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Queensland Map

Quick links, stay connected, popular news, 10 of the best apartments on gold coast, unveiling brisbane’s hidden gems, explore cairns without breaking the bank, springbrook national park.

All our maps of Queensland and its region are available in hi definition in a PDF file. Clicking on the areas below on the map of Queensland, will take you to the appropriate region where you can view and book your accommodation, tours and rentals, and transfers. Our maps are copyright to QLD Travel and may not be reproduced in any form without specific written permission.

»  Click here for a Higher quality map in .PDF format (568 KB)

If you are planning your next trip to Queensland or exploring your own backyard, our maps will help you work out all regions  of QLD and plan your trip. We do recommend to consider the time of the year you are travelling and what part of Queensland you want to explore and what you want to do. Travelling in hot and humid locations means you need to consider mosquitos, stingers and crocodiles. If you are wanting to book your trip, the QLD Travel team can help you book your entire trip and give you all the advice you need to ensure a safe and fun trip!

Our site covers everything from adventure travel to holidays with kids. All locations on our site come with information about travelling with kids and local hot spots which most other sites don’t cover. 

See our list below for all of our maps that cover all regions.

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Map of Queensland

Explore Queensland with our interactive map. Simply click on the Map below to visit each of the regions of Queensland. We have included some of the popular destinations to give you give you an idea of where they are located in the state. If you want to see more maps use the navigation panel on the right hand side of this page to view the State and territory Maps of Australia. Australia is a big country so make sure you understand the the distances and travel time involved.

Discover Queensland's Regions

©Matt Munro/Lonely Planet

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

Best Things to Do

Your next trip starts here.

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Whitehaven Beach

The Whitsundays

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

Botanic Gardens

Rockhampton

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

Whitsunday Island

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

Mossman Gorge

The Daintree

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

Split Rock Gallery

Cairns & Far North Queensland

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

Capricorn Caves

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

South Bank Parklands

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

Great Sandy National Park: Cooloola Section

Sunshine Coast

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

Top picks from our travel experts

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

Tamborine National Park

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

Lamington National Park

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

Binna Burra Mountain Lodge

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

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Queensland and beyond

• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 History
• 4.2 Politics
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.4 Geography
• 4.6 Visitor information
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.4 By train
• 6.5 By boat
• 7.1 By plane
• 7.2.1 Distance table (kilometres)
• 7.3 By train
• 8.1 Aboriginal rock art
• 8.2 National parks
• 8.3 Natural and cultural attractions
• 8.4 Migrating whales
• 8.5 Nesting Sea Turtles
• 8.6 Great Barrier Reef
• 8.7 Observation points
• 8.8 Paleontology
• 9.1 Islands and beaches
• 9.2 Natural encounters
• 9.3 Major events
• 11.1 Markets
• 12.1 Wineries, vineyards and Breweries
• 14.1 Beaches
• 15.1 Mosquito-borne diseases

Queensland (pronounced KWEENZ-land ) is the northeastern state of Australia , famous for natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef , the Daintree Rainforest or K'gari . Its population of 5 million are mostly found in the capital Brisbane and the nearby city of Gold Coast in southeast , whereas much of the rest of the state is sparsely populated.

Climate shifts within Queensland; the inland west is desert, the north is tropical with a wet and a dry season, and the south-east is subtropical. In the (southern) winter, it is a popular getaway for sun-seeking Australians from further south.

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across the whole state, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, K'gari, and the paleontology of Riversleigh . There are also two sites on the tentative list: the Bunya Mountains National Park , home of the 10-kg bunya pine, and the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park .

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• -27.467778 153.027778 1 Brisbane – the state capital
• -24.85 152.35 2 Bundaberg – the ginger beer capital of the world, home to the world famous ginger beer company "Bundaberg"
• -16.925556 145.775278 3 Cairns – popular holiday spot in North Queensland is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
• -28.016667 153.4 4 Gold Coast – famous for Surfers Paradise
• -26.3886 153.035 5 Noosa – known for its beaches, an alternate holiday spot to the Gold Coast
• -16.483611 145.465278 6 Port Douglas – an alternate gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
• -23.378972 150.510894 7 Rockhampton – industrial and agricultural centre of the north, and is the regional centre of Central Queensland
• -26.654167 153.093333 8 Sunshine Coast – a budget and northerly alternative to the Gold Coast
• -19.262222 146.815833 9 Townsville – colloquially called the Capital of North Queensland

Other destinations [ edit ]

• -18.7014 138.488 1 Boodjamulla National Park ( Lawn Hill ) – home to Riversleigh, one of the largest fossil deposits in Australia and a world heritage site along with several scenic gorges.
• -24.6358 147.997 2 Carnarvon National Park – known for its impressive landscape and its large amount of rock art
• -16.2 145.4 3 Daintree Rainforest – the world's oldest living rainforest with lush tropical rainforest of breathtaking beauty including lowland rainforest, swamps, mangroves and beaches – all available via walking tracks
• -25.24 153.15 4 K'gari – World Heritage listed island and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand. Over 120 km long and 30 km across at its widest point. Features a wealth of natural attractions including pristine fresh water lakes, champagne pools, amazing coloured sand formations and a shipwreck.
• -26.9 152.92 5 Glass House Mountains National Park – according to Captain Cook, they apparently "looked like glass houses"
• -19.266 148.587 6 Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest living organism, stretching over 2,000 km in length and 348,000 m² (larger than the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland combined). Home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, corals and other marine life including whales, dolphins and turtles.
• -18.229444 146.232778 7 Hinchinbrook Island National Park – the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef
• -28.1422 153.115 8 Lamington National Park – the most prominent park of the Qld section of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia . Located in South East Queensland , is the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world with large areas of warm temperate rainforest and nearly all of the Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.
• -20.29827 148.92517 9 Whitsunday Islands – off the coast in Central Queensland and home to some of the world's whitest beaches.

Understand [ edit ]

Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland is about seven times the size of Great Britain, and is larger than every US state and all Canadian jurisdictions but Nunavut . It offers a diverse array of pristine rainforests, endless beaches, mountain peaks, rangelands and laid-back communities that conjure a southern Shangri-La. Queensland also has its unique Outback culture – something that's not often associated with the state.

Before travelling to Queensland, the first thing you should remember is that Queensland is huge and you will not be able to explore all of it at once, or doing that would be trying to attempt the entire American south in one go. The state stretches from -9° from the equator in the north down south to -29° which is about 2,200 km (1,400 mi) as the crow flies. For those that find it hard to conceptualise, Vancouver in Canada to Tijuana in Mexico is only 1,900 km (1,200 mi) as the crow flies and 2,000 km (1,200 mi) from Florida Keys to Toronto – so more than an entire coastline of the United States except that it's confined to a single state. Even if you visit Queensland as many times as you possibly could, the state is never short of something to offer.

One noticeable distinction that you might notice is that Queenslanders have a strong sense of identity, more so than the other mainland states. That is, someone from Queensland is more likely to say they're from Queensland than Australia. It also means that placenames are more likely to be identified by its state, so you're more likely to encounter "Thursday Island, Queensland", as opposed to "Thursday Island, Australia", per se. The main exception to this is Cairns, which should be no surprise as it's one of the state's major international tourist destinations.

History [ edit ]

The first people to settle Queensland were Indigenous Australians around 60,000 years ago and it is believed that over the course of 10,000 years the entire continent including Queensland was subsequently settled. How they came is not exactly known, but it's likely they came via boat or land bridge across Torres Strait (the Torres Strait was land before the last ice age), and became divided into over 90 different language groups.

Starting around 25,000 BC, when the Ice Age began, large areas of the area were temporarily uninhabitable. With the end of the Ice Age around 15,000 BC, humans and animals spread across the land again. There were many semi-permanent indigenous settlements, especially along the coast, but also in the mountainous areas and inland. The population of the area which makes up Queensland today before the colonisation of Australia is estimated at between 200,000 and 500,000.

The first known European to set foot on Queensland was the Dutch explorer Willem Jansz in what is now the town of Weipa in the Cape York Peninsula in the north in 1606. The state was also explored by Dutch, Portuguese and French navigators. Captain James Cook made his famous voyage along the coast in 1770 by sailing along the east coast of the state. At Possession Island , he had claimed the entire east coast of Australia for Britain.

Queensland became a part of New South Wales in 1824 and was established as a separate colony by Queen Victoria on December 10, 1859. The first elections took place in 1860.

In 2009, Queensland celebrated the state's 150th anniversary and several "Q150" icons have continued to play a vital role into the Queensland today, some way or another.

Politics [ edit ]

A founding state in the Commonwealth of Australia, Queensland is a parliamentary monarchy and is divided into 53 administrative regions.

King Charles III is represented as head of state by the Governor of Queensland, while the head of government is the Premier who is appointed by the Governor but must have the support of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. As of 2024, the Premier of Queensland is Labor Steven Miles who forms an "Executive Council" from among the 93 members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

The elected members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland are responsible for legislation. Queensland is the only state in Australia with a unicameral system. The members of Queensland's Legislative Council, the state's lower house, voted to abolish the body themselves in 1922. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the Governor from among the members of the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of the premier.

In 2001, the state passed a new constitution, repealing most of the various Acts of Parliament that had built the constitution. The new constitution took effect on June 6, 2002, on the anniversary of the formation of the independent colony of Queensland upon the signing of the Letter Patent by Queen Victoria in 1859.

Climate [ edit ]

Queensland is largely located in the tropics meaning that the further north you go, the temperature difference between summer and winter becomes more a case of rainfall. The dry season is from April to October and is usually the best time to explore North Queensland as the roads are very passable (particularly in July and August) and is cooler in Brisbane and Surfers Paradise and therefore winter is the recommended season for the entire state. It's hardly cold but mostly in the mid-20s C but this is subject to region – some parts in the north can go to the low 30s during the winter, but remember that most of Queensland is within 28 degrees from the equator.

The rainy season is from November to March and the area north of Townsville is then regularly plagued by heavy rainfall and an occasional cyclone (hurricane) or tropical storm. During this period it can be oppressively hot due to the high amount of moisture in the atmosphere. Flooding also occurs regularly around Innisfail, between Townsville and Cairns and in the area around Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

The area west of the coastline between Brisbane and Mackay is plain barren desert. In summer (November - April) it gets very hot here during the day. Make sure you have enough water with you when you enter this area.

Cyclones and harsh storms regularly hit the state during the wet season. Unless you are going to the southeast of the state during the wet season, Queensland is generally not a place to be during the wet season. Many roads, particularly in the north, are closed for around four months of the year, meaning you could be stranded for months on end.

Geography [ edit ]

Queensland is a large, diverse state stretching over 1,730,648 km 2 (668,207 sq mi). Driving distances are long but doable if you plan carefully. There are 12 main highways but the coastal route is scenic and offers plenty of diversions.

Time [ edit ]

Queensland is in the UTC+10 time zone, 30 minutes ahead of the Northern Territory . Unlike New South Wales or the other southern states, it doesn't observe daylight saving, so set your watch one hour back when you cross the border into Queensland during summer.

Visitor information [ edit ]

Accredited visitor information centres are available for visitor help and advice when travelling around Queensland. For a list of where to find these centres, Visit Tourism Queensland’s Visitor Information Centres page . On top of that, some national parks may also have visitor centres, although this is not as commonly found as other states.

• Queensland Holidays website

Talk [ edit ]

Most of Queensland has an English speaking majority and Queenslanders are known for their classic Aussie slang and accent, often the accent that Australia is internationally recognised for, thanks to Steve Irwin. However, this is not really heard in the southeast, but it is almost always heard once you go out either west or north.

In the Torres Strait Islands , located in the far northern parts of the state, the islanders speak Torres Strait Creole , which is a creole language based on English. It is not easily comprehensible to an English speaker nor is it related to any Aboriginal language (though remember that the Indigenous peoples of the Torres Strait Islands are not Aboriginal) and Torres Strait Creole is more closely related to Tok Pisin and Solomon Islands Pidgin. However, signs are all in English, or bilingual so you will generally not have a language issue.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Most interstate travellers have the choice of flying to Queensland with Qantas , Virgin Australia or Jetstar . Flights to major towns are frequent and regional airports are dispersed throughout the state.

The main international airport is in Brisbane , while Cairns and the Gold Coast also serve some international flights.

Domestic airports with direct flights from interstate are at Bundaberg, Gladstone, Toowoomba, Townsville , Mackay , Rockhampton , the Fraser Coast , the Whitsunday Coast, and the Sunshine Coast .

Other airports in smaller towns in Queensland are served by indirect flights via one of the airports above.

Brisbane Airport

• Brisbane Airport is a 15 km or 20 minute drive from the CBD, or about 25 minutes by Airtrain , which also continues on to the Gold Coast .
• The AirTrain runs every 30 minutes from 6AM to 7PM every day and connects to Central station.
• The domestic terminal is separate from the international terminal, but AirTrain provides a 5-minute connection.
• There are shuttle buses which provide direct hotel transfers, and plentiful taxis and hire car providers.
• Both terminals provide undercover parking for short and long term periods.
• Brisbane Airport provides a handy map of flight routes and general timetables.

Cairns Airport

• Cairns Airport is located 7 kilometres north of the CBD.
• Domestically, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all operate out of Cairns , with scheduled services to most Australian state capitals, as well as regional locations.
• Cairns also handles international flights from Hong Kong , Singapore , Japan , Papua New Guinea and New Zealand .
• Rental Cars can be located at the domestic terminal in the QantasLink arrival lounge.
• Shuttle buses to Cairns and Port Douglas depart hourly.
• Taxis are also available 24 hours a day, and the fare to the city centre costs around $16.
• Short-term and long-term parking is located next to the passenger terminal.

Gold Coast Airport

Gold Coast Airport is on the Gold Coast Highway at Bilinga (close to Coolangatta ) on the southern end of the Gold Coast , and is only minutes from the beach. Part of the runway actually extends into New South Wales .

• The airport is 30 minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise and an hour from Byron Bay . The drive to Brisbane can take an hour and fifteen minutes.
• Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia all have frequent domestic flights from Adelaide , Melbourne , Canberra and Sydney .
• New airline Bonza flies from smaller interstate airports like Albury , Darwin , Launceston and Mildura .
• Internationally, AirAsia X and Air New Zealand fly in from New Zealand and Malaysia .
• Surfside Bus Lines offer convenient transfers to hotels and theme parks.
• Car rental companies can be located opposite the check-in counters at the airport.
• Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal.

Interstate Travel Times

• Sydney to Brisbane – 1 hour
• Melbourne to Brisbane – 2 hours
• Adelaide to Brisbane – 2.5 hours
• Darwin to Brisbane – 4 hours
• Perth to Brisbane – 6.5 hours

By bus [ edit ]

There are a number of companies that operate bus services between cities and towns throughout Australia, and there are also interstate trains.

By car [ edit ]

Queensland’s wide open spaces make it ideal for exploration by car. The roads are high quality and well-signposted so getting here is easy.

Driving times

• Sydney to Brisbane – 8.5 hours
• Melbourne to Brisbane – 18.5-19 hours
• Darwin to Brisbane – 25-40 hours

The drive from Melbourne is ideally covered over two days (minimum), and Sydney to Brisbane can be driven in a day.

Suggested routes

• From Melbourne or Sydney , take the coastal Pacific Highway (M1/A1); the more inland New England Highway (A15) through New South Wales ; or the inland A32 from Adelaide which also goes through New South Wales .
• If you have time up your sleeve, you can continue taking the coastal route (the Bruce Highway, A1) all the way north to Cairns . The highway is scenic, comfortable to drive and offers plenty of attractions along the way; but you’ll need to allow two to three days for the journey from Brisbane .
• For an alternative entry into Queensland, drive up from New South Wales via the New England Highway (A15) through the Southern Downs. This will take you through Warwick and Toowoomba , towns rich in pioneer history. From here you can continue north to the vineyards of the Granite Belt and South Burnett regions.
• South East Queensland is well-connected with motorways and distributor roads, from the Gold Coast all the way up to the Sunshine Coast .
• Serious outback travellers heading east from the Northern Territory can enter Queensland via Mount Isa on the Barkly Highway (A2); or drive up from South Australia via the Birdsville Track (an old stock route and now a dirt track) and on to Longreach . This journey is recommended in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

It is important to be realistic about the distances and travel times involved: for instance the trek from Mount Isa to Brisbane covers over 1800 km of road - which equates to about 22 hours of continuous driving. See Driving in Australia

If backpacking or on a tight budget, check to see if you can double up with other low-budget travellers who may be driving interstate, or investigate rental car places that sometimes offer deals charging less to return their stock to capital cities.

By train [ edit ]

The XPT service from Sydney is the only interstate service. The trip from Sydney to Brisbane takes around 14 hours; the connecting journey from Sydney to Cairns takes a little less than two days if you choose not to break it up along the way.

The Brisbane XPT train runs once a day from Sydney’s Central station to Brisbane’s Roma Street. The train departs at 4:20PM in the afternoon, travels overnight and then arrives in Brisbane at 6:30AM the following morning. You can also board the train at Strathfield or Hornsby station, at Broadmeadow in Newcastle or at one of the stations along the way.

You can also travel to Brisbane during the day by catching the NSW Trainlink Casino XPT train from Sydney Central station to Casino , then changing to a connecting coach. The bus takes you from Casino via the Gold Coast to Brisbane’s Roma Street station. The whole journey takes fifteen and a half hours - of which only the final three hours are on the bus. The train departs Sydney Central station every day just after 7AM in the early morning, and the connecting coach arrives at Brisbane Roma Street station at around 10:30PM that evening.

By boat [ edit ]

Interstate and International Cruise Liners regularly dock into Brisbane , and sail on to the Whitsundays , Cape York , Townsville , Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef .

Luxury cruises liners that regularly call into Brisbane include P&O Cruises , Carnival and Oceania Cruises .

Travel times

• Sydney to Brisbane : 1 sea day
• Brisbane to Whitsundays : 1 sea day
• Brisbane to Cairns : 2 sea days
• Brisbane to New Caledonia : 2 sea days

Portside Wharf is Brisbane’s cruise ship port. It's in Hamilton, 6 km from the Brisbane CBD or about a 20-minute drive. Buses into town and ferries service the port regularly. It also houses a fresh produce market, riverside restaurants, cafés and eateries, boutiques and cinemas. Portside Wharf provides a handy shipping schedule.

There are occasionally ferries from the Torres Strait Islands to Papua New Guinea although the ferries have been halted due to Covid with no reoperation date set.

Get around [ edit ]

Air travel in Queensland is easy to organize. With international airports in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast, plus many regional and island airports, air travel is an efficient and reliable way to get around. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar and a number of smaller regional carriers operate in Queensland.

Queensland's road network is extensive, especially on the coast. Many inland or outback towns can only be reached by dirt tracks, some of which are only suitable for four wheel drives. Ensure if travelling into the bush or the outback, you take adequate supplies and let others know where you will be going and when to expect you back. The state also has over 600 km (370 mi) of motorways, though all but two are in SE Queensland (and to an extent, the future Bruce Highway upgrade in Curra).

Although the distances may scare you off, the roads in Queensland are generally well maintained. The south-east may be the only region with an extensive motorway network, though in areas outside SE Queensland, you will still be able to travel at motorway-like speeds. Motorways in Queensland are typically marked with an "M" prefix, though some motorways may use a State Route number (e.g. Sunshine Motorway also having the State Route 70 route number) while major highways are marked with either an "A" prefix, or use a National Highway/Route – the former marked in a green and yellow pentagon while the latter with black and white instead. Other smaller sealed routes or urban routes that don't fall in to either of the former two mentioned are marked with State Routes, usually in a blue and white marker.

As with all the other states, the default urban limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) and the default rural limit is 100 km/h (62 mph). The maximum state speed limit is 110 km/h (68 mph), which can be found on most rural highways and motorways.

Distance table (kilometres) [ edit ]

Queensland Rail Travel offers Australia's largest and most comprehensive network of long-distance trains, carrying more than half a million passengers each year. The dedicated tourism arm of QR Limited, the company offers a fleet of long-distance passenger trains connecting Brisbane to a host of holiday destinations throughout Queensland including Cairns , Townsville , the Whitsundays , Mount Isa, Charleville and Longreach . Each of Queensland Rail's services offer a unique travel experience. The company packages its rail experiences with accommodation, fully-guided tours, cruises, flights and car hire. It operates travel centres throughout Queensland as well as a call centre.

Some of the services offered by Queensland Rail :

• The Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane to Cairns . This train offers spacious seats that transform into lie flat beds, similar to business class on a plane.
• The Spirit of the Outback - Brisbane to Longreach. This train offers traditional sleepers, to the heart of the outback.
• Tilt Train - Brisbane to Bundaberg/Rockhampton. The fastest narrow gauge trains in the world, the Tilt Train provides an efficient, comfortable and modern standard of travel.
• The Westlander - Brisbane to Charleville. A scenic journey from Brisbane travelling across the Great Dividing Range and through the rich farmlands of South East Queensland, before arriving in Charleville , the largest town in the south-west outback. There are no sleepers on the train, and dining options are limited, so you are advised to bring some extra food with you before boarding.
• The Inlander - Townsville to Mount Isa . A scenic journey from Townsville travelling across the Great Dividing Range and through Hughenden and Julia Creek, before arriving in Mount Isa , the mining centre of the state, taking about 21 hours. There are no sleepers on the train, and dining options are limited, so you are advised to bring some extra food with you before boarding.

Most of these services depart from Brisbane’s centrally located Roma Street station.

All urban bus services are run by Translink . Visit Translink's website for timetable information, maps and a helpful Journey Planner to get a wide range of transport options. A Translink ticket will take you wherever you need to go within each region.

See [ edit ]

Aboriginal rock art [ edit ].

The place that Queensland's most known for its rock art is the Art Gallery in the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, which contains some of the finest Aboriginal rock art in Australia. Just 5.6 km from the trailhead, at the junction of Kamoloo Creek, a signposted access track leaves the main walking trail upstream of crossing number 10, providing a gentle climb to the escarpment base where the site is located. Boardwalks, interpretive signs and seating facilities provide optimum conditions for visitors to appreciate this diverse range of Aboriginal artwork without endangering it. This extensive gallery contains more than 600 stencils and 1300 engravings. Aboriginal rock art on the sandstone overhangs is a fragile reminder of the Aboriginal people who used the gorge for thousands of years for ceremonies and rituals.

National parks [ edit ]

Queensland has the most national parks in Australia, with around 237 national parks. Not all of them are visited, but there's some particular ones that get more visitors than others:

• Glass House Mountains National Park was named by Captain Cook as he mapped the Queensland coast in 1770. The 'Glass Houses' are distinctive volcanic plugs which rise abruptly out of a patchwork of farms and forests. The Glass House Mountains are spiritually significant to the local Aboriginal people. The park is made up of several sections that include most of the peaks and forest areas. Drive to the Glass House Mountains lookout for a great view of the multiple peaks. Within the park's sections there are eight walking tracks ranging from 25 minutes to three hours, and catering to all levels of experience. Fit walkers with rockclimbing skills can reach the summits of Mounts Tibrogargan, Ngungun or Beerwah . Suitably equipped experienced rock climbers can climb and abseil Mount Ngungun.
• Wallaman Falls National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, boasting the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. Open forest dominates the ridge tops. Rainforest lines the gullies and creeks. The area is home to endangered cassowaries and musky rat-kangaroos. Stroll 800 metres along the banks of Stony Creek on the Banggurru walk, and learn about the rainforest. Look for platypus in the creek below the falls. To enjoy a closer look at the falls, take the 3.2-km Jinda walk into the gorge. Experienced bushwalkers can choose from one of three overnight hikes that are part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk.
• The fossil site in Riversleigh , Boodjamulla National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Naracoorte Caves National Park in South Australia, containing some of the largest deposits of fossils, in particular, that of Australian Megafauna
• Mossman Gorge is a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park Strangler figs and epiphytic plants flourish and the crystal-clear Mossman River cascades over granite boulders. The area is also home to colourful Boyd's forest dragons. Stroll along the 400-m walking track to viewing platforms over the Mossman River. Look for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly and birds such as the eastern yellow robin. Take the 2-km loop track through lush, green rainforest to learn about the plants and find out how the local Kuku Yalanji people use them in traditional ways.
• The Great Sandy National Park in K'gari is the world's largest sand island, and is a must for any keen enthusiastic 4WDer. The park is also the only place where forest grows on sand.
• The Undara Lava Tubes in Undara Volcanic National Park is 3.5 hours from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland's Gulf Savannah lies a land so different in contrasts - and the Undara Experience. Undara is a pristine wilderness possessing one of the longest and best preserved lava tubes of its kind anywhere in the world.

Natural and cultural attractions [ edit ]

Queensland has many natural attractions outside national parks, and even though it may not be a "national park", they are very much just as interesting to see.

• The magnificent Moreton Bay - the mouth of the Brisbane river, and home to a collection of islands where boating, fishing, sailing, camping, holidays and day-trips make Brisbane such a brilliant out-door adventure city. Take a guided tour around beautiful St Helena Island, a former jail from when Brisbane was a penal colony. Spend the weekend at Stradbroke Island and surf on magnificent beaches or take the kids to Coochie Mudlo Island for a quiet day out on flat water beaches.
• SS Yongala Wreck - lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 12 nautical miles from Yongala Dive's base at Alva Beach in Queensland. It sank in 1911 with the loss of all aboard, creating one of Australia's most intriguing maritime mysteries as she lay undiscovered for more than half a century. Lying in 14 to 28 m of water and over 100 m long it is one of the largest and most intact historic shipwrecks in Australia and provides an exciting adventure for divers due to its coral encrusted structure, the depth and the incredible array of marine life.
• Atherton Tablelands - the "capital" of the lovely Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air. The rich Tableland area is famous for producing peanuts, maize and potatoes. The area also has a number of natural attractions such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, crater lakes and amazing rock formations. Atherton is an excellent base from which to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area.
• See Whitehaven Beach from the air - many commercial airline companies exist that provide flight services over Whitehaven Beach . Enjoy a helicopter flight over Islands and waterways then quality time on a secluded beach in the Whitsunday's and treat yourself with a gourmet picnic hamper and ice-cold champagne. Flight types vary but can include scenic flights to and from the Reef as well as a stop over on Whitehaven Beach , Langford Reef area and a scenic flight over Hook, Hardy's and the famous Heart Reef, then continue near Langford Reef where you can swim and view the breathtaking coral gardens at your leisure with a gourmet champagne picnic hamper.

Migrating whales [ edit ]

The coast of Queensland provides visitors first-hand experience to view migrating whales during the winder months. There is various vantage points right downs the coast, but to really get the most for your whale watching experience, jump on board a whale watching tour with one of the many companies. The protective waters of Hervey Bay is the most popular destination to view these gentle giants of the sea. Viewing is generally only throughout July to November.

Nesting Sea Turtles [ edit ]

Many varieties of turtles such as the loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback nest from October to March each year along the Queensland coast from Bundaberg in the south to the Cape in the tropical north as well on the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef (Heron, Wilson, Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave). The Turtle Nesting and Hatching season is an amazing experience and visitors to Queensland will find opportunities to witness these nocturnal events in a controlled environment at a number of island and mainland locations. Near Bundaberg , Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting sea turtles on the east Australian mainland. Viewing is generally only from November to March. You can help conserve turtles by participating in a six-day camp, working alongside the Mapoon Aboriginal owners and researchers as they measure and tag nesting Flat Back and Olive Ridley turtles, fit feral pig exclusion devices to the nesting sites and remove nets from the beach. Viewing is generally only from June to September at Mapoon, Western Cape York.

Great Barrier Reef [ edit ]

Although the Great Barrier Reef has many things to do, the reef itself is something to see in its own right. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, this underwater labyrinth will treat you to spectacular displays of nature found no where else in the world. Stretching from Tropical North Queensland in the north to Capricornia in the south, the rare, ancient beauty of the reef can be enjoyed from many different points of view. On the Whitsundays you can dive amongst the coral on a scuba-diving adventure, or watch the reef come on a purpose-built pontoon. From Townsville you can wonder at its beauty from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat or view from helicopter joy-flight. On the Southern Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Mackay and Central Queensland you can go snorkelling in a sheltered coral cay, or keep your clothes dry on a leisurely reef walk.

Observation points [ edit ]

• Underwater observatories - There is no need to get your feet wet. Observe all the wonders of Queensland's marine life from behind the glass of an observatory. Queensland is host to a number of underwater observatories including; Reef HQ - the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and national reef education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. UnderWater World - a multi-award winning, all weather, tourist attraction located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast .
• Q1 Observation Deck - Australia's only beachside observation deck, located in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast . QDeck takes you to the highest point above the city, providing stunning 360-degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Rising 235 m into the sky, QDeck is on level 77 of the iconic Q1 tower. Your journey begins with an inside look at the construction of this landmark development before boarding one of the world's fastest express lifts which transports you from ground to level 77 in less than 43 seconds. Once at the top, you will see spectacular views which reach on a clear day from Brisbane to Byron Bay .

Paleontology [ edit ]

• Australian Age of Dinosaurs - home to the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. A working dinosaur museum and research laboratory on 14,000 hectares of spectacular mesa plateau with vast scenery, wildlife and walking trails. At the museum you'll see and hear about their exciting dinosaurs, including gigantic sauropods and "Banjo", Australia's greatest carnivorous dinosaur.
• The world heritage listed Riversleigh in Boodjamulla is home to one of the largest collections of Australian megafauna.
• For those that find driving to Boodjamulla National Park too much, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa has a collection of fossils from that area, much more accessible

Do [ edit ]

If there's anything that Queensland is never short of, it's adventure – fly through the air, dive through the coral, or ride the wild river rapids - a Queensland Adventure holiday really gives you something to write home about! With craggy mountain heights to scale, deep limestone caves to delve and vast treks of unchartered Outback to explore, Queensland is a land brimming with surprising discoveries and exciting adventures to enjoy. In Queensland you can learn how to hang glide off a mountain or ride a camel along a golden beach. You can camp by a billabong or feel your adrenalin surge on a real life cattle muster during a farm stay on the Western Downs. From an inflatable jet boat you can watch the whales waltz or take a jet ski eco-safari through the glorious Whitsundays archipelago. Then as the sun sets over the ocean, watch the Reef come alive under the stars, during your overnight stay on a purpose-built ocean pontoon. Treat the whole family to an exhilarating day at a world-class theme park. Feel the rush of the rollercoaster, go behind the scenes of a movie set, and get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world.

Islands and beaches [ edit ]

Queensland is home to some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world, and each one invites you to come and share in its sumptuous delights. Set like sparkling jewels in and around the pristine waters of the blue Pacific Ocean, Queensland’s islands and beaches are a true national treasure. On the islands you can treat yourself to a day spa, dive through the Great Barrier Reef, improve your handicap with a round of golf, then, as the sun sets over the water, indulge in fresh, local, mouth-watering food and wine. With sands so clean and white they dazzle the eye, a day spent on a Queensland beach is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. With palm trees swaying lazily on one side and clear azure waters gently lapping at the other, the siren-call of a Queensland beach is impossible to ignore.

Natural encounters [ edit ]

Watching the sun set over the ocean from the white sands of a deserted tropical beach is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Soaking up the view from the crest of a mountain you’ve just scaled is another. And watching dolphins at play in the turquoise waters of a tropical lagoon is a memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime. All these experiences and more are waiting for you in Queensland’s wild natural environments. From the spinifex grasslands of the Outback to the lush rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland is a nature-lover’s paradise. Breathe in the fresh, clean Queensland air and escape to a world free of phones, emails, meetings and deadlines. In the north, the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest yields to pristine sandy beaches and the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef. In the south, majestic mountains stand guard over the rare flora and fauna within its fold. And in all places in between you’ll find rare and exciting animal encounters that will delight the whole family!

Major events [ edit ]

Queensland is host to a large range of events right across the state.

Some of the major events in Queensland include;

• January – Brisbane International Tennis Brisbane
• May – Magic Millions National Sale Gold Coast
• June – World’s Greatest Pub Crawl Maryborough
• July – Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Bundaberg
• July – Gold Coast Airport Marathon Gold Coast
• July – Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races Tara
• November – Mud Bulls & Music Kingaroy
• November – Bundy Thunder Wide Bay
• Catch The Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayth - this unique four-day train trip is a great way to see the Australian outback.

Buy [ edit ]

From bargains at the markets to one-off creations at designer boutiques, there’s a shopping sensation to satisfy. For elite high-fashion labels, beat a path to exclusive shopping precincts in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and fabulous Noosa on the Sunshine Coast . There you’ll find exclusive boutiques and fashion to die for! For the quirky and the vintage, you can’t go past the markets of Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane.

If trawling through second hand shops for antiques and collectibles is your idea of the divine, you won’t be able to resist the quaint hinterland villages of South East Queensland Country.

For travellers looking for souvenirs, many small towns usually have one or two gift/souvenir shops, while larger towns will have many. Some QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) managed parks may also have one or two, but this is not very common. Like elsewhere in Australia or even most of the world, most major attractions will have a souvenir shop at the exit.

Eat [ edit ]

Much of Queensland's income is still derived from agriculture, with different regions specializing in different produce. Famous examples include sugarcane in the Whitsundays ; peanuts for Kingaroy ; and mangoes for Bowen . Fresh local fish can also be found right along the coast, usually sold in fish and chip shops. Brisbane and surrounding areas like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are becoming very well known for quality restaurants, cafes and take-aways. Whether it's 5 star or fast food you are after there is no need to eat poor quality food in Queensland. With so much fresh food available, seek out boutique and independent operations with a focus on quality and freshness. You won't usually pay more than its worth. Demand for organic food is also growing, as is awareness of variations in peoples dietary preferences, so gluten and dairy intolerant or vegetarian/vegan eaters will often find that choices are available in most places, or can be prepared in the kitchens on request. Pub food in Queensland is no longer just the sad old counter meal variety; if you find a fairly modern pub you'll find a fairly modern kitchen and while you can often still get lunch for $10, generally the low price won't be reflected in the quality. Breakfast is big in Brisbane and markets are particularly good places to go for a local brekkie. Alternatively, you'll find free and clean public BBQ's in lots of the public parks, so bring your own picnic along and enjoy Queensland's gorgeous weather while you cook up your own true Aussie BBQ. To be fair to the other patrons, give the BBQ plate a wipe down after you've finished with some clean newspaper, and place your rubbish in bins provided.

Markets [ edit ]

How fresh can it get? Straight from the farmer to you is the latest trend and foodies throughout Queensland are loving the range and quality of local seasonal produce. It pays to get up early with the sun, pack plenty of extra bags and don't forget a cold pack in case some divine seafood or meat takes your fancy. Stroll around the stalls and chat to the farmers, once you get past the weather you'll discover a wealth of information about how to select, store and cook your purchases.

• Brisbane - Head to The Powerhouse at New Farm in Brisbane by at least 7AM on a Saturday morning and you'll discover locals armed with trolley bags snapping up high quality produce and seasonal bargains on a regular basis. On the last Sunday of each month the stallholders move to suburban Mitchelton. If organic is your style the Green Flea Community Markets at Davies Park in West End or the Northey Street Organic Market at Windsor will keep you busy.
• Gold Coast - Foodies are well catered for with the farmers markets at Banora Point, Bundall, The Spit, Miami, Mudgeeraba and Tamborine offering fresh produce.
• South East Queensland Country - Enjoy fresh food right where it is grown on the Southern Downs at the Glengallan Seasonal Farmers Markets, 15km north of Warwick on the first Sunday of each season. Don't forget to look for fresh seasonal produce across the region on road side stalls.
• Sunshine Coast - The Noosa Farmers Market on Weyba Road at Noosaville showcases some of the Sunshine Coast's best produce every Sunday from 7AM to midday. All products are grown, reared, caught, baked or prepared by the stall holder. You'll find farm fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses, preserves, seafood, red claw, poultry, beef, lamb, coffee and the chance to swap ideas with local producers. The Eumundi Markets are another food lover's delight with everything from fresh produce to taste sensations you'll find hard to resist.
• Central Queensland - Keep your eyes open for roadside stalls just off the farm. This area is the fruit bowl of the Coral Coast and supplies chillies, tomatoes and the sweetest of peas to southern states.
• Mackay - Head for the local showgrounds located in the centre of town for the Mackay Farmer's Market every Saturday morning from 6AM at the Showgrounds. This is the best spot to gather all local fresh produce and freshly cut flowers.
• Tropical North Queensland - Rusty's Markets in Cairns are an experience that should not be missed by market lovers. This is an Asian-type market experience with stalls overflowing with exotic local produce and flowers.

Dining & eating out

Queensland offers visitors some great locations for Dining and Eating. Australian cuisine blends fresh ingredients and uses European culinary traditions and the light touch of Asian seasoning. You'll taste some of the best food in the world and even the most discerning diner will be satisfied, with fresh barramundi, mud crab, exotic crocodile meat, mangoes and macadamia nuts.

Drink [ edit ]

The local mass produced Queensland beer is "XXXX", known locally as 'fourex'. The most common glass measure is called a pot , so just about any pub in Queensland will pour you a pot of fourex' .

Rum is also produced in Queensland at the central coast town of Bundaberg . It is creatively called Bundaberg Rum, or 'bundy'.

Wineries, vineyards and Breweries [ edit ]

The burgeoning Queensland wine industry is one of the state's best kept secrets. Find a cellar door near you, or even a microbrewery to your taste. Queensland offers a gourmet paradise with delectable, award-winning wines, organic produce and fresh seafood. Follow a food and wine trail and you'll be sipping on a Chardonnay or rolling a Shiraz around your mouth on a grape-fuelled adventure.

Sleep [ edit ]

Many accommodation options are available in Queensland for every traveller’s budget. Whether you are looking for a plush five star resort or a cosy Bed & Breakfast thousands of hotels, B&Bs, apartments, resorts and hostels are available to help you find the perfect place for your holiday.

The variety of accommodation available in Queensland is listed below:

• Hotels and Motels - range from warm country pubs to swanky high-rises. Every convenience is available at hotels and motels to ensure your holiday spells relaxation.
• Resorts - luxurious resorts in ideal locations offer comfort and service to world-class standards.
• Bed and Breakfast -experience the warm welcome and the comforts of home at a Queensland B&B.
• Self Contained - self-contained apartments, cabins and holiday houses offer all the conveniences of home.
• Camping and Caravans - camping sites and caravan parks offer the opportunity for you to stay in superb locations, gather with other travellers or relax in complete privacy.
• Backpackers - backpacker accommodation in Queensland is among the best. Enjoy modern facilities at ideally located hostels.
• Farm Stay - farmstay accommodation is as down-to-earth as their friendly hosts. Immerse yourself in Queensland's country heritage.
• Holiday houses are popular in Queensland. Check local papers and local internet sites for availability as they are often privately leased and generally modern and clean.
• The weather in Queensland is often excellent for camping, and there are fantastic camping grounds all over the state with a variety of facilities. These include local council's campgrounds, state conservation parks, state forests and national parks. Some national parks require pre-booking but most work on a 'register on arrival' basis.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Beaches [ edit ].

• Saltwater crocodiles are common throughout the tropical northern half of Queensland all the way down to Rockhampton . Some people play down the threat to humans posed by the Saltwater Crocodile. The facts are that the Saltwater Crocodile has been protected for decades now and there is a healthy population in northern Australia. It is always best to play it safe as a saltwater crocodile can grow to over 5m in length, and are found both in salt and fresh water. Beaches, rivers, creeks and waterholes can be home to large crocodiles. They are not known to frequent the Great Barrier Reef but instead live in coastal areas and rivers in tropical Australia. Generally, authoritative local advice can direct you to a place to swim which is known to be free of crocodiles or has been cleared of them.
• When swimming at surf beaches, swim on beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers and between the red and yellow flags. Surf conditions can change quickly, and invisible rips can cause problems for even the strongest swimmers. The flags denote the safest area to swim in and the area is monitored.
• If you see signs warning swimmers that "stingers" (poisonous animals) are in the water, read them carefully as some are deadly. Find a pool or use one of the net protected beach enclosures common on many main beaches.

Crime [ edit ]

Crime in most of Queensland is generally similar to the other five states, and in most of the south-east, is generally lower than most of the country. Vandalism of cars is low, and the same goes with car break-ins – the only way to prevent it is to avoid leaving valuables visible, and your car should be fine. Pickpockets are rare in the south-east, and even unheard of in some places. However, youth crime has been on the increase since the start of the 2010s, and is particularly rampant outside Brisbane and in poorer cities.

However, things can get pretty bad in the urbanised parts of the north, and cities like Cairns or Townsville have been rated as some of the most dangerous cities of Australia, only behind Darwin , and the most common type of crimes include property crime, assaults and theft. While crime may not be as bad as the Northern Territory where parts of which have a crime rate 30 times more than the United States (as of the late 2010s), it is still something to keep an eye out for. However, like in Darwin, there is not much you can or need to do to prevent crime, and the same usuals can be applied anywhere is the best you can do to keep yourself safe.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

Skin cancer is a serious health issue in Australia, and sunburn and sunstroke are related problems. Make sure you wear SPF 15+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and t-shirt or long sleeved shirt whenever you can in summer even on cloudy days. Particularly, protect children's skin between 10AM to 2PM, as the summer sun can cause a severe burn that will at best ruin your holiday, and at worst end in a trip to the local hospital. Many media outlets list the UV Index (sun factor) with the weather broadcast. In summer in Queensland expect that the UV Index will be extreme every day.

• Drink water: most locals carry a bottle of water with them at most times in the summer. The humidity can take you unaware, and dehydrate you quickly. Make sure children take regular drinks if they are playing outdoors, and carry water with you on car journeys, hikes or any time you may inadvertently end up somewhere unexpected.

Mosquito-borne diseases [ edit ]

While mosquitoes in Australia rarely carry any diseases, Queensland is home to more mosquito-borne diseases than any other state in Australia due to its tropical climate and close proximity to Papua New Guinea.

Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Queensland. It is named after Ross River, a river in Townsville where the disease was first isolated. However, it is not exclusively found in that river; indeed, it can be found throughout Australia.

While uncommon, dengue fever is present in Far North Queensland. However, it has not been reported anywhere south of (and including) Cairns since at least 1990, though it has been reported north of Cairns since then.

While mainland Australia has been officially malaria free since 1982 (making it the only country in the tropics to be malaria-free), malaria is occasionally found in the Torres Strait Islands . See the Queensland Health and Wikivoyage's article on malaria for more specific details.

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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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Port Douglas, Queensland © Tourism Australia and Tourism and Events Queensland

Guide to Port Douglas

Aboriginal name:  Manjal Jalunbuy

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• Getting to Port Douglas
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With its luxe resorts and dining scene, Port Douglas is the ideal base for exploring pristine rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef.

The laidback tropical town of Port Douglas is the gateway to two UNESCO World Heritage-listed natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef and the expanses of the Daintree Rainforest. It’s also a popular resort destination in its own right, with the tree-fringed sands of Four Mile Beach stretching down the bay and a leafy, compact town centre lined with hip cafés and bars. Superyachts from around the world berth at Port Douglas’s sheltered marina, where tour boats depart for sightseeing cruises to nearby coral cays and expeditions to spectacular diving spots on the outer reefs.

Aboriginal culture is rich in Port Douglas/Manjal Jalunbuy. The Traditional Owners of the land are the Kukuk Yalangi people, who have been living in harmony with the rainforests of north Queensland for some 50,000 years. Aboriginal experiences are plentiful in Manjal Jalunbuy all year round and offer a unique perspective into the First Nation people’s fascinating, sustainable way of life.

• Traditional name: Manjal Jalunbuy
• Indigenous Peoples: Kukuk Yalangi people
• Traditional lands: Yirrganydji 
• Traditional languages: Guugu Yalandji (Kuku-Yalanji)
• How to say g’day in Guugu Yalandji: Yurra Yalada

Port Douglas is an easy one-hour drive along the coastal highway from Cairns, the major transport hub in Tropical North Queensland. 

• Cairns Airport (CNS) is 65km (40mi) from Port Douglas and services international and domestic arrivals
• Hire cars and shuttle services to Port Douglas are available at Cairns Airport and in central Cairns
• You can hire cars, scooters and even small boats in Port Douglas

You can visit most local restaurants and shops by foot, and most tour operators will pick you up from your accommodation. If you’re interested in a self-drive day trip, hiring a car is best.

Port Douglas enjoys two distinct tropical seasons. The dry season begins in late autumn, around May, with relatively warm temperatures and lower humidity extending through the winter months and into mid-spring, around October. The summer season of steamy heat and occasional rainstorms begins in November and continues through to mid autumn, in April. 

• High season: Winter (June to August) and summer (December to February)
• Low season: Autumn (March to May) 
• Don’t miss: Taking a Great Barrier Reef cruise from Port Douglas Marina; you’ll experience the best underwater visibility between May and October

Port Douglas Trips and Itineraries

From Sydney to Cairns: A 14-day trip of cities, islands and reef

14-day Tropical North Queensland drive

4 days in Cairns

6-day family adventure around Cairns

Destinations near port douglas.

The Daintree Rainforest

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Acknowledgement of Country

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

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Journey planning—maps

If you are planning a driving holiday on Queensland roads—or to drive a long distance in Queensland to your holiday destination—you should plan your journey, including your route and stops, in advance.

Queensland is a large state with many different landscapes, including rainforests, beaches and outback. Each landscape offers different driving conditions which can sometimes make driving stressful, tiring or dangerous. Having a plan and being prepared is very important for your safety and the safety of other road users. Learn more about road safety for long drives .

There are maps and QLD Traffic available to help you plan and your journey.

Road region maps

If you will mainly be travelling in 1 road region, you might find the map of that region helpful.  Queensland’s road region maps show:

• road networks
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Driver reviver sites and rest areas

If you are driving a long distance on Queensland roads, we encourage you to take a break every 2 hours for at least 15 minutes. You can stop at a driver reviver site or any rest area located throughout the state.

Driver reviver sites operate during school holidays and public holiday periods. Rest areas are always available for you to stop and recover at any time. You should plan ahead which rest areas and driver sites you will stop at on your journey.

Driver reviver sites

Driver reviver sites are set up at rest areas, and supply free tea, coffee and snacks for all travellers. You may see other  service signs like the blue and white design of a coffee cup to let you know a driver reviver site is ahead.

Driver reviver locations

Driver reviver sites operate on different dates and at different hours. The dates and times they operate may change due to weather, events or unforeseen circumstances.

You can download our  points of interest files to add driver reviver sites to your GPS device.

Visit the national  Driver Reviver site for national locations and more information.