For many people, a trip to Australia is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Naturally, you want to try and squeeze as much as possible into one trip, but Australia is a huge country. Choosing one state to explore is a great tactic, and Queensland is a good pick for your first (and maybe only) time in Australia. Queensland offers a huge range of incredible things to do, whether you’re in the city, on the coast, or somewhere in the middle of the outback. No matter what type of traveller you are and what sort of experiences you’re looking for, you’ll find something that you love.
Take a look at some of these ideas to create the ultimate Queensland experience.
Visit Brisbane
As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane might be your first stop if you’re looking for a city to explore. It’s a vibrant city, full of cultural experiences and with a diverse range of things to do. If you’re someone who loves to enjoy the local food and drink when you’re travelling, you can find plenty of places to do that in Brisbane. Lots of great events are available to attend too, like the Brisbane Festival and the Brisbane Street Art Festival. As well as the city centre, there’s also the wider Brisbane area, which offers a lot more to explore, from suburbs New Farm and Fortitude Valley to Moreton Island.
Take a Road Trip
An Australian road trip is definitely an experience that you should sign up for when you’re in Queensland. There are plenty of options, and you could drive yourself or perhaps even have a guided tour. If you’re looking for an outback adventure, there’s the four-day Adventure Way trip. It will take you from Brisbane, along the same route that was once used by stagecoaches and into the west. The Great Tropical Drive starts at Palm Grove and can take you on a trip of up to 12 days, through Port Douglas, Townsville, Cairns, and more. Or if you just want a short trip, try the 30-minute drive from Airlie Beach to Conway Beach and Cedar Creek Falls.
Head Out to the Whitsundays
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 beautiful islands that are perfect for anyone wanting to make the most of the tropical climate in Queensland. They have a lot to offer, from the mainland Whitsunday Coast to the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island, and plenty more. There are also uninhabited islands that you can visit if you’re looking for a little adventure or some peace and quiet. You might choose to sail around the islands or maybe explore the beaches, or maybe you’d rather find somewhere amazing to eat so you can enjoy some super fresh seafood.
Go Snorkelling or Diving
When you’re on the coast, it would be a shame not to get into the ocean. You could go for a casual swim or try out a number of different sports, but a lot of people choose to go snorkelling or diving. Snorkelling around the Great Barrier Reef is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Or if you have some diving experience, you might like to visit the HMAS Brisbane for something unique. The ex-guided missile destroyer was decommissioned in 2001 and it was agreed the ship would be sunk in 2003, creating an artificial reef and dive site.
Take a Whale Watching Trip
There are some fantastic opportunities for whale watching during your visit to Queensland, with sightings of several types of whales possible. In Hervey Bay, you can find humpback whales, which come to enjoy the warm waters between July and October. You can even swim with whales in Queensland. One option is to swim with dwarf minke whales, a rare and elusive species that you can go searching for on a tour from Port Douglas or Cairns. You can also swim with humpback whales if you’re brave enough.
Follow the Dinosaur Trail
The Australian Dinosaur Trail is a fantastic way to explore some of Queensland’s incredible history. The towns of Winton, Richmond, and Hughenden make up the trail, and travelling between them will take you through a region where a huge concentration of dinosaur fossils has been discovered. You can stop off at places like the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Trackways and Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Winton, The Flinders Discovery Centre in Hughenden, and Kronosaurus Korner in Richmond. Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to see amazing dinosaur fossils.
Plan your trip to Queensland so that it matches your travel style, whether you like food and drink, getting active, or exploring history.
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