THINGS YOU CAN’T MISS IN QUEENSLAND

So you’re heading to beautiful Australia, better yet, to the mind blowing Queensland, to experience the world famous Great Barrier Reef. But is there more to do than checking the vibrant coral reefs? Absolutely – this north eastern part of the country is an incredible hub of fascinating activities and exciting adventures just waiting to be explored.

So here’s the list of best things to do in Queensland when you visit. Grab a cup of coffee, pen and paper and stay for a while!

1. Great Barrier Reef

First things first, as you all know Queensland’s claim to fame – Great Barrier Reef is one of the must-visit places, whether you are a water lover or want to witness the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. It offers the best scuba diving spots so that you can get a little deeper too. This underwater world allows you to swim with colourful coral reefs and vibrant fishes. You can even enjoy a glass-bottomed boat tour or snorkel the reef among the turquoise waters and turtles.

2. Cairns

Cairns is a laid- back vibrant city with pristine beaches and modern restaurants. It is the true getaway to Queensland’s tropical north. Though the outskirts are known for incredible natural wonders, there are a plethora of great things to do in the city. You’ll find plenty of beaches nearby, brilliant cafes and bustling markets which will keep you occupied throughout the day. Try out many of the seafood platters as you relax by the resort pool with awe-inspiring views.

3. Fraser Island

Visiting Fraser Island is, in my opinion, a must when you visit Queensland. The island is an incredible beauty with vast rainforests growing on powdery dunes. You can’t find this unusual natural phenomenon anywhere else in the world. Sparkling perched lakes widely scattered on this enormous island add charm to this unique wonderland.

Take your time and experience the various iconic landmarks like Lake McKenzie, Maheno Shipwreck, 75 Mile Beach. Do not miss to spot the native dingoes or feed the dolphins at Tin Can Bay.

4. Whitsunday Islands

You don’t need to go too far to feel like you’ve stepped out of a storybook. Whitsundays is a cluster of 74 tropical islands lying just off the Queensland coast, next to the Great Barrier Reef. The entire landscape of this charming island looks like a painting of blues and greens. The coastline of the islands is adorned with frilled white sands and green forests that ramble into majestic turquoise waters. The calm and tranquil ambience makes it perfect for relaxing and sailing adventures with a Whitsundays bareboat charter.

Whitehaven Beach and The Airlie Beach are another two favourites.

5.Port Douglas

One of the most iconic destinations in the world, Port Douglas is the only place on the planet where two World Heritage sites – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest meet. This tropical paradise is just an hour drive away from Cairns. It is a popular beach destination with clear blue waters, magnificent rainforests and a friendly village vibe. Here, you can also find another wonder – Mossman Gorge in the Daintree rainforests. Mossman Gorge is a rural locality surrounded by massive granite boulders with mint green waters swishing past them. Take a picture amidst this breathtaking scenery and flaunt it on your Instagram.

6. Kuranda

Kuranda, a traditional village located in the rainforests, boasts a vibrant arts and crafts culture. The journey to this picturesque mountain retreat is as beautiful as the destination itself. Skyrail Rainforest Cableway takes you to the forest high above the canopy, and the scenic Kuranda Railway chugs through the dense forests and waterfalls. Kuranda is home to colourful parrots, wild butterflies and Aboriginal art. For extraordinary koala experiences, cuddle one of them at the Kuranda Koala Gardens.

7. Noosa Heads and the Sunshine Coast

Stretching from Caloundra to Noosa Heads, the Sunshine Coast is a diverse collection of cliff-fringed bays, unruffled coastal rivers and thick bushlands interwoven with hiking trails. This peaceful wonderland is just a two-hour drive from the bustling GoldCoast. Not only surfing and swimming, but you can also find the best local boutiques and markets here. If you are a true adventurer, you can climb through the forest and do turtle watching. Once the walk finishes up, you’ll find one of the best ice cream shops here – Massimo’s.

8. The Gold Coast

If adventure is calling you, then GoldCoast is the icing on the cake. With plenty of theme parks, sandy beaches, abundant wilderness, there is something for everyone.

Surfers Paradise is the tourist hub – lush landscape, gleaming sun, pristine sands and crowded surf spots. Bask in the sun hitting the glistening waves during the day and party at the dizzying array of bars and restaurants in the night.

If you are travelling with kids and families, theme parks are your go-to place. Movie World, Sea World, Dream World will never bore the kids.

9. Lamington National Park

Immerse yourself in the wild and rugged rainforests of Lamington National Park. This World Heritage Area is about a two-hour drive from Brisbane located amid the remnants of an ancient volcano. You’ll take in spectacular tropical scenery peppered with steep gorges and pretty waterfalls as you come across dazzling birds. Lamington National Park is a heaven for hikers with more than 150 km of hiking trails.

10. Brisbane

Brisbane – this cultural and energetic city is snuggled up against the Brisbane River with thriving artistic and aesthetic beauty. The city is flooded with independent galleries, trendy cafes, local restaurants and lively nightclubs. The capital city is the centre for significant day trips that showcase the best of Queensland, famous Australia Zoo and a whole lot of attractions to keep you busy. The love for Brisbane’s sunny climate and its luxuriant gardens is never lost.

From start to finish, no matter how long you stay here, Queensland has things to do for everyone on every sort of budget. Wherever you go, the real vibe is always there to make you feel ecstatic.