7 of the most beautiful places to visit in Queensland

From the cultured streets of Brisbane to the remote tip of Cape York, Queensland is as vast as it is diverse. It encompasses gorgeous beaches, wildlife-filled rainforests and rugged outback areas where the towns are few and far between. When it comes to beautiful places, the Sunshine State boasts no shortage of options for travellers looking to be awed by the magnificence of Mother Nature. In this guide, we’ll introduce 7 of the most spellbinding places to add to your itinerary, whether it’s underwater wonders or ancient gorges that you’re in search of.   While planning your trip to Queensland, you’ll find a wide choice of accommodation to suit all styles and budgets by searching online. From rooms to rent in Brisbane to luxury residences in Cairns and affordable stays in Toowoomba, there really is something for everyone at Rentola online platform. Simply select your chosen destination and the number of bedrooms you need, then chat directly with hosts to secure your preferred dates. zstockphotos, Canva.com  

1. Lawn Hill Gorge

  Forming part of Boodjamulla National Park, this spectacular gorge lies in Outback Queensland in the Shire of Burke. It forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape of sandstone ranges and meandering creeks that provide habitat for native wildlife and birds. A network of hiking trails wind their way through the gorge or its emerald green waterways can be explored by canoe. Also dotting the park are cultural sites of sacred significance to the Waanyi people.  

2. Great Barrier Reef

  Celebrated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the Great Barrier Reef comprises more than 3,000 reef systems off the coast of Queensland. It’s hard to fathom its scale unless you take to the air on a helicopter tour, giving you a bird’s eye view of its tropical islands and coral reefs. But venturing below the water’s surface is what most visitors do, either on a snorkelling or scuba diving excursion. If you don’t want to get wet, you can come face-to-face with its abundant marine life on a glass-bottom boat cruise from Cairns.  

3. Bunya Mountains National Park

  Perched atop the Great Dividing Range are the rainforests and ancient bunya pines of one of Queensland’s most underrated national parks. This spectacular tract of wilderness sprawls across more than 11,000 hectares, with the farmlands of the Darling Downs nestled below. You can spot red-necked wallabies and crimson lorikeets on the short Bunya Bunya Track or challenge yourself on the 12-kilometre-long hike from Cherry Plain to Burtons Well. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning lookouts offering panoramic views across the region. kordi_vahie, Canva.com  

4. Noosa Everglades

  While Noosa is renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and surf, this Sunshine Coast town is also home to one of only two everglades in the world. Its network of waterways extends between Rainbow Beach and Boreen Point and is best explored by kayak on a self-guided or guided tour. The Noosa Everglades stretch across two different UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and provide habitat for around 40% of Australia’s bird species.  

5. Cape Tribulation

  Boasting stunning beaches and magnificent rainforests, Cape Tribulation beckons intrepid explorers and eco-tourists. It’s home to a rich diversity of flora and fauna, including the peppermint stick insect and Boyd’s forest dragon. Marvel at the crystal clear waters of Mossman Gorge and cruise to spot saltwater crocodiles or join an Aboriginal-led tour to learn about the cultural heritage of the Kuku Yalanji people. From the top of Mount Sorrow, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views across the coastal lowlands of Cape Tribulation.  

6. Cobbold Gorge

  In the heart of Queensland’s Gulf Savannah region is this outback oasis, which combines stunning scenery with fascinating cultural history. It is located amidst a 1700-million-year-old landscape of granite rock and meandering waterways that are best explored either on foot or by stand-up paddleboard. You can also be awed by its ancient geological formations on a guided boat tour, with natural springs keeping the water level constant during both the wet and dry seasons. JohnCarnemolla, Canva.com  

7. Whitsunday Islands

  Comprising more than 70 islands, this idyllic archipelago lies scattered between Proserpine and Bowen on Queensland’s Central Coast. It’s an undeniably popular tourist destination, with blindingly white beaches and rugged hiking trails to explore, not to mention coral reefs that are teeming with life. Take to the skies to see the aptly-named Heart Reef and hike to the Hill Inlet Lookout to photograph the picture-perfect sands of Whitehaven Beach.