With stunning beaches, ancient rain forests, world-class cities, and a laid-back atmosphere, Queensland is the kind of place that feels like an adventure waiting to happen. Whether you’re into exploring nature, diving into cultural experiences, or just soaking up the sun, there’s something here for every traveler. Here are 10 reasons why Queensland should be at the top of your travel bucket list.

1. One of the Best Beaches in the World

Palm Cove isn’t just another beach—it was named one of the Best Beaches in the World for 2024 by Condé Nast Traveler. With its soft white sand, swaying palm trees, and a peaceful, uncrowded atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that feels like an escape from the modern world.

Whether you’re starting your morning with a sunrise kayak, relaxing on the beach, or indulging in oceanfront dining, Palm Cove offers the perfect blend of relaxation and charm. If you have time, explore the Palm Cove Market. Held on select Sundays, this whimsical market offers a mix of local crafts, fresh produce, and artisan goods.

There is also a beautiful walkway from Palm Cove to Clifton Beach, which meanders through lush tropical gardens, mangroves, and the beachfront. Along the way, you’ll find coffee shops and scenic spots to rest and enjoy the views.

2. The Largest Coral Reef on Earth

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia’s most iconic landscapes. This vast reef is a mind-blowing 2,300 km (1,400 miles) long, composed of over 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands. It’s so vast that it can be seen from space!

Beneath the surface, the reef is a thriving ecosystem, home to over 1,500 species of fish, 400 types of coral, and six species of sea turtles. Whether you’re snorkeling and scuba diving over vibrant coral gardens or taking a scenic flight to appreciate its sheer scale, experiencing the reef is something you’ll never forget.

3. The Oldest Rain forest on Earth

Talking of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Daintree Rainforest deserves a space on your Queensland itinerary as well. The Daintree Rain forest is over 180 million years old, making it the oldest continually surviving tropical rain forest on the planet.

This lush rain forest is home to rare wildlife like the endangered cassowary and tree kangaroos. You can take guided walks, explore hidden waterfalls, or cruise along the Daintree River.

4. A Glimpse of Australia’s Wild Side

No visit to Queensland is complete without spotting one of its most famous and impressive residents—the saltwater crocodile. These prehistoric predators can grow over 6 meters (20 feet) long and are most commonly seen along the Daintree River and in Northern Queensland’s waterways.

The best way to see them? Join a croc-spotting river cruise, where expert guides will help you safely observe these ancient reptiles in their natural habitat—while keeping a safe distance, of course.

5. Where Two UNESCO World Heritage Sites Meet

Cape Tribulation is one of the few places on Earth where two UNESCO World Heritage Sites collide—the Daintree Rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef. Here, jungle-covered mountains spill down to meet the sea, creating a dramatic, otherworldly landscape.

Whether you’re hiking up to Mount Sorrow’s lookout, horseback riding along the beach, or taking a 4WD adventure through rugged rain forest tracks, Cape Tribulation offers a wild and unforgettable experience.

6. A Vibrant City That Blends Culture, Food, and Outdoor Living

Queensland’s capital, Brisbane, is a vibrant mix of city energy and outdoor lifestyle. Stroll along South Bank’s riverside parkland, check out the latest exhibits at QAGOMA (Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art), or take a day trip to Moreton Island to feed wild dolphins.

Don’t miss Howard Smith Wharves, a riverside dining precinct buzzing with craft breweries, top restaurants, and city views, and take a walk through Roma Street Parkland to meet Brisbane’s famous water dragons.

7. The Stunning Gold Coast

Sure, Surfers Paradise is iconic, but the Gold Coast offers so much more than surfing. There are the hip cafes and bars of Burleigh Heads, the wild waterfalls and glowworm caves of Springbrook National Park, and the thrills of theme parks like Warner Bros. Movie World and Dreamworld.

8. Picture-Perfect Islands

Ever dreamed of sailing through paradise? The Whitsunday Islands are exactly that. With 74 islands scattered across turquoise waters, this is a stunning destination where you’ll find Whitehaven Beach, famous for its pure silica sand and crystal-clear shallows. Whether you take a luxury yacht or hop on a scenic flight over Heart Reef, the Whitsundays are straight out of a dream.

9. A Laid-Back Haven for Foodies and Nature Lovers

The Sunshine Coast is where relaxed beach life meets incredible food and nature. Visit the famous Eumundi Markets for fresh local produce, hike Mount Coolum for sweeping coastal views, and unwind in Noosa, home to boutique shopping, fine dining, and Noosa National Park’s scenic coastal trails. If you love great food and beautiful landscapes, this place is for you.

10. A Different Side of Australia

Beyond the beaches and rainforests, Outback Queensland offers something completely different. Visit Longreach for a taste of cowboy culture, see dinosaur fossils in Winton, and witness the vast open landscapes of the Simpson Desert. Whether you’re road-tripping or stargazing under clear Outback skies, this region is packed with surprises.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Queensland?

Queensland is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do. May to October (the dry season) is ideal for exploring the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, and the Outback, with warm temperatures and little rainfall. This is also the best time for whale watching along the coast.

If you’re visiting Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast, summer (December to February) offers vibrant city life, surfing, and warm ocean waters. However, the wet season (November to April) in the north can bring heavy rains and high humidity, but it’s also when the rainforest is at its most lush, and waterfalls are at their most spectacular.

How to Get There

Queensland is well connected with major international airports in Brisbane (BNE), Cairns (CNS), and the Gold Coast (OOL). Direct international flights operate from Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific, with connections from North America and Europe.

If you’re traveling within Australia, domestic flights from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth offer quick and easy access to Queensland’s major destinations. For a scenic arrival, road-tripping along the Pacific Coast Way from Sydney to Cairns or taking a train via the Spirit of Queensland offers stunning views along the way.

This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI.