Are you planning a trip to sunny Queensland? Unsure about which places to visit and what to see on your holiday? Look no further because we’ve put together a list of the top Queensland attractions with a brief overview of the important stuff you need to know to decide which attractions are right for you. Then click on the link for more important information to plan your holiday to the destination of your choice.

 

 

1. Great Barrier Reef

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Great for: Families, couples, divers, snorkelers

Avoid if: You’re afraid of water, can’t swim

Main attraction: Marine life, corals

Closest town: Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville

Best time to visit: Winter (Jun to Nov)

Budget: Expensive

 

The Great Barrier Reef is one of, if not the best natural wonder in the world. It’s the world’s largest and best known reef system and one of nature’s richest realms. Situated off the coast of Queensland, this natural wonder is the most visited attraction from several Queensland cities including, Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Brisbane and Gold Coast.

Read our articles on the Great Barrier Reef for everything you need to know about this natural wonder.

 

 

2. Whitsunday Islands

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Great for: Kids, families, couples, divers & snorkellers

Avoid if: You want an active holiday

Main attraction: Beaches, snorkelling & diving

Closest town: Airlie Beach

Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)

Budget: Moderate to expensive

 

The beautiful islands and sandy atolls of the Whitsunday Islands are amongst the most stunning holiday destinations in the Australia. Not only are they the perfect place to relax and unwind, they’re great for accessing the nearby reef. There are 74 islands that make up the Whitsunday group and choosing where to spend your time can be confusing.

Read our Whitsunday Islands pages to find out more about this stunning island destination.

 

 

3. Daintree Rainforest

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Great for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers

Avoid if: You don’t like the wild, want a more relaxed holiday

Main attraction: Rainforests

Closest town: Cairns

Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)

Budget: Moderate

 

Located just a couple of hours north of Cairns, the Daintree rainforest area represents many things – a river, a rainforest national park, a reef and the home of the traditional owners, the Kuku Yalanji people. For travellers it’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in the fan palms, ferns and mangroves of this sublime natural environment.

Visit our Daintree Rainforest page for more information on this holiday destination.

 

 

4. Australia Zoo

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Great for: Kids, families, animal lovers

Avoid if: You don’t like animals

Main attraction: Endangered and native Australian animals & birds

Closest town: Caloundra (Closest airport – Maroochydore)

Best time to visit: Anytime

Budget: Moderate

 

Australia Zoo is one of Queensland’s most popular tourist attractions and for good reason. Started by the world-famous Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo is a great place for kids to get up close and personal with several species of animals including those on the endangered list. This is the best zoo and wildlife attraction in Australia.

Read our Australia Zoo article for more information.

 

 

5. Gold Coast Theme Parks

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Great for: Kids, people who like themed rides

Avoid if: You don’t enjoy theme parks

Main attraction: Themed rides

Closest town: Gold Coast

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November)

Budget: Moderate

 

The Gold Coast’s theme parks are not as large or as sophisticated as Disney World in the USA, but they’re exciting. Test your lung capacity (or better yet, the kids’) on the thrilling rides and swirling action at the five American-style theme parks just north of Surfers Paradise. There are three theme parks – Sea World, Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld, and two water parks – Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World.

See our Gold Coast Theme Parks page for more information.

 

 

6. Tjapukai Cultural Park

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Great for: Those seeking a cultural experience

Avoid if: You’re not interested in learning about Aboriginal culture

Main attraction: Aboriginal culture

Closest town: Cairns

Best time to visit: Night show anytime

Budget: Moderate

 

The Tjapukai Cultural Park near Cairns is one of the best indigenous cultural extravaganzas in Australia. If you’re in Cairns then you must take in this indigenous show.

Read our Tjapukai Cultural Park article to find ten reasons why it’s worth visiting this indigenous cultural extravaganza.

 

 

7. Fraser Island

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Great for: Families, nature lovers, beach goers, relaxed holiday

Avoid if: You want an active holiday

Main attraction: Beaches

Closest town: Hervey Bay

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November)

Budget: Moderate

 

World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the most popular place to visit along the Fraser Coast in Queensland. It’s the largest sand island in the world and its natural beauty is beyond comparison. With striking blue freshwater lakes, crystalline creeks, giant dunes and lush rainforests, it’s a nature lover’s paradise.

See our Fraser Island page for more information.

 

 

8. Noosa

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Great for: Surfers, beach lovers, hikers, those who want a relaxed holiday with creature comforts

Avoid if: You want a quiet holiday

Main attraction: Beaches

Closest town: Noosa

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November)

Budget: Moderate

 

Once a little-known surfer hang-out, gorgeous Noosa is now a stylish resort town and one of Sunshine Coast’s star attractions. Noosa’s stunning natural landscape of crystalline beaches and tropical rainforests of Noosa National Park blends seamlessly with its fashionable boulevard, Hastings Street, and the sophisticated beach elite that flock here. If you’re heading to the Sunshine Coast, you can’t miss Noosa.

Read our Noosa page for more information.

 

 

9. Surfers Paradise

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Great for: Kids, families, surfers

Avoid if: You want an active holiday

Main attraction: Beaches

Closest town: Gold Coast (Closest airport – Coolangatta)

Best time to visit: Anytime

Budget: Moderate

 

North of Brisbane lies the aptly named Sunshine Coast – more sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rolling mountains dotted with villages. Compared to the relentless energy of the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast offers an easygoing chic culture and seaside charm with a low-key vibe.

If the Sunshine Coast appeals to you, check out our Sunshine Coast pages for more information on this beautiful Queensland town.

 

 

10. Glass House Mountains

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Great for: Nature lovers, hikers, those who want an outdoor holiday

Avoid if: You want a relaxing holiday with creature comforts

Main attraction: Mountains

Closest town: Caloundra (Closest airport – Maroochydore)

Best time to visit: Spring (September to November)

Budget: Moderate

 

Forming a stunning backdrop to the spectacular coastline of the Sunshine Coast are the ethereal Glass House Mountains. The Glass House Mountains are a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains. If you want a tranquil and serene holiday in the beautiful mountains, this is the best place to visit in Queensland.

Read our Glass House Mountains article for more information.

 

 

Tell us what you think. From the list above, what attractions are you planning to visit? If you’ve been to Queensland before, what were the best attractions you visited?

We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below.

 

 

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Queensland Facts

 

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