The 10 Best Activities in Queensland — A Complete Guide

Queensland is Australia’s most diverse and most extraordinary state for experiences — a vast, sun-drenched corner of the continent that stretches from the world’s largest coral reef system in the north to the subtropical beaches of the Gold Coast in the south, taking in ancient rainforests, the extraordinary Whitsunday Islands, Steve Irwin’s legendary Australia Zoo, and some of the world’s most unique wildlife experiences along the way. Whether you’re based in Brisbane, heading north to Cairns, or exploring the Whitsundays, Queensland delivers experiences that are genuinely world class. Here are the 10 best activities in Queensland — all bookable before you leave home.

Planning your Queensland accommodation? Browse hotels across Queensland on Trip.com.

1. Airlie Beach — Whitehaven Beach Full Day Eco Cruise with Buffet

Whitehaven Beach is one of Australia’s most extraordinary natural wonders — a 7-kilometre stretch of pure white silica sand on Whitsunday Island, accessible only by boat, with water so clear and so brilliantly turquoise that photographs of it are routinely mistaken for digital manipulation. The full day eco cruise from Airlie Beach delivers a complete Whitsundays experience — sailing through the extraordinary island scenery of the Whitsunday passage, swimming and snorkelling at Whitehaven Beach, and exploring Hill Inlet lookout where the swirling white sand and turquoise water create one of Australia’s most iconic views.

Why it’s extraordinary: Whitehaven Beach consistently ranks among Australia’s and the world’s most beautiful beaches — and experiencing it from the water, with a full day to swim, snorkel, and explore, is the definitive Whitsundays experience.

Why it’s perfect: The full buffet lunch is included — a complete day on the water with everything provided. The eco-certified cruise is designed for comfort and accessibility — no previous sailing experience required.

Check availability — one of Queensland’s most booked experiences 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/airlie-beach-l868/airlie-beach-whitehaven-full-day-eco-cruise-with-buffet-t394848/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

2. Cairns — Green Island Snorkelling or Glass Bottom Boat

Green Island is one of the Great Barrier Reef’s most accessible and most extraordinary destinations — a coral cay sitting directly on the outer reef, just 45 minutes by high-speed catamaran from Cairns, surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral gardens on the entire Great Barrier Reef. Whether you choose to snorkel among the reef’s extraordinary marine life or experience it from the comfort of a glass bottom boat — Green Island delivers a genuine Great Barrier Reef experience without the long journey to the outer reef.

Why it’s extraordinary: The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s seven natural wonders — and Green Island sits directly on it. The coral gardens surrounding the island are extraordinarily colourful and extraordinarily accessible — shallow enough for first-time snorkellers, clear enough to see from the surface without getting wet.

Why it’s perfect: The glass bottom boat option makes the Great Barrier Reef accessible for anyone who doesn’t swim — an extraordinary experience of one of the world’s great natural wonders from the comfort of a seated vessel.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/cairns-l298/cairns-green-island-snorkelling-or-glass-bottom-boat-t27460/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

3. Cairns — Cape Tribulation and Daintree Rainforest Premium Tour

The Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest — older than the Amazon, older than the Congo, older than any other rainforest on earth — a living relic of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana that has survived largely unchanged for 180 million years. The premium day tour from Cairns combines the extraordinary Daintree Rainforest with Cape Tribulation — the only place on earth where two UNESCO World Heritage areas meet, where the ancient rainforest grows directly to the edge of the Great Barrier Reef.

Why it’s extraordinary: Standing in a 180 million year old rainforest that grows to the edge of the world’s largest coral reef system is a genuinely profound experience — one that puts the extraordinary age and biodiversity of Australia’s natural environment in breathtaking perspective.

Why it’s perfect: The premium tour format — small group, expert guide, comfortable vehicle — makes the Daintree accessible and enjoyable for all fitness levels. The guide’s knowledge of the rainforest’s extraordinary plants, animals, and history transforms what would otherwise be a beautiful drive into a genuinely educational and genuinely moving experience.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/cairns-l298/cairns-cape-tribulation-daintree-rainforest-premium-tour-t839212/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

4. Cairns — Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge Tour

A second extraordinary Daintree experience — this tour combines the ancient rainforest with Mossman Gorge, one of the most beautiful natural swimming holes in Australia, where crystal clear mountain water flows over ancient granite boulders through a gorge of extraordinary beauty. The combination of rainforest immersion and the extraordinary swimming experience of Mossman Gorge makes this one of North Queensland’s most complete and most satisfying day experiences.

Why it’s perfect: Mossman Gorge is one of Australia’s most beautiful natural swimming spots — cool, clear, and extraordinarily beautiful. The gorge is accessible via a short, flat boardwalk — making it genuinely accessible for all fitness levels.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/cairns-l298/cairns-daintree-rainforest-and-mossman-gorge-tour-t159008/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

5. Cairns — Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway Gold Class

The Kuranda experience is one of Queensland’s great classic journeys — a full day combining two of Australia’s most extraordinary transport experiences: the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which glides over the rainforest canopy for 7.5 kilometres with extraordinary aerial views of the Daintree, and the Kuranda Scenic Railway, one of Australia’s most historic and most beautiful train journeys, winding through 15 hand-cut tunnels and across 40 bridges through the rainforest to the charming village of Kuranda in the mountains above Cairns.

Why it’s extraordinary: The combination of the cableway and the scenic railway delivers two completely different perspectives on the same extraordinary rainforest landscape — from above the canopy on the Skyrail and through the heart of it on the railway. Gold Class adds a premium experience — wider seats, dedicated carriage, and table service — making it a genuinely special occasion.

Why it’s perfect: Both the Skyrail and the Scenic Railway are entirely seated experiences — no walking required beyond boarding and disembarking. The Gold Class format adds comfort and service that makes the journey genuinely luxurious.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/cairns-l298/kuranda-self-drive-skyrail-and-scenic-rail-gold-class-t220290/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

6. Sunshine Coast — Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry Ticket

Australia Zoo — Steve Irwin’s legendary wildlife park on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane — is one of Australia’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences and one of the country’s most visited attractions. Home to over 1,200 animals across 100 species — including crocodiles, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, and one of the world’s most impressive collections of Australian reptiles — Australia Zoo delivers a wildlife experience that genuinely lives up to its extraordinary reputation.

Why it’s extraordinary: Australia Zoo is not just a zoo — it is a conservation organisation, a wildlife hospital, and a living tribute to Steve Irwin’s extraordinary legacy. The genuine passion of every staff member for Australia’s wildlife is visible in every corner of the park — and the extraordinary breadth of animal encounters available makes every visit different.

Why it’s perfect: The transfer from Brisbane eliminates the need to hire a car and navigate the Sunshine Coast Highway — a genuine relief for visitors unfamiliar with Queensland’s roads. The park is entirely flat and accessible — comfortable for all ages and fitness levels.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/brisbane-l300/from-brisbane-australia-zoo-transfer-and-entry-ticket-t155550/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

7. Brisbane — Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary Day Pass

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane is the world’s oldest and largest koala sanctuary — home to over 130 koalas along with kangaroos, wombats, platypus, Tasmanian devils, and a wide range of Australian birds. For international visitors and Australians who want an accessible, concentrated Australian wildlife experience without leaving Brisbane — Lone Pine is the outstanding choice.

Why it’s extraordinary: Lone Pine offers the opportunity to hold a koala — one of Australia’s most iconic wildlife experiences — in a genuinely caring and conservation-focused environment. The kangaroo feeding area — where you walk freely among kangaroos and wallabies — is one of the most charming and most accessible wildlife experiences in Australia.

Why it’s perfect: Lone Pine is located just 12 kilometres from Brisbane’s CBD — easily accessible without a long drive. The sanctuary is entirely flat with excellent facilities — genuinely accessible for all ages and fitness levels.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/brisbane-l300/brisbane-lone-pine-koala-sanctuary-day-pass-t908924/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

8. Brisbane — Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Small Group Tour

The Sunshine Coast Hinterland is one of Southeast Queensland’s most beautiful and most underrated landscapes — ancient volcanic peaks, lush subtropical rainforest, stunning views across the Sunshine Coast to the ocean, and the charming villages of Montville and Maleny that have retained their extraordinary character and atmosphere. This small group tour combines the best of the hinterland with beautiful Noosa — one of Australia’s most sophisticated and most beautiful coastal towns.

Why it’s extraordinary: The Sunshine Coast Hinterland delivers a completely different Queensland experience — cool, green, quiet, and extraordinarily beautiful — offering a genuine contrast to the beaches and reef experiences that dominate most Queensland itineraries.

Why it’s perfect: The small group format — typically 10-12 people — delivers an intimate and unhurried experience of some of Southeast Queensland’s most beautiful countryside. Transport from Brisbane is included — no driving required.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/brisbane-l300/brisbane-sunshine-coast-hinterland-noosa-small-group-tour-t141726/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

9. Gold Coast — Lamington National Park Treetops, Wildlife and Vineyard Visit

Lamington National Park is one of Queensland’s most extraordinary natural treasures — a vast subtropical rainforest in the McPherson Range above the Gold Coast, home to some of Australia’s most extraordinary birdlife, ancient Antarctic beech forests, and some of the most beautiful rainforest walking tracks in the country. This tour combines the extraordinary natural beauty of Lamington with a wildlife encounter and a visit to a local vineyard — a genuinely complete Gold Coast hinterland experience.

Why it’s extraordinary: Lamington is home to over 190 bird species — making it one of Australia’s great birdwatching destinations. The ancient Antarctic beech forest — a relic of the Gondwanan supercontinent — grows at the park’s higher elevations and creates one of the most atmospheric and most unique forest environments in Australia.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/gold-coast-l842/gold-coast-lamington-treetops-wildlife-vineyard-visit-t390680/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

10. Gold Coast — Extreme Jet Boat Blast Ride

For those who want something completely different — the Gold Coast Extreme Jet Boat Blast Ride delivers 55 minutes of high-speed thrills on the Gold Coast Broadwater, with 360-degree spins, fishtails, and high-speed runs past the Gold Coast skyline. It’s not for everyone — but for those who want to experience the Gold Coast from a completely different perspective, it is genuinely extraordinary fun.

Why it’s perfect: The Broadwater is a protected waterway — the ride is exciting without being dangerous. The experienced drivers know exactly how to deliver maximum excitement in complete safety. The Gold Coast skyline from the water is genuinely beautiful — and at high speed, genuinely exhilarating.

Check availability here 👇 https://www.getyourguide.com/gold-coast-l842/gold-coast-extreme-jet-boat-blast-ride-t392040/?partner_id=ZQP1JUR&utm_medium=online_publisher

Practical Tips for Booking Activities in Queensland

Book in advance Queensland’s most popular experiences — particularly the Whitehaven Beach cruise and the Kuranda Scenic Railway Gold Class — book out weeks in advance during school holidays and peak season from June to August. Booking through GetYourGuide before you leave home guarantees your spot and often provides better pricing than booking on arrival.

Best time to visit Queensland June to August is Queensland’s best travel season — warm, dry, and comfortable across the state. Cairns and the tropical north are best avoided from November to April when the wet season brings heavy rainfall and stinger season affects swimming at many beaches.

Getting around Queensland Queensland is vast — domestic flights between Brisbane, Cairns, and the Whitsundays are the most practical way to cover large distances. Hire cars are available at all major airports and are the best option for exploring the hinterland and Sunshine Coast.

The Complete Queensland Activities Guide

Activity	Link
Whitehaven Beach Eco Cruise	Book here
Green Island Snorkelling	Book here
Cape Tribulation Daintree Premium Tour	Book here
Daintree and Mossman Gorge Tour	Book here
Kuranda Skyrail and Scenic Railway Gold Class	Book here
Australia Zoo Transfer and Entry	Book here
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary	Book here
Sunshine Coast Hinterland and Noosa Tour	Book here
Lamington Treetops Wildlife and Vineyard	Book here
Gold Coast Jet Boat Blast Ride	Book here

Browse Queensland accommodation on Trip.com 👇 https://www.trip.com/hotels/w/home?Allianceid=9432011&SID=325292885&trip_sub1=queensland&trip_sub3=D18818718

Have you done any of these activities in Queensland? Share your experience in The Good Years Club community — your recommendations could help another traveller plan the perfect Queensland adventure 💙

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