My SamfordQueensland, known as the Sunshine State, is one of Australia’s most diverse and adventure-packed destinations. Stretching from the Gold Coast all the way up to the Torres Strait, it offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, vibrant cities, Indigenous cultural experiences, and iconic wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a beach lover, thrill seeker, foodie, or history enthusiast, Queensland has something for every traveller. Here are the 10 best things to do when visiting this spectacular region.
1. Explore the Great Barrier Reef
No visit to Queensland is complete without experiencing the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its vibrant underwater world, home to over 1,500 species of fish, bright coral gardens, manta rays, turtles, and reef sharks, makes it a bucket-list destination for snorkelers and divers.
Popular jumping-off points include Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Whitsundays. Beginners can join guided snorkel tours, while experienced divers can explore outer-reef walls, underwater caves, and even shipwrecks. Scenic flights offer a bird’s-eye view of iconic formations like the Heart Reef. Conservation-focused tours also allow visitors to learn about reef restoration and marine protection.
2. Relax in the Whitsunday Islands
The Whitsundays are a dreamy chain of 74 islands nestled in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Famous for their powdery white beaches, lush national parks, and postcard-perfect turquoise waters, the islands offer a quintessential tropical escape.
Whitehaven Beach, often ranked among the best beaches in the world, is renowned for its pure silica sand and swirling blue waters at Hill Inlet. Sailing is the most popular way to explore the region. Multi-day yacht trips let you hop between secluded bays, snorkel vibrant reefs, and stargaze from the deck at night. Resorts on islands like Hamilton, Hayman, and Daydream offer luxurious stays for those seeking relaxation and indulgence.
3. Wander Through Daintree Rainforest
Far North Queensland is home to the Daintree Rainforest, the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforest, estimated to be over 180 million years old. This ancient ecosystem is so significant that it shares joint World Heritage status with the Great Barrier Reef.
Visitors can stroll along boardwalks at Mossman Gorge, glide through the forest canopy on zip lines, or take guided night walks to spot nocturnal species. A river cruise along the Daintree River is a must for spotting crocodiles and rare bird species. Many tours are led by local Kuku Yalanji guides, offering rich insights into Indigenous traditions, bush medicine, and the spiritual connection to Country.
4. Discover Fraser Island (K’gari)
Previously known as Fraser Island, K’gari, meaning “paradise” in the language of the Butchulla people, is the world’s largest sand island and a natural wonder unlike anywhere else. Accessible from Hervey Bay or Rainbow Beach, this World Heritage-listed island features towering rainforests growing on sand, crystal freshwater lakes, and endless beaches.
The island is best explored via four-wheel drive. Highlights include swimming in the dazzling blue Lake McKenzie, floating down the natural creek at Eli Creek, and visiting the rusting Maheno Shipwreck. Wildlife lovers may spot dingoes, whales (during migration season), and vibrant birdlife. Multi-day tours and beachfront campsites make it an adventurer’s paradise.
5. Enjoy the Gold Coast’s Beaches and Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is Australia’s playground, famed for its golden beaches, glamorous nightlife, and action-packed attractions. Surfers Paradise is the most iconic stretch of sand, a buzzing hub of surf schools, restaurants, and entertainment. Calm family-friendly beaches like Burleigh Heads and Coolangatta are ideal for swimming and picnics.
Beyond the coastline, thrill-seekers can visit theme parks such as Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, Sea World, and Wet’n’Wild. For nature lovers, the Gold Coast Hinterland offers a cooler escape with rainforest trails, waterfalls, and charming mountain villages like Tamborine.
6. Experience the Laid-Back Vibe of the Sunshine Coast
Just north of Brisbane lies the Sunshine Coast, a region with pristine beaches, relaxed townships, and lush hinterland scenery. Noosa is the jewel of the region, famous for its stylish boutiques, boardwalks, surf breaks, and national park where koalas are frequently spotted in the treetops.
Further inland, the Glasshouse Mountains provide excellent hiking trails with panoramic views. Families can enjoy the Australia Zoo, founded by the legendary Steve Irwin, where conservation initiatives, wildlife encounters, and live shows educate and entertain visitors of all ages.
7. Take in the Culture and Cuisine of Brisbane
Queensland’s capital city, Brisbane, has evolved into a dynamic cultural hub with world-class galleries, riverfront restaurants, and leafy outdoor spaces. The South Bank precinct features sandy lagoons, weekend markets, street performers, and the Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA), home to award-winning exhibitions.
A cruise along the Brisbane River offers stunning city views, while nearby suburbs like West End, Fortitude Valley, and New Farm are packed with quirky cafés and live music. For a touch of adventure, visitors can climb the Story Bridge or take the scenic CityCat ferry to explore riverside districts.
8. Venture into the Scenic Rim
Just an hour from Brisbane lies the Scenic Rim, a region of rolling vineyards, national parks, and volcanic mountain ranges. It’s one of Australia’s most underrated escapes, perfect for those seeking fresh air, farm-to-table produce, and breathtaking landscapes.
Popular activities include hiking in Lamington, Main Range, or Mount Barney National Parks, home to waterfalls, glow-worm caves, and ancient Gondwana rainforest. Food and wine lovers can explore boutique wineries, distilleries, and local farms offering cheese tastings and organic produce. Hot air balloon rides at sunrise provide magical views of the misty valleys below.
9. Discover Outback Queensland
For a taste of Australia’s rugged heart, head west to Outback Queensland, where red earth plains, fossil fields, and historic towns tell stories of ancient landscapes and pioneering resilience.
In Longreach, visitors can explore the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame and take a paddle-steamer cruise along the Thomson River. Winton offers the Age of Dinosaurs Museum, where world-class dinosaur fossils are unearthed. Remote national parks like Carnarvon Gorge showcase towering sandstone cliffs, Indigenous rock art, and lush gorges carved over millions of years.
This region provides a vivid contrast to Queensland’s coastal attractions, offering silence, starry skies, and immersive experiences far from the crowds.
10. Dive into Adventure on the Atherton Tablelands
Just inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands offer cool highlands, crater lakes, gourmet food trails, and lush waterfalls. The region is ideal for road-tripping, with scenic drives connecting cute townships, farm gates, and natural attractions.
Swimmers and photographers love the Waterfall Circuit, featuring Millaa Millaa Falls—one of Australia’s most iconic, surrounded by rainforest ferns. The Curtain Fig Tree, volcanic Lake Eacham, and the rolling green dairy country around Malanda make great stops. Local markets and cafés offer fresh tropical fruit, chocolate, cheese, and coffee grown in the region’s fertile soils.
Experience the Best Things to do in Queensland
Queensland is a place of contrasts, ancient rainforests meet modern cities, coral reefs sit alongside sun-drenched beaches, and the peaceful Outback offers an entirely different world just hours from the coast. Whether you’re chasing wildlife encounters, relaxation, culture, or adrenaline thrills, Queensland delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
My Samford
