Insight Australia

QUEENSLAND

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO SEE

From Whitsunday’s inviting turquoise waters, to the lush green rainforests of the Daintree; from the Gold Coast’s golden beaches to the red earth of the Queensland outback and the technicolour treasures of the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland shines with a brilliance that will live with you forever.

From the temperate to the tropical, the ocean to the outback, Queensland offers something for everyone: scuba diving and sailing, guided walks and endearing wildlife, rich farmlands and fresh produce, adventure action and relaxation.

From agriculture and birdwatching to wildlife studies and underwater adventures, Queensland has your special interest covered.
HIGHLIGHTS
  • The Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s greatest natural wonders!
  • Daintree Rainforest tens of thousands of years older than the Amazon
  • The Whitsundays, a picturesque tropical archipelago that forms part of, and is surrounded by the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef
  • Palm-fringed Palm Cove
  • Fraser Island, the world’s largest sand island.
  • South East Scenic Rim: Gondwana rainforests, waterfalls and wonderful walks.
  • Sunshine Coast: golden beaches and coastal walks backed by colourful markets and a fabulous foodie scene.
  • The Gold Coast, beautiful beaches, great golf, theme parks, shopping and a lush green hinterland
  • Brisbane; the capital of Australia’s sunshine state has really come of age.
Activities
  • Snorkel with turtles, tropical fish and technicolour corals on the Great Barrier Reef .. or take a scenic flight over it to appreciate the scale of the world’s largest natural world heritage wonder.
  • Explore some of the world’s most ancient rainforests with a local indigenous guide and enjoy a traditional Welcome to County at Mosman Gorge surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the Daintree.
  • Cruise the tropical Whitsunday Islands and walk on Whitehaven’s whitest of white swirling sands.
  • Take a 4WD tour of Fraser Island to explore spectacular lakes, shipwrecks and sand dunes, tour picturesque forests and swim in Champagne Pools.
  • Hike South East Queensland’s Gondwana rainforests in the spectacular Scenic Rim.
  • See koalas in the wild on Magnetic Island, just a short hop from Townsville.
  • Escape to your own private island (there is plenty of choice for private island escapes perfect for groups of all sizes and interests: Haggerstone, Makepeace, Orpheus, Pumpkin, Wilson and more).
Hidden Gems
  • Catch mud crabs in Cape Tribulation under the guidance of a Kuku Yalanji Aboriginal Indigenous Culture Touring and drift down the Mosman River on an inflatable raft under the Daintree’s ancient rainforest canopy.
  • Kayak or cruise the tranquil Sunshine Coast Everglades.
  • Swim with turtles, snorkel with manta rays and spot migrating humpback whales (November-March) from eco-focussed Lady Elliott Island, a picturesque coral cay at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef.

GOOD TO KNOW

Tropical north Queensland experiences two distinct seasons. The hot and humid tropical green season (November to April), where monsoonal rains and flooding may occur, also coincides with the marine stinger season. We recommend guests wear a protective lycra body suit or wetsuit when swimming during these months. Most tour operators will be able to provide these suits.

CRUISE SHIP PORTS

Cairns (and Yorkey’s Knob), Whitsundays (Airlie Beach and Hamilton Cove), Townsville, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast (Mooloolaba and Fraser Island), Brisbane
Ask us for shore excursion options
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