Well, something is happening in Queensland that is not happening anywhere else.
Campbell Newman
This former Queensland Premier likely knows things that escape the average citizen. However, any Aussie traveller - and even global travellers, know about attractions in Queensland. From stunning Gold Coast beaches to progressive cities like Brisbane and Toowoomba, this state offers much to see and do.
It would be nice to have a knowledgeable (former) statesman lead our travels, but it's not necessary. With this guide, you can discover urban spaces and natural landmarks in Queensland. Glance over this summary table to check-mark all the destinations you want to see. Then, read all about them below.
| 🌆Attraction | 📸Type of scene | 🥽What it offers |
|---|---|---|
| Brisbane | urban | cultural, natural, urban activities |
| K'gari | beach, nature | beaches, shipwreck |
| Hervey Bay | beach, nature | whale watching |
| Magnetic Island | beach, nature, historical | photograph wildlife, tour forts |
| Mooloolaba | urban | tour the aquarium and zoo, walk the promenade |
| Mount Isa | historical | rodeo, Mardi Gras, mine tours |
| Port Douglas | beach, urban | tour heritage-listed sites |
| Great Barrier Reef | water | join conservation efforts, dive the reef |
| Daintree National Park | nature | photograph wildlife, hike |
| Sunshine Coast | beach, urban | tour the area's beaches and national parks |
| Cylinder Beach | beach | swim, surf |
| Moreton Island | water, nature | camp, explore, photograph wildlife |
| Punsand Bay | water, nature | explore a remote spot |
| Bundaberg | beach, nature | witness turtle runs |
| Cairns | urban | explore the city and surrounding areas |
Brisbane
Queensland is Australia's second-largest state after Western Australia, a state which also offers travellers a list of sites to explore. Queensland is bigger than most countries (all but 16 of them), which means that it's a land full of different landscapes, climates, and geographical features.
Any traveller, international or from around Australia, will likely touch down in Queensland's capital city. With all that Brisbane has to offer, they might be tempted to scrap any further plans.
Urban landmarks
- Story Bridge
- Kangaroo Point Cliffs
- Fortitude Valley
- The Gabba
- Lang Park
- Treasury Building
- City Hall
- Customs House
Outdoor features
- City Botanic Gardens
- Brisbane Botanic Gardens
- Victoria Park
- New Farm Park
- Lone Pine
- Koala Sanctuary
Cultural attractions
- State Library
- Queensland Museum
- Performing Arts Centre
- Modern Art Gallery
- Brisbane Museum
- Maritime Museum
These are just the landmarks. These lists say nothing about this city's festivals, food, and music scene. Still, as attractive and engaging as Brisbane is, the rest of Queensland, and all its wonders, awaits.
How to Get There
Flying into the city is the best way to get there, whether you're an international or domestic traveller.
Best Time(s) to Go
Brisbane has something to offer year-round.
K'gari (Fraser Island)
You'll note that we talk about these attractions in Queensland in no particular order, save for maybe how interesting they are. To wit, this island lies roughly 250 kilometres (km) north of Brisbane. You have a lot of scenery to marvel over and photograph on the way.
The SS Maheno Shipwreck is only a part of what makes K'gari such a fascinating attraction to explore. This island shares more than one tragic chapter with Tasmania. Here as there, you'll discover historical landmarks and World Heritage Sites.
European settlers arrived in 1847, and named the island after the shipwrecked captain, James Fraser. The state government officially restored the island's former name, K'gari, in recognition of the Buchulla people, this island's original inhabitants.
How to Get There
Driving up from Brisbane on the A1 (Bruce Highway), exit at Hervey Bay. Ride the ferry to the island from any dock on the mainland.
Best Time(s) to Go
June to October.
Hervey Bay
This city doesn't make many people's lists of best places to visit in Queensland. Its list of Heritage Sites grabbed our attention and, upon further exploration, we found Hervey Bay worth recommending.
For one, because it's a charming little city - and, it boasts those Heritage landmarks. Whale-watching was, by far, the most captivating experience we had there.
How to Get There
by road
- drive A1 to Hervey Bay exit
- ride Greyhound Australia
by train
from Roma Street Station (Brisbane) to Hervey Bay Station
by air
fly Quantas or Virgin Blue from Brisbane to Hervey Bay
Best Time(s) to Go
To see whales: between April and October, with the peak period being July-September.
Magnetic Island
This small island, eight kilometres offshore, is home to astounding wildlife diversity. You might have fun trying to spot as many koalas as possible, or catalogue the different types of birds that call the patch of land home.
If you're a history buff, you'll look forward to touring the Magnetic Battery, and other World War II outposts. Magnetic Island is also where you'll find some Queensland mountains, so bring your hiking boots. You've got trails to explore!
How to Get There
by car
- drive the A1 from Brisbane to Townsville
- ride the ferry from the Breakwater Ferry Terminal
by train
aboard the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Townsville
by air
- fly from Brisbane to Townsville
- shuttle to ferry dock
Best Time(s) to Go
Peak season is June to October, but any time between May to November is a good time to tour the island.
Mooloolaba
For a fun day-trip from Brisbane, consider this destination. Mooloolaba lies just 97 km north of the capital, and it's far less crowded than Noosa, the Sunshine Coast's more popular tourist spot.
You can tour the Parkyn Parade and stroll the Esplanade, where you'll find several enticing eateries. That is, if you can tear yourself away from the dramatic beach scenes.
How to Get There
You've an hour's drive to get here by car, or you can ride a bus. If you enjoy train travel, you can ride the rails from Brisbane to Landsborough or Nambour. However, you'll transfer to a bus to reach Mooloolaba.
Best Time(s) to Go
Mooloolaba has something visitors to do year-round.
Mount Isa
Coming here was rather like getting to certain landmarks in South Australia. Very long drive, but very much worth the travel. Mount Isa is an inland destination, which lies about 1 800 km from Brisbane. Also, it sits around 350 metres above sea level, a fact that changes both the landscape and the air.
Mining is Mount Isa's claim to fame, but frequent street parties, music festivals and other events brighten the mood. Every year, Mount Isa hosts a rodeo, usually in tandem with their Mardi Gras celebration. It might not rank among the most beautiful places in Queensland, but Mount Isa is a lot of fun.
How to Get There
By car
- drive the A2 from Townsville.
- Mind your petrol levels, as services are limited along the way.
by bus
Greyhound Australia runs daily trips between Townsville and Mount Isa.
By air
to Mount Isa Airport, then shuttle or hire a car into the city.
Best Time(s) to Go
- July-August: to see the rodeo
- March to October: best for outdoor activities and sightseeing
- April to September is the best time, all-around
Port Douglas
Now returning to sea level for our next adventure, we happen upon Port Douglas, the tourist's paradise. Here, you'll find everything from fine dining to sparkling beaches, and everything in between. Including emus, as this curious one reveals.
Four Mile Beach is the highlight for surfers and sailors. For land-based activities, plan a hike up Flagstaff Hill Trail, and get your camera ready. The views are one-of-a-kind!
How to Get There
by air
- fly Brisbane to Cairns
- book a shuttle to Port Douglas
- ride public transport to your destination
by road
- drive 21 hours from Brisbane
- ride Greyhound Australia to Cairns
- find shuttles to Port Douglas
by rail
- ride the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns
- ride a shuttle to your destination
Best Time(s) to Go
- February - March: to explore the rainforest
- May: warm weather and festivals
- October - December: warmer temperatures, but more rain
Great Barrier Reef
As the most famous of all landmarks in Australia, our Reef hardly needs describing. So, we point to the environmental threats our beloved reef faces. Perhaps you'd be interested in some conservation work?
How to Get There
by air
- fly Brisbane to Great Barrier Reef Airport
- ferry to the reef
by road
- drive Pacific Highway north to Cairns
- ride Greyhound Australia to Cairns
- find shuttles to Port Douglas
by rail
- ride the Spirit of Queensland from Brisbane to Cairns
- ferry or charter a boat to the reef
Best Time(s) to Go
May to October
Daintree National Park
The Daintree Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits within this national park's boundaries. You're not limited to the rainforest, of course. This park has hiking trails, rock pools (if you fancy a dip), and abundant wildlife to photograph.
You might plan two visits: one, to explore the Mossman Gorge side, and the other, to cover Cape Tribulation. In either case, your stay will rival or outdo iconic places you might visit in New South Wales.
How to Get There
From Cairns, drive the Captain Cook Highway for about an hour. A 30-minute ferry ride will take you across the Daintree River. You may also book a coach tour, or ride a bus out of Cairns, to Cape Tribulation or Mossman.
Best Time(s) to Go
If hiking is your goal, plan your trip between May to September. To photograph lush vegetation and wildlife, mark your calendar for November through April.
Sunshine Coast
As we've already mentioned Noosa and Mooloolaba, you might wonder why this Coast deserves its own entry. It's such a diverse area, with so much to offer, that mentioning a couple of attractions doesn't do it justice.
Once you tear yourself away from all the natural wonders, consider adding these stops to your Sunshine Coast itinerary:
- UnderWater World Marine Park
- Aussie World, featuring the Ettamogah Pub and the Gian Pineapple
- the Umundi Markets
- Steve Erwin's Australia Zoo
- the Majestic Theatre
- NightQuarter musical entertainment
How to Get There
by road
- from Brisbane, drive the M1 or A1 north
- look for Sunshine Coast exits
- trips via Greyhound Australia, Murray Bus Service, or Sunbus
by air
- from any Australian city to Sun Coast airport
- shuttle from the airport to your destination
by rail
- from Brisbane's Central or Roma Street stations
- exit Maroochydore or Namboor station
- ride a bus to your destination
Best Time(s) to Go
Sunshine Coast has something on tap year-round.
Cylinder Beach
Point Lookout Foreshore features on the Queensland Heritage Register as a protected historic site. Our featured attraction, Cylinder Beach, is where Captain Matthew Flinders sent men ashore to collect fresh water during his ill-fated trip up the coast.
Today, this beach is one of the less-frequented of all Queensland beaches. Rather a pity, because the island it rests on is, itself, worth exploring. You might plan a several-days-long camping trip to sample the island's native culture, explore its artistic community, and photograph its wildlife.
How to Get There
by car
- motor down M78 direction Redland Bay Road
- pass through Cleveland
- look for the island's ferry terminal on the island
- follow signs to Point Lookout.
by bus
- ride bus 275 to Cleveland
- transfer to bus 880 to Amity Point
- ride the ferry to Point Lookout
Best Time(s) to Go
June to August are best for surfing. Otherwise, the island has something worth exploring year-round.
Moreton Island
This is the world's third-largest sand island, and it lies a mere 58 km from Brisbane. Moreton Island is a popular destination for all outdoors lovers, from beachcombers to four-wheel enthusiasts. Don't let those potential crowds steer you away from this idyllic retreat.
Just off the island's coast, snorkellers revel in discovering more than a dozen sunken ships. These vessels are now playgrounds for all marine life, which you can swim along with.
Furthermore, Tangalooma Beach boasts golden sand and clear water. Those features, among others, cause visitors to call it Queensland's most beautiful beach.
How to Get There
Catch the Morton Island Ferry from Brisbane.
Best Time(s) to Go
March to May is the best season but, to avoid the crowds, consider June to October, especially weekdays. You can also whale-watch between December and March.
Punsand Bay
No trip to Queensland would be complete without visiting its northermost tip. Punsand Bay's unique location allows travellers to experience sunsets and sunrises, without leaving their beach spot. You've plenty more to see and do here. Some entails exploring history, but most is about appreciating Queensland's wild beauty.
How to Get There
From Brisbane, it's best to fly into Cairns, and then hire a car to drive towards Bamaga. Continue driving north, until you reach Punsand Bay Road. Turn left, continue until you reach your destination.
Best Time(s) to Go
April - November is the dry season; the best time to visit.
Bundaberg
Victoria has many lovely beaches, among its long list of beautiful attractions. Still, nothing that state offers compares to Mon Repos Beach, in Bundaberg, Queensland.
This is where we can witness turtles' circle of life, from egg-laying to hatching. Seeing tiny turtles scramble across the sand towards their watery home is a life-changing event.
How to Get There
You can drive here but, considering the distance, maybe these solutions might suit you better.
by train
Queensland Rail, from Roma Street station to Bundaberg.
by coach
Greyhound Australia runs daily trips between Brisbane and Bundaberg.
by air
direct flights between Brisbane and Bundaberg airports.
Best Time(s) to Go
Mon Repos Turtle Encounter runs from November to March. Besides it, Bundaberg hosts many festivals and other events throughout the year. Be sure to monitor the city's social media to plan your trip according to what you wish to do.
Cairns
We started our Queensland exploration with this state's capital city, so we end it with its tourism capital. Like all the most beautiful places in Queensland, this city has something to suit every taste.
For many travellers, it's the jump-off point to the Great Barrier Reef, the Atherton Tableland, and many remote destinations. For others, Cairns is a destination onto itself, as the city is rich in history, culture, and diversity.
How to Get There
by road
- drive the M1/A1 north
- connect to Bruce Highway
- go by bus with Premier Motor Service
by rail
Queensland Rail Travel from Brisbane's Roma Street Station
by air
daily direct flights from Brisbane to Cairns
Best Time(s) to Go
Cairns invites you year-round. Monitor the city's website and social media for events you'd like to attend.
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