Stunning beaches. Dreamy islands. Coral reefs. Rainforests.
Sailing. Diving. Snorkelling. Surfing.
But also stingers and crocodiles. Crowds. High prices.
This is tropical Queensland in a nutshell.
Is it worth visiting while in Australia? It is!
These are eight places that you shouldn’t miss:
Cairns
Most people start their journey in Queensland in Cairns because it’s a hub for tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.
The Esplanade Lagoon, a highlight for many people, is lovely but can get crowded.
Cairns is a great place for taking a break after your flight or as a base while exploring north Queensland.
Port Douglas
We preferred Port Douglas, a smaller town with a laid-back atmosphere.
The city centre is compact, perfect for a pleasant stroll before dinner.
There is a lovely beach just off the city centre.
During stinger season, there is a stinger net in the water so people can enjoy swimming in the sea.
Many tours to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest also depart from Port Douglas.
Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest is the highlight of North Queensland, and it’s a pleasant break from the seemingly never-ending stretch of perfect beaches down the coast.
You can either take a tour or drive on your own there.
We chose to drive on our own, which allowed us to explore the place at our own pace.
Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation are home to some of the most secluded and stunning beaches.
We loved the Cape Tribulation beach, a picture-perfect beach set in the rainforest.
However, the bad news is that because of stingers, you can’t swim in the sea during the summer months (when there is winter in Europe, Asia and North America).
Crocodiles might be also present all year round.
Follow the warning signs to avoid hassle and keep away from the water’s edge.
In Daintree Rainforest, there are many self-guided walks which are well-signposted.
If you are lucky, you might spot some wildlife (cassowaries, reptiles etc.)
Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef, and it’s a must-see while you are in Queensland.
Most people snorkel or dive, but there are also options for those who can’t swim or don’t want to get wet.
There are many companies operating cruises, so you will need to research the best option for you.
It makes a difference if you snorkel or dive into the reef with hundreds or just a few other people.
Verify what’s included in the price; most companies include snorkelling or diving equipment, stinger suits (if needed), food, tea, coffee and water.
If you can, make the reservation in advance to avoid disappointment because the availability of the boats might be limited.
We made our booking too late, and all the diving boats were sold-out, so we had to snorkel instead, which was still a fantastic experience.
Magnetic Island
Try to visit at least one of the many beautiful islands along the Queensland coast.
We chose Magnetic Island, and we were happy with our decision.
The ferry from Townsville is cheap, and the local public buses make it easy to get around the island.
It’s small enough so that you can see most of it in a day or two, and there are some beautiful beaches along the island’s coast.
Walking trails offer incredible views and insight into the island’s past when it was a military base.
You can also meet rock wallabies there.
Whitsunday Islands
Whitsundays are another must-see in Queensland.
Unfortunately, the dreamy islands with white beaches and turquoise water don’t come cheap.
We had never sailed before, so we were keen on trying it here.
Luckily we found a great deal for a 2-day sailing trip on the race yacht called Freight Train.
We visited the well-known Whitehaven Beach and snorkelled the Fringing Great Barrier Reef, which was an amazing experience.
Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is a 60 km long stretch of gorgeous beaches along the Coral Sea.
It’s a popular holiday destination, which is why some places might be crowded.
However, you can always find some quiet spot if that’s what you want.
Noosa is a friendly but busy town, so if you are looking for less crowded beaches, head south.
We stayed at Coolum Beach, where we tried to improve our surfing craft.
If you have never surfed before and would like to try it, the Sunshine Coast is a great place to do it.
It’s great for beginners because the seabed is gradual.
Brisbane
We didn’t expect much of Brisbane, but it was a pleasant surprise in the end.
It was a change from never-ending stunning beaches along the coast.
There are no beaches in the city itself (except for the man-made Street Beach on the South Bank) – you have to head north (to the Sunshine Coast) or south (to the Gold Coast).
Brisbane is great for shopaholics and foodies who will be spoiled for choice.
We enjoyed the walk in the city centre, especially on the banks of Brisbane River (Eagle Street), with great city views.
The skyline at night is impressive.
We didn’t manage to see the Gold Coast on our trip, but we might get there on our next visit to Australia.
Queensland is a fascinating part of Australia, and you shouldn’t miss it on your next trip down under.
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