Queensland is Australia's second-largest state, stretching from the subtropical southeast to the tropical north, encompassing the Great Barrier Reef, ancient rainforests, and over 7,000 kilometres of coastline. Known as the Sunshine State, it offers world-class diving, golden beaches, vibrant cities, and extraordinary wildlife experiences.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Queensland.
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1
Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef system stretching over 2,300 km along the Queensland coast, comprising over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with marine biodiversity including 1,600 species of fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays.
Tip: Book reef tours in advance during school holidays and peak season. Opt for outer reef tours for better coral visibility.
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2
Daintree Rainforest
The world's oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest, estimated at over 135 million years old and part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland UNESCO World Heritage Area. Home to a remarkable array of endemic plants and animals including the Southern Cassowary.
Tip: Cross the Daintree River by cable ferry. Take a guided night walk for nocturnal wildlife. Wear long sleeves and insect repellent.
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3
Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach
An archipelago of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island is consistently rated among the world's best beaches, featuring 7 km of pure silica sand swirled with turquoise waters at Hill Inlet lookout.
Tip: Take an early morning boat for calmer seas and better photos at Hill Inlet. Stay overnight on a sailing boat for the full experience.
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4
Gold Coast Beaches & Surfers Paradise
Australia's glittering playground, offering 57 km of golden beaches, world-class surf breaks, high-rise skyline, and a buzzing entertainment scene. Surfers Paradise Beach is the iconic centre, with Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, and Coolangatta offering quieter alternatives.
Tip: Stay in Broadbeach for a calmer vibe than Surfers Paradise but still close to action. Surf lessons available from $60 AUD.
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5
Fraser Island (K'gari)
The world's largest sand island and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching 123 km along Queensland's southeast coast. K'gari features ancient rainforests growing on sand, freshwater perched lakes including the crystal-clear Lake McKenzie, and roaming dingoes.
Tip: 4WD vehicle required. Keep food stored securely due to dingoes. Book ferry and campsite permits well in advance.
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6
South Bank Parklands, Brisbane
Brisbane's premier urban parkland stretching 17 hectares along the South Bank of the Brisbane River, built on the site of Expo '88. Features Streets Beach — a man-made lagoon beach in the city centre — lush gardens, galleries, restaurants, and riverside walkways.
Tip: The lagoon is family-friendly and lifeguard patrolled. Free outdoor movie screenings happen seasonally.
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7
Story Bridge, Brisbane
Brisbane's iconic heritage-listed cantilever bridge spanning the Brisbane River, completed in 1940. The Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers guided climbs to the top for panoramic views over the city and river.
Tip: Book the twilight climb for golden hour and night light views. The climb is suitable for most fitness levels.
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8
Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane
Australia's largest gallery of modern and contemporary art, located at South Bank Brisbane. GOMA presents state-of-the-art Australian and international exhibitions alongside a permanent collection spanning the 20th and 21st centuries.
Tip: Check the GOMA website for current exhibitions before visiting. The cinémathèque screens art films.
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9
Noosa National Park
A stunning 4,000-hectare national park at the tip of the Noosa Heads headland on the Sunshine Coast. Features pristine coastal heathland, secluded beaches, and koala-spotting opportunities along marked walking tracks.
Tip: Walk the 2.7 km Coastal Track for stunning ocean views. Koalas are most often spotted in the eucalyptus trees near the main entrance.
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10
Lamington National Park
Part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area in the McPherson Range on the Queensland-NSW border. The park features ancient Antarctic beech forests, spectacular waterfalls, and over 160 km of walking tracks.
Tip: Stay at O'Reilly's Rainforest Retreat for early morning bird feeding spectacle. Leech socks are recommended after rain.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and harsh midday light.
Book tickets online in advance for major attractions to skip long queues and sometimes save money.
Many cities offer multi-attraction passes that include public transport. Calculate whether they save you money based on your itinerary.