Many people who visit Australia simply don’t have enough time to visit everything that this vast continent has to offer. While Sydney, Melbourne, and the Outback might be some of the most popular destinations, the Land Down Under is full of gems. One of them is certainly the state of Queensland.
If you plan on traveling to the second-largest Australian state, make sure you set aside plenty of time for exploring it in depth. Here are just some of the reasons why you need to visit Queensland.
Visit the iconic Great Barrier Reef
First off, no matter if you are a fan of water and aquatic activities, the iconic Great Barrier Reef needs a spot on your itinerary. The largest coral reef system on the planet has over 2,900 individual reefs as well as 900 islands and you can explore it in your own time. This World Heritage Site that can be seen from space is home to a wide array of extraordinary species, many of which are vulnerable or endangered. If you choose to go diving or swimming in the area, you will be welcomed by over 1,500 fish species, six species of sea turtles, dwarf minke whales, humpback whales, seahorses, corals, algae, and so many more breathtaking creatures.
Relax on the Whitsunday Islands
Perhaps you’d rather be relaxing on a beach than explore the marine wildlife. In that case, a visit to the Whitsunday Islands is a must. This collection of 74 islands is located just off the coast of Queensland and getting there is super easy. Although most of the islands are uninhabited like Hook Island, you will still have many luxurious resorts to pick from. Regardless of whether you decide to stay on Hamilton Island or Hayman Island, you are guaranteed a gorgeous view of stunning beaches.
Have fun at Gold Coast theme parks
The Gold Coast is a real magnet for tourists with its reputation for hedonism. But, in addition to shopping malls, skyscrapers, and beaches that are made for surfing, you can also explore the four theme parks that this city boasts. First up, Warner Bros. Movie World is the perfect destination for movie enthusiasts. Then, the largest theme park – Dreamworld – caters both to families and thrill-seekers with its amazing rides. The Gold Coast also offers fun rides and educational shows at SeaWorld – a marine animal park full of aquatic wildlife. Finally, Wet’n’Wild will leave you drenched and your heart racing.
Rock out at one of the many festivals
If you’re a huge music lover, you’ll be glad to hear that Queensland is teeming with music festivals. For instance, the second week of June brings Cooly Rocks On, a nostalgia festival where thousands of rock ‘n’ roll and vintage car and bike enthusiasts gather to celebrate the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. In July, you can bring a tent and enjoy three days of great music at Birdsville Big Red Bash. Moreover, fans of classical music can visit the Australian Festival of Chamber Music. If you time your visit to the Whitsundays right, you can even witness the Airlie Beach Festival of Music. No matter your taste in music, you will surely find a festival to visit and maybe even take part in – just remember to bring the essentials.
Explore the capital city of Brisbane
Brisbane is the third-largest city in Australia and offers a much more relaxed vibe when compared to Sydney or Melbourne. While there, consider taking a walk around the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha and paying a visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, where you can actually feed koalas. Moreover, you can go to the quirky precinct of West End. If you’re looking for a place to do some vintage clothes shopping, familiarize yourself with the creative scene of the Land Down Under, and go on a cocktail crawl, this suburb of Brisbane is the right choice. Additionally, if you bring along your reliable gravel bike, you can also explore the city’s western hills and the Somerset Region.
Get up close and personal with the local wildlife at Australia Zoo
Something else you can do while in Brisbane is visit the world-famous Australia Zoo. Go on a day trip and see some of the Aussie locals like emus, koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, and crocodiles. You can also see more exotic species such as rhinos, zebras, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and Sumatran tigers. Make sure to wear comfy shoes as this conservation-focused zoo covers over 110 acres.
Interact with animals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, you can opt for the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Only 30 minutes away from Gold Coast, the sanctuary provides its visitors with a multitude of events, community courses, and educational excursions. In terms of encounters, you could have breakfast with koalas, see red pandas and capybaras, get some hands-on experience with reptiles, and even take a dingo for a walk. Plus, there is also a miniature railway to see.
Go on a safari through Daintree National Park
Maybe you’re looking for a place where you can go to connect with nature. In that case, look no further than Daintree National Park. This Wet Tropics World Heritage Area is the oldest surviving rainforest in the world as well as home to many threatened and endangered species. Here, you can go horseback riding, zip-line through the rainforest, hike some of the many forest trails, and swim at Mossman Gorge. While you can go on your own and even stay in a lodge that will have you sleeping among tall trees, you can also explore this national park via a guided safari.
See the world’s largest sand island
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fraser Island is the largest sand island on the planet. If you need some time and space for yourself, this is the perfect place to escape to. From exploring gorgeous beaches and dense forests to swimming in Lake McKenzie and witnessing the Champagne Pools, adventure options on Fraser Island are countless. You can start your tour on Hervey Bay, as ferries and tours depart daily. Plus, Hervey Bay is a great place to spot some whales as they come to give birth here during the winter months.
Don’t skip the Cape York Peninsula
Finally, you can go on an epic road trip and visit the Cape York Peninsula. While some parts of this remote and rugged area, like the historic settlement of Cooktown, can be reached on a day trip from Cairns, reaching the northernmost point of the Land Down Under will require planning and an off-road vehicle. Moreover, as many roads are washed out during the wet season, a trip to this gorgeous place is best left for the dry season, aka May to October. On your journey, you will see wild beaches, rivers full of crocodiles, sprawling savannahs, and captivating aboriginal communities. Moreover, you should not skip Thursday Island, Horn Island, Roko Island, and Friday Island while in this area.
When traveling to Australia, many people tend to focus only on Sydney and Melbourne. In that way, they are missing out on so much that this country has to offer. If you weren’t sure if visiting Queensland was worth it, hopefully, these ten amazing reasons helped you decide to go for it and explore every last corner of this state.
Courtesy of Nina Simons