last edited Dec 11, 2019
What to See in Queensland
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Location Map of Queensland
Queensland
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Queensland has four sites listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Riversleigh Fossil Fields (1994)
In the outback, over 300 km northwest of Mount Isa, this site is part of Boodjamulla Park and is one of the world's most important fossil sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also discover flora and fauna typical of the outback here.
In the outback, over 300 km northwest of Mount Isa, this site is part of Boodjamulla Park and is one of the world's most important fossil sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also discover flora and fauna typical of the outback here.
Gondwana Rainforests (1994)
This vast expanse of rainforests in Queensland and NSW is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes 44 parks and reserves across the two states, offering stunning mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, and local opportunities for outdoor sports and nature activities.
This vast expanse of rainforests in Queensland and NSW is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes 44 parks and reserves across the two states, offering stunning mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, and local opportunities for outdoor sports and nature activities.
Great Barrier Reef (1981)
Stretching over 2,000 km along the east coast of Queensland, this is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its marine life and corals make it a diver's paradise. The reef is accessible from around ten locations along the coast, including Cairns.
Stretching over 2,000 km along the east coast of Queensland, this is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its marine life and corals make it a diver's paradise. The reef is accessible from around ten locations along the coast, including Cairns.
Fraser Island (1992)
A large tourist island in southern Queensland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is visited for its beaches, landscapes—particularly its sand dunes and inland lakes—hiking and 4x4 opportunities, and its wildlife (including birds and dingoes). There are also good opportunities for whale watching from Hervey Bay on the other side of the channel separating the island from the mainland.
A large tourist island in southern Queensland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is visited for its beaches, landscapes—particularly its sand dunes and inland lakes—hiking and 4x4 opportunities, and its wildlife (including birds and dingoes). There are also good opportunities for whale watching from Hervey Bay on the other side of the channel separating the island from the mainland.
Cities and Cultural Heritage
Brisbane
The capital of Queensland is also Australia’s third-largest city and an international gateway to this part of the country. While it’s a friendly, lively, and economically dynamic city, it isn’t a must-see tourist destination despite a few parks and gardens.
The capital of Queensland is also Australia’s third-largest city and an international gateway to this part of the country. While it’s a friendly, lively, and economically dynamic city, it isn’t a must-see tourist destination despite a few parks and gardens.
Bundaberg
The city marks the start of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s primarily interesting for seeing turtles during nesting season, and secondarily for its beaches or rum distilleries.
The city marks the start of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s primarily interesting for seeing turtles during nesting season, and secondarily for its beaches or rum distilleries.
Cairns
Between the sea and forests, the city is primarily the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Between the sea and forests, the city is primarily the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Cape Tribulation
This small coastal village north of Port Douglas and near Daintree Park is a favorite among independent travelers for its setting and its quiet, "off-the-beaten-path" vibe.
This small coastal village north of Port Douglas and near Daintree Park is a favorite among independent travelers for its setting and its quiet, "off-the-beaten-path" vibe.
Cooktown
It is the northernmost town on Australia’s east coast and serves only as a stopover for exploring the Cape York Peninsula or the Great Barrier Reef.
It is the northernmost town on Australia’s east coast and serves only as a stopover for exploring the Cape York Peninsula or the Great Barrier Reef.
Gold Coast
Just a few dozen kilometres south of Brisbane, Gold Coast is the ultimate tourist destination (10 million visitors a year!) with its theme parks, nightlife, beaches, and surfing everywhere.
Just a few dozen kilometres south of Brisbane, Gold Coast is the ultimate tourist destination (10 million visitors a year!) with its theme parks, nightlife, beaches, and surfing everywhere.
Hughenden
This village lies at the heart of an area where numerous fossils and dinosaur remains have been discovered. Tourism here naturally revolves around this theme.
This village lies at the heart of an area where numerous fossils and dinosaur remains have been discovered. Tourism here naturally revolves around this theme.
Fraser Island
A large tourist island in southern Queensland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is visited for its beaches, landscapes—particularly its sand dunes and inland lakes—hiking and 4x4 opportunities, and its wildlife (including birds and dingoes). There are also good opportunities for whale watching from Hervey Bay on the other side of the channel separating the island from the mainland.
A large tourist island in southern Queensland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is visited for its beaches, landscapes—particularly its sand dunes and inland lakes—hiking and 4x4 opportunities, and its wildlife (including birds and dingoes). There are also good opportunities for whale watching from Hervey Bay on the other side of the channel separating the island from the mainland.
Great Keppel Island
Like its neighbors in the "Capricorn & Bunker Group," the island is part of the "Great Barrier Reef Marine Park" and offers stunning beaches and diving opportunities.
Like its neighbors in the "Capricorn & Bunker Group," the island is part of the "Great Barrier Reef Marine Park" and offers stunning beaches and diving opportunities.
Hinchinbrook Island
Large island near the mainland between Townsville and Cairns. A national park, it offers excellent diving and water-based activities.
Large island near the mainland between Townsville and Cairns. A national park, it offers excellent diving and water-based activities.
Lady Elliot Island
This is the southernmost inhabited island of the Great Barrier Reef. Strongly focused on ecotourism, it offers excellent diving and birdwatching opportunities. A little further north, Heron Island and other islands in the "Capricorn & Bunker Group" share a similar setup.
This is the southernmost inhabited island of the Great Barrier Reef. Strongly focused on ecotourism, it offers excellent diving and birdwatching opportunities. A little further north, Heron Island and other islands in the "Capricorn & Bunker Group" share a similar setup.
Magnetic Island
This pretty volcanic island, quite touristy, off the coast of Townsville is largely a national park. You can see many birds here and enjoy hiking or water activities.
This pretty volcanic island, quite touristy, off the coast of Townsville is largely a national park. You can see many birds here and enjoy hiking or water activities.
Torres Strait Islands
Over 250 small islands located in the strait separating Australia from New Guinea. Very few tourists visit, but they offer great beach and diving opportunities—just watch out for sharks and crocodiles in some areas. The local Melanesian Indigenous culture and traditions remain strong here.
Over 250 small islands located in the strait separating Australia from New Guinea. Very few tourists visit, but they offer great beach and diving opportunities—just watch out for sharks and crocodiles in some areas. The local Melanesian Indigenous culture and traditions remain strong here.
Whitsunday Islands
The archipelago of 74 islands between Townsville and Mackay is one of Australia’s most visited destinations. Visitors come for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, straight out of a postcard. You can also dive or take boat trips.
The archipelago of 74 islands between Townsville and Mackay is one of Australia’s most visited destinations. Visitors come for its stunning beaches and turquoise waters, straight out of a postcard. You can also dive or take boat trips.
Kuranda
The former mining village 25 km from Cairns is a tourist destination with its scenic railway and its rainforest and waterfall setting (Barron Falls).
The former mining village 25 km from Cairns is a tourist destination with its scenic railway and its rainforest and waterfall setting (Barron Falls).
Mackay
A coastal city between Brisbane and Cairns, serving mainly as a stopover on this (long) route.
A coastal city between Brisbane and Cairns, serving mainly as a stopover on this (long) route.
Maryborough
Located opposite Fraser Island, this small town was for a long time the arrival point for all immigrants to Australia’s east coast. A few fine buildings from that era remain.
Located opposite Fraser Island, this small town was for a long time the arrival point for all immigrants to Australia’s east coast. A few fine buildings from that era remain.
Mount Isa
Mining town in the Outback known for its carnival and rodeo. Nearby (300 km) is the UNESCO-listed Riversleigh fossil site.
Mining town in the Outback known for its carnival and rodeo. Nearby (300 km) is the UNESCO-listed Riversleigh fossil site.
Cape York Peninsula
This is the "tip" at the northern end of Queensland. Vast, wild, and almost uninhabited except for a few Aboriginal communities, it offers remarkable biodiversity, teeming with crocodiles and snakes. For tourism, it’s an off-the-beaten-path "adventure land.".
This is the "tip" at the northern end of Queensland. Vast, wild, and almost uninhabited except for a few Aboriginal communities, it offers remarkable biodiversity, teeming with crocodiles and snakes. For tourism, it’s an off-the-beaten-path "adventure land.".
Port Douglas
This coastal town is a possible base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree National Park.
This coastal town is a possible base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree National Park.
Proserpine
This town essentially provides services and transport for the highly touristic Whitsunday Islands located just across the way.
This town essentially provides services and transport for the highly touristic Whitsunday Islands located just across the way.
Rockhampton
One of the oldest cities in Queensland, with some remaining architectural testimonies from the 19th century. Around twenty kilometres away, you can visit the Capricorn Caves inland, as well as the beaches of Yeppoon and, most notably, the stunning Keppel Islands and the Capricorn & Bunker Group islands, which are not far off the coast.
One of the oldest cities in Queensland, with some remaining architectural testimonies from the 19th century. Around twenty kilometres away, you can visit the Capricorn Caves inland, as well as the beaches of Yeppoon and, most notably, the stunning Keppel Islands and the Capricorn & Bunker Group islands, which are not far off the coast.
Sunshine Coast
Just north of Brisbane, between Noosa and Caloundra, a highly touristic coastal area known for its small resorts, beautiful beaches, and water activities. A few nearby small parks and nature reserves for walkers.
Just north of Brisbane, between Noosa and Caloundra, a highly touristic coastal area known for its small resorts, beautiful beaches, and water activities. A few nearby small parks and nature reserves for walkers.
Toowoomba
One of the few inland cities in the state. Toowoomba is (somewhat) known for its parks and gardens, as well as its few "historic" buildings.
One of the few inland cities in the state. Toowoomba is (somewhat) known for its parks and gardens, as well as its few "historic" buildings.
Townsville
A large city south of Cairns and primarily a stopover on the way north or a base for exploring, particularly Magnetic Island.
A large city south of Cairns and primarily a stopover on the way north or a base for exploring, particularly Magnetic Island.
Yowah
A mining village where opals are sought. Alongside this, a small tourism industry has developed around the activity.
A mining village where opals are sought. Alongside this, a small tourism industry has developed around the activity.
Natural Heritage
Riversleigh Fossil Fields
In the outback, over 300 km northwest of Mount Isa, this site is part of Boodjamulla Park and is one of the world's most important fossil sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also discover flora and fauna typical of the outback here.
In the outback, over 300 km northwest of Mount Isa, this site is part of Boodjamulla Park and is one of the world's most important fossil sites. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can also discover flora and fauna typical of the outback here.
Simpson Desert
At the heart of Australia, spanning three states, this vast arid expanse is a prime destination for adventure tourism by motorbike and 4x4. Camel treks are also possible here.
At the heart of Australia, spanning three states, this vast arid expanse is a prime destination for adventure tourism by motorbike and 4x4. Camel treks are also possible here.
Gondwana Rainforests (1994)
This vast expanse of rainforests in Queensland and NSW is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes 44 parks and reserves across the two states, offering stunning mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, and local opportunities for outdoor sports and nature activities.
This vast expanse of rainforests in Queensland and NSW is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes 44 parks and reserves across the two states, offering stunning mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, and local opportunities for outdoor sports and nature activities.
Great Barrier Reef
Stretching over 2,000 km along the east coast of Queensland, this is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its marine life and corals make it a diver's paradise. The reef is accessible from around ten locations along the coast, including Cairns.
Stretching over 2,000 km along the east coast of Queensland, this is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its marine life and corals make it a diver's paradise. The reef is accessible from around ten locations along the coast, including Cairns.
Bunya Mountains
With its forests, this small mountain range in the hinterland of Brisbane is especially popular for camping and hiking.
With its forests, this small mountain range in the hinterland of Brisbane is especially popular for camping and hiking.
Glass House Mountains
This mountain range behind Brisbane is visited for its landscapes, hiking, and climbing.
This mountain range behind Brisbane is visited for its landscapes, hiking, and climbing.
Carnarvon National Park
In the heart of Queensland, this place offers beautiful landscapes, several caves, and trekking opportunities. It also contains numerous Aboriginal sites.
In the heart of Queensland, this place offers beautiful landscapes, several caves, and trekking opportunities. It also contains numerous Aboriginal sites.
Daintree National Park
This park near Port Douglas is part of the UNESCO-listed "Wet Tropics of Queensland." Like other designated sites along this stretch of coast, it’s an area of dense rainforest that can be explored on hikes. Several small Aboriginal sites are located within and around the park.
This park near Port Douglas is part of the UNESCO-listed "Wet Tropics of Queensland." Like other designated sites along this stretch of coast, it’s an area of dense rainforest that can be explored on hikes. Several small Aboriginal sites are located within and around the park.
Eungella National Park
A fairly remote park covered in rainforests, known for its platypus population. Hiking is available here.
A fairly remote park covered in rainforests, known for its platypus population. Hiking is available here.
Great Sandy National Park
Beaches, vast dunes, small lakes, and coves, along with forests and mangroves for hiking and paddling. The park is an extension of Fraser Island.
Beaches, vast dunes, small lakes, and coves, along with forests and mangroves for hiking and paddling. The park is an extension of Fraser Island.
Lamington National Park
A charming park near the Gold Coast known for its landscapes, rainforest, waterfalls, birdwatching, and trekking opportunities.
A charming park near the Gold Coast known for its landscapes, rainforest, waterfalls, birdwatching, and trekking opportunities.
Undara National Park
This inland park between Cairns and Townsville is unique for its volcanic formations and some of the world’s longest lava tubes.
This inland park between Cairns and Townsville is unique for its volcanic formations and some of the world’s longest lava tubes.
Must-see & highly recommended
Great Barrier Reef
★★★★ Stretching over 2,000 km along the east coast of Queensland, this is the world's largest coral reef system. It is a UNESCO World Heritage…
Cape York Peninsula
★★★★ This is the "tip" at the northern end of Queensland. Vast, wild, and almost uninhabited except for a few Aboriginal communities, it offers…
Recommended
Fraser Island
★★★ A large tourist island in southern Queensland designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is visited for its beaches…
Magnetic Island
★★★ This pretty volcanic island, quite touristy, off the coast of Townsville is largely a national park. You can see many birds here and enjoy…
Whitsunday Islands
★★★ The archipelago of 74 islands between Townsville and Mackay is one of Australia’s most visited destinations. Visitors come for its…
Daintree National Park
★★★ This park near Port Douglas is part of the UNESCO-listed "Wet Tropics of Queensland." Like other designated sites along this stretch of…
Worth a look / Other
Cape Tribulation
★★ This small coastal village north of Port Douglas and near Daintree Park is a favorite among independent travelers for its setting and its…
Simpson Desert
★★ At the heart of Australia, spanning three states, this vast arid expanse is a prime destination for adventure tourism by motorbike and 4x4…
Gold Coast
★★ Just a few dozen kilometres south of Brisbane, Gold Coast is the ultimate tourist destination (10 million visitors a year!) with its theme…
Great Keppel Island
★★ Like its neighbors in the "Capricorn & Bunker Group," the island is part of the "Great Barrier Reef Marine Park" and offers stunning…
Hinchinbrook Island
★★ Large island near the mainland between Townsville and Cairns. A national park, it offers excellent diving and water-based activities.
Lady Elliot Island
★★ This is the southernmost inhabited island of the Great Barrier Reef. Strongly focused on ecotourism, it offers excellent diving and…
Torres Strait Islands
★★ Over 250 small islands located in the strait separating Australia from New Guinea. Very few tourists visit, but they offer great beach and…
Kuranda
★★ The former mining village 25 km from Cairns is a tourist destination with its scenic railway and its rainforest and waterfall setting…
Bunya Mountains
★★ With its forests, this small mountain range in the hinterland of Brisbane is especially popular for camping and hiking.
Glass House Mountains
★★ This mountain range behind Brisbane is visited for its landscapes, hiking, and climbing.
Palm Cove
★★ A small coastal resort town with stunning beaches located north of Cairns.
Eungella National Park
★★ A fairly remote park covered in rainforests, known for its platypus population. Hiking is available here.
Undara National Park
★★ This inland park between Cairns and Townsville is unique for its volcanic formations and some of the world’s longest lava tubes.
Carnarvon National Park
★★ In the heart of Queensland, this place offers beautiful landscapes, several caves, and trekking opportunities. It also contains numerous…
Lamington National Park
★★ A charming park near the Gold Coast known for its landscapes, rainforest, waterfalls, birdwatching, and trekking opportunities.
Great Sandy National Park
★★ Beaches, vast dunes, small lakes, and coves, along with forests and mangroves for hiking and paddling. The park is an extension of Fraser…
Sunshine Coast
★★ Just north of Brisbane, between Noosa and Caloundra, a highly touristic coastal area known for its small resorts, beautiful beaches, and…
Birdsville
★ This remote outback village is the gateway to the Simpson Desert.
Brisbane
★ The capital of Queensland is also Australia’s third-largest city and an international gateway to this part of the country. While…
Bundaberg
★ The city marks the start of the Great Barrier Reef. It’s primarily interesting for seeing turtles during nesting season, and…
Cairns
★ Between the sea and forests, the city is primarily the main gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Riversleigh Fossil Fields
★ In the outback, over 300 km northwest of Mount Isa, this site is part of Boodjamulla Park and is one of the world's most important fossil…
Cooktown
★ It is the northernmost town on Australia’s east coast and serves only as a stopover for exploring the Cape York Peninsula or the…
Gondwana Rainforests
★ This vast expanse of rainforests in Queensland and NSW is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It includes 44 parks and reserves across the two…
Hughenden
★ This village lies at the heart of an area where numerous fossils and dinosaur remains have been discovered. Tourism here naturally revolves…
Mackay
★ A coastal city between Brisbane and Cairns, serving mainly as a stopover on this (long) route.
Maryborough
★ Located opposite Fraser Island, this small town was for a long time the arrival point for all immigrants to Australia’s east coast. A…
Mount Isa
★ Mining town in the Outback known for its carnival and rodeo. Nearby (300 km) is the UNESCO-listed Riversleigh fossil site.
Port Douglas
★ This coastal town is a possible base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef or Daintree National Park.
Proserpine
★ This town essentially provides services and transport for the highly touristic Whitsunday Islands located just across the way.
Rockhampton
★ One of the oldest cities in Queensland, with some remaining architectural testimonies from the 19th century. Around twenty kilometres away…
Toowoomba
★ One of the few inland cities in the state. Toowoomba is (somewhat) known for its parks and gardens, as well as its few "historic" buildings.
Townsville
★ A large city south of Cairns and primarily a stopover on the way north or a base for exploring, particularly Magnetic Island.
Yowah
★ A mining village where opals are sought. Alongside this, a small tourism industry has developed around the activity.
- Gondwana Rainforests
- Birdsville
- Brisbane
- Bundaberg
- Cairns
- Cape Tribulation
- Cooktown
- Fraser Island
- Gold Coast
- Great Keppel Island
- Hinchinbrook Island
- Hughenden
- Kuranda
- Lady Elliot Island
- Mackay
- Magnetic Island
- Maryborough
- Mount Isa
- Palm Cove
- Cape York Peninsula
- Port Douglas
- Proserpine
- Rockhampton
- Sunshine Coast
- Toowoomba
- Torres Strait Islands
- Townsville
- Whitsunday Islands
- Yowah
- Bunya Mountains
- Daintree National Park
- Eungella National Park
- Glass House Mountains
- Great Sandy National Park
- Great Barrier Reef
- Lamington National Park
- Riversleigh Fossil Fields
- Undara National Park
- Carnarvon National Park