Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State, is a must-visit destination known for its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and world-famous natural wonders.
From the bustling capital of Brisbane to the breathtaking Great Barrier Reef, Queensland offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Explore the ancient Daintree Rainforest, discover the rugged beauty of the Outback, or unwind on the Gold Coast’s pristine beaches.
Whether you’re looking for tropical island getaways, thrilling wildlife encounters, or exciting outdoor activities, our Queensland Travel Guide shows you the best places to visit and top things to do. Start exploring now!
Destinations
Brisbane & Surrounds
The Brisbane River lazily flows through the heart of Queensland's Capital, Brisbane City. It sets the tone for this hub of art, culture, and dining. Brisbane, like its locals, is very chilled.
The Brisbane Region also includes Logan, Redland, Moreton Bay, and Ipswitch. It's sadly often overlooked by tourists heading to the Gold Coast or the State's more tropical areas.
Cairns & Great Barrier Reef
Home to two World Heritage-listed sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforests of the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Cairns is the bustling hub of the area and the launching pad to exploring the reef, Port Douglas, Mossman Gorge, and the Daintree Rainforest. This part of Queensland is an eco-luxury lover's dream.
There so much to see and do, hiking rainforests, diving the reef, learning about the local indigenous community, shopping, and enjoying the local seafood. Make sure to take time out for some pampering at one of the luxury lodges.
Capricorn Coast
The Capricorn coast stretches from Yeppoon to the Carnarvon Gorge and Emerald in the West. It also marks the start, and the southern most tip, of the Great Barrier Reef.
Laze away on Great Keppel Island, fossick for sapphires in Emerald, chill at Rockhampton's chic cafes and urban bars, discover Aboriginal rock art sites in Carnarvon Gorge, or explore the rainforests at Byfield National Park.
Fraser Coast
The Fraser Coast is home to the World's first whale heritage area, Hervey Bay, and the World's largest sand island, Fraser Island.
Stay a few days on K'gari (Fraser Island) there is so much to discover. Take a dip at the Champagne Pools or Lake McKenzie. Walk through the ancient Valley of the Giants, or drive down a sandy beach highway that doubles as an airstrip.
Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is more than a surfer's paradise and pristine beaches. Discover the hinterland and Lamington National Park. Or take a day trip to South Stradbroke Island
When you are done with nature there are theme parks, the casino, designer shopping, markets, dinner theatre, and much more.
Outback QLD
Let's call this BIG Outback as there is 901,574km2 of it, and makes up 65% of the State. The Queensland Outback is as diverse as it is large. There is a lot of ground to cover and that "ground" changes from one end to the other.
Discover small Outback towns with quaint pubs where you can have a beer with friendly locals. Dive into the area's pioneering history and learn about the Indigenous way of life in this unforgiving land.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a place to refresh and rejuvenate. From the stunning Glass House Mountains to the endless stretches of beach, there is plenty of room to relax and breathe.
The coast is dotted with beachside towns beckoning you to stay. Make friends with the local wildlife, head to the hinterland to purchase seasonal produce from locals' roadside stores, or grab your 4WD and drive The Great Beach Drive.
The Whitsundays
The Whitsundays isn't just about islands. There is also the stunning stretch of the Whitsunday Coast. The coast is bursting with pristine tropical beaches and National Parks. Airlie Beach is your starting point for the islands and The Great Barrier Reef.
There are 74 islands in Whitsundays, some you can stay on, some you can't. Why not grab a bareboat to sail around and discover as many as you can.
Queensland Highlights
Our top five picks for the Queensland Travel Guide. Of course, there is so much more to see and do.
Mount Isa
Mt Isa isn't just about its mining past, there is an incredible National Park to discover too. Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is one of the most spectacular parks in Queensland. Lawn Hill Gorge's vivid orange sandstone cliffs tower above emerald green waters. This is home to the Dreamtime Story Rainbow Serpent.
Heron Island
Take a two hour boat trip from Gladstone Marina to arrive in marine life paradise. The island is surrounded by 24 hectares of coral reef, a snorkelling and diver's dream. You don't even have to get your feet wet. Or simply stand on the island's jetty and watch the local rays, reef sharks, turtles, and fish glide on by.
Bundaberg
If you love turtles you will love Bundaberg, home to the largest loggerhead turtle rookery in the Southern Hemisphere. The best time to visit for Turtle lovers is between November and March.
Mossman
Mossman Gorge is a stunning section of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park, the World's oldest rainforest. Take a Dreamtime rainforest walk. Enjoy the beauty of the rainforest and the Mossman River as its waters tumble over ancient granite boulders.
Torres Strait Islands
A group of islands in the Torres Strait between the tip of Cape York and Papua New Guinea. Remote and rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait culture. The islands are a unique and spectacular place to visit.
Festivals and Events
January
Port Douglas Hot and Steamy Festival - Port Douglas
February
Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival - Stanthorpe
March
Festival of Surfing - Noosa
May
Brisbane Street Art Festival - Brisbane
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival - Goomeri
Music in the Mulga - Wandilla Station (Eulo, Paroo)
June
Cooly Rocks On - Coolangatta
IGNITE Chilli Festival - Caloundra
Australian Italian Festival - Ingham (Hinchinbrook Area)
Gayndah Orange Festival - Gayndah
Laura Quinkan Dance Festival - Laura (Cape York)
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival - Noosa
Relish Food & Wine Festival - Maryborough
Scenic Rim Eat Local Week - Beaudesert, Scenic Rim Area
Taste Bundaberg Festival - Bundaberg
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival - Winton
WOW Charleville - Charleville
July
Abbey Medieval Festival - Caboolture (Moreton Bay)
Big Red Bash - Birdsville
Jumpers and Jazz Festival - Warwick
Mary Poppins Festival - Maryborough
Mary Valley Arts Festival - Mary Valley (Gypmie)
Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival - Moreton Bay
Motor Cycle Beach Races - Mackay
SPARK Ipswich - Ipswich
August
Cairns Indigenous Art Fair - Cairns
Cardwell UFO Festival - Cardwell
EKKA Royal Queensland Show - Bowen Hills (Brisbane)
Gemfest - Anakie (Central Highlands)
Hidden Lanes Festival - Fortitude Valley (Brisbane)
Horizon Festival - Caloundra
Kingaroy Bacon Fest - Kingaroy
September
Blackbutt Avocado Festival - Blackbutt
Brisbane Festival - Brisbane
Burdekin Water Festival - Ayr (Burdekin)
Crafted Beer and Cider Festival - Broadbeach
Swell - Currumbin
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival - Southport
Laidley Spring Festival - Laidley (Lockyer Valley)
Outback Festival - Winton
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers - Toowoomba
The Outback Food, Wine & Music Festival - Longreach
Winds of Zenadth Cultural Festival - Thursday Island (Torres Strait)
October
Goodna Jacaranda Festival - Goodna (Ipswitch)
Milbi Festival - Bundeberg
Moreton Kids Festival - Strathpine (Moreton Bay)
Savannah in the Round - Mareeba
November
Good Food Month - Brisbane
Planning Your Visit
The weather in Queensland is split into two categories. The southern region is subtropical and up north is tropical.
Northern Queensland
Just like the Northern Territory, Northern Qld experiences a wet season in the summer months when it is wet, hot, and humid. The yearly average temperature is 29°C (85°F).
Southern Queensland
The weather in southern Queensland is hot in summer with milder winters so you should pack a light jacket or jumper, especially for the evenings.
Summer - 35°C max (102°F), 21C min (70°F)
Winter - 22°C max (72°F), 10C min (50°F)
Book your accommodation well in advance if visiting an area during school holidays or a festival. Book well in advance if heading anywhere along the coast of Qld for the Christmas/summer holidays
Even in summer pack a light jumper for the evenings, especially if you are in the Outback.
Summer: Water activities and longer daylight hours to explore.
Autumn: Milder weather for hiking and outdoor activities.
Winter: Explore outback Queensland, temperatures in summer can hit 50°C (122°F).
Spring: Hiking and the native flowers are blooming.
Getting Here
By Air: Brisbane is the main International Airport. Cairns and the Gold Coast also have international airports. There are many large Domestic Airports around Qld servicing major hubs around Australia, with many Regional Airports dotted around the State.
By Train: Queensland is serviced very well by trains covering a vast majority of the State. There are also many tourist trains such as, The Westlander and Spirit of the Outback.
By Sea: Pre-COVID times Queensland had 13 cruise ship destinations, Brisbane, Moreton Island, Mooloolaba, Fraser Island, Gladstone, Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, Townsville, Trinity Wharf Cairns, Yorkey's Knob, Port Douglas, Cooktown, and Thursday and Lizard Islands. At present cruising is on hold.
By Bus: There are regular bus services available from the Capital Cities of each State. Buses also run throughout Queensland.
