The ULTIMATE Queensland travel guide: Top attractions, best things to do, eat, stay & MORE

Queensland – the beautiful land of Australia, famous for its endless coastline, the majestic Great Barrier Reef and pristine tropical forests. This is an ideal destination for those who love nature, explore indigenous culture and experience vibrant tourist activities. To have a complete trip, let’s learn about Queensland travel experience in the article below with Living Nomads!

With a warm climate all year round, Queensland offers visitors a diverse experience from majestic coral reefs, beautiful beaches to pristine rainforests, vibrant modern cities.

Queensland travel guide: Overview of Queensland, Australia

Located in the northeast of Australia, Queensland, Australia is surrounded by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean, bordering the Northern Territory to the west, South Australia to the southwest, and New South Wales to the south. Because of its favorable geographical location, Queensland is a rare state in Australia that enjoys the benefits of both inside and outside the region.

Queensland, a state located in the Northeast of Australia, is known as the “Sunshine State” thanks to its warm climate all year round and diverse nature. This is an ideal destination for those who love islands, rainforests and wildlife.

Queensland has an area of ​​1,852,642 km², making it the second largest state in the country and the sixth largest sub-national entity in the world. The capital and largest city of the state is Brisbane, which is also the third most populous city in Australia.

Queensland is known as the “black pearl” of mainland Australia, with a long coastline and many beautiful beaches, islands, as well as majestic mountains and forests, including places listed as World Heritage Sites such as the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Australian fossil sites at Riversleigh – Gulf Country, Lamington National Park and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

One of the most prominent features of Queensland tourism is the Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder of the world, where visitors can scuba dive and explore the unique ecosystem under the ocean. In addition, when coming to Queensland, you can visit the rainforests, golden sand beaches, majestic canyons and famous animal sanctuaries.

Queensland Australia is also a paradise for tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples and mangoes, along with a wide variety of vegetables, cereals, livestock, cotton, sugarcane, wool and countless minerals and precious metals.

The best time to travel to Queensland

Queensland Australia is also known by a beautiful name as the “Sunshine State”, because it has a tropical climate, hot and sunny weather all year round. Therefore, the most ideal time to travel is in spring or autumn.

Located in northeastern Australia, Queensland has two distinct seasons: the dry season from May to October and the rainy season from November to April, each season brings a separate experience, suitable for different types of travel.

The climate in Queensland is quite diverse, from the tropics in the North to the temperate zone in the South, so each season of the year brings different travel experiences. According to Queensland travel experience, the most ideal time to explore this land is autumn (March – May) and spring (September – November). This is the time when the weather is pleasant, with little rain and cool temperatures, suitable for both beach tourism, nature exploration and participating in vibrant festivals. Specifically:

Autumn (March – May)

Warm days and chilly nights. This is also the season with the most beautiful and romantic nature, cherry blossoms and violets will bloom all over the cities. With cool weather, autumn is also the right season for outdoor activities such as: walking, picnicking, trekking, etc.

The weather is cool, pleasant, with little rain, suitable for outdoor activities such as: scuba diving, boating, exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Spring (September – November)

The weather is warm and cool, suitable for going to the beach and visiting places around the city. This is also the time when cherry blossoms and Jacaranda flowers bloom. Brisbane also hosts major events such as: Brisbane Festival, Brisbane International Film Festival,…

Warm climate, beautiful nature, suitable for participating in festivals and exploring animal sanctuaries.

What do you need to prepare when traveling to Queensland?

According to Queensland travel experience, to have a smooth and complete trip, you need to pay attention to preparing the following documents and items:

Tourist visa: You need to apply for an Australian visa about 1-2 months in advance to avoid affecting your schedule. If you encounter difficulties during the procedure, you can refer to the Australian Visa service on Klook to save time.

Travel SIM or eSIM: Having a stable internet connection will help you easily look up information and contact when necessary. You can choose to buy a global 4G eSIM or Australian eSIM in Vietnam to use immediately upon arrival in Australia.

Exchange money: For convenient spending, you should exchange some cash into Australian dollars before the trip. In addition, you can also use an international payment card to ensure safety.

Clothing: Queensland’s weather is quite pleasant, but you still need to prepare suitable clothing for your trip. In addition, you should also prepare some personal items such as medicine, adapters, and compact backpacks for convenience when visiting.

How to get to Queensland

Queensland is one of the largest states in Australia with a modern transportation system. To best prepare for your trip, you should book your flight to Australia early and refer to the Queensland travel guide below.

Currently, there are no direct flights from Vietnam to Queensland, but visitors can transit through major cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Sydney. Then, you can continue your journey and land at Brisbane Airport, Gold Coast Airport or Cairns Airport.

After landing at the airport, you can use Klook’s airport shuttle service to quickly move to your favorite tourist destinations.

Getting around Queensland

In Queensland, Australia, all airports have taxi, bus, limousine, train or shuttle bus services to serve visitors. To save the most money, you can choose the subway. There will be a trip every 15 minutes, stopping at the central area (Central), South Bank, Fortitude Valley and Roma Street train station. The total running time will be about 30 minutes, operating from 5:00 – 22:00.

Besides, you can also experience the beautiful scenery on the Brisbane River by choosing to travel by ferry or using CityCat (fast train).

Queensland has a developed public transport system with many convenient means of transport. You can refer to the Queensland travel experience below to conveniently travel to tourist destinations:

• Train: Queensland Rail’s train system helps connect areas from Brisbane to Cairns, suitable for visitors who want to see the scenery along the way.
• Bus & trains: Brisbane and Gold Coast have a modern bus and train system, convenient for traveling within the city.
• Rent a car: This is an ideal option if you want to explore remote locations such as Lamington National Park or Carnarvon Gorge.
• Ferry & boat: If you want to go to islands such as Moreton Island or Fraser Island, you can travel by ferry or speedboat.

What to do and where to go in in Queensland

According to Queensland travel experience, this state owns many majestic natural landscapes and vibrant cities. If you are planning to travel to Queensland, explore the following places to plan your trip.

Great Barrier Reef

Address: Off the coast of Queensland, from Bundaberg to Peninsula, Australia
Listed as a World Natural Wonder, the Great Barrier Reef has an extremely large area, stretching from North Queensland (Mackay) to the Northeast corner. It includes 600 continental islands, more than 3,000 coral reefs, about 1,600 species of tropical fish living in coral reefs and countless other small islands.

Rare marine species here include: sharks, dolphins, dragon fish, turtles, giant clams, … When coming here, you will be able to participate in swimming and diving activities to see coral, or admire the ocean world from underwater observation stations and glass-bottom boats. In addition, there are also many classy and luxurious resorts with full amenities.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, stretching more than 2,300 km off the coast of Queensland. With a rich ecosystem including more than 2,900 individual coral reefs, hundreds of small islands and thousands of marine species, this is an ideal destination for those who love the ocean.

According to Queensland travel experience, you can scuba dive, take a glass-bottom boat to admire the beautiful world of creatures under the clear blue water. Besides, visitors can also participate in kayaking, fishing or simply relax on the pristine white sand beaches.

Kuranda Rainforest Village

Kuranda is a rainforest village in the Atherton Tableland. What makes it special is the skytrain that runs through the rainforest, past towering peaks and majestic waterfalls. The train line, called Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, will take you to Kuranda’s main attractions such as art shops, souvenir markets, … definitely a memorable experience.

Fraser Island (K’Gari)

Fraser Island (also known by its indigenous name K’Gari) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its giant sand dunes, rainforests and crystal clear freshwater lakes. Visitors can join a 4WD exploration journey on Seventy-Five Mile Beach or hike through the Central Station forest.

In addition, when coming to this island, visitors can also visit some other famous tourist destinations such as Lake McKenzie and the Maheno shipwreck.

Moreton Island

Only about 75 minutes by ferry from Brisbane, Moreton Island is the perfect destination for those who love nature and outdoor activities. This island is famous for the Tangalooma shipwreck system – which forms a beautiful artificial reef.

According to Queensland travel experience, this is an ideal place for diving, kayaking, cruising at Tangalooma and experiencing Tangalooma ATV. In addition, you can also try sandboarding at The Desert Sand Dunes, where the towering sand dunes bring a challenging feeling.

Rainbow Beach

Located around 3 hours north of Brisbane or 1.5 hours south of Hervey Bay, Rainbow Beach is close to a small town with a laid-back vibe, pristine beaches, friendly locals and the famous Carlo Sand Blow. You can camp right on the beach at Inskip Point, rent a holiday home or head to Rainbow Ocean Palms Resort.

The proximity to Fraser Island makes Rainbow Beach the perfect base to explore everything the area has to offer, and with so much to do, the beach here is one of the best in Australia, there’s no reason not to visit Rainbow Beach.

Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt

The Granite Belt is a large dividing line area in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, centred around the scenic town of Stanthorpe. It is located very close to the Queensland and New South Wales border. The area gets its name from the predominantly granite rocks that distinguish it from the other areas that make up much of South East Queensland. It is a Queensland tourist destination known for its spectacular scenery, great food and the hospitality of its people. Interestingly, it is also famous for its apples, and the area produces almost all of Queensland’s apples!

Whitsunday Islands

Off the central Queensland coast, the Whitsunday group consists of 74 stunning islands strung along the Great Barrier Reef. The Whitsundays are continental islands, the tips of a coastal strip that rises from the sea. All but five of them have been declared national parks, and about eight are home to popular resorts.

Popular resorts include the luxurious Hayman Island, the tiny Daydream Resort & Spa, Long Island Resort with its 13km of walking trails and the well-developed Hamilton, the largest island resort. On the uninhabited Whitsunday Island, Whitehaven Beach, with its fine white sand and turquoise waters, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Airlie Beach and Shute Harbour are the main starting points for island excursions.

Carnarvon Gorge

Location: South Brigalow Rim Ecoregion, central Queensland.

Carnarvon Gorge is one of Australia’s most beautiful trekking spots, featuring towering cliffs, lush palm trees and clear streams. It also holds traces of Aboriginal Australian rock carvings dating back thousands of years.

Besides trekking, visitors can join wildlife watching tours or try camping overnight in the national park to enjoy the starry night sky and peaceful natural sounds.

Lamington National Park

Location: Lamington Plateau, 75 km south of Brisbane.

Located about a 1.5-hour drive from the Gold Coast, Lamington National Park is part of the Gondwana Rainforests – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The forest is famous for its centuries-old trees, clear streams and diverse flora and fauna.

One of the most interesting experiences here is walking on the Tree Top Walk – a system of suspension bridges between the canopy of tall trees, giving visitors the opportunity to observe the rainforest from different perspectives.

Port Douglas

Dotted with palm and mango trees, the once sleepy village of Port Douglas is now a charming resort and a popular base for wildlife safaris and coral reefs.

This picturesque town is located about an hour’s drive north of Cairns, along a scenic coastal road that skirts beaches and rainforest-covered hills. It’s the closest mainland town to the Great Barrier Reef. Flanked by the beautiful blonde sweep of Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas has a relaxing tropical vibe with cute cafes, shops and art galleries. From the Flagstaff Hill Lookout, enjoy spectacular views of the palm-fringed beach bordered by the turquoise Coral Sea.

Top attractions include Wildlife Habitat and the Bally Hooley Sugar Train, an old steam engine chugging through cane fields to the sugar mill at Mossman. Other adventures on offer include off-road vehicle safaris to Daintree National Park, fishing trips, northbound expeditions through the rugged landscape of the Cape York Peninsula and boat trips to Cooktown and the Great Barrier Reef.

Brisbane

Location: The heart of southeast Queensland, located along the Brisbane River.

When traveling to Brisbane, visitors can stroll along the South Bank riverside to enjoy the peaceful scenery or visit Streets Beach – an artificial beach right in the heart of the city. In addition, you can also explore the arts and culture area at Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art.

When night falls, the city puts on a vibrant appearance with bars, nightclubs and colorful music spaces at Fortitude Valley – a famous entertainment district, attracting both locals and tourists.

Rainbow Beach Town

Location: Near Hervey Bay and Brisbane, southeast Queensland.

Rainbow Beach is a beautiful coastal town, famous for its unique colorful sand strips. According to Queensland travel experience, visitors can participate in activities such as: surfing, walking on the smooth sand or driving 4WD on the coast to feel the freedom of nature.

In addition, one of the most memorable experiences at Rainbow Beach is conquering Carlo Sand Blow – a large sand dune that offers panoramic views of the ocean.

Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast

Location: Gold Coast is located south of Brisbane and Sunshine Coast is north of Brisbane.

Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are two must-see destinations for those who love the sea and entertainment activities. Gold Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches such as Surfers Paradise and a series of theme parks such as Warner Bros. Movie World, Dreamworld and Sea World, providing great fun experiences for the whole family.

Meanwhile, the Sunshine Coast offers a more peaceful atmosphere with pristine beaches, rainforests and charming coastal towns like Noosa. This is the ideal place to relax, explore Noosa National Park or join kayak tours on the Everglades.

Where to stay in Queensland?

Queensland has a diverse accommodation system, from luxury beach resorts to cozy hotels. Here are 5 Queensland hotels that you can refer to:

Emporium Hotel South Bank

Located in the heart of Brisbane, this hotel has a prime location, making it easy for you to travel to famous tourist destinations of the city. It offers a modern and convenient stay experience for visitors. (klook, agoda)

Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas

It is a resort located right next to Noosa National Park, suitable for visitors who want to explore the rainforest and relax on pristine beaches. (klook, agoda)

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort

It is one of the most luxurious hotels on the Gold Coast, equipped with a large swimming pool, a private beach and many high-class services for visitors. (klook, agoda)

Below we recommend more best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Next Hotel Brisbane, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $120/night (Check rates on Agoda.com).
• Stamford Plaza Brisbane, a top rated 4-star hotel with room rates from $114/night (Check rates on Agoda.com).
• Meriton Suites Herschel Street, Brisbane, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $77/night (Check rates on Agoda.com).
• Royal On The Park Hotel & Suites, a top rated 5-star hotel with room rates from $93/night (Check rates on Agoda.com).

You can find more hotels in this city on Agoda.com.

What to eat in Queensland?

Queensland cuisine is not only famous for its fresh seafood but also impresses visitors with dishes imbued with local culture. Here are the dishes you must try when you come here:

Seafood: Queensland is famous for its fresh seafood, especially Moreton Bay lobster, mud crab and Hervey Bay scallops. Queensland, Australia is a state with many beaches and archipelagos, so the amount of seafood here is abundant and fresh. You can find here a variety of seafood such as: shrimp, crab, snails, clams, squid, fish, … processed into many extremely attractive dishes.

Australian Beef: With large farms, beef in Queensland is always of excellent quality, especially Wagyu steak or Australian-style roast beef. Australian beef is always highly appreciated for its quality and flavor, and is a famous dish all over the world. You can enjoy delicious dishes made from beef such as: steak, grilled beef tenderloin, beef burgers, …

Lamingtons: This is a traditional Australian sponge cake, covered with chocolate and shredded coconut, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.

Vegemite: This is a favorite jam of Australians, salty and slightly bitter, made from yeast extract and rich in nutritional value. Vegemite is often eaten with toast or crackers. For those who try it for the first time, vegemite can be a difficult dish to eat, but once you get used to it, it will be hard to resist.

Rosella Jam: This jam is made from native hibiscus flowers, has a distinctive sweet and sour taste and is often served with bread or desserts.

Wine and craft beer: Queensland is famous for its wine and craft beer. Granite Belt vineyards produce premium Shiraz and Chardonnay wines, while breweries in Brisbane and the Gold Coast create unique beers with flavors of mango, passion fruit and ginger. A relaxing afternoon with a glass of wine or a cold beer is a great way to fully enjoy the Queensland spirit.

Some notes when traveling to Queensland, Australia

Here are some travel experiences in Queensland, Australia that you need to note:

• The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD), so you need to exchange cash in advance or bring an international credit card for convenient payment.
• Bring all your identification documents such as: passport, visa, international driver’s license (if needed).
• Queensland Australia uses 240V voltage and type I socket, different from Vietnam’s 220V, so bring a voltage converter.
• Queensland’s weather is also unpredictable, so you need to prepare an umbrella, waterproof jacket and waterproof sandals or shoes.
• Most shops, restaurants and entertainment facilities in Queensland will be open from 9:00 to 18:00, Sundays and holidays may have limited business hours, so you need to check carefully before scheduling.
• Prepare all necessary items such as: sunscreen, hiking shoes, hats, jackets,… and necessary medicines.

Queensland not only possesses majestic natural landscapes but also offers countless memorable experiences. With the Queensland travel experiences shared in the article, we hope you will have a smooth and complete journey.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Brisbane you can refer to

• Brisbane’s Best Sightseeing Day Tour
• Gold Coast City Sights with Transfers from Brisbane
• Outdoor Rock Climbing Experience in Brisbane
• Grand Brisbane Tour
• Brisbane by Bicycle Tour
• Greyhound Australia Whimit Coach Pass from Brisbane (Consecutive 3, 5, 7 Days)
• Brisbane City Tour with Cruise from Gold Coast
• Grand Brisbane Tour from Gold Coast
• Morning Brisbane City Tour with Cruise
• Brisbane Segway Tour
• Dreamworld Tickets with Transfers from Brisbane
• {Unp by Op} Gold Coast Water Park Admission Tickets with Transfers from Brisbane
• Guided Kayaking Tour in Brisbane

Are you looking for more top things to do in Brisbane: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.