Off the beaten path: new places to discover in Queensland

School holidays, public holiday weekends, and special occasion dates often mean popular places in Queensland book up quickly, which can feel especially disappointing if you’re got your heart set on somewhere specific.

No matter what your brief is though, the show must go on. With so many beautiful places to discover in Queensland, you’re never stuck for finding incredible understudy options – there’s a twin town, cousin island, or comrade experience for every scenario. It’s also the perfect opportunity to explore somewhere new, escape the crowds, or to veer off the beaten path.

If plan A is out of the window – shake it off, put a pin in it for another time, and choose an alternative place to discover. Below you’ll find ideas for holiday destinations across Queensland you may not have considered.

Additionally, Cairns and the Gold Coast currently has plenty of room at the inn, so you're never stuck for choice. 

Beaches

While the bustling surf towns of the Gold Coast may jump to mind when dreaming of a beach-based getaway, there’s no shortage of sand to share in Queensland. In fact, with more than 6,000km of coastline, you’ll easily find a beach perfect for you, even at the businest times of year. Oh, and if you haven’t watched a sunrise over a Queensland beach, you’re missing out.

Agnes Water, Gladstone

Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and diverse national parks, Agnes Water is a quiet, seaside getaway, perfect for creating simple family memories. You can camp right on the water here, which could just be Queensland's best kept beachside secret. 

Read more: 9 of the best things to do in Agnes Water and 1770.

Kirra, Gold Coast

Believed to be named after a boomerang, the beach-side neighbourhood of Kirra wraps around the bend separating Coolangatta and Kirra beaches. This laid-back beach destination is known for its world-class surf breaks, weatherboard beach shacks, and emerging café culture scene. Like a boomerang, you’ll just keep coming back.

Rainbow Beach, Sunshine Coast

Nestled between Cooloola National Park and Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach is full of adventure. Here you can explore the rainbow hues of the seaside beach cliffs, hike through the sub-tropical rainforest fringing the dunes, or switch the bitumen for a 4x4 off-road adventure along the Great Beach Drive. 

Read more: A local’s guide to the hidden paradise of Rainbow Beach.

Hervey Bay, Fraser Coast

For the ultimate beach holiday without the crowds, head to Hervey Bay for sun, sand, seafood and soulfulness. With unspoilt coastline, quiet charm and raw nature aplenty, you’ll come away from the world’s whale-watching capital feeling refreshed and re-energised. 

Read more: How to spend a perfect long weekend in Hervey Bay.

Ellis Beach, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

With a population of 24, the serene atmosphere of Ellis Beach makes this coastal community the perfect relaxation location. Featuring beautiful pumice-filled shorelines, you’ll find a beachfront caravan park and a popular bar and grill restaurant (tip: try the oysters). The local surf lifesaving club also regularly hosts competitions and events along the beach.

Islands

Packed with culture, adventure and an idyllic escape from the everyday, Queensland’s many islands offer a magical holiday destination. If some of the closer-to-home islands are full to the brim, take a peek at some of these hidden gems.

Great Keppel Island, Capricorn

For a simple, relaxed oasis, and supremely affordable Queensland Island getaway, Great Keppel Island is a shining jewel. Nestled within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, this picturesque natural wonder is known for its soft sands, unbelievably aquamarine waters, and island wildlife.

Read more: Things to do on Great Keppel Island

Heron Island, Gladstone

Located off Gladstone in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, the moment you step foot on Heron Island, you’ll be greeted by the magnificent marine life under the jetty. Home to turtle hatchlings, research centres, incredible wildlife and a unique eco-tourism experience for all visitors, age groups, and interests, you’ll feel miles away from it all.

Read more: A long weekend on Heron Island

Long Island, The Whitsundays

With 13km of extensive walking tracks, stunning lookouts, protected bays and beautiful secluded beaches, Long Island is just as gorgeous as its popular neighbours. Enjoy bushwalks, explore the fringing coral reef, snorkel off the beaches, or relax under the coconut palms.

Read more: How to while away a weekend on Long Island in The Whitsundays

Lizard Island, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Located on the northern end of the Great Barrier Reef, Lizard Island is about as close to paradise as you can get. Boasting 24 powdery white private beaches, a host of unique cultural experiences, and accessible only by a scenic 60-minute private charter ride from Cairns Airport, it’s well worth seeking out.

Read more: Why you need to do 48 hours on Lizard Island to your holiday radar.

Frankland Islands, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Located 45kms south of Cairns, the five islands of Frankland Group National Park are an untouched treasure. Totally uninhabited and surrounded by extensive fringing reefs, you’ll experience the best of reef and rainforest. Camp overnight on Russell Island to truly experience this peaceful island group.

Adventure

If you’re looking for adventure, Queensland's unique and renowned landscape has countless opportunities to take you out of your comfort zone. While some of the biggest thrill-seeking experiences can fill up quickly, there’s more than enough exhilaration in Queensland’s backyard to go around, if you know where to look.

Cobbold Gorge, Outback Queensland

Smack-bang in the middle of Outback Queensland, you’ll find Cobbold Gorge – a true red dirt experience with a watery twist. This ancient geological landform is unique in its narrow sandstone formations and spectacular 30-foot cliffs. To protect this unique environment, access to Cobbold Gorge is by guided tour only. Walk over the glass bridge, take a boat tour, stand-up paddleboard through the gorge, or take a scenic helicopter flight.

Read more: How to do Cobbold Gorge in 48 hours

Tamborine Mountain Rainforest Skywalk, Gold Coast

Located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk showcases the pristine beauty of the lush rainforest in a safe but exhilarating way. This 1.5km rainforest walking experience includes the Skywalk Bridge, the 40-metre Skywalk Cantilever, and the Cedar Creek Viewing Platform, joined by a winding pathway along the canopy floor.

Read more: Hinterland haven: How to do Tamborine Mountain

Aussie World, Sunshine Coast

When you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled activity that’s a little quieter than the adventure playground on the Gold Coast, head to Aussie World in Palmview for thrilling rides and a fun day out for the kids and the big kids at heart.

Read more: How to make the most out of a day at Aussie World

Scenic Rim Adventure Park, Brisbane

Located in the picturesque Scenic Rim region, Scenic Rim Adventure Park is a four-wheel-drive and camping experience that provides guests with the opportunity to get back to nature, enjoying and exploring the outdoors.

With 14 campsites throughout the entire property, and outdoor recreational activities, including over 20km of off-road four-wheel driving tracks, it’s an activity playground for both kids and adults.

Read more: Quick escape: 48 hours in the Scenic Rim

Wildlife

Looking for Queensland’s furry and friendly mates? While there’s nothing like seeing Australian wildlife in the wild, Queensland also boasts world-class zoos and animal sanctuaries. Here are some of the lesser-known wildlife havens to choose from if you need a break from the holiday crowds.

Wildlife Habitat, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Wildlife Habitat in Port Douglas is a wildlife immersion exhibit for guests and animals to mingle in a spacious natural setting. Here you can hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies, observe cassowaries and Lumholtz's tree kangaroos, walk the plank over crocodile-filled waters, meet nocturnal animals under a starry night sky, and join a guided wildlife presentation to learn more about the resident wildlife.

Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, Capricorn

Located just 30 minutes from Rockhampton, at Cooberrie Park Wildlife Sanctuary, you can cuddle a koala, hold a crocodile, snake or lizard, play with birds, interact with playful monkeys, and hand-feed kangaroos. A swimming pool, paddling pool, and barbecue facilities are all included with admission.

David Fleay Wildlife Park, Gold Coast

Nestled in the heart of Burleigh Heads is a wildlife park with a difference. Meet crocodiles, koalas, emus, brolgas, dingoes, dunnarts, bilbies and kangaroos, along with the resident platypus, Wally. Explore the park on your own or catch up with the dedicated Park Rangers to learn more about how they care for Queensland's unique wildlife. 

You can also explore the nearby Tallebudgera Creek mangrove boardwalk and learn about the area's Indigenous culture and the role of mangrove communities.

Billabong Sanctuary, Townsville

20 minutes south of Townsville is Billabong Sanctuary, a small boutique park that specialises in memorable personal experiences. Get up close to a koala, pat a wombat, pose with a parrot, pat a dingo, and feed the cassowaries. For the picture-perfect moment, a new Roving Rangers feature brings animals up close to family groups for a friendly chat and photo opportunities.

Bungalow Bay Koala Village, Townsville

Magnetic Island is all about the wildlife, and set in the heart of the National Park is Bungalow Bay Koala Village, an advanced eco-accredited village and koala wildlife park. Daily tours are conducted with onsite rangers offering local stories and personal experiences with native Australian Wildlife.

Birdworld Kuranda, Cairns and Great Barrier Reef

Home to the largest single collection of free-flying birds in Australia (around 500), Birdworld Kuranda is a photographers paradise. The sanctuary displays 60 species of the most spectacular birds from all corners of the planet. Visitors are free to wander through the lush, tropically landscaped aviary to observe the birds in their own specific, yet natural habitats. 

Looking for more ideas? Check out these tips on how to make the most out of Queensland's school holidays.