Choose from 143 Fun Things to Do in Queensland
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Coolangatta
At the southern end of the Gold Coast, Coolangatta is known for its rolling surf and long sandy beaches, complete with plentiful boardwalks and lookouts, all with a laid-back small-town beach vibe. With an abundance of cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as accommodations to suit every budget, there’s something for everyone here.
The Basics
In contrast to most other beaches along the Gold Coast, Coolangatta features bays and headlands, resulting in more-protected beaches and waves of all sizes—perfect for both beginner and experienced surfers. For more-sheltered conditions, head to Greenmount Beach or Rainbow Beach. For surfing, try Kirra Beach. Enjoy the expansive views, north to Surfers Paradise and south to Snappers Rock.
It’s easy to explore Coolangatta on foot, as most things are within walking distance. Those looking for a little more excitement can learn to surf, or take to the skies in a tandem-skydiving experience. Multi-day surfing expeditions will often make a stop here, as do day trips up and down the Gold Coast.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Coolangatta is a good option for families with kids, as the beaches here are more sheltered than other options along the Gold Coast.
- Temperatures in the summer can reach over 80°F (27°C), so don’t forget to pack a hat and sunscreen.
- Swim only in designated areas and when lifeguards are present, as there may be a strong undertow. Red and yellow flags indicate the beach is patrolled.
How to Get There
Coolangatta is located at the southern end of the Gold Coast, about 16 miles (25 kilometers) south of Surfers Paradise and on the border with New South Wales. It’s located about 68 miles (110 kilometers) south of Brisbane Airport, and less than 1.8 miles (3 kilometers) from Gold Coast Airport. By car, take the Pacific Motorway and exit at Gold Coast Highway.
When to Get There
The sun shines year-round at Coolangatta, so it’s always a good time to visit for those seeking the sun. Prices are highest in November and December. Visit in April or May for fewer crowds and lower prices. Those interested in surfing competitions may want to be here in October for the Coolangatta Gold surf-lifesaving competition or March for the Quiksilver and Roxy Pro world tour.
Sister City of Tweed Heads
Right across the border in the state of New South Wales is Coolangatta’s sister city of Tweed Heads, known for the Tweed River. Here visitors can go on a crab-catching cruise, hire a barbecue pontoon to explore the waterways, or join a charter for some offshore deep-sea fishing. When visiting in the summer, remember that the two states are in different time zones, which means that those visiting over New Year’s Eve can actually celebrate the new year twice.
Address: Queensland, Australia
From $ 103
Cairns Night Markets and Food Court
On a trip to Cairns, chances are your days will be filled with adventures outside the city, from diving on the Great Barrier Reef to hiking in the Daintree Rainforest. If that sounds like you, the Cairns Night Markets and Food Court provide the perfect place to shop, eat and even get a massage after a full day of exploring.
The Cairns Night Markets has 130 stalls selling everything from touristy souvenirs and T-shirts to blown glass, local honey and classic Aussie leather hats. An entire aisle of the market is devoted to massage parlors with reasonable prices, which could be a welcome relief after an arduous day adventuring. In front of the night markets is the 200-seat food court—think fresh seafood and a variety of Asian options, everything from sushi and kebabs to Malaysian soups and curries.
Practical Info
The Cairns Night Markets and Food Court are located on the Esplanade, at the base of the Royal Harbour Hotel. The market is open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The food court is open during the day as well, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Address: 71-75 The Esplanade, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Hours: Market: Open daily from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Food Court is open from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
From $ 598
Esplanade Boardwalk
The Esplanade Boardwalk is the heartbeat of Cairns. Located along the scenic coast, this outdoor promenade is the perfect place for weary travelers to stretch their legs and take in the natural sights. The three-mile pathway winds through damp lagoons ideal for birding, past scenic points of interest and historic relics left behind from World War II.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Trendy shops, sidewalk restaurants and bustling pubs are all within walking distance of the well-traveled Esplanade. And nearby public BBQs and outdoor exercise stations are the prime spots for striking up conversations with locals, who love the Esplanade Boardwalk almost as much as visitors.
Practical Info
The Esplanade Boardwalk is open year-round and is free to enter. Runners take advantage of the wooden slats that are easier on the knees than blacktop surfaces. A number of scenic stop-offs offer striking views of sunrise and sunset.
Address: Cairns, Australia
From $ 59
Castle Hill
Whether it’s from the ground or from the top, the Castle Hill views are some of the best in Townsville. Majestic pink mountains framed by palm trees climb into clear blue skies, making for picture-perfect landscape shots. And a network of challenging hiking trails—including the Goat Track—a local favorite, lead to vast, uninterrupted vantage points of the city down below. Travelers can look out over Magnetic Island, Townsville beaches, bustling ports and the flowing river. Whether it’s for fitness or for pleasure, a trek to the top of Castle Hill is a must when in the area.
Practical Info
Castle Hill is easily accessible by walk or car. Visitors can start at The Strand and walk up Gregory Street before ascending the hill. Parking is available at the foot of the hill for those who travel by car.
Address: Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Australia
From $ 41
Eli Creek
A popular tourist attraction, Eli Creek features a serene beauty with its crystal clear fresh waters and pearly white sand bottom. With over four million liters of water pouring from its mouth every hour, it is one of Fraser Island’s largest freshwater streams. Along with its beautiful beach location people enjoy visiting Eli Creek for a relaxing float down its pure waters. Its gentle current makes it a safe option for both adults and children. For those not interested in getting wet a scenic boardwalk allows you to walk around the creek on land.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
As Eli Creek is located along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, visitors to Eli Creek can enjoy other attractions onsite. Along with off-roading, fishing and sunbathing there’s the onshore Maheno wreck, which was once one of the fastest ships in the world and was used by the Australian Airforce for target practice during WWII. Additionally, the Champagne Pools provide safe saltwater swimming in an enclosed natural rock pool with foaming Champagne-like bubbles when the waves crash. Make sure to also go to Indian Head to see the many sharks, dolphins, stingrays and fish swimming through the water.
Practical Info
Eli Creek is located on Seventy-Five Mile Beach. From where the ferry drops you you can follow the designated sand pathways through the rainforest before coming to the beach. Be careful when driving through the creek when on the beach, as the water flows quickly and channels may be deeper than they appear. Keep your eye on the tide, as high tide can leave you stranded on the beach until it gets low again. Also, be aware of dingoes who are wild and unpredictable, and keep all food sealed tight and out of the open.
Address: Eli Creek, Fraser Island, QLD, Australia
From $ 141
Crater Lakes National Park
Consisting of both Lake Eacham and Lake Barrine, Crater Lakes National Park has the two clear, blue bodies of water set against the backdrop of lush Australian rainforest. The park is part of the Wetlands World Heritage Area, with hiking trails and picnic areas that allow visitors to take in the pristine scenery. Canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and bird watching also bring many to the area.
Both lakes were the result of craters formed by explosions of groundwater millions of years ago. The surrounding forest displays remnants of centuries of climate change and volcanic activity. It is a protected area maintained by the Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service. Towering, ancient Kauri pine trees dominate the forest. Australian animal life — from musky-rat kangaroos to pythons to thousands of species of birds and butterflies — can all be found here.
Practical Info
Located on the eastern part of the Atherton Tableland in Queensland, the Crate Lakes National Park is about an hour’s drive from Cairns on the Gillies Highway. An information center located at Lake Eacham is a great spot to start, with a self-guided walk through the rainforest that begins at the center.
Address: Gillies Hwy, Lake Eacham QLD, Australia
From $ 145
Cooloola Recreation Area
Massive sand dunes, rocky cliffs, saltwater beaches, thick wooded forests, wildflower patches and freshwater lakes make Cooloola Recreation Area the perfect place to escape the bustle of Queensland and get back to nature. From family-friendly tent camps to remote bush sites, Cooloola offers travelers a low-key, high-quality Outback experience that’s certain to be a trip highlight.
Miles of walking trails and hiking passes wind through Cooloola. Visitors can spend a few hours trekking along one of the circuits, or take an overnight hike to one of the park’s scenic overlooks. But perhaps the most popular activity in Cooloola Recreation Area is canoeing on the upper Noosa River. A number of popular routes link visitors to campsites, fishing points and hiking paths, where wildlife viewing is at its peak.
Practical Info
Cooloola Recreation Area is located north of Brisbane between the coastal towns of Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended and access permits are required on beaches and some inland roads. A Noosa River ferry operates daily between 5:30 a.m. and 10 p.m. and allows access to the beach and Noosa North Shore.
Address: Cooloola Recreation Area, Cooloola, Queensland, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 145
Cairns Wildlife Dome
Aussie wildlife can be hard to spot at the peak of rainy season. Luckily, there’s the Cairns Wildlife Dome—an all-weather immersion exhibit that puts travelers smack in the middle of a real indoor jungle.
Turtles, snakes and kookaburras wander freely among the forest, and while an up-close look at these small wonders makes for a memorable visit, it’s the Cairns ZOOm that has visitors leaving the dome grinning from ear to ear. The high ropes course consists of more than 50 challenges, including high-flying ziplines that cruise over crocodile-filled waters. Helpful guides offer plenty of educational information, and popular wildlife shows entertain, especially ones involving hand-tamed birds and fuzzy koalas.
Practical Info
The Cairns Wildlife Dome is located on the roof of the Reef Hotel Casino at 35-41 Wharf Street between Spence and Abbott streets. It is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. daily.
Address: 35-41 Wharf Street, Cairns, Australia
Hours: Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Closed Christmas Day (25th December). Open 9am - 5:30pm other public holidays.
Admission: Entry Only: Adults $22, Children (4-14) $11. For Photo & Entry: Adults $37, Children (4-14) $27
From $ 18
Daintree Rainforest
From the dramatic jungle-clad gorges, wild rivers, and tumbling waterfalls of Daintree National Park to the deserted coast of Cape Tribulation along the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest is Australia’s largest stretch of rain forest, covering 460 square miles (1,200 square kilometers). A protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a hiker’s paradise, the rainforest is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity.
The Basics
The Daintree National Park is an adventure playground for nature lovers. Book a guided tour to get the most out of the rain forest. Most tours set out from Cairns or Port Douglas and take in highlights such as the Mossman Gorge, Cape Tribulation, or Marrdja Boardwalk. Adventurers can also discover the region’s rich Aboriginal culture, zipline through the rain forest canopy, take a 4WD safari, spot crocodiles on a Daintree River cruise, go horseback riding, or hike through the ancient rainforest.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, as well as insect repellent and comfortable shoes.
- Facilities at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre include restrooms, a shop and cafe, audio guides, and free WiFi.
- The Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre offers wheelchair-accessible boardwalks, aerial walkways, and lookout towers, but not all park activities are accessible to those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Daintree Rainforest National Park is located in North Queensland, about 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Cairns and 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Port Douglas. The best way to visit is by car or as part of an organized tour by 4WD or coach. The park is split into two main sections—south of the Daintree River, entered via the Mossman Gorge, and north of the river (crossed by cable ferry), where the main entry point is at the Daintree Rainforest Discovery Centre.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit the Daintree Rainforest is during the dry season (April to October), when the weather is cool and less humid—it’s best to make an early start during this time. To bypass the crowds, visiting in wet season (November to March) is a possibility, although flash floods and landslides do occur, and box jellyfish can appear along the coast.
Wildlife Spotting in the Daintree Rainforest
As one of the oldest stretches of tropical rain forest in the world, the Daintree Rainforest harbors some 430 bird species, more than a third of Australia’s mammals, and an impressive number of rare and endemic species. Top sightings include the endangered cassowary, Macleay's honeyeater, Boyd's forest dragon, white-lipped tree frog, paradise kingfisher, Bennett’s tree-kangaroo, and spectacled flying fox, while you might also spot echidna, platypus, and saltwater crocodiles.
Address: Mossman-Daintree Road, Daintree 4873, Australia
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 112
Central Station Rainforest
Central Station Rainforest, once the central hub for the forestry department on Fraser Island, is a stunning and lush forest located on Wanggoolba Creek of Fraser Island - one of the most scenic areas on the island!
Since the logging industry's departure in the late 1950s, Central Station is a popular picnic and camping spot for tourists with an information center which provides a history of the island and tips on the flora and fauna in the area.
Home to many specifies of plants, Central Station rainforest houses the massive Angiopteris ferns, which has the largest fern fronds in the world. Giant satinay and kauri trees also grow around the forest
The massive kauris have a soaring trunk and branches only start at the very top; these trees were prized as masts in the days of sailing boats. Satinay trees are regarded as biological marvels since the sand they grow in contain very little nutrients.
The area around Wanggoolba Creek not far from Central Station is one of the loveliest swathes of rainforest. There are paths in the surrounding rainforest where you can get up close to the palms and learn about the creatures and plants that inhabit the area.
Since the logging industry's departure in the late 1950s, Central Station is a popular picnic and camping spot for tourists with an information center which provides a history of the island and tips on the flora and fauna in the area.
Home to many specifies of plants, Central Station rainforest houses the massive Angiopteris ferns, which has the largest fern fronds in the world. Giant satinay and kauri trees also grow around the forest
The massive kauris have a soaring trunk and branches only start at the very top; these trees were prized as masts in the days of sailing boats. Satinay trees are regarded as biological marvels since the sand they grow in contain very little nutrients.
The area around Wanggoolba Creek not far from Central Station is one of the loveliest swathes of rainforest. There are paths in the surrounding rainforest where you can get up close to the palms and learn about the creatures and plants that inhabit the area.
Practical Info
As Fraser Island is a sand island the only way to get around is by 4WD. Tour groups do travel around the island and most visit Central Station.
Address: Great Sand National Park, Fraser Island, QLD, Australia
From $ 141
Centenary Lakes
It’s often the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef that draws visitors to Cairns, but the natural beauty found back on land is another great reason to visit. Lush, green, and with a touch of wilderness, this tropical city has a rainforest feel only a few miles from the coast. One of the best places to experience this scenery is at the Flecker Botanic Gardens—specifically inside the swampy section known as Centenary Lakes.
Connected to the main Botanic Garden by a boardwalk along the water, the Centenary Lakes house a flotilla of water lilies and over 130 species of birds. The park around the freshwater lake is perfect for a midday picnic, where ducks and turtles casually stroll the manicured, park-like grounds. The adjoining section with the salt water lake is where the park gets a little wilder, as dense mangroves and a rainforest boardwalk create a true wilderness surrounding. While rare, salt water crocodiles have sometimes been seen poking their eyes from the lake, which adds a legitimate degree of adventure to wandering the forested grounds.
Practical Info
The Centenary Lakes are within Flecker Botanic Gardens about 2.5 miles from the city center. There is no official admission fee, although donation boxes are scattered about the park to help with the upkeep and facilities. Opening hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on every day of the year, and the dry season from May-October is a comfortable time to visit.
Address: 132 Woodward Street, Edge Hill, Cairns, Queensland, Australia
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily
From $ 59
Daydream Island Living Reef
The Living Reef, the star attraction of Daydream Island, is home to over 110 species of marine fish, including stingrays, star fish and clown fish, while also hosting over 70 different species of coral reef. Amazingly, the entire reef is artificial, built with the intention of showcasing a microcosm of the Great Barrier Reef itself. The sheer size, a massive 28,500 square feet (2,650 square meters), makes it one of the largest man-made reefs in the entire world. In total, over 7 million liters of sea water are circulated through the artificially grown reef every 24 hours.
Located at the entrance to Daydream Island Resort and Spa, the Living Reef serves as a great educational tool. It lets visitors gain a hands-on experience dealing with coral reef and the organisms that live within them and offers the opportunity to do hand feedings with the animals twice a day. Within the park, there are two different lagoons for people to visit: south and north. The north lagoon is unique in that night-time viewings are possible with the blue lighting within the coral making the underwater world glow to life in an insightful nocturnal experience.
Practical Info
Daydream Island is accessible via chartered boat or the ferry system that also connects Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour. The reef is found at the entrance to the resort on the island. Feedings take place twice a day, once at 10 a.m. and again at 2 p.m.
Address: Daydream Island Resort and Spa, The Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
Hours: Daily
From $ 82
Dreamworld
Dreamworld on the Gold Coast is home to the most thrilling rides on Australia's east coast!
Adventure and excitement can be found at every turn. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing with any of the Big 9 Thrill Rides including Pandamonium, Tower of Terror II, The Claw and Tailspin. Little ones will enjoy fun-filled rides like Escape from Madagascar, Big Red Boat Ride or Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.
Dreamworld is also home to Australian wildlife, including a huge population of koalas, while Bengal and Sumatran tigers rule at Tiger Island. And if you get hungry at any time during your exciting day, stop at any one of restaurants and cafes located throughout the park for a bite to eat!
Adventure and excitement can be found at every turn. Thrill-seekers can get their hearts racing with any of the Big 9 Thrill Rides including Pandamonium, Tower of Terror II, The Claw and Tailspin. Little ones will enjoy fun-filled rides like Escape from Madagascar, Big Red Boat Ride or Dorothy's Rosy Tea Cup Ride.
Those on a quest for adventure will also find great attractions from DreamWorks Experience: Shrek's Faire Faire Away, Kung Fu Panda: Land of Awesomeness, Madagascar Madness and Madagascar Live!
Dreamworld is also home to Australian wildlife, including a huge population of koalas, while Bengal and Sumatran tigers rule at Tiger Island. And if you get hungry at any time during your exciting day, stop at any one of restaurants and cafes located throughout the park for a bite to eat!
Practical Info
Dreamworld is 17 km (10.5 miles) north of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast.
Buses run here from Brisbane, 48 km (30 miles) away. You could also catch the train from Brisbane to Coomera, then catch the connecting bus.
Address: Pacific Highway, Coomera 4209, Australia
Hours: Open daily 10am - 5pm. Closed Christmas Day & ANZAC Day.
Admission: Adults: AU$99.99, Children (3-13yrs): AU$79.99
From $ 70
Cape York Peninsula
With its vast wetlands, rambling eucalyptus forests and sun-soaked beaches, the remote wilderness of the Cape York Peninsula is a heady concoction for adventure-seekers. Stretching up to the northernmost tip of Queensland, the region’s off-the-beaten-track location, annual monsoons and tropical climate keep the majority of tourists away. Those who do venture north, however, are rewarded with spectacular coastal views, miles of unspoiled jungle and an abundance of colorful wildlife.
The best time to visit the cape is during the dry season (May-November), when 4WD tours are the most convenient way to get around. At the southern end of the peninsula, highlights include the historic town of Cooktown, the tranquil Charlotte Bay and the Lakefield, Cape Melville and Starke National Parks. Further north, the Iron Range and Jardine River national parks are renowned for their unique wildlife, including endemic bird species like yellow-spotted honeyeater and golden-shouldered parrot. Marooned off the northernmost tip are the Torres Strait Islands, and the most popular, Thursday Island, is reachable by ferry from the mainland.
Practical Info
The Cape York Peninsula is located at the northern tip of Queensland, Australia.
Address: Cape York Peninsula, Far North Queensland, Australia
From $ 2,632
Eurimbula National Park
Mangrove-dotted wetlands and eucalypt forests outline the pristine beaches of Eurimbula National Park in Agnes Water, where visitors can explore unspoiled Australia as they uncover this coastal wonderland. The melange of plant varieties and untouched botanicals attract hoards of wildlife, and with that, the park protects miles of coastal vegetation.
For a peaceful getaway, lounge by the beach or drop a lure in for some fishing and boating. Nature lovers may like to camp out and spend more time viewing the park’s various wildflowers and wildlife, including honeyeaters, powerful owls and turtles, while others may opt to scout out the terrain by following one of the trails, or get adventurous with a bushwalk. Many travelers choose to have picnics at the waterfront for a relaxing experience.
Practical Info
Eurimbula National Park is located in Eurimbula, about 69 miles (112 kilometers) north of Bundaberg in Queensland. Look for the Eurimbula National Park sign about six miles (10 kilometers) before the town of Agnes Water. The park is open 24 hours, but it is suggested that visitors walk through only during daylight hours for safety. Admission is free, but permits for camping vary. Mobile reception is unreliable in this area. If driving in, high‐clearance four‐wheel‐drive vehicles are recommended; no caravans allowed. Bring your own drinking water. Always check the Eurimbula Park alerts, advice and warnings before planning a trip.
Address: Eurimbula QLD 4677, Australia
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Permit required for camping
From $ 30
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park
With its peculiar rock formations, gaping caverns and underground caves dripping with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones, the dramatic topography of Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park makes it one of Queensland’s most unique national parks. The mesmerizing landscape was formed some 400 million years ago, the result of an ancient inland sea sculpting the soft limestone rock, and there are hundreds of caves to explore.
Today, the caves provide a habitat for several animal species, including bats, spotted pythons and white-rumped swiftlet, while fossilized bones of now-extinct creatures like giant kangaroos and giant wombats have also been unearthed in the caves. A network of short hikes and walking trails connect the caves and highlights include the landmark Archways and Balancing Rock; the Pompeii and Bauhinia Caves; a series of aboriginal rock art galleries; and the Chillagoe smelters, home to relics of the region’s 19th-century mines.
Practical Info
Chillagoe-Mungana Caves National Park is located 215km west of Cairns in northern Queensland. There is no admission fee.
Address: Chillagoe QLD 4871, Australia
From $ 152
Cooktown
The relaxed coastal town of Cooktown is a popular excursion from Port Douglas.
Captain Cook beached his ship the Endeavour here, hence the name. These days daytrippers come here to visit the intriguing James Cook Historical Museum, to pay their respects to his statue overlooking Bicentennial Park, and order up a seafood platter at a local restaurant.
Cooktown has some impressive buildings for an outback coastal town, thanks to the 1870s to 1890s gold rush at the nearby Palmer goldfields. The town’s impressive botanic gardens date from this period.
Practical Info
Cooktown is one of the most northerly settlements on Australia’s far north coast, before the wilds of Cape York Peninsula take over. Port Douglas is 267 km (166 miles) south of Cooktown.
A tour to Cooktown from Port Douglas can combine the scenic coastal route, traveling through the Daintree to Cape Tribulation along the Bloomfield Track, and the inland Mulligan Highway for iconic outback landscapes.
Address: Charlotte Street, Cooktown 4895, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 219
Double Island Point Lighthouse
For 108 years, a lightkeeper here at Double Island Point Lighthouse was tasked with the job of keeping ships away from the Great Barrier Reef. Even though the light is now automated, however—having taken the lightkeeper’s place—the timber frame and romantic allure still accompany this historic, stoic tower in Great Sandy National Park. A popular spot with trekkers and sightseers, the lighthouse headland overlooks the coast and the turquoise waters below. White sand shoreline stretches out on both sides of the headland, which is only accessible by hiking trails or a 4x4 road down the beach. Whales and dolphins can be spotted offshore between the months of July–November, and surfers flock to the legendary wave that peels around the point. This is also a very popular stop between Noosa and Fraser Island, and offers one of the best views on Australia’s eastern coast. To see Double Island Point Lighthouse for yourself, embark on a 15-mile 4x4 drive from popular Rainbow Beach, or hike and camp along the coast through Great Sandy National Park.
Practical Info
While the lighthouse site is open to the public, the tower itself is privately operated and isn’t open to visitors.
Address: Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand, Australia
From $ 96
Eagle Street Pier
Shiny and modern, Eagle Street Pier is the riverside corporate entertainment precinct of Brisbane City. Beneath the glass facades of the city’s law firms and commercial offices, overlooking the Brisbane River, are many of the city’s most loved bars and restaurants.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Local favorites at Eagle Street Pier include Jade Budda for cocktails, the Bavarian Bier Café for a hearty feed and Matt Moran's ARIA for fine dining. The precinct is popular on Friday nights in particular, when end of week celebrations transform the calm riverside into a cosmopolitan hotspot.
Every Sunday between 8am and 3pm, Eagle Street Pier hosts a waterfront market for the weekend wanderer to browse stalls selling clothing, arts and crafts, jewellery and gifts.
Practical Info
Neighboring the city center, Eagle Street Pier can be reached by bus to the city center, train to nearby Central Station, as well as ferry and foot. There is a terminal at Eagle Street Pier for ferry and City Cat services and paid, secure undercover parking can be found beneath the Pier in Wilson Parking.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
The Eagle Street Pier is also connected by riverside pathways for pedestrians and cyclists, making this a delightful place to take a post-dinner walk and enjoy the Brisbane River view.
Address: Eagle St, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
From $ 44
City Botanic Gardens
Opened in the 1840s and stretching from Gardens Point on the Brisbane River to the grounds of Parliament House, Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens is the oldest green space in the city. The gardens were originally planted in 1825 by convicts who needed to provide food for the penal colony, but three years later the colonial botanist Charles Fraser decided that this would be the perfect spot for conducting plant experiments to see which cash crops could grow well in Australia. Mango, ginger, tamarind and mahogany trees were all planted, and even sugar was produced in the gardens.
Formerly known as the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, the City Botanic Gardens front Alice Street and George Street. Full of rare and unusual flowers and plants including cycads, palms, figs, and bamboo, the gardens stretch for 20 acres and are popular with CBD workers and visitors looking to relax on the lawns and walk by the ornamental ponds. There are often boxing and pilates fitness class going on in the park, and in the historic curator’s house, The Gardens Club cafe is a popular spot for a bite to eat. Free guided walks of the gardens are also available.
Practical Info
The City Botanic Gardens is open 24 hours a day. The Gardens Club cafe is open from 8am to 4pm daily. At 11am and 1pm, Monday to Saturday (excluding public holidays), free, one-hour guided walks of the gardens take place, starting at the Rotunda near the park's main Alice Street entrance.
Address: Alice St, Brisbane City QLD 4000, Australia
Hours: 24/7
From $ 15