Queensland,Australia

Queensland is a great state with soooo much to do and see. From feeding wild dolphins, to swimming in beautiful beaches, visiting amazing islands, dive in the great barrier reef, walk in the rainforest, visit the outback, visit the tablelands, surfer’s paradise and much more.

Personally, if I had to choose only one state to visit it would be this one. Many would say Tasmania, regrettably I haven’t had the chance to go yet and although from what I hear it is an amazing place to visit and you definitely should if you can, I feel Queensland better represent the Australia we hear about in North America. – Personal Opinion.

Gold Coast
The Gold Coast is located south of Brisbane and extends all the way to NSW. There’s lots to do and see in the Gold Coast including the famous Surfers Paradise.

Personally, I much prefer the Sunshine Coast so do not spend a lot of time in the Gold Coast. Perhaps someone from the area might have some information to add.

Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is located north of Brisbane and has lots to offer. We drive there regularly as we love the area, and we can take our dogs to a stunning off leash beach.

Drive through the Glass House Mountains and stop at the many viewpoints.

Stop by Caboolture and take a 1hr flight course including 30mins in the air where you get to control the plane.

Visit Bribie Island and walk in the sand along the beach.

As you drive north there are many beautiful beaches along the coast to stop at with some areas for swimming (only swim in patrolled areas and stay between the flags).

Visit the hinterland town of Maleny, taste it’s locally made ice cream and visit it Botanic Gardens.

Go to Australia Zoo, yes! the famous Steve Irwin Zoo is located in the Sunshine Coast.

Queensland

North of the Sunshine Coast is the Fraser Coast which is just stunning with it’s famous Rainbow Beach. If you can make it there, I strongly recommend it especially if you will also take the time to go to Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the adventurer’s paradise. Go Snorkeling, Canoeing, Sailing, Whale Watching, camping, etc. Some tour companies will offer 2-3 day tours of Fraser Island.

Feed wild dolphins in Tin Can Bay, this small town near Rainbow Beach has dolphins visiting very morning around 7am to be fed by the locals and visitors alike. Volunteers take care of the dolphins and will tell you about the pod that visits the area.

Whilst on the Fraser Coast, visit the Maryborough and PL. Travers’ place of birth which has been transformed into a Story Bank museum dedicated to MARY POPPINS. There’s a Mary Poppins statue just in front of the museum and the pedestrian crossing lights feature Mary Poppins. This is a must for any Mary Poppins Fan.

For those who are absolute Mary Poppins Fans, you may want to make your way to Allora, a 2hr drive from Brisbane to visit Mary Poppins House. This house is heritage listed and was the former home of PL Travers. Make sure you book a private tour before making your way there.

Continuing up the coast, cross the Capricorn Tropic and visit the Capricorn Caves. They offer tours of the caves of different levels depending on your physical capacity and adventurous level. From taking a stroll to crawling through tight spaces. I highly recommend the stop if driving up the coast.

Mackay is another great stop, visit the Pioneer town and see how things where done and looked in the good o’l days. Get there early as there’s lots to see including a ride on a … boat along Pioneer River.

Just south of Mackay is the town of Sarina where I strongly recommend you tour the Sarina Sugar Shed where you get to learn about how sugar is collected from sugar canes and see all the steps to turning the canes into the sugar we use every day at home. The tour ends with a tasting, don’t forget to buy what you like as it is not available elsewhere.

The famous Whitsunday Islands are absolutely breath taking with its white sand beach. If you can make it it’s worth your time. You can either take a beautiful 3 day drive up from Brisbane (making the suggested stops) or fly to Airlie Beach. You can stay in Airlie Beach and do a day tour to the Whitsundays or stay at one of the hotels on the Islands. If staying in Airlie Beach, I recommend either staying at the Rock… Hotel or at least spend the ~$100 to enjoy their pool, bar and restaurant (the entry fee can be used towards food and drinks).

CAIRNS / North Queensland
Cairns is a small city in north Queensland, last time I visited was 15 years ago so it may have changed since. There are bits n pieces to see in Cairns but to me what’s more interesting are the areas around Cairns.

If you want to visit the great barrier reef, then Cairns is where you want to be with many tours offered including dive tours to see it up close. If you are a diver, I recommend looking for tours that goes to the outer reef which has suffered less damage than the inner reef.

Day trips from Cairns
Port Douglas and Cape Tribulations, at the heart of the rainforest there are many tours to take you to these remote areas.

Atherton/Tablelands, this area is like none other with lots to do and see. If you love nature, you’ll really enjoy this place.

The Undara Lava Tubes in the Undara volcanic National Park.

When I last was in North Queensland (15 years ago), there was a tour company that offered a 4-day trip/tour from Cairns, Queensland to Darwin, Northern Territory driving through the tablelands, the outback and really discovering the beauty of Australia. If it still exists, I recommend it.