Iconic places to visit in Queensland

From diving on the incredible Great Barrier Reef to soaring above an ancient rainforest, raising a glass under sparkling city lights or taking the road trip of a lifetime through the outback, Queensland is no stranger to epic holiday experiences.

If you’re after a big adventure, grab a pen – here are the best places to visit in Queensland.

1. Great Barrier Reef  

A natural world wonder that deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list, the Great Barrier Reef is certainly the best place to visit in Australia. No matter how many times you dive in, there’s more magic to discover.

Stretching 2,300km from the tip of Cape York to Bundaberg, it’s certainly Great – in fact, it’s the world’s largest reef system. But you can choose your own adventure, from so many access points: scuba dive, sail, sleep in the middle of it, and more.

How to do it:

• Sign up for one of these epic experiences
• Discover the untouched beauty of the Southern Great Barrier Reef
• Fill the kids with wonder on a family-friendly escape
• Join a liveaboard dive trip to visit remote reef locations
• Learn from marine biologists and help conservation efforts

2. The Outback

There’s nothing quite like our Outback. Red dirt highways lead to historic towns full of character (and characters), vast natural landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see, pubs where you’ll feel like a local as soon as you pull up to the bar, and energetic events that lift your spirits. It’s a grounding experience that’ll pull you back time and time again.

How to do it:

• Take an iconic road trip
• Indulge in a little luxury at an outback lodge or station – or even a multi-day trek
• Dig for dinosaur bones and discover our prehistoric past
• Head to our North West corner to explore ancient gorges, sacred hot springs and catch sunset over the Gulf of Carpentaria

3. Daintree Rainforest

North of Cairns and Port Douglas, the Daintree is just one part of Queensland’s immense Wet Tropics Rainforest. But it’s mighty. Here, you can reconnect with nature in the world’s oldest continually surviving tropical rainforest – its history stretches back 180 million years and Sir David Attenborough himself called it “the most extraordinary place on earth.” 

Stand where two World-Heritage sites meet (the only place in the world where this happens), dip in wild swimming holes, and walk in the footsteps of the Kuku Yalanji, the Traditional Custodians of this land who also now jointly manage the national park.

How to do it:

• Sleep in the middle of the rainforest at an eco-lodge
• Explore Mossman Gorge with an Indigenous guide
• Take an unforgettable day tour or discover its many corners over 4 days

4. Scenic Rim

The name says it all. Voted one of the best places to visit in the world this year by Lonely Planet, the Scenic Rim is worthy of the accolades and absolutely one of the best places to visit in Queensland.

This green belt stretches between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, home to World-Heritage Gondwana rainforest, spectacular national parks filled with bushwalking tracks and waterfalls, cosy nature retreats and mountain villages. It’s a feast for all the senses – especially if you’re looking for a feast yourself.

How to do it:

• Taste your way along the food trail
• Delve into Gondwana Rainforest beauty
• Escape for a romantic weekend in the country
• Embark on a walking holiday along the Scenic Rim Trail

5. Islands

They set the scene for some of the country’s biggest adventures: so add an island escape to your must-do places to visit in Queensland.

Captain your own yacht and sail around the Whitsundays Islands, fire up the romance in our tropical north, or get back to nature on K’gari, an island that has it all from towering sand dunes to rainforest, freshwater lakes and remote beaches. You could even take a family holiday where the Great Barrier Reef becomes a classroom, at spots like Daydream Island, Great Keppel Island and Lady Elliot.  

All you need is to choose which one’s right for you.

How to do it:

• Make memories on a family island getaway
• Rent an entire island for yourself
• Lap up luxury in five-star surrounds
• Have a 4WD adventure on the world’s largest sand island, K’gari
• Go off the radar at these secret spots or go wild camping

6. Carnarvon Gorge

The scenery is what will drag you to Carnarvon Gorge – but it’s the feeling you get from spending time in its majesty that really makes an impact. Walking through this national park in Queensland’s Sandstone Country is like stepping into the pages of a natural history book. Towering 20-30 million year old sandstone cliffs, magnificent Aboriginal rock art, plant-life that’s been here since pre-historic times and more. This is hiker’s paradise, so be sure to spend a few days here to explore the many trails and significant sites.

How to do it:

• Take a hike
• Discover every inch of the national park
• Bring the whole family to play

7. Brisbane City

A capital city that feels different: Brisbane doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it has a seriously impressive line-up of dining, nightlife and culture that welcomes visitors with open arms. Far from a concrete jungle, outdoors culture permeates all sides of the city, offering excitement from daylight to dark.

Have a swim at an inner-city beach then wander through a modern art gallery. Paddle out for a twilight kayak then pull into a bar. Wander along the riverside then head to a rooftop happy hour. And that’s before you jump off into the adventures that lie a short drive or ferry ride from the CBD, from World Heritage Gondwana rainforests and island life.

How to do it:

• Dine and drink with the best views
• Spend three days exploring the best of the city and nearby islands
• Take advantage of all the kid-friendly activities

8. Beaches

When it comes to beaches, we’ve got it all. Our endless Queensland coastline offers the best beaches in the world and those you’ve never even heard of – but will remember forever once you sink your toes into the sand.

Places you can holiday to sunbathe by day, and party or fine-dine by the sand at night. Beach towns that encourage you to slow your pace and take it all in, or beckon you to pitch a tent and spend the night.  

How to do it:

• Make your way to Whitehaven to meet the world’s most beautiful beach
• Wax up your surfboard – or catch your first wave ever – on the Gold Coast
• Take time out in Noosa or discover the colourful beauty of Rainbow Beach nearby

9. Torres Strait

Way up in our wild tropical north lies a cluster of islands between Cape York and Papua New Guinea: Torres Strait. Its natural beauty is only surpassed by its rich culture – the only place in Australia where both Aboriginal and Torres Strait cultures reside. One of the best places to visit in Queensland for unique adventures, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with local artists, tour pearl farms and remote islands, while dining on tropical cuisine.

How to do it:

• Set off on these adventures through Torres Strait
• Spend a little time on Thursday Island
• Celebrate Torres Strait Islander culture during Winds of Zenadth Festival

10. Granite Belt

Crisp air, big sky – and sometimes even a little snow – the Granite Belt is a different side of the Sunshine State. Not just home to towering peaks and granite playgrounds in the form of national parks, this Queensland Country region is full of flavour from its farm stands to some 50-odd cellar doors. An excuse to slow down and take life a little easy.

How to do it:

• Hike and climb in Girraween National Park
• Spend a weekend in Stanthorpe
• Sip the best at these local wineries

Looking for a place to stay? Be inspired by these new Queensland hotels and resorts to take that holiday at.