Queensland, Australia, beautiful one day, perfect the next. If you enjoy exploring untouched wilderness, taking on a coastal drive, embracing indigenous culture or discovering the colorful marine life on the Reef, be sure that you include these top five experiences when planning an Australian Vacation.

The Great Barrier Reef

Stretching 1,429 miles, from the northern tip of the State to Lady Elliot Island in the south, The Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for any visitor to Australia.

Upulo Cay, Queensland, Australia
Upulo Cay (by Tourism and Events Queensland)

Scuba, snorkel, sail, kayak the reef, or get a bird’s eye view from above by seaplane or helicopter. You can dive with turtles and manta rays off Lady Elliot Island, snorkel the spectacular Low Isles coral cay off Port Douglas or take a romantic scenic flight over the iconic Heart Reef.

The Reef offers breathtaking insights into the beauty and magic of this incredible biosphere, the only natural wonder visible from space.

Island Escapes

Relax and recharge on one of many of the islands scattered along Queensland’s 4,350 miles coastline. Whether you are seeking a family escape, a romantic retreat or a solo adventure, there is an island to suit everyone’s style and budget.

Heron Island
Heron Island (by Tourism and Events Queensland)

From the world’s largest sand island, Fraser Island, to an unspoiled paradise in the Torres Strait, each island has its own personality and experiences on offer. Pick your own private beach on Orpheus Island, walk off the beach at Lady Elliot, Heron or Lady Musgrave and be surrounded by giant manta rays, friendly turtles.

Touched with soft silica sand or isolated coral cays, fringed with coconut palms or lush rainforest, the islands and the rest of the Great Eight. Stick your feet in the sand of the famous Whitehaven Beach of make your way around The Thorsborne Trail on Jurrassic-esque Hinchinbrook Island.

Tangalooma Wrecks Moreton Island
Tangalooma Wrecks, Moreton Island (by Tourism and Events Queensland)

Cuddle a Koala

Queensland is one of the few Australian states that allows you to cuddle a koala. Explore Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest koala sanctuary, with 90 years’ experience and 130 koalas. Visit Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo and play zookeeper for a day or see the largest wild colony of koalas in Queensland on Magnetic Island.

Koala Queensland Australia
Koala (by Tourism and Events Queensland)

Experience Indigenous Culture

Choose from a range of authentic experiences and learn more about the unique and ancient art, culture and dance of Australian Aborigines. Whether you watch a performance of local dancers, hunt for mud crabs near Cairns or take a leisurely stroll through the Daintree Rainforest with an Aboriginal guide, there are many opportunities to include an experience in your vacation.

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Kuku Yulanji Cutural Habitat Tours
Kuku Yulanji Cutural Habitat Tours

Food and Wine

More than a meat pie and vegemite on toast, Australia’s culinary scene has progressed to take advantage of the local produce available.  In summer, indulge on fresh juicy mangoes or succulent lychees. Enjoy seafood straight off the trawler and be sure to try Moreton Bay Bugs and Barramundi. Sample bush tucker and traditional indigenous foods and spices or take a class and learn the cook with the Pacific Rim flavors.

Currumbin beachside cafe plate of seafood and wine
Currumbin beachside cafe

Compliment your meals with crisp locally grown chardonnay, fruit wines from the north or a craft beer from a local brewery. Liquor lovers should try Bundaberg Rum, a favorite for Queenslanders.

For more information and tours to Queensland, Australia, check out Down Under Answers.