Choose from 143 Fun Things to Do in Queensland
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 143 listings.
Jezzine Barracks
For over a century, the Jezzine Barracks protected Townsville from the threat of outside attack. Cannons and guns were placed high atop the promontory, facing out toward the blue horizon ready to put up a fight. Today, after a massive, modern redevelopment of the aging historical barracks, Jezzine Barracks is a public park that not only honors its military past, but also retains the cultural heritage of its native Aborginal peoples. Located on the western end of Townsville’s popular beachfront Strand, the Jezzine Barracks offer sweeping views of the Rock Pool and Magnetic Island.
Weave your way up the walking trail in the hours just before sunset, stopping to admire the sculpture garden and historical military tributes. From atop the large, rocky headland, the entirety of Townsville’s happening shoreline sits directly at your feet, and there’s no better place on Townsville’s coast for enjoying a sunrise or sunset. For a deeper look at the military past, visit the Army Museum of North Queensland that’s located right here at the Barracks, where displays range from the early days of Australia’s original defenses, all the way up to modern conflicts and the men who have protected and served.
Practical Info
There is no admission to visit Jezzine Barracks or the Army Museum of North Queensland. The museum is open from 9am-1pm on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and should you choose to walk to the lookout point, be sure to bring water, sun protection, and snacks, since the walk takes longer than it looks.
Address: Jezzine Barracks, Townsville QLD 4810, Australia
From $ 41
Kissing Point Fort
A lot of people tend to forget that Australians were wary of Russians. At least that was the case in the late 1800s, when Kissing Point Fort was first established on Townsville’s ocean view headland. For 100 years the Australian military manned and managed this fort, which endured everything from Japanese bombings to defense from colonial threats. Today the draw of Kissing Point Fort is the sweeping hilltop view, which stretches out to Magnetic Island and the popular Rock Pool below. For visitors interested in military history, hike to the former gun emplacements that guarded over the city, or duck your head as you walk through bunkers built in case of attack. Public artworks also honor the area’s Aboriginal heritage, and the Army Museum of North Queensland is in nearby Jezzine Barracks. The Kissing Point Fort passed many years in dire need of repairs, but savvy locals still frequented the area to take in the views. Today the walk to the top, however, is a natural extension of The Strand, and offers a welcome and unexpected lesson on the storied history of Townsville.
Practical Info
Kissing Point Fort is set on the headland at the northern end of the Strand. The walk to the top takes longer than it looks, and all hikers should have proper footwear and a large bottle of water. The Army Museum of North Queenstown is located in Jezzine Barracks, and is open on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from 9am-1pm.
Address: 38-40 Howitt Street, North Ward, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia
From $ 70
Granite Gorge
Granite Gorge Nature Park showcases the unique landscape west of Cairns and celebrates Australia’s Northern Savannah wilderness. Ancient volcanic activity defines the landscape, forcing huge granite boulders above grounds in all sorts of weird and wonderful shapes. Walking tracks traverse through the boulder field, letting visitors get up close and personal to these massive monoliths. Granite Gorge is a fantastic place for bird and wildlife watching. Wild rock wallabies inhabit the gorge, and visitors are able to see them in their natural habitat, including the rare and endangered Mareeba unadorned rock wallabies. Possums, gliders, Frilled Neck Lizards, Quolls, echidnas and more also call the gorge home. Over 200 species of bird live in the Northern Savannah region, including tawny frog mouths, kookaburras, and more, with migratory species such as koels arriving every spring.
As well as its namesake boulders, Granite Gorge is dotted with deep, cool swimming holes. Too far inland to be inhabited by the crocodiles that are common around the coast, the swimming holes are home to nothing more sinister than turtles and fish, and are perfect for a relaxing swim.
Practical Info
Granite Gorge Nature Park is located about an hour and a half from Cairns by car. Bush camping is available at the park for those with tents, caravans and motor homes, while cabins can also be rented. Day admission to the park is $10 for adults, $4 for children of high school age and $2 for children of primary school age.
Address: 332 Paglietta Road, Mareeba, QLD, Australia
Admission: $10 for adults, $4 for teens, $2 for children
From $ 123
Great Barrier Reef
Encompassing roughly 3,000 individual reefs and dotted with almost 900 islands and coral cays (small sandy isles), Australia's Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s most unforgettable natural treasures. Snorkelers and certified divers often place the reef at the top of their bucket lists due to the unparalleled array of marine life in its underwater world, ranging from thousands of different varieties of fish, birds, and clams to hundreds of types of birds, seaweed, and turtles. And with experts expecting much of this diversity to dwindle in the next decade, there’s never been a better reason to plan a visit to this natural wonder.
Popular Great Barrier Reef Activities
Snorkeling and scuba diving are the most popular activities; the water is at its clearest from April to October and most snorkeling tours include the use of equipment. Savvy visitors make their trip into an educational opportunity by getting their PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certificate. Keep in mind that strenuous in-water activities are not recommended for those with medical conditions affecting the heart or lungs.
Don’t want to get wet? The sheer enormity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it worth experiencing out of the water as well. Some barrier reef cruises feature afternoon tea or take place on a glass bottom boat rather than a catamaran, suitable for those who would like a more relaxed reef experience. And if you’re short on time, scenic helicopter flights offer the full-picture perspective on the immensity of this remarkable ecosystem, which makes up the world’s largest coral reef.
Insider Tip
Staying in Airlie Beach, the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands, can allow you to see the area without having to pay the steep price of luxury island resorts.
Great Barrier Reef Attractions
Seeing the huge Great Barrier Reef could take weeks, but there are a few landmarks and highlights that are must-sees. Saxon, Hastings, and Norman reefs in the outer Great Barrier Reef are top scuba diving and snorkeling spots, while Hamilton Island, Green Island, and Fitzroy Island are some of the most popular day trip destinations for reef tours. And visits to nearby Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park and the Daintree Rainforest, both located on the mainland outside Cairns, are easy to add onto your Great Barrier Reef exploration. A trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway or Skyrail Rainforest Cableway can provide a unique view and be combined with a reef cruise.How to Get There
Scuba diving excursions, snorkeling trips, and reef cruises all depart from Cairns, Cape Tribulation, Port Douglas, or Townsville. The reef runs 1,426 miles (2,300 km) from Bundaberg to the country’s northernmost tip, coming closest to the continent right around Queensland.
Address: Pier Marina, Pier Point Road, Cairns, Tropical North 4870, Australia
Admission: Free
From $ 62
Hill Inlet
Often described as one of the best views in all of Australia, Hill Inlet is a must-visit in the Whitsunday Islands area. Its a feature of countless tours throughout the region and sits on the large Whitsunday Island at Whitehaven Beach.
If you travel along Whitehaven Beach to the north, you'll run into Hill Inlet. Try to be there when the tides are retreating, as this is when you'll have the luxury of watching perfect white sands appear in a twist among the clear blue waters. From the air, it almost looks unnatural, like a water-color painting or a colorful piece of sand art.
Most people arrive by boat and take a dingy ashore. To truly appreciate the view, however, you'll want to make your way to the most popular lookout point over Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet, a spot called Tongue Point. It's here that the magnitude of the beach and inlet are best experienced.
Practical Info
Most visitors come to Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday cruises or via a powerboat. However, if you're in a self-sufficient boat, you can anchor just off the beach as well. Another great way to see the amazing beach and inlet is via flightseeing or helicopter tour.
Address: Whitsunday Island National Park, Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
From $ 97
Green Island
Marooned off the coast of Cairns in north Queensland, Green Island is a tropical paradise of lush rainforest, white sandy beaches, and crystalline waters. The idyllic island is part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and harbors an extraordinary variety of coral reefs, exotic fish, and marine life.
The Basics
As one of the most easily accessible islands in the Great Barrier Reef, Green Island is a popular choice for day-trippers from nearby Cairns. The Green Island resort offers everything you need to explore the island’s underwater wonders, whether you fly in by seaplane or sail out across the reef. As well as swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and seawalker helmet tours, there are island reef cruises, glass-bottom boat tours, and semi-submarine excursions, the latter of which offer the chance to peek under the ocean without having to dive in.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen and a hat, as well as a swimsuit and towel.
- Follow the rules to avoid damaging the coral or disturbing The Great Barrier Reef, a protected conservation area.
- Facilities at the Green Island Resort include showers, changing rooms, lockers, a bar and restaurant, and free WiFi.
- The Green Island Resort has wheelchair access, but not all activities are fully accessible to those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
Located around 16.5 miles (27 kilometers) from the mainland, the coral cay of Green Island is only accessible by boat or air. Most visitors travel to Green Island from Cairns, about a 45-minute cruise by schooner, catamaran, or charter boat. The quickest way to arrive on the island is by helicopter or seaplane, while passenger ferries set sail from the Reef Fleet Terminal in Cairns.
When to Get There
The most popular time to visit the Green Island National Park is during the dry season (April to September), when the weather is cooler and less humid, while in wet season (October to March) visitors can expect temperatures to average 86°F (30°C). It’s possible to visit year-round, but note that the island is occasionally inaccessible due to high winds or cyclonic activity.
The Underwater World of Green Island
Green Island’s platform reef offers more than 1,854 acres (710 hectares) of coral reef to explore. Its rainbow of corals include staghorn, plate, boulder, and mushroom corals. Look out for green and hawksbill sea turtles, dugong, giant clams, and sea urchins, as well as a spectacular variety of exotic fish, crabs, and starfish.
Address: Green Island National Park, Green Island 4871, Australia
From $ 65
Hastings Street
Hastings Street—the popular, posh and impossibly pretty Noosa Heads promenade—is one of Queensland’s best known spots. The coastal boulevard and its open air cafes, trendy boutiques, and high-end shopping attracts traveling celebrities and luxury-seekers to the sun-soaked sidewalks of this once strictly local surf spot. Visitors to Noosa and the Sunshine Coast can pop into Hastings' many restaurants and pubs for a night out on the town or visit the area as part of a day trip from Brisbane, exploring the street and neighboring beach towns.
Insiders Tip: Visit in Spring to escape the crowds and avoid waiting for a table.
Practical Info
Hastings Street is within walking distance from Noosa Heads' Main Beach. Parking is difficult during peak hours, which makes the area challenging to visit independently if you aren’t staying in town.
Address: Australia
From $ 81
Hervey Bay
Referred to as the “Whale Watching Capital of the World,” Hervey Bay is blessed with tranquil beaches and a mild sub-tropical climate that make it a delight to visit year round.
It’s a relaxed and charming city that is popular with tourists who come to whale watch, swim, fish and explore the surrounding countryside including catching the ferry to Fraser Island.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family in Hervey Bay especially on those calm blue waters that are perfect for sailing, jet skiing, fishing and diving. There are plenty of activities inland as well such as golf, horse riding and sky diving. During the winter months from August to October there are the whales who use Hervey Bay as their winter playground.
It’s a relaxed and charming city that is popular with tourists who come to whale watch, swim, fish and explore the surrounding countryside including catching the ferry to Fraser Island.
There are plenty of activities for the whole family in Hervey Bay especially on those calm blue waters that are perfect for sailing, jet skiing, fishing and diving. There are plenty of activities inland as well such as golf, horse riding and sky diving. During the winter months from August to October there are the whales who use Hervey Bay as their winter playground.
Practical Info
Hervey Bay is 3.5 hours drive from Brisbane or under 1 hour by airplane. Plenty of bus companies pass through Hervey Bay and there is also a high-speed tilt train from Maryborough. If you're traveling to Fraser Island, you can catch the ferry or book a tour from here.
Address: Hervey Bay, QLD, Australia
From $ 131
Gondwana Rainforest
Sprawling over more than 360,000 hectares, the Gondwana Rainforest is one of Australia’s most important ecological sites, famed for its abundance of rare and endangered wildlife.
Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the rainforest areas are mostly found along the coastal region of southern Queensland and northern New South Wales and encompass more than 50 national parks, forests and reserves.
The most visited areas include the Lamington National Park, Tamborine Mountain National Park and Border Ranges National Park in Queensland, and Springbrook National Park, Dorrigo National Park and Mount Warning National Park in New South Wales. Within the parks, hiking, climbing and camping are among the favorite pastimes of visitors, with a vast network of walking trails and an abundance of natural landmarks, including the mighty Tweed Volcano. For nature enthusiasts, the main draw is the spectacular variety of wildlife, including endemic species like Hastings river mouse, spotted-tailed quoll and mountain tree frog, and rare birds including wompoo dove, marbled frogmouth and lyre bird.
Practical Info
The Gondwana Rainforest is located throughout southeast Queensland and northeast New South Wales.
Address: Australia
From $ 73
Infinity
A multimedia experience engaging all of the senses, Infinity is a journey through mazes of special effects that create a dream-like atmosphere. Sound fields, lights, music, and visual illusions challenge the mind and stretch the imagination of those who navigate the funhouse.
There are 20 different environments, each with its own unique interactive experience. Ranging from a laser room to a time warp, electron maze, and inter-dimensional space, visitors are treated to a feast for all the senses throughout. The creator of Infinity has an art background, and the innovative and immersive displays on an “electronic canvas” push the boundaries of artistic expression, eliciting powerful emotional responses. Truly a unique experience, Infinity lives up to its name by altering one’s sense of time, space and what is possible.
Practical Info
Infinity is located within the Chevron Renaissance Centre in Surfers Paradise, Queensland, on the ground floor. It is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Admission is $27 for adults and $18 for children.
Address: Surfers Paradise Blvd & Elkhorn Ave, Gold Coast Q 4217, Australia
Admission: Adults: $27; Children: $18
From $ 20
Fitzroy Island
Forty-five minutes by boat from Cairns, Fitzroy Island has been many things — a Chinese Quarantine Station, a Mission School, a WWII coast-watch station...and today it’s all about its natural features — tropical rainforest and a fringe coral reef, part of the Great Barrier Reef system, where you can dive and snorkel in among green sea turtles, clown fish, and parrotfish.
A continental island that separated from the mainland in the last Ice Age over 8,000 years ago, Fitzroy Island covers just 4km — 97% of which is National Parkland that you can wander through on the walking trails through the forest and along the coast. The rest of the island is all about the white sand beaches, and on the sheltered western end you’ll find the island’s accommodation, a restaurant, Foxy’s Bar, and a conference and wedding venue. There’s also a diving school on the island, and options to go on glass bottom boat tours, SUP boarding, ocean trampolining, and kayaking. A relaxed walk is to the old lighthouse on the northwest point. On a clear day, from here you can look out past Cape Grafton to the Frankland Islands.
Practical Info
Eighteen miles from the mainland, it’s possible to stay overnight on Fitzroy Island or you can just head out there on a day trip. To reach the island from Cairns, head to the Reef Fleet Terminal to take the high-speed 45-minute ferry, which departs at 9am.
Address: Australia
From $ 62
Hartley's Crocodile Adventures
An eco-adventure for all ages, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures gives you the chance to get up close to those smiling crocodiles. It’s an informative and educational day where you will learn about many species native to Australia.
Take a cruise on the lagoon and see the crocodiles in surroundings that mimic their natural habitat, they’ll be lazing in the sun, building nests and swimming in the water alongside you. There is also a commercial crocodile farm where you can find out about the sustainable practices of cultivating crocs.
There are also areas where you a free to explore and discover the native wildlife of the wetlands for yourself; bright birds, tremulous turtles and lounging lizards are all part of the crocodile’s world.
The Gondwana Gateway gives you an insight into the evolution of Australia’s unique wildlife while the Snake Show at 2pm introduces you to some of her less friendly inhabitants. Another highlight is watching the cassowaries feed and finding out about these rainforest birds and how they have evolved throughout the millennia.
Hartley’s is just off the Captain Cook Highway 7mi (10km) north of Palm Cove. Tourist buses make the journey from Cairns and some stop in Palm Cove.
Address: Australia
Hours: Closed Christmas
From $ 29
Heart Reef
Just offshore from the 74 islands that make up the Whitsundays lay sections of the world's largest barrier reef. The portion of the Great Barrier Reef called Hardy Reef is perhaps the most popular spot for tourists thanks to the postcard-ready Heart Reef, which is, as you may have guessed, the shape of a heart.
Surrounded by perfect blue waters, not only has Heart Reef been formed into a perfect Valentine's shape, but it's even a romantic pink color. The incredible collection of coral was first discovered by an Air Whitsunday pilot and has since become one of the top sights for people doing flightseeing tours over the reefs. Moreover, it has become a popular, if not cliché, destination for both honeymoons and proposals. The grandeur of Heart Reef is only truly visible from the air, of course. At an area of nearly 30 meters wide and 30 more tall, at water level it simply looks like any other reef in the Whitsunday area.
Practical Info
To see Heart Reef you'll need to take to the air. Flightseeing tours are organized from Airlie Beach and will take you over a number of reefs and islands, plus Heart Reef.
Address: Heart Reef, Airlie Beach, Queensland, Australia
From $ 170
Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park
Located right across the river from Brisbane’s CBD, the popular Kangaroo Points Cliff Park is the place to head for a sweeping view of Brisbane’s downtown skyline. The cliffs here were formed by mining in the middle of the 19th century, and are now a popular spot for rock climbing and abseiling down their face. Since the park is located right on the river, kayaking is another popular activity for visitors as well as locals, and the BBQ grills and walking tracks make it a perfect family outing. To try your hand at scaling the cliffs, a number of climbing and abseiling companies offer guided lessons on the rocks, and the park is also a popular spot for stops on a city tour. And, while it doesn’t take long to swing by the park and enjoy the manicured grounds, it’s a peaceful, fun, and healthy retreat in the middle of Brisbane’s downtown.
Practical Info
While it’s possible to reach the park by car, the best way to visit the Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park is by taking the ferry from downtown. You can either stop at Thornton Street on the northern end of the park, or at the ferry stop for the Maritime Museum where it’s just a short stroll north up the bank.
Address: 461 Main St, Kangaroo Point, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia QLD 4169, Australia
From $ 15
Hamilton Island
The largest inhabited island in the Whitsundays, Hamilton Island has some of the best beach resorts in the Pacific, right on the cusp of the Great Barrier Reef. Famed for its luxury resorts and water sports, stunning views await at every turn—pristine white sands, lush rain forest, and an endless expanse of glittering ocean.
The Basics
Aside from being a popular vacation spot, Hamilton Island makes a strategic basecamp for exploring Whitsunday Islands or cruising the Great Barrier Reef.
Most visitors opt for half- and full-day cruises from Port Airlie, which include beach time at Hamilton Island and a stop at Whitehaven Beach in neighboring Whitsunday Island. Island tours typically take in highlights, such as Catseye Beach, Passage Peak, Wild Life Hamilton Island park, and One Tree Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- No cars are allowed on Hamilton Island, but golf buggies are available to rent and a free shuttle bus runs to locations, including Catseye Beach, Front Street, and Marina Village.
- The island has numerous bars and restaurants, most of which are around Catseye Beach and Hamilton Island Marina.
- Pack sunscreen, a hat, and your swimsuit—most tours include free time at the beach.
- A motorized raft tour means you can explore protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and reach the best snorkeling spots.
- Some boats and tours are wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs are available to rent from the resorts.
How to Get to There
Hamilton Island—south of Whitsunday Island in the Whitsundays archipelago,—is the only one of the islands with its own airport, Great Barrier Reef Airport. Regular direct flights run from Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney, and Melbourne, and most resorts offer airport shuttles. Alternatively, ferries and boat tours leave from Airlie Beach to Hamilton.
When to Get There
You can visit Hamilton any time of year, but the most popular time is summer (January and February) when it’s advisable to book flights, tours, and accommodation in advance. Average day temperatures are still 73°F (23°C) in winter, making it possible to swim and snorkel year-round. This is also the time to spot migrating whales along the coast.
Outdoor Activities on Hamilton Island
Hamilton’s biggest draw is its beaches, and there are plenty of options for water sports, including paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and jet-skiing. Alternatively, take a hike to Passage Peak, join an island-hopping cruise, or watch the sunset over the coast at One Tree Hill. There’s also the Hamilton Island Golf Club, a go-kart course, and a kid’s fun zone at Catseye Beach.
Address: Australia
From $ 389
James Cook Museum
Those wanting to learn the legacy of Cooktown’s namesake will find everything they need and more at the James Cook Museum, devoted to preserving the town’s rich history and heritage. Housed in the painstakingly restored 19th-century Sisters of Mercy convent building, the museum tells the story of how Cook and his 86-strong crew spent 48 days marooned on the Northern Queensland shore in 1770, as they repaired their ship, the HMS Endeavour.
Exhibitions detail the fateful events of Cook’s stay, including the repairing of the Endeavour, the early encounters between the British explorers and Australian Aboriginals, and the first sightings of native Australian animals like kangaroos and dingos. Additional galleries cover Cooktown’s history, from the heritage of the indigenous Guugu Yimithiir people to the 19th century Palmer River gold rush, and the role of Chinese immigrants. Highlights include the Endeavour’s original anchor and cannon, and a series of personal stories and artifacts from local families, as well as a terrace café and gift shop.
Practical Info
The James Cook Museum is located on Helen Street in Cooktown, North Queensland and is open daily April to Oct from 9am-4pm; Nov to Jan and March from 9.30am to 4pm; and Feb from 10am-1pm. Admission is AU$10 for adults, AU$3 for children.
Address: 50 Helen St, Cooktown QLD 4895, Australia
Hours: April-Oct: 9am-4pm; Nov-Jan, March: 9.30am-4pm; Feb: 10am-1pm
Admission: Adults: AU$10; Children: AU$3
From $ 219
Glass House Mountains
Like bulbous beacons of outdoor adventure just minutes from the Sunshine Coast, the Glass House Mountains rise from the plains like eruptions frozen in stone. The pinnacles, in fact, are volcanic plugs that were once Australian volcanoes, and rise today to 1,800 feet above the coastal plain. Named by Captain Cook when he sighted them from his ship, the Glass House Mountains today are an outpost of hiking, climbing, and horseback riding, with views stretching out towards Maroochydore and Brisbane and the shores of Moreton Island. Of all the walks inside of the park, one of the most popular is the Glass House Mountains Lookout Circuit, which at only half a mile is a comfortable stroll, but still offers views looking all the way out towards the Sunshine Coast in the distance. More avid adventurers can shoot for the summit of Mt Tibrogargan, which requires some climbing and scrambling skills to reach the 1,200-foot peak. In the surrounding area, outside the official National Park but still in the Glass House vicinity, the Blackall Range offers a scenic drive that’s one of the best in Australia, and passes through small, hinterland towns that are a welcome change from the fast pace of the popular Sunshine Coast.
Practical Info
The Glass House Mountains are located one hour north of Brisbane, and about 35 minutes from the Sunshine Coast beaches. Tibrogargan and Ngungun are currently the only mountains that are open to the public for climbing, and there are facilities and toilets scattered throughout the park.
Address: Queensland, Australia
From $ 81
Gallery Walk
For many travelers to the Gold Coast hinterland, a trip to the interior means hiking, birding, or searching for thundering falls. In the case of Tamborine Mountain, however, a small town on an elevated plateau of about 1,700 feet, visitors travel from all over the Gold Coast for the chance to shop at the Gallery Walk. On this festive, shop-lined, action-packed strip, visitors will find over 70 stores full of crafts, clothing and art, as well as restaurants, wine shops, cheese shops, chocolate shops, coffee shops, and houses for tea. Peruse the boutiques for everything from crystals to original, Aboriginal art, or pick up imports like Nepalese scarves or fine, German made clocks. Given the number of visitors about town, it’s also common to find talented musicians performing out on the street, and if you’re completely smitten with the entire experience and one day isn’t enough, a number of charming bed and breakfasts are just a short walk away.
Practical Info
Tamborine Mountain and the Gallery Walk are located one hour from the Gold Coast and a little over an hour from Brisbane. Weekends, as expected, are busier than weekdays, and you’ll want to devote an entire day for the drive and time to explore.
Address: 142 Long Rd, Eagle Heights, Queensland, Australia QLD 4271, Australia
From $ 82
Herberton Historical Village
What do you imagine it would be like to live in Queensland in the 1880s, when pioneering settlers were pushing farther north and establishing towns along the way? Would life be difficult here in the hills, where meat had to be butchered, clothes had to be sewn, and boots were all made by hand, or would you welcome a simpler time that was free of our fast, modern day stress? These are questions you can ask for yourself at Herberton Historical Village, a phenomenally preserved example of life in 19th century Queensland. Wander the dusty village streets past 50 different buildings that date to the town’s original founding, when tin was suddenly discovered in these hills and miners flocked in droves. For over 90 years the town of Herberton boomed as a tin mining town, and at one point even had 17 pubs where the miners could drink and get loose. Today tourism drives the town, the most popular sight being the historical village where you can stroll past the chemist’s shop, peruse the frock shop, or admire the carriages and old time cars inside the wooden garage. Grab a scone at the Bakersville tea rooms or a pint at the Tin Pannikin Pub, and experience firsthand was life was like out here on the Queensland frontier. At an elevation of 3,000 feet in the rolling Atherton Tablelands, Herberton is Queensland’s highest town—and also one of its coldest—and the site of the best Australiana found anywhere in the country.
Practical Info
Guided tours are available from Cairns, or visitors with their own transport can visit independently. Plan to spend at least 3 hours exploring the entire village.
Address: 6 Broadway Street, Herberton, Queensland, Australia QLD 4887, Australia
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm in high season, 9am-4pm in low season
Admission: Adults: $28; Children: $12
From $ 166
Great Sandy National Park
The Great Sandy National Park is a coastal national park and encompasses both part of mainland Queensland and Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.
On the mainland. the river stretches from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Heads, its eastern border one long unbroken tropical beach paradise. Noosa Heads in the south is a popular holiday destination for Australians and hotels get busy during the peak season. Inland if you’re looking for a more nature-based holiday the Cooloola Wilderness Trail has opportunities for real bush camping at the Neebs and Wandi waterholes.
The Fraser Island section is separated from the mainland by a shallow sand reef which can be crossed by barge. The island has an incredible stretch of white beach running unbroken down its eastern coast while the interior is home to unlikely rainforests, sublime freshwater lakes and remarkable dunes.
On the mainland. the river stretches from Rainbow Beach to Noosa Heads, its eastern border one long unbroken tropical beach paradise. Noosa Heads in the south is a popular holiday destination for Australians and hotels get busy during the peak season. Inland if you’re looking for a more nature-based holiday the Cooloola Wilderness Trail has opportunities for real bush camping at the Neebs and Wandi waterholes.
The Fraser Island section is separated from the mainland by a shallow sand reef which can be crossed by barge. The island has an incredible stretch of white beach running unbroken down its eastern coast while the interior is home to unlikely rainforests, sublime freshwater lakes and remarkable dunes.
Practical Info
The Great Sandy National Park has plenty of buses running up and down the coast; there are a number of bus providers. To get to Fraser Island you will need to either catch an airplane or take a barge from Inskip heads, River Point or Hervey Bay. Travel on the island will require you to hire a 4WD or book with a tour.
Address: Great Sandy National Park, QLD, Australia
From $ 131