Things to Do in Australia - Queensland

Things to Do In Australia - QueenslandHouse Mountains offer an array of hiking trails for all
Queensland is Australia's second largest state.levels, picnic areas and amazing lookouts of the 16
Commonly called the "Sunshine State", it boasts avolcanic crags.
warm climate, tropical beaches, World Heritage• Known for being a swanky holiday resort,
rainforests, a portion of the outback, the Great BarrierNoosa is one of the more sophisticated beach towns
Reef, cozy beach communities and Brisbane, the thirdin Queensland. Still offering activities like surfing,
largest city in Australia.horseback riding, sea-kayaking, diving and rock climbing,
Most visitors to Queensland arrive in Brisbane, as it isit attracts travelers of all types and styles making for
the main gateway to this region. Brisbane is a city foran enjoyable place to hang out.
every traveler, offering an abundance of outdoorFraser Island is about 180 miles north of Brisbane. At
activities, art galleries and museums, shopping, beaches,120 km long and 15 km wide, it is one of the largest
fine dining and nightlife.sand islands in the world. It is well known for its
Here are some of the most popular attractions inbeautiful white sand beaches, dense rainforests and
Brisbane:over 100 fresh water lakes. Unfortunately the beaches
• South Bank is a community vibrant in artson Fraser Island are not safe for swimming due to
and culture, situated on 16 hectares of waterfrontstrong undertows and tiger sharks in the area. There
property. It is full of outdoor markets, cafes,are many great swimming spots at most of the lakes
restaurants, walk ways and bike paths. And for thoseincluding Lake McKenzie and Yankee Jack Lake.
warm Aussie days, cool off at Streets Beach byJust north of Fraser Island is Great Keppel Island. It's
taking a dip in the swimming lagoon. Home of thetropical climate and 17 km of fine, white sand beaches
Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum,have been attracting visitors for years. Since about 90
Queensland Gallery of Modern Art and the Performingpercent of the island is covered in natural bushland,
Arts Center it's a great destination with those whothere are many hiking options. Some of the many
have art in their hearts.popular activities on the island include snorkeling, diving,
• Story Bridge: Bridge tours are available onswimming, water skiing, and parasailing.
this famous bridge. A guide will take you on a 2The Whitsunday Islands are described by many as
½ hour climb, almost a kilometer up the bridge,pure island paradise. They are made up of 74 islands,
providing stunning 360 degree views of the city, thehowever only 8 are inhabited. These beautiful islands
Bunya Mountains and the Brisbane River.are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef. Known for its
• Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world'sspectacular sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing,
first and largest koala sanctuary. The Sanctuary offersgolf and tennis, it's a great destination for the active
opportunities to get close to many different types oftraveler.
Australian wildlife, including kangaroos, wombats, dingos,Cairns is a tropical relaxed city bordered by rainforest
and of course koalas! You can even experiencemountain ranges on one side, and the Coral Sea on
holding a koala. The soft marsupial will cling to you likethe other. It is the primary gateway to this area and
a young child; it is not your average animal!the Great Barrier Reef.
• Riverlife Adventure Center is a perfectHere are some of the main highlights of Cairns:
way for any outdoor adventurer to spend the day.• The Cairns Esplanade is an oceanfront
Located on the edge of the Brisbane River, they offerpromenade full of restaurants, outside cafes, shops,
rock climbing, abseiling, kayaking, cycling andwaterfront hotels and even a saltwater swimming
rollerblading.lagoon.
• Moreton Bay Islands are just a short drive• Cairns features an abundance of adventure
and ferry ride from Brisbane. Offering dozens ofactivities, such as sky divining, bungee jumping, white
sandy islands in the sheltered blue waters, Moretonwater rafting, and tours to the Great Barrier Reef.
Bay is a favorite getaway for Brisbane locals andThe Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for anyone
visitors alike. Here you can feed the wild dolphins orvisiting Australia. It the largest reef system in the world,
make the rewarding hike up to the summit of Mountat more than 2,000 kilometers long. It is home to more
Tempest.than 400 types of coral reef, fish and sea life. Take a
The Gold Coast is a very popular destination. In fact, ittour by boat, plane, helicopter, or underwater
is where many Aussies go for holiday. With 70observatories. To get a closer look at life on the reef,
kilometers of sandy beaches, theme parks, restaurantsconsider taking one of hundreds of snorkeling and/or
and shopping, you can't go wrong.dive tours as it offers some of the best diving in the
Here are some highlights of the Gold Coast:world.
• There are 35 beautiful beaches on the GoldApproximately one hour north of Cairns is the
Coast boasting activities like sailing, scuba diving,sophisticated yet laid-back town of Port Douglas. Here
snorkeling, speed boating, deep sea fishing, and simplyone can find the pristine 4 Mile Beach, many fine dining
enjoying the beach. Some of the more popular onesoptions, upscale boutique shops, and a variety of
are Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta, Broadbeach andoceanfront resorts and hotels.
Currumbin.Kuranda is a vibrant little village hidden high in the
• The major theme parks in this region includerainforest and it quite famous for its markets. Making
Dreamworld, Sea World, Warner Bros Movie World,your way to Kuranda can be even more fun than the
Wet N Wild Water World and Currumbin Wildlifeactual visit. The two main options are:
Sanctuary. These parks are a wonderful way to bring• Scenic Railway departs from Cairns, going
out the kid in you!through 15 tunnels and over more than 30 bridges.
• The Gold Coast is home to some of• Skyrail Rainforest Cableway runs between
Australia's best National Parks and Rainforests.Caravonica to Kuranda, above the Barron Gorge
Lamington National Park is where you will findNational Park.
Australia's largest preserved subtropical rainforest. IfCape Tribulation is the most northern settlement in
you visit Lamington, make sure to try the Tree TopQueensland. It is a beautiful, small village in the
Walk. It is an elevated track, 15 meters above therainforest, where the rainforest literally meets the reef!
rainforest floor made up of 9 suspension bridges. ThisDaintree Rainforest is the largest rainforest in Australia
park also has many walking and hiking trails, and picnicand is over 135 million years old. It also has the largest
areas complete with bbq's.and most diverse range of plants and animals on earth.
• Also in this area are Springbrook NationalFor visitors, it features hiking trails, camp sites, picnic
Park and Tamborine Mountain. Both have a plethora oftables, swimming holes and beaches. Guided tours are
gorges cascading water, interesting native flora andavailable, including river tours on the Daintree River.
fauna and scenic walking trails.Look for our series of articles on the five other states
The Sunshine Coast is located just 1 hour north ofof Australia including Victoria, New South Wales,
Brisbane. It is known for its 100 kilometers of gorgeousTasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, and
beaches and quaint villages. It is also home to theits mainland territory, Northern Territory.
internationally renowned Australia Zoo.Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book
Here are some highlights of the Sunshine Coast:your dream vacation to Australia!
• Reaching into the sky at 500m, the Glass