Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland - Our Guide to the Sunshine State

Queensland, Australia’s famed “Sunshine State”, is one of the most diverse and captivating destinations in the country. From the Great Barrier Reef and The Whitsunday Islands to the Outback and vibrant cities, Queensland offers travellers a blend of adventure, relaxation, culture, and natural beauty. With more than 4,000 miles of coastline, golden beaches, tropical rainforests, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is no surprise Queensland remains one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in Australia.

10. Unwind on Queensland’s Tropical Islands

Queensland’s coastline is dotted with tropical islands, each offering its own unique appeal. While The Whitsundays are the best known, smaller islands are where you’ll find quieter tranquil escapes.

Magnetic Island, near Townsville, is known for its beaches, walking tracks, and wild koala population. Fitzroy and Green Islands near Cairns are perfect for day trips filled with snorkelling and swimming.

9. Visit the Atherton Tablelands

Just inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer a refreshing change of scenery with rolling green hills, waterfalls, and cooler temperatures. This highland region is a favourite among nature lovers and food enthusiasts alike.

The famous Waterfall Circuit features Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, and Ellinjaa Falls, all set within lush rainforest. The fertile landscape produces everything from tropical fruit and coffee to cheese and wine, making it an excellent destination for culinary travellers. Wildlife spotting is also a highlight, with opportunities to see platypus, tree kangaroos, and colourful bird species.

8. Explore Queensland’s Outback

Queensland’s Outback is a vast and rugged region that showcases Australia’s pioneering spirit and natural wonders. It’s a land of wide horizons, red earth, and unique cultural attractions.

Longreach is a key destination, known for the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas Founders Museum. Winton, further west, is famous for its dinosaur fossils and the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy Carnarvon Gorge, where sandstone cliffs, Aboriginal rock art, and tranquil pools create some of Queensland’s most rewarding hiking trails.

7. Relax in Noosa and the Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a favourite holiday region north of Brisbane, offering golden beaches, nature reserves, and charming hinterland towns. At its heart lies Noosa, a stylish resort town known for its boutique shops, fine dining, and stunning national park.

Noosa National Park is a highlight, with coastal walks that reveal dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and the chance to spot koalas in their natural habitat. Further inland, the Sunshine Coast hinterland boasts rolling hills, craft villages, and wineries, offering a slower pace and rich local produce.

6. Discover Brisbane, Queensland’s Capital

Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a vibrant city that blends urban culture with an easy-going lifestyle. With its subtropical climate, the city is alive with outdoor dining, riverside parks, and cultural attractions.

South Bank is the city’s cultural heart, home to the Queensland Art Gallery, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The Brisbane River winds through the city, offering opportunities for river cruises and leisurely walks. Food lovers will find everything from rooftop bars to bustling markets, while adventure seekers can climb the Story Bridge for panoramic views.

5. Experience K’gari (Fraser Island)

K’gari, formerly known as ‘Fraser Island’, is the world’s largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its landscapes include freshwater lakes, rainforests growing directly from sand, giant sand dunes, and long stretches of wild beaches.

Highlights include Lake McKenzie, with its strikingly clear water and white silica sand, and the historic Maheno shipwreck, which sits dramatically on the shore. Visitors can also swim in the Champagne Pools, natural rock pools carved by the sea. Four-wheel driving is a popular way to experience the island, though guided tours are widely available.

4. Visit the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is famous for its combination of sun, surf, and entertainment. Its' over 40 miles of sandy beaches attract surfers and swimmers from around the world, with Surfers Paradise being the most iconic stretch of sand.

In addition to its beaches, the Gold Coast is home to major theme parks, including Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Wet’n’Wild, making it ideal for family holidays. The city itself is alive with dining, shopping, and nightlife. If you’re looking for more natural attractions, the nearby Hinterland offers rainforest walks, waterfalls, and mountain villages.  

3. Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Queensland is also home to the Daintree Rainforest, an ancient tropical rainforest estimated to be 180 million years old – older than the Amazon! Situated north of Cairns, the Daintree is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with unique wildlife, lush vegetation, and extraordinary landscapes.

You can take guided walks, swim in freshwater pools at Mossman Gorge, or enjoy canopy boardwalks and the skyrail that reveal the forest from above. A river cruise provides opportunities to see crocodiles and rare bird species, while the area also holds deep cultural significance for the Kuku Yalanji people.

2. Sail The Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are a collection of 74 tropical islands off the Queensland coast, each offering powdery beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Whitehaven Beach is perhaps the most famous, renowned for its pure white silica sand and stunning coastal scenery.

Sailing is the ultimate way to explore The Whitsundays. Options range from private yacht charters to group sailing adventures, all offering the chance to swim, snorkel, and explore uninhabited coves. Airlie Beach is the main place for Whitsunday tours and cruises, combining a lively holiday atmosphere with access to island paradise. Hamilton Island is the most popular Island with a range of accommodation and restaurants for all travellers.

1. Discover the Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef is Queensland’s crown jewel and one of the ‘Seven Natural Wonders of the World’. Stretching more than 1400 miles, it is the largest living structure on Earth, home to an astonishing variety of marine life.

Snorkel over coral gardens, dive among shipwrecks, or take glass-bottom boat tours to marvel at colourful fish, turtles, and rays. If you prefer a different perspective, enjoy a scenic flights over the reef, where turquoise waters and coral formations create a breathtaking view. Cairns, Port Douglas, and Airlie Beach are the main gateways to exploring this natural wonder.