Top 10 Places to Visit in Queensland
1. Great Barrier Reef
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Great for: Families, couples, divers, snorkelers
Avoid if: You’re afraid of water, can’t swim
Top attractions: Marine life, corals
Best time to visit: Winter (Jun to Nov)
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. Gold Coast
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Great for: Kids, families, surfers
Avoid if: You don’t like theme park rides, beaches, want a quiet holiday
Top attractions: Theme parks, beaches
Best time to visit: Anytime
Most visitors to Queensland end up at some point in the Gold Coast where sunny days are as Australian as Vegemite and the virtually unbroken ribbon of golden beach induces the quintessential Aussie lifestyle of surf, sun and fun.
If this sounds like you’re ideal vacation spot, read our pages on the Gold Coast for more detailed information.
3. Daintree & Cape Tribulation
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Great for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers
Avoid if: You don’t like the wild, want a more relaxed holiday
Top attractions: Rainforests, remote beaches
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
If it’s real adventure you seek then Far North Queensland is where it all begins. This is the state’s most captivating coastal corner, packed with natural marvels, including the verdant Daintree National Park, where you can spot a wealth of wildlife dwelling beneath a lush forest canopy that tumbles down to pristine beaches.
To learn more about this area of Queensland, visit our Daintree & Cape Tribulation pages.
4. Queensland Islands
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Great for: Families, couples, divers, snorkelers, those seeking a relaxed, quiet holiday
Avoid if: You want an active holiday
Top attractions: Beaches, reef
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
Along the Queensland coast, you’ll be tempted by one tropical island after another until you hit the cluster of 74 that makes up the Whitsunday and Cumberland group of islands. The Whitsundays are on the same latitude as Tahiti, and for my money are equally lovely. The idyllic island group is laced with coral reefs rising out of calm, blue waters teeming with colorful fish – warm enough for swimming year-round.
Check out our list of Whitsunday Islands & Great Barrier Reef Islands to see which island is right for you.
5. Port Douglas
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Great for: Families, kids, couples, those seeking a quiet, relaxed holiday
Avoid if: You want an active holiday
Top attractions: Beaches, reef
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
Port Douglas is the flashy playground and holiday hub of tropical northern Queensland. It’s a sleek resort town from where visitors can head out to the Great Barrier Reef, and where a stellar range of restaurants and accommodation attract leisure seekers from around the globe.
If a holiday in Port Douglas intrigues you, read our Port Douglas pages for detailed information.
6. Sunshine Coast
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Great for: Kids, families, surfers
Avoid if: You want an active holiday
Top attractions: Australia Zoo, Glass House Mountains, beaches
Best time to visit: Anytime
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.
7. Fraser Coast
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Great for: Families, couples, nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts
Avoid if: You want an active holiday
Top attractions: whale watching, beaches, nesting turtles
Best time to visit: Winter (Jul to Nov)
If you need a break from urban trappings, head up the Queensland coast to Fraser Coast which is home to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island, where primal inland forest reveals a land shaped by elemental forces. It’s the perfect place to pitch a tent and settle in for some serious and contemplative stargazing. Each year, from August to October, humpback whales frolic in the waters between Fraser Island and Hervey Bay. If you’re in the area at this time, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to experience the whales firsthand.
Don’t miss the wild beauty of Fraser Coast. Find more information in our Fraser Coast pages.
8. Moreton Bay
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Great for: Families, couples, those seeking a quiet, relaxed holiday
Avoid if: You want an active holiday
Top attractions: Beaches, dolphins, whale watching
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
If you’re not going much further north in Queensland than Brisbane but want a slice of tropical paradise, slip over to blissful Moreton Island. This beautiful paradise island has everything you need for a quiet, relaxing holiday. If you want to take it up a notch, there’s plenty to do with whale watching, dolphins and diving and snorkelling opportunities just offshore.
Thinking of a holiday to Moreton Bay? Check out our Moreton Island pages for more information.
9. Brisbane
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Great for: Kids, families, those seeking an active holiday
Avoid if: You want a quiet, relaxed holiday, want to get away from city life
Top attractions: Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, museums, gardens & parks
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
Brisbane is arguably Australia’s most liveable city, with its wonderful climate, a healthy platter of cultural offerings and a dining scene reflecting its ethnic make-up. This river city’s gleaming towers share space with abundant greenery, apparent in a profusion of gardens and parks, especially along the length of its waterways.
To find out more about this charming Queensland city, visit our Brisbane pages.
10. Cairns & the Atherton Tablelands
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Great for: Families, nature lovers, divers & snorkelers
Avoid if: You want an active holiday, afraid of water, can’t swim
Top attractions: Beaches, Great Barrier Reef, rainforests
Best time to visit: Winter (Apr to Nov)
Cairns, with its infectious holiday energy and tropical aura, is the reef-diving and snorkelling capital, and the gateway to the far north of the state including the Atherton Tablelands. You can organise just about any activity under the sun (literally) in Cairns, and its popularity as a diving destination is legendary, with a flotilla of cruise boats, catamarans and yachts heading out to the Great Barrier Reef each day.
To find out more information, visit our Cairns & Atherton Tablelands pages.
Tell us about yourself. Which places are you planning to visit in Queensland? If you’ve been to Queensland before, which places did you visit?
We love to hear from you so please leave your comments below.
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