Top Things to See in Queensland

SummaryDiscover the many attractions of Queensland in Australia, a state that boasts great weather, a laid-back lifestyle and some of Mother Nature's finest wonders. Take a look at our guide to top things to see in Queensland.

About QueenslandQueensland is a massively popular destination for tourists, thanks to its many attractions, both natural and man-made. From bustling cities to golden beaches and exotic rainforests, Queensland has so much for you to see and explore. Read our selection of the top things to see in Queensland.

Sunshine CoastGeographically, the Sunshine Coast is a line of beaches that stretches northwards from the city of Brisbane.

Famous for being the home to many a surfer, the Sunshine Coast is also inhabited by ordinary families, retired couples and others who like the good weather and relaxed way of life.

Behind the beaches stretches the hilly hinterland of Queensland, a barrier of rainforests and small villages that sits between the beach and the vast Australian Outback.

Sunshine Coast (cont’d)There are several laid back beach towns dotted along the length of the coast, including Maroochydore, Moolooaba and Alexandra Headland.

These places are full of cheap places to stay with plenty of opportunities to sunbathe, surf or body-board.

If you fancy somewhere more sophisticated, then you can always pitch up at Noosa, an upmarket town that Lonely Planet compares to that of France's Nice in character.

CairnsThe city of Cairns attracts backpackers in their droves and is a real tourist town.

A mixture of old style trading post and travellers stop-off point, Cairns is full of character.

The nearby Great Barrier Reef provides a lot of business for the town, with a huge number of diving, snorkelling and cruise operators running trips to the reef for tourists.

The city is also a popular meeting point for backpackers who are criss-crossing the country on their travels.

Great Barrier ReefOne of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is home to a wide variety of fish and coral.

At 2000 kilometres long, the reef is larger than the Great Wall of China and is the only living thing visible from space.

A spectacularly beautiful diving experience, the Great Barrier Reef is easily reachable thanks to the many boats and catamarans that transport tourists to the reef every day.

Mossman GorgeThe Aboriginal Kuku-Yalanji people own the stunning Mossman Gorge, situated in the shadow of Mount Demi.

Experience wonderful walks through the rainforest with extremely knowledgeable Aboriginal guides. There is also a superb 2.4 kilometre walking trail.

BrisbaneThe third largest city in Australia, Brisbane should be on your 'must visit' list.

One of the most desirable places to live in Australia, Brisbane has become a cosmopolitan city with many attractions as well as a warm, subtropical climate and friendly laid-back locals.

Visitors can enjoy its great live music scene, café culture and fascinating art galleries.

Fraser IslandFraser Island is the world's biggest sand island, measuring 120 kilometres by 15 kilometres, made from sand that drifted across from the eastern coast of Australia.

The island features rainforests, freshwater lakes and impressively high sand dunes.

Tourists can visit the island by taking a ferry from Hervey Bay or Rainbow beach.