Queensland is a stunning state in northeastern Australia, covering an area of 1.85 million km2. The state has a population of approximately 5 million (Dec 2021), making it the third most populous state in the country. English is the official language spoken in Queensland, but many other languages are also widely spoken due to their multicultural population. The state boasts a diverse landscape, from the iconic Great Barrier Reef to the lush rainforests of the Daintree and the rugged outback. With its warm climate, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities, Queensland is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Queensland is known for its diverse range of natural wonders and cultural experiences. It is located in northeastern Australia and is home to the Great Barrier Reef, the world’s most extensive coral reef system, and the lush rainforests of the Daintree and the rugged outback.
Queensland is also renowned for its beautiful beaches, including the Gold and Sunshine Coast, and vibrant cities like Brisbane and Cairns. In addition, the state is known for its rich Aboriginal culture, history, delicious cuisine, and wines. So whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or both, Queensland has something to offer everyone.
Queensland
Queensland’s history extends back tens of thousands of years, with Aboriginal peoples being the region’s initial inhabitants. Europeans first explored the state in the 1600s, but it was officially inhabited in the mid-1800s. Queensland was a British colony until 1901, when it was admitted to the Commonwealth of Australia as a state. Queensland has long been known for its mining and agriculture industries and its popularity as a tourist destination. Today, the state is a vibrant and diversified territory with a rich cultural heritage that draws visitors worldwide.
Queensland Culture is rich and varied. Its indigenous past, history with Europe, and modern influences have shaped it. Many festivals and events in the state celebrate music, dance, theatre, and the visual arts. Queensland is also known for its delicious food, which includes fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Aboriginal bush tucker. Many museums, art galleries, and cultural centres in the state show off its rich history and heritage, including Aboriginal culture. Queensland is a welcoming and inclusive place that celebrates diversity and creativity. It has a warm climate, beautiful scenery, and friendly people.
Queensland has some of the world’s most stunning World Heritage Sites. These locations are a tribute to the natural and cultural legacy of Queensland, and anyone interested in discovering Australia’s vast and rich history must visit them. Below is a list of the top Queensland World Heritage Sites:
This location is one of the most popular in Queensland, bringing millions of tourists every year. The Great Barrier Reef is the most extensive coral reef system in the world and is home to various aquatic species.
Great Barrier Reef
Moreover, this tropical rainforest is a favourite tourist destination. It is home to various unusual flora and wildlife, some exclusive to this region.
Wet Tropics of Queensland
Riversleigh and Naracoorte are two locations renowned for their remarkable paleontological significance. These sites contain fossils that shed light on the evolution of Australia’s distinct mammal species.
Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island and is home to diverse wildlife, including dingoes, wallabies, and various bird species.
Fraser Island
This World Heritage Site is a collection of rainforests that date back to the time of Gondwana, over 100 million years ago. These forests are home to various rare and endangered species, including Albert’s lyrebird and the Richmond birdwing butterfly.
Queensland has much to see and do, from its beautiful coastline to its lush rainforests and busy cities. Here are some of the best places for tourists in Queensland that you shouldn’t miss:
It is one of the most popular tourist spots in Queensland, and anyone interested in marine life should go there. The Great Barrier Reef contains more coral reefs than any other location on Earth. As a result, many fish, turtles, and other sea creatures live there.
Great Barrier Reef
People who like beaches and surfing like to go to this Gold Coast suburb on the coast. It is known for its busy nightlife, beautiful beaches, and shopping, which is among the best in the world.
Surfers Paradise
People can ride this historic train through the rainforest and see beautiful views of the land. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful nature of Queensland.
The Karanda Scenic Railway
This sanctuary is home to over 130 koalas and a great place to get up close and personal with these cute animals. There are also kangaroos, wallabies, and other Australian animals that visitors can see.
The Lone Pine Koala Refuge
This rainforest is one of the oldest in the world and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to many plants and animals, like the cassowary, on the verge of extinction.
Daintree Rainforest
These hidden gems of Queensland are perfect for nature lovers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences. However, be sure to plan; some destinations have limited access and require bookings in advance.
Here are just a few of Queensland’s best-kept secrets that you won’t want to miss:
Hinchinbrook Island is a World Heritage Site right off Cardwell’s coast in the Coral Sea. It has a wilderness area that is great for hiking and camping. With its crystal clear water and coral reef along the coast, you might see some of Australia’s cutest animals, like dugongs and green turtles.
Hinchinbrook Island
This gorge is the youngest in Queensland. It is in North Queensland and is bounded by sandstone cliffs that reach up to the sky. It’s one of the most memorable things to do as a tourist in Australia’s outback, and you can only get there on a guided tour. You can go by boat, on foot, or on a stand-up paddleboard to see the sandstone gorge.
Cobbold Gorge
Lake Wabby, located on Fraser Island, is a fading natural wonder that must be seen to be believed. Swim among the many fish species that call the lake home, or admire the scenery from the Lake Wabby Lookout.
Lake Wabby
A short drive from Rockhampton, Mount Etna Caves National Park offers a terrain of rocky sinkholes and caves. Explore the roosting site for more than 80 per cent of Australia’s population of little bent-wing bats and a colony of ghost bats.
Mount Etna Caves National Park
From sailing around the world at 16 years old to building a retail empire, these famous individuals have shaped the state’s culture and identity. Here are some of the most famous personalities from Queensland:
A resident of Sunshine Coast, Jessica Watson set sail on a mission to circumnavigate the world by herself at the tender age of 16. After a collision with a bulk carrier on a test run in Moreton Bay, Watson made history by becoming the youngest person to sail around the world unassisted. She also led the youngest crew in history to participate in the Sydney to Hobart race and now works for the United Nations Food Programme.
Born in Ireland in 1860, Thomas Charles Bierne built a retail empire after opening his drapery store in Fortitude Valley. He became one of the first millionaires in Australian history and was considered one of the most influential men in early Queensland. Bierne was a founding benefactor of the University of Queensland’s law school and served on the University Council and as Warden. David Jones, in the 1950s, took over his iconic storefront, and after his death, his estate was found to be worth more than 1 million pounds.
South African-born Lores Bonney came to Brisbane after her marriage. She developed an interest in aviation after her friendship with Bert Hinkler. Also, she became the first woman to fly around Australia, from Australia to England, and from Australia to South Africa. Despite her significant achievements, Bonney’s name is less well-known than some of her contemporaries, and she passed away at her Gold Coast home in 1994 at the age of 97.
Despite a severe attack of typhoid fever, Eleanor Bourne became the first Queensland woman to study medicine. She played a crucial role in developing medical standards for examining children before paying her way to serve in World War I, as women were not accepted as doctors in the army. Bourne served as a lieutenant and then a major in the Royal Army Medical Corps in London and the Queen Mary’s Army Auxiliary Corps. After retiring due to ill health in 1937, she returned to Brisbane after serving as the assistant medical officer in Carlisle. Her family was also accomplished, with her sister Florence serving as principal of Maryborough Girls’ High School and her brother George serving in the Middle East and at Gallipoli.
Queensland gets a lot of tourists every year, and there are many reasons why. It has beautiful beaches, a tropical climate, and busy cities. So if you plan a trip to this beautiful state, here are some places you absolutely must see.
Cairns is a tropical place and the primary way to reach the Great Barrier Reef. The city is surrounded by rainforests and has many outdoor activities, such as snorkelling, diving, and hiking. Visitors can take a scenic train ride through the rainforest. You can also check the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park or relax on the white sand beaches. Also, you can go to the Cairns Esplanade, a waterfront walks with shops, restaurants, and bars.
The Gold Coast is famous for families and young adults because of its theme parks, surfing beaches, and lively nightlife. Dreamworld, Movie World, and Wet’n’Wild are popular theme parks. However, if you don’t like thrills, you can spend your days relaxing on the beach, shopping at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, or exploring the nearby Hinterland.
Brisbane is the state capital of Queensland. People can walk through the beautiful Botanic Gardens, climb the famous Story Bridge, or look around South Bank, which is a cultural centre. In addition, you can take a ferry ride along the Brisbane River. Brisbane also has many trendy bars and restaurants to eat and drink.
Brisbane
Queensland is a beautiful place to visit, with a wide variety of exciting events happening all year round. From art festivals to sailing competitions, Queensland offers something for everyone. Here are some unique festivals in Queensland you shouldn’t miss:
This April festival is a celebration of modern art styles. The festival features opera, song, dance, theatre, and acrobatics. The Bleach Festival is a beautiful opportunity to witness the splendour of these art activities set against the backdrop of the Gold Coast’s sandy beaches. From April 7 to April 28 this year’s festival will be held from April 7 to April 28, attracting around 500,000 visitors.
The festival was modelled after the Sundance Film Festival in the United States. It shows more than 30 movies with Australian actors and actresses in them. There are also tours of some of the places where the film being shown was shot. This fancy film festival occurs in theatres all over Winton during the first week of July. So if you like Australian movies, you should go to this festival.
During the last week and a half of September, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is held at Queens Park. The festival is a floral paradise where you can enjoy the beauty of the Botanic Gardens and the warm welcome of the locals. There are rides, dagwood dogs, food and wine, giant stilt walkers, and street performers in a section of the fair just for kids. So don’t forget to give your nose a floral paradise at this festival.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
One of the best weeks for sailors is the Airlie Beach Race Week Festival of Sailing. From August 8 to 15, 2019, the festival will be held at the Whitsunday Coast. It is the largest keelboat regatta on the state’s coast, with about 2,000 competitors each year. During the festival, you can enjoy the beautiful views of the many ships and their sails racing to the finish line against the backdrop of the horizon. The festival also has several musical performances by well-known musicians and bands, making sure that your trip to the coast is the best it can be.
Regarding food, Queensland has an array of dishes that can tantalize your taste buds. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits and vegetables, Queensland offers a wide variety of flavours that must be savoured while you are there. Here are some must-try food items you must take advantage of when visiting Queensland.
Barramundi is a must-try dish in Queensland if you are a seafood lover. This fish is indigenous to northern Australia and known for its buttery texture and delicate flavour. It is usually served grilled or fried with fresh salad and chips. The best place to try this dish is in Cairns, where it is perfectly cooked.
Barramundi
Macadamia nuts are a popular snack in Queensland and abundant in the region. These nuts are roasted and salted, making them the perfect snack for those on the go. You can also find them in desserts such as cakes, cookies, and ice creams. The best place to try macadamia nuts is Nutmobile, a popular tourist attraction in Bunda.
Macadamia Nuts
Lamingtons are a classic Australian dessert that is a must-try when in Queensland. This sponge cake is coated in chocolate and coconut and is often served with whipped cream or jam. You can find them in most bakeries and cafes in Queensland, but for the best experience, head to the Lamington National Park, where they originated.
Lamingtons
Queensland is known for its sweet and juicy mangoes, which are in season from September to March. These fruits are delicious but can also be used in smoothies, salads, and desserts. The best place to try them is at the Eumundi Markets, where vendors sell fresh and organic mangoes.
Mangoes
Meat pies are a staple in Australian cuisine, and Queensland is no exception. These savoury pies are usually filled with beef, lamb, or chicken and served with mashed potatoes and gravy. You can find them in most bakeries and cafes in Queensland, but for the best experience, head to the famous Yatala Pie Shop, which has been serving meat pies for over 130 years.
Meat Pies
Queensland is a shopping paradise, with various shopping centres and malls that cater to everyone’s needs. So whether you’re on a budget or want to splurge, Queensland has something for everyone. Here are five shopping destinations in Queensland that you must visit.
Opened in 1970, Westfield Garden City has gone through various facelifts to become one of Queensland’s premier shopping destinations. The shopping centre’s architecture reflects the ever-evolving cultural demographic of the place, incorporating Eastern influences into a modern, sleek style. Shoppers can take a break from shopping and feast on fantastic Asian cuisine at Eight Street Market, located inside the shopping centre.
Carindale Shopping Centre is the perfect destination for those who love luxurious shopping. The shopping centre has multiple levels, and visitors can walk on red carpet-like carpeted floors, making them feel like they’re walking on a red carpet. The Glasshouse eatery serves delicious food, and visitors can also check out the indoor fish pond, We Play kids fun centre and Event Cinemas. Carindale Shopping Centre has something for everyone.
Carindale Shopping Centre
Opened in 1970, Indooroopilly Shopping Centre is Brisbane’s original shopping district and still the largest in the Western suburbs. Visitors can shop at high-end retailers like Calvin Klein, MJ Bale, and Armani Collezioni. In addition, many dining options exist, including Nantucket Kitchen and Bar, Ole Fuego, and Pig & Whistle. This shopping centre is a must-visit for all shopaholics.
Sunshine Plaza is one of Queensland’s most beautiful shopping destinations. The plaza is designed around Cornmeal Creek, with retailers lining up the water. The innovative and captivating concept makes shoppers want to ditch the metal racks of buildings and embrace the sunlight and good weather. With 220 retailers, cinemas, and restaurants, Sunshine Plaza has something for everyone. Visitors can also take paddle boat rides to experience something different.
Robina Town Centre is undoubtedly the best shopping spot for the Gold Coast. The shopping district’s sleek look makes it appear futuristic and worthy of a place in a world city. With about 350 retail stores covering over 34 hectares of land, visitors can shop for an entire day. There are also plenty of dining options, making it easy to take a break and refuel.
Queensland is a popular tourist destination in Australia, known for its natural beauty, diverse culture, and stunning beaches. It is also essential to choose the right hotel. Here are the top 5 hotels in Queensland that offer luxurious amenities and comfortable stays.
This 5-star hotel on the Gold Coast features 200 luxury rooms, suites, and condominiums. The hotel is decorated with Italian-inspired architecture, world-class amenities, and exclusive designs. It also offers a private marina, award-winning restaurants, a spa, and access to a nearby golf course.
Located on Hamilton Island, the Qualia Resort is a secluded and luxurious getaway perfect for those seeking tranquillity and relaxation. This 5-star hotel features 60 private pavilions with breathtaking views of the Coral Sea. Guests can enjoy two infinity pools, spa treatments, and gourmet cuisine at the Long Pavilion Restaurant.
This 5-star hotel is in the heart of Surfers Paradise, offering a perfect blend of contemporary style and classic elegance. The Langham features 169 spacious rooms, a spa, a fitness centre, and a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Gold Coast skyline.
Nestled in the beautiful Noosa region, this 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodations and panoramic ocean and rainforest views. The Sofitel Noosa Pacific Resort features 176 rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness centre, and two outdoor pools. Guests can enjoy outdoor activities such as surfing, fishing, and kayaking.
Located on the waterfront of Cairns, this 5-star hotel offers stunning views of the marina and Trinity Bay. The Shangri-La Hotel features 255 luxurious rooms and suites, a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor pool. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine at the North Bar and Kitchen or relax at the poolside bar with a cocktail.
Queensland is a bustling city with a lot to explore, and getting around can be daunting for visitors. Fortunately, the city has many transportation options to make travel easier and stress-free. Here are the top transportation services in Queensland to consider:
Queensland’s integrated public transport system operates buses, trains, and trams. TransLink offers a cost-effective way to travel around the city, and its services are accessible to locals and visitors. With a single ticket, you can enjoy unlimited travel on TransLink services within a designated time frame.
Taxis are convenient for those who prefer to travel privately or in groups. Queensland has several taxi companies, including Black and White Cabs, Yellow Cabs, and Uber, which provide reliable and efficient services to get you to your destination. You can hail a taxi on the street or book one through a mobile app.
Renting a car is an excellent option if you prefer the freedom to explore Queensland at your own pace. There are several car rental companies in the city, and you can choose from various vehicle types to suit your needs. However, driving in the city can be busy and challenging during peak hours.
For the eco-conscious and fitness enthusiasts, bike share programs are an excellent way to get around Queensland. Lime and Neuron Mobility are the two companies currently offering bike-sharing services in the city. All you need to do is download the app, locate a bike, and scan the QR code to unlock it.
Queensland is a river city, and one of the best ways to take in the city’s sights is by water. The Brisbane City Council operates a fleet of City Cats and ferries ping the Brisbane River. The ferries are not only a convenient mode of transport but also offer a scenic and relaxing way to explore the city.
