Five things to do in Queensland

Despite the recent bad luck that has befallen the state in the past few months, Queensland is an amazing holiday destination which is home to Australia’s most spectacular scenery and natural environments. Often called the ‘sunshine state’, its beaches, clear blue waters, reefs, islands and tropical rainforests men that holiday makers have an endless list of sights, activities and unforgettable experiences right on their doorstep. If sun, sand and sea is what you’re looking for in a holiday, you’ll find everything you want in Queensland. Here’s a guide to five of Queensland’s unbeatable attractions.



1. Whitsunday Islands. A chain of islands off Queensland’s coast between Mackay and Bowen, the ‘Whitsundays’ are a popular tourist destination for those wishing to visit the Great Barrier Reef. But don’t overlook the great things to do on the islands themselves. Whitehaven Beach is a 6 kilometre stretch of soft white sand on Whitsunday Island that has repeatedly been voted one of the world’s best beaches. Airlie Beach offers access to some amazing reefs and islands, and the most popular way to see everything is by taking a chartered sailing trip.



2. Great Barrier Reef. A must-see if you’re visiting Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest system of coral reefs. Made up of almost 3,000 individual reefs and 900 islands, it is so big that it can be seen from outer space. With amazing experiences offered both above and below the water, thousands of visitors flock here each year to see this natural wonder and World Heritage listed site first hand. There are plenty of snorkelling trips available, depending on what island you’re staying on, so look into it early so you don’t miss out!



3. Frasier Island. Considered the largest sand island in the world, most visitors camp on Frasier Island and spend their days four-wheel driving over the sand dunes and swimming in the island’s freshwater lakes. If you’re keen to see a Dingo, you’ll be likely to see one here, but be careful – there have been regular reports of dingoes biting tourists!



4. Surfer’s Paradise, Gold Coast. If you’ve had your fix of nature and adventure and are ready for a nice big hotel room and some busy nightlife, then make a stop at Surfer’s Paradise on Queensland’s Gold Coast. 80 kilometres from Brisbane, the wide surf beach, high rise skyline, and bustling bar and restaurant precinct offers visitors the ultimate combination of city and beach lifestyles. Surfer’s Paradise is close to both the Gold Coast and Brisbane, and there are plenty of cheap flights to Brisbane and the Gold Coast from most Australian locations.



5. Daintree Rainforest. Located on Queensland’s far north coast, the Daintree tropical rainforest is a spectacular ecological and biological wonder, and was added to the World Heritage List in 1988. Over 135 million years old, the Rainforest covers 1200 square kilometres and is home to a diverse array of fauna and flora, as well as endangered and rare species. There are a number of tours, activities and sights for visitors to experience in the spectacular Daintree region, and you can easily get there via Cairns. There are plenty of daily cheap flights to Cairns from other Australian destinations.




Queensland is home to some of Australia’s most spectacular and famous sights and attractions, so if you’re planning a trip to Queensland, make sure you use this list as a starting point.




With the increase in the number of airlines offering cheap flights, Australia - and Queensland - should be at the top of your list for your next holiday destination!