Queensland is full of surprises. It’s known for its abundant nature, pristine beaches, and tropical islands, and is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
It’s a state we’ve resonated with as a holiday destination and have visited many times over the years, usually on short trips to the Gold Coast.
But after spending three months exploring the state on our 18-month road trip around Australia and calling it home for five months, we’ve realized how many things to do in Queensland there really are.
If you’re planning a trip to Queensland but need to decide what Queensland attractions to add to your list, then read on to see 52 of our favorite things to do and activities.
Explore the Boodjamulla National Park, Savannah Way
Boodjamalla National Park is an emerald green oasis in Outback Queensland that thrives with wildlife, native plants, and fauna and is the off-the-beaten-path experience you crave.
Otherwise known as Lawn Hill, Boodjamalla’s draw is its sandstone cliffs, emerald green river, kayaking, hiking, and camping.
Snorkel or Dive the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s natural icons. Made up of 900 islands and 2,900 individual coral reefs, it’s the largest living structure on the planet, and whether you snorkel or dive, you must experience it for yourself.
There are many options for getting out on the Reef and from various locations along the Queensland coast, with Cairns being the main gateway.
For a reason, it’s one of the top places to visit in Queensland, Australia.
Take a Larc Tour of 1770
Spending the day exploring the Town of 1770 in a bright pink LARC – an amphibious vehicle designed to transport goods in time of war – is one of the best day trips we’ve done in Australia.
Tour owner Neil is as passionate as they come, and the day was full of adventure, history, scenery, and laughs! Read more in our review of the LARC tour in Seventeen Seventy.
Book your LARC tour of 1770 here.
Discover the Undara Lava Tubes, Savannah Way
One of the most exciting places we explored in Outback Queensland was Undara, home to 164 volcanoes, cones, and vents. Who knew Australia had such a volcanic history?
It was fascinating for us and fun for our kids! Sleep in a train carriage, have breakfast in the bush, take a wildlife sunset tour, and do the half-day Archway Explorer Lava Tubes tour!
Daydream on Daydream Island, Whitsundays
We only had one night on Daydream Island and wished it was more. The island is the gateway to the tropical paradise of Queensland.
There’s enough mix of relaxation and activities for all of us, and you’re in The Whitsundays!! The most beautiful part of Queensland.
A highlight was Kalyra succeeding for the first time at SUP – Stand Up Paddle Boarding!
If you have more time, you can also explore the nearby Hamilton Island, which offers relaxation and serenity while surrounded by lush tropical waters.
Visit Burleigh Heads National Park, Gold Coast
Burleigh Heads are our favorite place on the Gold Coast, and we were fortunate to call Burleigh home once. It’s home to one of Australia’s best short coastal walks, which is through the Burleigh Heads National Park.
Get up early and catch the magnificent sunrise while watching the surfers at the point. Then continue around the headland, and you’ll come upon another Gold Coast favorite, Tallebudgera Creek.
Drive the Waterfall Way, Atherton
Drive about an hour southeast of Cairns and arrive in the Atherton Tablelands region. Here you can go mountain biking, coffee tasting, and hot air ballooning, amongst other things.
But my favorite thing to do in Queensland was driving the 15km Waterfall Way Circuit that embraces some of the best waterfalls in the region.
Relax at Airlie Beach
Airlie Beach is a delightful town. We spent a week there and used it as a gateway to The Whitsunday Islands – think Whitehaven Beach – but enough happening in town makes Airlie a fun holiday destination.
There are endless bars, cafes, and restaurants for the adults, and our kids loved the artificial lagoon!
Visit Lady Musgrave Island, Great Barrier Reef
On the day we visited Lady Musgrave Island, it was a rough 90-minute boat ride out from the Town of 1770 due to the swell, but the destination was magnificent and worth the bumpy ride.
This island is a coral cay and the second island in the Great Barrier Reef chain of islands after Lady Elliot Island.
You can even camp here, with no power or water supply, and the nearby snorkeling in the lagoon is brilliant.
Ride the Skyrail Rainforest to Kuranda
The town of Kuranda is a popular place to visit near Cairns, and the best way to get there is via the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.
Glide for 7.5 kilometers over the top of the pristine rainforest with fantastic coastal views thrown in. If you’re brave, jump in the open-air Canopy Glider (harnessed in) for uninterrupted and breathtaking views.
Relax on the Kuranda Scenic Railway
Once you go up the mountain to Kuranda on the Skyrail, a relaxing way to descend through the rainforest is on the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, which passes waterfalls and deep ravines.
It’s an impressive engineering feat, and you pass through 13 tunnels.
It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Queensland.