10 Fun Things To Do In Queensland – Australia

When an adventure in paradise takes your fancy in the land down under, try these 10 Fun Things To Do In Queensland – Australia.

 

As Australia’s second-largest state and home to the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest, there’s an extensive list of things to do in and around Queensland. 

Whether you’re looking to visit tropical islands, swim alongside coral reefs, relax on beautiful beaches, or have some thrilling fun at the region’s theme parks, there is something for every kind of traveller to enjoy along Australia’s northeast coast. 

If you’ve been able to book your hotels and finalised flights, then all that’s left to do is to start padding out your trip itinerary. With so many fun things to do in Queensland, picking one place or activity can be challenging.

That’s why today, we’ve compiled a list of 10 fun things to do in Queensland that you shouldn’t miss. Narrowing the list of things to just ten wasn’t an easy job. After all, this big beautiful state is always full of surprises. For now, however, let’s get straight to the 10 Fun Things To Do In Queensland, Australia. 

 

 

 

1. Visit Surfers Paradise for the ultimate beach day

A trip to the Gold Coast would be incomplete without visiting Surfers Paradise, one of the most internationally renowned destinations in the country. Previously known as Elston under European settlement, the coastline that comprises Surfers Paradise Beach has been a tourist hot spot since as early as the 1920s. Back then, people flocked to the coastal suburb to enjoy its warm weather and golden sands. Nowadays, it’s more of the same, with the bonus of the bustling city centre, a modern Surfer’s Paradise.

With the Nerang River on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, this surfside suburb offers visitors a wide range of attractions. Take in the sights of the high-rise buildings that dominate the skyline, enjoy a delicious meal at any of the Surfers Paradise restaurants, or go for a stroll along the main street to explore the wide selection of independent shops and boutiques at your own pace. 

 

 

2. Cuddle a koala at Australia Zoo

There’s nothing quite like the heart-warming feeling you’re left with after the experience of cuddling a koala bear for the first time. And thankfully, Queensland is one of the three states in Australia that allows you to hold and hug a koala, the other two being South Australia and Western Australia. For this reason, we recommend spending a day at Australia Zoo and booking a close encounter or meet and greet with some of their koalas and other native Australian species like wombats and kangaroos!

There are also other attractions where you’ll likely get up close and personal with these cuddly little tree-huggers. The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the largest (and also the first) sanctuary for koalas in the world, can be found in Brisbane. The refuge is home to over 130 koalas; however, only a few select koalas are brought in to meet the visitors based on their temperament and behaviour. If you’re planning a trip to Queensland, don’t forget to tick this experience off your list.

 

 

3. Hike through Daintree National Park

Hiking is the best way to discover some of Australia’s most spectacular views, wildlife and nature. The northern part of Queensland, Daintree National Park, is quite famous for its rainforest walks. If you’re not familiar with the Daintree already, you should know that it’s one of the oldest rainforests in the world and offers its visitors lush landscapes and diverse habitats that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world. 

Hiking through this area will give you incredible views of the rivers, waterfalls and coastline. When walking through the Daintree National Park, make it a point to cover the Mossman Gorge and Emmagen Creek. Kulki Boardwalk is another good spot for fans of breathtaking views of both the forests and the coast. 

 

 

4. Take the kids to theme parks on the Gold Coast for Epic Fun Things to do in Queensland

Queensland is also home to some of Australia’s best theme parks. If you want to get immersed in a magical movie experience, visit the Warner Bros. Movie World. This theme park houses excellent and highly beloved rides like the Scooby Doo Roller Coaster, Looney Tunes Carousel and the Wild West Falls Adventure ride. There is also an all-star parade, where your kids meet all their animated favourites, like Scooby Doo, Batman and other DC superheroes and villains! 

However, Australia’s Sea World Marine Park is also a good option if you’re looking for wildlife attractions. Besides this, there are many other theme parks like Dreamworld, Wet n Wild, Whitewater World and the Australian Outback Spectacular, which boasts a celebration of all things Australiana. 

If you’re on a family holiday, don’t forget to take your kids to the famous Queensland theme parks. Even adults would have a great time visiting the Dreamworld, Sea World or Warner Bros. Movie World.

 

 

 

5. Snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef

Known as one of the world’s seven natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef has been attracting eco-loving tourists for hundreds of years now. The Reef offers many exciting opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The underwater terrain of the Great Barrier Reef consists of caverns, caves, beautiful underwater statues, and other monuments surrounded by boulders and corals.

For those looking to go snorkelling, you’ll be happy to hear that there are plenty of swimming spots that are a favourite amongst local snorkelling and scuba diving schools. Here are some of the best snorkelling areas in this region:

1. Lady Elliot Island is easily accessible from Brisbane, Bundaberg and the Gold Coast. It is best for marine life encounters.
2. Ribbon Reefs – An iconic stretch of the Reef and a favourite amongst seasoned and beginner divers alike. 
3. Milln Reef: The azure waters surrounding Milln Reef offer greater visibility than other sections that are high-traffic or nearer to land. As Milln Reef is 55 km east of Cairns, it is a little harder to get to, but well worth the journey.

 

Besides these, there is also Hayman Island, Lizard Island, Yongala Wreck, Flynn Reef, and more. Be sure to consult with a local guide during your stay to find out which Reef spots you, and the rest of your travel party may be able to visit at that time of the year. 

 

 

6. Go whale watching in Hervey Bay

If you love marine life or want to witness this once-in-a-lifetime, heart-stopping phenomenon, add whale watching in Hervey Bay to your travel itinerary. The calm water of Fraser Island offers the best spot for watching humpback whales as they migrate from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to their breeding grounds in the warmer waters of the Pacific, as this is the region where these majestic sea creatures teach their young ones all the tools that they need to survive and complete this same journey all on their own. 

You can watch the whales perform all sorts of actions from Hervey Bay and its surroundings, from blowhole spurts and flip to awe-inspiring aerial displays. The migrating whales usually come between June and November, so it’s best to plan your trip to fall within this period if you’re hoping to catch a few whale tails during your time up north. 

 

 

7. Uncover fossils on the Australian Dinosaur Trail

The western part of Queensland houses a vast red landscape that boasts of a prehistoric past. Uncovering fossils on the Australian Dinosaur Trail is another attraction that should not be missed, especially for those travelling with younger children who dream of being archaeologists or palaeontologists. 

The Lark Quarry Conservation Park (part of the Dinosaur Trail) features steep escarpments and gullies formed after centuries of erosion. It also houses the Dinosaur Stampede National Monument, the only known record of a dinosaur stampede.

Other attractions on the Australian Dinosaur Trail include:

1. The Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum
2. Flinders Discovery Centre and Museum
3. Fossil Hunting Sites (near Richmond)
4. Kronosaurus Korner

 

 

8. Kayak down the Brisbane River

For adventure lovers, the serpentine bends of the Brisbane River hold many attractions. The best way to explore this well-loved river is by kayaking down the waterways that wrap around the inner suburbs and CBD. This kayaking adventure can give you spectacular views of the Brisbane skyline, Story Bridge, and the region’s beautiful waterfront houses, amongst other attractions. 

Start by paddling through the Wivenhoe Dam Spillway. This is where the water is mostly shallow, and you’ll also get to see its bedrock. The river then widens to provide beautiful views of the countryside and farmlands. You’ll also be able to spot some birdlife here. In the last stretch of the kayaking adventure, you’ll reach Lowood Bend, where you might have to navigate through fallen trees and rapids.

 

 

9. Catch a cricket match at the Gabba

If you are a cricket enthusiast, make it a point to stop at the Gabba – one of the most iconic cricket stadiums in the world. The official cricket ground in Brisbane, the Gabba, was first constructed in 1895. Since then, many improvements have been made, transforming these beloved grounds into what they are today.

One of the most singularly unique elements of the Gabba is just how spectator-friendly this stadium is by design. No matter where you sit, you’ll be sure to get great ground views, meaning you won’t have to fuss about securing premium tickets to get the whole Gabba experience. The Australian cricket season runs from Spring to late Summer, generally from October to February or March, so be sure to plan your holiday to fall within this window to catch a match at the Gabba. 

 

 

10. Sail through the Whitsundays 

Last but certainly not least, a trip to Queensland would be incomplete without experiencing some islands that dot the Coral Sea. The Whitsundays, in particular, offer many attractions and activities, ranging from forest hikes that lead to cascading waterfalls and reefs to beaches and swimming holes that feel infinitely wilder and more secluded than the mainland.

Want to experience the islands of the Whitsundays? There are almost 74 of them, so pick your isles wisely! Thankfully, you may be able to hire a boat and cruise off on a sailing holiday to explore the deserted islands on your own. If you’re not a sailor, you can always go on a guided tour with a local agency. Be sure to take advantage of any glass-bottomed boats as well because plenty is going on under the surface of the waves in the crystal clear waters surrounding the Whitsundays!

 

 

A Recap of the Fun Things to Do in Queensland

As you can see, Queensland certainly does have a lot to offer. From the pristine beauty of its tropical rainforests and laid-back beaches to its bustling city centres and sleepy coastal towns, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences in Cairns, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.

Keep in mind, however, that Queensland as a state is so large and varied that you’ll feel that a single trip will not be sufficient, so don’t be too concerned if you’ve had to leave some items out of your itinerary because chances are you’ll be booking a return trip in no time at all.

 

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