10 Queensland Experiences to Try At Least Once in Your Lifetime!
Queensland, Australia is no short of wonders! Dive into the world’s largest coral reef or drive past the heritage-listed rainforests and no matter what you do, Queensland will leave you speechless in no time!
As it’s easy to get lost in all the incredible experiences Queensland offers, we’ve made it easy for you by choosing the top 10 experiences to try there.
1. Snorkel with the locals in the Great Barrier Reef
It’s a no brainer that this 2300 km stretch of coral paradise is one of the places you should definitely visit in your lifetime. There are tonnes of ways to take in the beauty of the place—from snorkelling and scuba diving to 360-degree aerial touring in a helicopter. Learn about its significant role in Australia’s rich ecosystem only to come back respecting this place more. Most popular areas for Indian travelers to access the Great Barrier Reef are Cairns, the Whitsundays, and the Bundaberg region in Queensland.
2. Explore the Daintree, the oldest tropical rainforest in the world
An easy 2-hour drive from Cairns is all it takes to visit this world heritage-listed tropical rainforest that’s nestled between Port Douglas and the Great Barrier Reef. Cruise through the Daintree river photographing saltwater crocodiles, do the Mossman Gorge dreamtime walk and learn about the Kuku Yalanji tribe, and you’ll never want to leave this place so intertwined with nature!
3. Visit a heritage-listed waterfall such as the Wallaman Falls
Nothing rewarding like a beautiful waterfall at the end of a trek and Queensland has got plenty of it! Trek through the mesmerizing petrichor-infused Girringun rainforest and wait for it, the Wallaman waterfalls is nothing like you have ever seen! The spine-chilling view from the top, in particular, is no less than an awe-inspiring adventure you’ll keep telling stories about. And off the record, have you tried crafting your adventure vacations with Pickyourtrail? It’s our proud niche we don’t always call out, but specialise in.
4. Spend time island hopping in the Whitsunday region
One of Australia’s most iconic destinations, the Whitsundays are a group of 74 jewel-like islands that sit right in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. Hop from Hamilton to Whitsunday or Long island, relax on Whitehaven Beach – one of the world’s best beaches, or get out on the water in the sailing capital of the country.
Don’t forget about the mainland, though. The Whitsunday Coast has charms of its own, with great beaches, national parks and the buzzing town of Airlie Beach.
Also fly over the iconic Heart Reef, one of its kind in the world!
5. Cuddle a Koala in one of many wildlife sanctuaries
Australia has amazing wildlife—if it’s not called out enough already! It crept into people’s bucket list when celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and our homegrown Bollywood Star Parineeti Chopra started posting pictures of them cuddling with the cute animals. Get up close to these amazing marsupials in Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary - Brisbane, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary - Gold Coast, Cairns Wildlife Dome - Cairns, Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures - Port Douglas and of course Australia’s largest zoo – Australia Zoo!
6. Skypoint Adventure Climb - Witness the gorgeous skylines of the Gold Coast
Why go under the radar when you can go over the top? Climb straight atop the Q1 tower observation deck, 270 meters in a 90 minute-adventure, to put the incredible beauty of the Gold Coast region in perspective. All the better if you choose to climb during the sunset - take in the panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis complemented by a golden-hued skyline.
7. Revel in the buzzing nightlife and dining scenes of Queensland
Australia is not just wildlife and nature. There’s an unspoken nightlife scene in Queensland that’ll keep even the non-partygoers entertained. Eat your way around Queensland in Northshore Eat Street that’s lavishly dotted with streetside food stalls and fine-dining rooftop bars, or level up your gourmet game by visiting Miami Marketta, the buzzing night market. The list doesn’t end here — Howard Smith Wharves and the Collective Palm Beach, are also the must-visit places that light up Australia’s nightlife.
8. Head on a road trip from Cairns to Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas
If a road trip in Australia is on your mind you have probably heard of the Great Barrier Reef drive which most gracefully straddles the Great Barrier Reef and Port Douglas and gives major road trip goals! The best itinerary through this route is the one which connects Cairns and Cape Tribulation via Port Douglas. Trust me, this 3-hour drive can never be done in 3 hours, with so many gems you can’t resist but to stop on the way. Hot tip: You can plan all the details of your perfect self-drive adventure holiday with Pickyourtrail, in a completely hassle-free way.
9. Get a surfing lesson in the Gold Coast
With favourable winds and waves complementing each other, the Gold Coast is undeniably a surfer’s paradise. Don’t say no to the calling of the waves, enrol in a surfing course and cross one of the most quintessential experiences to try in Queensland.
10. Test your nerves by an adventurous skydive or bungee jump in Cairns or the Gold Coast
How come you can visit the adventure capital of Australia and not try anything that doesn’t send chills down your spine? You may flap your hands, panic while trying to catch your breath but once you realize you’re not falling but flying, look around and take in the views underneath you. Cairns, Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef are all on their own league when it comes to the adventures on offer - you won’t be disappointed!
Ready to fall in love with Queensland? Craft your holiday, your way with Pickyourtrail!
This content was produced in partnership with Tourism Queensland