Immerse yourself in these nature holidays in Queensland

The outdoors is where life shines brightest, so if nature’s calling, it’s time to get among Queensland’s wildest landscapes. From the tropics to rugged islands and the outback, these nature holidays in Queensland don’t just offer a front seat to our most awe-inspiring pockets, but fully immerse you in its world.

Reconnecting to the simple life has simply never been this spectacular: check out these nature holidays and get inspired to visit. 

Embark on an island adventure

Everything’s a little wilder on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island). The world’s largest sand island is right here on Queensland’s Fraser Coast, but this isn’t your average island escape.

Why read a book by the pool when you could embark on a three day island holiday with K’gari Fraser Island Adventures? These personalised small group tours are one of the best ways to experience K’gari, especially if this is your first visit. Explore the island’s best sights: dip in the cool clear waters of Lake Mckenzie, race along the sand highways, find shipwrecks and rainforests amongst the sand. With 4WD hire, glamping accommodation, catered menus and local guides, you can explore in comfort and let adventure take the wheel.

Of course, if you have the gear - and a 4WD - you can set out on your own K'gari adventure. Either way, be sure to cool off in Eli Creek. It pours up to four million litres of clear, fresh water into the ocean every hour, and is best enjoyed by floating. BYO tubes. 

Trek and camp through Outback Queensland

The outback can be a rugged, unforgiving place – but not when you’re exploring with Trek West. This is your invitation to hike in one of Australia’s truly hidden landscapes, with a passionate team leading the way on a five-day trek across the North West.

Here, remote doesn’t mean roughing it. Full days of guided trekking are book-ended with serene evenings under starlight, with nourishing meals, wine and refreshments – and glamping essentials – provided along the way.

Based at Herbertvale Station's Stock Camp, you’ll get a glimpse of life on a true outback cattle station, as your local guide leads you across the ever-changing countryside, from the sparse spinifex hills to the oasis of small gorges full of birds and wildlife, before sinking cheese platters with the best outback sunsets you’ll ever see.

Soak and swim in Babinda Boulders

Cairns abounds in natural beauty from the Reef to the rainforest, but nothing quite relaxes mind, body and soul like a soak in Babinda Boulders – whether you’re travelling or a long-time local. Where cool emerald water weaves its way in cascades past huge granite boulders, all under a thick canopy of rainforest – this is the dictionary definition of enchanting.

Find Babinda Boulders around one hour drive south of Cairns, or head here with Waterfall Wanderers who will lead you to some more of Cairns’ secret spots in an action-packed day.

Please note: Stick to the designated swimming areas (indicated by signage) and do not swim in strong currents or poor weather conditions, especially after heavy rainfall.

Hike where luxury meets landscapes on Spicers Scenic Rim trail 

Just a stone’s throw from Brisbane, the Scenic Rim has been named one of Lonely Planet’s best regions of the world to visit in 2022 – and for a truly unforgettable experience, you can dive right in the deep end with a trek along Spicers Scenic Rim Trail that includes some serious luxury touches.

Days spent exploring World Heritage-listed sub-tropical rainforest are matched with nights cozied up in unique eco camps, dining with new friends. Knowledgeable guides lead the way as you explore this relatively undiscovered region of world-class walking trails. The walking season is March to November, with options for 2, 3, 5 and 7-day walks. Here’s what to expect on this remarkable nature holiday. 

Explore the Gondwana Rainforests of Queensland

Imagine a landscape so old and wondrous that it pre-dates the dinosaurs. You probably didn’t imagine that you’d be looking to the hinterland just beyond the Gold Coast’s golden beaches.

Encompassing four national parks - Lamington, Springbrook, Main Range and Mount Barney - the Gondwana Rainforest is a haven for hikers, and spectacular scenery is on show whether you have just a few hours for a short wander or several days for The Great Walk. Among the most impressive are the region's many waterfalls: be sure to put Morans Falls (a two-hour hike in Lamington National Park) and Natural Bridge (a stunning cave-like structure home to wildlife and glow worms) on your radar.

But for the ultimate adventure, traverse some of the world’s oldest remaining subtropical rainforest with AusWalk for one of south-east Queensland’s most fascinating nature holidays.

On a six day guided group trek, you’ll hike through Gondwana Rainforests across Lamington and Springbrook National Park, where towering trees meet clear water rushing over millions-of-years old valleys. This is a holiday, after all, and with pack-free travel you can fully immerse yourself in the World Heritage beauty that surrounds you – and end each day in comfortable accommodation with chef-prepared meals.

Discover ancient rock art on a Cape York camping adventure

Venture to the living history book that is Cape York with Indigenous owned and operated Jarramali Rock Art Tours for a 4WD-ing adventure deep into sacred lands – somewhere you can reach only with these guides. Expect awe-inspiring views, rugged landscapes and quiet moments on ancient country that is home to over 40,000 years of Indigenous history. But it’s the rock art that is the true highlight here.

Hosted by a Kuku Yalanji guide, immerse yourself in Australia’s rich culture on a one or two night adventure. Take in Quinkan Rock Art sites, wander through spectacular terrain, dip in freshwater swimming holes, share stories around the campfire then fall asleep under a blanket of stars at an outback bush camp.

Live and scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef

It might be one of Queensland’s most famous landmarks, but there’s plenty of untouched coral reef to discover on board a Great Barrier Reef liveaboard that’ll take you far beyond the day-trippers to a whole new world of wonder.

Mike Ball Dive Expeditions offers one of the best liveaboard experiences in Cairns & Great Barrier Reef. Head out into the deep blue on a three, four or seven night dive trip for the chance to experience so many different reef systems, including famous spots like Cod Hole and Steve’s Bommie. Descend below to meet vibrant coral walls, dive with sharks, then explore the reef’s nocturnal side on a night dive by torchlight.

Life’s pretty good at the surface too. You’ve got a front row seat to the beauty of sunrise and sunset over the Coral Sea, incredible meals to fuel you, and plenty of reasons to toast with new friends.

If you’re up for a dive adventure, this is it. Time it right and you may even get the chance to swim with rare dwarf minke whales – an experience that’ll leave a big mark on your heart.

Sail through The Whitsundays  

The Whitsundays might be known for its bareboating experiences, but if you’d prefer to kick back and soak in every moment, let the crew at Prosail take the helm – they know these waters like the backs of their hand and can lead you to most incredible spots.

Lap up every moment – with no need to turn down a glass of sparkling or rock-off to see who fires up the BBQ – as you sail through the islands. You’ll see the ‘big ticket’ destinations like Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, but you’ll discover your own pocket of paradise as you anchor in quiet coves, dive in for a snorkel or SUP, and let the wind carry you to the next spot for stargazing.

Got a crew of your own? Prosail can create a private charter experience tailored to what you want to do and see.

Hike to the base of Queen Mary Falls

You might think a hike to the base of waterfall that plunges 40 metres through ancient Gondwana Rainforest would be an all-day affair, but Queen Mary Falls is an easily accessible adventure. Hear the rush of water as you peer at the falls from the clifftop above thanks to a lookout mere moments from the carpark, then set off on the short 2km circuit to the bottom. Marvel at the rainbows created by the waterfall’s sheer mist, and watch as the creek continues its twisting journey along the valley, to join the Condamine River’s upper reaches.

Here’s how to turn your visit into a one-day road trip from Brisbane or the Gold Coast that leads you to more hidden wonders in the countryside. 

Cool off at Stony Creek, Byfield National Park

Love to get off the beaten track? Byfield National Park on the Capricorn Coast is the hidden gem you’ve been trying to find. Most of this national park is accessible by 4WD only, which keeps much of the crowds away – though you’ll probably run into a few folks at Stony Creek, where milky blue waters meet a rocky shoreline among the bush. This is the ideal spot for a cooling dip, with a picnic area and campground nearby for those who want to spend a little longer soaking up the magic. 

Ascend granite peaks in Girraween National Park

Tucked into the bushland of Southern Queensland Country, three hours’ drive south of Brisbane, Girraween National Park is unlike any other – with gravity-defying natural rock formations to scale on foot. Sweat it out on the short and steep route to The Pyramid, or opt for the 15km return day hike to Mount Norman which will lead you past park icons including Castle Rock, The Sphinx and Turtle Rock.

As far as hiking trail to wine trail ratios go, the Granite Belt has to be Queensland’s best. Be sure to add time in your adventure to visit a few of the region’s top wineries.

If you’re looking for a guided experience, ParkTours offers 4-day short breaks that include days hiking through the national park, private yoga classes, savouring local food and wine, and evenings relaxing at Girraween Environmental Lodge.

Kayak-camp through island paradise

Prefer to see the sights with your own paddle power? Salty Dog Sea Kayaking offers unique guided kayak tours through the spectacular Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Departing from Airlie Beach, over six unforgettable days you’ll paddle between islands, splitting time on the water with setting up camp at some of the most incredible addresses on earth – including an overnight at Whitehaven Beach – one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. After all, these blues have to be seen to be believed, and you’ll get to see it long after the day trippers have gone home.

This tour you won’t just have the best views on top of the water, there’s plenty of opportunities to dive beneath the surface and snorkel some of the best coral reef sites in The Whitsundays, where you’ll meet giant Maori Wrasse and manta rays.

Short on time? Get a taste of the adventure on a half day or full day tour instead.

Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest

Feel the rhythm of the Australian wilderness, which beats louder than ever in the Daintree. A visit to the oldest surviving tropical rainforest on earth is a soulful experience, where ancient flora, rare fauna found nowhere else, and rich Indigenous culture meet. Calling this ‘paradise’ is an understatement, and it really takes standing underneath the rainforest canopy, and feeling its cool mist and the hum of birdlife, to appreciate your surroundings.

Escape here with Daintree Safaris or Billy Tea Safaris and you’ll come to understand not just its beauty, but a feeling you just can’t shake once you step foot in the forest. Both will take you on an action-packed day of guided walks, to where the rainforest meets the reef at Cape Tribulation beach, secluded swimming spots in the rainforest, a Daintree River cruise with croc-spotting and then cool off with locally made ice-cream. But don’t worry, you’ll still have plenty of time to stop and breathe it all in.

Get under the skin of Carnarvon Gorge

Exploring Carnarvon Gorge – with its towering sandstone cliffs, garden oases bursting with life, and ancient Indigenous rock art galleries – is like stepping into an Attenborough documentary. Even more so if you join a guided tour with the specialists at Carnarvon Gorge Eco Tours. 

The best way to explore this national park is to spend a few days and fully immerse yourself. Spot nocturnal wildlife on a night safari, and take the classic full day guided walk on the Lower Gorge Explorer that takes in the ‘Big 4’ major sites. Then set off with your guide to explore secret, off-track locations on another day tour that takes you along private tracks and trails – a backstage pass to one of Australia's most fascinating natural wonders.

Discover Dreamtime legend in the Glass House Mountains

The jagged peaks of the Glass House Mountains dominate the Sunshine Coast Hinterland skyline, and the Dreaming legend of how the mountains formed is as enchanting as the views. Indigenous stories interpret the landscape as a family, and you can trace the history of these 25 million year old volcanic plugs with each step you take on the trails through this national park.

Those looking to conquer a peak should tackle the 2.8km return trek to the top of Mt Ngungun, most awe-inspiring during golden hour (note: Jinibara people and Kabi Kabi people request that visitors don’t climb Beerwah or Tibrogargan out of respect of the mountains’ sacred values).

Can’t get enough of these iconic peaks? Stop for lunch with a view at The Lookout Café, spend a while taking in the vistas from Glasshouse Mountains Lookout, or turn your trip into an overnighter: Glass on Glasshouse and Glasshouse Mountains Eco Lodge are both unforgettable destinations to cosy in for the evening. 

Craving more adventures? Discover Queensland's Great Walks or load up the 4WD to go off-road in these national parks.