Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland (Ultimate Bucket List Experiences)
Visiting Queensland is a once in a lifetime experience, with so many things to see and do! In this post you’ll find a comprehensive list of top 10 things to do in Queensland for your next trip!
From the Great Barrier Reef and the Whitsundays to rainforest adventures and wildlife encounters, this guide covers the most iconic bucket list experiences across the state!
1. Great Barrier Reef Diving – Top Things to Do in Queensland (Cairns & Port Douglas)
The Great Barrier Reef is not only one of the must see attractions in Queensland, but one of the most beautiful spots in the entire world! The reef spans from the very North of Queensland down to roughly the height of Bundaberg. It is considered to be the world’s largest coral reef and is one of the seven wonders of the natural world! Therefore, exploring this fascinating underwater world is 100% a bucket list experience in Queensland! There are many tours that can take you to the reef, most of them leaving from either Cairns or Port Douglas. I personally went with Passions of Paradise from Cairns and would highly recommend them!
2. Daintree River Cruise – Wildlife Experience in Far North Queensland (Cairns Region)
The Daintree River passes through the Daintree Rainforest near Cairns in Far North Queensland. You’ can cruise along the river with an experienced guide. The atmosphere is really exciting as everyone on board keeps looking around in hope of spotting a crocodile!
3. Surfing in Noosa – Best Surf Beaches in Queensland (Sunshine Coast)
Noosa is a laid back beach town in Southern Queensland with some great beaches along the coast with waves that suit every level of surfer, from beginner to more advanced! There are also several surf schools, in case you want to pick up surfing for the first time 😊
4. Brisbane Mount Coot-Tha Lookout – Best Views in Brisbane, Queensland
Mount Coot-Tha is a mountain and a suburb of the City of Brisbane. There is a lookout platform on the peak that offers unobstructed views over all of Brisbane. There is also a lovely café on the top to complete your visit!
5. Magnetic Island Forts Walk – Best Place to See Koalas in Queensland
This is the moment you’ll think “Wow, I’m really in Australia!”. The Forts Walk on Magnetic Island is your best bet to see Koalas in the wild. It’s a fairly easy 1.5–2 hour trek taking you through the Magnetic Island National Park, with stunning views of the ocean and passing by various World War II relics. Make sure to look out for arrows made of sticks and stones on the floor, which people like to make to indicate that there is a Koala in that direction! The Forts Walk is truly a once in a lifetime bucket list experience you must do in Australia!
6. Whitsundays Sailing Trip – Best Islands in Queensland
The Whitsundays are a group of 74 dispersed islands off the coast of Queensland. There are many different ways to explore the Whitsunday Islands, such as going to a resort island like Hamilton Island or taking a day trip on a fastboat to Whitehaven Beach. But my personal favourite is taking a multi-day sailing trip. Here’s why:
- The sailing boat is slow enough to let you fully take in the blue waters and the sandy beaches of the surrounding islands.
- A multi-day sailing trip allows you to visit multiple different islands at once
- You’ll be able to get to the most famous attractions before the day-trippers arrive
- Sunsets from the middle of the ocean are fantastic
- Great opportunity for stargazing at night!
I personally went with the boat Siska, which is one of the lower budget operators. But there are sailing trips available for all types of budgets and travel styles 🙂
7. Swim in Lake MacKenzie on Fraser Island – Best Freshwater Swimming Spot in Queensland (K’gari)
Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world, which already makes it unique and worth a visit in itself! But more specifically, you must add a swim in Lake MacKenzie to your bucket list for Queensland! The sand and organic matter at the base of the lake form a waterproof layer, which prevent the rainwater water from draining. But besides these fascinating natural facts, the lake is also just beautiful to look at. The sand is white silica sand (just as the Whitehaven beach in the Whitsundays!) and the water sparkles in several different shades of blue. The locals additionally say that swimming in the water and rubbing the sand on your skin will make you look younger, so…
8. Hold Koala in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary – Brisbane Wildlife Experience
The Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is home to over 30 koalas and other native Australian animals. The organization runs on a nonprofit basis, while also contributing to the animals’ conservation and research. The unique thing about the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is that they allow visitors to hold Koalas for a short amount of time! If you love Koalas as much as I do, this will be a once in a lifetime experience that will make you so happy! They are so fluffy I love it!
9. Feed Rock Wallabies at Geoffrey Bay – Magnetic Island Wildlife Experience
Another bucket list experience on Magnetic Island! Besides the Forts Walk for Koala spotting, there are also other unique Aussie animals on the island! Make your way to Geoffrey Bay, where you will find many large rocks along the coast. At first, this might seem highly uneventful. But if you take a close look you you’ll see small rock wallabies either lying around or shyly hiding behind the rocks. One of the main attractions is actually feeding the wallabies. It’s recommended to give them either carrots, food pellets or apples. Make sure to read the info sign at Geoffrey Bay before feeding the wallabies!
10. Have a beer at Felon’s Brewery – Brisbane Riverfront Brewery Experience
Felon’s is a modern brewery located right on the banks of the Brisbane River. It has a beautiful view of the central business district and the stunning Story Bridge. The brewery has a very laid back, chill vibe and welcomes you to stay for a while and taste all of their delicious locally brewed beers.
Final Thoughts on Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland
Queensland is one of the most diverse destinations in Australia, offering everything from the Great Barrier Reef to island adventures, rainforests, and vibrant cities. These are my personal picks for the top 10 things to do in Queensland for your next trip, and I’d highly recommend adding as many of them as possible to your itinerary!
Looking for some more Australia travel inspo? Check out my other posts here!
FAQs – Top 10 Things to Do in Queensland
What are the top things to do in Queensland?
The top things to do in Queensland include visiting the Great Barrier Reef, exploring the Whitsundays, discovering the Daintree Rainforest, relaxing in Noosa, and experiencing wildlife on Magnetic Island.
Is the Great Barrier Reef worth visiting?
Yes, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the most iconic natural attractions in the world and a must-do in Queensland. Snorkeling or diving there is truly an incredible experience!
How many days do you need in Queensland?
Ideally, you should spend at least 14+ days in Queensland if you want to explore multiple regions like Cairns, the Whitsundays, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast. Distances are large, so travel time should be considered.
What is the best time to visit Queensland?
The best time to visit Queensland is during the dry season, from May to October. During this period, you’ll get warm temperatures, lower humidity, and better conditions for reef and island activities. In Far North Queensland this is also outside of Stinger Season, which is another thing to consider when planning your travels!
Can you see koalas in the wild in Queensland?
Yes, one of the best places to see koalas in the wild is Magnetic Island, especially along the Forts Walk. You can also see koalas up close at sanctuaries like Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane.
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