Things to do in Queensland
Tully Sugar Mill Tour
Discover the Tully Sugarcane Mill Tour, one of the most fascinating things to do in Tully, Tropical North Queensland. From walking among steaming machinery to learning how raw sugar is made, this working mill tour is a rare behind-the-scenes experience—complete with the unmistakable scent of fresh-cut cane in the air.
Things to Do in Queensland
Queensland, Australia’s Sunshine State, is renowned for its warm, sunny weather and relaxed outdoor lifestyle. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year in many regions, it’s the perfect destination for year-round exploration. From the vibrant cities and golden beaches of the southeast to the ancient rainforests and coral reefs of the north, Queensland offers a diverse array of experiences. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural enrichment, you’ll find something unforgettable in this sun-soaked slice of Australia.
Top Attractions - Brisbane & Surrounds
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has transformed into a dynamic city known for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor lifestyle, and friendly locals. The surrounding areas, including the Scenic Rim and Moreton Bay, offer natural beauty and adventure.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Brisbane Powerhouse | Contemporary arts center hosting performances, exhibitions, and events. |
| CityCat Ferry Ride | Explore Brisbane’s riverfront attractions aboard a high-speed catamaran. Just 50 cents a ride. |
| CityHopper Ferry | Free ferry service offering scenic views of Brisbane’s skyline. |
| Eat Street Northshore | Vibrant market with international street food, live music, and entertainment. |
| Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) | Houses contemporary art exhibitions and interactive installations. |
| Howard Smith Wharves | Revitalized riverside precinct offering dining, entertainment, and city views. |
| Kangaroo Point Cliffs | Ideal for rock climbing and picnics with city views. |
| Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary | The world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, offering close wildlife encounters. |
| Moreton Island | Short ferry ride offering snorkeling, sandboarding, and dolphin feeding. |
| Mount Coot-tha Lookout | Panoramic views of Brisbane and gateway to walking trails. |
| Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens | Features diverse plant collections and a tropical dome. |
| Play Table Tennis Under the Freeway | Free community table tennis courts located beneath the freeway, in front of the Queensland Government Building. |
| Scenic Rim | Region of mountains, rainforests, and vineyards, perfect for hiking and wine tasting. |
| South Bank Parklands | Riverside precinct featuring gardens, restaurants, and a man-made beach. |
| Story Bridge Adventure Climb | Panoramic views of Brisbane from atop the iconic Story Bridge. |
| XXXX Brewery Tour | Discover the history and brewing process of Queensland’s iconic beer. |
Top Attractions - Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is famed for its stunning beaches, surf spots, and vibrant nightlife. It’s also home to family-friendly theme parks and lush hinterlands.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Burleigh Heads | Laid-back beach town known for its surf breaks and national park. |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Interactive experiences with native Australian animals. |
| Dreamworld | Australia’s largest theme park with rides, shows, and animal exhibits. |
| HOTA (Home of the Arts) | Cultural precinct hosting performances, exhibitions, and events. |
| Lamington National Park | World Heritage site with ancient rainforests and walking trails. |
| Natural Bridge | Stunning rock formation and waterfall within Springbrook National Park. |
| Sea World | Marine park with animal exhibits, shows, and rides. |
| SkyPoint Observation Deck | Located atop Q1, Australia’s tallest residential tower, offering 360° views. |
| Springbrook National Park | Features waterfalls, glow worm caves, and scenic lookouts. |
| Surfers Paradise Beach | Iconic beach known for its surf, skyline, and bustling atmosphere. |
| Tamborine Mountain | Offers rainforest walks, wineries, and artisan shops. |
| The Star Gold Coast | Casino and entertainment complex with dining and shows. |
| Warner Bros. Movie World | Theme park featuring movie-themed rides and attractions. |
| Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast | Water park with thrilling slides and family-friendly pools. |
Top Attractions - Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast boasts pristine beaches, hinterland villages, and a relaxed vibe. It’s a haven for surfers, foodies, and nature enthusiasts.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Australia Zoo | Founded by Steve Irwin, home to a wide array of wildlife. |
| Coolum Beach | Known for surfing and coastal walks. |
| Eumundi Markets | Renowned for artisan goods, local produce, and live music. |
| Glass House Mountains | Distinctive volcanic peaks ideal for hiking and panoramic views. |
| Kayak with Dolphins | Sea kayaking experience with dolphins near Noosa. |
| Kondalilla Falls | Picturesque waterfall with a refreshing swimming hole. |
| Maleny & Montville | Hinterland towns known for art galleries, boutiques, and scenic views. |
| Montville Forest Walks | Scenic rainforest walks near Montville. |
| Mooloolaba Beach | Family-friendly beach with calm waters and beachfront cafes. |
| Noosa Everglades | One of only two everglade systems in the world, perfect for kayaking. |
| Noosa National Park | Coastal trails offering chances to spot koalas and dolphins. |
| Peregian Beach | Laid-back beach town with cafes and markets. |
| SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium | Marine park with diverse sea life exhibits. |
| Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk | A 58km trail through rainforests and waterfalls. |
| The Ginger Factory | Tours, tastings, and family-friendly attractions focused on ginger. |
Top Attractions - Fraser Coast & Bundaberg
This coastal region is known for its marine life encounters, heritage towns, and access to the world’s largest sand island.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Bundaberg Rum Distillery | Tours and tastings at the iconic rum distillery. |
| Hervey Bay | Renowned for whale watching and calm, family-friendly beaches. |
| K’gari (Fraser Island) | World’s largest sand island featuring rainforests, lakes, and 4WD tracks. |
| Lady Elliot Island | Eco-resort with snorkeling opportunities alongside manta rays and turtles. |
| Maryborough | Historic town known for colonial architecture and museums; famously the birthplace of Mary Poppins author P.L. Travers. |
| Mon Repos Turtle Centre | Witness seasonal turtle nesting and hatching events. |
Top Attractions - Whitsundays & Mackay
The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 tropical islands, while Mackay offers a blend of beaches and rainforest experiences.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Airlie Beach | A vibrant coastal town and popular base for exploring the Whitsundays. |
| Airlie Beach Lagoon | A man-made lagoon ideal for safe swimming and relaxing in the town centre. |
| Cape Hillsborough | See kangaroos and wallabies on the beach at sunrise. |
| Finch Hatton Gorge | Enjoy rainforest walks, waterfalls, and swimming holes in the Pioneer Valley. |
| Heart Reef | A naturally formed coral reef in a heart shape, best viewed by scenic flight. |
| Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens | Explore tropical plant collections and themed garden areas. |
| Reefsuites Underwater Hotel | Stay underwater at Australia’s first submerged hotel on Hardy Reef. |
| Sail the Whitsundays | Charter a yacht or join a sailing tour around the Whitsunday Islands. |
| Skyline Ferris Wheel (Airlie Beach) | A 35-metre Ferris wheel with panoramic views of the Coral Sea and coastline. |
| Whitehaven Beach | World-renowned for its pure white silica sand and clear turquoise waters. |
Top Attractions - Tropical North Queensland
This region is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest, offering unparalleled biodiversity and adventure opportunities.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| AJ Hackett Bungy & Swing | Experience the thrill of bungy jumping and jungle swinging in Cairns. |
| Atherton Tablelands | A region of waterfalls, crater lakes, and rich agricultural lands. |
| Barron Gorge Rafting | White water rafting adventure near Cairns. |
| Big Golden Gumboot (Tully) | Quirky landmark celebrating Tully’s reputation as Australia’s wettest town. |
| Cairns Aquarium | Showcases the diverse marine life of the Great Barrier Reef. |
| Cape Tribulation | Where the reef meets the rainforest, offering secluded beaches. |
| Daintree Rainforest | The oldest tropical rainforest, home to unique flora and fauna. |
| Fitzroy Island | Offers snorkeling, hiking, and a turtle rehabilitation center. |
| Four Mile Beach | A pristine beach stretching along Port Douglas. |
| Great Barrier Reef | World’s largest coral reef system, ideal for snorkeling and diving. |
| Green Island | A coral cay with snorkeling and rainforest walks. |
| Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures | Wildlife park known for crocodile cruises, animal encounters, and shows. |
| Hot Air Ballooning | Soar over the Atherton Tablelands at sunrise. |
| Josephine Falls | A tiered cascade waterfall with natural swimming holes. |
| Kuranda Scenic Railway | Historic train journey through rainforest and waterfalls. |
| Mossman Gorge | Features crystal-clear waters and Indigenous cultural experiences. |
| Paronella Park | Historic Spanish-style castle ruins set in lush rainforest. |
| Skyrail Rainforest Cableway | Gondola ride offering aerial views of the rainforest canopy. |
| Tully Sugar Mill Tour | Guided tours of a working sugar mill—seasonal and led by knowledgeable locals. |
| Yungaburra Platypus Viewing Platform | One of the best places in Australia to see wild platypus in their natural habitat. |
Top Attractions - Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland offers vast landscapes, rich history, and unique geological formations, providing a glimpse into Australia’s pioneering past.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Age of Dinosaurs Museum (Winton) | See one of the world’s largest collections of Australian dinosaur fossils. |
| Barcaldine – Tree of Knowledge | Historical site linked to the birth of the Australian labour movement. |
| Birdsville Races | Iconic annual horse racing event in the Simpson Desert. |
| Boulia – Min Min Encounter | Learn about the mysterious Min Min Lights in an interactive exhibition. |
| Carnarvon Gorge | Hike among towering cliffs, Aboriginal rock art, and lush gorges. |
| Charleville Cosmos Centre | Stargazing, astronomy, and space science experiences under Outback skies. |
| Eromanga Natural History Museum | See Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils in the country’s most inland town. |
| Jundah Camel Races | Experience the excitement and novelty of camel racing. |
| Longreach – Qantas Founders Museum | Explore aviation history where Qantas began. |
| Longreach – Stockman’s Hall of Fame | Celebrate Australia’s outback pioneers through immersive exhibits. |
| Mount Isa Underground Hospital | Step into a real WWII-era underground hospital carved into rock. |
| Mount Isa – Outback at Isa | Cultural complex featuring a museum, art gallery, and underground mine tours. |
| Quilpie – St. Finbarr’s Opal Altar | Visit a unique church altar inlaid with local opal. |
| Simpson Desert | Tackle red sand dunes on a 4WD adventure across Australia’s desert heart. |
| Waltzing Matilda Centre (Winton) | Discover the story behind Australia’s unofficial anthem and Outback culture. |
Plan Your Queensland Adventure
From the bustling cities and sun-kissed beaches to the tranquil rainforests and rugged outback, Queensland offers a myriad of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, the Sunshine State welcomes you with open arms.
Queensland Travel Inspiration & Stories
Tully Sugar Mill Tour
Discover the Tully Sugarcane Mill Tour, one of the most fascinating things to do in Tully, Tropical North Queensland. From walking among steaming machinery to learning how raw sugar is made, this working mill tour is a rare behind-the-scenes experience—complete with the unmistakable scent of fresh-cut cane in the air.
Big Golden Gumboot Tully
Discover the Big Golden Gumboot, one of the quirkiest and most iconic things to do in Tully, Queensland. This towering tribute to Australia’s wettest town celebrates record-breaking rainfall—and yes, you can climb inside! Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit, including nearby experiences like sugar mill tours and scenic rainforest drives.
Get Up Close with the Crocs at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Discover Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, one of the best things to do near Cairns, Queensland. From thrilling crocodile boat cruises to eye-popping wildlife shows, it’s the ultimate Aussie animal experience — and one you’ll be talking about long after you leave.
See platypus in the wild at Yungaburra
Seeing a platypus in the wild is a magical experience and a must-do for many visitors to Australia. Yungaburra, in the Atherton Tablelands, offers one of the best and most accessible places to spot this elusive Australian native in its natural habitat.
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane
Visit Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Brisbane to cuddle a koala & feed the kangaroos. The Brisbane koala park has a wide range of native animals.
Iron Range National Park
Visit Iron Range National Park on Queensland’s Cape York Peninsula for Cape York fishing, Chilli Beach camping and Cape York 4WD adventures.
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