12 Best Things to Do and See in Queensland, Australia

121 kilometres from Brisbane City, Noosa National Park’s 4,000 hectares provide heaps of options for swimming, rock-climbing, fishing and snorkelling. You’re also likely to see some beautiful wildlife while on one of the many walking paths, such as koalas, short-nosed bandicoots and impressive migrating humpback whales.

North Queensland is home to the largest coral reef system. The Great Barrier Reef is made up of over 2,900 reefs and 900 islands. Spend your days scuba diving and swimming on one of the islands available for tourism.

This one is a little special to those on the East Coast, the beach town of 1770 is the only place on the East Coast of Australia that you can watch the sun set over the water. Even better yet, do it from a kayak!

Fraser Island is the perfect destination when you’re wanting to escape from bustling cities. It couldn’t be more picturesque if it tried. You’ll need to hire a 4WD for this one and keep your eyes peeled for dingos, but the benefits outweigh the risks. Make sure to visit the stunning Lake McKenzie and float in the crystal clear waters.

Located on the north east coast, the Daintree is the largest continual area of tropical rainforest in Australia that stretches right down to the edge of the sea. Highlights are Mossman Gorge, Daintree Village, Daintree Rivers (watch out for crocs) and the stunning reefs.

A fairly short drive from Brisbane, Springbrook National Park is the perfect day trip from the city. With so many walks suitable for every fitness level, you’ll be sure to see beautiful flora and fauna. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors for the day.

Get your modern arts hit at the Gallery of Modern Art located in Brisbane’s South Bank precinct. A part of the Queensland Cultural Centre, GOMA holds frequent exhibitions but also never disappoints with its permanent shows. It’s also a great place to take the kids with heaps of creative activities for them.

You may naturally be inclined to avoid the Bundaberg region because it’s a little quiet and out of the way, but you’ll have a cool experience watching baby turtles hatching from their eggs in Bundy. Be sure to visit in the summer months and follow the correct guidelines with a ranger led group experience.

A short drive from Brisbane’s CBD Lone Pine will have you holding koalas and getting a true Aussie experience. It’s the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary, but you can also see platypus, kangaroos and more Australian wildlife.

In the heart of the Granite Belt, Stanthorpe is the perfect Queensland winter escape, as it’s even been known to snow! Take a weekend road trip and enjoy the region’s local farms, wineries and breweries.

Mount Coolum is an hour drive from Brisbane, set in the picturesque Sunshine Coast hinterland. It’s perfect for the average hiker, a challenge but not so awful that you want to turn around and roll back down. The views over the Coast at the top are just the reward you will need once you reach the top. Try and make it for sunrise, as it’s worth the early start.

If you’re done with playing tourist and just want to have a bit of fun, head to Coomera on the Gold Coast. You can choose from Movie World, Sea World and Wet’ n’ Wild. Have some fast paced fun to wrap up your stay in Queensland.