The 10 most beautiful places in Queensland
List
By Sarah Bristow
She’s a true natural beauty, our state. Stepping foot within Queensland‘s borders you’ll find a place overflowing with flawless natural wonders, with beaches, bush, rainforest, and reef galore. But there are some sites within the Sunshine State which are particularly photogenic. As for where to visit in Queensland, the following 10 places have to be seen to be believed.
Windin Falls, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Photo by @mitch.cox
Take a dip in one of the state’s most awe-inspiring natural infinity pools. This one sits snug at the top of Windin Falls, boasting sweeping views of Wooroonooran National Park below. Reaching the destination is no walk in the park – you’ll need to clamber off-road for 90 minutes along the Old Cairns Track. But you’ll be rewarded for your effort, with the best seat in the house of the surrounding Wet Tropics.
Wallaman Falls, Townsville
Consider yourself a waterfall enthusiast? You’ll find one of the state’s most epic in Townsville. Wallaman Falls has claimed the title of Australia’s highest permanent drop waterfall, which is no mean feat.
At 268 metres tall, the photo-friendly destination sits in Girringun National Park, west of sugarcane town Ingham, surrounded by the luscious World Heritage-listed Wet Tropics rainforest. There are two ways to experience Wallaman Falls; gaze at its height from its base, before trekking the 3.2 kilometres to its top for an impressive view. Whichever way you choose, you'll be in awe of one of the most beautiful places in Queensland.
Cardwell Pools, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Photo by @eve_christie
Found yourself in Mission Beach? The aqua waters of the much-visited Cardwell Pools will no doubt tempt you to make a stop during your next adventure in our tropical north. The naturally occurring icy hue of the water holes is a natural wonder, with geological experts suggesting it’s the result of a chemical reaction between the rocks and water. But don’t let that scare you – you can still safely take a dip here prior to exploring neighbouring Mission Beach and Tully.
Lawn Hill Gorge, Outback Queensland
A trip to Lawn Hill Gorge will prove that Outback Queensland isn’t just flat red desert, but home to some of our most remote and beautiful places. Meandering your way along the red roads of the state’s centre you’ll come to greet an oasis in the form of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (currently closed).
A collection of 35 million-year-old gorges reside here, through which wind emerald green waterways, and seven different walking trails beckoning to be explored. With a total of 2820 kilometres of track scattered amongst this national park, we’d suggest you research ahead.
Frankland Islands, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Make your way to Cairns, but head a little off the beaten path on the Great Barrier Reef. Offshore about 45 kilometres south-east you’ll come to find the Frankland Islands. The five sandy masses – dubbed Mabel, Round, High, Normanby and Russell – are accessible by private boat only and form a part of a coastal mountain range which became separated from the mainland 600 years ago.
The scenery here is breathtaking, with each idyllic island boasting rocky outcrops, and lush vegetation, and fringed by rainbow reefs.
Finch Hatton Gorge, Mackay
No visit to Mackay is complete without a stop at the district’s best swimming hole and hiking spot, Finch Hatton Gorge. Nestled within Mackay’s Highlands, the beloved water hole lies wedged between large granite boulders, and can be reached only via hike.
Be warned this is no stroll; it’s a 1.5 hour walk along the Araluen Cascade Track, or two hours if you take the extra 1.4 kilometres to the Wheel of Fire Track, where you’ll need to clamber up 300 steps to the Wheel of Fire Cascades.
Cobbold Gorge, Outback Queensland
Witness the ageless beauty of one of the state’s oldest landmarks with a trip to Cobbold Gorge in the depths of the Gulf Savannah region.
The 1700-million-year-old mass of granite and waterways can be explored by foot, stand-up paddle board and boat; take to one of the bushwalking trails that are scattered throughout the district, see the views from the glass bridge, or hop aboard one of the guided tours that meander the gorge’s 80 kilometres of riverway.
Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast doesn’t just boast some of the best beaches in the state, but Noosa and its neighbours are home to one of the only two everglades on earth. The Noosa Everglades is a photogenic network of waterways that lie between Boreen Point and Rainbow Beach. Exploring is best done by kayak – amble along the 60 kilometre stretch solo or join Kanu Kapers on one of their more lengthy expeditions around Lake Cootharaba and the Upper Noosa River.
Hook Island, Whitsundays
Seeking serenity but not sure where to visit in Queensland? Look no further than Hook Island, the second-largest offering in the Cumberland Group. Picture 58-square kilometres of the Whitsundays finest: sheltered bays and inlets for kayaking and snorkelling, secluded beachside campsites, and wildlife galore, from dolphins to turtles and manta rays. For budding photographers in particular, this pristine island is a non-negotiable - it's stunning above and below the water.
Cape Tribulation, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Nature lovers take note: arguably the most enchanting landscape in the Sunshine State can be found at Cape Tribulation. It’s here where two particularly beautiful places - and UNESCO World Heritage Sites - meet; the luscious Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef.
Spend your visit riding horses down the empty beaches, wandering the thick jungle that greets the sand, and cooling off in the collection of swimming holes within the rainforest stretch.
