18 Best Places To Visit In Queensland Australia

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Are you wondering what the best places to visit in Queensland are? If you’re planning a trip to Queensland, you will be spoilt for choice. From the world’s largest coral reef system to ancient rainforest, stunning beaches and country towns, Queensland is a favourite holiday destination in Australia! 

This guide will help you plan the ultimate Queensland itinerary, sharing the best places to go in Queensland and a few hidden gems you might not have heard of too! 

As Queenslanders ourselves, we have explored our expansive home state quite thoroughly, yet there are still plenty of places to discover and unique spots that only the locals might know about. We are definitely grateful to live in the Sunshine State! 

Need a rental car for your must-see Queensland itinerary? Book here

Beautiful Places To Go In Queensland: Quick Travel Tips

Before you plan your next bucket list trip, exploring beautiful Queensland and experiencing the best things to do in Queensland Australia, let’s plan your visit:

Best Time To Visit Queensland

There isn’t really a bad time to visit Queensland! Even in winter, Queensland gets plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making it the perfect destination if you love spending time in the great outdoors! 

Of course, if you want to spend your time at Queensland’s best beaches, visiting between November and March is great for South East Queensland.

On the flip side, this is the worst time to visit Far North Queensland, due to it being the wet season, with a higher chance of tropical cyclones and flash flooding in places.

It’s also the peak stinger season – jellyfish! You will need a stinger suit if you want to visit the reef during this time.  

Best Places to Visit In Queensland

Now that we’ve covered the basics on how to get around in Queensland and when to visit, it’s time to get to the very reason you’re here – to find out where the most popular places in Queensland to go are! 

Going to see more of Australia? Check out the best places to visit in Victoria, Western Australia and New South Wales too!

1. Great Barrier Reef

It only seems right to kick off this list of the most beautiful places with one of the most famous attractions in all of Australia – the Great Barrier Reef! 

This natural wonder is the largest coral reef system in the world. It’s so large, you can see it from space! Crazy! It covers more than 344,000 square kilometres. 

The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the Queensland coastline from off the coast of Bundaberg in the South, up to the most northern tip of Queensland. 

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with many attempts being made to preserve the beauty of this coral ecosystem. 

If you are wondering how to visit the Great Barrier Reef, you have quite a few places you can depart from. Many of these places will feature on this list, including Cairns, Bundaberg, Whitsundays and Magnetic Island to name a few. 

The best way to experience the reef is by taking a snorkelling or scuba diving boat tour out to the reef or from above, with a scenic helicopter flight. 

Best Things To Do In The Great Barrier Reef

• Snorkelling
• Scuba diving
• Helicopter flight
• Glass bottom boat
• Overnight stay on the reef

Unique Accommodation For The Great Barrier Reef

• Green Island Resort
• Fitzroy Island Resort
• Reefsleep Experience

2. The Daintree Rainforest

Is visiting the oldest rainforest in the world on your bucket list? It should be! 

The Daintree Rainforest is over 135 million years ago and one of travel guru Sir David Attenborough’s favourite places in the world – “The most extraordinary place on Earth” is how he described it.

Stretching over 1,200 square kilometres, this ancient rainforest is a magical place for nature lovers to explore the lush foliage and crystal-clear streams. You’re almost guaranteed to have some sort of wildlife encounter too! 

Although it might be less unexpected than the wild pig we saw at Mossman Gorge… 

There are a lot of different experiences you can have in the Daintree. Take a Daintree River cruise and spot some local saltwater crocodiles as your guide teaches you about the ecosystem and the fauna of the area. 

Cool off at Mossman Gorge, a beautiful wild swimming hole and one of the most popular Daintree attractions. There is a great walking track too.

In fact, there are a lot of incredible hiking trails in the Daintree Rainforest to suit all levels of fitness and difficulty. 

You can easily visit the Daintree Rainforest from Cairns or do a full-day tour (or extended stay) to Cape Tribulation, crossing on the Daintree Ferry to see where the tropical rainforest meets the beach. 

This whole area feels like you’ve stepped into a fantasy film or FernGully! Does anyone else remember that Aussie kids’ movie? 

Best Things To Do In The Daintree

• Catch the shuttle bus to Mossman Gorge for a swim or walk
• Spot crocodiles on a Daintree River Cruise
• Daintree Discovery Centre
• Camp at Cape Tribulation
• Walking trails

Unique Places To Stay In The Daintree

• Daintree Ecolodge
• Epiphyte B & B
• Mossman Gorge Bed & Breakfast

3. Cairns

One of our personal favourite places in Queensland is Cairns! It’s also one of the best places to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree National Park. But that’s just the beginning of reasons to visit Cairns! 

Cairns itself is one of the most popular destinations in Tropical Queensland and it is most definitely somewhere you will want to have your own car! There are so many options for day trips from Cairns and you need at least 1 week in Cairns.

Some of our favourites include Green Island, Paronella Park, Kuranda, Mission Beach, Port Douglas and Palm Cove. Other popular day trips include Atherton Tablelands and Fitzroy Island, which are places we haven’t yet had the chance to visit. 

There are also some epic waterfalls near Cairns.

In the heart of Cairns, you will have more than enough things to do too. The Cairns Esplanade Lagoon is a favourite for kids since Cairns doesn’t have great beaches. There are some incredible restaurants in Cairns, especially along the Marina. 

Plus there’s Cairns Aquarium, Zoom Wildlife where you can zipline over an enclosed zoo and the cruise terminal to take you right out to the Great Barrier Reef or one of the many islands. 

Best Things To Do In Cairns

• Cairns Aquarium
• Swim at Cairns Lagoon
• Dine along the Cairns Marina
• Visit Hemingway’s Brewery
• Day trip to Green Island
• Do the Kuranda Scenic Railway and Cablecar experience
• Take an outer reef cruise on the Great Barrier Reef

Places To Stay In Cairns

• Crystalbrook Riley
• Cairns Coconut Park
• Shangri-La Cairns The Marina

For more recommendations, read our Cairns family accommodation guide. 

Cairns Vs Port Douglas – Many people ask whether Cairns or Port Douglas is better. If you want to laze by the beach in a resort town, Port Douglas is a better choice, however, our personal preference is Cairns as you will have far more options for things to do and places to eat. They are both beautiful places. 

4. Whitsunday Islands

Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands are a must-visit destination in Queensland. This group of 74 islands is known for its crystal clear waters and stunning white sandy beaches, making it a popular spot for snorkelling, diving, and sailing. 

One of the most famous beaches in the Whitsundays is Whitehaven Beach, a pristine stretch of sand that has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in the world.

The swirling sands of Hill Inlet, which provide stunning panoramic views of the area, are just a short hike away. 

In addition to its natural beauty, the Whitsunday Islands are also home to some of the best luxury resorts and spas in Australia. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, the Whitsundays is a pretty epic way to spend it! 

Some of the best places to visit in the Whitsundays include Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Hayman Island. 

Although, if you’re not keen on the price tag of a Whitsundays Island holiday, you can definitely still enjoy an island day trip.

There are plenty of cruises and day tours to take you to some of the most iconic and scenic spots in the Whitsundays. Many of them depart from Airlie Beach (which is next on our list). 

Things To Do In The Whitsundays

• Stay at a Whitsundays resort
• Visit Whitehaven Beach
• Cruise the Whitsundays
• Take a scenic flight over the Whitsunday Islands

Unique Places To Stay In The Whitsundays

• Elysian Retreat – Adults Only Luxury Resort
• Beach Club Hamilton Island
• InterContinental Hayman Island Resort

5. Airlie Beach

If you’re looking for the gateway to the Whitsundays, Airlie Beach is exactly the place you’re looking for!

This is by far one of the best places to visit in Queensland simply because of its perfect location along the coast.

Airlie Beach has always been a popular destination with backpackers and young adults looking for a party vibe mixed with adventure, but Airlie Beach is a great place to visit with kids too. 

Aside from visiting the tropical Islands, you can enjoy lounging on the beach or spending a morning at the Airlie Beach Lagoon. This was a favourite for our kids who didn’t want to leave.

This manmade lagoon is surrounded by grassy areas for a picnic or a BBQ, making it a great place to spend a day with the family. 

If you love fishing, it’s a great spot to throw out a line. Or hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water. 

There are plenty of bars and restaurants and a strong along the coastal boardwalk is spectacular as the sun begins to set over the Coral Sea!

Airlie Beach has some great beachfront markets on the Airlie Esplanade every Saturday from 7 am until 1 pm where you can find handmade creations from local artisans.

 Things To Do In Airlie Beach

• Visit the Whitsundays Islands
• Swim at the lagoon
• Go kayaking or paddleboarding
• Shop the Saturday markets

Places To Stay In Airlie Beach

• Freedom Shores Airlie Beach
• Peninsula Airlie Beach
• Coral Sea Marina Resort

6. Brisbane

You can’t come to Queensland and not visit Brisbane! Brisbane is the Queensland capital city and while it might not get as much recognition as Sydney or Melbourne, we think it’s a pretty cool city!

There are plenty of fun things to do in Brisbane, even on a rainy day!

The Cultural Complex is always a great free day out in the city with the Queensland Museum and Art Galleries, plus the National Library to visit. 

Southbank is by far one of the best places to go in Brisbane, situated along the Brisbane River. Here you will find some of the best restaurants in Brisbane, bars, playgrounds and Brisbane’s own beach. A man-made beach right in the centre of Brisbane.

This is a popular place to spend a summer day and there is always something going on in Southbank Parklands.

While the Brisbane River itself might not be so pretty – the brown snake, you can’t miss the chance to catch a CityCat Ferry along the river and explore beyond Brisbane CBD. 

One of our favourite stops is Eat Street Northshore. On Friday through Sunday afternoons, this former container wharf comes alive with pop-up international food and drink, live music and entertainment. 

Howard Smith Wharves is another must-visit! Enjoy a craft beer at Felons Brewery under the Story Bridge as the sun goes down. 

A little further from Brisbane city you can see native Australian wildlife at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. It is located in Fig Tree Pocket and a bit of a drive, but there is also a daily river cruise to take you there too. 

This is a great place to get up close with Australian animals. I did my high school work experience here, so it holds a bit of a special place in my heart! 

Things To Do In Brisbane

• Spend a day at Southbank Parklands
• Take a CityCat ferry cruise up the river
• Visit the museums and galleries
• Go on a day trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
• Catch a performance at QPAC
• Grab a beer at Howard Street Wharves

Best Places To Stay In Brisbane

• Royal On The Park
• Stamford Plaza
• Crystalbrook Vincent

7. Sunshine Coast

If it’s secluded beaches and glorious national parks you’re looking for, the Sunshine Coast is definitely one of the best places to visit in Queensland!

With its stunning coastline, lush hinterland, and laid-back atmosphere, the Sunny Coast is the perfect place to unwind for a few days or longer. 

One of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast is Noosa, a picturesque town with a charming coastal village feel. Here you’ll find quaint cafes and restaurants, and plenty of boutique shopping opportunities on Hastings Street.

Go on a hike through the Noosa National Park, and you’re likely to spot wildlife from the land and water. There are some great vantage points for dolphin and whale sightings. 

If you’re looking for a more active experience, head to Caloundra. This is a popular spot for families as there are some great family resorts here, with close access to the beaches. 

Another favourite of ours is Mooloolaba. Here you will find a bustling esplanade with cafes, resorts and bars. There is a huge playground on the beachfront. Plus you can visit Sea Life Mooloolaba at the Mooloolaba Wharf and then grab something delicious to eat. 

And of course, there are also beautiful spots like Rainbow Beach and Coolum too. 

Things To Do On The Sunshine Coast

• Visit SeaLife Aquarium
• Go for a hike in Noosa National Park
• Learn to surf
• Do the coastal walk between Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands
• Find even more Sunshine Coast activities for kids in our guide

Best Places To Stay On The Sunshine Coast

• Oceans Mooloolaba
• Oaks Sunshine Coast Resort
• RACV Noosa Resort

For more recommendations, read our Sunshine Coast family accommodation guide. 

8. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland deserves a mention of its own. You could easily spend a week or two exploring the region and still barely skim the surface. 

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland includes some of the most quaint little towns but also some lush rainforests and national parks. This is definitely a place to come if you love the great outdoors!

Two of the most popular towns in the hinterland are Montville and Maleny. These mountain towns are full of boutique shops, handmade treats and hidden gems. Plus you can stay in an old church in Maleny, which we did on our most recent visit.

Eumundi is well known for its huge weekend markets where you can find handmade goods, clothing, delicious local food, jewellery, artwork, live music and produce. 

You will have no shortage of walking tracks in the hinterland. One of the most popular tracks is the Kondalilla National Park track which takes you to Kondalilla Falls. Worth the walk! 

The Glass House Mountains are also located within the Hinterland area, with great views and walking tracks. They are also not too far from Australia Zoo, which is most definitely worth visiting! 

Things To Do In The Sunshine Coast Hinterland

• Hike to Kondalilla Waterfall
• Swim at Gardners Falls
• Get a craft beer at Brouhaha Brewery
• Enjoy baked goods from Kenilworth Bakery
• Stroll the Eumundi Markets
• Visit Australia Zoo

Best Places To Stay In The Sunshine Coast Hinterland

• The Old Church Maleny 
• Spicers Tamarind Retreat & Spa
• Altitude On Montville

9. Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is a well-known vibrant and lively coastal city that stretches along the southeast coast of Queensland, and it’s a must-visit destination for beach lovers and thrill-seekers alike. 

The Gold Coast offers endless opportunities for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach or a secluded cove, you can find it here.

Besides the golden beaches, the Gold Coast is also famous for its theme parks, including Dreamworld, Warner Bros Movie World, and Sea World, plus White Water World and Wet N Wild waterparks. There is also Top Golf and the Australian Outback Spectacular.

But those are just a couple of the fun Gold Coast attractions you will find. 

Surfers Paradise is the place most people think of when planning a visit to the Gold Coast, and it is a great option if you want loads of attractions, entertainment and events, with Main Beach a popular choice for a swim.

Pretty much there will be something to see and do on every corner, even on a rainy day! 

In the evenings, Surfers Paradise comes alive with its busy nightlife. From beachfront bars and clubs to world-class restaurants and cafes, there’s no shortage of options for a fun night out. 

Things To Do On The Gold Coast

• Enjoy the beaches
• Go thrill-seeking at the theme parks
• Catch the AquaDuck tour bus
• Take the kids to one of the many playgrounds

Best Places To Stay On The Gold Coast

• Mantra Circle on Cavill
• Q1 Resort & Spa
• BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park

10. Gold Coast Hinterland

Just as the Sunshine Coast Hinterland needed its own mention, so too does the Gold Coast Hinterland. It could not be a bigger contrast from Surfers Paradise! 

If you’re ready to trade in the busy centre of the Gold Coast for mountains, rainforests and waterfalls, the Gold Coast Hinterland is exactly where to go!

Springbrook National Park offers a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life with walking tracks and lookouts galore, leading to some spectacular waterfalls and the Gondwana Rainforests. 

Lamington National Park is a favourite for bird waters, with several walking tracks starting from O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. There is a treetop walk here with suspension bridges over the rainforest canopy for some fantastic views. If you don’t mind heights!

Mount Tambourine is another favourite place of ours with this cute rainforest village up on the mountain. Here you will find some great places to dine with a view, handmade fudge and ice cream, boutique shops, Curtis Falls and the botanical gardens. 

If you have the time, make a stop at O’Reillys Canungra Valley Vineyard where you can do a wine tasting of their delicious wines and rent an alpaca. Okay, so you can walk and feed your own personal alpaca.

This is such a fun experience. I’m not sure who enjoyed it more… me or the kids!

Things To Do In The Gold Coast Hinterland

• Hike through the rainforest tracks
• See the Springbrook National Park glow worms
• Do a wine tasting and alpaca walk at Canungra Valley Vineyard
• Shop for cuckoo clocks at Mount Tamborine
• Go birdwatching in Lamington National Park

Best Places To Stay On The Gold Coast Hinterland

• O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat
• The Polish Place
• Songbirds Rainforest Retreat

11. Fraser Island (K’gari)

Located off the coast of Queensland, Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island. This alone puts it pretty high on the list of places to see in Queensland! It’s also a must-visit destination for nature lovers. 

With crystal-clear freshwater lakes, towering sand dunes, and plenty of beach camping opportunities, Fraser Island has plenty of fun things to do.

Although Fraser Island is definitely somewhere best visited for a few days rather than by day trip since you need to get there by ferry from Brisbane. 

Fraser Island is home to the stunning Lake McKenzie, which is known for its clear turquoise waters and white sand. This is a parched rainwater lake and one of the most visited places on the island so visit early to miss the crowds.

Don’t forget your pool floaties for a float down Eli Creek. This is another iconic Fraser Island experience you need to have. 

You will need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you plan to drive on Fraser Island. The popular Seventy Five Mile Beach is a huge drawcard for many visitors for the chance to do some beach driving. 

There are also wrecks to snorkel, sand dunes, walking tracks, fishing and plenty of water activities to enjoy. 

Things To Do On Fraser Island

• Float down Eli Creek
• Swim in Lake Mackenzie
• Go beach driving
• Camp on the beach
• Snorkel the wrecks

Best Places To Stay On Fraser Island

• Fraser Island Retreat

12. Bundaberg

Bundaberg is a surprising gem on the Queensland coast. Located around 4 and a half hours north of Brisbane, this is a great place to visit with kids.

Bundaberg might be most famous for its drinks. Home to Bundaberg Rum and the Bundaberg Distilled Drinks factory. You can tour both of these factories. 

But there are far more reasons to visit Bundy! The Botanic Gardens are massive and have playgrounds and other fun attractions scattered through them. You can even see eels and turtles in the lake.  

There is a free zoo next to the large Alexandra Park. There are some stunning beaches to spend your days. And plenty of places to eat and drink.

During November and March, you have the chance to see the Mon Repos turtles hatching or laying eggs. This is the most popular time to visit Bundaberg and the turtle tours do book out early so plan ahead. 

The other must-do is a visit to Lady Musgrave Island. This small coral cay is located within the Southern Great Barrier Reef, approximately 70 kilometres offshore from Bundaberg.

If you want to experience the Great Barrier Reef without heading to Far North Queensland, the Lady Musgrave Experience is perfect for this!

It takes 2 hours each way by catamaran to reach Lady Musgrave so while you can most definitely enjoy a day trip, you might even like to extend it to an overnight stay on the island. 

Or better still, do a ‘Sleep on the reef’ pontoon stay and sleep on the Great Barrier Reef. How cool! 

Things To Do In Bundaberg

• Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
• Visit Lady Musgrave Island
• Alexandra Zoo
• Swim at the beaches
• Do a Bundaberg Brewed drink tasting
• Mon Repos Turtles experience between November and March

Places To Stay In Bundaberg

• Lady Musgrave Sleep On The Reef Experience
• BIG4 Cane Village Holiday Park
• Takalvan Motel

13. Moreton Island

The Tangalooma wrecks off Moreton Island are the most recognised in Queensland and feature heavily in Queensland tourism campaigns. And for good reason – they draw huge crowds each year of people wanting to snorkel the wrecks.

Moreton Island is a stunning Queensland destination with pristine beaches and clear waters. This is somewhere you come if you want a bit of adventure! 

There are plenty of activities on offer, including snorkelling, kayaking, swimming, and sandboarding. And of course, Moreton Island is also home to the Tangalooma Wrecks, a unique snorkelling and diving site with sunken ships that have become a haven for marine life.

I have only been to Moreton Island on a dolphin cruise day trip but Simon has camped there with friends.

It’s a great place for beach camping. Or if you prefer something a little more luxurious, there is Tangalooma Resort, which has loads of guest facilities to add to your stay!

Things To Do On Moreton Island

• Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks
• Sandboarding
• Go on a dolphin-watching cruise
• Swim at the beach

Best Places To Stay On Moreton Island

• Tangalooma Island Resort

14. Magnetic Island

If you are heading to northern Queensland, a stop in Townsville is the gateway to the beautiful Magnetic Island. Catch the barge across from Townsville for a day or spend a few days enjoying the many hidden gems on this tropical North Queensland island.

The island is only 20 minutes by ferry (or 40 if you’re catching the car ferry and bringing your vehicle). You can easily get around without your own car though as there is a bus service that runs on the island and bikes you can hire. 

On the island, you will find Northern Australia’s largest colony of koalas. Take a visit to Billabong Sanctuary and Bungalow Bay Koala Village. There are also loads of walking trails and wildlife-spotting opportunities. 

The secluded bays might be the best part though. Arcadia was our favourite spot, which is the smallest of the 4 bays. 

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, from sea kayak tours to glass bottom boat tours of the Great Barrier Reef, scuba diving the wrecks off the coast, horse riding on the beach and much more. 

There are some amazing places to stay on the island too. 

Things To Do On Magnetic Island

• See koalas at Billabong Sanctuary
• Water sports
• Dive the wrecks
• Sea kayak tour
• Go horse riding on the beach

Best Places To Stay On Magnetic Island

• Tropical Palms Resort 
• True North B&B
• Nomads Magnetic Island hostel

15. Hervey Bay

Harvey Bay just might be the whale watching capital of Queensland! This alone is a good reason to add Hervey Bay to your must-visit Queensland list! 

The Humpback whale migrating season usually happens between July and November, when there are daily whale-watching tours giving you the chance to see these unique and majestic animals in the wild.

A whale watching cruise is a must! 

Although if you get really lucky, you might even see whales from the 868 metres long Urangan Pier.

You will find the largest artificial reef in Australia at Hervey Bay, covering over 50 underwater sites. The area has some great shallow water areas covered in coral reefs and full of marine life.

Water activities will keep you busy here, from kayaking to fishing, swimming and scuba diving. 

Hervey Bay is also the place to take day tours to beautiful Fraser Island since they are practically neighbours. 

Things To Do In Hervey Bay

• Go on a whale-watching cruise
• Take a guided tour of the Great Sandy Marine Park
• Visit Reef World Aquarium
• Explore the Botanic Gardens

Best Places To Stay In Hervey Bay

• Oaks Hervey Bay Resort and Spa
• Discovery Parks – Fraser Street
• Ramada Encore by Wyndham Whale Cove

16. Bribie Island

Bribie Island is the smallest of the 3 beautiful sand islands located on the east coast of Queensland, just north of Brisbane. If you want an island stay that isn’t too far from Brisbane, this is a good place to visit in Queensland for exactly that!

Plus you don’t have to catch a ferry as there is an access bridge to Bribie Island from the mainland. 

Bribie Island offers plenty of fun things to do along this beautiful coastal location with bush camping in the Bribie Island National Park being a fun way to experience it.

You can hire a pontoon boat for a day of fishing and boating in the beautiful Pumicestone Passage. You will likely spot a lot of wildlife along the way too. This protected marine area is home to some incredible creatures, including dolphins, turtles and dugongs. 

You can also do tours of the Pumicestone Passage to get a better knowledge of the ecosystem. 

The foreshore area at Bongaree is perfect for families, with a playground and calm water, picnic facilities and boat ramps for a day on the water. 

Things To Do On Bribie Island

• Hire a pontoon for the day
• Tour Pumicestone Passage
• Fishing
• Spend a day at the foreshore

Best Places To Stay On Bribie Island

• BIG4 Sandstone Point Holiday Resort Bribie Island
• Bribie Waterways Motel 
• Bribie Island Hotel

17. Agnes Water And Town Of 1770

Agnes Water and Town of 1770 are located on the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef. Together, they offer a unique combination of coastal activities and attractions, making it a unique place to visit in Queensland! 

These two towns are located alongside each other and are essentially a package deal! They are also an access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. You can visit Lady Musgrave Island from here. 

During July to October, you might spot migrating humpback whales and their calves, or see dolphins and dugongs all year round at Rodd’s Bay, near Turkey Beach. 

Captain Cook’s Landing Place is one of the only places on the east coast of Australia where you can paddle out and watch the sunset over the ocean! A memorable experience for sure! 

Things To Do In 1770 & Agnes Water

• Walking tracks
• Water activities
• Whale or dolphin watching 
• Day trip to Lady Musgrave Island

Best Places To Stay In Town Of 1770 & Agnes Water

• Sandcastles 1770 Motel & Resort
• Pavillions On 1770
• 1770 Beach Shacks

18. Stanthorpe

If you love exploring the wine regions of Australia, Stanthorpe is one on the must-visit list! It is also a beautiful place to go if you want to get away from the big cities and beaches and enjoy quaint country towns instead.

This rural getaway has a lot to see and do though! And a chance to explore the Granite Belt region in Southern Queensland.

The area is known for its wineries, with world-class winemakers crafting some of Australia’s finest cool-climate wines. You can go on wine-tasting tours or simply visit one of the many cellar doors located throughout the region.

There are plenty of walking trails, quaint cafes and restaurants serving local produce, plus art galleries showcasing local artwork and creative wares.

Another thing that makes Stanthorpe cool is the fact that this small town is located 1,000 metres above sea level, making it one of the highest towns above sea level in Australia. It’s also one of the coldest places in Queensland and somethings it even snows!

The best time to be in town is during the Stanthorpe Apple and Grape Harvest Festival, held every second year.

Things To Do In Stanthorpe

• Wine tasting
• Apple picking
• Walking trails
• Farmers markets

Places To Stay In Stanthorpe

• Granite Belt Retreat and Brewery
• Granite Belt Motel
• Ridgemill Estate

Queensland Travel Itineraries

In case you’re still not convinced that Queensland is a great place to visit, here are Queensland itineries to make your trip planning so easy:

•  Brisbane to Cairns road trip
• 1 week Cairns itinerary
• 1 day Bundaberg itinerary

We hope this list of the best places to visit in Queensland has helped you plan your Queensland bucket list! Whether you’re looking for white sandy beaches and natural wonders or family-friendly Queensland tourist attractions and delicious food, you will find it in this beautiful Australian state!

Did we miss any of the most beautiful places in Queensland from this list?

Find more inspiration for visiting Queensland:

• Best Gold Coast theme park accommodation
• Brisbane to Cairns road trip itinerary
• Best Sunshine Coast family accommodation
• How to plan the ultimate camping trip
• 50 best things to do in Brisbane
• Rainy day ideas for Brisbane
• Indoor Activities for the Gold Coast
• Best things to do in Ipswich
• Best things to do in Bundaberg
• Best things to do in Mackay
• Day trips from Brisbane
• Best things to do in Cairns with kids
• Things to do in Mount Tamborine
• 1 week itinerary for Cairns
• Best Cairns family accommodation
• Best Queensland beaches
• Brisbane to Sydney road trip itinerary
• Best things to do in Airlie Beach

Where in Queensland would you most like to visit?