Top Queensland experiences for the adventure of a lifetime

Sometimes the biggest natural beauties offer the most peaceful moments. And if you make it to these waterfalls you can swim in, you'll know what we mean.  Soaking in a cool, freshwater rockpool, surrounded by moss-covered rocks, as water tumbles down from above. 

Whether you want to hike to the base of thundering Wallaman Falls to feel the mist of Australia's tallest permanent waterfall, or seek respite from the tropical heat along the Atherton Tableland's Waterfall Circuit, Queensland has you covered. 

2. Discover the oldest standing lava tubes on earth

Looking for something off the beaten track for your next road trip? How does exploring caves carved out by volcanic lava over 190,000 years ago sound?

A destination in and of itself, you can easily tackle the 3.5hour drive to Undara Volcanic National Park in one day from Cairns. But what makes this road trip so awesome are all the other natural attractions en route. Where else can you see lava tubes, dormant volcanic craters, and waterfalls all in one weekend?

It's been described by Sir David Attenborough as “the most extraordinary place on Earth”, but the Daintree Rainforest is special for more than one reason.

Spanning over 17,000ha (that’s roughly 162 Sydney Harbours), the Daintree is the most famous of the five precincts that make up the Wet Tropics eco-system. In fact, this rainforest is one of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world – trumping even the Amazon when it comes to seniority.

Learn from the traditional custodians of this land, recharge at a rainforest retreat, cruise the river to spot crocs, and feast on the fruits of the forest. There's so many ways to see it, and all will leave you in wonder. 

4. Set your sights on the largest natural wonder of the world

So huge you can see it from space, the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef should be experienced by everyone at least once. And there's plenty of opportunity, with the reef spanning from its southern reaches off the coast of Bundaberg to wild Cape York. See it from the air, from a yacht, dive beneath, or spend the night. 

Dive with turtles and manta rays off Lady Elliot Island, snorkel the spectacular Low Isles coral cay off Port Douglas, take a romantic scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef, take part in coral reef research with Passions of Paradise in Cairns, or make it your mission to find the Great 8.

5. Get some island time

Switch off and escape to one of Queensland’s islands to really switch on your sense of adventure. Sail the Whitsundays Islands, dive and dine on luxurious Orpheus Island or bliss out on eco-friendly Heron Island off the coast of Gladstone.

For something a little more rugged, pack the car and go on a 4WD adventure on the three largest sand islands in the world. Swim in the pristine waters of Lake McKenzie on K'gari (formerly Fraser Island), surf down the sand dunes on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), and spot whales, rays and turtles along the Gorge Walk on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).

6. Meet our cuddliest residents

The locals are a friendly bunch in Queensland. So if you've always wanted to give cuddle up to a koala, this is the place. Even better than a cuddle, visit to see how they are rescued, cared for and rehabilitated. Home to over 130 rescued koalas, Brisbane's Lone Pine is the world's largest koala sanctuary, while you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world's busiest wildlife hospitals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. 

7. Sink your toes into Australia's best beach, and others just like it

No visit to Queensland is complete without clocking up some serious beach time. And you've got plenty to choose from, including beaches like Whitehaven and Nudey that have achieved celebrity-like status over the years. Just sink your toes into the squeaky white sand and take a dip in their bathtub waters to see why. 

Some beaches fly under the radar, but don't think a small reputation means they're not worth exploring. Settle into one of these special spots and you might be the only one on the sand. 

8. Experience Indigenous culture

From rock art to traditional hunting and gathering methods, engulf yourself in Indigenous culture and the learn about Australia’s rich Indigenous history. Hunt for mud crabs on Cooya Beach, trek to Laura to participate in the largest Aboriginal Dance Festival in Queensland, or take a leisurely stroll through the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide.

Here are some of the most moving ways to connect with Indigenous culture in Queensland.

9. Dive the wrecks

A whole other world awaits below the surface, and Queensland is your all-access-pass to a number of incredible dive sites and wrecks. From the SS Yongala in Townsville to the wrecks on Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), experienced and novice divers can snorkel and scuba dive around these sites, now home to thriving underwater ecosystems with fish, coral, reef sharks and more. 

10. Explore Queensland's national parks

Queensland's incredible national parks are waiting to be explored. Whether you want to wander for the day, tackle a Great Walk, or get off-road in a 4WD, there's a special corner of our wilderness for you. Including some you've never heard of.

You don't have to venture too far from our cities to find them, either. Strap on your hiking boots and summit Mt Ngungun in Glass House Mountains, just a stone's throw from the Sunshine Coast's beaches. Escape the bustle of Surfers Paradise to find Springbrook National Park nestled into the Gold Coast Hinterland - where you can walk through the rainforest, feel the mist of waterfalls and watch Natural Bridge light up with incredible glow worms. 

Or, check out Lamington National Park on the outskirts of the Scenic Rim; home to tree top walks and a rainforest retreat to escape to. 

11. Share sunrise with wallabies

This top Queensland experience is guaranteed to make you a morning person. 

Every day, dozens of wallabies bound onto Casuarina Beach at Cape Hillsborough around sunrise to congregate, feed, and catch a little beach time (they're Queenslanders after all). It's a natural phenomenon that you can be part of, by booking a tour with a national park ranger.

Here's how to join them for a morning - and snap the perfect photo too. 

12. Kayak the Noosa Everglades

Did you know that Queensland is home to one of only two everglades biospheres in the world? Even some of the locals don't know its here; but venture into the Noosa Everglades and you'll find its serene network of waterways are busting with life. 

Explore on an eco-safari, paddle out in a canoe, then spend your evening camping (or glamping) by its shores. 

13. Dive with minke whales

Six out of the world's seven turtle species can be found in Queensland, and you can catch the thrill of meeting them in the wild all along our coastline. But there's nothing more special than experiencing hatching season. 

Visit the Mon Repos Turtle Centre in Bundaberg and join the wildlife rangers on a guided tour to watch the life cycle of majestic sea turtles. If you visit from November to January, you’ll watch mummy turtles nesting and if you return from January to March, you’ll be able to watch the little hatchlings emerge from the sand and scurry down to the sea.

15. Road trip through the outback