Queensland Australia by Jace Sinclair
Queensland is every bit deserving of its nickname “Sunshine State”.
Holidays in Australia’s second-largest state are guaranteed to be sunny and exciting. There are an almost endless range of things to do and places to visit. Whether you are looking for a peaceful place to relax or an exciting spot to have plenty of fun, you will certainly find the perfect place in this Aussie playground.
Queensland being a coastal state is, of course, famous for its premier coastal destinations.
Noosa National Park is one of the most popular spots in the area.
This nature reserve is both a haven to adventure junkies and a relaxing retreat to those who wish for a serene atmosphere.
Sailing, hiking, canoeing, and fishing are just some of the exciting outdoor adventures you can enjoy. But if you want a restful alternative, there’s plenty of parks and river-ways where you can chill out and unwind.
There are also several pristine beaches to choose from. Dip your hands in adrenaline-pumping activities or just lounge around and take it easy.
Care for some island fun? Then you’re off to the world’s largest sand island. Hop on a 4×4 vehicle and drive along Fraser Island’s 75-mile stretch. To cool off from the heat of the sun, go for a dive to refresh yourself!
If you visit between the months of November to March, try not to miss the beautiful activity at Bundaberg.
Come after sunset and you will see thousands of turtle’s crowds around its beaches to lay their eggs. If you can, return almost two months later. By then, you will see thousands of hatchlings scurrying with all their might along the sandy shores towards the open waters.
If sailing is your sport, then the waters around the Whitsundays Islands are just perfect for you. Feel the wind on your face as you traverse through the white effervescing surf. Explore and relish towards any of the surrounding 74 stunning islands waiting for you.
Of course, don’t miss the spectacular gift of nature which is the Great Barrier Reef.
Imagine 1,200 kilometers of the world’s largest and richest marine ecosystem with some of the most stunning underwater species. If you want to be blown away in amazement, visit one of the countless outfitters in the area.
Since you will be visiting one of the world’s most important and vulnerable ecosystems, be smart with your choices. Go with eco-friendly companies to ensure that you are doing your part to preserve this incredible beauty of this planet.
Now let’s further go through the five paradises you can find in the state of Queensland in Australia.
Brisbane, Queensland
Queensland’s lively riverside capital city is squeezed between the ocean and craggy national parks. Brisbane is a cosmopolitan center for arts, culture, and dining but still retains a close connection with nature and a classic laid-back Queensland attitude. It’s also the gateway to the wonders of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Despite its not so pleasant history as a former penal colony, Brisbane has emerged into a charming Australian city that is slowly gaining a strong following.
Its central business district boasts some of the most impressive architecture in the country such as the Brisbane City Hall, the Treasury Building, and the Riverside Center. The city’s surrounding areas, on the other hand, provide plenty of green spaces for the comfort and relaxation of the locals and tourists alike.
Before the Sydney Opera House came along, Brisbane City Hall was the country’s crowning glory. It is worth a visit to find out why it is one of the country’s most expensive buildings. The City Hall also houses the Museum of Brisbane which offers an insightful glimpse to the city’s history and cultural legacy. Also, don’t forget to pass by the building’s viewing platform for a lovely view of the city’s picturesque surroundings.
For more stunning panoramic views of the city, check out what’s in store for you at the Story Bridge.
This 262-feet edifice may take quite an effort to climb but the breathtaking vista of the Brisbane River from the top is worth all the effort. There is also the Wheel of Brisbane, a giant Ferris wheel, providing 360-degree views of the city. It is best to visit the site during the night for a stunning view of the city’s radiant skyline.
While waiting for your night-time ride at the Wheel of Brisbane, stroll the nearby South Bank Parkland for plenty of entertainment options to pass the time. If you want to relax in tranquility, find yourself a quiet spot in the park’s 7-hectare garden. However, if you want to spend your time people watching or interacting with the locals, proceed to the park’s many cafes and restaurants overlooking a charming artificial lagoon. You can also spend your time buying some souvenirs in the arts and crafts market or in one of the many shops in the area.
If you want to spend more time in an idyllic garden, go for a short drive to the Botanic Gardens at Mt. Coot-ha.
It has an extensive collection of beautifully arranged subtropical plants such as bonsai, cacti, and ferns to name a few. The lagoon and bamboo grove are perfect for a more tranquil setting.
Another idyllic location is Newstead House, located in a verdant park with fantastic views of the river. This house built in 1846 is a piece of Brisbane’s history that is worth checking out. The gardens are also a welcome respite where you can just sit back while enjoying the view of a picturesque landscape.
Want to see the cuddly koalas up close and personal? Then, a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is a must. It’s only a short 7-mile drive from the city center and you’ll also find plenty of other Australian wildlife in the area.
Brisbane’s arts and culture scene are also thriving. You don’t have to visit Sydney to experience dazzling performances, the Brisbane Powerhouse and Queensland Performing Arts Center give fantastic shows that will surely take your breath away. For a look at Brisbane’s flourishing art scene, visit the remarkable Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art and you’ll certainly be impressed.
Magnificent Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Whitehaven Beach is the most recognized beach on Whitsundays Island, Australia. Whitsundays Island is a group of continental islands of various sizes off the central coast of Queensland, Australia, approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) north of Brisbane.
The nice stretch is of powdery white sand measures seven kilometers long. Whitehaven’s white sand is said to be mostly made of pure silica. The southern trade winds sweep the aquamarine, crystal clear water that graces the beach making it ideal for swimming.
All these features make Whitehaven nothing short of spectacular. It is the reason why it is often used in many tourism promotional campaigns for Australia.
Whitsunday has 74 islands and is located off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
You can discover a new island, a new beach, or a new snorkel site every day in the Whitsundays. It’s a region jam-packed with bucket-list experiences.
On Whitsunday’s, there are several major attractions including gorgeous beaches, but Whitehaven, in particular, is definitely a spot you do not want to miss. Ranked consistently as one of the best beaches in the world by travel authorities like Trip Advisor. Some of the facilities you can enjoy while on Whitehaven Beach include picnic and shaded areas and a viewing platform.
Aside from swimming and sunbathing; snorkeling around Whitehaven is always a treat because it is part of the Whitsunday Island National Park, widely known for its rich marine life. After enjoying the beauty and the space Whitehaven has to offer, hike your way to the popular lookout at Tongue Point, Whitsunday Island. Tongue Point is located in the northernmost section of the beach. The lookout is protected by a tropical rain-forest that is a part of the Whitsunday Islands National Park.
All you need to experience this is make that short walk from the sand to the forest, and you will not regret the amazing lookout. Around this area also lies a beautiful cove called the Hill Inlet, where the tide famously creates movements on the sand and water to generate a burst of colors.
If you take a chance and walk to the tip of the Hill Inlet, you will also find the spectacular yet the more secluded Betty’s Beach.
You can do the lookout and Hill Inlet hike on your own or be part of a guided hiking tour led by a local Ngaro guide. The Ngaro people are the most familiar with the path’s history as they are the traditional owners of the Whitsunday Islands.
Housed at Hamilton Island is the nearest international airport. This airport regularly facilitates flights to and from Sydney and Brisbane. Another smaller airport that receives flights from Brisbane is the Whitsunday Coast Airport at Proserpine. There are a couple of ways to reach Whitehaven Beach from these airports. Tour companies operating in the region offer half-day and full-day excursions to the beach. These tour excursions involve ferry or sailboat cruises that often include barbecue picnic lunches, afternoon teas, beach games, snorkeling opportunities, and coach transfers in their itinerary.
One popular cruise route is the one from Airlie Beach because it allows you to go across to the very picturesque national marine parks in the Whitsunday area. If you have the budget, consider a helicopter or seaplane island transfer that offers unparalleled magnificent aerial views. There are designated campsites on the national park grounds so staying overnight near Whitehaven Beach is not a problem. You can also choose to camp at the southern end of the beach.
Dream Are Alive at Dreamworld, Australia
Feel like a kid again or watch your little ones go crazy as they go from one ride to another at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Australia.
The Gold Coast is a flashy strip of high-rise hotels and expansive resorts set along more than a dozen golden sand beaches.
For more than 30 years, Dreamworld has been, quite literally, the place that has made children’s dreams come true.
Dreamworld has served some 30 million guests from around the continent, and the world with over 40 rides, attractions, and even a wildlife park. Some of the most famous rides include the Big 7 Thrill, Wiggles World, and the DreamWorks Experience where guests can watch exciting interactive shows. For those who want to get to know the animal world better, jump in on a Wildlife Experience Adventure and see for yourself hundreds of native Australian animals!
Take a day off, an entire day at that, to explore the entire theme park’s many sections. Or, if you prefer, get into your swimsuit and slip through the gate to WhiteWater world just next door for pools, rides, and slides.
Wiggles World is most probably Dreamworld’s most ideal place for kids. Popular rides include Dorothy’s Rosy Tea Cup Ride where guests get into a giant teacup then twist, twirl and sing along to a few favorite Wiggles songs. The Big Red Car Ride is great for the entire family. Buckle up and prepare for a tour of the Wigglehouse where you meet Wags the Dog in Wag’s Kennel, sing with Henry the Octopus, and the Underwater Big Band in Henry’s Room and dance with Dorothy the Dinosaur who happens to be waiting for you in her rose garden.
Set sail at SS Featherscord and explore another side of Wiggles World. Guests get to be the Captain Feathersword first mate and sail the world with Sam, Murray, Anthony, and Jeff. Have fun being on the observation deck and play peek-a-boo through portholes on deck an excellent place to take photos.
Go and have a bit more of an educational experience at The Fun Spot. Educational games and Wiggles music fills this activity center. Play kitchens, mini supermarket with trolleys, playhouses, cubbies, and a fort and castle to play king and queen in are all found here. Just make sure you keep the kids’ shoes in tow because you don’t want to lose them during all the fun and games!
The wildlife experience in Dreamworld is one of the biggest native wildlife parks on the Gold Coast, if not the entire Southeast Queensland area.
There are over 500 native animals in this park and it houses the second largest population of koalas in Queensland. Here you can cuddle a koala, get up close to wombats, kangaroos, and big crocs. You can even experience what it is like to shear sheep.
Tiger Island and The Lair are two of the most recent additions in Dreamworld’s attractions list. Tiger Island features Bengal and Sumatran tigers. Guests are allowed to observe and get pretty up close to these wild animals. They play, roam and swim with their handlers. In The Lair, guests can roam around jungle kings, come face to face with them and still feel safe behind triple laminated, reinforced glass.
Fraser Island – Experience Unspoiled Australian Natural Beauty
Located 161 miles (259 kilometers) off the southern coast of Queensland, Australia, Fraser Island prides itself as part of UNESCO’s elite list of World Heritage Sites since 1992. With all of its unspoiled natural beauty, the island is home to diverse habitats and ancient rain-forests with more than 1000-year-old trees. These trees also distinguish themselves from the rest in the world, because they are the only ones growing on sand dunes.
Fraser Island measures about 76 miles long (122 kilometers), and approximately 24 kilometers (15 mi) wide covering an area of about 184,000 hectares. The white sandy beaches are decorated by impressive sand cliffs and sand dunes, making it the island’s crowning glory.
During spring and summer, Fraser’s landscape is even more stunning as wildflowers go in full bloom to display their radiance and color. The Island is not only a natural gem for Australia, but it is also appreciated for its historical and cultural importance.
It is approximately 200 kilometers (120 mi) north of Brisbane. It is a locality within the Fraser Coast Region. Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world at 1840 km². It is also Queensland’s largest island, Australia’s sixth-largest island and the largest island on the East Coast of Australia.
Fraser’s sand dunes give the illusion that you are in a Middle Eastern dessert.
But when you see its many beautiful lakes, you will soon realize that you are in one of the most gorgeous islands in Australia. Some lakes showcase crystal clear water and white sand, while others possess a red hue due to tannin. Admiring these lakes from a distance is simply not enough. Take a dip at these magical waters and you will not regret it. Aside from spending a significant amount of your time on the beach, one of the best things to do in Fraser is to go on adventurous ecological tours. Some tours will allow you to fully explore old rain-forests with all its mysteries.
Today the island is a popular tourist destination. Its resident human population was 194 at the 2011 Australian Census. Accommodation choices are varied on Fraser Island. Here, you can find a luxury resort that will cater to your needs. There are also ecology-friendly lodgings and campsites for nature lovers. Fraser Island is about 3 ½ kilometers north of Brisbane and is mainly accessible via boat or ferry. It is possible to reach the island by flying on a light aircraft that lands on the main beach during low tide.
The island has rough roads, so the best way to go around Fraser is by driving a four-wheel-drive vehicle. You can easily hire your own vehicle or you can just join a group on a 4WD tour bus. If you plan to drive, you must obtain an official permit from the Department of Environment. You should also get a permit If you plan to camp outside the designated commercial campsites.
Fraser Island has over 100 freshwater lakes, as well as the second-highest concentration of lakes in Australia after Tasmania.
The freshwater lakes on Fraser Island are some of the cleanest lakes in the world. A popular tourist area is Lake McKenzie which is located inland from the small town of Eurong.
Do yourself a favor and allow at least 3 days of exploration in this Australian paradise. One attraction you should not miss is Lake MacKenzie. This lake offers white sand and clear blue waters, so it draws a big crowd especially during peak season. Another wonderful body of freshwater you should consider visiting is Lake Wabby, which is known for its wonderful green colored water. Lake Wabby has become a popular hiking destination. It takes 30 minutes to get here from the main beach. One path to the lake also leads to the huge sand dune called Hammerstone Sandblow. Other interesting spots on the island include the rocky outcrop known as Indian Head, the rock natural bathing areas called Champagne Pools, and the refreshing Eli Creek.
Magnetic Island – The Australian Paradise
Are you looking for the perfect holiday destination in Australia? With its gorgeous array of holiday resorts and a resident population of just about 2,500, the sun and smiles at Magnetic Island should be the right choice.
Set on the Great Barrier Reef, the tropical activities here are endless. In this magnetic sunny area of the Queensland coast, make sure to bring light casual clothes for an overload of surprises.
Magnetic Island offers a laidback tropical vacation.
Just a short 20-minute ferry ride away from Townsville, Queensland, this paradise is the epitome of unspoiled beauty. The ferry service is always reliable with up to 14 return trips daily. Here the beaches are secluded and the wildlife abundant. Mt. Cook rises in the center of the island’s 5,184 hectares, almost three-quarters of which is a devoted National Park. Home to a plethora of bird-life, possums and wallabies, both young and old will surely enjoy the spectacular lookouts. Cuddle a koala, kiss a croc and feed the kookaburras. Marvel at the rocky headlands in this paradise and notice how they almost always kiss the sea. Together they bore grand granite boulders made less dreadful by Hoop pines.
For those looking for an authentic island-style accommodation, book a villa at Pure Magnetic. The rooms here are furnished in Balinese flavor. Nestled in the charming Nelly Bay Beach, enjoy the vista of the clear blue marina just twenty meters away from your bedroom. Take a stroll, order an exquisite cocktail while lying under a coconut palm on the warm sand, or plunge into the lagoon-style swimming pool. This is the perfect home for the island holiday!
Make sure to catch the sunset while enjoying your grilled barbecue at Horseshoe Bay Markets. The place comes alive on the second and last Sunday of each month. Stuffed with a collection of artwork and local crafts, the grassy foreshore ushers one in for a relaxing stroll. If you are up for a drink on a Friday night, drop by the Friday Night RSL Markets & Free Trivia Night. The place is open from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm and the bars around offer a venue where travelers can exchange notes and make friends.
Magnetic Island is the “place to be” for diving lessons among travelers.
Those who are novices to diving should not worry. The waters around the island are relatively shallow. The specialty courses are designed for different levels of difficulty. They are not just superb quality but are also very affordable. Get set to explore not just the wide variety of sea-life but also the massive treasure cove of coral reefs.
If diving by boat, feel free to ask your diving instructor for the best-sheltered bays for a calm anchorage. Conquer your fear, and when you do, you will be rewarded with the breathtaking underwater view of the most famous wreck in the region, the Yongala. In 1911, the boat sank without a trace during a cyclone. It is later discovered in the early 1950s. You wouldn’t want to miss this spectacular must-do during your perfect holiday on Magnetic Island!
Made up of 14 unique and enchanting destinations for you to explore, Queensland truly is like no other place on earth. From the infinite coastlines to the great expanses of the outback, the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, and display of succulent rainforests. The home state is a giant living and breathing postcard, waiting to be explored!
Prepare your mouth to drop and get ready for the time of your life in Queensland.