The ultimate Queensland backpacker bucket list for working holidaymakers

Heading to Australia on a working holiday visa? Be sure to set aside ample time to experience the home of the ultimate backpacker bucket list in Australia — Queensland. At 1.7 million square kilometres with a coastline that stretches nearly 700,000 kilometres, no fewer than five world heritage areas and easily the best weather and climate in Australia, there are countless reasons to get a job in Queensland and explore this immense state. 

This could be a driving holiday, like a Brisbane to Cairns road trip. Or take it easy and make the most of the extensive bus network that links destinations right across the state, from the Gold Coast in the south to Cooktown in the north.

Whether you’re planning on taking advantage of the Working Holiday Maker program or backpacking in Australia and looking for the best experiences on offer, don’t plan your visit until you’ve read this Queensland backpacker bucket list guide for working holidaymakers!

Backpacking on the Gold Coast

There’s an extensive list of reasons why the Gold Coast resonates with backpackers from across the globe the way that it does. From the infinite stretches of white sand and outstanding surf breaks to the bustling nightlife and affordable things to do, not to mention its 300 days of sunshine annually, ample accommodation options and the outstanding work/life balance it delivers for those who choose to linger a little longer here on a working holiday visa.

Chances are there are already a few Gold Coast experiences on your bucket list, but just in case you haven’t explored your options, here are a few more to consider. 

• Paradise Jet Boating: Delivering an unparalleled blend of thrills and adventure combined with stunning scenery and the chance to spot dolphins and island wallabies, this isn’t an experience for the faint-hearted! Operating in exclusive areas of the Broadwater and Moreton Bay Marine Park with Australia’s most advanced jet boats, it’s a great opportunity to experience the Gold Coast’s waterways and get some serious thrills!
  
• Go Ride a Wave Surf School: No backpacking holiday on the Gold Coast would be complete without catching a wave at one of the breaks the region is famous for. Go Ride A Wave offers beginner surfing lessons at several locations, including Surfers Paradise, Broadbeach and Kirra, with qualified surfing instructors and an emphasis on providing a safe and supportive environment, ensuring all students can learn to surf with confidence. 
  
• Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary: Home to unique and distinctive flora from Australia and across the globe, this iconic Gold Coast wildlife sanctuary is deserving of a full day’s sightseeing. What’s more, as it’s a not-for-profit organisation and all proceeds are reinvested into wildlife and conservation programs, you’ll be supporting a great cause in addition to experiencing the wonder and natural beauty the sanctuary boasts in abundance.
  
• Gold Coast Skydive : If serious thrills are high on your Gold Coast bucket list, then pencil in time for the only Tandem Skydive operation on the coast! Not only will you get to touch down on the beach at Coolangatta and get ridiculously spectacular views on the way down, but you’ll get all the training you need from professional tandem skydiving masters with an excellent track record of safety and delivering truly amazing experiences!

Backpacking in Brisbane

Brisbane, the ‘River City’, has loads going for it when backpacking on a budget in Queensland. Not only are there lots of free things to do here, like swim at the beach located smack-bang in the middle of the city with skyline — yes, really — but there are also plenty of affordable working hostels and backpackers in Brisbane if you’re planning on boosting your travelling budget by working here during your stay.

What’s more, there are plenty of exciting and exhilarating experiences awaiting you in the city and right across the surrounding areas. Brisbane is definitely a city to base yourself in while travelling in Queensland, even just for a short time, as not only is there heaps to see and do, but it’s also ideally located to visit nearby attractions like Moreton Island. If you haven’t started on your Brisbane bucket list yet, here are a few experiences to tick off. 

• Tangalooma Wrecks: A little under an hour from the Brisbane CBD, ‘The Wrecks’ at Tangalooma are a unique and exciting dive and snorkel site that represents one of the top day trips from Brisbane. If you’re planning on visiting, you have the option of joining a tour — highly recommended, as you’ll have access to equipment and be visiting with experienced divers — or you can make your own way there and swim from the shore. However, you need to be careful when swimming, as there are often strong currents between the shore and the wrecks.
  
• Howard Smith Wharves: The newest addition to the Brisbane Riverfront, Howard Smith Wharves (HSW) is a collection of eateries and bars along a bustling pedestrian boardwalk that provides exceptional views of the city skyline, the iconic Story Bridge and the Brisbane River. Along with the pricier options, there are a few places that will certainly appeal to travellers on backpacker budgets, including the very popular Felons Brewing Co. 
  
• Riverlife Adventure Centre: A short ferry ride from the CBD — or a scenic stroll through the Botanic Gardens or Howard Smith Wharves — the Riverlife Adventure Centre offers a range of exhilarating activities that provide spectacular views of Brisbane. From abseiling and rock climbing the Kangaroo Point Cliffs to twilight kayaking along the Brisbane River, if you’re into extraordinary experiences on your holidays, this is the tour for you! 
  
• GoBoat: Have you ever wanted to captain your own boat? GoBoat is the perfect river outing for couples and groups of friends who want to experience the beauty of the River City at their own pace. No boat licence is required for these easy-to-drive electric picnic boats and with BYO snacks and drinks — pre-booked snacks are available — it’s understandably proven a very popular activity for travellers on a backpacker budget. 
  
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary: Haven’t got up close and personal with koalas and other iconic Australian animals yet? Here’s your chance. At Lone Pine, you can hold a koala, feed a kangaroo and tick off experiences that are waiting to be ticked off your bucket list. As it’s accredited by the Zoo and Aquarium Association for positive animal welfare, you can rest assured the animals’ well being is the highest priority and support a great cause.

Backpacking on the Sunshine Coast

With immaculate beaches, gorgeous tropical hinterland, great backpacking facilities and job opportunities in agriculture and hospitality, it’s little wonder why so many backpackers head to the Sunshine Coast.

Naturally, many backpackers head straight to Noosa, the jewel of the Sunshine Coast, but there’s heaps to see right along the coast, including Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Alexandra Headlands, Coolum and inland at the Glasshouse Mountains and Maleny. If you’re looking for fun things to do on the Sunshine Coast, there’s so much to consider, including these experiences that may not yet be on your bucket list. 

• Skydive Noosa: Easily one of the most exciting, adrenaline-pumping experiences on the Sunshine Coast, Skydive Noosa is a tandem skydiving experience that lets you completely immerse yourself in the exhilaration of a 60-second free fall before a 5 to 7-minute ‘canopy float’ over Noosa’s beaches and surrounding hinterland. For serious thrillseekers, the opportunity to hit free fall speeds of up 220 kmh from a height of up to 15,000 feet above the ground has got to be right up there on your list of bucket list experiences in Queensland!  
  
• Go Ride a Wave Noosa: Providing experienced surfing instruction in a safe and supportive environment, Go Ride a Wave is a great introduction to surfing and a top experience in Noosa among backpackers and travellers. If learning how to catch a wave is high on your bucket list during your time backpacking in Queensland, then where better to learn to surf than in Noosa with its beautiful beaches and perfect weather? 
  
• Noosa Learn To Surf: Located in Noosa and owned and operated by former World Champion, Merrick Davis, Noosa Learn is a surf school offering both beginner and intermediate surfing lessons. This makes it a top option if you’ve started surfing and are looking to hone your skills with a world-class instructor who’ll help you learn the correct techniques and avoid poor form that could hinder your progression through your surfing journey. 
  
• GoFly Aviation: For the chance to pilot a plane over the stunning Sunshine Coast hinterland and coastline, book a 30, 45 or 60-minute flight with GoFlight Aviation. Easily one of the most unique experiences awaiting travellers and holidaymakers on the Sunshine Coast, this innovative approach to flight training is serious fun and you’ll get a bird’s eye view (or better) of some of the most famous local landmarks, including the iconic Glasshouse Mountains. Flights depart from the Caloundra Aerodrome in Caloundra West.

Backpacking on the Fraser Coast

There’s so much more to the Fraser Coast than K'gari (Fraser Island) and Hervey Bay, but having said that, you don’t want to miss out on the experiences these two jewels of Queensland have to offer! Rainbow Beach is a backpacker haven on the Fraser Coast with a slew of natural attractions like the Carlo Sand Blow, a true natural wonder and a must-visit while travelling along this wild and underdeveloped stretch of Queensland coastline. 

• Fraser Island Adventure Tours: No trip to Queensland would be complete without visiting the world’s largest sand island, K'gari (Fraser Island). There are so many drawcards here, from the endless golden sand beaches to the pristine freshwater lakes and stunning sand blown deserts. Tours are in comfortable air-conditioned tour buses and depart from Rainbow Beach as well as Mooloolaba, Coolum and Noosa on the Sunshine Coast.
  
• Blue Dolphin Marine Tours: Departing from Hervey Bay, Blue Dolphin Marine Tours gives you the opportunity to see a range of marine life up close, including dolphins, dugongs, turtles and possibly whales during the whale watching season which runs from July through to November. These eco-tours operate all year-round.
  
• K’gari Fraser Island Adventures: Delivering transformational and enriching experiences for visitors, K'gari Fraser Island Adventures offers tailored tour packages and glamping accommodation along with small-group tours that take in some of the most spectacular sights and experiences K’Gari has to offer. Feel like exploring this magical place at your own pace? Skip the guided tour and book 4WD hire and a camping or glamping stay.
  
• Pippies Fraser Island: For travellers on a budget exploring the Fraser Coast, a 3-day, 2-night Fraser Island tour package where you can experience 4x4 driving island style with the friendly folk at Pippies Fraser Island Tours should be high on your backpacker bucket list. With tours departing from Rainbow Beach, you’ll be on K’Gari in about 20 minutes, maximising your time on this magical island that truly is a must-visit destination. 

Backpacking in The Whitsundays

Backpacking in the Whitsundays is an absolute must when travelling around Queensland and it suffices to say there are more than a few experiences that this exquisite and paradisiacal part of the Sunshine State can add to any backpacker’s bucket list. 

The Whitsundays is a true heaven on earth, a place where white sand beaches with sparkling turquoise waters are fringed by palm trees and tropical rainforests. From the backpacker haven of Airlie Beach to the postcard-perfect islands of Hamilton Island and Whitsunday Island where many travellers linger a little longer in heavenly surrounds and refresh their travelling coffers if there’s any destination where all backpackers have at least one experience on their bucket lists, it’s The Whitsundays. 

• Red Cat Adventures: For exceptional single and multi-day cruises in the Whitsundays, Red Cat Adventures has you covered. Backpackers on a budget will love the all-inclusive day cruises that take in Whitehaven Beach and amazing snorkelling locations that are only accessible by boat, or Cedar Creek Falls where you can swim with turtles at stunning waterfalls. Those with a bit more time to spend in paradise and are looking for a more comprehensive sailing experience may prefer to opt for the two-day, two-night Tongarra overnight tour. 
  
• Airlie Beach Skydivers: For an exhilarating and unique Whitsundays experience, what could possibly top a 60-second free fall followed by a gentle descent over beautiful Airlie Beach? If adrenaline-pumping experiences are high on your list of things to do while backpacking your way along the Queensland coastline, then a tandem skydive with Airlie Beach Skydivers is definitely for you! 
  
• Hamilton Island: With 60-minute passenger ferries departing regularly from Airlie Beach, making your way to Hamilton Island, the largest of the Whitsunday Islands, is a breeze. This little slice of paradise is more than a stepping stone to the Great Barrier Reef where you can dive and snorkel the world’s largest and most beautiful reef as there’s so much to see on the island and off, including jet skiing, sea kayaking, scenic flights and more.

Working Holiday in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

1,600 kilometres north of Brisbane lies Cairns, Queensland’s northernmost city and a place where it’s summer all year round. One of the most popular parts of the Sunshine State among backpackers on working holidays, Cairns is bordered on one side by the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest (part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area) on the other, ensuring there are more than enough experiences to add to any backpacker’s bucket list. Not to mention plenty of hospitality employment opportunities if you choose to stay a little longer and take a working holiday in paradise.

Along with Cairns, there’s so much to experience in Tropical North Queensland, including the following that may already be high on your list of must-do experiences during your time in Australia! 

• Fitzroy Island: Part of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and with 97% of its landmass designated a national park, if you’re looking to spend time on a tropical island in paradise, set your sights on Fitzroy Island. This small but attraction-packed island boasts Nudey Beach, one of Australia’s top beaches with its white sand and sparkling blue water. What’s more, it’s the perfect destination for budget-conscious backpackers with beachside campsites where you can BYO tent and wake to the sound of the waves lapping onshore.
  
• Wildlife Habitat: One of the top experiences for travellers looking to scratch adrenaline-seeking itches is the Predator Plank at Wildlife Habitat where you can test your courage by “walking the plank” over crocodile-filled water! But so much more than thrills await you at this Advanced Eco-accredited wildlife immersion exhibition, including five different environments where visitors and animals mix freely. Plus you can cuddle a koala! 
  
• Jungle Tours & Trekking: Offering an extensive range of eco-certified experiences, from nature treks to cruises along the Daintree River, Jungle Tours and Trekking will help you get the most from your time in the Tropical North and offer a range of accommodation if you’d like to extend your stay in the ancient Daintree Rainforest, including dormitory accommodation with budget-friendly pricing. 

Looking for a way to linger a little longer in paradise? Check out the ‘Work in Paradise’ initiative and take advantage of a range of incentives, including budget travel with Greyhound, that could see you working, living and playing in Cairns, The Whitsundays or the Queensland Outback.