These 15 epic natural wonders in Queensland belong on your must-do list

Meet Australia’s natural wonderland. Queensland is a place overflowing with potential when it comes to outdoor adventures, with a diverse natural environment ranging from luscious rainforest to rainbow reef. Our landscape already has quite the reputation, with five of the 16 World Heritage areas in Australia found within our borders, mingling alongside more than 450 national parks, marine refuges and state forests.

But while you’re sure to know a couple of these must-visit sites, we have a few hidden gems up our sleeve among the following 15 natural wonders in Queensland.

Great Barrier Reef

The most famous of the natural wonders in Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef. The world’s largest coral reef system is comprised of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands within 344,400 square kilometres.

The world’s your oyster for how you choose to see this icon in the flesh - perhaps you’ll splurge, sailing your way by luxury yacht, or hiring a private helicopter to show you the reef from a bird’s eye view. You can even spend the night with your head above the coral with the Reefsleep experience. Though budget-friendly offerings are equally abundant - take a half or full day tour to snorkel and scuba your way among the rainbow-hued reef. Keep an eye out for the 500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays, and more than 30 species of marine mammals, that call this place home.

The Daintree Rainforest, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Greet the oldest rainforest in the world with a visit to the Wet Tropics, a five-strong precinct of diverse foliage that contains the Daintree. Immerse yourself in its history (dating back tens of millions of years) with a guided tour of the region - explore with an intimate group courtesy of Back Country Bliss Adventures, follow the lead of Walkabout Cultural Tours around Port Douglas, or join Traditional Owners for a Dreamtime Walk at Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre. Still hungry to learn more about this ancient landmark? Mingle among the canopy at the award-winning Daintree Discovery Centre, which boasts the 11-metre-high Rainforest Skywalk. After a day’s exploration, kick up your feet with a stay in the revered Daintree Eco Lodge.

Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast

Take a walk on the wild side at Springbrook National Park, a luscious hinterland bordering the bright lights of the Gold Coast. This place is as ancient as they come, boasting vegetation which dates back more than 100 million years, and forms a part of the quartet that makes up the Gondwana World Heritage-listed area (Lamington, Mount Barney and Main Range are the others). Make like one of the two million other visitors each year, donning your walking boots to enjoy the bushwalking tracks that greet many a landmark, including Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls. It’s here you can cool off with a dip below in the lower Warringa pool, before ending the night on a high with a stay at the luxury Nightfall Camp, an immersive glamping experience perched on Christmas Creek.

Lamington National Park, Scenic Rim

You’ll find just as much adventure in neighbouring Lamington National Park, a fellow member of the Gondwana World Heritage-listed area. Explore your way among the thick vegetation, home to the rare Albert’s lyrebird, making sure to take in the sight of the thunderous Morans Falls, which tumbles 80m into Morans Creek gorge.

Lamington National Park is one of six national parks within the picture-perfect Scenic Rim, a mountainous precinct famed for its rugged beauty and hiking trails. But wilderness-based capers aren’t all there is to offer here - this is wine country, offering plenty of opportunity to get better acquainted with Queensland vino thanks to the bounty of resident vineyards. Not to mention the luxury abodes on offer - the family friendly O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat and secluded Binna Burra Mountain Lodge among them.

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park, Outback Queensland (currently closed)

Get off the beaten track in the Outback. After hours spent trawling the vibrant red dirt of the north-west highlands of the state you’ll find the desert oasis of Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill National Park), one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Queensland.

A combination of tall sandstone cliffs, emerald-hued waters and teeming foliage will greet you, with no limit as to how you can experience them for yourself.Kayak or canoe your way down the gorges, hike the web of walking tracks that scatter its width, or swim the waters of the Lawn Hill Creek. Keep an eye out for Lawn Hill Gorge residents including 20 species of fish, 12 species of frogs, 3 species of turtles, and freshwater crocodiles. Accommodation for the night is conveniently not far, at Adels Grove, just 10 kilometres away.

K’Gari (Fraser Island), Fraser Coast

Venture your way through the dunes on the world’s largest sand island, K'gari (Fraser Island), a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to unwind thanks to its bevy of activities and natural landmarks. Find yourself a 4WD to drive your way along the rugged beach highways and through the adjoining rainforest, refreshing yourself with a dip at the picturesque Lake McKenzie (neighbouring Kingfisher Bay Resort) or Eli Creek. Not forgetting the Instagram-friendly Champagne Pools, a group of recreational pools formed by volcanic rocks.

There’s plenty of adventure to be had back on land of course - wander among the giant king ferns and kauri pines of Pine Valley, and the giant satinay trees (stretching 40 metres up) that form the Valley of the Giants, before making a pit stop at the historic logging community of Central Station.

Noosa Everglades, Sunshine Coast

Cruise your way along one of the only two everglades on the planet in the Noosa Everglades, an ecosystem so diverse it boasts more than 40% of the country’s bird species. You’ll find this expansive tropical wetland in the Noosa Biosphere region, north of the pristine beaches and surf breaks that have made the area a favourite destination among holidaymakers.

There are plenty of different ways to get up close and personal with the tannin-rich waters of this wonderland, dubbed the ‘river of mirrors’ - paddle your own way solo or join one of the many guided boat and kayak tours that cruise their way through the maze of waterways, like the award-winning Everglades Eco Safaris. You can even spend the night, resting your head at eco-camp Habitat Noosa.

Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, The Whitsundays

Greet one of the world’s most beautiful sandy strips at Whitehaven Beach, regularly voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. There are a myriad of different ways to get to know the alabaster sands and crystalline waters of this Whitsundays resident a little better - fly your way with Whitsundays Sea Planes, speed through the surrounding 74 islands via jet boat, or paddle as a part of the Salty Sea Dog Kayaking Tour. Or captain your own ship - The Whitsundays is the only place in the world where you can rent a multi-million-dollar boat without a licence.

After a day spent splashing around this piece of paradise, don’t forget to take in the views from Hill Inlet on the northern end of the beach.

Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

If you consider yourself an animal lover, then you’ve no excuse for not visiting Hervey Bay, on the cusp of K'gari (Fraser Island), three and a half hours north of the Queensland capital of Brisbane. This is the world’s first Whale Heritage Site thanks to it being one of the best places around the globe for whale-watching, boasting an experience like no other and an army of specialised tours to boot. In fact, you’ll find yourself in the only place in the world where humpback whales stop on their annual migration from Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef each year, between the months of July and November.

Mon Repos Turtle Centre, Southern Great Barrier Reef

Make your own contribution to the conservation of Australia’s population of marine turtles at Mon Repos Turtle Centre. The Bundaberg institution is a space devoted to marine turtle research, protection, and education and is much applauded for its support of the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles on the eastern Australian mainland, as well as the most significant population of loggerhead turtle in the South Pacific.

If you drop by Mon Repos between November to March, you’ll be able to join expert Park Rangers to play a part in the popular Encounter Tours. These will gift you the rare opportunity to see these giants of the deep lay their eggs (between November and January), and catch hatching babies flee the sand for the sea (from January to March).

Cobbold Gorge, Outback Queensland

Among the 15 must-see natural wonders in Queensland is Cobbold Gorge, the youngest of the state’s gorges at just 10,000 years of age. This remote landmark sits six hours inland from Townsville and Cairns so may be best used as a pitstop during a road trip along the Savannah Way, with accommodation available at nearby Cobbold Village. But the effort to reach this destination is worth it (we promise) with unique sandstone formations, including 30-foot-high cliffs that gather as narrow as 2 metres in parts, greeting you on arrival.

To discover this awe-inspiring landmark for yourself you’re best taking to the waterways. Join a boat cruise with a Savannah Guide who will showcase the incredible beauty of this ancient place with an ample side of history, or make your own way atop a stand-up paddle board along the glassy waterways. If you don’t like getting your feet wet, enjoy the brand new 19 metre-high, 11-metre long glass viewing bridge.

Glass House Mountains, Sunshine Coast

Take to new heights on the Sunshine Coast - while the region may be best known for its idyllic beaches, there’s plenty of land-based exploration to be had, particularly among the Glass House Mountains. These 11 rugged volcanic peaks sitting in hinterland are a one-hour drive from Noosa and Brisbane both. Spend your time among this natural playground of walking tracks, horse trails and abseiling locations - hike the 30-minute Tibrogargan walking circuit, and stroll your way through the Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Brisbane and Moreton Bay.

You’ll be charmed by both the natural beauty of this destination as well as its cultural significance - The Glass House Mountains are a special meeting place for Indigenous owners the Gubbi Gubbi people, who gathered for ceremonial sites and trading. It’s also a popular place to visit for a country getaway, with Glass on Glasshouse and Glasshouse Mountains Ecolodge catering to the crowds.

Undara Volcanic National Park, Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Discover one of the world’s longest lava tube cave systems in the world at Undara Volcanic National Park near Townsville in North Queensland. Prepare to be amazed by what you find here - this ancient site was born around 190,000 years ago when a large volcano erupted violently, throwing molten lava over the surrounding landscape. The lava flowed down a dry riverbed, with the top outer layer cooling and forming a crust, while the molten lava drained to leave the resulting series of hollow tubes.

You can access Undara only when accompanied by a guide, who will lead you through the caves, which now host some rainforest, providing shelter to rock wallabies, bat colonies and owls in the cool dark. Accommodation is just as unique as the wildlife here - spend the night with the Undara Experience, where you’ll be housed in one of 19th-century restored railway carriages.

Lady Elliot Island, Southern Great Barrier Reef

If you make your way to the southernmost tip of the Great Barrier Reef, you’ll come to find the beautiful Lady Elliot Island. While this coral cay sitting in the protected Green Zone of the unspoilt reef is home to an abundance of 1200 species of marine life, it’s particularly famous for its healthy population of Manta Rays.

This is your chance to introduce yourself to these gentle giants, which are the largest ray and boast a wingspan of up to 7 metres. While sightings are common in the surrounding waters year-through, they gather in large numbers during the winter months, between May and June. Want to swim among them? That’s a possibility; just let local eco-tourism business Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort show you the way.

Carlo Sand Blow, Sunshine Coast

Prepare to be astounded by the unique sand mass that forms the Carlo Sand Blow. Wind engulfing a forest with sand is how these towering cliffs were formed, which are said to resemble the moon, and cover an astounding 15 hectares. You can make your way here on foot or by car - walk your way from the Rainbow Beach Information Centre, or for a shorter stroll make your way from the Carlo Sandblow car park. It’s worthwhile making your way to the top of the blow where you’ll enjoy 180 degree views over Rainbow Beach, K'gari (Fraser Island) and Inskip Peninsula. Not to mention give the chance to toboggan your way downhill.