16 Reasons Everyone Should Visit Queensland, Australia

If you’re visiting Australia, don’t look past Queensland too quickly. Queensland is where you will have some of your most ‘Australian’ experiences; beautiful warm beaches, lush tropical rainforests and surreal wildlife encounters. Here are 16 reasons why you must visit this beautiful state.
Divine Weather
In case you haven’t heard, Queensland has some of the best weather in the country. The height of summer can get rough with thick air, we won’t lie. But time your visit well and you’ll get the best out of your trip with warm days and balmy nights.
Snorkeling Destination
Whether you’re visiting Brisbane and Southeast Queensland, or up north, you’ll find so many fantastic snorkeling options. Try Morton Island, Tangalooma or the many locales available in north Queensland’s Whitsundays.

The Great Barrier Reef
Need we say more? Queensland is the gateway to Australia’s prized possession – the Great Barrier Reef.
Beautiful Beaches
Because of the beautiful winter weather, Queensland’s beaches are amazing all year round. The water doesn’t get as cold as the southern states in the cooler months, so take your pick of stunning beaches. Our favourites are Agnes Waters, Noosa Heads and Whitehaven Beach.
For the Love of Lamingtons
Queensland is home to one of the best baked good inventions of all time. Soft sponge cake, dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut. You’ll find the best ones in sunny Queensland, their alleged home state.

Koalas
Get stuck into some of the touristy stuff and visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to have a snuggle with a koala. It’s also likely you’ll see them in the wild too, so don’t forget to look up when you’re out and about.
Crocs
The crocodile hunter’s home turf can be found in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. Head to Australia Zoo in south east Queensland for some croc action, or alternatively, see them in the wild in Cairns.
Fruit picking in the sunshine
It’s all about the outdoors here and you’ll love to pick some of the native fruit for a chow. We grow strawberries, mangoes and apples.
For the rum
About four hours north of Brisbane you’ll find Bundaburg, the home to the famous Bundy Rum. Take a tour and try all the exciting rum flavours you didn’t know existed.
The Islands
Locals are lucky to have stunning islands right off the coast from south to north of Queensland. Some highlights are Stradbroke, Fraser, Hamilton, Fitzroy, Lady Elliot and so many more.

Theme Park fun
There are three major theme parks all within the same stretch of highway on the Gold Coast. Head to Helensvale for some laid back fun in the sun, as you can get a pass to gain you access to all three super parks – Wet n’ Wild, Movie World and Dream World.
Hot Air Ballooning
With some of the most picturesque scenes from the sky, hot air ballooning in Queensland is an experience not to be missed. Our favourites are over the Gold Coast, Port Douglas and over the vineyards in Stanthorpe.
Incredible Hiking Destinations
With easy access to so many rainforests, mountains and coastal tracks, Queensland is definitely a must-visit if you love a scenic hike. Don’t forget your sunscreen and lots of water, as hiking in Queensland can be dehydrating business.
Seafood Feasts
Some of Australia’s best seafood can be found in Queensland. Favourites are juicy Mooloolaba prawns, North Queensland snapper and juicy Queensland scallops. If you’re on the Sunshine Coast, head to ‘the Spit’ at Mooloolaba and eat your feast on the sand as the sun sets.
Whale Watching
Watch majestic whales migrating in winter at many different parts of the Queensland coast. Our favourite spots are Harvey Bay and the Whitsundays, but it’s not uncommon to see whales from many beaches on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts.
For the Winners
For the last ten years, Queensland has a long history of beating the New South Wales Blues team in the yearly State of Origin game. Come and bask in the winning team’s glory.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.