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Queensland is the second-largest state in Australia and is filled with many of the country’s most beautiful places. My favorite slogan for Queensland is “Beautiful one day, Perfect the next”, and it really is. For the last 11 years, I have called Queensland home and spent a lot of time exploring our beautiful state. I’m excited to share with you 18 of the best places to visit in Queensland.
When is the Best Time to Visit These Places in Queensland?
I honestly think there is no bad time to visit any of these places in Queensland, it’s beautiful all year round. But I will mention a few things you should consider when planning your holiday.
- Avoid school holidays as Queensland will become even more popular and the prices of flights & accommodation will rise over these weeks.
- The stinger season in North Queensland is November – May. Unfortunately, these deadly jellyfish also enjoy the warmer waters in summer.
- During November and early December, the Gold Coast can get overrun by end-of-season footy trips and schoolies. So unless you’re a part of these, it can become kinda annoying.
- And, we do have a storm season, when it’ll rain for weeks straight. But to be honest it has become very unpredictable the last few years. It’s usually somewhere between December and March.
Due to COVID-19 there could potentially be travel restrictions in place across Australia. Please check the latest government advice before you travel.
The Best Places to Visit in Queensland
I have listed each place by location, starting from Southern Queensland to the Far North. Each location you will need at least two nights, so giving you one full day. Although, some could be done as a day trip if you’re staying in a bigger city close by.
Southern Gold Coast
This is by far the best area on the Gold Coast, I love it so much and that’s why I call it home. Especially around the suburbs of Rainbow Bay, Coolangatta, Kirra & Bilinga, where there is a laid-back kind of lifestyle.
Down here the beaches are perfect, with world-class surf breaks (including Snapper Rocks), and from June to October, there are so many good viewpoints to see the Humpbacks Whales during their annual migration. Two of the best viewpoints to spot whales are Elephant Rock in Currumbin (right next to Vikings Surf Life Saving Club) & Point Danger lookout in Coolangatta.
A walk you need to do at least once while you’re here is in Burleigh National Park. This trail isn’t overly difficult but can be a good workout in a beautiful setting and there is an awesome lookout point where you can see right down the coast.
And, don’t forget the food. Covid has unfortunately slowed this down but we are always getting new and delicious restaurants popping up. Some of my favorites are (and these all have Vegan options); Greenhouse Canteen & Bar, Goodness Gracias & The Collective.
Places to stay nearby:
Iconic Kirra Beach Resort
The Pink Hotel Coolangatta
Read: The Best Gold Coast Beaches for Swimming, That Are Amazing Year-Round
Gold Coast Hinterland
You’ll feel like you’re worlds away when you arrive at the picturesque Gold Coast Hinterland.
The Hinterland is only a 1-hour drive inland and filled with beautiful bushwalks, waterfalls, wineries, and if you’re up for a bit of adventure try the TreeTops Challenge high ropes course. Also, if you’re there on the weekend check out some of the Farmers Markets.
Around Mount Tamborine, there are a lot of different walking tracks, so before you head up have a look online and see which you think would suit you best. Or, there’s a visitors center in town where you can ask a local for advice. Two of my favorites are Curtis Falls & Witches falls and neither of these walks is overly difficult.
When it comes to food there are a lot of options here but I always love eating with a view, so for an awesome pub meal & incredible views of the coast, check out Eagle Heights Mountain Resort.
Places to stay nearby:
Mouses House Rainforests Retreat
Tamborine Gardens
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is the most popular location on the Gold Coast for tourists. So I think this is why a lot of locals steer clear! And, I wouldn’t want to live here, but I still love going to Surfers & think it’s one of the best places to visit in Queensland. I think it has such a fun and energetic vibe, there is always so much do to (day or night) and you can meet people here from all over the world.
This is by far the best place for nightlife, Cavill Avenue is lined with clubs so moving around through the night is easy and they’ll never need to get a taxi from place to place.
Other things to do in Surfers Paradise that don’t necessarily include alcohol are; SkyPoint Observation Deck, Infinity, Jet Boat, or Whale Watching and every Wednesday and Friday is the Surfers Paradise Beach Front Markets.
Places to stay nearby:
Brisbane City
Brisbane is the capital of Queensland & a 1-hour drive north of the Gold Coast. There is always something awesome going on in the city. So whether you’re into shows, concerts, pop-up events, or festivals, you’ll always find something fun in Brisbane. And, of course, the sun is shining most of the time.
A few free things you can do in Brisbane are Street Beach on South bank, which is a man-made beach style lagoon, get on the City Hopper and cruise along the Brisbane River & check out City Sounds, which is a free music program where you can see new or upcoming artists perform live.
And, for nightlife, I have always had the most fun at the clubs in Fortitude Valley.
Places to stay nearby:
The Constance Hotel, Fortitude Valley
Mantra on Queen
Tangalooma Island Resort
Tangalooma is on Moreton Island & another one of the best places to visit in Queensland. Plus, it’s only a 75-minute ferry ride from Brisbane. This is such a slice of paradise, the water is absolutely stunning, and to make it even better, Tangalooma has one of the most unique and easily accessible snorkeling spots in southern Queensland!
There are 15 shipwrecks laying only a short swim from the shore. In 1963 these ships were deliberately sunk to create a break wall for smaller boats. When I was swimming around these ships I felt like Ariel from The Little Mermaid.
There’re tours available for snorkeling around the shipwrecks, but if you’re decent at swimming I don’t think it’s necessary. But just make sure you check the tide times before you go.
Other things you can do at Tangalooma are 4WD, Sand-boarding & in the evening you can hand feed wild Dolphins.
Places to stay nearby:
Moreton Island Villas and Apartments
Villa 21 Tangalooma
Read: Day Trip to Beautiful Tangalooma & Snorkeling at the Shipwrecks.
Eumundi Markets
Driving 1.5 hours north of Brisbane you’ll be in the quaint town of Eumundi. The only reason I have ever been to Eumundi is for The Original Eumundi Markets and it’s a perfectly good reason because the food here is amazing!
The markets are open every Wednesday & Saturday, so plan your trip accordingly. You wouldn’t need to stay in Eumundi though, the town is just inland from the Sunshine Coast so if you’re staying there the markets are the perfect day trip.
The Original Eumundi Markets are an open-air market full of locally made arts, useful products that you didn’t know you needed, and the most amazing food.
I generally take myself on a food tour, tasting something from each stall, and then I roll back to the car at the end of the day!
Places to stay nearby:
Eumundi Gridley Homestead B&B
Sunset Cove Noosa
Noosa National Park
Now all of Noosa is beautiful and worth visiting, but I really believe that one of the best places to visit in Queensland is Noosa National Park. There is a number of easy walking trails through the park, some hug the coast, and others take you into the woodlands. Keep a lookout for Australian wildlife such as Koalas, glossy black-cockatoos & wallabies.
I particularly recommend following the trail along the coast because the best part about this walk is getting to Fairy Pools. These are natural rock pools that are absolutely beautiful. When we came across Fairy Pools I wasn’t dressed for swimming but I jumped in anyway, that’s how inviting these pools are!
It can be difficult getting a car park near the entrance of the park (there aren’t many spaces) but the entrance isn’t too far from Hastings Street so leaving your car at your hotel might be a better option.
Places to stay nearby:
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
Mantra French Quarter Noosa
Rainbow Beach
Further north from the Sunshine Coast is the rural little town of Rainbow Beach. This area will be particularly appealing for those with a 4WD, as you can go for a drive along the main beach.
Other things to do in Rainbow beach are; walk-up Carlo Sand Blow (beautiful at sunrise or sunset), join a horse riding tour along the beach, and Kayak in the ocean, where you’ll hopefully see Dolphins.
I’ve used Rainbow Beach in the past as a little stopover while on a Queensland road trip. So there’s no need to pull into any dingy roadside motels when this little gem isn’t too far off the main highway.
Places to stay nearby:
Salty Vibes Retreat
BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Rainbow Beach
Bundaberg
The city of Bundaberg is probably most known for being the home of Bundaberg Rum and the distillery offers tours and tastings. I was surprised at how big the city was, with heaps of shops, gardens and historical locations. And also the food here is really good! Bundaberg is known for serving fresh and locally sourced produce. I partially liked Oodies Cafe.
But above that one of the best reasons Bundaberg is a place you should visit in Queensland is because it’s an awesome gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
There’re tours that depart from Bundaberg to Lady Musgrave Island daily. Unfortunately, when I was in Bundaberg last year these tours weren’t operating due to COVID, but it looks absolutely amazing and I hope to visit soon.
Places to stay nearby:
Sugar Country Motor Inn
Best Western Bundaberg City Motor Inn
Mon Repos
This area is beautiful all year round but I would recommend visiting between November & late March so you can see the Turtles hatching. The Mon Repos Turtle Center does tours nightly from 7 pm and you can witness these beautiful babies crawling from their sells and into the ocean.
This is the best place in Queensland to witness turtles nesting and hatching. There’re also volunteer opportunities available, so check out their website for more details.
Places to stay nearby:
Koola Beach Apartments, Bargara
Mantra Bargara Resort
Agnes Waters and the Town of 1770
I heard about 1770 years before I ever visited, and if it wasn’t for covid border restriction I’m not sure when I would have made it up. But I’m so glad I did, I stayed here for a few nights during a QLD road trip.
It’s about 6.5 hours north of the Gold Coast & is such a beautiful area.
Agnes Waters and the town of 1770 are two little suburbs right next to each other. There are so many coastal walks, and hidden beaches. If you follow the road to the end of the point in 1770, you’ll get to a car park and from there is a small walking trail to a viewpoint. I was up there for ages watching Dolphins, Whales and Turtles swim around.
Also, just 15 minutes outside of Agnes Waters is Paperbark Forrest, a short & easy walking track that is so beautiful.
Like Bundaberg, you can also book tours from here to Lady Musgrave Island.
Places to stay nearby:
Pavillions on 1770
Agnes Waters Beach Holidays
Best Places to Visit in Far North Queensland
The Ville Resort in Townsville
Townsville itself is fun and there is quite a bit to do but nowhere beats The Ville. And, if I was to go back to Townsville I wouldn’t leave the resort.
I spent 3 nights at The Ville Resort & Casino last year and it was amazing. The property underwent a 35 million dollar renovation a couple of years back so everything is new, bright, and airy. It reminded me of South Beach Miami, with a touch of South Pacific vibes!
Also, The Ville has multiple restaurants, bars (including a pool bar), a casino in the resort, and an incredible pool area overlooking Magnetic Island. It has everything you’ll need so no real reason to leave.
Places to stay nearby:
Read: How To Have A Fun & Relaxing Holiday In Townsville, Queensland.
Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is an absolute delight, with beautiful landscapes, beaches, and the cutest wildlife. The locals call the island ‘Maggie’ and this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Queensland, plus it’s only a 25 minute ferry ride from Townsville.
Magnetic Island doesn’t have the typical Queensland island landscape, it’s covered in thick bushland & mountains, with its coast lined with palm trees and large boulders (think Seychelles).
And, it was great seeing how underdeveloped this island was, it wasn’t covered in heaps of resorts or tall buildings. Over 50% of Magnetic Island is a national park and is home to one of Australias largest Koala populations.
A few things I did there that made this an awesome QLD holiday destination was; rent a topless car (ours was hot pink) and beach hop all over the island, go snorkeling & hiking. The best walk was the Forts Walk, where you’re pretty much guaranteed to see Koalas and The Forts Walk is also the sight of a lot of WWII history and infrastructure.
Places to stay nearby:
Cairns
So, like the Gold Coast, Cairns is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Queensland. But, has a much more laid-back vibe compared with Surfers paradise.
Below I mention more specific places to visit near Cairns but the city itself is still so much fun & it’s worth spending time there. Cairns is known for having such good nightlife, I’ve had a lot of fun at Rattle n Hum, Howlin’ Jay’s & Salt House. And, definitely check our Cairns Night Markets, which opens every night, there’s heaps of good stalls selling local products but I mainly just visited for all the delicious (and cheap) food!
Places to stay nearby:
Bay Village Tropical Retreat
Mantra Trilogy Cairns
Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit
The Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit starts about one hour drive from Cairns city. Once you’re in the area all the waterfalls are pretty close to each other though. The waterfall circuit has 20 waterfalls in total, many are some of the most beautiful I have ever seen, that’s why I think it’s one of the best places to visit in Queensland.
Some of my favorite waterfalls are Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls & Ellinjaa Falls. And, these three are very close to the car parks. Although, some of the other falls in the area require a bit of a hike to get to.
Having your own car is definitely the best and easiest way to get around the Atherton Tablelands Waterfall Circuit, but there are also plenty of day tours you can join. Check out GetYourGuide for the best tours of the region.
Places to stay nearby:
Atherton Hotel
The Summit Bed & Breakfast
Read: Exploring Cairns Waterfall Circuit, The Complete Guide to This Stunning Part of FNQ
Lake Eacham
Lake Eacham is in the same area as the Atherton Tablelands waterfall circuit, so you could visit on the same day. The lake is a volcanic crater and definitely worth seeing because the water is calm & crystal clear. Although, there’re signs advising the lake is home to freshwater crocodiles but says that freshwater crocs are very timid & not life-threatening….!!!
There’s also a 3km walking track around the lake and there’s a good chance you’ll see turtles swimming around. So, Lake Eacham is only a 30-minute drive from Millaa Millaa Falls and to get there you turn off Lakes Drive. Make sure you don’t follow google maps because you’ll end up in the middle of nowhere.
Places to stay nearby:
Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Great Barrier Reef (Green Island)
Many would agree that the Great Barrier Reef is the most popular reason to visit far north Queensland. It’s the world’s largest coral reef system and is absolutely breathtaking. Being so massive you can access the reef from many points in north Queensland, but there are a large number of reef tours you can join that leave from Cairns.
One of the cheapest and closest options from Cairns is Green Island, it’ll only take 45 minutes on the ferry. I have awesome memories from Green Island because after only a few minutes in the water I saw the most beautiful Green Turtle. If visiting during stinger season you can still go snorkeling but you will need to wear a stinger suit for protection.
Places to stay nearby:
Daintree Rainforest & Mossman George
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the largest rainforests in the world and the parts I have seen were absolutely beautiful. It feels so special being somewhere with so much history & importance to the Australian ecosystem.
The Daintree is 1.5 hours north of cairns and 45 minutes from Port Douglas. Mossman Gorge is the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest and there is a small fee to enter, adults are about $12.
There are two walking trails in Mossman Gorge, one is only 10 minutes and the other will take about an hour, both are reasonably easy and very beautiful. Also, you can swim in Mossman Gorge, the water looked amazing but I passed because it felt icy cold!!
Places to stay nearby:
If you enjoyed my list of the best places to visit in Queensland, and it got you excited to start exploring more of Australia? I would love to send you my list of 101 of the best outdoor activities & sights in Australia. Click here to sign up for my mailing list & it’ll land right in your inbox!
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
This is a great read! My fiancé and I want to travel to Australia for our honeymoon. This guide is helpful! Thank you!
Oh that’s exciting! Awesome honeymoon destination, so glad you found it helpful
That pink car is so cute! All the photos make the place look amazing. I definitely want to visit one day.
Thank you so much for your comment
This looks fabulous! So many natural areas to explore. I’ll definitely try to get to “Maggie” if I’m able to travel to Queensland.
i had a big Oz/NZ trip planned right before covid! …but when i finally get to visit, i’m going to use this for a queensland guide.
Amazing, thank you so much, Shelley. I hope you can get here soon
I have never really done much research on a trip to Australia, so I loved this post!
Thank you so much Alex
What a great article! I would love to see more of waterfalls, so saved it for future! Thank you for sharing| ❤️
aww, awesome. Thank you so much Lasma
This is an awesome Queensland guide. It is so organized and includes everything I need to know for my next trip. Thanks so much for this insight.
So glad you liked it, thanks heaps
Love the location specific advice. Will definitely pin this one for our bucket list trip to Australia and New Zealand.
That’s awesome, thank you. Fingers crossed our borders open soon
Great tips we’ll add it to our list!
I live in Queensland, and this is a great summary of great places to visit!
I don’t know how I missed it but I didn’t realize Queensland has a rainforest! Love the idea that we can see waterfalls and rainforests all while also getting to see the beach. Great guide!!
Thank you so much. Yeah there is definitely a lot going on in Queensland
Can’t wait to visit Australia!! I came down under in January 2020 to travel around both Aussie and NZ and have currently now been in NZ for almost 2 years hahaha! One day I’ll make it there – bookmarking your blog for when I do 🙂
ohh really! At least NZ is a good place to be stuck. Hopefully, you can come to Australia over the summer. Thanks so much