Queensland is a beautiful state and while it does not have the artsy appeal of various parts of Victoria or the world wide recognition of New South Wales, it is packed with great experiences and brilliant sights if you know where to look. From tropical islands, beautiful beaches to theme parks, the state is full of surprises. But in this article we tried to narrow down the only 10 places to visit in Queensland. Below is a list of things (without its beaches) you should check out while travelling around the state.
The 10 Stunning Things to Do in Queensland, Australia:
10. The Great Barrier Reef
To be honest, I could have put any part of the Whitsundays on this list as it is a truly beautiful and relaxing part of the state of Queensland. But the Great Barrier Reef is an iconic part of the Whitsundays, Queensland and Australia as a whole. It has been known to make for a great thing to see on a honeymoon. Sadly due to pollution, this beautiful sight is deteriorating so you are best to see it as soon as possible.
9. Warner Bros Movie World
While Australia does not have a Disneyland (yet), it does house some of your favorite characters from Warner Bros properties. Over the years this theme park has been home to Harry Potter, Shrek, The Matrix, Scooby Doo, Batman, Superman, Flash, Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and many more. It is also home of the DC Rivals HyperCoaster which has marketed itself as being the “longest, fastest, and tallest hypercoaster in the Southern Hemisphere”. This theme park is an icon of the Gold Coast and a theme park like no other in Australia.
8. Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is marketed as the nightlife central of the Gold Coast but you can find spots like that anywhere and it is so much more than that. This lively location is home to some brilliant restaurants, a fantastic beach view and so many attractions to do as a family or in a group setting of any sort.
There is so much here that it all has to be one list item. Examples of things you should see and do in Surfers Paradise include the Infinity Attraction, the Gold Coast Wax Museum, SkyPoint Observation Deck, Old Time Photos, Timezone or the 7D Cinema. Of cause you can also check out the lively clubs and bars as well as taking a walk along Main Beach.
See also; Top 10 wonders of Australia.
7. Waltzing Matilda Centre
The Waltzing Matilda Centre is located in Winton and is home to the Australian poet and Icon Andrew Barton “Banjo” Paterson and is named after his famous ballad. This ballad is a core part of Australian history and is loved by all Australians and the centre properly represents that.
The centre reopened in 2018 after having lost everything in a fire in 2015. Despite this, it remains a landmark of Queensland, an irreplaceable part of Australian history and perfect for any tourist wishing to experience some of the most incredible and beautiful aspects of this countries earlier days.
6. Australia Zoo
Australia Zoo is not only the greatest legacy of the late icon Steve Irwin but is also the greatest place to witness the wildlife of Australia. The zoo is built on the same fundamental love of all animals that Steve Irwin himself had and despite being called a zoo treats its animals as a priority in a way no other zoo does.
If you love animal and more specifically the wildlife of Australia and want to see them in a place where you know they are loved and taken care of then it is definitely worth dropping by Australia Zoo and having a look around.
5. RJ’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Diner
Whilst not nationally recognized as an icon like many of the other places on this list, this diner (located in Bundaberg) is a beautiful slice of time gone by and a great place to spend time with family and friends while exploring all that Bundaberg has to offer.
RJ’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Diner offers both an authentic feeling 80’s diner environment as well as authentic food and drink options to match the theme of the diner. The diner also holds events like karaoke nights which help to make the place a great spot to hang out while keeping to the theme.
4. Dreamworld
Dreamworld is one of the best theme parks on the Gold Coast. It is not as reliant on pre-existing characters in pop culture to drag people in and it does not have to be as it has some of the most iconic and thrilling rides the Gold Coast has to offer. This includes the Tower of Terror, the Giant Drop, the Claw, the BuzzSaw as well as water attraction, the FlowRider.
Despite it not being as reliant on pop culture icons, the park has gained some notable characters like those from various Dreamworks films. This comes with various themed rides like the roller coaster, Escape from Madagascar.
See also; Top ten most amazing big things of Australia.
3. Qantas Founders Museum
This museum (located in Longreach) beautifully gives the history of the iconic Australian airline as well as flight in Australia. It is a must see for children, families as well as history and travel lovers. Here you will get some great tours of planes from throughout the years, allowing you to see them like never before.
The tours allow you to go inside the cockpit and along the wings of some of the panes. These tours will also allow you to see how these planes have changed throughout the years.
2. The Wheel of Brisbane
Brisbane is a beautiful and busy city with plenty to see and do at any time no matter what you interest and the best view of the city is from the top of the wheel of Brisbane. From there you can see the river, the wonderful plant life as well as the busy and incredible South Bank.
At night this view is even more spectacular as the city lights up and you get to see South Bank in all its colorful, well-lit glory. This attraction is perfect for both families as well as a great experience for a first date.
1. Springbrook National Park
Springbrook National Park is filled with brilliant sights and experiences like no other. This includes Natural Bridge, glow worms, great spots to go for a swim as well as many beautiful paths to walk along and explore. This location is perfect for families, friends, dates as well as a fantastic place for photographers to grab a few shots. The National Park truly has something for everyone.
FAQs:
What are the must-see natural wonders in Queensland?
Queensland is renowned for its stunning natural attractions. Some must-see wonders include the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system teeming with marine life; Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests on Earth; Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world with unique ecosystems; and the Whitsunday Islands, a pristine archipelago boasting white sandy beaches and turquoise waters.
What iconic landmarks should I visit in Queensland?
Queensland is home to several iconic landmarks that offer breathtaking views and cultural significance. Don’t miss the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge in Brisbane, which are iconic symbols of Australia; the Gold Coast’s Surfers Paradise skyline, famous for its high-rise buildings and vibrant nightlife; and the lush greenery and waterfalls of the Atherton Tablelands, a picturesque region in Far North Queensland.
What are some unique experiences to have in Queensland?
Queensland offers a plethora of unique experiences for visitors. Explore the outback with a visit to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum in Winton, where you can see dinosaur fossils and learn about Australia’s prehistoric past.
For adrenaline junkies, try skydiving over the stunning Mission Beach or bungee jumping at AJ Hackett Cairns. Additionally, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture by visiting cultural centers like Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park near Cairns or attending indigenous festivals and events throughout the state.