The essential Queensland photo bucket list
How-to
By Danielle Reckless
Holidays in Queensland are all about exciting new experiences, appreciating nature’s wonder and creating memories – and a good photo will help make sure you never forget it.
From a bird’s eye view of the Great Barrier Reef to capturing the rugged roads on an outback adventure, here are 15 essential Queensland photo opportunities to add to your bucket list.
Just remember to put your camera down every once in a while, too: Queensland looks even better through your own eyes.
1. Surfing our best breaks
Whether you take a surf lesson or paddle your own way to our favourite surf spots, flexing your skills for the camera is one of the essential Queensland photo opportunities. Even if you’re a beginner and never quite make it to standing on the board, take a convincing photo and your mates back home will never know.
2. The reef from above (or below)
There are no bad angles on the Great Barrier Reef – and so many incredible experiences to have here – but a scenic chopper ride has to be one of the best. It’s from above that you can really appreciate just how ‘great’ our reef really is.
3. A shipwreck
Love a bit of history or mystery? Queensland has a few shipwrecks for you to choose from: take the ferry from Brisbane to Moreton Island to snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks (pictured), tackle K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) on 4WD to get to the beached SS Maheno, or get an adventurous look on a wreck dive.
4. Cuddle a koala
Queensland is only one of two states in Australia that you can give koalas a cuddle, so bring your best bear hugs to these zoos and sanctuaries.
5. Kangaroos on the beach
An early wake-up call that’s worth every second: head to Casuarina Beach at Cape Hillsborough in time for sunrise to watch kangaroos and wallabies frolic and feed. They might just pose for a few photos too.
6. Views from the top
Whether you’re summiting Mount Barney surrounding by ancient Gondwana Rainforest, climbing to the top of Brisbane’s Story Bridge, or looking out over the Whitsundays’ Hill Inlet, Queensland isn’t short on spots to soak up a view – or take a photo.
7. Pose with one of our Big Things
Play tourist and add this essential Queensland photo to your bucket list: one of our Big Things. From Bowen’s Big Mango to the Sunshine Coast’s Big Pineapple, to our own Big Apple in Stanthorpe, take a road trip and you’re sure to pass one – or more.
8. A selfie with a turtle
Bring an underwater camera when hitting the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkelling or scuba adventure, because there’s a good chance you’ll be able to grab a photo with a sea turtle as you swim – from Lady Elliot Island to Green Island off Cairns. Time your trip right and your photos might even include a baby turtle’s first steps.
9. Road tripping
Windows down, stereo up: Queensland is made for road trips. Take your time, get out of your car and take in all the amazing scenery. And don’t forget to do a ‘road shot’ along the way.
10. The mighty splash of migrating humpback whales
Photo by @whalesherveybay
Humpback whales migrate up and down Queensland’s coastline each year, so there’s plenty of places to see whales here. Why not start with the world’s first whale heritage site and Australia’s whale watching capital, Hervey Bay.
11. Driving on the beach
Photo by @adventurequeensland
Queensland is one of the best places in the world to take your road trip on the sand. Hire a 4WD – or take a tour - and explore the world’s largest sand islands, from K'gari to North Stradbroke and Moreton. There are drivable beaches and national parks to explore all along the coast, which make for unreal sunrises and sunsets.
12. Toes in the sand
Nothing says "I’m on holiday" than a blissed out, beachside photo – and Queensland has so many beautiful beaches to choose from. Whitehaven Beach has been voted one of the best beaches in the world more than a few times, but we’ve got plenty that fly under the radar too.
Bonus points if you can get some palm trees in the frame, or your toes are sticking out from a tent on a beach camping adventure.
13. Red dirt outback adventures
Photo by @hollyaxsentieff
Mix up those deep-blue ocean and golden beach shots with some beautiful red dirt on a trip to the outback. Longreach is the place for stockman history and sunsets at Starlight’s Lookout, but no matter where you end up, the magical night sky is the perfect chance to practice your star trail photography.
14. Sailing through paradise
Captain your own yacht in the Whitsundays, or let the locals guide you on a sunset sail off Port Douglas: there’s boat charters and sailing experience across Queensland that’ll make you take a moment to catch your breath – and then pick up your camera. Be sure to snap at golden hour!
15. Cooling off under a waterfall
Cooling off from summer heat isn’t just an essential Queensland experience, but an essential photo opportunity too. Millaa Millaa Falls in the Atherton Tablelands is a favourite for locals and travellers, but we have sweet spots all across the state.
