20 Must-Do Experiences in Queensland, Australia
I have recently returned from a trip to Queensland, Australia’s sunshine state and I have to say that I enjoyed my 2 weeks in that state thoroughly. It’s greenery, sunshine, beautiful coastline, pristine beaches, rainforests, waterfalls, wildlife,adventure sports and reefs kept me enthralled all throughout. It is a destination I would definitely return to as I would love to relive these experiences many more times. Below is a list of my top 20 experiences from Queensland as I traversed Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Cairns, Artherton Tablelands, Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. They should definitely come in handy while planning your Queensland holiday.
Hold a Koala
Did you know that the Koala hugs you as you hold it in your arms? Well, you have to try holding this super adorable animal in your arms to see it for yourself. This is one of the top experiences for me and one that will be appreciated by people of all age groups.
Feed a Kangaroo
Seeing a Kangaroo in itself is quite a sight for us non-Australians, but what if we could feed them from our very open palms? How cool would that be? If you wish to get closer to these beautiful marsupials, then try the Australian Zoo at the Sunshine Coast. These guys they take care of the animals well and allow you to get close to them.
Go Boomerang!
I am sure all of us know what the boomerang is, but how many of us have actually tried our hands at one. The Aboriginal Australians used the boomerang for hunting purposes. They still design hand made boomerangs that you can buy and throw in the air. If you get it right, the joy of the returning boomerang will be immense.
Learn Surfing
The Gold and Sunshine Coasts are one of Australia’s surfing hubs. It is super fun to balance yourself on a board and ride the first wave. And the best part is that both these places has a great surfing culture and that includes surf clubs and surfing lessons.
Indulge in Ocean Jet Boarding at Mooloolaba
This is one of the newer adventure sports of the world. You are strapped into a batmobile’esque kind of boat that has 800 horsepower or more and then you go and play tantrum with the waves. There are spins and there are sways. There is acceleration and there are side lifts. It is a theme park like experience in a boat and one that will take your breath away. As far as I know, there are only 2 places in Australia which offer this service and one of them is at Mooloolaba.
Climb SkyPoint Q1, Gold Coast
You will get a huge adrenaline rush as you embark on Australia’s highest external building climb. At 270m above sea level, this is one of the highest external climbs in the world and one that offers 360 degree views of the sensationally beautiful Gold Coast, its canals and its long beaches.
Scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an iconic name and one that needs no special mention. A scuba dive on any of its world heritage reef sites is a must-do. The sight of the colourful marine world inside the reefs is quite something.
Scenic Flight over the Great Barrier Reef
Getting close to the marine life of the coral reefs is definitely a special experience, but seeing the coral reefs from above in the sky is very special too. Most of the pictures that we see about turquoise or emerald reefs is taken from the sky. So, why not we see such sights with our own naked eyes. Hop on a scenic flight from Cairns and appreciate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef for a full 45 minutes as you fly over many islands and coral reefs.
Go Sailing off Queensland’s Coastline
With its super long coastline and good weather for most of the year, Australia is famous for sailing. One of the most Australian ways to explore the east coast is on a sail boat. If you have time at hand, you can move from one destination to the other on a sail boat and if you don’t have enough time, you can simply indulge in a sailing day trip.
Visit the Oldest Rainforest in the World
It is believed that the Daintree rainforest in the northern part of Queensland is more than many millions of years old. It is also the only rainforest that opens out to a sensationally beautiful white beach. There are gorges. There is beautiful wildlife to see, especially the likes of cassowary and the aura of staying in an old, yet pristine rainforest.
Swim under Australia’s most Photographed Waterfall
The Millaa Millaa waterfall in Artherton Tablelands is possibly one of the most scenic waterfalls that I have ever set my eyes on. It has been the location for many Ad shoots and that is why it earns itself the title of Australia’s most photographed waterfall. Swimming under such a scenic waterfall is quite something. And did I tell you that you can also walk behind this waterfall curtain?
Climb the Story Bridge at Brisbane
One of Brisbane’s iconic bridges, the Story bridge towers over the Brisbane River, the soul of Brisbane. If you feel like adventure and wish to soak in some of Brisbane’s beautiful skyline and river life views while making your heart beat wildly, then the Story Bridge climb is for you. Like the SkyPoint climb, this one is also extremely safe and offers immense adventure.
Explore Brisbane from the River
Like I said before, the Brisbane river is the soul of the capital city of Queensland. Its energy, its pools, its bridges and mostly the entire city revolves round the city. A trip to Brisbane is not complete without exploring the city from the river. On a cruise, you will see the University of Queensland, the residential quarters, the central business district, the south bank, the sensational bridges over the river, the port area and most of Brisbane’s top attractions.
Visit the Theme Parks of Gold Coast
If you are an adventure seeker, you are bound to love the theme parks of Gold Coast. DreamWorld, Movie World, SeaWorld,Wet n Wild Gold Coast and White Water World have so many thrilling rides that you will enjoy every bit of it.
Enjoy the taste of a Flat White
Australia is not the world for Espressos and Cappuccinos, but for flat whites. The non frothy and caffeine strong Flat White is Australia’s favorite. You should go get yourself one at any of the leading coffee outlets of Queensland.
Cruise the Canals of the Gold Coast
Did you know that the Gold Coast has more canals than Venice? And did I tell you that the Gold Coast canal system is insanely scenic? It is an immensely pleasurable experience to hire a boat and cruise through the canal system of the Gold Coast.
Spend a relaxed Beach Holiday at Noosa
Noosa is a small beach hamlet on the Sunshine Coast. If a relaxed beach holiday is on your mind, then Noosa would fit that bill like a dream. You can swim, surf, relax, read a book or basically do anything you’d like in this super calm beach holiday destination.
Indulge in some Fishing at the quiet waters off Twin Waters
The coast off Queensland is famous for its fishing. You can either catch it for your barbecue dinner or simply indulge in game fishing. At twin waters, the estuary ensures ample fishing options. All you need is some fishing gear, which you can either rent or bring your own.
Chomp on the Tropical Fruits
Paw-Paws, Pineapples, Watermelons, Red Bananas, Dragon Fruits, Rambutans, Avocado, Longan and many more exotic tropical fruits can be tasted at Queensland, one of Australia’s top tropical fruit growing states. It is a great way to beat the heat and also works as a beautiful detox.
Soak in the energy of Brisbane’s Riverside
Brisbane is one of those cities that has a sizzling energy and active lifestyle. People go running, cycling, swimming, rock climbing or indulge in many water sports like sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, stand up paddling and many more. If active lifestyles appeal to you, you should definitely try a bit to soak in this infectious energy and indulge in any one physical activity that revolves around Brisbane’s iconic riverside.
Hold a Koala
Did you know that the Koala hugs you as you hold it in your arms? Well, you have to try holding this super adorable animal in your arms to see it for yourself. This is one of the top experiences for me and one that will be appreciated by people of all age groups.
Feed a Kangaroo
Seeing a Kangaroo in itself is quite a sight for us non-Australians, but what if we could feed them from our very open palms? How cool would that be? If you wish to get closer to these beautiful marsupials, then try the Australian Zoo at the Sunshine Coast. These guys they take care of the animals well and allow you to get close to them.
Go Boomerang!
I am sure all of us know what the boomerang is, but how many of us have actually tried our hands at one. The Aboriginal Australians used the boomerang for hunting purposes. They still design hand made boomerangs that you can buy and throw in the air. If you get it right, the joy of the returning boomerang will be immense.
Learn Surfing
The Gold and Sunshine Coasts are one of Australia’s surfing hubs. It is super fun to balance yourself on a board and ride the first wave. And the best part is that both these places has a great surfing culture and that includes surf clubs and surfing lessons.
Indulge in Ocean Jet Boarding at Mooloolaba
This is one of the newer adventure sports of the world. You are strapped into a batmobile’esque kind of boat that has 800 horsepower or more and then you go and play tantrum with the waves. There are spins and there are sways. There is acceleration and there are side lifts. It is a theme park like experience in a boat and one that will take your breath away. As far as I know, there are only 2 places in Australia which offer this service and one of them is at Mooloolaba.
Climb SkyPoint Q1, Gold Coast
You will get a huge adrenaline rush as you embark on Australia’s highest external building climb. At 270m above sea level, this is one of the highest external climbs in the world and one that offers 360 degree views of the sensationally beautiful Gold Coast, its canals and its long beaches.
Scuba dive at the Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is an iconic name and one that needs no special mention. A scuba dive on any of its world heritage reef sites is a must-do. The sight of the colourful marine world inside the reefs is quite something.
Scenic Flight over the Great Barrier Reef
Getting close to the marine life of the coral reefs is definitely a special experience, but seeing the coral reefs from above in the sky is very special too. Most of the pictures that we see about turquoise or emerald reefs is taken from the sky. So, why not we see such sights with our own naked eyes. Hop on a scenic flight from Cairns and appreciate the beauty of the Great Barrier Reef for a full 45 minutes as you fly over many islands and coral reefs.
Go Sailing off Queensland’s Coastline
With its super long coastline and good weather for most of the year, Australia is famous for sailing. One of the most Australian ways to explore the east coast is on a sail boat. If you have time at hand, you can move from one destination to the other on a sail boat and if you don’t have enough time, you can simply indulge in a sailing day trip.
Visit the Oldest Rainforest in the World
It is believed that the Daintree rainforest in the northern part of Queensland is more than many millions of years old. It is also the only rainforest that opens out to a sensationally beautiful white beach. There are gorges. There is beautiful wildlife to see, especially the likes of cassowary and the aura of staying in an old, yet pristine rainforest.
Swim under Australia’s most Photographed Waterfall
The Millaa Millaa waterfall in Artherton Tablelands is possibly one of the most scenic waterfalls that I have ever set my eyes on. It has been the location for many Ad shoots and that is why it earns itself the title of Australia’s most photographed waterfall. Swimming under such a scenic waterfall is quite something. And did I tell you that you can also walk behind this waterfall curtain?
Climb the Story Bridge at Brisbane
One of Brisbane’s iconic bridges, the Story bridge towers over the Brisbane River, the soul of Brisbane. If you feel like adventure and wish to soak in some of Brisbane’s beautiful skyline and river life views while making your heart beat wildly, then the Story Bridge climb is for you. Like the SkyPoint climb, this one is also extremely safe and offers immense adventure.
Explore Brisbane from the River
Like I said before, the Brisbane river is the soul of the capital city of Queensland. Its energy, its pools, its bridges and mostly the entire city revolves round the city. A trip to Brisbane is not complete without exploring the city from the river. On a cruise, you will see the University of Queensland, the residential quarters, the central business district, the south bank, the sensational bridges over the river, the port area and most of Brisbane’s top attractions.
Visit the Theme Parks of Gold Coast
If you are an adventure seeker, you are bound to love the theme parks of Gold Coast. DreamWorld, Movie World, SeaWorld,Wet n Wild Gold Coast and White Water World have so many thrilling rides that you will enjoy every bit of it.
Enjoy the taste of a Flat White
Australia is not the world for Espressos and Cappuccinos, but for flat whites. The non frothy and caffeine strong Flat White is Australia’s favorite. You should go get yourself one at any of the leading coffee outlets of Queensland.
Cruise the Canals of the Gold Coast
Did you know that the Gold Coast has more canals than Venice? And did I tell you that the Gold Coast canal system is insanely scenic? It is an immensely pleasurable experience to hire a boat and cruise through the canal system of the Gold Coast.
Spend a relaxed Beach Holiday at Noosa
Noosa is a small beach hamlet on the Sunshine Coast. If a relaxed beach holiday is on your mind, then Noosa would fit that bill like a dream. You can swim, surf, relax, read a book or basically do anything you’d like in this super calm beach holiday destination.
Indulge in some Fishing at the quiet waters off Twin Waters
The coast off Queensland is famous for its fishing. You can either catch it for your barbecue dinner or simply indulge in game fishing. At twin waters, the estuary ensures ample fishing options. All you need is some fishing gear, which you can either rent or bring your own.
Chomp on the Tropical Fruits
Paw-Paws, Pineapples, Watermelons, Red Bananas, Dragon Fruits, Rambutans, Avocado, Longan and many more exotic tropical fruits can be tasted at Queensland, one of Australia’s top tropical fruit growing states. It is a great way to beat the heat and also works as a beautiful detox.
Soak in the energy of Brisbane’s Riverside
Brisbane is one of those cities that has a sizzling energy and active lifestyle. People go running, cycling, swimming, rock climbing or indulge in many water sports like sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, stand up paddling and many more. If active lifestyles appeal to you, you should definitely try a bit to soak in this infectious energy and indulge in any one physical activity that revolves around Brisbane’s iconic riverside.
