Queensland, the state covering the northeast side of Australia is the most popular destination in the country. This sunshine state, with its pristine beaches, idyllic islands, rivers, reefs, and rainforests is full of surprises. Whether you came for to get tanned on its sun-kissed beaches, or to trek through its ancient forest or scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef, there will always be something extra in Queensland that could take your breath away.
When planning to go to this part of the country, you can opt to fly with Hinterland Aviation for a more convenient and faster way to get around the state. You can also make use of a live flight tracking website like flightstatus24 to monitor and check the status of your flight online. The website is free and easy to use and you can download its app on your phone at your convenience.
With so many things to see and do in this sunny part of the country, here are a few suggestions that can help you maximize your enjoyment in Queensland:
- The Great Barrier Reef. Always on the top of the list when we hear the word Queensland, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system. One of the seven wonders of the natural world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, the reef contains an abundance of marine life and the world’s largest collection of coral reefs. Visitors to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy the experience of snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, helicopter tours, and whale watching cruise or swimming with the dolphins. This popular destination will give you an incredible experience of viewing marine life from over and under the water.
- Daintree Rainforest. The planet’s oldest surviving rainforest, Daintree rainforest boasts diverse flora and fauna. Most of the Daintree forest is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to 90 percent of Australia’s bat and butterfly species. Some of the best ways to explore the rainforest are by tours that are available to give you insights about the facts and history of the Daintree Forest, or by enjoying a relaxing walk and soaking up its gorgeous waterfalls and wild rivers.
- Cairns. A gateway to the Daintree Forest and the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns is one of the most popular towns in Far North Queensland and is an excellent base for day trips. With its buzzing bars and restaurants, beach markets, and large parks, this tropical paradise caters well for tourists and backpackers.
- Four-Wheel-Driving on Fraser Island. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island is best experienced behind the wheel of a 4×4. The island is also home to dingoes and is also one of the best places to see a baby and mommy humpback whales. As a World Heritage site, Fraser Island has superb scenery and is the perfect place to go wild.
- Whitsunday Islands. Right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are made up of 74 island wonders. The stunning landscapes of this island are dotted with pristine beaches and towns and can be considered as one of the loveliest destinations in Australia.
- Kuranda. Known as the village in the rainforest, Kuranda is surrounded by the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest. Top things to do here include getting up close to the local wildlife at Kuranda Koala Garden, experiencing the Aboriginal culture at Rainforestation Nature Park, a journey through the rainforest, and riding Skyrail Rainforest Cableway high above the canopy.
- The Gold Coast. World-renowned for its beaches including the Surfer’s Paradise, a few of the things you should not miss doing here include beach hopping along the coastline, swimming beneath waterfalls in the Gold Coast hinterland, getting your adrenaline fixed in its theme parks, just hiring a bike to explore its coastal neighborhoods.
- Lamington National Park. Another World Heritage site and one of the most popular national parks in the state of Queensland, Lamington National Park is special for its lush rainforest, ancient trees, and exceptional ecological importance. Being here is like heaven for nature lovers with its more than 190 species of birds that live in the park and more than 150 kilometers of walking trails.
- Brisbane. The capital and the most populated city in Queensland, Australia, Brisbane is more sophisticated and relaxed than other larger cities in Australia. Things to do in the city include soaking up the arts and exploring art galleries, experiencing Aboriginal culture and celebration, meeting over 100 koalas in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, visiting Brisbane’s islands, and drinking and dining to a number of restaurants and cafes with local Queensland produce.
- Tamborine Mountain. Nestled between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Tamborine Mountain boasts a gorgeous little town high up on a mountain. With many referring to it as the green behind the gold, the town has stunning views of the mountain and is also famous for its wineries, gourmet restaurants, cheeses, adorable vintage stores, and vibrant art scenes.
- Australia Zoo. One of the most loved family attractions in Queensland, Australia Zoo was made famous by the late Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter. The zoo focuses on education and conservation and a must-do if you want to experience Australia’s most famous wildlife. The zoo is home to some of the most famous Aussie favorites like Kangaroos, koalas, dingoes, crocodiles, emus, wombats, among others.
