Things to see and do in Queensland

Attractions in Queensland

Beerwah, Australia Zoo

The Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin's legacy lives on at this unique wildlife park in Beerwah, 74km (46 miles) north of Brisbane. The Australia Zoo is home to many animals, among them tigers, rhinoceros, elephants and, of course, crocodiles.

Brisbane

With its year-round sub-tropical climate and pretty riverside gardens, Brisbane makes a great base for visitors to delve into the eclectic art scene and take day trips to idyllic neighbouring islands. Must-see galleries include the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. The Henderson Gallery, which focuses on artists who are or were prisoners and first-time exhibitions, is also worth checking out.

Cape York Peninsula

At the northernmost tip of Queensland is Cape York, a peninsula jutting out into the Torres Strait. The Aboriginal Rock Art is one of the main draws – hundreds of paintings cover the rock walls, some dating back 4,000 years or even older. You can also take a Dreamtime walk with an Aboriginal guide, attend a cultural show, or try to paint your own boomerang.

Daintree Rainforest

On the northeast coast of Queensland lies the Daintree, a large expense of tropical rainforest. Take a guided walk, cruise the Daintree River looking for crocodiles, zip-line through the canopy, or head to Cape Tribulation, where the rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef.

Fraser Island

Off the southeastern coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. Characterised by stunning freshwater lakes, coloured sand cliffs, lush rainforests, secluded creeks and long, white sandy beaches, this idyllic island attracts thousands of visitors each year.

McPherson Range

On the border between Queensland and New South Wales lies the McPherson Range in all its glory, boasting lush rain-forested mountains and scenic wilderness areas. Visit Lamington National Park which has an extensive network of walking tracks along the McPherson Range, giving visitors a chance to explore the area’s forest creeks and waterfalls.

The Gold Coast

The Gold Coast runs for some 40km (25 miles) along Queensland's southeastern coastline. Its beautiful beaches and reliable swells are the main draws. Surfers Paradise is arguably the best-known tourist hotspot in the area. There are many activities to do in the Gold Coast, including surfing, whale watching, visiting one of the many waterfalls in the hinterland, or getting your heart racing at one of the many theme parks.

The Great Barrier Reef

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Great Barrier Reef is arguably the most famous marine-protected region in the world. Stretching approximately 2,300km (1,429 miles) along the coast of north-eastern Australia from Bundaberg to Cape York, the Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef system in the world and home to approximately 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish and 4,000 types of mollusc. You can take a catamaran from Cairns to swim, dive, or snorkel.

The Sunshine Coast

Stretching from the Great Sandy National Park in the north to Caloundra (near Brisbane) in the south, the Sunshine Coast offers miles of beaches that are also renown surf spots. Noosa and Coolum are holiday hotspots while Maroochydore is the cultural capital of the region. From the village of Tewantin, you can also catch a ferry to explore the Noosa North Shore, the Great Sandy National Park and Fraser Island.

Tourist offices

Tourism Australia in the UK

Tourism Queensland in Australia