Queensland

INDIGENOUS FOOD EXPERIENCES: QLD

With its incredible biodiversity, Queensland is a hotspot of unique and fascinating bush foods that its Indigenous peoples have been hunting and gathering for tens of thousands of years. There’s no better way to experience a place than through the food and culture of those that know it best, so read on for our picks for the most unforgettable bush tucker experiences in the Sunshine State!

THE SCENIC RIM

GREAT BARRIER REEF

Stretching 2000 kilometres from Cape York to Bundaberg dating back around 20 million years there are around 3000 reefs and coral cays, over 1500 species of tropical fish, hundreds of tropical islands and some of the world’s best beaches.  It is one of the seven Natural wonders of the World, World Heritage status in 1981 and a large part of the reef is within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  There are many places to access the reef along Queensland’s coastline to enjoy snorkelling, scuba diving and boat trips to the reef.

Reef HQ, Great Barrier Reef Aquarium, Townsville.  Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium is the the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium and the Australian Government’s national education centre for the Great Barrier Reef.

Australian Government Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

MISSION BEACH

Access to the Great Barrier Reef, 14 kilometres of golden sand, World Heritage-listed wet tropical rainforest, Janbanbarra Jirrbal Rainforest, access to Dunk Island, walking trails, waterfalls, lush habitats, skydiving, whitewater rafting, diving, snorkelling, finishing, mountain-biking and bushwalking.  The summer bring devastating cyclones, with the latest being cyclone Yasi.

NORTH STRADBROKE ISLAND

Amity Point is the northern-most point of the island.

Koalas perched in the gumtrees.

North Gorge Walk to see humpback whales from late May to November.

Cylinder Beach is a popular swimming and surfing spot

PACIFIC COAST WAY

Driving form the Gold Coast to Cairns

PORT DOUGLAS

Four mile beach, tropical rainforest, Daintree and the Great Barrier Reef.

SEVENTEEN SEVENTY

Beat the crowds, on a peninsula surrounded by the Coral Sea and Bustard Bay on three sides, Agnes Waters, gateway to Lady Musgrave Island,  a beach to yourself, coral reefs, beaches, fishing, swimming, surfing, snorkelling, kayaking and four-wheel-drive tracks.

SUNSHINE COAST

Endless sparkling beaches, resort towns like Noosa, Mooloolaba, Glass House Mountains, Maleny, Australia Zoo, Underwater World, the big pineapple, national parks, surfing, sailing, kayaking, abseiling, fishing

NOOSA Fairy Pools

THE WHITSUNDAYS

74 tropical islands, beaches, sailing, snorkelling, diving, Hamilton Island, Airlie Beach, Hook Island, Whitsunday Ngaio Sea Trail walk,

KickArts, Cairns

Located inside the Centre of Contemporary Arts in Cairns, KickArts gives visitors a peek into the vibrant art culture of Tropical North Queensland.

THE FOOD EDITION

44 things you didn’t know you could do in Queensland

100 things to do with kids in Queensland before they grow up

DEPARTMENT of NATIONAL PARKS, SPORT and RACING

SOUTHERN QUEENSLAND and COUNTRY

Just 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, our unique region is the only Queensland destination to offer truly seasonal experiences. From Stanthorpe in the south to Kingaroy in the north, and from Toowoomba as far west as St George, you can savour crisp country air, award-winning wines and fresh seasonal produce.

It’s somewhere you can appreciate the spectacular natural wonders, the stories behind historic sandstone buildings, that cheeky shiraz from the winery up the road or just spending time with loved ones.

Great Barrier Reef

Swim, snorkel, dive or sail the World Heritage-listed Great Barrier Reef, a living work of art so big it can be seen from outer space.

 Hervey Bay Whale Watching

After months of traveling the east coast of Australia these humpback whales reach the sanctuary of Hervey Bay for some well-earned rest and relaxation before their long journey back to Antarctica.

Islands

There are even more islands you’ve never heard of, but what can we say?  These golden shores are dotted with more secret islands than you can poke a coconut frond at.

Which Queensland island is for you?

National Parks 

With more than 1,000 national parks within our state borders, opportunities to encounter rare wildlife in its natural habitat are always around the corner. Explore underground lava tubes, relax at some of the world’s most famous beaches or boot up and hit one of our Great Walks.

Did you know? Five of the 16 World Heritage Listed sites in Australia are on our turf, one of which is the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia which encompasses the natural beauty that is Lamington, Springbrook, Mt Barney and the Main Range national parks.

Teewah Beach

This 40-mile stretch of sand doubles as a road, making it one of the most unique highways in the world.

Turtles 

Whitsundays Sailing

Island-hop your way around the stunning Whitsunday Islands where the calm, crystal clear waters are particularly perfect for sailing. Don’t miss world famous Whitehaven Beach!

Whitehaven Beach is a 7 km stretch along Whitsunday Island, Australia. The island is accessible by boat from the mainland tourist ports of Airlie Beachand Shute Harbour, as well as Hamilton Island. It lies across from Chalkies Beach on Haslewood Island.

my BUCKET LIST

Birdsville

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park

Cape York Peninsula

Carnarvon National Park

Daintree Rainforest, Cape Tribulation

Fraser Island

Longreach one-time home of Qantas HQ

Thursday and Horn Islands

Winton