Queensland: Best Beaches, Wonderful Wildlife, Fabulous Food

Queensland is located on the northeast part of Australia, home to gorgeous beaches and sunny weather. This vast state is home to amazing landscapes, vibrant cities, and 300 days of sunshine a year! Explore the rainforest, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, experience cosmopolitan buzz in Brisbane, or discover the colorful marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. No matter what you’re looking for, Queensland has got something for every traveler.

Our Australia travel specialists have put together this guide of can’t-miss experiences in beautiful Queensland!

Great Barrier Reef

No visit to Queensland, or Australia for that matter, is complete without seeing the one and only Great Barrier Reef. There are so many ways to experience this natural wonder: snorkeling and diving tours, live-aboard boat tours, even helicopter excursions to see the magnificent reef from above! Don’t want to get wet? Witness the Great Barrier Reef from the comfort of a completely dry, underwater viewing platform.

Diving in the Great Barrier Reef - Queensland, Australia
Diving in the Great Barrier Reef. Image: Tourism Queensland

Beaches

Looking for some fun in the sun? From beaches to islands, Queensland has no shortage of places to soak up the sunshine, try your hand at surfing, or even enjoy a road trip along a sandy coastal strip! Some of our favorite beaches are Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Four Mile Beach in Port Douglas, and Catseye Beach on Hamilton Island.

Surfers Paradise Beach in Queensland Australia
Surfers Paradise seen through a surf barrel. Image: Tourism Queensland

Island Hopping

When in Queensland, island hopping is a must. Queensland is home to the Whitsundays, and some of the most beautiful islands happen to be smack dab in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll witness a plethora of marine life while hopping around the islands! Here are some of our favorite islands to visit:

  • Lizard Island
  • Hayman Island
  • Fraser Island
  • Fitzroy Island
  • Hamilton Island

Aerial View of Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach
The beautiful Hill Inlet at Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays. Image: Tourism Queensland

Wildlife

You can see all kinds of unique Australian wildlife in Queensland! If you’re looking to support an amazing cause and see many animals at once, consider going to Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo; the Irwins are often spotted helping out the wildlife! Queensland is also home to some of our favorite wildlife sanctuaries where you can feed kangaroos or cuddle a koala: Wildlife Habitat Port Douglas and WILD LIFE on Hamilton Island.

Closer to the water, animals like sea turtles and manta rays can be spotted in the wild. The Great Barrier Reef is home to a multitude of marine life, making it the perfect destination for swimmers and divers alike. From the colorful fishes to the uniquely shaped coral, you’ll find yourself surrounded by natural beauty.

Baby Tree Kangaroo - Queensland, Australia
A curious tree kangaroo joey. Image: Tourism Queensland

Food and Drink

Love food and wine? With its tropical climate, Queensland is one of the best spots to discover fresh and delicious eats. Find crisp juicy fruits, seafood straight from the water, roasted macadamia nuts, and home-made goodies sold at boutique shops around town. We recommend taking a day trip from Cairns or Port Douglas to eat and drink your way through the Atherton Tablelands. Here you’ll discover amazing cheeses, organic wines and coffees, traditional indigenous foods, and gourmet goodies.

Waterfront Dining in Port Douglas, Queensland
Delicious waterfront dining in Port Douglas. Image: Tourism Queensland

Are you ready to experience the glories of Queensland? Give us a call today at (312) 951-8517 and let our luxury travel designers handcraft your next adventure Down Under!