QUEENSLAND TRAVEL GUIDE
Are you looking for adventures in ancient lands and stunning underwater worlds?
Queensland is the place for you. Allow us to help you plan your trip to Queensland.
We have traveled the state in-depth for several years and lived in two QLD regions: The Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast.
It's our favorite region for adventure, pristine beauty, hidden surprises, and a laid back beach culture and lifestyle. You couldn't find a better climate!
Browse on through to our best Queensland travel tips including places to visit in Queensland and all the many things you can do, see and taste!
QUEENSLAND HIGHLIGHTS
From the dusty interior Outback to the place where the world's oldest rainforest meets the world's largest barrier reef, Queensland is the most all encompassing adventurously beautiful state in Australia.
Here are your bucket list moments.
50 Stunning and Adventurous Things to Do in Queensland
Queensland is full of surprises. It’s a state we’ve resonated with as a holiday destination and have visited many times over the years, usually on short trips to the Gold Coast. But after spending three […]
My favourite Queensland Beaches You Should Set Foot On
My list of favourite Queensland beaches has grown over the years with each visit to the sunshine state, but is still far from complete. With the Queensland coast stretching over 7,400 kilometres, there are many beaches […]
I’m wondering why those of us outside of Queensland don’t hear more about Carnarvon Gorge The name is familiar to me, but I didn’t realise it was quite so beautiful. It looks heavenly, and with great potential for adventures. Yet another addition to the bucket list for me 🙂
Bonny
UNIQUELY QUEENSLAND - WORLD HERITAGE SITES
There are over 1,000 World Heritage listed sites around the world, and five of them can be found in Queensland. That's a pretty impressive feat, and further indication of how special The Sunshine State is.
Here are a few of them we've had incredible adventures through.
We have not experienced the Australian Fossil Mammal site in Riversleigh and so many more destinations that make up the Gondwana Rainforests and Wet Tropics.
12 awesome things to do on Fraser Island
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!
2 day getaway to the Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas
We love the Daintree Rainforest. Our first visit was almost three years ago during our 18-month road trip around Australia with our kids. That experience left us longing for more. After our recent two-day getaway […]
Springbrook National Park – the Green behind the Gold Coast
Visiting Springbrook National Park, Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland, Australia Don’t forget to visit Twin Falls and stay at the Mouse House Retreat
Don’t miss this Cairns Attraction: The Kuranda Scenic Railway and SkyRail
The recommendations came in quickly when we asked our community about things to do in Cairns. Visit the town of Kuranda in the Atherton Tablelands was on the list. To get there you suggested we […]
How to visit the Great Barrier Reef – Tours from Cairns, Queensland
Need advice on how to visit the Great Barrier Reef from Cairns, or along the Queensland coast? Check out our 5 different experiences.
Amazing things to do in the Cairns Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands is a region about an hour south-west of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. It’s a region that changes from agricultural land, to scrub forest, to ancient rainforests and then eventually to the Queensland […]
The Gorgeous O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat, Lamington National Park
The road in was windy and long up to the western edge of an Australia World Heritage area, Lamington National Park. We drove through the beautiful sub-tropical rainforest, but by about the 73rd turn we were […]
BEST QUEENSLAND ISLANDS
Queensland’s 7000km-long coastline, from Brisbane to the Great Barrier Reef are filled with islands to suit any kind of traveler and adventure seeker.
From budget to secluded luxury, you'll be guaranteed a piece of paradise.
Here are some of our favorite we have featured content on.
You'll also find islands to consider in round up posts like:
12 awesome things to do on Fraser Island
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!
An adventurous weekend getaway to Moreton Island
Queensland does island weekend getaways better than most, whether you want to stretch out on your sun lounge and have cocktails by the pool, or […]
Quick Getaway to Great Keppel Island in Queensland
There aren’t too many islands in the Great Barrier Reef where you can escape the crowds for a quick getaway and stay in your own […]
24 hours on Daydream Island Resort is never enough
Five years ago my good friends got married on Daydream Island Resort in Queensland and judging by the photos I saw and stories I heard it […]
The thrill of the chill: Best Things to do on Magnetic Island
It took me a couple of days to adjust to Magnetic Island, or should I just say Maggie. It was like I had suddenly walked […]
A Thrilling Tour of Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands
When visiting Airlie Beach, make it a priority to explore the Whitsunday Islands in Queensland home to the most beautiful beach in Australia. I say […]
Getaway from the Gold Coast on Couran Cove Island Resort
South Stradbroke Island, it’s a place where the rigidity of the Australian culture heavily reliant on rules doesn’t exist. Where you can just walk or […]
The Luxurious Intercontinental Hayman Island Resort, Whitsundays
Queensland is making it a habit of blowing my mind – most recently it was on Hayman Island in the Whitsunday Islands. Each time I […]
QUEENSLAND ROAD TRIP IDEAS
Queensland is seven times the size of Great Britain, and two and a half times the size of Texas - that's a lot of road trip opportunities.
Skip flying between each destination, because in the Sunshine Coast, the space in between is filled with pristine environments, sparkling beaches, magnificent wildlife, and magical memories.
You could cover almost the entire state's coastline on the 1808-kilometre Pacific Coast Way, which stretches from Brisbane to Cairns, or choose much shorter road trips that explore each diverse region and landscape in a slower and deeper fashion.
Here are a few of our favorite Queensland road trips.
A family road trip through the Noosa Hinterland
As I drive through lush valleys, farmlands and rolling hills, I often contemplate how much I’ve changed. Many years ago, this kind of travel would […]
14 things to do on the Sunshine Coast that don’t involve the coast!
The Sunshine Coast is most well known for it’s laid back coastal charm, and we recently shared with you some of the fun coastal and […]
Experience a family road trip to Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland wasn’t somewhere I considered travelling to on our 18-month road trip around Australia until friends told us what a great time they had in […]
Australia’s Sunshine Coast: Great Beach Drive
Of the 55,000 kilometres we drove around Australia on our 18 month road trip, only once did we venture onto the beach in our vehicle. […]
Things to see and do on the Savannah Way, Queensland
We originally thought we’d take a few days to drive The Savannah Way in North Queensland – and it would just be a few days […]
Road Trip from Port Douglas to Cape Tribulation in the Daintree Rainforest
Tropical North Queensland has to be one of the most enchanting regions in Australia, if not the world. Just a little way offshore you have […]
Amazing things to do in the Cairns Atherton Tablelands
The Atherton Tablelands is a region about an hour south-west of Cairns in Tropical North Queensland. It’s a region that changes from agricultural land, to scrub […]
Exploring Fraser Island – Nature’s Most Perfect Island
It was one of those moments when the world reveals to you how magically perfect it is. Arianna Huffington says in her recent book Thrive, […]
North Coast NSW Road Trip – Lennox Head to Gold Coast
North Coast NSW is one of my favourite areas in Australia. It’s lush, hilly, filled with ancient rainforests, magnificent views, stunning coastline and beaches, and […]
Sydney to Brisbane Road Trip Highlights
The iconic east coast road trip from Sydney to Brisbane, known as the Legendary Pacific Coast, is one of Australia’s top road trips. Stretching 900kms […]
OUTBACK QUEENSLAND GEMS
Move from the lush green land and rolling surf to open roads, endless skies, and sunburned earth.
This is your chance to unplug and reconnect. You'll find warm friendly people, striking landscapes, unique history, and fascinating country culture.
We fell in love with Outback Queensland and have visited a couple of times!
Why Winton Queensland Is Our favourite australian Outback Town
Ah, Winton Queensland. You sure caught us by surprise. The first we heard of you was from our friends Nikki and Drew, who passed through […]
Going Underground at Mount Isa, Queensland
“Here you go. Can you carry this for me? Now don’t drop it. You’re in charge okay?” Kalyra looked from me to Steve, unsure whether […]
Introducing the Undara Lava Tubes in Outback Queensland
Visiting the Undara Lava Tubes in Outback Queensland has been one of the more interesting places we’ve explored on our trip around Australia so far. […]
Is Boodjamulla National Park Queensland’s best kept secret?
Reefs, rainforests and beautiful beaches. Queensland certainly hits the top of the list for all of these things and it’s what most people plan their […]
QUEENSLAND CITY LIFE
Well, bear in mind a city in Australia may be on a different scale to city sizes in your country.
Queensland's largest city, Brisbane is just 2.3 million and Cairns, one of Australia's most popular destinations is 150, 000.
You'll mostly find small towns and coastal communities in Queensland - it s magical.
But here are a few posts on those areas that are slightly larger and a little more buslty.
Why we think the Gold Coast is THE best place to live in Australia
Once we made the decision to go on our USA road trip, I’ve questioned whether it’s the right decision. Mostly because I love our lifestyle […]
Stunning Beaches on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland
Any region in Australia that incorporates the word coast will have a bounty of beaches to enjoy – the Sunshine Coast in Queensland has some […]
11 Amazing Things to Do in Cairns, Australia (Reef & Beyond)
I had it in my head that I wouldn’t like Cairns, Australia. I’m not sure why, but I was wrong. As one of Australia’s biggest […]
Things to do in Townsville
I’m ashamed to say I did not know much about Townsville before arriving on our Australian road trip. Besides the fact the “Cowboys” football team […]
What to Do in Brisbane, Queensland (from a local)
Looking for tips on what to do in Brisbane? As part of our city guides series, we interviewed Annabel Candy who lives in Noosa just […]
AMAZING WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES IN QUEENSLAND
From kangaroos on the beach to platypus swimming in quiet ponds, cassowaries kicking to up close encounters with endangered bilbies, Queensland has a wealth of animal experiences - you may even find a few green tree frogs in your Outback toilets!
12 awesome things to do on Fraser Island
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!
Things to do at Cape Hillsborough, Mackay (sunrise kangaroos on the beach)
Sunrise on the beach with kangaroos and wallabies. It’s a bucket list dream for many. We road tripped around Australia for 18 months and saw […]
Eungella National Park – best place in Australia to see wild platypus
“It can get cold around here,” Nicole was telling me stories of frost on windows and the odd snowflake drops up in the mountains. “Really?” […]
An exciting experience Whale watching: Hervey Bay, Australia
Waking up to a stunning sunrise over the Urangan jetty set the stage for our Whale watching Hervey Bay tour. We were in Hervey Bay, […]
Go To Carnarvon Gorge National Park, You Said
Several of our readers suggested we visit Carnarvon Gorge National Park on our travels through Queensland. Now that we’ve been, we can say a tropical […]
Crocs, Bat Poo and Owl Spew – Education in Rockhampton
I love travel experiences that teach my girls a little about the world. It’s even better when it also fascinates them. It’s hard to grab […]
Seeing the other side of the Whitsunday Islands on a Crocodile Safari
When you’re stepping on pure silica sand so white and powdery, or swimming face to face with bat fish out on the reef you don’t […]
QUEENSLAND ITINERARY IDEAS
Planning a through Queensland can be overwhelming and time consuming. It's bigger than you realize and filled with one epic experience after another. We've seen and done a lot but still feel like we've only taken a nibble.
We're helping to save you time with a few planned itineraries for regions we know you'll love!
How to visit Australia in 3 weeks – an itinerary
Australia’s a big country and you only have three weeks to travel. Let us plan your trip for you!
5 night Sandstone Wilderness Itinerary
Where is the Sandstone Wilderness I hear you ask? It’s a region in Central Queensland encompassing gem fields, lush rainforests and sandstone gorges, significant Aboriginal […]
2 week Outback Queensland road trip itinerary
Thinking of an Outback Queensland road trip? Here is our 2-week itinerary with tips on places to visit, where to eat & drink, and where to sleep at night.
Gold Coast Itinerary – How to Spend 48 Hours on the Gold Coast
Looking for a Gold Coast itinerary? Here’s how to spend 48 hours on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
GOLD COAST GEMS
If we chose to live in Australia, the only place we'd live would be Burleigh on the Gold Coast.
It is the most magical place to live with a fantastic climate and idyllic lifestyle - hello minimal annual sweater count.
It's location is superb with close proximity to a small international airport and the NSW border.
Here are a few of the Gold Coast gems that we treasure!
Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation: Escape to Binna Burra Lodge
If you thought the Gold Coast region of Australia was all beaches and theme parks, allow me to introduce you to the diversity this region […]
15 Free & Cheap Things to Do on the Gold Coast for Families
Visiting the Gold Coast soon? Here is my list of free (or cheap) things to do on the Gold Coast for families, or non-families too! Packed full of resources to help you with your Gold Coast family holiday planning
I Could Live at the Mantra Coolangatta Beach
As soon as we plonked our bags down and walked out onto the balcony to see the Pacific Ocean open up before our eyes we […]
4 Beautiful Walks on the Gold Coast not to miss
Ask us what our favourite way is to explore a destination and more often than not we’ll say by walking. Whether it’s finding a hidden […]
Facing Fear on the SkyPoint Climb – things to do on the Gold Coast
See that building up above? Yeah, the really tall one with the spire on top? That’s the Q1 Building on the Gold Coast. Did you […]
Gold Coast Theme Parks – Which one is best for your family?
Now that we’re moving into summer and preparing for Christmas Holidays, many families are in search of a little adventure and fun for their family […]
28 Things to Do in the Gold Coast for Families
Our list of 28 things to do in the Gold Coast for families has activities and adventure for kids (and parents) of all tastes and all ages.
QUEENSLAND GETAWAY DEAS
Short breaks and getaways are worth it! It's a chance to disconnect from your chaotic life for easy rejuvenation.
Queensland has ample opportunities for easy getaways no matter where you are. Here are a few ideas for you!
2 day getaway to the Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas
We love the Daintree Rainforest. Our first visit was almost three years ago during our 18-month road trip around Australia with our kids. That experience […]
8 weekend getaways from Brisbane, Australia
Many people tend to skip Brisbane when visiting the east coast of Australia, tending to focus their time seeing the sites of Sydney and Melbourne. But, […]
Weekend getaway to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat and a return to circadian rhythm
A return to the circadian rhythm. It sounds a bit like a sexual act, doesn’t it? In a way, it is: raw, organic, the way […]
A Romantic Getaway to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Looking for a romantic getaway in Queensland that doesn’t involve islands, scorching temperatures, and sand following you back to your cosy cabin? Consider the Sunshine […]
An adventurous weekend getaway to Moreton Island
Queensland does island weekend getaways better than most, whether you want to stretch out on your sun lounge and have cocktails by the pool, or […]
A lovely weekend Getaway to the Bunya Mountains
Queensland is full of surprises. The more we explore our newly adopted state the more diverse we discover it is and the more excited we […]
Quick Getaway to Great Keppel Island in Queensland
There aren’t too many islands in the Great Barrier Reef where you can escape the crowds for a quick getaway and stay in your own […]
Getaway from the Gold Coast on Couran Cove Island Resort
South Stradbroke Island, it’s a place where the rigidity of the Australian culture heavily reliant on rules doesn’t exist. Where you can just walk or […]
QUEENSLAND ACCOMMODATION IDEAS
Short breaks and getaways are worth it! It's a chance to disconnect from your chaotic life for easy rejuvenation.
Queensland has ample opportunities for easy getaways no matter where you are. Here are a few ideas for you!
3 Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation Options
When you hear the name Gold Coast, you probably associate the destination with golden beaches, theme parks, and nightclubs. After recently living in Burleigh Heads […]
Sleeping in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Trib Beach House
Fancy sleeping within the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world? That’s exactly what we did recently at Cape Tribulation, our favourite part of […]
The Best Family Accommodation on the Gold Coast
Looking for a place to stay on the Gold Coast? We’ve got you covered with these Gold Coast properties.
Burleigh Heads Accommodation: The Bujerum Apartments on the Beach
When we first arrived in Burleigh Heads, knowing it was a semi-permanent stay (I cannot use the word permanent!), we’d pass by the Bujerum Apartments every […]
A luxurious stay at Kingfisher Bay Resort, Fraser Island
How does a little bit of luxury sound amidst one of the most unique and pristine parts of Australia? When you think of exploring Fraser […]
24 hours on Daydream Island Resort is never enough
Five years ago my good friends got married on Daydream Island Resort in Queensland and judging by the photos I saw and stories I heard it […]
Sleeping with koalas at Bungalow Bay YHA on Magnetic Island
So we’re naming the Bungalow Bay YHA on Magnetic Island as one of the coolest hostels in Australia. Whether you’re a budget traveler or a […]
Excellent Airlie Beach Camping at the Big 4 Whitsundays
Looking for family friendly accommodation in Airlie Beach? There are a few Airlie Beach camping options, but for families you can’t beat the Big 4 […]
Budget Accommodation in Noosa – The YHA Noosa (Halse Lodge)
Looking for budget accommodation in Noosa and a unique hostel to stay in Australia? The YHA Noosa, also known as Halse Lodge, recently won best […]
I Could Live at the Mantra Coolangatta Beach
As soon as we plonked our bags down and walked out onto the balcony to see the Pacific Ocean open up before our eyes we […]
OUR QUEENSLAND FAVORITES
Hover over each card to reveal our favorites! Then use the search bar underneath them to find our content on each one!
FOOD DESTINATIONS
- Gold Coast
- Daintree Rainforest
- Ipswich
BEACHES
- Burleigh Heads
- Mooloolaba
- Whitehaven
HIDDEN SECRETS
- Gold Coast Hinterland
- Noosa Everglades
- Moreton Bay
- Winton
NATIONAL PARKS
- Great Barrier Reef
- Daintree Rainforest
- Carnarvorn
ATTRACTIONS / ACTIVITIES
- LARC tour (1770)
- Paddleboard Tallebudgra Creek
- Mossman Gorge Indigenous Tour
ROAD TRIP REGIONS
- Outback Queensland
- Port Douglas - Cape Tribulation
WHAT REGION IN QUEENSLAND ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT?
The USA is divided into six main geographical regions. Click the image to head straight to our tips and resource guides for the region you are planning to visit. You can also keep scrolling down to choose based on a state level.
FEATURED VIDEO: Great Barrier Reef
In this video we enjoy snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef off Port Douglas in Tropical North Queensland.
FOLLOW OUR CURRENT ADVENTURES
Travel has been the focus of our life since 1997 - intentionally.
We don't plan on stopping that. We now have a base in Raleigh, NC - after being granted a Green Card for our extraordinary ability in the art of travel blogging.
We will continue to explore more of the US but also intend on traveling further abroad - Europe, South East Asia and Central and South America.
We can't wait to share more of our favorites as we experience them.
Be sure to join our free VIP email community - form below for loads of free resources.
And connect with us on social for live udpates!
ALL QUEENSLAND ARTICLES
Browse through all of our Queensland content to see what amazing experiences are on offer.
12 awesome things to do on Fraser Island
Discovering all the incredible things to do on Fraser Island was a highlight of our road trip around Australia. Here are our top 12 highlights on this stunning Queensland island including beach driving and dingo watching!
Brisbane Day Trip to the Scenic Rim for a Family Adventure
“Don’t dawdle or we’ll miss it,” I warned the three boys. We were nearly at the summit of Mount Cordeaux and I could see glimpses of gold and crimson through the trees. As we climbed the […]
3 Gold Coast Hinterland Accommodation Options
When you hear the name Gold Coast, you probably associate the destination with golden beaches, theme parks, and nightclubs. After recently living in Burleigh Heads for 18 months and going inland and exploring the Gold […]
16 Best Things to do in Port Douglas with Kids
Tropical North Queensland is one of the most enchanting regions in Australia, and Port Douglas is one of our favourite coastal towns in Australia. We just love it up Far North Queensland. It’s tropical living […]
Sleeping in the Daintree Rainforest at Cape Trib Beach House
Fancy sleeping within the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world? That’s exactly what we did recently at Cape Tribulation, our favourite part of the Daintree National Park. After having visited the 110 million-year-old […]
The Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast – I compete for Gold!
I don’t think there’s a better place in Australia to hold the Commonwealth Games than the Gold Coast. Of course, I think the Gold Coast is the best place in Australia to live. It’s not […]
2 day getaway to the Daintree Rainforest from Port Douglas
We love the Daintree Rainforest. Our first visit was almost three years ago during our 18-month road trip around Australia with our kids. That experience left us longing for more. After our recent two-day getaway […]
8 weekend getaways from Brisbane, Australia
Many people tend to skip Brisbane when visiting the east coast of Australia, tending to focus their time seeing the sites of Sydney and Melbourne. But, if you find yourself visiting Brisbane it’s a city on the […]
A family road trip through the Noosa Hinterland
As I drive through lush valleys, farmlands and rolling hills, I often contemplate how much I’ve changed. Many years ago, this kind of travel would have been a total bore to me. I was always […]
Weekend getaway to Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat and a return to circadian rhythm
A return to the circadian rhythm. It sounds a bit like a sexual act, doesn’t it? In a way, it is: raw, organic, the way nature intended. And just as satisfying. We had arrived at […]