'll find a warm and inviting atmosphere, where friendly locals are eager to share stories, crack a cold one and embody the true essence of Outback hospitality. The pinnacle of the Bush, towns in Queensland’s far west are an essential part of Queensland’s tapestry. If you’re road-tripping, be sure to pull off in Longreach and check out the Stockman’s Hall of Fame before arriving in Birdsville, a once-in-a-lifetime experience of a town. Have a beer with locals at the infamous Birdsville Hotel, book a charter flight over the Diamantina channel, Lake Eyre and the Simpson Desert, or (our favourite) board the Big Red Dune Sunset Desert Tour. If you organise your trip for July or September you’ll make it in time for the Birdsville Big Red Run, afterparty Big Red Bash and the Birdsville Races.

One of the easier cities in the Sunshine State to fly into, Brisbane is not only home to an affectionately known ‘brown snake’ of a river running straight through the middle of the city, but some of the best hospitality venues, hotels and experiences in the state. Make a beeline to James Street in Fortitude Valley for café culture Queensland style, upscale shopping and farmers markets in the biggest waterfront, jacaranda-lined park in the city. 

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• 20 Must Visit Attractions In...

Must-Visit Attractions in Queensland, Australia

From the obvious to the unusual, here are 20 of the very best things to see and do while making your way across Queensland – also known as the sunshine state . Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips , compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips .

Great barrier reef.

Natural Feature It’s the world’s largest living structure, comprised of more than 3,000 coral reefs , 600 islands and 300 coral cays, and it’s home to thousands of tropical fish species as well as sharks, dolphins, turtles, dugongs and more. Needless to say, you could swim, surf, snorkel, sail and scuba for months and still not see everything this amazing part of the world has to offer.

Fraser Island

Natural Feature

It’s the world’s largest sand island and one of the best island escapes in the country. Whether you camp or stay in a luxury eco resort, you’ll enjoy the ancient rainforests, freshwater lakes, sandstone cliffs, rock pools and 75 Mile Beach.

Kuranda Scenic Railway

Natural Feature The town of Kuranda itself is charming and folksy, but its scenic railway offers a journey you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You can take the steam train that winds through the rainforest and along the gorge, or glide over the treetops in the cable car.

Queensland Cultural Centre

The cluster of monolithic, angular buildings across the river from Brisbane’s central business district are home to the state’s best classic and modern art collections, library, museum collections, performance centres and more.

Tangalooma Wrecks

Natural Feature A short swim off the coast of Brisbane’s Moreton Island, the fifteen rusty hulls of the Tangalooma Wrecks make for an unforgettable scuba or snorkelling experience.

Capricorn Caves

Natural Feature Venture beneath the craggy limestone ridges of the Berserker Range to discover an incredible cave system. Follow the boardwalk or abseil directly into the heart of the cavernous underground chambers.

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and Outback Heritage Centre

Museum There are countless pioneer museums dotted throughout the outback, but few are as engaging, interactive or innovative. This Longreach based museum is a tribute to the outback explorers, the early pioneers and Indigenous Australians.

Mossman Gorge

This boulder-strewn valley valley is a stand out spot in the already impeccable Daintree National Park . The Mossman River runs crystal clear and is perfect for a lazy swim.

Australia Zoo

Zoo It’s not the only zoo in Queensland , but thanks to its founder – the late Steve Irwin – it’s certainly the most famous. A short drive from Brisbane, it’s the perfect spot to see crocodiles, snakes, dingos, wombats and a whole host of amazing Australian critters.

Historic Village Herberton

Historical Landmark With more than 50 lovingly restored heritage buildings, this historic township gives far more insight into early Australian life than any regular museum trip.

Australian Age of Dinosaurs

The Australian Age of Dinosaurs museum building – a hunking mass of iron perched on a red dirt plateau – is impressive in itself. But the collection inside, including two locally found dinosaur fossils, needs to be seen to be believed.

Mount Hypipamee National Park

Surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, the Mount Hypipamee Crater is a breathtaking 70m (230ft) wide, 138m (453ft) deep crater. The lush green of the waterweed that sits on top of the crater lake provide stunning contrast to the stark grey granite walls.

SkyPoint Observation Deck

There are thousands of things to do on the Gold Coast and you have the chance to see them all from above at this 230m (755ft) tall observation deck in the heart of Surfers Paradise .

Boireann Wines

Wine Seller, Wine Of all the wineries and vineyards around Stanthorpe, the French and Italian-style wines of Boireann Wines are perhaps the most highly regarded.

Min Min Encounter

Natural Feature The locals can’t really explain the strange lights that appear in the sky near Boulia, and you probably won’t be able to explain this weirdly wonderful show either.

Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park

There are more than 500 limestone caves to explore in this national park. While they’re all impressive, make sure you visit the caves at Mungana and Wullumba to experience the ancient Aboriginal rock art, painted on the cave walls.

Hou Wang Temple

Shrine, Museum It’s not the most ornate Chinese temple in the world, but with its corrugated-iron cladding and gold-rush era establishment, it’s certainly one of the most unique.

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

This majestic gorge runs for 30km (18.6 miles) through the rugged ranges of Queensland’s highlands. From 200m (656ft) tall sandstone cliffs to the quiet waterholes, there’re plenty of reasons to lace up your hiking boots and explore.

This massive, 40m (131ft) tall wave of red sand is the first of more than 1,000 parallel dunes that stretch across the Simpson Desert. This lovingly nicknamed dune is a source of inspiration for photographers and an unnerving challenge for four-wheel drivers.

Charleville Bilby Experience

Zoo They are incredibly tiny, absolutely adorable, and nearly impossible to spot in the wild. Take this rare opportunity to see Australia’s answer to the Easter Bunny up close.

Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.

Our immersive trips , led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>

All our travel guides are curated by the Culture Trip team working in tandem with local experts. From unique experiences to essential tips on how to make the most of your future travels, we’ve got you covered.

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Home » Travel Guides » Australia » 15 Best Places to Visit in Queensland (Australia)

15 Best Places to Visit in Queensland (Australia)

With stunning scenery ranging from forests and mountains to pristine white beaches, and from reef to outback, Queensland boasts a diverse range of attractions, making it a favorite for tourists from throughout Australia and all over the world.

You can relax with a craft cocktail on an island beach resort, hike through lush rainforests, enjoy exotic flora and fauna like you’ve never seen before, or enjoy the urban buzz of the vibrant metropolis Brisbane.

With 7000km of stunning coastline, Queensland is a beach-lover’s paradise, but there’s so much to see and do in this tourist mecca that after you you’re your appetite with these 15 best places, you’ll just want to come back to the Sunshine State for more!

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Queensland :

1. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, and it’s the only living thing visible from space – it’s even larger than the Great Wall of China! The Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s widely considered the jewel in Queensland’s crown.

If you’re visiting Queensland, this extraordinarily beautiful and unique site is a must-see.

Teeming with marine life, it’s a great place to do some scuba or snorkelling, and get some stunning snaps for your Snapchat!

2. Daintree Rainforest

The breathtakingly beautiful Daintree Rainforest boasts exceptionally diverse flora and fauna, including 90% of Australia’s bat and butterfly species.

Like the Great Barrier Reef, most of the Daintree Forest is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site (Wet Tropics of Queensland), listed under the , and for good reason: it’s fascinating for nature-lovers and scientists alike, as it presents a uniquely detailed record of the processes by which Australian flora and fauna have evolved, with living relics of the Gondwanan era in the form of the closest surviving relatives to many ancient marsupials; also, its flora is considered to be the nearest example to what a Gondwanan forest would have been like.

Tours are available to give you some fascinating insights into the science and history of the Daintree Rainforest, but you can also enjoy relaxing walks and soak up the gorgeous scenery: waterfalls, wild rivers, and forest and coastal vistas.

It’s a wonderful example of the beauty of the Australian landscape.

Cairns is the gateway to the Daintree Forest and the Great Barrier Reef, and it’s a wonderful little resort town that’s very popular in its own right with backpackers from all over the world.

Its mild climate in winter makes it a beloved getaway for Sydney-siders and Melbournites.

This tropical paradise caters well for its tourists, with a buzzing café scene, beach markets, and even a platypus park!

4. Surfer’s Paradise

Surfer’s Paradise is the ultimate beach tourism town, and a very popular spot for travelers to QLD to base themselves.

The beach itself is one of Australia’s most well-known, and many (surprisingly affordable!) hotels are situated just across the road, so it’s just a short walk to be able to relax and enjoy the Aussie summer.

The town itself is very built up, with great nightlife and cuisine, and it boasts many tourist attractions such as the futuristic Infinity maze, a Ripley’s Believe it or Not, a Hard Rock Café and Dracula’s Haunted House.

You might even see one of Surfer’s Paradise’s famous bikini-clad meter-maids!

5. Lamington National Park

Named after Lord Lamington (who is also the namesake of the delicious Australian dessert!), this national park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is teeming with unique flora and fauna, some of which is found nowhere else on Earth.

The park is particularly known for its birdlife, wildflowers, ancient trees and waterfalls, and it’s easy accessible: you’ll find some of Australia’s best bushwalking here, with over 160km of walking tracks catering to all levels of fitness.

It’s also a great place to do some adventure sports: abseiling, archery and a flying fox are all available.

A particularly popular tourist attraction in the park is O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, the home of 230 species of birdlife, and where the very tame rosella parrots will eat right out of your hand or even perch on your head.

6. Gold Coast theme parks

The Gold Coast’s four theme parks – Warner Brothers’ Movie World, Dream World and Wet’n’Wild – are must-dos for anyone who loves theme parks, rollercoasters, and kitsch.

Sea World offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with Australian marine life, and the monorail system (Australia’s first!) and cable cars make it easy to get around the complex while enjoying stunning views.

Movie World is full of cheesy Warner Brothers’ fun; take a photo of you with all your favorite characters, and enjoy top-quality, hi-tech themed rides such as the Scooby Doo Spooky Coaster.

Dream World is the biggest theme park on the Gold Coast, with a great diversity of attractions (such as Tiger Island) and rides (the Giant Drop is a favorite with thrillseekers). Wet’n’Wild is an aquatic theme park with some of Australia’s greatest waterslide fun, including some extreme waterslides such as the Kamikaze which gives you the sensation of zero-gravity as you plunge down 11 metres at a 70 degree angle.

Whether you like your theme parks relaxing or adrenalin-pumping, the Gold Coast has something for you!

7. Tamborine Mountain

Tamborine Mountain boasts a gorgeous little town high up on a mountain, nested neatly between Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

The town has stunning views of the mountain, but it’s also worth spending a day walking around and enjoying the atmosphere of this eclectic town: Tamborine Mountain is famous for its wineries, delicious cheeses, gourmet restaurants, vibrant art scene, and adorable vintage stores.

You can also enjoy the Rainforest Skywalk, visit the glowworm caves, or stay in one of the romantic B&Bs – there’s something for everyone!

8. Australia Zoo

Australia Zoo is a must-do if you want to experience Australia’s most famous wildlife! The zoo was started as the passion project of the late Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.

The Irwin family are still very involved in making a reality of Steve’s vision: making the Australia Zoo the world’s biggest and best conservation facility.

There’s plenty of fun to be had at the zoo: get up close and personal with Australian animals such as wombats and kangaroos, and even get a dingo kiss! There’s also plenty of more exotic animals, so if you’ve ever wanted to hand-feed a tortoise or pet a tiger, this is the place to go.

9. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a quieter alternative to Australia Zoo, with more affordable entry, and more of a focus on Australian wildlife.

There’s also cute performances for the kids including the Australian icon Blinky Bill, as well as a flying fox over the treetops, a Segway safari, and the chance to feed a crocodile.

10. South Bank

Located on the south bank of the Brisbane River, South Bank is known for its beautiful floral walkway, its inner-city artificial beach, and a wide variety of fine dining options.

You can also see freshwater turtles wandering around! If you enjoy museum and gallery-hopping, make sure to visit the Cultural Precinct, which is the home of the Performing Arts Centre, the Art Gallery (don’t forget to check out their exceptionally high-quality gourmet restaurant!), the QLD Museum Science Centre and the Maritime Museum.

South Bank also has a gorgeous Rainforest Walk, a Nepalese Pagoda, and a botanical garden.

It’s best to plan to spend an entire day at South Bank, as there’s plenty to keep you entertained here!

11. West End

West End is a fun, quirky precinct that’s popular with the indie and hipster crowds; it’s a great place to do some vintage clothes shopping, enjoy one of Brisbane’s best cafes, or treat yourself to a delicious, unique cocktail at the exotic Lychee Lounge.

The weekend markets are a perfect introduction to Australia’s creative scene, followed by a stroll through Orleigh Park while enjoying lovely views of the Brisbane River.

12. Story Bridge

Brisbane is a city where the river is such a part of your life: with 25 ferry stops, and bridges criss-crossing the river, the locals get to enjoy stunning views on a daily basis, and the river is a beloved part of Brisbane’s culture.

One of the river bridges, Story Bridge, is particularly iconic: the heritage-listed steel bridge connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, and has been operating since 1940. Almost 100,000 commuters cross over the bridge every day, and it’s also the home of the Riverfire (a gorgeous fireworks display wrapping up Riverfestival). Story Bridge is lit up at night, making a postcard-perfect backdrop for your holiday memories.

If you’re a dare-devil, you can even climb the bridge!

13. Roma Street Parkland

Situated high above the Brisbane city centre, Roma Street Parkland offers gorgeous urban views, as well as a garden that is considered one of the two best in Australia.

The Spectacle Garden is particularly beautiful, with a lovely year-round floral display.

It’s a large garden, so be prepared to spend a few hours relaxing and wandering around enjoying the immaculately-kept grounds.

14. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s a great spot for whale-watching, fishing, 4WD-ing, a romantic getaway, or a soothing nature walk.

The island is a beloved getaway for tourists and locals alike, and well worth adding to your Queensland itinerary.

15. Whitsundays

The Whitsundays area offers everything from extreme luxury (Hamilton and Hayman Islands) to a backpacker mecca (Airlie Beach). Of the 74 Whitsunday islands, most are uninhabited national park islands, but four offer tourist accommodation.

The scenery of the Whitsundays is so stunning that it needs to be seen to be believed, and visitors to the area include the rich and famous from Australia and beyond.

There’s plenty of activities available (jet-ski, seaplane, helicopter), but the best thing about the Whitsundays is just enjoying the moment as you relax on the snowy-white beaches and count yourself lucky to be somewhere so special.

15 Best Places to Visit in Queensland (Australia):

• Great Barrier Reef
• Daintree Rainforest
• Surfer’s Paradise
• Lamington National Park
• Gold Coast theme parks
• Tamborine Mountain
• Australia Zoo
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
• Story Bridge
• Roma Street Parkland
• Fraser Island
• Whitsundays

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Queensland Guide for Tourists & Holiday Makers

Beautiful one day, perfect the next - that's Queensland. A place where vibrant modern cities are surrounded by some of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Over four and a half million people call it home and thousands more move here every year, making it the best-performing economy in Australia and the fastest growing state. Whether you're looking to stay a week, or a while, browse through our Queensland maps , accommodation  finder, guide to the major  Queensland holiday destinations  and popular attractions to help you plan your trip - although it might lengthen your wish list of things to see and do in the sunshine state!

Popular Queensland Accommodation Regions

The Gold Coast is popular with families, singles, couples and holiday makers of all ages. The variety of accommodation and attractions , coupled with great weather, beaches and a beautiful hinterland, makes the Gold Coast a very sought-after city for tourists.

Brisbane has a large variety of accommodation options , making it an ideal place to stay to enjoy the many things to do nearby. Choose from an apartment in the CBD or near the airport, stay at a resort on Moreton Island or relax at a cosy B'n'B outside of the city.

Home to beautiful Central Queensland scenery, heritage listed attractions and a stepping stone to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the Capricorn Coast offers a diverse range of accommodation and things to do, from coastal resorts to country hotels.

Darling Downs

If you're after a relaxing country getaway then the Darling Downs is for you. View the accommodation options available in Toowoomba, Warwick, Oaky or Pittsworth and experience stunning landscapes and true Queensland country hospitality .

The Tropical North is the perfect base to visit some of Queensland's best and most beautiful regions. Visit Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, Cairns and dive the Barrier Reef islands . View accommodation options and escape to the Far North.

Experience the real Australia & journey through the Queensland Outback . Enjoy clear starry nights, desert plains, small town pubs (and hospitality) and breathtaking views at one of the many national parks. Accommodation is varied and can range from camping to hotels.

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Our range of Queensland maps have a variety of useful features to make navigating our large state much easier! Including Queensland airports map , major highways and routes, popular regions such as Tropical North or South East Queensland, the Barrier Reef Islands and more.

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Queensland is home to some of the best scenic drives in the country. They wind their way along sandy coastlines, through spectacular rainforests and hinterland regions and the vastness of the Queensland Outback. If you plan on hiring a car, compare car rental prices from leading companies first.

Top Tourist Attractions in QLD

Queensland holiday-goers have the country's best attractions at their finger tips! You can visit world heritage listed rainforests, scuba dive the Great Barrier Reef, get your thrills at a theme park or soak up some culture at an art gallery or theatre. Check out our list of top 10 tourist attractions .

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There's something about white sandy beaches, spectacular sunsets on secluded islands and an endless assortment of romantic accommodation and dining options that makes QLD a great location for popping the question or weekend away. Read our top 10 most romantic things to do in Queensland .

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Queensland tourism industry set for transformation with Localis and Cinefly innovations

Queensland's tourism sector is set for significant transformation with the introduction of Localis and Cinefly's innovative AI-driven platforms, jointly funded by Advance Queensland's Private Sector Pathways program and the Department of Tourism and Sport.

Queensland's tourism sector is on the verge of remarkable transformation, a journey made possible by a successful collaboration with Advance Queensland and the innovative efforts of Localis and Cinefly.

The Department of Tourism and Sport and Advance Queensland's Private Sector Pathways program sought to address two critical issues in the tourism industry: improving travel experiences and tackling workforce capacity challenges. The initiative invited small-to-medium enterprises across the region to propose innovative solutions to these common pain points that travellers and tourism businesses face.

The response from Queensland-based enterprises was overwhelming, with a flood of creative proposals submitted. These ranged from leveraging cutting-edge technology to streamline the traveller's journey to novel strategies aimed at retaining and enhancing the skills of the tourism workforce.

Shortlisted candidates had the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and industry experts. Each pitch demonstrated a thorough understanding of the challenges and showcased innovative solutions. After careful deliberation, two proposals stood out: Localis and Cinefly. Each earned prestigious grant funding of up to $100,000 jointly funded by the Department of Tourism and Sport and the Private Sector Pathways Program facilitated by Advance Queensland to bring their visionary projects to life.

Cinefly's AI-driven platform is set to revolutionise Queensland's tourism by guiding visitors through the dreaming, planning, experiencing, and sharing stages of their trips. It generates personalised itineraries to inspire and optimise travel plans, and its AI tour guide enhances on-site experiences with engaging stories and assistance in capturing key moments.

Localis is introducing an AI-powered workforce demand optimiser that uses advanced predictive analytics to help tourism operators in Queensland forecast and manage workforce demands efficiently. The solution predicts fluctuating demands by integrating diverse historical and real-time data sets, including transaction, accommodation, and event data, enabling proactive workforce planning.

The tourism industry is buzzing with anticipation as Queensland gears up to implement these groundbreaking solutions. These innovative AI-driven platforms from Localis and Cinefly hold the promise of not just enhancing visitor experiences, but also driving significant economic growth across the region.

Watch the videos from the pitch event .

• Wed 19th Jun 2024, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm AEST (Opens in new tab)

My Queensland TNQ Tourism Conference 2024

Event description.

The  My Queensland TNQ Tourism Conference  is a full day of future-focused ideas, discussions, and stories delivered by speakers with extensive backgrounds in tourism, marketing, digital and beyond.

Join us as we share our region’s vision for international travel recovery. We’ll discuss the significance of navigating future global trends and explore how technology is transforming the way we live, learn, and work. Together, we will delve into the importance and future of transformational experiences and their role in shaping the TNQ travel landscape.

At the Conference you’ll be among industry from across the region. Connect with peers, talk with our speakers and members of the TTNQ team. When the presentations are done, we’ll help you break the ice with our networking happy hour. Leave feeling connected and inspired to take your business and marketing efforts to the next level. SESSIONS INCLUDE SESSION 1 AND 2: GLOBAL TOURISM AND MARKETING In these sessions, we will hear valuable insights from a destination and trade marketing perspective. Speakers include representatives from Tourism Australia, Tourism and Events Queensland, Tourism Tropical North Queensland, dentsu QLD and My Queensland Holidays. Keynote speaker Simon Kuestenmacher , Director and Co-Founder of The Demographics Group, will take the morning session to a new level by addressing the demographic and global trends that are shaping Australia today. SESSION 3: TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES In this evolving landscape of travel, people are actively seeking experiences that enrich, awaken and transform them. People seek to ignite something new within themselves by consciously connecting with and appreciating our extraordinary planet, its people and cultures. Together we will explore how transformational experiences are woven into the TNQ travel landscape. Speakers include Dr. Yolanda Waters from the University of Queensland and local tourism businesses. SESSION 4: RESPONSIBLE USES OF TECHNOLOGY AND AI In today’s increasingly digital world, there is no denying that technology is here to stay. As organisations, communities and businesses grapple with how technology is changing the way we live, work, and learn, one piece of technology that continues to level the playing field is artificial intelligence. Keynote speaker Scott Millar will share the ways in which AI is being used today from simple tools we use on our devices, to the innovations transforming industries. With a focus on responsible uses of technology, Scott will challenge audiences to find the opportunity in uncertainty as we all navigate our digital world. NETWORKING: HAPPY HOUR Compare notes and catch up with your industry colleagues during the networking session at the end of the conference.

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9:00 | Arrival, registration and refreshments 9:30 | Welcome, Session 1 – Global Tourism and Marketing Morning Tea 11:00 | Session 2 – Keynote speaker Simon Kuestenmacher, demographic and global trends Lunch 1:30 | Session 3 – Transformational Experiences Afternoon Tea 3:00 | Session 4 – Keynote speaker Scott Millar, Responsible uses of technology & AI 4:30 | Networking – happy hour

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SPEAKERS:  For speaker announcements, check out our event page here

COSTS: Members $80pp and Non-Members $140pp -  Includes morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and networking drinks

Champion of Tourism Members receive 2 complimentary tickets. A promo code has been sent to your organisation to access the complimentary tickets. Contact [email protected] for registration questions or issues. REGISTRATIONS CLOSE 5PM, FRIDAY 14 June 2024

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MAJOR EVENT SPONSOR - MY QUEENSLAND My Queensland is part of the award-winning Ignite Travel Group, Australia’s leading travel distribution platform. They compliment supplier distribution channels by delivering experience-rich packages that both inspire customers and create new volumes for their partners. Their selection of Queensland holidays is perfectly packaged with exclusive bonus value inclusions that customers can’t get anywhere else, like room upgrades, resort credits, dining, local experiences and so much more.

EVENT SPONSOR - DENTSU QLD dentsu QLD is a leading marketing and communications specialist known for delivering best-in-class integrated services and solutions in media, CXM, creative and public relations. Fiercely local and proudly global, dentsu QLD is backed by 48,000 professionals worldwide across 45 markets.

Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix donates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity

Refund policy

As Tourism Tropical North Queensland is a not for profit organisation that incurs expenses associated with events which must be paid in advance, please be advised that the following cancellation policy applies to our events: No refund of ticket price can be provided on any events if cancellation is notified within 7 days of the event. If cancellation is notified outside of the 7 days, then a refund will be issued.

Grey nomad numbers falling in Queensland as seasoned travellers head overseas

Retired couple Greg and Dianne Osborne are hitting the road in Queensland's outback with their camper trailer despite an increasing number of Australians their age choosing to head overseas for holidays.

"We've done some lovely overseas trips in the past, but this is just Australia's time now," Ms Osborne said.

The Osbornes may be intent on exploring their own backyard but they are bucking the trend, with Queensland tourism operators reporting fewer holiday-makers to start the season.

"It's probably been a bit slow in terms of bookings so far this year," said Robert Russell, property manager at Charlotte Plains, near Cunnamulla in the state's south-west.

"It's pretty expensive to tow a caravan around the outback.

"Travel is a bit of a luxury thing and it's one of the first things to go when people cut their spending."

Charleville Bush Caravan Park owner Graham Reid said potential travellers might have been deterred by recent flooding and fears of road closures.

"Bookings for the caravan park were excellent then reality hit and it dropped off," Mr Reid said.

Heading overseas

The slow start on outback roads this season followed a drop in caravanning across the state in 2023.

Tourism Research Australia (TRA) data showed in the last quarter of 2023, there were 200,000 fewer camping and caravanning trips in Queensland compared to the previous year.

"Grey nomads, instead of going caravanning or camping, are actually going overseas," Caravan Parks Association of Queensland chief executive Michelle Weston said.

"We've seen the number of international departures for that age group matching the decline in caravan and camping trips for 2023 in Queensland."

More than 500,000 passengers departed Brisbane Airport on an overseas trip during the Easter school holidays, a third more than the previous year.

Overall, the TRA reported 2.3 million Australians aged over 55 went on overseas holidays last year, a two-fold increase on the previous year.

Attractions down on business

Outback attractions, like the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame, are still waiting for the tourism season to kick off.

"We're about 20 per cent down on our visitation numbers compared to last year," chief executive Lloyd Mills said.

"The issue is that people just haven't commenced travelling this way yet.

"International flights are back and the cruise market is extremely cheap and aggressive in their marketing."

With their bookings over the winter school holidays looking full, however, there is still some hope for the rest of the season.

"Traditionally when you get a very soft start to the season you hope to God that you have a strong back end," Mr Mills said.

Caravan market holds steady

While grey nomads are expected to jet set on international tours and hop on board cruise ships, the caravan industry says there is no indication the second hand market is flooded with impulsive pandemic purchases.

"Looking at the after-sale market, we haven't witnessed that at all," Caravan Industry Association of Australia General Manager Luke Chippendale said.

Mr Chippendale said the market for new caravans was still performing well and the number of registered caravans was growing.

He said the industry had seen an uptick in young families taking longer camping trips as a more affordable option for a larger group when compared with overseas travel.

"It allows for an entire family holiday, which could include grandma and grandpa if they're going to come along as well," Mr Chippendale said.

Meanwhile, the Osbornes are continuing their travels around Queensland's south-west before they head back to Brisbane

They are planning to return with a larger vehicle that will allow them to take the camper trailer even further into the outback.

"I just think the Australian bush is beautiful," Mr Osborne said.

"We're exploring further west than we've ever been before," Mr Osborne said.

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