places to visit in queensland in july

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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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41 Best Places to Visit in Queensland Australia

By: Author The Aussie Tourist

Posted on Last updated: 03/28/2021

Categories Queensland (Qld)

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

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

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

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

41 Top Queensland Tourist Destinations

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

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

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

• Things to do in Far North Qld

Whitsundays

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

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

Kuranda really knows how to kick it up a notch!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation

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

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

Fraser Island

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

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

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

Heron Island

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

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

Daydream Island

Another terrific resort location is Daydream Island.

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

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

Green Island

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

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

Springbrook National Park

Back to the outdoors and straight to Springbrook National Park.

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

Mt Tamborine Skywalk

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

Now that’s an adventure!

Port Douglas

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Things to do in Mt Isa
• Mt Isa Accommodation 

Boodjamulla National Park

Have you ever wanted to walk through the outback?

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

Town of 1770

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

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

Charleville

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

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

• Things to do in Charleville

Carnarvon Gorge National Park

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

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

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

North Stradbroke Island

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

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

Agnes Waters

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

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

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

See more: 

• Things to do in Agnes Waters

Lamington National Park

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

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

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

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

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

• Things to do in Redcliffe

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

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

Rainbow Beach

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

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

• Things to do in Rainbow Beach

Great Keppel Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bunya Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

• Things to do in Dalby
• Best Accommodation in Dalby

Townsville and Magnetic Island

You cannot visit one and not the other.

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

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

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

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

• Things to do in Burleigh

Moreton Island

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

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

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

Bribie Island

Still looking for that perfect panoramic view?

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

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

• Things to do in Bribie Island

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

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

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

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

• Things to do in Caloundra

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Best things to do in Maleny

Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast

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

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

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

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

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

Cape York Peninsula & the Torres Strait Islands

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

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

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

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

Looking for places beautiful places beyond Queensland?

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

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

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• Queensland In July: 10 Experiences To Get Up Close And Personal With Nature In 2024!

13 Oct 2021

Mapping the north-eastern region of Australia with a warm tropical climate is the state of Queensland. With ample sunshine hours and the Great Barrier Reef housing, not just Australia’s, but some of the world’s most endangered species, Queensland in July is packed with tourists – both local and domestic all year round. A dive into the clear blue waters of Queensland’s coast leaves you breathless – literally and figuratively. However, with enough oxygen supply, the experience of watching the underwater life beats any 3D movie. If you like to stay on the surface and photography is your thing, take out your camera and get photo-bombed by koalas and kangaroos. Whatever might be your guilty pleasure, Queensland has it covered!

Queensland In July Weather

Image Source

Winter begins to set in in Queensland around May when the sun shines warmer, the humidity gets lower and the wind feels colder. With the average temperature of about 21 degrees (Celsius), Queensland in July is for those craving a refreshing dip in the ocean with a little tan to flaunt. With the migration of humpback whales northwards in search of warm waters and warmer companions, visiting Queensland is an apt thing to do. So if you are confused when to travel, Queensland in July sounds like the perfect plan to make!

10 Things To Do In Queensland In July

Here’s how you can make your vacation in Queensland in July 2022  unbeatably fun and happening. Scroll down to see all that you can do there during summertime.

• Great Barrier Reef : Gauge The Depths
• Movie World : Live The Reel Life
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary : Cuddle Cute Koalas!
• Hervey Bay : ‘Whale’ Your Time Away!
• Undara Volcanic Park : Uncover The Undara Experience
• Tangalooma Wreck : Discover Its Secrets
• Big Pineapple : Pin It Down!
• Sea World : ‘Sea The World’ With A Twist!
• Laura Dance Festival : Join The Fun!
• Lady Elliot Island : Look For Manta Rays

1. Great Barrier Reef : Gauge The Depths

Image Source If you have seen sea turtles, starfishes, dolphins and sharks only through the glass windows of an aquarium, the Great Barrier Reef shatters those glasses. As the largest coral reef system of the world, this 2,300 reef structure is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and even sighted from space. With an independent ecosystem comprising of exotic and endangered marine life, the Great Barrier Reef is a scuba paradise much like an underwater 3D experience. Traditionally used as a fishing ground, the coral reef also offers the thrill of scuba-diving, coral sea kayaking and bungy jumping.

Location: Off the east coast of the Queensland mainland

Must Read: Summer In Queensland: See What Makes It The Best Season To Visit

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2. Movie World : Live The Reel Life

Image Source What if you had to choose between Bugs Bunny and Batman or Sylvester and Superman or Lego and Justice League? While the kid in you demands a theme park, the nerd needs an adrenaline rush. Well, at Movie World you can have the best of both! With a Green Lantern Roller Coaster and Street Parade with your favorite childhood characters, Movie World is the perfect theme park for anyone who watched a lot of telly as a kid and everyone who loves comics.

Location: Pacific Motorway, Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Sunday)

3. Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary : Cuddle Cute Koalas!

Image Source The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world's oldest and largest koala sanctuary. For those seeking a peek into the Australian wildlife, the sanctuary is the quintessential place to be. From kangaroos to cockatoos, this sanctuary has it all nestled under the bright blue shiny sky. Screeching Rainbow lorikeets are often seen hovering close to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in search of specially prepared nectar meals. For thrill seekers visiting Queensland in July, the kangaroo reserve opens its doors to those who want to pet or feed the kangaroos. You can also have a selfie with a Koala for your Instagram stories at a nominal fee. If you are lucky, you might even spot a platypus whizzing around a puddle.

Location: 708 Jesmond Road, Fig Tree Pocket, Queensland Timings: 9 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Suggested Read: Queensland In June: A Pocket Guide For Planning A Perfect Vacation

4. Hervey Bay : ‘Whale’ Your Time Away!

Image Source With golden sandy beaches, warm blue waters and temperate sea breeze, Hervey Bay is the pit stop for migrating humpback whales. Hop onto a vessel with a viewing deck for an uncanny experience of witnessing dolphins and whales whistling and play-fighting. You can stick around the bay fishing and grilling some exotic seafood or laze around in the shallow waters until you hear some growling from your tummy. For the thrill chasers, experience gravity with a dive from 14,000 ft above ground level and a bird-eye view of Fraser Coast with various skydiving options.

Location: Hervey Bay

5. Undara Volcanic Park : Uncover The Undara Experience

Image Source Travel back into the time of volcanic eruptions with molten lava running out of every crevice and crack. Undara is the house of these lava tube systems unlike anywhere else on Earth. Led by a bunch of Savannah Guides, be ready to stumble over rocks, learn about the geological and historical features and sip some wine as the sun goes down and the kangaroos, cockatoos and lorikeets make their way back home. Spend the night in North Queensland camping in July to spot night owls and micro-bats hunt their midnight munchies. This is no doubt the best way to uncover the Undara experience.

Location: Undara Volcanic Park, Savannah Way, Queensland

Suggested Read: 10 Top Queensland National Parks For A Thrilling Holiday Experience

6. Tangalooma Wreck : Discover Its Secrets

Image Source While history seems to identify only Titanic, Tangalooma has witnessed 15 vessels wreck since 1963 to the 1980s. While most of the architecture is lost, the rustic look and feel of these vessels draw many history junkies to this island resort to relieve a time in history, snorkel the light blue waters of the shy, isolated ruins or just scoot around underwater in a sea scooter racing marine wildlife. If you are the adventurous one, the current is usually not strong and a dive into the wild open sea would be worthwhile.

Location: Moreton Island, 15-20 minute walk up the beach from Tangalooma Island Resort

7. Big Pineapple : Pin It Down!

Image Source If you are a big fan of pineapple, this is the place for you! As the most popular tourism and food icon in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, the Big Pineapple is a unique structural attraction making its way into Instagram stories. Under its crown cover is the Wildlife HQ, a zoo featuring Queensland's single Sun Bear Maly. With a laidback rainforest setting and your favorite animals bouncing around, the Big Pineapple is perfect for a weekend picnic with the family in Australia . For the adrenaline rush, high ropes and zip line courses are being in introduced within the premise.

Location: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye, Queensland Timings: 9 AM - 4 PM (Monday to Sunday)

Suggested Read: 13 Queensland Waterfalls That Look Like They Came Straight Out Of A Disney Film

8. Sea World : ‘Sea The World’ With A Twist!

Image Source At Sea World, you can join Spongebob and Patrick on their adventures underwater or watch trained seals flap around balancing a rubber ball, if you are lucky you might even steal a kiss from the furry sloppers. If you thought jellyfishes were cool, wait until you watch them glow in the dark. We all know how cool that is!

Queensland in July weather is yet another excuse to get away from the city life and closer to nature. As an island of mariners, both human and otherwise, Queensland’s SeaWorld is for those who want the underwater experience without getting their hands wet.

Location: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Queensland Timings: 10 AM - 5 PM (Monday to Sunday)

9. Laura Dance Festival : Join The Fun!

Image Source They say music has no language and dance is emotion in motion. While we might not know the origin of these words of wisdom, we can’t help but second them. And the Laura Dance Festival in Queensland in July testifies how our culture evolved from miserable, food hunting apes to marvelous sapiens. With 20 different communities from across the Cape gathering together to celebrate music and dance in its most authentic form, join the locals and dance the night away like no one’s watching.

Location: Lot 1, Peninsula Development Road, Laura, Queensland

Suggested Read: Queensland Travel Guide That Will Ensure A Hassle-Free Vacation In Australia

10. Lady Elliot Island : Look For Manta Rays

Image Source Located within the highly protected ‘Green Zone’ at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is the Lady Elliot Island called the home of Manta Rays. With glass bottom boats with the ocean lit by the moonlight, this island wakes up the hushed marine life with glow-in-the-dark jellyfishes guiding the way. If you are a morning person, you can race the green turtle hatchlings to the water or dive and discover where the Manta Ray like to destress after a long day of swaying around the reef.

Location: Southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef

Further Read: 10 Magnificent Islands Near Queensland For Surreal Views And Watersports

So, dab some sunscreen, grab your beach towel and get a little beachy because the weather in Queensland in July calls for all of it. Get in touch with the experts at TravelTriangle for an awesome-sauce holiday in Australia and get going on your wonderful beach vacation with friends and family. Hurry! The Down Under is waiting!

Frequently Asked Questions About Queensland In July

What are the types of seasons in Queensland?

Unlike most of the cities across the world, Queensland experiences only hot & humid and cool temperatures year round. There is no such weather as chilly cold and that’s why it is an ideal location for a beach vacation.

How hot does Queensland get in summer?

There’s not much variation in the temperatures during summer as compared to the winter months, which is why it might not feel too hot in Queensland. The temperature stays around 29°C on an average.

What is the best month to visit Gold Coast?

Fortunately, every month is the best to visit Gold Coast. It all depends on what you are seeking. If you’re looking for a peaceful experience, then March to May is an ideal time to go. If you want to experience a proper beach holiday, plan your visit between December to February.

Is it cold in July in Australia?

Unlike other countries, Australia experiences a very pleasant winter season. The temperature rarely drops into minus numbers and usually stay between 18 to 24°C.

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The best things to do in Queensland, Australia

Updated On 30th November, 2022

Queensland is Australia’s second largest state, and safe to say it packs a punch. For the last two years, I travelled around Australia in my van and spent my first six months meandering through this vast state. In those months, I experienced it all (well…almost!). There are so many fun things to do in Queensland, and here I’m going to share some of the best.

I stood beneath the mist of Australia’s single drop waterfall, walked amongst the ancient beauty of neighbouring world heritage sites, summited mountains, soaked in artesian bore baths, sailed around the Whitsundays (it’s cheaper than you think!), and so much more. From all these incredible experiences, I have created this list of my top things to do in Queensland. A lot of these should definitely be added to your Australia bucket list !

Whether you are looking for the best things to do in Queensland, fun things to do in Queensland, things to do in South Queensland, things to do in South East Queensland, things to do on the Gold Coast, or the best places to visit in Queensland – this list has it all!. Let’s dive into the 16 best things to do in Queensland.

Other travel guides you might find useful…

• The best things to do in Australia
• The best things to do in Western Australia
• Australia: the ultimate travel guide
• A guide to solo travel in Australia
• Australia: the ultimate East Coast bucket list

Australia Google Map Legend

With this Google Map, you can have all my tips and recommendations at the touch of your fingertips. These are all the things I wish I knew and spent a lot of time researching before my adventure. You’re welcome.

This Google Map Legend includes:

• Best walks, viewpoints and activities
• Top tips for travelling in Australia
• The best waterfalls, beaches, landmarks and surf spots
• Our favourite places for coffee, brunch and dinner
• Things you must add to your bucket list!
• Travel tips to help you on the go
• Travel guide links within each location

The best things to do in Queensland...

1. sail around the whitsundays.

The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This island paradise is a dream destination for snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing on the pearly white sandy beaches. It often ranks as one of the best things to do in Australia and is known as Australia’s premier sailing destinations – and for a good reason. Sailing is one of the best ways to experience the diverse beauty of this region. Best of all, sailing these islands also happens to be one of the most fun things to do in Queensland! Nothing quite like the open ocean with the wind in your hair to soothe a restless soul. 

While I was there, I found a few other friends, and we were able to rent a boat for around AU$400 per person for four days. It was an absolute dream and a ten-out-of-ten experience. However, if you aren’t able to rent a boat, half-day tours typically start at around AU$200. Whether you join a day tour or hire a yacht with a few friends, this is one of the best things to do in North Queensland and should be on your Australia bucket list . 

• Check out our guide to visiting the Whitsundays on a backpacker budget here.
• If you aren’t sure which boat to choose, check out this Whitsundays travel guide.

2. Summit the Glasshouse Mountains

Glasshouse Mountains are located in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast , just a short drive inland from the Gold Coast. With 11 peaks to explore, there are plenty of walking tracks winding through waterholes, nature reserves and up steep mountains. 

The most popular mountains to climb are Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah. Beerwah has a nice and easy 200m return walk or a 2.6km summit walk that can take up to four hours to complete. Tibrogargan offers a leisurely 4km circuit that winds its way around the base and a 6km circuit to the summit. On both summit climbs, you will encounter exposed rock faces and steep inclines. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. Also, don’t forget water – you will need it!

If you are looking for the best things to do on the Gold Coast, then the Glasshouse Mountains should be on the list!

3. Go whale watching in Hervey Bay

Whale watching is a top Australia bucket list item, and Hervey Bay is the place to do it! Located three hours north of Brisbane , this bay offers the perfect coastal shelter for migrating whales. Between July and November, Hervey Bay transforms into the whale watch capital of the world. Here you can jump on a tour and enjoy an intimate experience with these magical mammals! Whale watching in Hervey Bay is one of the best things to do in Queensland and one of the best places to visit in Australia for nature lovers.

4, Soak in an artesian bore bath

If you are searching for things to do in Australia and the best places to visit in Queensland that get you off the beaten track, make sure you add soaking in an artesian bore bath to the list. Queensland is home to the Great Artesian Basin – a freshwater basin covering roughly one-fifth of the country (making it the largest and deepest in the world!) The best part? This underground water network is confined, pressurised, and heated to form a natural spa. These warm springs are a near-perfect 42°C by the time they reach the surface – the perfect natural bath. 

Two of the top places to visit in Queensland to experience these baths include:

Charlotte’s Plains Station 

Located just outside Cunnamulla, this sheep station has a designated unpowered camping area, with a ‘bore river’ running through the middle. Along the shoreline, ceramic bathtubs and faucets pumping the water direct from the basin are scattered for guests to use at their leisure. After two years of doing the big lap, this still ranks high on my list of top things to do in Australia and is one of the best things to do in South Queensland. 

Julia Creek Caravan Park   

These bore baths offer a more private bathing experience. The park has a number of dual bathtubs surrounded by a corrugated iron enclosure. You can bring your own nibbles and wine or order a platter from reception.

5. Watch kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park

There are only a few places in Australia where you can see the magical sight of kangaroos and wallabies roaming the beach. One is Lucky Beach in Western Australia , and the other is located in Cape Hillsborough in Queensland.

If you want to capture these beautiful creatures, get there at first light before the sun has risen. Once the sun is up, the wallabies tend to clear out! This early morning is easily one of the best things to do in North Queensland for photographers and animal lovers. 

6. Explore the Daintree & Cape Tribulation

There is only one place in the world where two world heritage sites meet, and it is tucked away in the north of Queensland! Here in Cape Tribulation , you can walk along the beach with the ancient Jurassic-like forest of the Daintree on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. It is pure magic and hands down one of the best places to visit in Queensland.

While you are here, wander along the boardwalks to admire this spectacular rainforest and make a stop to grab an exotic fruit ice cream from Daintree Ice Cream co .

7. Road trip the waterfall circuit

Queensland’s weather is tropical, so it heats up to a balmy 30-35°C in the summer. One of the best things to do in Queensland to take the edge off the summer heat is to find a local waterhole to cool off. What better way than to take a road trip around the Queensland waterfall circuit !

Starting in Cairns, wind your way southeast past Lake Eacham toward Milla Falls. From here, there are plenty of little falls to check out, like Zillie Falls and Millstream, all the way back inland until you reach Innisfail. Swimming in one, picnic on the shore at the next. The waterfall circuit is one of the best things to do in North Queensland in a van over a few days or on a day trip from Cairns!

8. Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef

ìAlthough I have mentioned the Great Barrier Reef a few times, it deserves a place on the list all by itself! As the world’s largest coral reef system, you can access this huge reef starting in Bundaberg in the south and along the coast, up to the tip of Cape York in the north. 

There are so many ways to access it, including diving, snorkelling, sailing, kayaking, fly above it, but no matter how you choose to see it, this should be on your Australia bucket list!

9. Tour Paronella Park

Paronella Park is one of those hidden gems tucked away in the North of Queensland. When I visited, I honestly wasn’t expecting much from this old castle. However, between the history, beautiful structures, and tropical plants surrounding the Mena Creek falls – this little park captured my heart. 

When you buy an entry ticket, you get a tour included. These guides show you around the grounds as they share the magical story of Jose and how he turned a budding dream of building a castle into an ongoing legacy. Then you are free to wander the gardens – left to ponder the power of dreams and determination. As an added bonus, there is on-site accommodation included in your ticket price (based on availability). Paronella was definitely an underdog on the list of my top things to do in Queensland.

10. Day trip to Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, also referred to as ‘maggie’, is an island paradise just a short boat ride from Townsville and one of the best things to do in North Queensland. Grab a barbie inspired car and jet set around the island for a day. Snorkel in the many bays, enjoy a hike and try and spot a koala hiding in the trees. With the largest population of wild koalas in Australia, it is one of the best places to visit in Queensland to spot one of our furry friends. 

11. Visit the Gold Coast theme parks

When planning an adventure to explore the very best things to do in Queensland, it would be a crime to not mention the iconic theme parks of the Gold Coast. With the near-perfect weather, you can make the most of these iconic theme parks. From giant slides at WetN’Wild, to a movie-inspired ride at Movie world and riding rollercoasters at Dreamworld – there is something for everyone. Whether you are a thrill seeker or just love a little carnival fare, this is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. 

12. Relax in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

Noosa is the epitome of a summery beachside holiday destination. With its balmy warm weather and relaxed vibes, it’s no wonder this is so often ranked as one of the best things to do in southwest Queensland and one of the best places to visit in Australia for a beach holiday. The Fairy Pools are an iconic attraction in this area – but be aware that these get busy! Instead, try grabbing a coffee, wander the streets, grab a 72-hour fermented pizza from El Capitano (the mushroom pizza is divine!), and just soak up the vibe of this laid-back destination.

Explore our guide to Noosa here.

13. See a platypus in Eungella National Park

If seeing a platypus is on your Australia bucket list, Eungella is one of the best places to visit in Queensland to do it! Eungella is a beautiful mountain-top town around two hours inland of Mackay. After you have braved the steep incline to reach the top, make your way to the viewing decks at Broken River. 

Don’t know what you’re looking for? You can spot platypus swimming by watching the small bubbles rising to the surface. Wait a few seconds, and you should see a little bill from beneath the water.

14. See the highest single-drop waterfall in Australia

Imagine standing at the base of a thundering waterfall, the spray of the water slowly soaking your clothes, all the while surrounded by some of the oldest rainforests on earth. Sound like something you want to add to your Australian bucket list? Then don’t miss the chance to visit Wallaman Falls . 

These majestic falls can be viewed from a platform above but the real magic is found at the base. However, the walk down is a steep and, at times, slippery descent. Wear comfortable, grippy shoes and pack water and snacks. While it can take up to three hours to navigate these slippery surfaces, it is still one of the best things to do in Queensland!

15. Visit the South Bank Parklands in Brisbane

Even if cities aren’t your thing, I highly recommend a stop in Southbank in Brisbane . This little riverside parkland is home to 17 hectares of lush parklands, lick-your-plate-clean eateries, a community garden, and outdoor swimming pools bordering the Brisbane River. 

A visit to this part of the city is one of the top things to do in Queensland for foodies. While you’re here, I recommend grabbing a tradition style Yiros from the Yiros shop. These are the best Yiros in Brisbane. Yiros not your thing? No worries!  Walk along the promenade and choose from one of the other eateries – there are loads to choose from. Overall, if you love food, and views and want a taste of what Brisbane has to offer, Southbank is easily one of the best things to do in South East Queensland. 

See all the best things to do in Brisbane here.

16. Walk along the colourful sands of Rainbow Beach

According to the Kaby Dreaming (the local aboriginal culture), Rainbow Beach got its name from Yiningie – a spirit of the gods who took the form of a rainbow. It is said that he was killed in flight, and when he crashed into the cliffs, his spirit coloured the sands. Whether you bow to gods or mother nature, this is one of the best places to visit in Queensland to see this natural coloured sand art gallery. To see the sands, walk south from the Rainbow Beach township. After a short walk, you will see the spectacular eroded sands of the cliffs swirling from the constant resculpting from the wind and the rain. 

17. Visit Fraser Island

Rainbow Beach is also the premier gateway to the heritage-listed Fraser Island. This island is the largest sand island in the world. It is accessible only by boat and 4WD. I recommend renting a 4WD and heading over to Fraser Island for a day or two and exploring the wild beauty this island has to offer. I have heard countless people say it is one of the top things to do in Queensland! 

• Check out how to visit Fraser Island on a budget here.
• Decide which Fraser Island tour to choose here

What are your favourite fun things to do in Queensland?

Where are your favourite places to visit in Queensland ? Anything you’d add?

I am a writer, podcaster and traveller fascinated with what it takes to thrive in a more alternative lifestyle. After years of trying to fit the mould, I ditched the 9-5, moved to Canada to work as a ski instructor, and have been living a little differently travelling the world ever since. I now live in my van with my partner and our pup, exploring Australia all while discovering what it takes to thrive in this unconventional nomadic lifestyle.

See all Claire’s adventures here.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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The 20 Best Places to Visit in Queensland

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There are so many iconic Australian sights in Queensland – the picture-perfect beaches at the Whitsundays, diving the massive underwater coral formations in the Great Barrier Reef, and off-roading in Fraser Island, just to name a few.

Perfect for backpackers or families, we cover the 20 best places to visit in Queensland. Check out the incredible spots below and make a decision for yourself.

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon .

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

Best Time to Visit Queensland

The best time to visit Queensland is during the winter months between June and September. The north is either tropical or arid – gets extremely hot in the summer and many areas are prone to flooding from monsoon storms. And roads in the north are often closed in the summer.

How to Get Around Queensland

Renting a vehicle makes sense for shorter stays in Australia. There is the option to rent small vehicles or campervans, and Australia has campgrounds (including free ones) throughout the country. So renting a campervan would double as your accommodation. While renting a smaller car would require staying at an Airbnb, hostels, hotels, or tent camping.

We recommend hiring a campervan from  Jucy or  Hippie Camper while touring Australia to give you greater flexibility on your itinerary. Campervans will end up saving money as well. A campervan rental costs between $400 and $700 AUD per week depending on the size and quality. Britz  is another option but significantly more expensive.

Take the Bus

Bus companies such as  Firefly Express and Greyhound offer direct route services as well as tours. They offer flexible hop-on hop-off packages and tours can range from 3 days to 16 days.

For example,  Oz Experience  (Greyhound) offers a 12-day tour from Brisbane to Cairns for $1,259 AUD. However, taking the bus will limit your stops to the destinations within the bus itinerary. This may be a good option for those who would rather not do a lot of trip planning.

Apps for Australia

There are two apps to download before heading to Australia.  Campermate  is a free app that provides information on campsites, things to see, petrol, and lots more. 

WikiCamps Australia  is a paid app that has tons of information and user comments. You’ll want to download the comments which are available offline. WikiCamps is great for its extensive list of campsites and comments to help provide information and suggestions. It is free for 14 days, and then you can upgrade to a one-time cost of $7.99 AUD.

1. Noosa National Park

Noosa is home to a spectacular national park. Several white sand beaches and a coastal walk are reasons thousands flock here during the summer.

The coastal walk takes 4 hours and is the highlight of the park. There are several overlooks as well as the Instagram-worthy Fairy Pools, but make sure to visit during low tide.

2. Point Arkwright

Point Arkwright is a hidden gem and one of our favorite sunrise spots in Australia. This is a little-known location, so a visit will be sure to have only a few locals around. It is located 30 minutes south of Noosa.

3. Fraser Island

Fraser Island is one of the highlights of Queensland and a mecca for 4×4 enthusiasts. It is the world’s largest sand island and offers perfect conditions for offroad driving and beach camping.

A trip to Fraser Island can be independent or by tour. If you have your own 4×4 vehicle, take the  Manta Ray barge  from Inskip Point or the  Kingfisher Bay Ferry  from River Heads. Tours typically originate from Hervey Bay. A two-day visit would include stops at Lake Mckenzie, the SS Maheno shipwreck, 75 Mile Surf Beach, Rainbow Beach, and rainforest bushwalking.

A visit to Queensland should not be without a stop at Fraser Island to explore the incredible coastal sand dunes, rainforest, and bizarre lakes.

Cost to visit Fraser Island : Ferries cost between $85 – $180 AUD one-way or $130 – $260 return for a 4×4 vehicle and passengers.

Camping :  Online bookings  are available for all 45 campsites within the national park.

4. Pebble Beach, Rosslyn Bay

Yeppoon is a small coastal town halfway between Noosa and Airlie Beach. We found this spot by chance, but it ended up being one of the best beaches to  photograph  in Queensland.

There is a small regional park in Rosslyn Bay just beside the marina. One trail leads to the Rosslyn Bay Lookout, the other goes to a small hidden cove called Pebble Beach. This rocky beach is very eerie and a perfect location for sunrise or sunset. Rosslyn Bay Lookout is also a good place to spot migrating whales.

5. Cape Hillsborough

When we looked up Cape Hillsborough, we saw incredible pictures of wallabies and roos on the beach for sunrise. However, what the photos did not show was the park ranger that comes every morning before sunrise to feed them. Tourists line up a few meters away in hopes of getting that epic sunrise shot with a kangaroo on the beach.

While the experience was not what we originally imagined, it still was a very unique sight to see. After their food is gone, they jump around the beach and offer plenty of opportunities for pictures in a more natural way.

6. Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is a backpacker hub as well as the jumping point to the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef. It has some of the best food in Queensland with a wide range of cuisine options.

We opted for the fresh seafood at  Fish D’Vine  or the homemade pasta at  La Tabella . Make sure to prearrange a tour to the Whitsundays, especially during the peak seasons.

7. Whitsunday Islands

Our absolute favorite thing we did in Queensland was a visit to Whitsunday Island. The white-sand beaches and picture-perfect hill inlet are just some of the highlights. Tours originate from Airlie and tour options range from small sailboats to large catamarans offering day trips or overnight cruises.

The Camira is a large catamaran with daily trips to Whitehaven Beach and the Hill Inlet. The full-day tour includes food and alcohol. Prima and Summertime are traditional sailboats with excellent reviews that both offer overnight sailing trips. For a list of all boats sailing/cruising around the Whitsundays, check out  sailing-whitsundays.com .

For a more intimate way to explore the Whitsundays, camping is an awesome option. Campsites are located at the end of Whitehaven Beach and are the perfect way to have a few hours each morning with the beach almost to yourself.

You can rent a kayak for the duration of the trip, which is a great way to explore the island. It is possible to paddle over to the Hill Inlet Lookout. For more information on camping, check out our  guide to camping at the Whitsunday Islands .

8. Bowen Beach

Bowen Beach is a small beach town one hour north of Airlie. This is a great beach to relax for the day while waiting for your Whitsunday Island cruise. A short walk from the end of the beach leads to a nice lookout.

9. Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island, off the coast of Townsville, is known for wild koala bears and secluded beaches. It is a 30-minute ferry from Townsville. Cruise around the island with stops at Alma Bay, Horseshoe Bay, and The Forts where there is a chance to spot a koala in the wild.

Cost to travel to Magnetic Island : A return ticket costs $34 AUD from the  SeaLink  Ferry terminal.

10. Wallaman Falls

Wallaman Falls is the largest single-drop waterfall in Australia. There is an overlook as well as a trail down to the falls. The hike down takes around 30-45 minutes and is quite steep. To get closer to the falls there are sections of large boulders that you will have to navigate. It is worth the effort as the views of the falls are unparalleled.

11. Mission Beach

Catch a sunset skydive with  Skydive Mission Beach,  the number one skydiving location in Australia! The skydive has incredible views of the coastline and reef and ends with a beach landing. A 7,000 foot tandem dive cost $219 AUD, or go high with a 15,000 tandem dive for $310.

12. Waterfall Circuit

The waterfall circuit was one of our favorite days in Queensland! We loved exploring several waterfalls that are very close to each other. The circuit is located on Palmerston Highway near the town of Millaa Millaa.

Our favorites were Millaa Millaa, Ellinjaa, Zillie, and Wallicher Falls. Others that are nearby and worth checking out are Nandroya Falls and Malanda Falls.

15. Babinda Boulders

The Babinda Boulders is a great spot in Queensland. There is a campground, a picnic area, a swimming hole in the river, as well as walking paths to view the boulders. A section of the river has been carved through massive boulders and is a beautiful spot for an afternoon swim and BBQ.

Camping : The Babinda Boulders Campground is free, but with limited spots make sure to show up early. Another great free campground is near the Babinda Train Station on Howard Kennedy Drive.

16. Walshs Pyramid

Walshs Pyramid is a mountain that is amazingly shaped like a pyramid. Is it as impressive as the Great Pyramids? No, but it is a quick stop en route to Cairns. For pictures of the road leading to the mountain, turn on Behana Gorge Road and follow for about 5 minutes.

Camping : Free camping is available in the Gordonvale Rest Area.

17. Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef has been on our bucket list for years and is one of the most amazing places we’ve ever been! The reef is best accessed from Cairns and tour companies offer day trips, overnight sailing cruises, as well as diving liveaboards.

The best way to see the GBR is by visiting the outer reef, where there are fewer tourists and less damage to the reef. For those looking to snorkel or dive, but don’t want to stay on a liveaboard, Coral Sea Dreaming offers an incredible 2-day trip to the outer reef. If diving, the best option is to embark on a week-long liveaboard.

Overnight Tour : We would highly recommend an overnight trip with Coral Sea Dreaming . The cost for one person (bunkbed) is $460 per person, or a private cabin (2 people) is $960 AUD.

18. Barron Falls

Barron Falls is one of the more picturesque waterfalls in Queensland. In the dry season, the water flow is significantly smaller, although it’s still worth a stop. This waterfall really comes alive during the wet season. Check out the differences between these two photos!

Camping : Camping is available for $32 at the Kuranda Rainforest Park.

19. Palm Cove

This palm tree-lined beach is a perfect spot to stop before finishing a Queensland road trip. Hit the sand and relax for a few days. The beach is home to many cute cafes and restaurants.

20. Port Douglas, Daintree Rainforest, and Cape Tribulation

Port Douglas is a small fishing village with a cute marina full of shops and restaurants. 4 Mile Beach is located just south of Port Douglas, and is a great place to relax.

From Port Douglas, you can join a day tour to the Daintree Rainforest. Tours depart daily for a crocodile-spotting river cruise, the Marrdja Boardwalk, Cape Tribulation, and the Mossman Gorge.  Daintree Rainforest Tours  depart from Cairns and Port Douglas for $165 AUD per person.

Tropical Queensland Suggested Itineraries

7-day queensland itinerary: brisbane to airlie beach.

• Day 1 : Starting from Brisbane, it is a 2-hour drive to Noosa Heads. Walk around Noosa National Park visiting the fairy pools and exotic beaches.
• Day 2 – 3 : Drive two hours to Inskip Point and take the ferry to Fraser Island. Spend two days on the ultimate 4WD adventure on Fraser Island.
• Day 4:  Drive nine hours to Airlie Beach.
• Day 5:  Spend the day at Bowen Beach and eat your face out at one of the excellent restaurants at Airlie Beach.
• Day 6 – 7:  Go on an overnight sailing cruise to the Whitsunday islands.

14-Day Queensland Itinerary: Brisbane to Cairns

• Day 2 – 3:  Drive two hours to Inskip Point and take the ferry to Fraser Island. Spend two days on the ultimate 4WD adventure on Fraser Island.
• Day 6 – 8:  Go on a three-day two-night camping trip to Whitehaven Beach. Rent Kayaks and explore the area with a day trip to Hill Inlet.
• Day 9:  Drive three hours to Townsville and drive around Magnetic Island in a miniature jeep.
• Day 10:  Drive three hours to Wallaman Falls and then another two hours to the waterfall circuit visiting Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls. Camp the night at Babinda.
• Day 11:  Spend the morning exploring the Babinda Boulders. After breakfast, stop at Walshs Pyramid on the way to Cairns (1-hour drive). Spend the afternoon at Palm Cove beach.
• Day 12 – 13:  Go on a one-night sailing and scuba diving cruise at the Great Barrier Reef. Make your way to Port Douglass.
• Day 14:  Spot crocodiles and untouched coastline one a day trip to the Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. Spend the night at Port Douglas and finish your Queensland road trip!

We hope that reading about the best places to visit helps you plan your trip to the beautiful State of Queensland!

Planning a trip to Queensland? Check out our favorite books and travel guides!

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Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years. After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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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.

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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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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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50 Incredible Things To Do In Queensland

Bucket list of things you really do need to do in Queensland!

- This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure.

If you were told the world was coming to an end, there’s just one thing left to do. Pack up your things and head to Queensland. Not only is Australia’s Sunshine State home to the Great Barrier Reef there’s also a bunch of places to visit and cool things to do in Queensland to tick off your bucket list. 

From surfing and sunbaking on a Queensland beach to devouring a juicy Bowen mango or watching the mighty Maroons play in Suncorp Stadium. It will take years to tick all these things off your Queensland bucket list . 

How about tasting your way around a festival or counting the stars in the night’s sky in the outback? To get you started, here’s our big bucket list of things to do and places to visit in Queensland that will delight.  

1- See the Great Barrier Reef

2- go humpback whale watching in hervey bay, 3- go bareboating in the whitsundays.

• 4- See the night lights in Brisbane 
• 5- Explore the Daintree Rainforest 

6- Explore Fraser Island

7- stand at the tip of cape york, 8- watch the sunset over a sand dune in the simpson desert, 9- harry redford cattle drive, 10- see turtles hatching at mon repos.

• 11- Kuranda Scenic Railway

12- Whitehaven Beach

13- port douglas, 14- undara lava tubes, 15- barron falls, 16- see the bats at the tolga bat hospital, 17- mossman gorge , 18- heli-rafting in tropical north queensland, 19- white water rafting on the tully river, 20- drive a v8 supercar, 21- climb frogs buttress on mt french , 22- sand tobogganing on moreton island, 23- swing on minjin, 24- skydive to the beach, 25- soar on the thermals, 26- dalby sale yards, 27- bollon , 28- lake bindegolly national park, 29- thargomindah hydro bore, 30- the dig tree, where to stay in charters towers, where to stay in south burnett, where to stay in longreach, where to stay in toowoomba, 35- visit the theme parks on the gold coast, 36- watch a crocodile show at australia zoo, 37- get close to wildlife at currumbin wildlife sanctuary, 38- cuddle a koala at lone pine koala sanctuary, 39- dig up a fossil in winton, 40- explore the capricorn caves, 41- noosa international food and wine festival, noosa heads, noosa area, sunshine coast (may), 42- cairns airport adventure festival, tropical north queensland (june), townsville (august), winton, queensland (june/july), southern queensland country, warwick, southern downs area (july), multiple locations, sunshine coast (september), brisbane (september), whitsundays (november), brisbane (december/january), queensland tennis centre, brisbane (january), tropical north queensland (february), gold coast (march), julia creek, mckinlay shire, north queensland (april), 50 things to do in queensland, top things to do in queensland for your bucket list.

By Danielle Lancaster

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen the Great Barrier Reef.

The largest living organism on Earth, the Great Barrier Reef, is also the world’s largest reef system and one of the most famous Australian landmarks created by nature.

It stretches along Queensland’s coast from the top of the state to Lady Elliot Island in the south.

The best places to go snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef are:

The reefs out of Cairns, such as Hastings, Saxon and Norman Reefs

• Lady Musgrave Island
• Lady Elliot Island
• Heron Island
• The Low Isles
• Lizard Island 

See the reef from a beach while snorkelling, go diving or take a scenic flight over the Great Barrier Reef for an amazing view of this natural wonder. 

Humpback whale watching in Hervey Bay is a highly underestimated activity.

This Queensland seaside destination is the Humpback Capital of the World for good reason. 

During the annual migration of the humpback whales from the north back to Antarctica, the whales stop to rest and play at Hervey Bay.

This means, there’s a much higher chance here than anywhere else in Australia of extended interactions with humpback whales. 

During whale-watching season (which runs from July to October), you’ll be unlucky if the cruise you’ve chosen doesn’t get mugged by a pod of curious juveniles.

Playful and friendly whales can hang around the boats for ages, showing off with tail slaps, fin slaps, spy hops and other fascinating whale behaviours. 

The Whitsundays are 74 islands dotted across the Great Barrier Reef off-shore from Airlie Beach.

Only a few have resorts such as Hayman, Hamilton, Daydream and Long.

But all have sandy beaches, secluded coves and the opportunity to swim, snorkel or dive on the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef. 

Bareboating in the Whitsundays is a relaxing and fun way to explore the islands with a group of friends. 

4- See the night lights in Brisbane  

The Story Bridge is one of Brisbane’s landmarks.

The 1000m cantilever bridge joins the north and south sides of the city.

One of the best places to view the city lights and the bridge at night is from Wilson Outlook Reserve.

This small, grassy park perched on a river cliff edge offers million-dollar views of Brisbane, the capital city of Queensland.

Another good spot is the Kangaroo Point Cliffs. 

5- Explore the Daintree Rainforest  

Head along the Captain Cook Highway 140km north of Cairns and you’ll come to Cape Tribulation in the heart of the world heritage listed Daintree Rainforest.

This is the only destination in the world where two world heritage listed areas meet.

On one side you have the Great Barrier Reef and on the other the rainforest home to some of the oldest rainforest on Earth.

Spot Daintree rainforest animals like frogs, snakes and crocodiles, go on hikes or take a tour of the region.  

Also read: 10 Queensland Road Trips

The largest sand island on planet Earth and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Fraser Island deserves a day or two as there’s so much to explore.

On a must-do list is 75 Mile Beach, Maheno Shipwreck, Champagne rock pools, Indian Head and Eli Creek.

Inland don’t miss, Lake McKenzie, Pile Valley, Central Station and the walk along Wanggoolba Creek.  

Standing at ‘The Tip’ of mainland Australia in Queensland, the most northern reaching state in Australia is an experience to remember.

Cape York is recognised as one of the few last Australian 4WD frontiers.

This is an area sparsely populated, wild and beautiful.

Dusty, rutted tracks lead to spectacular waterfalls, ancient Aboriginal sacred rock paintings, amazing wildlife and fantastic fishing.

This is also saltwater croc country, so please be croc wise.

It’s best to travel during the dry season from April to October.

Your vehicle should be mechanically sound and you need to be an experienced four-wheel driver.

It can be accomplished on a tour or you can drive yourself there.

Day tours offer insights into the history and culture of Horn and Thursday Islands.

Learn about the culture, pearl diving and the war base built as Australia’s first front. 

Munga-Thirri National Park, formally known as the Simpson Desert, offers a richly coloured landscape.

This is where you can see from horizon to horizon. 

It’s a truly magical experience.

The orange sand dunes contrast to the blue sky and yellow flowing salt bushes.

As the sun goes down the sand dunes colour ignites.

The park is closed during summer. Best time to visit is April to October.

Steer a mob of cattle in the path of Queensland’s most notorious cattle duffer: Harry Redford, alias Captain Starlight.

The drive itself takes 19 days and covers a distance of 200km.

It can be done in sections and you average 10 to 18 km per day.

This is your chance to guide the mob of cattle, sleep under the stars and see those amazing sunrises and sunsets – don’t forget the camera. 

Be in awe as you watch turtles hatch at Mon Repos in the Southern Great Barrier Reef .

It’s simply marvellous watching them make their way to the beach, find a safe place to dig a nest and lay their eggs.

Within six-to-eight-weeks, you could come back and be lucky to see the tiny hatchlings come out from their sandy nests to dash down the beach towards the sea.

Mon Repos, on the coast of Bundaberg, has the most significant loggerhead turtle nesting population in the South Pacific.

See loggerhead turtles, one of the ancient mariners of the sea, hatch at this world-renowned site.

Close to Bundaberg, on the Fraser Coast, Mon Repos is the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland.

Tours are offered during the laying and hatching season from November to March. 

Places To Visit in Queensland – Tropical North 

11-  kuranda scenic railway.

One of the most unique rail journeys in Australia, Kuranda Scenic Railway winds its way from Cairns to Kuranda past rainforest and waterfalls.

There’s plenty to see and do in Kuranda, including souvenir shopping, Aboriginal displays, quaint shops and the butterfly sanctuary. 

Voted as one of the best beaches in the world , Whitehaven is a picture-perfect postcard of aqua waters fringed by a white silica sand beach.

Voted as South Pacific’s Best Beach in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, Whitehaven stretches over seven kilometres on Whitsunday Island, the largest of the 74 islands in the Whitsundays.

Self-sufficient boaties can anchor off overnight and campsites are available for campers. Daily tours depart from Airlie Beach. 

Port Douglas is has a relaxed seaside vibe with cafes, restaurants and poolside accommodation.

The scenic town facing the Coral Sea is north of Cairns and deserves a day or two to explore.

Visit Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas for an up-close and personal look at Australian wildlife.

From the marina, you can depart on tours out to the reef. 

From July to September, you can have a life-changing experience swimming with the Minke whales in far north Queensland.

They are the smallest baleen whale, identified by their 50 to 70 throat grooves, and are the most abundant.

The worldwide population is estimated to be around 800,000. 

The Gulf of Savannah in the north of Queensland is the place to walk in the path of an ancient volcanic flow at Undara.

This huge natural wonder is only accessible via a guided tour.

A range of accommodation is offered, from cabins to railway carriages, tents and swags plus there is a caravan and campground. 

Situated north of Cairns, Barron Falls are just one of the spectacular waterfalls to be found around Queensland.

Cascading down 250m, the falls lie within the Wet Tropics World National Heritage Area  of the Atherton Tablelands . 

There is a viewing platform and camping is not allowed.

Keep your eye open for a tree kangaroo or the endangered southern cassowary which are often seen in this area.

Take a peek into the world of bats at Tolga Bat Hospital .

Visiting the hospital is an unusual thing to in Queensland and where you can learn about megabats and microbats. 

The Mossman Gorge Centre is a new Indigenous eco-tourism development.

Things To Do In Queensland For Adventure

‘You’re not living, if you’re not on the edge’ is a quote many adrenaline junkies live life by. 

There’s plenty on offer in Queensland for those with an adventurous spirit.

So why scare yourself to death?

Maybe it’s to cure a phobia or maybe it’s an addiction that simply needs regular fulfilment. Whatever it is, you’ll find plenty of thrills in Queensland. 

Here are our top things to do in Queensland for the ultimate adrenaline rush. 

Rated in the top 10 wilderness adventures in the world and as Australia’s most famous rafting adventure, heli-rafting is an adventure on steroids.

There’s only one way to reach the start and that’s by a helicopter ride through the pristine North Johnstone River Valley.

From the helicopter, you are transferred to your raft to negotiate gigantic grade five rapids on this adrenalin pumping four-day adventure through the breathtaking scenery of one of North Queensland’s best World Heritage-listed rainforests.

There are departures from Cairns, northern beaches and Mission Beach. 

Hang on for a white-knuckle ride on the Tully River, one of the best rafting rivers in the Southern Hemisphere.

Set in spectacular surroundings, the rapids are graded 3-4 on the international ranking and are the longest trips on the Tully River.

All rafters taking the Xtreme challenge must be confident swimmers and have good English skills.

Group sizes are small and rafters are accompanied by experienced senior guides, with departures from Cairns and Mission Beach. 

Strap in and experience the ride of your life during a blood pumping high-speed ride in a V8 race car driven by a professional racing car driver.

And if the ride isn’t enough, you can head to the V8 Super School and get behind the wheel yourself.

Located at Norwell near Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. 

Frogs Buttress, a side of Mt French is acclaimed to be one of the top crack climbing crags in Australia.

Requiring a specialised technique known as ‘jamming’ to succeed to the summit, it draws climbers from around the world.

Situated within the Scenic Rim in south-east Queensland, around an hour’s drive south-west of Brisbane, Mt French is one of the many ancient volcanic peaks within the Moogerah Peaks National Park.

Allow six hours plus to complete the climb and prior experience is essential – this is not for the first time climber. 

For those with the younger adrenaline junkies in tow, one of the things to do on Moreton Island is a grand sand adventure down the 80m sandhills. 

Speeds up to 50km per hour have been clocked on these golden sandy slopes – its free and a blast!

Moreton Island is 40km offshore from Brisbane.

Barges and ferries run for passengers and vehicles daily. 

Ever heard of a mean devil?

Meet the Minjin, a huge 45m swing that reaches speeds of 120kph and can take up to three people!

There’s little doubt this one will have your heart racing and thumping through your chest.

Situated in a World Heritage-listed rainforest outside Cairns in far north Queensland, Minjin is on the same site as the world’s first purpose-built tower for bungy jumping. 

It’s the world’s fastest jungle swing – perfect for adrenalin addicts and those that thrive a genuine thrill.

The only multi-person swing in Australia reaches speeds of over 120km/h.

With no minimum age restrictions, it’s worth marking for your family bucket list of things to do.

Take the plunge jumping out of a perfectly good plane over two of Queensland’s best beaches:

Mission Beach, approximately halfway between Cairns and Townsville and Suttons Beach north of Brisbane.

Skydive To the Beach offers a variety of fall heights where you free fall for up to 60 seconds at speeds in excess of 200kph.

Each has spectacular views along sweeping sandy beaches and rainforest.

You need to be fit, weigh less than 100kgs and be at least 14 years old (persons under 18 require a parent/guardian’s authorisation).

24 hours must have elapsed since any deep water dive.

Fly like an eagle experiencing the thrill of flight.

The best hang gliding in Queensland is from Tamborine Mountain and Rainbow Beach – each around an hour’s drive from Brisbane – and far north Queensland.

At above 500m from sea level, Tamborine Mountain forms the northernmost point of the great Mount Warning shield volcano and the biggest erosion caldera in the southern hemisphere.

Rainbow Beach is located on the Fraser Coast north of Noosa Heads. 

Places To Visit in Queensland Outback

The Adventure Way in Queensland, Australia, stretches almost directly west from Brisbane’s city light-filled streets to across the South Australian border into the heart of Australia’s outback.

Along the fully sealed route, you will retrace the tracks of the first people movers into the region: Cobb and Co and Swagman.

It’s a true Australian road trip with plenty of authentic Aussie Outback experiences. 

We can only imagine what life must have been like back then!

For our modern-day traveller, there’s nature, history, industry and more to explore along this now comfortable route themed the Adventure Way. 

Leaving Brisbane there is little doubt when you reach Dalby you are in one of the agricultural hubs of Queensland.

Fields of cotton, wheat and sorghum line the road forming an ever-changing kaleidoscope to the horizon.

For something a little different, time your drive for sale day.

The Dalby sale yards hosts the largest same-day prime and store cattle sale in the country.

It’s also the second-largest cattle sales centre in Australia, with more than 200,000 cattle sold through the yard each year.

Meet the men and women that bring the beef to our plates at a grassroots level.

Top Dalby Sale Yard Tips

• Try a meal at the local canteen and enjoy the  fabulous steak sandwiches .
• Pioneer Park Museum is a good place to stop and stretch with plenty of room for van parking.

Most people skip through Bollon, the smallest town on The Adventure Way.

Blink and you could miss this small country town situated 634km west of Brisbane between St George and Cunnamulla. 

Giant River Red Gums fringe one side of the town along Wallum Creek.

These mighty old trees are home to a large population of koalas and birds.

The koalas are so populous that visitors see them in the trees that grace the main street, within the state school playground and often crossing the road.

Top Bollon Tips:

• Deb’s Cafe is awesome and we can recommend the burgers. All the locals and truckies stop here.
• There’s a free caravan and camping area along the creek with showers and toilets. It’s linked to the small town by a 1.2km creek-side walkway. You may even see an echidna along the walk.
• Thrushton National Park is only 60kms north of Bollon via a dirt road.

You’ll find Lake Bindegolly between Cunnamulla and Thargomindah along the Adventure Way, approximately 150km west of Cunnamulla.

Lake Bindegolly is a series of salt and freshwater lakes.

They form the shape of a ribbon and are home to more than 195 species of birds and other outback critters.

More than 300 species of plants can be viewed and the most impressive is the Acacia ammophila, now threatened with extinction.

No camping is allowed in the national park but there is a sheltered area adjacent to the road with picnic tables and an information board.

Top Bindegolly Tips:

• Lake levels depend on local rain and rains north diverting the water down to lakes. During dry times the water’s edge may be a long walk in. Be prepared for remote travel as there is no mobile phone coverage. 
• Visit nearby Currawinya National Park. There are fresh and saltwater lakes, ruins, woolshed and the Paroo River for starters to see. 
• Along the Adventure Way, a set of binoculars is an added bonus for viewing the wildlife, especially at Lake Bindegolly.

Did you know Thargomindah was the first town in Australia and third in the world to produce hydro-electric power?

It was done by using the power of artesian water and you can view the water from the same bore pumping from around 808 metres underground.

But don’t touch it!

At an average temperature of 84°C it is hot enough, to boil an egg or fry your skin if you dip your hand into it.

Top Thargomindah Tips:

• Each day from April to October there is a Hydro Power Plant demonstration commencing at 4.30 pm. It’s well worth the visit.
• See some of the old buildings around town like the original hospital and Leahy’s house, all well preserved.
• Spend time along the Bulloo River the lifeblood of the district. It’s brilliant for wildlife spotting, fishing and cray bobbing.

Camp along the mighty Cooper Creek – the only creek in Australia formed by two rivers – within cooee of the Dig Tree.

The Dig Tree on Nappie Merrie Station, on the Queensland/South Australian border, forms an important part of the early exploration attempts of Australia.

Burke and Wills and their team of 19 men were the first to cross Australia south to north, so they thought.

A unit of the initial exploring party was left at the Dig Tree to form a base camp and await the return of the advance party traversing north.

They waited five weeks after the anticipated arrival date back at the camp before leaving provisions were buried and the directions to find them carved in a tree.

For some reason, this was never found and only one of the party survived.

Carved in gigantic Coolabah tree dated to be over 150 years old and almost now unrecognisable, are the directions to find the buried supplies:

B LXV Trunk, Creekside Dig 3FT NW Trunk, landside Dec 6 60 April 21 61 Limb upstream

Today the Dig Tree is a remote camping location along this famous creek.

There are no amenities except for toilets at the information hut.

Top Dig Tree Tips

• See the Face Tree, carved by John Dick in 1898 it’s the face of joint expedition leader Robert O’Hara Burke. It is still clearly visible today. The tree is located 30m downstream of the Dig Tree.
• Throw a line in and you are almost guaranteed a catch. The best time to set a line is late afternoon. Yellowbelly (perch) and Catfish are the two biggest catches.
• Call into the Innamincka Hotel and have a drink to those that have passed before you with a glass of Burke and Wills Port.
• Wildlife watching – Due to its limited number of visitor’s, wildlife is abundant along this part of the creek. Birds, kangaroos, wallabies, emus and the list goes on. Best times for viewing are early morning and late afternoon. 

Things to do in the Queensland Countryside

Christina Pfeiffer

Queensland’s countryside has a character of its own, a mosaic of wonderful scenery, friendly locals and fascinating history.

Think of big blue skies with low-hanging cotton candy clouds and convivial encounters in country pubs with interesting locals.

From historic towns packed with antique shops to wineries, an escape to the country is just what the doctor ordered.

Here are some fun things to do in the Queensland countryside.

31- Relive the gold rush in Charters Tower

Are quirky tales about ghostly characters your cup of tea?

Reliving the heyday of the gold rush, 137km inland from Townsville is one of the fun things to do in Charters Towers .

The Queensland Heritage Trails Network project team has done a wonderful job of presenting the town’s history in an interactive and engaging way.

Technology is used to bring the gold rush into the 21st century with plasma TVs, laser holograms, films and audio presentations.

Goldrush fever begins in the Visitor Information Centre where a friendly hologram ghost kicks off the Ghosts of Gold Heritage Trail with fascinating tales.

The trail leads you on a walk through the beautifully preserved buildings in the heart of town.

There’s a ghost film at Towers Hill Lookout and Venus Battery gold milling site is worth a visit.

But if you fancy tea in fine China cups and scones with your ghost stories then pop into Henry’s Café and Restaurant in Mosman Street.

Aussie Outback Oasis, Charters Towers is a value-for-money holiday park in historic Charters Towers offering a range of accommodation choices for the budget-conscious, from grassed powered and unpowered sites for caravans or camping to modern cabins and villas.

32- Wine tasting in South Burnett

Although it’s not quite as well-known as Stanthorpe , South Burnett is a Queensland wine-growing region with quality boutique wineries that are producing award-winning wines. 

have exotic fruity bouquets of passionfruit, mango, pawpaw and lime to suit the tropical climate.

The region’s terroir is best suited to the Semillon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Verdelho grapes; the latter is the region’s signature wine.

As a wine region, South Burnett has an ambience that is poles apart from wine areas in the southern states.

Cellar doors and restaurants are housed in traditional timber Queenslander-style houses with wide verandas.

And most of the wineries are run by small and friendly family businesses.

Visit the icon of Queensland’s peanut capital, the Kingaroy Peanut Van.

Peanuts from the region are sold in scrumptious flavours such as hickory-smoked and butterscotch caramel varieties.

Bethany Cottages, Kingaroy is nestled in scrubland on Bethany Farm. 

With panoramic views of the Bunya Mountains, cottages come in one- and two-bedroom varieties and offer peaceful country views.

It includes a visit to the family home where there’s a display of memorabilia, for those interested in the life of former Queensland Premier Sir Joh, and home-made pumpkin scones for those that aren’t.

Farm tours run at 2 pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

33- Visit the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame

There’s so much to do in the heart of the Outback.

Bush poetry, campfire dinners, river cruises and sheep stations are some of the things on offer in Longreach.

Take a scenic helicopter flight or gaze at the stars.

The Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame gives you a real sense of life in the Outback from the five themed galleries displaying the history of Australia’s greatest explorers, stock workers, pastoralist, and aborigines.

Don’t miss the Outback Stockman’s Show (May to October) when horse-breaker, drover, bush poet and bullocky Lachie Cossor dazzles the crowd with his skills.

Down the road, the Qantas Founders Museum is the only place in the world where you can tour two fully-equipped passenger jet aircraft.

The 747,707 and Wing Walk Tour allows you to walk on the wing of the 747,707, climb down into the computer and cargo bays and sit in the pilot seat.

Jumbuck Motel, Longreach is not the ritziest accommodation around.

But if you want your fill of Outback fun, pack your Akubra and head to Longreach.

Built by local graziers, the Jumbuck Motel was the only place to stay in Longreach for many years.

34- Explore Toowoomba

Do you like the sound of a weekend in a grand home with romantic old-world charm? Pack your bags and head for Toowoomba .

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is worth putting in the diary and there’s plenty for history lovers all year round.

From Royal Doulton to 19th-century brass beds, Toowoomba is an antique treasure hunter’s delight.

Pick up an Antiques Trail brochure from the visitor information centre in James Street.

Catch a show at the Art Deco Empire Theatre, which opened in 1911 as a silent movie house.

The Lionel Lindsay Art Gallery and Library in Ruthven Street has rare books, manuscripts, maps and an art collection with over 400 works by members of the Lindsay family and other significant Australian painters such as Frederick McCubbin, Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts.

Vacy Hall, Toowoomba is a 1880s mansion has 12 heritage-style rooms with private bathrooms and some have their own fireplaces. 

Think bay windows with upholstered seats, open fireplaces, polished floorboards and leather grandfather chairs.

The Ann Taylor Emperor Suite is a picture of brass and lace with its king-size antique brass four-poster bed, ensuite bathroom with antique cast-iron clawfoot bathtub and armchairs in front of an open fireplace.

Also read: 20 Things To Do In Ipswich

Things to do in Queensland For Kids

By Rama Gaind

Build sandcastles, explore the largest coral reef on the planet or scream your lungs out on an amusement park ride.

Queensland has 84 patrolled beaches, seven free water pools and plenty of national parks.

From educational experiences to theme parks, Queensland comes out on top when it comes to holidays with the family.

Queensland’s Gold Coast is the theme park capital of Australia.

Warner Brothers Movie World has first-class movie-themed rides, action-packed shows and celebrity characters make this Gold Coast theme park a fun-filled environment.

See the dolphin show at Sea World and experience other amazing wildlife encounters. 

Kids love cooling down at Wet’n’Wild, which has pools and slides that offer hours of fun. 

All the pools and slides in the park, which opened in September 1984, are heated during winter.

Walk with tigers at Dreamworld. 

Australia’s biggest theme park is jam-packed with family fun, live entertainment and rides across its themed lands. 

And don’t forget the Australian Outback Spectacular, fun live music and dinner show that will have you captivated from start to finish. 

Note: Parents might like to check out these Gold Coast markets . 

Get up-close-and-personal within natural bushland with more than 1000 animals on this 40ha zoo.

Seeing the crocodile show at Australia Zoo is one of the things to do on the Sunshine Coast , near Beerwah and the Glass House Mountains.

Saltwater crocodiles ( Crocodylus porosus) are the largest of all living reptiles and the largest terrestrial and riparian predator in the world.

If permitted, part of their diet can include humans!

Besides crocodiles, this famous home of the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, also offers a myriad of opportunities for hands-on wildlife adventures.

Meet koalas, wombats, possums, kangaroos, tigers, cheetahs, red pandas, tortoises, dingoes, crocodiles, alligators, blue-tongue lizards, shingleback skinks, macaws, cockatoo and elephants.

This heritage-listed zoological garden was built in 1947 and put on the Queensland Heritage Register in September 2009.

Home of one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world (it’s estimated that more than 45,000 native animals have been rescued and released and there will be many more), the sanctuary is world-renowned for feeding huge flocks of free-flying wild rainbow lorikeets.

Currumbin has the largest walk-through aviary in the southern hemisphere, a reptile house and exhibits include Tasmanian Devils .

The 4.6ha sanctuary in the Brisbane suburb of Fig Tree Pocket (founded in 1927) was the world’s first koala sanctuary.

With more than 130 koalas, this is a place where you can cuddle a koala, hand-feed kangaroos and encounter a large variety of Australian wildlife in beautiful, natural surrounds.

Did you know Outback Queensland is one of the richest places on the planet for dinosaur discoveries?

In prehistoric times much of the outback was the great inland sea.

Today, along the dry, dusty and gibber ridden plains you are almost assured of finding a fossil or two.

The best places in outback Queensland for dinosaur hunting are Lark Quarry, The Age of Dinosaurs, Winton, Hughenden and Richmond.

You can assist in bringing Australia’s pre-historic giants back to life as this is one of the only places in the world you can help prep the fossil of a real dinosaur.

It’s the biggest fossil preparation laboratory in the southern hemisphere and where you will be taught by professionals.

Start the tour at the cave entrance where fig tree roots grip the limestone walls, rock wallabies take cover in crevices and cool air surfaces from the darkness.

Go on the Bats and Bones (Poo & Spew) tour for a hands-on experience where you’ll get the chance to examine extinct small mammal bones under a microscope.

Kids will love the narrow Zig Zag passage, which emerges into daylight on the swinging bridge in the dry rainforest.

Queensland Festivals

Community celebrations promulgate the national heritage of nations. Festivals in Queensland — including food, music, religious, sports — are held to celebrate culture, the arts and so much more.

The depth and diverse range of activities on offer demonstrate that carnivals are a time to have pleasure, amusement, it’s an opportunity for the public to rejoice in their own identity and then there’s the chance of getting educated in the process of having fun.

In this cross-section of Queensland festivals, we’ve put in some extra effort and added a few more options:

Everyone loves a party and when you combine food and wine into the mix of activities then you’re onto a sure winner.

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival is no exception as Australia’s premier food, wine and lifestyle event. 

This festival is a cut above the others as it integrates national and international emphasis on these very significant lifestyle aspects.

Organisers endeavour to make this festival a cut above the rest.

Celebrities from all walks of life — chefs, wine connoisseurs, presenters, entertainers and product experts — come together (from near and far) to learn and impart the latest on new techniques, trends, produce and wine.

They do all this along with having lots of fun.

What’s more, they do this every year!

If competing in the great outdoors is your choice, then you should not look past the Cairns Airport Adventure Festival .

You have to be fit to participate in all the activities, but we all can swim, ride and run as a matter of course.

If not, then you still have time to get into shape.

The festival features an events schedule that’s jam-packed for people of all ages and abilities.

What is your preference? Enter the Ironman, triathlon events? Get ready to join in the fun. Registrations are now open.

Read this post for more things to do in Cairns .

43- Townsville Triathlon Festival

Get ready for a weekend of sport and fun at the Townsville Triathlon Festival that will be a sure-fire winner after the success of last year’s event.

The annual festival is guaranteed to be an action-packed weekend. 

Featured again will be the Olympic Distance Triathlon Age Group World Championship Qualifier!

If that doesn’t take your fancy, then race your chosen distance — sprint, enticer, elite mile, team challenge or pick some of these other things to do in Townsville . 

There’s also something for the children with the kids TRY along Townville’s beautiful Strand with views across to Magnetic Island .

With six events over two days, you’ll be hard-pressed not to be inspired and to get involved!

44- Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival

This is certainly a film festival like no other that you’ve ever seen before.

Just imagine sitting under the stars in Outback Queensland watching an unmatched program of classic and contemporary Australian films!

There will be a lot of entertainment, over nine days, seeing ‘ 30 films ‘ with some ‘1,000 scenes’.

Celebrate Australian film and culture in the wide expanse of Winton at the historic, open-air Royal Theatre in the main street.

You’ll also be able to participate in masterclasses, film making competitions, have conversations, listen to yarns, participate in tag-a-long tours and other social activities.

You really should walk the ‘red’ carpet on opening night!

45- Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival

Now, this is a warm combination — jumpers with jazz  — and they are ideally suited to celebrate winter in Warwick, on Queensland’s Southern Downs.

Jumpers and Jazz in July combines an amazing range of activities: toe-tapping jazz, earnest country hospitality and a combination of remarkable outdoor art.

Now you’re set to face even the frostiest of winter days as you go about participating in lively street celebrations, extraordinary art and craft exhibitions, ‘yarn bombing’ and innumerable other events that has the region bursting at the knitted stratums.

The program features two weekends chock-full with things to do.

46- Noosa Jazz Party

Merriment over the four days includes much more than the musical vivacity of jazz in Noosa. 

Annually held along over the first weekend in spring, there’s a wide array of musical genres from blues, folk and jazz.

The diverse program could answer your prayers if you win the talent search. Included also are masterclasses, legends lunch series, jazz river cruises and ‘ Tastings on Hastings ’ … an annual event that’s always a sell-out.

A noteworthy feature of the festival’s ‘social fabric’ is the Youth in Jazz program that provides schools from the local region, Cooloola Coast, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane an opportunity to perform on centre stage.

Not bad when you realise that this event entices people to Queensland’s Noosa Heads from around the world.

47- Brisbane Festival

A grand celebration covering music, theatre, dance, circus, comedy, opera, cabaret, visual art, talks, family, live art, photography competitions and food and beverages.

This year is the 18th anniversary of the Goa Project and if you dabble in photography, then this is your opportunity to participate in this rewarding experience. 

The Brisbane Festival program is jam-packed with activities at numerous locations.

Vantage points include South Bank, Victoria Bridge, City Riverwalk, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, Captain Burke Park and Wilson’s Lookout.

The finale is explosive when Riverfire erupts across the city skyline for a stunning fireworks display.

This is one pyrotechnic extravaganza that’s set to a rocking soundtrack of the year’s biggest songs that are mingled together with some classic favourites.

48- Airlie Beach Festival of Music

What more could you want?

A tropical seaside town that forms an ideal backdrop for a perfect weekend in paradise surrounded by the sound of music!

Now in its third year, Airlie Beach Festival of Music is a drawcard for inspirational musicians and dedicated music lovers.

Customised for an audience that’s over 35 years, the wonderful keen jamboree relishes the opportunity to listen to more than 70 bands and 240 musicians from Australia and New Zealand.

The musical genre is assorted from country, folk and hip hop to reggae, rock and blues.

Performance locations take you from bars and restaurants to under the high-top.

The main stage sits on the magic shores of the Coral Sea and the Whitsunday Sailing Club.

Headline acts include many Aussie rock legends and up-and-coming stars.

49- Woodford Folk Festival

This  Woodford Folk Festival is one of the major international music festivals in Queensland.

National and international guests are featured in a schedule that has more than 2,000 performers across 1,536 shows.

No mean feat!

The festival program incorporates many activities including street theatre, dances, concerts, writers’ panels, comedy sessions, social dialogue and debate.

Look for acoustic jams, environmental debates, talks, art and craft workshops, circus performances and workshops and film festivals with an emphasis on children’s activities.

Other highlights include parades, late-night cabarets and special events.

As well, the streets are lined with cafes, stalls, bars and restaurants and in the village, there are 35 performance venues, including 18 all-weather sites.

50- Brisbane International

The Brisbane International is held annually just before the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, the Australian Open. 

It is part of the ATP World Tour 250 series of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) World Tour and the WTA Premier tournaments of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour.

51- Cairns Chinese New Year Festival

The lengthiest and most important festivity in the Chinese lunar calendar is the Chinese New Year.

The Cairns Chinese community hosts lively and effervescent annual celebrations for the occasion, and next year will be no exception.

Supported by the Cairns Regional Council, the city’s rich Chinese heritage is showcased with dance, music and cultural performances.

With visitor numbers swelling for the carnival, there will be many other attractions including market stalls, food and a parade featuring the traditional Chinese dragon, lions and the 12 zodiac animals.

52- Bleach* Festival

The briskly-growing Bleach* Festival about music, arts and beach culture will be bigger and better when it returns in March 2016.

As you rejoice in listening to the best contemporary musicians and artists from the Gold Coast and around the nation, make the most of the three mega weekends as you relish some fun in the sun and sand between your toes.

Just get set to be surprised, anticipate the unpredicted and get your eyes to consciously seek out the streets parties and picnics in atypical and fanciful settings.

Head to the beach or the street to become a part of the Gold Coast’s largest arts and cultural festival and partake of an artistic celebration that is the essence of a coastal lifestyle.

One of the benefits of planning your trip around this festival is there’s plenty of exciting things to do on the Gold Coast to keep you busy. 

53- Julia Creek Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival

The population of the tiny north-west Queensland town swells from 400 to 3,000 for one weekend during the Julia Creek Dirt ‘n’ Dust Festival.

For three days, this is one outback adventure you have to place on your must-do calendar.

For fun and entertainment back a winner at the outback horse races, watch the plucky Dirt ‘n’ Dust Triathlon, jiggle your assets in Australia’s Best Butt competition, view the remarkable Dirt ‘n’ Dust Bull Ride, experience getting muddy and compete in the Bog Snorkelling Championships! 

Plan Your Trip

Rent A Car – Find the best car rental rates at Discover Cars . They compare car hire companies to provide you with the best deal right now.

Find A Hotel – If you’re curious about this article and are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at these amazing hotels .

BEST OF QUEENSLAND

20 things to do in rockhampton, 20 things to do in hamilton island, 20 day trips from brisbane.

Melissa Mason

Sure, you know about Noosa and Cairns, but there are plenty of other amazing places to see in the Sunshine State. From outback beauties to almost-off-grid rainforest, here are some of the primo Queensland spots to hit on your next warm weather holiday.

1. Julia Creek

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Is this not the best sunset spot or what? Julia Creek, a teeny town in outback Queensland, is famous for these outdoor baths. They’re in the local caravan park , which aside from having caravan spots also has some pretty nice little villas you can rent.

Book in a time and you can have a bath (BYO cheese board and beers) while watching the sun set. Not too shabby. I wouldn’t say you would plan a trip simply to Julia Creek, but it’s a great pit stop on the way to some bigger outback towns like Mt Isa.

2. The Daintree

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Yes, yes, we all know OF The Daintree, Queensland’s ancient rainforest, but did you know you can stay smack-bang in the middle of it? Yup, there are several amazing accommodation ops, like Crocodylus , which features safari-style lodging so you wake up to the sounds of nature.

3. Cobbold Gorge

Out near Mount Surprise is Cobbold Gorge , a working cattle property where you can stay and enjoy the outback, including paddleboarding on THAT amazing water system.

4. Birdsville

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Birdsville Hotel (@birdsvillehotel)

Usually home to the Big Red Bash which is 1000% on my bucket list for 2021, Birdsville is smack-bang in the middle of NOWHERE, which is why it’s so epic. To get there you’ll need a 4WD, a fair block of time and the ability to handle unsealed roads for long periods of time – but good lord is it worth it. Bonus – Boulia is north of here, and home to the mysterious Min Min Lights, if you like spooky stuff.

5. Moreton Island

View this post on Instagram A post shared by #thisisqueensland (@queensland)

Only 90 minutes north of Brissie is Moreton Island, home of the Tangalooma Wrecks. These old sunken ships were purposely put there as a breakwall, but have since created a phenomenal snorkelling spot. Total bucket list stuff, this.

6. Daydream Island

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Daydream Island Resort and Living Reef (@daydreamislandresort)

Daydream Island isn’t a secret, but what you might not know is that the old family holiday spot went through some major renos after cyclone damage, and the end result is a super chic private island resort featuring day trips to national parks, paddleboarding and more. The best part is everything is in walking distance from your room. ‘Cos we’re lazy like that.

7. Windorah

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Clare | Take Me To Australia (@takemetoaustralia)

If you’ve headed to Birdsville, continue on to Windorah to check out the ridiculously red dirt. I don’t know about you, but standing in outback dirt is such a vibe – also, as if you wouldn’t get double digit IG taps for a pic like that ^.

8. Springbrook National Park

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michaela ✻ AUSTRALIA ✻ (@oceanchicka)

Heading to the GC? This national park – and THAT waterfall – are situated just outside in the hinterland, so you can day trip out for a rainforest break.

9. Cape Hillsborough

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherie – Travel & Nature (@chezz_88)

Love a good kanga? Well, Cape Hillsborough in Mackay has plenty of WALLABIES, which are same-same in my eyes. If you head down around sunset you can hang out with them as they hop along the beach, and maybe even cop a wallaby selfie while you’re at it. There are heaps of Airbnb options in the area, too.

10. Camooweal

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Don Carter (@qismic)

The Camooweal Caves are some pretty amazing natural wonders – a series of caves and sinkholes formed over 500 million years. They’re 198km outside of Mt Isa, so it’s definitely one for a longer road trip – but well worth it if you’re heading to the QLD outback.

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15 Best Places to Travel in July

These are the best places to travel in July in the United States and around the world.

Homer, Alaska

Portland, oregon, columbia, missouri, outer banks, north carolina, new hampshire, aspen and snowmass, colorado, newport, rhode island, eastern virginia, montréal, canada, costa brava, spain, queensland, australia, paris, france.

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July is the height of the summer vacation season, and if you’re thinking of getting away for a bit, we have some ideas for you. Whether you want to be part of the crowd in Paris or prefer an out-of-the-way destination, we’ve got you covered. With our research and experience, along with suggestions from local experts, we’ve rounded up the best places to travel this July in the United States and around the world.

Related: 25 Best Summer Vacations Everyone Should Consider in 2024

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Known as the “Halibut Fishing Capital of the World” and in July as “The City of Peonies,” Homer is a commercial fishing community located on Kachemak Bay on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula. The annual Homer Peony Celebration , July 1-30, celebrates the flowers grown on Homer’s 25 peony farms, where ideal conditions produce large, vibrant blooms. Orcas and humpback whales spend summers in Kachemak Bay, making it an ideal spot for whale watching. Mandy Dixon, chef and owner of the James Beard Award-nominated La Baleine Cafe says, “July is a time when Homer transforms into a vibrant hub of natural beauty and cultural festivities," calling out "the July 4 parade, with its funky small-town floats celebrating our community spirit.”

Where to Stay: Homer offers lodging options ranging from RV parks to hotels. Stay nearby at Within the Wild 's Tutka Bay Lodge, just a water taxi ride away from Homer. Or consider taking an Alaska cruise for a more laid-back approach.

photoquest7/Getty Images

Summers in Portland are sunny and dry with temperatures in the high 70s, perfect for being outdoors. The city’s walkable downtown is known for tax-free shopping, casual dining at food carts , and coffee culture. July brings the Waterfront Blues Festival (July 4-7) with more than 100 performances spread across four stages in Waterfront Park along the Willamette River, kicking off on July 4 with Oregon’s largest fireworks show. “The Waterfront Blues Festival is not just a music event. It’s a celebration of community, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to share in the joy of live music, dance, food, art, and all the things we love about Portland,” festival director Christina Fuller said in a press release.

Where to Stay: You and your pet can enjoy luxury together at The Nines Hotel . The Ritz-Carlton, Portland , which opened in late 2023, offers views of Portland’s skyline, the Cascade Mountains, and the Willamette River from its downtown location. 

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Halfway between St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is the home of the University of Missouri, featuring a beautiful campus with the Mizzou Botanic Garden and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. Follow the self-guided African American Heritage Trail, stop at a local farmers market , or visit one of Columbia’s parks as you get to know the city. From June 24-July 15, the annual MOSY Firefly Music Festival brings in top symphony conductors from across the U.S. “Summer is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Columbia’s vibrant art and music scene,” according to Jared Klarfeld, regional director of sales for The Broadway Columbia. “Whether you choose to bike or hike the historic Katy Trail or simply pull over by the tranquil Missouri River to enjoy live music at Cooper’s Landing, the possibilities are endless.” 

Where to Stay: The Broadway Columbia , a DoubleTree by Hilton, is located downtown. Campsites, RV parks, and additional hotels are also available in Columbia.

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The Outer Banks (often abbreviated as "OBX") are barrier islands located between North Carolina’s coast and the Atlantic Ocean. Beaches, state parks, lighthouses, museums, and historical sites provide plenty to see, and visitors can go fishing, kitesurfing, diving, boating, and hiking. The 46th Annual Wright Kite Festival is set for July 19-20, with 30- to 100-foot kites flying and on display. Guests can fly their own kites, take kite flying lessons, or visit the Wright Brothers National Memorial , where there’s a kite-making station for kids. As you might expect, seafood is a highlight of an OBX vacation, but remember to try some famous North Carolina barbecue, too. Breweries, distilleries, and wine-tasting rooms can be found on the OBX Beer, Wine, & Spirits Trail .

Where to Stay: Edgecamp Pamlico Station , a 14-room boutique hotel designed by Jonathan Adler, opens in June with a sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge. Sanderling Resort offers 123 rooms and suites, along with five vacation homes, two pools, and a spa. 

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Whether your ideal summer vacation involves a cabin by a lake, a mountainside lodge, or a quaint town, New Hampshire has what you want. The Lakes Region , home to more than 270 bodies of water, includes Lake Winnipesaukee, where visitors can cruise around and lounge on the shore. The White Mountains offer lakes, rivers, and Franconia Notch State Park . The Great North Woods area welcomes visitors to the wilderness for fly fishing, hiking, and camping at Umbagog Lake State Park . Fitzwilliam, a quintessential New England village in the state’s southwest area, features historic homes, country roads, blueberry picking, and the largest rhododendron grove in northern New England. “When the plants in Rhododendron State Park burst open, you’re walking through blooms the size of your face in delicate whites and pinks,” says Caroline Tremblay, owner and founder of local blog The Monadnocker . “The trail is sweet, soft, and piney with little pass-throughs, a wooden bridge, and streams to cross over.”

Where to Stay: The Chase House Inn is a historic inn overlooking Meredith Bay. The Inn at East Hill Farm is a working farm minutes from Rhododendron State Park. In the White Mountains, there’s the historic Omni Bretton Arms Inn . 

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There’s plenty to do when the snow melts and the temperature in Colorado’s mountains reaches the high 70s. Visitors can soak in the views from Aspen Mountain’s Silver Queen Gondola and the Elk Camp Gondola at Snowmass. For foodies, Aspen’s Saturday market features local produce, and The Little Nell Culinary Fest (July 7-10) highlights dining experiences by esteemed Relais & Châteaux chefs. Nearby in Snowmass, the Snowmass Rodeo marks its 50th anniversary with a new arena and events every Wednesday from June 19 until Aug. 23. Snowmass tourism director Julia Theisen says, “Snowmass is an adventure traveler’s haven, welcoming visitors to a cool summer escape among more than 2.8 million acres of wilderness,” pointing out that it's also one of the world's best mountain biking destinations.

Where to Stay: In Aspen, The Little Nell , a Relais & Châteaux hotel, offers five-star luxury, refined dining, and an extensive wine collection, and Hotel Jerome , Auberge Resorts Collection, is a historic landmark with modern amenities. Mollie Aspen is a new 68-room boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, terrace, and lounge. In Snowmass, stay at Viceroy Snowmass , with residential suites and a three-bedroom penthouse.

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With opulent Gilded Age mansions and beautiful beaches, Newport is a lovely summer destination. Visitors and residents alike stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, bike along Ocean Drive, browse farmers markets, and picnic on the beach. Every Saturday throughout the summer, visitors can watch exciting polo matches with competitors from around the world, and tennis fans will want to catch the annual International Hall of Fame Open from July 14-21. The Newport Classical Music Festival is set for July 4-21. “July is truly the perfect time to visit and explore Newport,” according to Rafael Pazzini, general manager at The Vanderbilt. “For a quintessential Newport day, I would recommend experiencing the historic mansions and enjoying fresh seafood at one of Newport’s many waterfront restaurants.”

Where to Stay: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection , an elegant 33-room luxury resort located in downtown Newport, offers a spa, fitness center, and indoor and outdoor pools. Opened in 2023, Gardiner House , a 21-room boutique waterfront hotel, features views of Newport Harbor.

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Historic sites, wineries, farms, and miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay, Rappahannock River, Potomac River, and the Atlantic Ocean make eastern Virginia a perfect summer destination. Westmoreland State Park , listed on the National Register of Historic Places, offers hiking, fishing, birdwatching, camping, and boat rentals. Fresh seafood including Chesapeake Bay blue crabs is reason enough to visit the area, and you can find the perfect crisp white or summery rosé at a winery along the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail . The charming town of Irvington celebrates Independence Day with a hometown parade, decorated bicycles and golf carts, antique cars, and a local band. Visitors can also enjoy the area’s boutiques, art galleries, and museums.

Where To Stay: In Irvington, The Tides Inn is located on a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay with a waterfront setting that includes a beach and stunning views. 

Summer is festival season in Montréal . The Montréal Jazz Festival (June 27-July 6) is a popular event among music lovers, and the International Circus Arts Festival (July 4-14) brings talented circus performers to Montréal’s streets and parks for fun throughout the city. In nearby Québec City , the annual Festival d’été de Québec (July 4-14) features an exciting program of top artists. Food is an attraction, and outdoor markets, food halls, brasseries, and food trucks serve local and international specialties; don't miss the city’s famous bagels. Getting there can be part of the fun on Amtrak’s Adirondack Train from New York City, a relaxing and scenic 10-hour trip. 

Where to Stay: Hotel Nelligan was named the top city hotel in Canada by Travel + Leisure readers in 2023. The 105-room boutique hotel has a seasonal rooftop lounge that will open in time for summer.

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Wildlife viewing is at its best — and most comfortable — during the cooler dry season, which begins in June and lasts until around September. It’s also when you'll have the best chance of seeing the great wildebeest migration, when huge herds of zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest travel through the Serengeti and Masai Mara. Most Tanzania safaris include the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest caldera, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where an abundant wildlife population lives year-round and Maasai people continue their practice of livestock grazing.

Where to Stay: Ngorongoro Lodge Meliá Collection is set within the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Conservation Area with views of the crater. Intrepid Travel and Extraordinary Journeys offer a variety of Tanzania safaris and excursions.

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One of the “ABC” islands along with Aruba and Bonaire, Curaçao is located in the southwestern Caribbean. July weather is hot and breezy with temperatures reaching the mid-80s, so the seas are warm and ideal for swimming, diving, and snorkeling. Because of its southerly location, Curaçao is outside the hurricane zone, which is sometimes a concern in the Caribbean during summer and early fall. Beaches are the main attraction here, but the island also features incredible sightseeing in its cities and towns. Willemstad’s Dutch colonial buildings — including Handelskade, a rainbow of waterfront buildings — museums, street art, restaurants, and nightclubs make a visit worthwhile. Hike or take a Jeep tour to the top of Christoffel Mountain for a panoramic view of the island.

Where to Stay: Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort is set on six waterfront acres near Willemstad. Sandals Royal Curaçao is an adults-only all-inclusive resort ideal for a romantic getaway. 

Located on Spain’s northeastern Mediterranean coast, the Costa Brava region is an enchanting year-round destination. Beautiful beaches, quaint villages, picturesque mountains, and fascinating archaeological sites provide much to see and do during the popular summer season. Longtime resident Salvador Dalí converted a former theater in Figueres into one of his best museums, the Dalí Theater Museum . In July, beaches are the main draw, along with music festivals and the annual menú de gamba , the "prawn menu" celebrating the local catch in Palamós. Castell Beach, one of the most beautiful on the Costa Brava, is located in Palamós near the remains of an ancient Iberian village dating to the 6th century B.C.E.

Where to Stay: The new Zel Costa Brava features 214 guest rooms, a pool, tennis, on-site dining, and Mediterranean views. The lifestyle hotel brand was created by Rafael Nadal and Meliá Hotels. 

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It’s midwinter down under, but in Queensland (in Australia's northeast corner), the weather is warm and dry. It’s an ideal time for diving at the Great Barrier Reef, with clear seas and temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s. Humpback whales are arriving on their migration from the north, and they can be seen until around September. Heading south from Cairns to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, visitors will find beaches, theme parks, and slightly cooler weather, perfect for hiking in Lamington National Park among waterfalls, ancient trees, and a tropical rainforest. Brisbane, Queensland’s capital, is a stunning city with restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and lots of entertainment. For an aviation-themed experience, the “Luminescent Longreach” at the Qantas Founders Museum celebrates Qantas Airways with a world-class light and sound show in the Queensland Outback. 

Where to Stay : Shangri-la The Marina, Cairns is steps from the Reef Fleet Terminal, where you'll find daily departures to the Great Barrier Reef. To the south, Hotel Indigo Brisbane City Center is located at North Quay near some of the city's top attractions.  

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If you love lively, festive atmospheres — and don't mind crowds — you might want to visit Paris , where the Olympics will take place from July 26-Aug. 11. Earlier in the month, Bastille Day (July 14) is a national holiday, celebrated with a military parade, free concerts, and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. Summer is a lovely time for a boat ride on the Seine, and if there’s a rain shower, duck into the Galeries Lafayette or visit one of the city’s many wonderful museums. When you want to escape the crowds for a few days, take a day trip from Paris to a nearby palace or village, and return to the city refreshed and ready to explore.

Where to Stay: Hôtel Plaza Athénée , Shangri-La Paris , and the famed Ritz Paris are five-star luxury options that were voted among the top hotels in Paris by our readers in 2023.

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From Vienna’s palaces, cathedrals, and coffee houses to Salzburg’s music history and breathtaking alpine scenery, Austria is a marvelous destination for all kinds of travelers. In Vienna, warm summer weather brings visitors to parks, concerts, festivals, beer gardens, and cafés. The Salzburg Summer Festival (July 19-Aug. 31) presents concerts, theater, and opera in a variety of venues. The Innsbruck Festival of Early Music (July 21-Aug. 30) celebrates the musical history of this city in the Austrian Alps. 

Where to Stay: Opening July 1, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is set on Lake Fuschl amid the Austrian Alps. The Almanac Palais Vienna is a new boutique hotel located in the heart of Vienna, and the luxe Rosewood Vienna is housed in a historic building in the city's Old Town.  

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June 11, 2024

Best Places To Travel In July: Sunshine, Adventure & Cultural Gems

Alexander Khalabuzar

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July is a great time to get away from everyday life and go on a trip! Today, in our blog, we will discuss July vacation ideas, which will give you many bright moments and no less bright photos!

The height of the summer vacation season always falls in July. If you are looking for new experiences and unusual vacation places, you are in the right place! We have prepared a selection of the best vacation spots in July this year. Here, you will find vacation ideas for every mood and budget. In addition, as a pleasant bonus, you will receive practical tips for creating impressive pictures during your vacation. Without further ado, let's get straight to the point!

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When you choose your direction of travel, try to think through its details. Even if you like spontaneity, a detailed plan will help you not miss key places and take lots of good photos. For example, you can use special gliders. Read more about  the 8 Best Travel Planner Apps to learn their advantages and choose your assistant.

If we talk about the camera, traveling with a lot of professional equipment can be a real test (unless you are a professional wildlife photographer). Consider buying or renting a compact camera and learn the basics of composition and light to create images using only what you have. Read about the Best Budget Camera for Traveling to choose the one that suits you best.

If necessary, install the convenient photo editor on a more compact device like a phone or tablet, to avoid burdening yourself with an additional laptop and to postpone the processing and publication of vacation photos for later. For example, Luminar Neo has mobile versions for Apple users, which are no less powerful than the desktop version and will give you a quick and professional result.

Now, let's move on to the review of places where to travel in July.

Let's start with an exotic vacation. July in Tanzania is the height of the cool, dry season. A trip here at this time will be full of impressions not only for wildlife photographers but also for all animal lovers. You will have a fair chance of seeing herds of antelopes, gazelles, and zebras in their natural habitat. You may be lucky enough to encounter wild elephants and predators. You will also be impressed by the local flora and scenery. Safaris in Tanzania are located in the Ngorongoro Crater area; in the same protected area, you will see the world's largest caldera.

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Spain: costa brava.

The well-known Salvador Dali lived and worked here for a long time. He transformed a former theater in Figueres into one of his finest museums, the Dalí Theater Museum. But this is not the only thing that attracts tourists. Amazing and unusual villages, picturesque beaches, mountains, and local flavors will not leave you indifferent. In July, the whole city turns into permanent festivals and concerts. The color and saturation of the photos will be unsurpassed, even before processing.

France: Paris

The myth that Paris is a city of romance, suitable only for lovers, has long been debunked. Fashion, art, and gastro-tourism are just a small part of what you will find in this bustling place. On July 14, the streets of Paris will host a military parade, concert, and festive fireworks for the Bastille Day national holiday. Use this opportunity to take a photo of the festival. Read the tips on  Parade Photography to get good pictures of the event. The Olympic Games will also begin on July 26, gathering many locals and tourists. So take this into account when planning your trip. You can try a boat trip on the Seine or take a day trip from Paris to a nearby palace or village.

Australia: Queensland

Go on winter vacation in the middle of July! No, no, it will not be about the snow-covered Alps. Queensland is a picturesque state located in the northeast of Australia. It is chilly here in July, but the weather is warm and dry. It is the perfect time to visit. You can enjoy water activities such as diving on the Great Barrier Reef or watching the humpback whale migration from a boat. Beaches, theme parks, and hiking in Lamington National Park await you. Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a must-see. It will surprise you with various bars, restaurants, wineries, distilleries, and many other entertainment.

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There is a myth that some people fly to Austria by accident when they are going to Australia. But this is just a myth. Many people visit Austria yearly with a specific purpose! Here, you will find everything you could want for your vacation — from Viennese palaces, cathedrals, and cafés to the musical history of Salzburg and breathtaking Alpine landscapes. Many festivals and concerts are held in Vienna and other big cities. The streets contain elegant cafes, restaurants, and thematic beer bars. And the Alps villages will show the area's color and give you unity with nature.

Explore the beauty of the Caribbean islands, starting with Curacao. July weather is pleasant and the sea is warm so it is ideal for swimming or diving. Due to its southern location, Curaçao is outside the hurricane zone, so you don't have to worry about the possibility of receiving a spoiled vacation. In addition to the beaches, incredible attractions await you in the cities and towns, including many promenades, museums, street art, restaurants, and nightclubs. A hike or jeep ride to the top of Mount Christoffel will give you a panoramic view of the island.

Canada: Montreal

The Montreal Jazz Festival, which begins in late June and runs through the first week of July, is popular among music lovers. You can also visit circus festivals and many themed events. In neighboring Quebec City, the Festival d’été de Québec is held annually in early July with an exciting program of top artists. Gastro Tourism unfolds before you with restaurants, open-air markets, cozy terraces, beer halls and food trucks. Try local and international cuisine without missing the city's famous bagels.

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Alaska: homer.

Homer is a commercial fishing community located on Kachemak Bay on the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. In July, it is known as the "City of Peonies," while at other times, it is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of the World." In July, the annual Homer Peony Festival is held here for a whole month. Flowers grown on 25 Homer peony farms are honored. So you can enjoy big and bright blooms. You can also spot orcas and humpback whales that spend the summer in Kachemak Bay. Here, amidst natural beauty, you will immerse yourself in the ocean of cultural celebrations. A great place to spend the 4th of July with its fun celebrations and local flavor.

USA: New Hampshire

The lake region will delight you with the union with nature and the vibe of good American movies. Rent a lakeside or mountainside cabin and enjoy the views. The White Mountains have lakes, rivers, and Franconia Notch State Park. The Great Northern Forest area welcomes visitors to the wilderness for fly fishing, hiking, and camping at Umbagog Lake State Park. If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of English towns of the last century, visit Fitzwilliam. It has historic houses, country roads, blueberry picking, and the largest grove of rhododendrons.

Enjoy pizza, limoncello, tender tiramisu, good coffee, fresh seafood, and the aromas of Mediterranean herbs. And all this with beautiful views of the sea, mountains, or their combination. From bustling big cities to cozy picturesque villages with fields of vineyards and olive trees — Italy will forever capture your heart. Many people spend their best July vacations here. You can find many unique places in this country. You won't have enough vacation time to visit them all at once!

Editing July Photos With Luminar Neo

Wherever you end up on your next trip, bright and professional photos will not only add to pleasant memories but also attract your audience's attention. The powerful and modern photo editor Luminar Neo will help you turn great photos into spectacular ones.  Edit travel photos using advanced tools and AI functions to simplify the process and get a professional result simultaneously. Try the  golden hour filter for sunset shots and warm, cozy portraits. When photographing outstanding monuments of architecture or a picturesque area, do not worry about crowds of people or unnecessary objects that will spoil your frame.  Remove objects from photo using an intelligent algorithm. It will allow not only to cut out unnecessary elements, but also to fill the space with smart technology, giving a natural result. These little tricks will improve your travel photos in a few clicks, and they will be ready to publish here and now.

Your AI-Powered Photo Editor for MacOS and Windows

Bottom line.

We hope that among these wonderful July vacation destinations you have found the one that will be your next trip. Consider the climate and weather conditions that await you. If you're going on a wilderness trip, ensure you have chargers and know emergency numbers. Never neglect your safety or that of others. Whether you go on a wild safari, the beach, the mountains, or the urban jungle — complement your impressions with vivid pictures. Make them professional and unique with the help of modern photo editing technologies. Remember that with Luminar Neo, your July photos will be impressive and stand out!

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9 of the Best Places to Travel for the 4th of July

By Amy Louise Bailey

An average of 60 million Americans travel for the 4th of July, according to the AAA, and while some prefer celebrations in the U.S. complete with patriotic parades and fireworks, more people are opting for vacations abroad. “We’re seeing clients capitalize on 4th of July falling on a Thursday this year, which offers more time for immersion wherever they are going,” explains Tom Marchant, co-founder of luxury travel company, Black Tomato.

Unsurprisingly, many of Marchant’s clients are choosing to immerse themselves in Italy, which is shaping up to be the hottest ticket across key travel companies including Virtuoso, Indagare, and Scott Dunn. Cruising Lake Como on a vintage Riva? Seeing ancient Rome from Bulgari’s chic new rooftop bar? Dining al fresco along the rainbow-hued Amalfi Coast? La dolce vita glamor is in abundance in Italy, and an endless variety of adventures are possible, from the shores of Sicily to the charming canals of Venice.

Paris is, of course, also having a moment with the Olympics (and Vogue World ahead of the opening), and travelers are adding on accessible side trips, from Versailles, just forty minutes away, to Provence and the French Riviera in the south. “The Mediterranean is always popular over the summer,” says Indagare’s founder, Melissa Biggs Bradley. “The Amalfi Coast, Capri, Ibiza, Santorini, and the French Riviera are all top destinations year after year.”

But the classic American towns that have lured generations of holidaymakers remain a popular option. “Many of our clients are looking for something within driving distance that offers a quintessential taste of summer—lobster rolls, ice cream, beach days with family and friends, watering holes on the water, and charming seaside or mountain towns,” explains Biggs Bradley.

Whether you’re interested in something local, a European excursion, or relaxing in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, these are the best destinations to experience this 4th of July.

New York City, USA

Everything is more extravagant in New York, and seeing the fireworks light up the Manhattan skyline is a magical way to celebrate. Beyond the annual show (which is set to take place on the Hudson River), it goes without saying that there is a lot to do in the Big Apple. Summer represents a different version of the city: you can cruise out to Lady Liberty on The Mark Sailboat, park up for a picnic in Central Park, or take in the views from one of the city’s rooftop bars. Shop the latest designer collections at Bergdorf Goodman and wander along Madison Avenue to The Lowell for its new Dior high tea in the courtyard. There are always new exhibitions at world-renowned museums including the Met, the Guggenheim, MoMA, and the Whitney (we highly recommend the Costume Institute’s “Sleeping Beauties”). If you’re into the theatre, book a Broadway show ( The Great Gatsby is an entertaining new addition), or for a more intimate affair, head to Aman’s chic jazz club or the iconic Café Carlyle—some of the most elegant date night options around. Fine dining aficionados should check out Café Boulud, which offers four unique menus to suit a variety of palates (including vegan and Asian-inspired options). And to refresh after pacing around the city, head to The Well for a lymphatic drainage massage and a yoga class. It is, of course, notoriously hot in July, so be sure to pack some airy summer dresses and good walking shoes.

Where to stay:

Where you stay in New York depends entirely on what kind of experience you are hoping to have: Covering key attractions? Getting amongst the nightlife? Or living like a local? If you want to explore major landmarks and museums, consider The Carlyle or The Mark, each located on the glitziest blocks of the Upper East Side, within walking distance of Central Park (you’ll probably recognize the gilded lobbies from the Met Gala departures). And for something less storied but equally fabulous? Head downtown to Fouquet’s—the most luxurious hotel to open in the city in years , situated on a quiet yet high-end corner of Tribeca. It has a chic rooftop, Le Vaux (only open to members and hotel guests), a gorgeous subterranean spa, and the most photogenic rooms in the city.

Rome, Italy

By Emma Specter

By Zachary Schwartz

By Elise Taylor

If you feel like you’ve been seeing more of the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica on your Instagram feed lately, you’re not imagining it—the Eternal City is indeed having a moment. Rome is the most popular tour destination globally for July 4 th , per data from the AAA, and over recent years, its luxury hotel scene has multiplied with several five-star hotels opening , including the Six Senses, The Rome Edition, and Casa Monti , which opened its doors just in time for summer. Our pick of the bunch? The ultra-luxurious Bulgari Hotel is in the center of the city, where you can escape into a glossy world of Italian craftsmanship and hospitality. It has 360-degree views from its chic rooftop terrace and is undoubtedly the best place to base yourself, especially if you’re only in Rome for a weekend. And what to prioritize if you are on limited time? “Visit Villa Medici, walk through Villa Borghese, and check out the exhibitions at Galleria Borghese. From there walk to Coppedè,” advises Italy Segreta’s Marina Cacciapuoti. For lunch on the go during a day of requisite sightseeing, Emily Fitzroy, founder of Bellini Travel, recommends an authentic new pizza al taglio joint, Pantera, located in the garden district. “I challenge you to spend more than 10 euros, but be quick, everything tends to sell out by midday!” she says. Another reason to visit now? 2025 marks the Jubilee and the city is expecting over 30 million visitors (for context, around four million people live in Rome currently, and as you might have guessed, locals perceive the incoming influx as un problema ).

Like Bulgari Milano—which has been the unofficial Fashion Week address since it opened in 2004—Bulgari Hotel Roma has quickly established itself as the most sophisticated stay in the city. It excels in everything that matters: location, atmosphere, cuisine, design, and service. It’s always bustling with characters that look like they’ve emerged straight from a glamorous photoshoot, but it’s also a haven of rejuvenation, from its spa and spectacular pool resembling a Roman bath, to its rooms with sprawling marble bathrooms and extensive pillow menus. Here you’ll find well-heeled locals enjoying espresso and biscotti at Il Caffé, and in the evenings, the rooftop restaurant rooftop helmed by Niko Romito is the place to be, with postcard views of Rome. It also has its own chocolate boutique, where you can find beautiful handmade chocolates with unique flavor combinations.

Hawaii, USA

Nowhere embodies a classic American resort destination quite like Hawaii, which is perhaps why it was the location that kicked off the White Lotus series. Since then, it has boomed, and this July, it’s ranked as one of the top domestic destinations across airlines and hotel booking sites (Leading Hotels of the World told Vogue that Halekulani is its most booked hotel nationwide). The island state’s ascent is part revival, part nostalgia. Resortwear royalty, Nicky Zimmermann, who launched the brand’s first boutique in Honolulu in 2022, says Hawaii was one of her first holidays, and it still holds fond memories: “It’s a place that allows you to embrace feelings of summer and vacation,” she says. Zimmerman is among many high-end brands that have set up shop in recent years, catering to the rise of stylish jetsetters and honeymooners. Also catering to those crowds are luxurious new hotels, elevating the retro lineup that has long characterized its sandy shores (there’s Mauna Lani from Auberge, the 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay, and Rosewood’s Kona Village, to name a few). Beyond shopping at Ala Moana and spending days at the beach, a lovely way to experience Hawaii is to step away from the overcrowded tourist spots and embrace the great outdoors: hike up Diamond Head, charter a sunset cruise, or book a surf lesson at a less crowded beach (basically anywhere but Waikiki).

The Four Seasons Maui (where the White Lotus was filmed) saw a 425% increase in searches following the release date, and today it’s still riding the buzz. If you want the same luxurious standards without the crowds, opt for one of the group’s other Hawaiian properties, such as the beachfront Four Seasons Lanai or the wellness-focused Four Seasons Sensei Lanai, 20 minutes inland. There’s also, of course, the revered Halekulani in Honolulu, which boasts all the requisite resort highlights.

Watch Hill, Rhode Island, USA

We’ve all seen Taylor Swift’s ‘Taymericana’ festivities on the shores of Rhode Island, which presents the question: if you can celebrate anywhere, why choose here? The reason is simple: it has beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, and a low-key vibe that makes for a lovely long weekend escape. Unlike some of the more bustling beach towns on the Northeast, Watch Hill is a private place where people tend to go with friends and family to enjoy enduring summer rituals: Sunsets spent grilling lobster and corn on the cobb, days spent reading books on the beach, or perhaps hiking to Napatree Point (a wildlife preserve). Watch Hill is not a place where you will encounter throngs of tourists, but there is one notable place that has attracted sophisticated travelers since it originally opened in 1868: Ocean House, one of Relais & Chateaux’s few five-star hotels in the region, with sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean. Here guests occupy their days with the same leisurely activities as affluent New England residents: croquet on the lawn, squash, tennis, golf, making s’mores over a firepit in the evening. It has six dining options and a seemingly endless list of amenities, including a 12,000 square-foot spa with an indoor lap pool, yacht tours, and a Center for Wine and Culinary Arts, where guests can book in to do cooking classes and wine-tasting sessions.

Ocean House is a destination in and of itself. Book one of its 20 signature suites, or if you need more space, it has a collection of well-appointed cottages located nearby. A more informal option is its sister property, the Weekapaug Inn, located a 15-minute drive eastward—particularly popular for younger crowds and families over holiday weekends.

Paris, France

Paris needs no headline event to be an appealing destination, but the Olympics has reinvigorated the city’s cultural credentials and its hospitality industry. Furthermore, Vogue World (scheduled for June 23) will be a pre-opening ceremony of sorts, celebrating fashion, sports, and building hype in the French capital ahead of the event (a limited number of tickets are available here ). Beyond the bucket-list landmarks—the Eiffel Tower! Notre Dame! The Louvre!—Paris is home to 12 hotels that are so fabulous they have been awarded Palace distinction, so if you’re in the market for a lavish escape, this is the place. Sex and the City fans will recall the exquisitely opulent suite at the Hotel Plaza Athénée in the series finale, and that flawless standard can be found throughout the arrondissements, from LVMH’s Cheval Blanc in the first, to the Four Seasons Hotel George V in the eighth, and Hotel Lutetia in the sixth. For something completely unique, you can quite literally live like Marie Antoinette by venturing 30 minutes out of the city center to Airelles Chateau de Versailles, Le Grand Controle. Here, you can do a private tour of the iconic Hall of Mirrors, enjoy a private performance at the Royal Opera, and experience a decadent 18 th -century-style banquet. But simply floating around the city like a modern-day Parisian is a lovely way to spend a weekend. Wander around the Tuileries Gardens, enjoy an espresso in the Marais, and take in some of the stunning impressionist artworks at Musée d’lOrangerie and Musée d’Orsay. And if you want to arrive looking fresh from the transatlantic journey, consider flying Air France, which has Clarins spas in its airport lounges offering pre-flight facials (it also just unveiled new Michelin-star menus).

It’s hard to stand out in the land of Palace hotels, but spending the night at Versailles is a bucket list experience indeed. You really only need a night to take it all in and do the private tours, so once you’ve emerged from your boudoir (appropriately appointed with towers of Ladurée macarons), head to Paris and check into the Four Seasons Hotel George V, located in the eighth, otherwise known as ‘The Golden Triangle,’ within walking distance of key attractions, including the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Elysées. And if you really want to live it up, book the Eiffel Tower Suite , featured on Emily in Paris .

Chatham, Cape Cod, USA

More accessible and less crowded than Nantucket, Cape Cod is a quintessential New England getaway located just a 4.5-hour drive from New York and just over an hour from Boston. It’s an excellent option if you enjoy authentic, low-key towns, free of any chains or markers of tourism. Instead, you’ll find a 70-year-old candy shop, family-owned arts and crafts stores, quaint boutiques, and a handful of casual restaurants. Many East Coasters own summer houses on ‘the Cape,’ and some are available via Airbnb or Vrbo, but there is really only one hotel to consider and that is Chatham Bars Inn. The charming hotel has a quarter-mile private beach, five restaurants, and a lovely spa with an outdoor adults-only pool. It’s the center of activity for July fourth each year with line dancing, fireworks, cornhole tournaments, a float in Chatham’s annual parade, and a carnival with activities for all ages. One of the best things about visiting in July is the variety of boat cruises on offer: you can do a whale-watching tour, an evening sunset cruise, or even a venture to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket for a day trip.

Chatham Bars Inn has 217 rooms throughout the historic main inn and 30 shingle-style cottages surrounding the property, including a collection of adult-only spa suites. But for the best experience, request an ocean-facing suite, where you can wander on down to a beach cabana and order a glass of Sancerre.

The Hamptons, USA

New Yorkers will be heading to the Hamptons in droves through until Labor Day, and every long weekend the Long Island holiday enclave becomes a little bit livelier and noticeably more crowded. To plan an enjoyable trip, there are a few things to consider: firstly, it’s wise to make restaurant reservations in advance, as hotspots like Sunset Beach, Si Si, and Le Bilboquet can book out (most of the good ones are available on Resy, but some are walk-in only, including Crow’s Nest and Duryea’s). Secondly, the traffic heading out east on any long weekend can be absolutely dire . But, if you stay closer to the city, you can avoid a lot of it, which is why Canoe Place, 20 minutes from Southampton, is an excellent option. Another great place to consider is The Reform Club, further up in the heart of Amagansett, within walking distance of the shops and cafes (including The Row’s new boutique, for all of your quiet luxury wardrobe needs). Beyond the usual Hamptons activities (beach, dine, drink, relax, and repeat), there are various festivities for the fourth, including fireworks, designer pop-ups, DJ sets from Navy Beach to Gurney’s and, of course, the perennial reveler’s paradise, The Surf Lodge, where Diplo will be playing. And if you’re in the mood to shop, head to Newton Lane, where key designer boutiques (Gucci, Loewe, Prada, Chanel, Louis Vuitton) have curated collections to suit the Hamptons lifestyle. The final thing to consider is that you really need a car to get around, since everything is so spread out: Kyte is a convenient option, which delivers your vehicle to your preferred address and picks it up once you’re back. And whether you’re staying at a hotel or a rental property, be sure to ask about a parking permit, as beach parking is restricted to residents during the summer months.

Canoe Place claims to be America’s oldest inn, but it recently underwent an extensive renovation, and everything has been updated with chic decor and contemporary comforts to suit modern holidaymakers. It has a collection of cottages, which are ideal if you’re traveling with children or as a group. The Reform Club also has a collection of well-appointed cottages with private outdoor spaces.

Turks and Caicos

If you’re seeking a beach holiday where you can relax and rejuvenate, your choice of where to stay is paramount, because the entire point is that you won’t want to leave. So, with that in mind, it’s best to skip the overcrowded all-inclusive and go for something sophisticated and secluded. Amanyara is just that, widely considered one of the best resorts in the Caribbean, located on the Northwest coast of Providenciales. It has a private beach, a variety of watersports ranging from scuba diving to paddleboarding, an outdoor yoga sala , a tranquil spa, two restaurants, and a poolside bar. It’s a family-friendly destination, too, offering an extensive range of children’s activities including everything from interactive science camps, where children are encouraged to learn about local marine life and coastal conservation, to pizza-making classes. This July, it has the chocolatier from Wonka hosting masterclasses along with a series of wellness experiences from the sisters behind KYN (holistic health pioneer, Erika Bloom, also hosts regular wellness immersions at Amanyara). It is highly unlikely that you’ll feel inclined to go anywhere else once you check in, but if the mood strikes to explore the island, it’s a 30-minute drive into Grace Bay where there are several restaurants, a few shops, and some beach clubs (but take our advice and save that sort of thing for St. Barth’s).

The question is not where, but what room? Amanyara has 36 secluded pavilions and 20 sprawling villas that come with private chefs and dedicated hosts—ideal for multigenerational holidays where you can stay together and still have your privacy.

Surfside, USA

If you want the highlights of Miami without the scene, venture four miles up the coast to Surfside, where you can enjoy the same Floridian sunshine, crystalline waters, and Art Deco charm without being surrounded by bachelorette parties. And while neighboring Miami and Palm Beach have many five-star hotels to choose from (The Setai and The Colony Hotel are the most notable), in Surfside there is only one place you will want to stay: The Four Seasons, which took over the iconic Surf Club in 2017. It has every amenity you could want, with three pools, a kids club, a spa, and excellent dining from the Italian Lido with its new Crudo Bar, to Thomas Keller’s first Florida-based restaurant. For the fourth, the hotel’s more casual restaurant, Winston’s, will be hosting a BBQ and sunset picnics will be served on the beach, complete with champagne, but if you feel like venturing out, it’s only a 20-minute drive to central Miami, where you could book into a buzzy restaurant like Carbone, Byblos, or Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House. And for a spot of shopping, the Bal Harbor shops are only a four-minute walk away (where you’ll find luxury boutiques and a notable restaurant, Makoto), or if you want to head into Miami’s Design District is just nine miles away.

The Four Seasons Surfside is one of the most elegant hotels in Florida (hence why Dolce & Gabbana chose it as the venue for its Alta Moda show in 2022). It has 20 different room types, including light-filled oceanfront suites and residences with fully equipped kitchens and laundries—an excellent option for families traveling with kids.

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The Hottest Place on Earth and 9 Scorching Contenders

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When challenged to name the hottest place on Earth , sprawling desert environments like Death Valley or the African Sahara probably spring to mind. However, extreme heat nearly matching those examples can occur on five continents, and some of these hottest places are even densely populated by humans.

Read on to find out more about the hottest places on Earth and how record-high temperatures are, well, recorded.

Where Are Global Air Temperatures the Hottest?

Officially the hottest: death valley, california, hottest surface temperature (potentially): lut desert, iran, hottest in africa: sahara desert, algeria, hottest in europe: athens, greece, hottest in the southern hemisphere: queensland, australia, hot 100 years ago: al aziziyah, libya, 4 honorable mentions.

People tend to think of regions near the equator as being the hottest on Earth , and this is true to an extent. However, places near our North and South Poles can still occasionally reach extreme temperatures during the summer months.

In its orbit, the Earth is tilted at a 23-degree angle, compared to the sun's position, and this causes north and south extremes to get much more or much less sun, depending on the season.

On average, temperatures are still much hotter near the equator because its position relative to the sun changes less with the seasons. Climate change is also causing temperatures to trend upward all over the globe, affecting when and where record temps may be recorded.

When it comes to ranking the hottest place on Earth and climate extremes, keep in mind that the data and methods to measure data are ever-changing.

Terrain Matters

• Deserts, as you may expect, tend to be much hotter in the daytime than biomes near large bodies of water, thanks to their low relative humidity.
• Regular precipitation has a cooling effect on soil surface temperature
• Lush plant life helps shade the ground and pull heat-soaking greenhouse gasses from the surrounding air.
• Low-altitude valleys also tend to be much hotter than high-altitude mountains, due to an increase in air density as you get nearer to the pull of Earth's gravity .

Taking all these factors into account, meteorologists and researchers typically see the highest record temperatures and the highest average temps in locations which are situated near the equator and in flat, low altitude stretches of land.

Inversely, mountainous regions near the North and South Poles tend to be the coldest places on Earth .

How Air Temperature Is Measured

For hundreds of years, the only thing we had to empirically measure air temperature reading was a traditional thermometer, often filled with dangerous mercury.

Nowadays, weather stations run by groups like the World Meteorological Organization have access to measure surface and air temperatures accurately within a fraction of a degree.

The scientific community can also take advantage of satellite measurements. Infrared cameras that orbit high above the planet's surface are able to scan the entire surface of the land below them and track land skin temperatures all over the world.

This allows scientists to monitor temps in potentially dangerous areas without having to build a weather station or travel into dangerous environments like Furnace Creek in Death Valley.

Air Temperature vs. Surface Temperature

As its name suggests, air temperature is a measure of the heat contained within the air over a certain area. Surface temperature (AKA land skin temperature) is measured directly from the ground.

Since surfaces like dark stone or tarmac can become much hotter under exposure to the sun than the air in the same environment, there may be discrepancies of more than 30 degrees Fahrenheit between air and surface temps.

Air temperature is a more accurate data point than land skin temperatures to take when judging the hottest places on Earth, as land surface temperature will tend to vary wildly depending on the surface material and whether or not it is positioned in direct sunlight or in the shade.

That said, surface temperatures are still important to researchers because they help them to track available ground water and potential for plant cultivation in an area.

For many decades, Death Valley has been heralded the hottest place on Earth, thanks to it's record-setting hottest temperature recorded at Furnace Creek Ranch in July of 1913 . At 134 degrees Fahrenheit (56.7 degrees Celsius), this reading was widely recognized as the highest recorded temperature.

Over 100 years later, similar records have been set inside Death Valley, as well as in other places on this list.

In July of 2023, the National Weather Service station at Furnace Creek recorded a yearly high of 128 F (53.3 C), and air temperatures above 120 F (48.9 C) are extremely common in the Death Valley region during summer months. Average highs rest in the region of 110 F (43.3 C).

Death Valley has surely earned its name, as the extreme heat could easily spell the end of any unwitting traveler.

In 2021, a satellite indicated readings in Iran's Lut Desert soaring up to 81 C (177 F), making this desert potentially the hottest on Earth, at least as far as surface temperature is concerned.

A field research center would be needed to see if this desert truly shatters Death Valley's record, but one is not likely to be installed, due to the region's remoteness and danger of travel.

As University of Montana's David Mildrexler puts it in interview with NASA . "The Earth’s hot deserts — such as the Sahara, the Gobi, the Sonoran and the Lut — are climatically harsh and so remote that access for routine measurements and maintenance of a weather station is impractical."

Until more data can be obtained from these other areas, Death Valley is still likely to be considered the hottest place on Earth. The margin between the highest temperature at Death Valley and other locales is likely much less than we once thought.

The Sahara desert spans a huge swathe of Africa, encompassing nearly 10 countries from the east coast of Egypt to the west coast of Mauritania. The largest desert in the world can also be one of the most inhospitable, with high heat and little rainfall at all times of the year.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Africa was taken in the middle of the Sahara, and near the Algerian city of Ouargla.

On July 5, 2018, Ouargla was subject to an extreme temperature of 131 F (55 C), one of the highest figures ever recorded. Average highs in the region exceed 100 F (37.8 C) from June to September, but the climate is typically milder than some of the other hottest places listed here.

Lows may even dip into near-freezing temperatures during the deepest winter months.

As one of the most southern regions in Europe, Greece is also among the hottest parts of the continent. Air temperatures between June and September set average highs of about 91 F (32.8 C).

An extreme outlier occurred on July 10, 1977 , when the World Meteorological Organization recorded a daily highest temperature of 48 C, or 118 F. Nearly 50 years later, this example remains the highest air temperature ever seen in continental Europe.

Queensland is one of the most populous regions of Australia as well as the hottest part of Earth's southern hemisphere. In January of 1960, WMO recorded a highest temperature of 51 C (123 F). This record was again matched within 0.1 degrees Celsius in January of 2024 .

Due to its location, Queensland is at its hottest during winter for the northern hemisphere. Average daily highs exceed 90 F (32.2 C) from October until March, with the hottest temperatures occurring early in the year. Even during Australia's winter months, temps rarely dip below 50 F (10 C).

On September 13, 1922, a hottest temperature reading of 58 C (136 F) was recorded in the Al Aziziyah desert just outside of Tripoli. At the time, this was considered the highest temperature recorded.

More recently, however, doubt has been cast about the accuracy of this data compared to modern methods of temperature recording.

Compared to other desert environments, the summers in Tripoli, Libya , are a bit more mild. With average highs ranging from the high 80s to the low 90s F (30 to 34 C) between June and October, occasionally stretching past 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) in the throes of summer.

1. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

This gorgeous environment is consistently known as one of hottest places on Earth. The Danakil Depression has some of the very highest recorded temperatures as well as highest average temperature and daily maximum temperature.

Temps in excess of 100 degrees Fahrenheit are recorded nearly year round, due to a perfect blend of environmental factors, and it boasts a highest temperature recorded at 125 degrees .

Not only is Danakil located in a low-altitude desert near the equator, but it is also a site of heightened geothermal activity. Hot springs bubble up from the Earth's surface and paint the desert in an array of brilliant colors, making the region a local tourist destination while also keeping it hot year-round.

2. Mitribah, Kuwait

In this weather station situated just between the borders of Iraq and Iran, the World Meteorological Organization recorded a record-setting temperature of 54 C (129 F) in summer of 2016. This record made it the hottest spot in Asia at the time, and it was nearly matched again the following year.

In nearby Kuwait City, the highest average temperatures stay over 100 F (37.8 C) from April to October, peaking at 115 F (46.1 C) around midsummer.

3. New Delhi, India

In addition to being one of the most densely populated urban areas in the world, New Delhi is also located in one of the hottest places on Earth. Its official record for highest recorded temperature was set in June of 2024, with air temperatures running in excess of 50 C (122 F).

Scorching temperatures and dense populations together can unfortunately spell danger for the large country. In 2024's early summer alone, up to 50 deaths have been attributed to heat stroke across India. Average temperatures are often around 100 F (37.8 C) between April and August in the Delhi region.

4. Sonoran Desert, Mexico

South of Death Valley is the Sonoran Desert region of Mexico, stretching from Phoenix, Arizona, to Mexico's Baja region. The hottest portion of the Sonoran is likely along the stretch of border between the United States and Mexico, where arid dunes lie surrounded by sheer mountain faces.

Recent satellite imaging by the University of Montana has read surface temperatures in excess of 159 F (70.6 C). These readings could indicate high temperatures near or at Death Valley's levels, but the government does not have a weather station on the ground in order to verify the figures.

Average highs for established towns on the U.S.-Mexico border tend to sit at approximately 90 F (32.2 C) during the summer months.

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Queensland budget is full of treats, but is it enough to entice voters?

Cost of living — it's all anyone is talking about.

So, it's no surprise Queensland's Labor government has spent big on providing relief in Treasurer Cameron Dick's fifth budget.

Billions are being spent on relief measures , including transport, housing and health, in a bid to cope with the sunshine state's booming population.

Mr Dick said he's made tough choices, deliberately putting his government's books into a $2.6 billion deficit next financial year to pay for the measures.

Four months out from a state election, the Queensland government's budget is full of sweeteners and big on spending. But is it enough to entice voters?

Students feeling the pinch

Jordy Duffey spends up to $140 a week catching the train from the Sunshine Coast to their university in Brisbane.

But with a public transport trial set to cut prices to 50c a trip listed in the Queensland's 2024/25 budget, their fares will be reduced to $5 a week.

The 27-year-old student said the fare reductions would make a "significant difference".

"It'll allow me to have a little bit of extra funding to provide for other bills," they said.

Jordy Duffey said many university students were experiencing financial stress and food insecurity.

"At the end of the day, the way things are skyrocketing … we do need as much support as possible," they said.

Public transport is not the only cost-of-living measure introduced — the government has also slashed the cost of car registration for 12 months by 20 per cent.

From July, households will also receive a $1,000 credit on their power bills.

"Unfortunately, the reality is electricity keeps going up," Jordy Duffey said.

"No matter what the election result will be in the future ... I think the main priority should just be addressing cost of living."

'You can't eat electricity'

In Townsville, retired electrician Harry Newitt said he'd recently dipped into his retirement savings to install solar in hopes of reducing his power bills during summer.

"My wife suffers with the heat in summertime, so we run an air conditioner 24/7," he said.

Mr Newitt welcomed the budget electricity measures, but worries it doesn't go far enough for older Australians.

"You can't eat electricity," he said.

"It's going to be a help but I've got a friend [with a small car], if the car breaks down it'll break the bank.

"That's something you can't budget for."

For others, like Gold Coast couple Teagan and Matt Jarrett, the concessions are a welcome relief.

"When those bills do come around there's that reduction, it's going to be extremely helpful where we can put funds into other things," Ms Jarrett said.

The couple recently purchased their first family home and said they would have benefited from an increase to the stamp duty threshold for first home buyers , announced this month.

"It's tight, we're comfortable but we also watch what we spend … and make sure that we have a safety blanket if we need it," Mr Jarrett said.

'Casting beads and trinkets to the wind'

Mr Black said after nearly a decade in government, Queensland's Labor Party is facing a 10 per cent swing at the October state election — leaving them in a similar position to 2012, when they won just seven seats.

Former Labor senator-turned election analyst John Black said the outlook for the party was grim.

"They're terrified and they're casting beads and trinkets to the wind trying to pick up voters as best they can," he said.

In his budget speech, the treasurer said this year's spending made "clear the values and plans" for the Miles government.

"The election on 26 October is a fight about the future of Queensland, it's not a referendum on the last nine years," Mr Dick said.

Shadow Treasurer David Janetzki called the treasurer's comments "extraordinary".

"He said this government should not be judged on its past — that tells you everything," he said.

Mr Black said Labor was unlikely to win the hearts and minds of voters.

"[Voters] regard it as unhealthy if a government has been in too long … you can't blame them," he said.

Another key reason these budget incentives could fail to win votes is that the LNP, led by David Crisafulli, has already committed to honouring them.

The extraordinary decision drew the ire of commentators and politicians alike, and saw the party labelled "pathetic".

"Look it's quite extraordinary, I'd say an Australian first," former LNP premier Campbell Newman told 730.

"The taxpayers of Queensland fund the opposition to put up a robust alternative point of view and clearly, at the moment, they're not doing it."

Mr Newman, who is now a member of the Libertarian Party, was in charge the last time the Liberal-Nationals lost power.

"Campbell Newman sacked a lot of public servants, it's as simple as that," Mr Black said.

"The coalition is still running scared of being too controversial."

The opposition will deliver its budget reply speech later this week.

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The 10 Best Places to Travel in August

By Caitlin Morton

Summer is at its peak, temperatures are high, and back-to-school season is looming on the periphery. The best places to travel in August represent that universal desire to jettison all 9-to-5 obligations and indulge in an epic trip —the kind you’ve been dreaming about for years (or longer).

Whether you’re exploring the northern stretches of Quebec, following the Great Migration in Kenya, or partying it up at some of the Caribbean’s best festivals , this month is the time to loosen your purse strings and your inhibitions. (If you don’t want to loosen anything too much, we have plenty of excellent domestic destinations as well.) To help you squeeze in that one final summer vacation before Labor Day, here are 10 of the best places to travel in August.

This article has been updated since its original publish date.

Madeira, Portugal

This island, 300 miles west of Morocco, is synonymous with winemaking and wine drinking. The Madeira Wine Festival (August 25 through September 15) showcases how the islanders developed the unique oxidation process to create their trademark wine six centuries ago.

There are events and celebrations throughout the island, but be sure to visit Cabo Girão, where the microclimate around the cliffs allowed Jesuits to cultivate malvasia grapes and develop the sweet malmsey wine. The vertigo-inducing skywalk here is the highest such installation in Europe, though it’s best to try it before imbibing too much.

The Great Migration is one of the awe-inspiring natural spectacles on the planet, marking the season when more than 1.5 million wildebeest sweep through East Africa between July and October every year. In Kenya, the best place to watch the phenomenon is the Masai Mara National Reserve, with ample rivers (that’s where the real action takes place) and cliffs overlooking the savannah.

Set up shop at one of Angama Amboseli ’s 10 tented suites, all of which afford direct views of Kilimanjaro. The Hot List-winning property is more known for migrating elephants rather than wildebeest, but you can join game drives to spot other wildlife such as giraffes, warthogs, and big cats—then head back for a massage and soak in the infinity pool.

Woodstock, Vermont

One of the most beautiful towns in America, Woodstock’s appeal extends far beyond fall foliage and craft beer. The city oozes New England charm in any season, which is clearly evidenced by the lovely and quaint Woodstock Inn & Resort . The 142-room hotel thrives in the summer, when the on-site garden boasts more than 200 varieties of produce that get sent directly to the property’s two restaurants.

And the seasonal delights don’t end there. Just down the road at the Billings Farm & Museum, the 20,000-square-foot Sunflower House will enter its sixth year in bloom this summer. Thousands of sunflowers (which reach peak bloom in mid-August) will be planted in a maze-like structure, ranging in height from 18 inches to a staggering 14 feet.

While people have historically overlooked Grenada in favor of its Lesser Antilles sisters, we have a feeling that’s about to change. (We did name the island one of the best places to visit in 2024 , after all.) A lot of the uptick in interest has to do with convenience: JetBlue launched direct flights from Boston to Grenada in late 2023 (joining the existing nonstops out of JFK), and Air Canada now has up to four flights per week between Toronto and Maurice Bishop International Airport.

Once you’ve completed your delightfully easy flight, you’ll wonder why you’ve waited until now to visit—those white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and invariably green landscapes can turn anyone into an immediate devotee. Book a stay at the newly opened Six Senses La Sagesse , where every room has a private pool and the two-floor spa overlooks a lagoon. Then head out to participate in Grenada’s famous Spicemas festival (August 1-13). The Spice Island comes alive with parades, food, dancing, and performances, and you’d be remiss not to catch at least a few days of the party.

Summer is the season of state fairs, and few states do the tradition justice better than Minnesota. The nation’s second-largest fair (after Texas, of course) features epic events to match its size: outdoor beer festivals, classic car shows, Blake Shelton and Ludacris concerts, and 500 food stands serving up all things deep-fried and skewered.

The fair takes place from August 22 to September 2 this year, giving you plenty of August wiggle room to explore nearby Minneapolis (about 15 minutes away from the fairgrounds in Falcon Heights), a city that only gets more interesting the longer you stay there.

Gyrfalcon Islands, Canada

The largest of Canada’s 10 provinces—another one of our best places to visit in 2024 —has so much more to offer beyond Quebec City (though we’d never completely bypass the city on any trip above the border). Quebec’s northernmost region of Nunavik doesn’t typically appear on most travelers’ wish lists, but the homeland of Inuit people has some new bookable experiences that promise cultural immersion with a touch of extra convenience.

Ungava Polar Eco-Tours, an Inuit-owned tour operator, has officially started offering five-day trips to the Gyrfalcon Islands—an uninhabited archipelago in Ungava Bay. You can book five-night itineraries from August 3 and beyond, all of which provide front-row seats to the region’s most fascinating sights: Marvel at the 55-foot-high tides of Ungava Bay, hop on a boat to spot polar bears and hairy muskoxen, explore the islands’ terrain on an ATV tour, and—if you’re lucky—watch the northern lights as you sip warm drinks around the fire.

Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda is one of Europe’s most glamorous summer getaways, with stunning white sands and yacht-crammed waters off Porto Cervo. Lean into the luxe vibe by booking one of the suites at the Hotel Cala di Volpe —and remember to pack the kind of bikinis that were never designed to actually get wet for its ultra-exclusive beach club.

The suites, decked out in whitewashed walls and Sardinian marble floors, are perfect for kicking your feet up between pool visits. At night, book dinner at one of the restaurants on Porto Cervo’s beloved Piazzetta—choose between the classic fish spot, Il Pescatore, or Novikov, an Asian fusion restaurant from owner and Russian restaurateur Arkady.

Napa Valley, California

Napa Valley is one of the best places to travel in August, corresponding with the region's harvest season (August through October). The crowds tend to be a bit denser during this time, but you can still have a luxurious, intimate vacation—if you know where to look. Start by setting your sights on the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley , the only Napa property that sits on an active winery. After a morning at the spa, you can walk to your afternoon wine tasting—no wine bus or private driver required.

For a not-so-average tasting experience, book The Legacy Tour onboard the Napa Wine Train. Expect sparkling wine samples, a three-hour tour of the valley, and a four-course gourmet meal.

Utah is renowned for its national parks (its state parks are pretty spectacular, too), but there are plenty of reasons to visit this summer outside of the obvious draws. Get your dose of thrills with an ATV ride around the Coral Pink Sand Dunes, with 2,000 acres of sand that turn pink as the sun begins to set. Or choose from ten ziplines (one of which reaches a speed of 65 mph) at Deer Creek State Park.

If you prefer to watch the action from the sidelines, watch drivers try to break world records at the Bonneville Salt Flats during Bonneville Speed Week (August 3-9). Whatever type of activity you crave, Utah probably has it somewhere. While you're in the state, you might as well make a point to stay at the sensational Amangiri resort in Canyon Point: The remote location, food, views, and spa treatments are well worth a detour.

Isla Holbox, Mexico

May through September is whale shark season in the Mexican Caribbean, when the magnificent beasts emerge in the warm waters between Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy every year. August is a particularly great month for whale sightings due to the amount of plankton in the water, which the whales gather to feed on.

This year, head to dreamy Isla Holbox to celebrate Whale Shark Day on August 30—no better time to try your hand at a once-in-a-lifetime whale shark dive. Eco-boutique hotel Las Nubes de Holbox is the only hotel adjacent to the Yum Balam Nature Reserve and connects its guests to sustainable whale shark tours around the island’s stunning natural landscapes. Afterward, relax at the Orquídea Spa with a salt bath or facial with organic Mexican products.

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