Things to do in Queensland
Where to See Kangaroos in Australia: A Sunrise Encounter at Cape Hillsborough
Kangaroos are one of Australia’s most iconic animals, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a truly memorable experience. Whether watching them bound across open plains, lounge on beaches, or hop through national parks, Australia offers many fantastic spots to encounter kangaroos up close. This guide will help you discover the best places to see kangaroos in Australia, with tips on when and where to visit, and what to expect.
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.
Brisbane & Surrounds: Best Attractions in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, and the Scenic Rim
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Brisbane Powerhouse
Contemporary arts center hosting performances and exhibitions.
119 Lamington St, New Farm QLD 4005
CityCat Ferry Ride
Explore Brisbane's riverfront aboard a high-speed catamaran.
Multiple terminals along Brisbane River
CityHopper Ferry
Free ferry service with scenic skyline views.
Operates between North Quay and Sydney Street terminals
Eat Street Northshore
Market with street food, music, and entertainment.
221D MacArthur Ave, Hamilton QLD 4007
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA)
Contemporary art and interactive exhibitions.
Stanley Pl, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Howard Smith Wharves
Riverside dining and city views beneath the Story Bridge.
5 Boundary St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Kangaroo Point Cliffs
Popular for rock climbing and picnics with views.
River Terrace, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
World’s first and largest koala sanctuary.
708 Jesmond Rd, Fig Tree Pocket QLD 4069
Moreton Island
Snorkeling, sandboarding & dolphin feeding.
Ferry access from Port of Brisbane or Cleveland
Mount Coot-tha Lookout
Iconic panoramic view of Brisbane.
1012 Sir Samuel Griffith Dr, Mount Coot-tha QLD 4066
Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens
Tropical dome and themed gardens.
152 Mt Coot-tha Rd, Toowong QLD 4066
Play Table Tennis Under Freeway
Free table tennis courts downtown.
1 William St, Brisbane City QLD 4000
Scenic Rim
Rainforests, mountains, vineyards.
Includes Beaudesert, Boonah, Canungra
South Bank Parklands
Riverside precinct with gardens and beach.
Little Stanley St, South Brisbane QLD 4101
Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Bridge climb with sweeping city views.
170 Main St, Kangaroo Point QLD 4169
XXXX Brewery Tour
Guided brewery tours of Queensland’s iconic beer.
20 Paten St, Milton QLD 4064
Gold Coast Highlights: Top Beaches, Theme Parks & Hinterland Experiences
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Burleigh Heads
Beach town with national park and surf breaks.
Burleigh Head National Park, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Interactive experiences with native animals.
28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
Dreamworld
Australia’s largest theme park.
Dreamworld Pkwy, Coomera QLD 4209
HOTA (Home of the Arts)
Cultural precinct with performances and exhibitions.
135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Lamington National Park
Ancient rainforests and walking trails.
Access via Canungra or Binna Burra QLD
Natural Bridge
Rock formation with waterfall and glow worms.
Springbrook National Park, Neranwood QLD 4213
Sea World
Marine park with exhibits and thrill rides.
Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217
SkyPoint Observation Deck
360° views from Q1, Australia’s tallest residential tower.
Level 77, 9 Hamilton Ave, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Springbrook National Park
Waterfalls, caves, and lush rainforest.
Springbrook Rd, Springbrook QLD 4213
Surfers Paradise Beach
Iconic beach with vibrant city vibes.
Esplanade, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Tamborine Mountain
Rainforest walks, wineries, and artisan shops.
Includes Gallery Walk and Curtis Falls, Tamborine QLD
The Star Gold Coast
Casino and entertainment complex.
1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach QLD 4218
Warner Bros. Movie World
Theme park with movie-themed rides.
Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210
Wet’n’Wild Gold Coast
Water park with slides and family pools.
Pacific Mwy, Oxenford QLD 4210
Sunshine Coast Must-Sees: Wildlife Encounters, Rainforest Walks & Coastal Fun
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Australia Zoo
Founded by Steve Irwin; a flagship wildlife park.
1638 Steve Irwin Way, Beerwah QLD 4519
Coolum Beach
Known for surfing and coastal walks.
David Low Way, Coolum Beach QLD 4573
Eumundi Markets
Iconic markets for artisan goods and produce.
80 Memorial Dr, Eumundi QLD 4562
Glass House Mountains
Volcanic peaks popular for hiking and views.
Glass House Mountains Rd, Beerburrum QLD 4517
Kayak with Dolphins
Sea kayaking near Noosa, often departing from Sunshine Beach.
Tours launch from Noosa & Sunshine Beach
Kondalilla Falls
Scenic waterfall with swimming holes and trails.
Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville QLD 4560
Maleny & Montville
Artistic hinterland villages with galleries and cafes.
Montville & Maleny via Landsborough-Maleny Rd, QLD
Montville Forest Walks
Rainforest trails near Montville.
Western Ave or Kondalilla Falls Rd, Montville QLD
Mooloolaba Beach
Calm family beach with cafes.
Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Noosa Everglades
One of the only two everglade systems in the world.
Access via Elanda Point, Noosa QLD 4565
Noosa National Park
Coastal walks, koalas, and dolphins.
Park Rd, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Peregian Beach
Relaxed beach town with boutique shops and markets.
David Low Way, Peregian Beach QLD 4573
SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium
Marine exhibits and animal encounters.
Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
58km rainforest trail with waterfalls and lookouts.
Starts near Baroon Pocket Dam, North Maleny QLD 4552
The Ginger Factory
Ginger-themed park with rides and tastings.
50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina QLD 4561
Fraser Coast & Bundaberg: Whale Watching, Rum Tours & Island Adventures
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Bundaberg Rum Distillery
Guided tours and tastings at the iconic distillery.
Hills St, Bundaberg East QLD 4670
Hervey Bay
Whale watching and calm beaches.
Esplanade, Hervey Bay QLD 4655
K’gari (Fraser Island)
World’s largest sand island; lakes, forests, 4WD tracks.
Ferry access from River Heads or Inskip Point QLD
Lady Elliot Island
Eco-resort with world-class snorkeling.
80 km NE of Bundaberg; access by scenic flight from Hervey Bay
Maryborough
Heritage town, birthplace of P.L. Travers.
Kent St & Wharf St, Maryborough QLD 4650
Mon Repos Turtle Centre
Seasonal turtle nesting and hatchings.
141 Mon Repos Rd, Mon Repos QLD 4670
Whitsundays & Mackay: Whitehaven Beach, Reef Tours & Rainforest Retreats
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Airlie Beach
Coastal hub and launch point for reef tours.
Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Airlie Beach Lagoon
Man-made lagoon for safe swimming.
Shute Harbour Rd, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Cape Hillsborough
Famous for sunrise kangaroo sightings on the beach.
Cape Hillsborough Rd, Cape Hillsborough QLD 4740
Finch Hatton Gorge
Rainforest walks, waterfalls, and swimming holes.
Gorge Rd, Finch Hatton QLD 4756
Heart Reef
Iconic heart-shaped coral reef, seen by air.
Hardy Reef, Whitsundays – accessible via scenic flight
Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens
Tropical plant collections and themed displays.
Lagoon St, West Mackay QLD 4740
Reefsuites Underwater Hotel
Australia’s first underwater hotel, on Hardy Reef.
Access via Cruise Whitsundays from Airlie Beach
Sail the Whitsundays
Explore the islands by yacht or sailing tour.
Departures from Coral Sea Marina, Airlie Beach QLD 4802
Skyline Ferris Wheel
35m-high coastal views from Airlie Beach.
Airlie Esplanade, Airlie Beach QLD 4802 (seasonal)
Whitehaven Beach
Pristine silica sand and crystal-clear waters.
Whitsunday Island – accessed via boat from Airlie Beach
Tropical North Queensland: Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest & Adventure Activities
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
AJ Hackett Bungy & Swing
Thrill-seeking experiences in the rainforest.
End of McGregor Rd, Smithfield QLD 4878
Atherton Tablelands
Waterfalls, crater lakes, and food trails.
Includes Yungaburra, Malanda, Millaa Millaa – Tablelands Region QLD
Barron Gorge Rafting
White water rafting adventure near Cairns.
Departure from Lake Placid Rd, Caravonica QLD 4878
Big Golden Gumboot (Tully)
Quirky landmark celebrating wettest town status.
56 Butler St, Tully QLD 4854
Cairns Aquarium
Showcasing marine life of the reef and rainforest.
5 Florence St, Cairns City QLD 4870
Cape Tribulation
Where rainforest meets the reef.
Cape Tribulation Rd, Daintree QLD 4873
Daintree Rainforest
World’s oldest tropical rainforest.
Access via Daintree Ferry, Mossman-Daintree Rd, QLD
Fitzroy Island
Snorkeling, hiking, and turtle rehab.
45-min ferry from Cairns Reef Terminal
Four Mile Beach
Long stretch of golden sands in Port Douglas.
Davidson St, Port Douglas QLD 4877
Great Barrier Reef
World’s largest coral reef system.
Access via reef tours from Cairns or Port Douglas
Green Island
Coral cay with reef snorkeling and forest walks.
Ferry from Cairns Reef Terminal
Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures
Wildlife park with croc shows and cruises.
Captain Cook Hwy, Wangetti QLD 4877
Hot Air Ballooning
Sunrise flights over the Tablelands.
Departure from Mareeba or Atherton region QLD
Josephine Falls
Tiered waterfalls with swimming holes.
Josephine Falls Rd, Wooroonooran QLD 4860
Kuranda Scenic Railway
Historic rail journey through rainforest.
Departs from Cairns or Freshwater stations to Kuranda QLD
Mossman Gorge
Rainforest walks and Indigenous experiences.
Gorge Rd, Mossman QLD 4873
Paronella Park
Historic Spanish-style ruins in rainforest.
1671 Japoonvale Rd, Mena Creek QLD 4871
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway
Gondola ride above rainforest canopy.
Terminal at 6 Skyrail Dr, Smithfield QLD 4878
Tully Sugar Mill Tour
Guided tour of working sugar mill.
598 Bryant St, Tully QLD 4854 (seasonal)
Yungaburra Platypus Platform
One of the best places to see wild platypus.
Peterson Creek Walking Track, Yungaburra QLD 4884
Outback Queensland Wonders: Dinosaur Fossils, Desert Races & Cultural Heritage
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Age of Dinosaurs Museum (Winton)
One of the world’s largest collections of Aussie dinosaur fossils.
Lot 1 Dinosaur Dr, Winton QLD 4735
Barcaldine – Tree of Knowledge
Historic site tied to the Australian labour movement.
Oak St, Barcaldine QLD 4725
Birdsville Races
Iconic annual horse race in the Simpson Desert.
Birdsville Racecourse, Birdsville QLD 4482 (held in Sept.)
Boulia – Min Min Encounter
Interactive experience on the mystery of the Min Min Lights.
18 Herbert St, Boulia QLD 4829
Carnarvon Gorge
Towering cliffs, rock art, and lush creek walks.
Carnarvon National Park, access via Carnarvon Hwy QLD
Charleville Cosmos Centre
Stargazing, astronomy, and space science experiences.
Milky Way, Charleville QLD 4470
Eromanga Natural History Museum
See Australia’s largest dinosaur fossils.
1 Dinosaur Dr, Eromanga QLD 4480
Jundah Camel Races
Experience the excitement of camel racing.
Thompson Development Rd, Jundah QLD 4481 (seasonal)
Longreach – Qantas Founders Museum
Explore aviation history at Qantas’ birthplace.
Sir Hudson Fysh Dr, Longreach QLD 4730
Longreach – Stockman’s Hall of Fame
Immersive exhibits on Australia’s pioneering past.
Landsborough Hwy, Longreach QLD 4730
Mount Isa Underground Hospital
WWII-era hospital carved into rock.
Cnr Camooweal & Isa St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Mount Isa – Outback at Isa
Museum, gallery, and underground mine tours.
19 Marian St, Mount Isa QLD 4825
Quilpie – St. Finbarr’s Opal Altar
Church altar inlaid with local opal.
57 Brolga St, Quilpie QLD 4480
Simpson Desert
Remote 4WD adventure through red dunes.
Access via Birdsville Track or QAA Line, QLD/SA border
Waltzing Matilda Centre (Winton)
Tells the tale behind Australia’s unofficial anthem.
50 Elderslie St, Winton QLD 4735
Central Queensland Explorer: Caves, Coastlines & Country Escapes
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Capricorn Caves
Stunning limestone caves with tours and cathedral acoustics.
30 Olsen Caves Rd, The Caves QLD 4702
Rockhampton Botanic Gardens
Heritage-listed gardens with zoo, walking trails, and playgrounds.
100 Spencer St, West Rockhampton QLD 4700
Rockhampton Art Gallery
One of Queensland’s largest regional galleries.
212 Quay St, Rockhampton QLD 4700
Mount Archer National Park
Scenic lookouts and walking tracks over Rockhampton.
Pilbeam Dr, Mount Archer QLD 4701
Yeppoon Lagoon
Large beachfront lagoon with family-friendly swimming.
Anzac Parade, Yeppoon QLD 4703
Great Keppel Island
Snorkeling, bushwalking, and reef access.
Ferry from Rosslyn Bay, Yeppoon QLD
Byfield National Park
Coastal rainforests, dunes, and freshwater creeks.
Access via Farnborough Rd, Byfield QLD 4703
Koorana Crocodile Farm
Guided tours and feeding sessions with saltwater crocodiles.
65 Savages Rd, Coowonga QLD 4702
Blackdown Tableland National Park
Sandstone plateau with waterfalls and Aboriginal rock art.
Blackdown Tableland Rd, Dingo QLD 4702
Emerald Botanic Gardens
Large riverside gardens with themed plantings.
Capricorn Hwy, Emerald QLD 4720
Southern Queensland Country: Wine Trails, National Parks & Historical Towns
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
Iconic floral festival with parades, displays, and entertainment.
Queens Park, Lindsay St, Toowoomba QLD 4350
Laurel Bank Park (Toowoomba)
Seasonal gardens and picnic areas with scent gardens.
Hill St, Toowoomba City QLD 4350
Bunya Mountains National Park
Towering bunya pines, walking trails, and abundant wallabies.
Bunya Ave, Bunya Mountains QLD 4405
Girraween National Park
Dramatic granite boulders and wildflower displays.
Pyramids Rd, Ballandean QLD 4382
Stanthorpe Wineries
Cool-climate wine region with cellar doors and local produce.
Granite Belt region, around Stanthorpe QLD 4380
Suttons Juice Factory & Cidery
Apple-focused farm shop, tastings, and café.
10 Halloran Dr, Thulimbah QLD 4376
Rudd's Pub (Nobby)
Historic pub with memorabilia and a literary connection to Steele Rudd.
Tooth St, Nobby QLD 4360
Warwick Rodeo & Gold Cup Campdraft
Australia’s most famous rodeo and equestrian event.
Albert St, Warwick QLD 4370
Jondaryan Woolshed
Historic woolshed and pioneer village.
264 Jondaryan-Evanslea Rd, Jondaryan QLD 4403
Southern Downs Steam Railway
Heritage steam train rides between regional towns.
Departs from Warwick Station, Lyons St, Warwick QLD 4370
Cape York & Gulf Savannah: Remote Wilderness, Indigenous Culture & Natural Marvels
Attraction
Description
Address / Location
The Tip of Cape York
Northernmost point of mainland Australia.
Pajinka, Cape York Peninsula QLD – 4WD access from Bamaga
Thursday Island
Cultural hub of the Torres Strait with WWII history and island views.
Torres Strait – ferry from Seisia or flight from Cairns
Jardine River National Park
Remote rainforest, river crossings, and camping.
Access via Old Telegraph Track, Cape York QLD
Undara Lava Tubes
Massive ancient volcanic tunnels to explore.
Undara Experience, Gulf Developmental Rd, Mount Surprise QLD 4871
Chillagoe Caves
Striking limestone caves and former mining town.
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park, Chillagoe QLD 4871
Burketown – Morning Glory Clouds
Rare meteorological phenomenon best seen in spring.
Burketown QLD 4830 – lookout near the airport
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park
Emerald waters, gorges, and Indigenous rock art.
Lawn Hill Rd, via Gregory QLD 4830
Cobbold Gorge
Narrow sandstone gorge with glass-bottom boat tours.
Robin Hood Station, via Forsayth QLD 4871
Weipa Bauxite Mine Tour
Insight into one of the world’s largest bauxite operations.
Weipa QLD 4874 – tours depart from visitor centre
Lake Belmore
Largest freshwater lake in the Gulf region—great for fishing and birding.
Belmore Rd, Croydon QLD 4871
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
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