Things to Do in Queensland

When I talk about the things to do in Queensland, I don’t just mean ticking boxes off a glossy brochure. Queensland rewards the bold. It’s for road trippers, reef-hoppers, dino-chasers, and rainforest wanderers. You’ll find stunning islands, beautiful city skylines, lush rainforest trails, vibrant cities, and adventure-packed regions that keep even the most seasoned adventure seeker grinning.

Whether you’re into Australian cities or Queensland Country drives, cultural heritage walks or marine encounters, this state’s a treasure trove of essential experiences.

Real Magic Outshines the Postcards

You might know it for its beaches and that big ol’ reef, but Queensland is more than the picture-perfect postcards. It’s where rainforest tracks meet red dust highways, and crocodile-infested rivers cut through ancient landscapes. I’ve driven through the wet, camped in the dry, and copped the odd mozzie swarm along the way — so trust me, if you think Queensland’s just for sunbathers, you’re in for a yarn.

This guide isn’t just about where to go — it’s about what to do. Whether you’re chasing a proper adrenaline spike or just trying to find a place to boil the billy in peace, this list has got you covered. Let’s rip in.

Dive into the Great Barrier Reef (Without Getting Sunburnt)

Yep, it’s the headline act — but there’s more than one way to see the reef without getting roasted like a snag. Think early morning snorkel tours from Airlie Beach, glass-bottom boats off Green Island, or overnight dive trips to the outer reef where it’s just you, the coral, and the big blue.

Top launch spots: Cairns, Port Douglas, Townsville, Airlie Beach
Best for beginners: Green Island and Fitzroy Island — calm waters, shallow coral gardens
Go deeper: Liveaboard dive boats from Cairns take you out to Ribbon Reef, Hardy Reef, and Osprey Reef

You’ll find marine life in every shade imaginable — green turtles, baby turtles, coral trout, and more. And don’t forget the reef-safe sunscreen — not just for your skin, but for the soft corals too.

Meet the Daintree: Ancient Trees and Croc-Watching Cruises

The Daintree Rainforest isn’t just old — it’s Jurassic. Literally. This is Gondwana-level greenery, with cassowaries stomping around like they own the place (and honestly, they kinda do).

Cruise the Daintree River at dawn to spot saltwater crocodiles sunning on the banks. Wander Mossman Gorge, where the water’s cool and croc-free. And always check signage — the locals bite.

Do not miss stops: Cape Tribulation, Mossman Gorge, Daintree Discovery Centre, living rainforest walks
When to go: Dry season (May–October) = better access, fewer leeches
Respect Country: Guided tours by Kuku Yalanji people offer cultural experiences and Indigenous heritage insights you won’t get from a podcast

Soak Up Island Life (And Don’t Miss the Ferry)

Queensland’s coast is littered with dreamy islands, each with its own vibe. Hamilton Island’s got cocktails by the pool. Lady Elliot’s got manta rays. Fraser Island (K’gari), the largest sand island in the world, has 4WD adventure tracks, sand dunes, and rainforest walks that feel like you’ve stepped into another time.

Fraser Island (K’gari): 4WD required, permits needed, freshwater swimming holes like Lake McKenzie
Whitsundays: Whitehaven Beach, Hill Inlet Lookout, sailing tours, and day trips galore
Moreton Island & Stradbroke Island: Shipwreck snorkelling, sandboarding, and beach time
Magnetic Island & Fitzroy Island: Island getaway favourites with abundant marine life and hiking tracks

Book ferries in advance — especially during school hols or the dry.

Chase Waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands

If you like your hikes with a reward at the end, head for the Tablelands. This high-country plateau near Cairns is cooler, greener, and full of waterfall circuits that’ll have you soggy but smiling.

Must-sees: Millaa Millaa Falls, Zillie Falls, Ellinjaa Falls, Barron Gorge
Best time: The wet (Dec–April) brings volume but also slippery tracks. The dry is safer for hiking.
Pack: Decent footwear, mozzie spray, dry towel, and maybe a waterproof bag for your phone

Explore the Outback: Dinosaur Digs and Desert Skies

Once you hit the Matilda Way or the Flinders Highway, things get red, flat, and fascinating. Outback Queensland is where you’ll find towns with more fossils than fuel stations and skies so wide your phone won’t know what to focus on.

Winton: Dinosaur footprints, Waltzing Matilda Centre, Aussie farmyard experiences
Charleville: Cosmos Centre — perfect for a night of stargazing
Longreach: Qantas Founders Museum, river cruises, scenic flights over Channel Country
Carnarvon Gorge: Towering cliffs, ancient rock art, and unforgettable experiences on foot

Get Wet at Water Parks and Surf Beaches

Not every splash in Queensland comes with saltwater. The big cities like Brisbane and the Gold Coast dish up waterslides and wave pools that’ll wear the kids out before lunch.

Gold Coast: Wet’n’Wild, WhiteWater World, and surf at Rainbow Beach and Gold Coast Jet Ski spots
Sunshine Coast: Kings Beach, Sunshine Coast Tandem adventures, and nearby national parks
Brisbane: South Bank’s Streets Beach — fake beach, real tan lines, and close to Howard Smith Wharves

These make the perfect destination for families seeking both adrenaline-filled adventure and chill-out zones.

Gourmet Adventures: Eat Like You Mean It

From tropical fruit to fresh seafood, Queensland doesn’t muck around when it comes to a feed. Hit the farmers’ markets in hinterland towns or go fancy with a reef-to-plate degustation in Port Douglas.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef: Mud crab, coral trout, tropical produce, and pontoon boat dinners
Maleny & Montville: Cheese, chocolate, creamy yoghurts, and Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain
Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast: Craft breweries, beachfront cafes, and an abundance of family-friendly activities

Don’t skip the bush tucker tours — it’s where Indigenous heritage meets unforgettable taste.

Enjoy a Theme Park Day

If you’re wrangling kids (or just love a rollercoaster), Queensland’s theme park stretch on the Goldie has your name all over it. Just don’t forget sunscreen — the concrete gets hot enough to fry an egg.

Dreamworld: Thrill rides + wildlife park = adventure-filled family vacation
Movie World: Superhero meets stunt show
Sea World: Marine life encounters and dolphin shows

Great access to theme parks also means loads of holiday parks nearby — perfect for an all-inclusive experience.

Ocean Adventures: Paddle, Sail, or Jump In

Queensland’s east coast begs for a splash. You can kayak the Noosa Everglades, paddleboard around Magnetic Island, or sail the Whitsundays like you’re in a tourism ad.

Surfing: Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Beach, Bargara Beach
Paddling: Cape Trib creeks, Gold Coast Broadwater
Sailing: From Airlie Beach to Hill Inlet via Whitsunday Crocodile Safari options

Remember, stinger suits up north during the summer months. And always ask before swimming — crocodiles don’t RSVP.

Go Whale Watching (Bring Binoculars and Patience)

From June to November, humpbacks migrate along the coast. That means front-row seats if you’re on a boat tour — or even from the cliffs at Point Lookout.

Hervey Bay & Fraser Coast: Arguably the best spot in the country for up-close whale encounters
Mooloolaba & Palm Cove: Whale cruises with turquoise water backdrops and dreamy island views
Whale etiquette: No yelling, no flash photography, and definitely no trying to pat them

Flying Adventures: Take to the Skies

Queensland’s even better from the air. If you’ve ever wanted to float over a reef or see the Outback from a hot air balloon, this is your shot.

Hot air ballooning: Atherton Tablelands, Gold Coast Hinterland
Scenic flights: Over the reef from Cairns (window seat highly recommended!), or over the awe-inspiring mountains of Lamington National Park
Heli-picnics: Yep, you can fly to a remote beach and have lunch delivered by chopper