7 ways to say G’day in Queensland, Australia

How-to

By Morgan Reardon

The best way to immerse yourself in Australia’s breathtaking natural beauty, and acquaint yourself with the locals, is to share a warm G’day. But we have our own way of saying it here in Queensland…

From coming face to snorkel with turtles in the Great Barrier Reef and sharing a meal with newfound friends in the city of Brisbane, to watching the sun rise over our golden beaches with a wallaby by your feet, here are seven bucket list-worthy ways to say G’day in Queensland right now.

Say G’day to the crocs on the Sunshine Coast

Make your way to Australia Zoo and get up close and personal with one of Queensland’s most iconic animals – the saltwater crocodile. Snag a front row seat at the Crocoseum, where the 1,000kg saltwater crocs are only too happy to jump out of the water and share a toothy G’day.

Say G’day to the wallabies in Cape Hillsborough

Couple watching the wallabies at sunrise — Cape Hillsborough

There's a particular phenomenon that occurs every morning as the sun rises over Cape Hillsborough National Park in tropical north Queensland. While the colours of sunrise would be the main event at most beaches, on the sands of Casuarina Beach that takes a back seat, as dozens of wallabies (a smaller version of a kangaroo) congregate down by the water’s edge at daybreak to say G’day.

Say G’day to the whales in Hervey Bay

Whale watching Blue Dolphin Marine Tours | Day trips from Hervey Bay — Hervey Bay

In Hervey Bay, a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Queensland’s capital Brisbane, our friendliest locals are ready to greet you with a cheery G’day through the sound of their enchanting whale song. Jump aboard a cruise tour and watch them dance in the ocean from above, or join a dive and swim alongside the gentle giants. It’s the stuff bucket lists are made of.

Say G’day in the ancient Daintree Rainforest

Indigenous guide, Skip, talking to guests about the history and culture of the surrounding rainforest - part of the Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge — Down Under Tours

Wander through the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest in far north Queensland, alongside an Indigenous guide for a truly goosebump-inducing experience. Follow in the footsteps of one of the world’s oldest living cultures and explore Kuku Yalanji country with one of these incredible tours. Listen to the soundtrack of the rainforest, learn ancient natural remedies, and forage for bush tucker in this ancient oasis.

Say G’day at Gold Coast’s theme parks

Family enjoying a rollercoaster ride at Dreamworld — Dreamworld

For those who like to say G’day a little louder, you can scream it from the top of your lungs while riding some of the world’s fastest, highest rollercoasters at Gold Coast’s impressive theme parks. Hold on white-knuckled as you zip, zoom and speed through the stomach-dropping rides at Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World and Wet’n’Wild.

Say G’day to Brisbane’s best culinary experiences

In Brisbane, we like to say G’day over a glass of locally sourced wine at one of the capital city’s best restaurants. Gather with friends, old and new, and say ‘cheers’ to the moment. Not sure where to begin? Check out this round up of Brisbane’s best restaurants.

Say G’day to the marine life at the Great Barrier Reef

Snorkelling on Beaver Reef — Beaver Reef

Done a snorkel and float through the crystal-clear water of the Great Barrier Reef. Here, you will find everyone from Nemo, dugongs, turtles, and manta rays weaving through the clusters of coral, coming up to say G’day. Check out this first-timers guide to the Great Barrier Reef.