Wander to wonder: 11 spectacular Queensland national parks you need to visit

100km from Brisbane, or 45km from the Gold Coast.

Discover the green beyond the Gold Coast at Lamington National Park. Home to the most extensive area of ancient sub-tropical rainforest in the world, dating back over 180 million years, raging waterfalls and countless hiking trails – Lamington is one of the best nature escapes you can take. 

Added bonus? You’re just a stone's throw from more of Queensland’s best waterfalls at neighbouring Springbrook National Park. If you venture this way, Purlingbrook Falls, Twin Falls and Natural Bridge are must-sees.

Take it easy: Get a new perspective on the Tree Top Walk, or wander the Centenary track. Starting just down the road from the Green Mountains day-use area, it's an easy (1.8km return) historically significant track that winds through an aromatic forest filled with vibrant bird life.

Get your sweat on: Box Forest Circuit is a stunning waterfall-laden 10km walk including Elebana Falls. For a real challenge, tackle three days backpacking on the Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

Rest your head: Sleep soundly among the trees at O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Binna Burra Sky Lodges, glamp at nightfall, or go back to basics at Green Mountain camping area.

Let locals lead the way: Day trip from the coast with Southern Cross Tours, join a multi-day guided group trek through the hinterland, or make your way to O'Reilly's where you can sign up for segway safaris, guided walks, birdwatching and more.

Discover one of the world’s longest lava tubes: Undara Volcanic National Park

300km from Cairns.

190,000 years ago, the lava that poured out of Kalkani Crater flowed down a dry river bed, cooled, crusted over and left behind an empty tube of lava—Australia’s longest lava tube. Over time, parts of the tube collapsed, forming more than 70 caves which can be explored at Undara Volcanic National Park.

Take it easy: Take a hike at your own leisure to Rosella Plains Lookout Trail or along the short Kalkani Crater Rim Walk. However, you really need to stand in one of the caves to appreciate its size - so be sure to join a lava tubes tour.

Rest your head: Spend the night in unique railway carriage digs, then wake up to a classic Bush Brekkie. 

Let locals lead the way: Undara Experience's team are the experts who know these caves like the back of their hand. Join them for a tour (options for easy and moderate fitness levels) then return at golden hour to see thousands of micro-bats as they emerge each evening.

Island-hop your way through paradise: Whitsunday Islands National Park

Access via boat or air from Airlie Beach, 270km from Townsville.

Whitsunday Islands National Park is home to Whitehaven Beach – consistently voted one of the world’s most beautiful beaches – but that's just the beginning of what you'll discover here.

There’s so many more reasons to plan a trip to this sprawling Queensland national park, which you can explore by foot, air, beneath the surface or on your own sailboat.

Take it easy: Set sail on a chartered yacht for the day, or splash out for a seaplane flight and picnic on Whitehaven Beach, before snorkelling through secluded bays.

Get your sweat on: Hike the 5km to Whitsundays Peak for panoramic views of Hill Inlet, Whitehaven Beach and surrounding islands; or gear up for your own kayak-camp adventure along the Ngaro Sea Trail.

Rest your head: Captain your own liveaboard, camp out on a pontoon in the middle of the reef, check into newly-renovated Hayman Island Resort or barefoot-luxe Elysian Retreat for the perfect launchpad to explore the islands.

Let locals lead the way: Island-hop by sea kayak on a day tour or multi-day camping expedition with the Salty Dog crew, or get a moving insight into the history of the area with Whitsundays Paradise Explorer. Their Indigenous tour will lead you by boat to some of the region's most sacred sights, teaching customs and traditions along the way.

Visit an outdoor gallery of Aboriginal art: Carnarvon National Park

700km from Brisbane.

Only those who venture here can truly understand what a remarkable Queensland national park this is. Towering sandstone cliffs, prehistoric cycads, 200+ species of birds and one of Australia’s most significant Indigenous rock art galleries meet at Carnarvon Gorge. From Boolimba Bluff’s sweeping views to the oasis-green gorge floor, the immense size and tiny details will floor you.

Take it easy: Get a bird’s-eye view of Carnarvon Gorge with a scenic tour with Heli-Central. You’ll spot the more remote parts of park, like the Three Sisters, Wool Pack and deep narrow gorges – places normally only viewed by the hardiest of hikers who conquer the six- or seven-day Carnarvon Great Walk.

Get your sweat on: Set off on the Main Gorge Track (20km, allow 8 hours) that takes in the park’s biggest sights including Moss Gardens, the Amphitheatre and Art Gallery before reaching Big Bend. If you’re short on time, don’t stress – you can adapt the walk to suit the time you have (check out this full guide for all the best hikes).

Rest your head: For nature lovers, Wallaroo Outback Retreat can’t be beat. Here you’ll find glamping tents set on a 72,000 acre cattle farm – about an hour’s drive from Carnarvon National Park.

Let locals lead the way: Nobody knows this park quite like Australian Nature Guides, the only specialist guiding service in Carnarvon Gorge. See the main sights, get off the beaten track, or take a guided night safari: either way, their insight is unmatched.

For an enchanting coastal walk: Noosa National Park

150km from Brisbane

Only in Queensland can a spectacular coastal national park be found just steps away from a world-class dining hub.

Just beyond bustle of Hastings Street’s coffee-slinging cafes and hatted restaurants, you’ll find secluded beaches, secret swimming holes, coastal lookouts and 15km of trails to explore in Noosa National Park. Lose yourself in the beauty of this coastal park – without any chance of getting lost (the trails here are well marked).

Take it easy: Pack a feast and stroll to Picnic Cove to have one of your own, followed by a glimpse of the photogenic Fairy Pools nearby.

Get your sweat on: Make your way along the 10km return coastal track to Lion Rock. Take the inland Tanglewood Walk on the way back – and keep your eyes out for koalas.

Rest your head: Noosa’s luxury digs are calling, so cool off at beachfront Netanya or a treetop villa at Peppers, nestled by the national park.

Let locals lead the way: While you’re in the area, kayak the nearby Noosa Everglades in the Upper Noosa River – one of only two everglades on earth. Head out with Kanu Kapers or Everglades Eco Safaris.

Step into the world’s oldest rainforest: Daintree National Park

20km from Port Douglas, 80km from Cairns.

Daintree National Park is the jewel of the world-heritage listed Wet Tropics eco-system. This rainforest is the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world, thought to be 165 million years old – trumping even the Amazon.

With two distinct sections, Mossman and Cape Tribulation, you’ll find gorges, ancient plants, rare flora and the chance to see animals you can’t see anywhere else in the world (including the cassowary – but keep your distance).

Whether you have one day or more, it’s certainly worth the trip.

Take it easy: For those who like their walks under a kilometre or require accessible paths, the Daintree is full of them. Our picks include the Baral Marrjanga track (270m) or the aerial walkway at Daintree Discovery Centre which offers views from the forest floor to neck-craning reaches of the rainforest canopy.

Get your sweat on: Serious climbers should make a beeline for the seven hour scenic hike winding from the lowlands of Cape Tribulation to the ridge of Mount Sorrow. 

Rest your head: Sleep amongst the forest in a banyan at Daintree Ecolodge, camp in the National Park at Noah Beach, or settle in at the perfect Port Douglas hotel suited to your style.

Let locals lead the way: A guided Ngadiku Dreamtime Walk (led by the Kuku Yalanji people) is the best way to truly appreciate Mossman Gorge. Eco-certified Billy Tea Safaris runs small group tours of the Daintree, Cape Tribulation and Bloomfield Track, while you can cruise the waterways and spot wildlife on a Daintree River Cruise.

Hike rugged granite peaks: Glass House Mountains National Park

60km from Brisbane, 40km from Sunshine Coast.

Skyscrapers look a little different on the Sunshine Coast.

The 11 iconic volcanic peaks of Glass House Mountains National Park tower above the Hinterland landscape – you can even see them from the beaches.

And it’s a bit of a family affair. The mountains have great cultural significance for the Jinibara and Kabi Kabi people: their dreaming stories explain that the peaks are Dad (Tibrogargan), Mum (Beerwah) and their many children.

At just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, it’s an easy day trip or weekend adventure.

Take it easy: Wild Horse Mountain Lookout near the Bruce Highway or Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny are two of the best lookouts to enjoy the views. Wind your windows down and zip through the 55km Blackall Range Tourist Drive. It’s one of the most scenic drives in the country, with views of the Glass House Mountains, as well as back to the beaches. This subtropical area is home to farms growing pineapples, strawberries, avocados and macadamias, so look out for roadside stalls selling produce along the roads in the area.

Get your sweat on: Summit Mt Ngungun and be rewarded with 360-degree sweeping views across the Hinterland, including Mount Beerwah, with eldest son Coonowrin sitting directly in front of her. There are plenty of hikes in this national park to keep busy all day – from circuit tracks to harder climbs.

Rest your head: Whether you’re here for a weekend or a while, our Sunshine Coast Hinterland accommodation guide has you sorted from cottages to lakeside treehouses and luxury estates.

Swim under Australia’s highest single drop waterfall: Girringun National Park

160km from Townsville.

You might not have heard of this national park, but stand near its tumbling waterfall and you'll never forget it.

Girringun National Park is home to Wallaman Falls, Australia’s highest single drop waterfall, which cascades an impressive 268m into the pool below.

Part of world heritage listed Wet Tropics area, The park comprises six different sections in the hinterland behind Cardwell and Ingham (north of Townsville).

Take it easy: Admire Wallaman Falls from the main lookout, then walk to the second lookout which provides stunning views of the gorge and the Herbert River Valley. There are a number of short scenic walking tracks near the falls too.

Get your sweat on: The 4km track from the road at the top of Wallaman Falls, winding through the steamy rainforest to the 20 metre deep pool below is worth the trek. Girringun National Park is also the gateway to the Wet Tropics Great Walks. Discover plunging waterfalls, lush gorges and unbeatable views as you tackle one of the two-day walks that start from Wallaman Falls and trek down the Herbert River valley.

Rest your head: Base yourself in Cardwell, or camp at one of the six camping areas within the park.

Hop between granite rocks and cellar doors: Girraween National Park

With major sites like The Pyramid and The Sphinx, you might not guess this national park is in Southern Queensland Country.

But it’s here that vast wine-country (and cellar doors) rubs shoulders with the rugged landscapes and rocky granite outcrops of Girraween National Park. The park is best seen on foot, with three scenic short walks you can tackle individually, or combine into an unforgettable day of hiking.

In winter, this is the chilliest spot in Queensland. Come spring, it’s bursting with wildflowers.

Take it easy: Granite Arch is a straightforward 1.6km circuit that loops through open blackbutt and stringybark forests and passes right through a natural granite arch.

Get your sweat on: Do the 3.6km return scramble up The Pyramid for a bird’s-eye view of the park below (not for the faint of heart) and a quick snap at Balancing Rock. A slightly longer hike is the 7km track to some of the park’s main attractions including The Sphinx, Turtle Rock and Castle Rock. Along the walk, you may spot echidnas, lizards and red-neck wallabies.

Rest your head: Soak up chalet vibes at Girraween Environmental Lodge or end your day by the fireplace at Alure. More accommodation options are available in nearby Stanthorpe (here’s just a few reasons why you should extend your visit and check out the area).

Discover an outback oasis: Boodjamulla National Park

320km from Mt Isa, 1100km from Cairns.

Way out west near the Northern Territory border, this hidden gem has flown under the radar for years. But if your kind of escape is true solitude, it’s time you made your way here.

‘Boodjamulla’ (named after the Rainbow Serpent in local Waanyi culture) proves Outback Queensland isn’t all red dust and dry plains. This national park is home to colourful waterways that weave silently through giant sandstone gorges teeming with wildlife, including freshwater crocs. Don’t worry, these are the non-man-eating kind.

At Riversleigh's Site D you’ll find fossils dating back 15-25 million years, which Sir David Attenborough describes as “one of the top four most important deposits in the world”.

Take it easy: Seven walking trails ranging from 600m to 7km take you along the length of the gorge’s cliffs, waterfalls and lookouts. Some may be short and sweet, but they are big on views.

Get your sweat on: Brace yourself for steep, hilly cliffside tracks: our pick is also the longest, 3.5km (one way) towards Upper Gorge, with views back down the creek towards Middle Gorge. Don't miss a paddle in the gorge itself: it offers the best views of its red sandstone cliffs that drop into the emerald water, as well as the chance to paddle to Indarri Falls.

Rest your head: Pitch your tent within Boodjamulla National Park at Lawn Hill Gorge caming area or Miyumba camping area. Prefer creature comforts over creatures? Book into one of the cabins at Adels Grove, the only private accommodation near the national park (10km from Lawn Hill).

Plan your Outback Queensland trip with this handy guide.

Explore the world’s largest sand island: Great Sandy National Park

Begins 160km from Brisbane, 40km from Noosa.

From the technicolour sands of Rainbow Beach to the world’s largest sand island, Great Sandy National Park stretches from Noosa North Shore along the coastline to encompass K'gari (Fraser Island).

If sticking to the mainland, explore Rainbow Beach on horseback before venturing out to Carlo Sand Blow – a massive 'moonscape' sand mass overlooking the ocean.

Take the ferry to K'gari to find your spot on white silica sands of Lake McKenzie, visit wreck of S.S. Maheno, swim in the Champagne Pools, or float down the crystal clear waters of Eli Creek. You’ll probably get to see dingos too.

Take it easy: Give your legs a rest and see the sights in one day on a scenic flight, catamaran tour or guided 4WD adventure.

Get your sweat on: The journey is worth the reward if you hike from Central Station to Lake Birrabeen (12.8km return, allow 4.5–6.5hrs). It’s equally as gorgeous as Lake McKenzie, with far less people. For a multi-day hike, this national park is also home to an epic Great Walk.

Rest your head: Take your pick of accommodation on K'gari (Fraser Island), or camp along the beach of Noosa Northshore. 

Let locals lead the way: See the even more wild, untouched side of K'gari on an adventurous day tour with Tasman Venture; travel to the main attractions on day or overnight tours with Fraser Explorer; or get the full island experience with K'gari Fraser Island Adventures, a small-group tour that includes 4WD hire, glamping accommodation, dining and local guides to show you around.