Things to Do in Queensland

Calm waters, crystal clear visibility and tons of tropical fish make Michaelmas Cay one of the best scuba and snorkeling destinations outside of Cairns. Underwater enthusiasts love the colorful coral found far below the ocean’s surface and the lively birds that fly high overhead. Time spent on a boat isn’t so bad either.

Lake Wabby, the deepest of the Fraser Island lakes, is a barrage lake that was formed by sand dunes blocking a natural spring that fed the lake. The small freshwater lake is surrounded by forests making it one of Fraser Island’s most picturesque lakes - not to mention that its waters are colored green!

Lake Wabby differs from other lakes on Fraser Island as it supports numerous fish species due to the lack of acidity in the water. You might even catch a glimpse of turtles and catfish while you swim.

Check out lovely Lake Wabby while you still can because in a century or so this lake will be eaten up by the sand dune on its west coast that is slowly taking over the lake.

Lady Musgrave Island, the second largest island in the Great Barrier Reef, is most easily accessible from the town of 1770. Its scenic shores, crystal clear waters and close proximity to some of the best diving and snorkeling on earth make it a popular destination for travelers and adventurers.

17,000 years ago, a large volcano erupted in Australia’s north-east corner, near what we now know as the city of Cairns. The core was blasted from this volcano leaving a huge crater, which filled with rainwater over time to create Lake Barrine.

From less-than-peaceful beginnings, Lake Barrine has become the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. A massive body of fresh water tucked within opulent cool rainforest, Lake Barrine is a family friendly, low-key holiday destination with opportunities for hikers, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Visitors looking for relaxation can indulge in tea, scones, jam and cream at the lakeside teahouse, built in 1926, and wander the lush, manicured garden surroundings. Guided boat tours to view the Lake’s distinctive ecosystem are available, while the picnic grounds provide the perfect spot for a family lunch. The clear waters of Lake Barrine make an enjoyable swimming spot for swimmers of all levels of fitness and experience.

Those who would prefer to be more active should explore the World Heritage rainforest that surrounds Lake Barrine, where a network of walking tracks allows for anything from a short stroll to a 5 km hike.  The 1,000 year old Twin Kauri Pine trees are the area’s most popular attraction, some over an incredible 45 metres tall and 6 metres in girth. Local wildlife is diverse and abundant, with water dragons, snakes, birds, turtles, eels, all kinds of birds, and even the musky rat-kangaroo are all commonly spotted.

Awe-inspiring Lake McKenzie is possibly one of the world’s most beautiful lakes. It is also one of the world’s least polluted and a swim in the crystal-clear freshwater will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

The lake is a “perched lake,” meaning it sits atop a sand dune where the sand and humus underneath have bonded into a concrete-like base. The lake isn't connected to streams or the ocean, which means all the water is pure rainwater. The sand also acts as a filter keeping the water clear, and makes for an amazing experience when relaxing in the lake.

Fraser Island is home to forty of the world’s eighty perched lakes, and like the many other freshwater lakes on the island, Lake McKenzie relies solely on rain for replenishment.

The sand surrounding the lake is pure silica so you can wash your hair with it or exfoliate your skin, perfect if you’ve been camping for days. There are a lot of delightful picnic areas and stunning beaches around the lake, which makes it perfect for an afternoon trip or a multiple day excursion.

The Maheno Shipwreck sits starkly rusting against the pristine sands of Cathedral Beach, a majestic and haunting site. The S.S Maheno was built in 1904 in Scotland and was originally a world-class luxury liner.  She became a hospital ship in the Mediterranean during WW1 after which she was purchased for the run between New Zealand and Australia.

In 1935, while being towed to Japan for scrap metal, a cyclone blew her ashore onto Fraser Island. Luckily, there were only a few crew members on board, who tried unsuccessfully to free her. Since then,  three and a half stories of the ship have been buried below the sand.

After being used for bombing practice during WW2, the Maheno was in pretty bad shape and has since rusted away. Still, she is an impressive site and is occasionally used as a kooky, lopsided wedding venue.

Low Isles is a small coral cay off the coast of Port Douglas.

Lying on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef, it’s a fabulous spot for snorkeling and diving, thronged with hard and soft corals, tropical fish, reef sharks and turtles.

Cruises come out to Low Isles from Port Douglas for a conveniently close taste of the reef. There are no facilities on the island, just a lighthouse, but the surrounding shallow lagoon is an idyllic place for a swim or snorkel while your cruise vessel is moored offshore.