Queensland is Calling
The A to Z of Queensland experiences
By Experience Oz
Think you've ticked Queensland off the list? We're here to challenge that.
With a whopping 1.7 million square kilometres to explore, you're never truly done and dusted with this state. From outback towns to underwater art museums, crocodile encounters, eco safaris, fossil discoveries and even the country's only bungy jump.
We've broken down the A to Z of Queensland experiences so you can plan your next trip with a whole new sense of purpose, as unforgettable days are waiting for you in Queensland.
Airlie Beach Skydive
If you’ve seen aerial photography of Heart Reef, you’ll understand that admiring the Great Barrier Reef from bird’s eye view is an experience not to be missed. Take a skydive plunge from a casual 15,000 feet above Airlie Beach to catch vistas of the Great Barrier Reef that simply cannot be matched on land.
Book now
Bundaberg Rum Museum
You don't need to be a die-hard rum lover to appreciate the Sunshine State's Bundaberg Distillery. Behind the scenes, you'll find the sticky craft of molasses, water and yeast, an informative museum, and the chance to blend a rum of your own.
Book now
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
If you took a family holiday to the Gold Coast in the 80's or 90's, chances are you have a vintage photo album featuring Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite how much the Gold Coast has changed in the last few decades, this icon still remains. Snap the quintessential lorikeet feeding photo again, meet a koala, and support the remarkable work of their animal hospital.
Book now
Dolphin Feeding and Shipwreck Snorkelling in Tangalooma
Venture to Mulgumpin (Moreton Island), a little-known island off the coast of Brisbane, and you'll be welcomed into a scene that postcards are made of. Here you can snorkel over shipwrecks, tumble down sand dunes and spot the seal-like mammal known as dugong. Need we say more?
Book now
Everglades Eco Safari
Immerse yourself in Noosa's Great Sandy National Park with an eco-certified cruise of the Everglades. Playing host to a whopping 40% of Australia's bird species, these spectacular wetlands will lull you into a serenity; just stay alert enough to grab your camera for the pelicans, lotus flowers and elusive rays of sun.
Book now
Four-wheel Drive Tour on K'gari (Fraser Island)
Think the Great Barrier Reef is Queensland's only World Heritage-listed site? Think again. A little further south, you'll find another one—K'gari. The largest sand island in the world is an untamed paradise where you can soak in bright blue rivers, tumble down dunes, hear Dreamtime stories and so much more.
Book now
Guided Fossil Discovery in Riversleigh
Known as one of the most significant fossil deposits worldwide, the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre in Mount Isa will give you chills as you come to terms with the enormity of time before us. A fascinating, interactive exploration for young and old spanning a casual 25 million years.
Book now
Hervey Bay Whale Watching
Though whale watching tours operate all along Australia's east coast during the annual migration of humpbacks, few can compete with those in Hervey Bay. During whale watching season (June to October), this Queensland inlet is a resting point where mother calves teach their babies the tricks and turns they need for survival in the icy waters of Antarctica. Just try holding back the tears of awe and joy.
Book now
Indigenous Sites of Carnarvon Ranges
Queensland is a surprise and delight when it comes to authentic outback experiences. Explore the Carnarvon Ranges with an experienced ecologist by your side, visiting unique cultural sites, Aboriginal rock art and secluded gorges before diving into a traditional tucker picnic for lunch. Part of the Great Dividing Range, it's found around 400 kilometres inland from Gladstone.
Book now
Jumps and Swings in Cairns
Unleash your inner daredevil and take to the jungle of Cairns with a bungy jump and giant swing! The only bungy site in all of Australia, you can launch from the 50-metre tower at Skypark with a cool 16 jumps on offer. If you can take your mind off the jitters, you'll also get to take in spectacular vistas of the surrounding areas.
Book now
Kuranda Village
Take a short 40-minute drive from Cairns and you'll find yourself in the charming rainforest village of Kuranda. Home to a rainforest cableway, the Barron Falls, a handicraft market and a heritage-listed railway line, you won't be short on things to do in this pocket of Queensland.
Book now
Lunch Cruise on the Gold Coast Canals
Move over, Hollywood; the Goldie has all the A-listers we need! Take a lunch cruise around the Gold coast canals for scenic views of the city and the chance to see the homes of the rich and famous. Keep your eyes peeled for Ian Thorpe, Mick Doohan and celebs in the league of Elton John and Bill Gates as you cruise past Palazzo Versace!
Book now
Museum Of Underwater Art
Now here's one of those experiences that are too incredible to fathom—visit an art museum whilst diving on the Great Barrier Reef! MOUA, the Museum of Underwater Art, highlights reef conservation, restoration, and education with a coral greenhouse, a submerged building designed by world-class artist Jason deCaires Taylor. Bursting with colour and marine life, this is not one to miss off your Queensland list.
Book now
Night Kayak on the Brisbane River
A lot happens when the sun sets in Brisbane. Celebrate the start of a night with a sunset kayak along the city's river and be overawed by the magnitude of the skyline as it lights up around you. And for bonus points, it's a hit of exercise before you indulge in the city's culinary goodness.
Book now
Outback Queensland
Join this authentic Outback Queensland experience taking guests into the Carnarvon Gorge on a guided tour from Roma. Travel with ecologists to discover Aboriginal sites and natural rock formations, visit a working cattle property and embark on short walks in the outback. A delicious morning tea, lunch at Cycad Gorge and afternoon refreshments in a spectacular location are just some of the highlights you can expect on this guided Carnarvon Gorge day tour from Roma.
Book now
Paronella Park
One man's dream to build a castle is now an ethereal oasis for all to explore. Paronella Park's five-hectare setting is home to waterfalls, mossy gardens, and the Spanish-inspired castle itself. With its own hydroelectric power station, this carbon-neutral Queensland experience should not be missed.
Book now
Quicksilver Reef Tour
With awards in Ecotourism Australia's Hall of Fame, Quicksilver are trusted guides in exploring the magical underwater spaces of the Great Barrier Reef. Take a semi-submersible boat tour, an ocean walk whilst "helmet diving", or cruise to the outer reef for a snorkel like no other. Best of all, they offer unique water access for wheelchair passengers.
Book now
Rainforest Walk in the Daintree
There are not many places in the world where you can experience the magic of a rainforest meeting the sea. Spanning around 1,200 square kilometres, Queensland's ancient Daintree holds 120 million years of natural history and a plethora of our native wildlife. Take a walk and you will likely encounter butterflies, frogs, birds, marsupials and more.
Book now
Story Bridge Twilight Climb in Brisbane
Connecting the city of Brisbane for over 80 years, the Story Bridge is a city monument, taking pedestrians and commuters on a 777-metre journey from Kangaroo Point to Howard Smith Wharves. Choose to climb above and you'll be gifted unbeatable views of the Glass House Mountains, Moreton Bay and the city skyline, which all sparkle into a pink sunset on the twilight climb.
Book now
Theme Parks on the Gold Coast
Childhood dreams come true with the thrill and excitement of Gold Coast's theme parks—but try spotting an adult without a smile wiped across their face. From the stunt shows of Movie World to the tigers of Dreamworld, there's more entertainment here than you can cram into a one-week holiday. So best make it two.
Book now
Up-close Crocodile Encounters at Hartley's
Seeing crocodiles in a zoo will probably snap a little fear into you. But for the real jolt, you need Hartley's Crocodile Adventures in Cairns. Here you can take a boat ride with the crocs and watch their jaws and bodies up close as they jump for food and explore their terrain. Not a prehistoric reptile fan? They've got other wildlife encounters to enjoy, like a hug with a fluffy wombat.
Book now
Vortex Ride at Sea World
If you think Sea World is little more than dolphins and penguins, you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much is available at this Gold Coast theme park. The animals and shows are topped off with rides like the Leviathan and the Jet Rescue Coaster. But the upside-down spins of the Vortex just cannot be missed, with a frightful ranking of max thrill level. *Shiver*.
Book now
Whitehaven Beach Sailing
Often dubbed one of the most beautiful beach in the world, Whitehaven takes the word pristine to new heights. Jump aboard a sailboat to tick off this experience in the glamorous fashion it deserves. White sands and champagne in hand, what's not to love?
Book now
XXXX Brewery Tour
Mangoes aren't the only yellow thing Queensland is famous for. Labelled 'the pride of Queensland', XXXX Gold is the state's iconic lager that gets brewed right here by the streets of Brisbane. Plug your nose and soak up some beer-battered history with a tour of the XXXX brewery.
Book now
Yacht from the Mainland to an Island
Magnetic, Moreton, Hamilton, Hayman—there are some true gems sitting just off the Queensland mainland. Take a salty sail from the mainland to one or many, dropping anchor on white sand beaches or coral reefs to relish and explore. Of course, any old yacht won't do for a place this special. You'll need a bit of luxury and length to tick the box in style, like this one here on Magnetic Island:
Book now
Zipline in Cape Tribulation
Cape Tribulation is a pristine headland within the Daintree that offers many serene experiences like horse riding in the ocean and meditation retreats. For those craving a bit more vigour, we suggest ziplining. From up to 15 metres above the ground, you will soar through the forest, taking in the majestic surroundings with a forest breeze in your hair and a tingle of fear.
Book nowSo what will you do? Go find absolute beauty, memorable thrills and Australian culture. Queensland is calling, where every day is a good one.
Explore Queensland experiences