100 Things To Do In Queensland

What to do in Queensland, Australia?

91 (43) The Coast Road, Cairns to Cooktown

The Coast Road runs from Cairns to Cooktown through the pristine Daintree rainforest. As drives go this isn't half bad. You can look forward to river crossings and picturesque waterways, magnificent beaches & rugged mountains. You can also look forward to getting stuck if you don't have a 4WD (or you aren't a passenger in someone else’s). The bitumen ends at Cape Trib.

92 (33) Best of All Lookout - Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast

Stroll the easy, short 700m to the highest lookout on Springbrook Plateau, Springbrook National Park to enjoy the outstanding panoramic view across Mount Warning to Byron Bay and Coolangatta.

Along with the great views this is a World Heritage Area of Antarctic Beech, rainforest and abundant bird life

As with most walks in Queensland best experienced early or late in the day. Please stick to the path and stand back from the edge of the cliffs.

93 (75) Keep Looking Down - Alexandra Range Lookout, Daintree Coast

The Alexandra Range Lookout, gives you a birds-eye view of the Daintree River, Port Douglas and on a clear day, landmarks South of Cairns, Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island and beyond to the Coral Sea.

You see green that spreads in all directions and greets the ocean along the coastline.

The Daintree Coast is where the rainforest meets the sea and the Alexandra Range Lookout is a great look out to look out and see it from :-)

94 (88) Cobbold Gorge

Don't jump!

The Cobbold Gorge is uniquely narrow, closing to a mere two meters wide in places, with spectacular 30 metre cliffs on either side. The overall length of the gorge is about six kilometres and consists of a series of water holes and rock falls.

Cobbold Gorge tours operate daily from the local village. To cruise through this gorge is an awesome experience.

95 (54) Maroochydore. Sunshine Coast

At the very centre of the Sunshine Coast you’ll find Maroochydore. The river at offers cruises, kayaking and great fishing opportunities in this aquatic paradise.

The Maroochy Shire is also graced by 25 kilometres of golden sands and inviting ocean and excellent surf beaches.

If you get sick of the sight of water (is that possible?) Maroochydore boasts 3,722 hectare of municipal reserves and 2,000 hectare of national parkland.

Night paddle

The gentle light of the setting sun brings out the true beauty of this fabulous location. The smell of the ocean, gentle rolling waves – a great way to end the day.

Kayak Sunset Paddle Sunshine Coast

96 (98) Johnstone River Crocodile Farm

Web address: www.crocfarm.com

The Johnstone River Crocodile Farm has over 3500 crocodiles ranging in size from 30cm to a huge 5.2 metre monster weighing approximately 1200kg, with the oldest croc is 90 years old.

The Johnstone River Crocodile Farm has a selection of other local wildlife beyond crocodiles

You find Johnstone River Crocodile Farm 45mins north of Mission Beach at Innisfail. If you really like it you can snap it up as the farm is currently up for sale.

97 (77) Brisbane

Whilst lacking the spectacular appeal of Sydney Brisbanites love Brisbane. Brisbane’s awayward children miss it with passion that can bore you for hours with plans of their pending return, if only they could find a decent job etc.

Times-are-a-changing with South East Queensland, outside of the temporary boom in Western Australia, has become the fastest growing area in Australia. So maybe Brisbanites will all go home and Sydney-Siders might be able to find a house to rent. (I know it’s around the other way but only because we can’t find digs ;))

Brisbane is Australia’s third-largest city but growing quickly. Brisbane city centre boasts a few extra palm trees and degrees compared to its southern counterparts. Whilst the Brisbane River can look cool the high percentage of air-conditioned homes tells of a humid climate

If you have to stay in Brisbane there are a couple of things you can do to kill time.

Mt Coot-tha Lookout

Take the drive up to the top of Mt Coot-tha to get a view of the whole of Brisbane city then drive back again ;) Pick your day of course or risk wasting your time.

From Mt Coot-tha Lookout you can see the river, the freeway, and the skyline of the CBD. It's an exciting prospect I know at least you can say you’ve seen Brisbane.

On a clear day you can see southwest to Moreton Bay, a place worth visiting and miles in every other direction, all places worth visiting. Whist at Mt Coot-tha Lookout have a cup of coffee and wonder at the irony of being somewhere to see somewhere else you’d rather be – then go there.

Are you still here (Brisbane?)?

South Bank

The South Bank was created to give the people of Brisbane somewhere to go.
South Bank has a sandy beach, grass, shops, places to eat, cinemas, ‘street’ entertainment the occasional festivals and the obligatory fireworks. The later two are (maybe) worth getting out of bed for assuming you really have to stay in Brisbane

The Cultural Centre

Contrary to what you might think Australia does have one. You’ll find some here. The Cultural Centre is a good wet weather destination.

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Here is your chance to cuddle a koala - illegal in Nsw), feed a kangaroo and listen to a talk on reptiles… There’s no need to leave the city to experience these amazing animals but I would.

A trip on the river

Yawn. No, unfair. River trip are nice and easy and relaxing. Try this one:

Brisbane's Famous Wildlife Cruise

Experience the cruise aboard Brisbane's most famous river Boat, MV Mirimar, takes you 19 kilometres (12 miles) upstream through some of the city's most attractive suburbs and most interesting wildlife habitats.

You'll see modern mansions alongside graceful Old Queenslander home with their wide verandahs and wrought iron lacework - all overlooking lush riverfront gardens.

Come close to flying foxes (fruit bats) in the wild. You'll have the opportunity to get a close up view of a unique inner-city colony of fruit bats -so close you can hear the beating of their wings.
And you'll learn about Brisbane's past -some of it amusing and some of it horrifying as the Captain recalls the local history.

You will arrive at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (entry fee included in price). Here you have a full two hours to cuddle a Koala, hand feed Kangaroos and marvel at Australia's many more animal wonders.
The Aussie Cafe is available for lunch if you wish (own cost). Then board the Mirimar for a thoroughly relaxing cruise back to the city arriving at 2.45pm.

The Mirimar is a large and comfortable cruise boat with a licensed bar and tea/coffee facilities for your comfort.

So if you have to stay in Brisbane your best strategy is to take a tour. Of its self Brisbane may not a huge draw card but it surrounded by much natural beauty and splendour:

Brisbane's Famous Wildlife Cruise

98 (64) Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island

Kyaking from Horseshoe Bay

Horseshoe Bay

99 (96) Coen

A focal point for Indigenous Peoples, Coen is a town of about 300 people, situated roughly halfway between Cairns and the Tip of Cape York

Coen is a town Born out of the Gold Rush

You can visit the Visitor Centre, explore indigenous history and culture, buy the local arts & crafts and view the historic buildings and explore mine ruins.

100 Rockhampton (Rocky)

Rockhampton is pleasant enough stop on the road. Attractive old buildings, tree lined streets and good old Fitzroy make for pleasant afternoon or lunch time break from ardors of the road. Of similar ilk visit Townsville, Ipswich, Warwick and Charters Towers.

101 (94) Hinze Dam

A pleasant spot about 15 kilometres southwest from central Nerang

You’ll find a mix of Native bushland, State Forests and National Parks with pastureland, mostly in the Lumina Valley where dairy and beef cattle properties operate.

102 (97) Weipa

Visit the folks of Weipa, an isolated mining town on the coast of Cape York with a growing population of over 3,000 people.

Comalco and the Queensland state government in the early 1960s built the Weipa Township. Weipa is unique in that it is governed by a special act of the Queensland Parliament, which gives Weipa special status. Control of Weipa rests with Comalco Aluminum.

If you ever feel like owning a town talk to the Queensland Government. Weipa is, to some extent, independent from the rest of Queensland.

Weipa is located 838 km north of Cairns on an interesting road that varies from the sublime to the wished you’d stayed on the beach.

103 Toowoomba

Being 700m above sea level means Toowoomba caters for cold weather and fallen leaves in autumn. They have an autumn. You may also discover some scenic views, boutique wineries and nearby national parks.

104 (67) Wilderness and Goldcoast Hinterland Getaways

Everybody need to get away from time to time. You’ll appreciated the beach, sun and sand more if you getaway to the country for a day.

4WD Window to the Wilderness Tour

Beyond the beaches another paradise awaits, Nature's Paradise - the World Heritage Listed Rainforests of Lamington National Park. The trek into the Hinterland region follows the original pioneer's track to the volcanic plateau of Tamborine Mountain.

This area of secluded eucalyptus forests provides a private sanctuary for koalas, wallabies and other varied wildlife. After morning tea and a chance to check out Gallery Walk on the mountain, the day continues as the 4WD negotiates mountainside tracks.

You might encounter a shy koala sleeping the day away in a gum tree or catch a glimpse of a resident wallaby or even come across a goanna basking in the sun! It's time to stretch the legs when your guides, who are renowned for their local knowledge and expertise, escort you on a leisurely bush walk.

Discover lush subtropical rainforests with cascading waterfalls, learn about the forests unique characteristics, how the Aboriginal people gathered food from the forest floor and the animals that call the area home.

Lunchtime, getting hungry? An ideal venue for a delicious BBQ lunch with all the trimmings will be set up. Mouth-watering beefsteaks, chicken, fish or vegetarian option accompanied by crisp salads and fresh fruit.

Entertainment includes a whip cracking demonstration and everyone is encouraged to participate, often with hilarious results. Following lunch, the tour continues to O'Reilly's Plateau, some 3,000 feet above see level, where colourful native birds flock around and can hand fed.

The Treetop Boardwalk through the rainforest canopy offers a bird's eye view of this enchanting area. Leaving O'Reilly's, the 4WD heads down to the Kerry Valley along a bush track. The magnificent view of mountains and valleys to the west providing some great photo opportunities.

On the return journey to the Gold Coast, sightings of kangaroos is common as they emerge form their bush retreats to feed on the
lush pastures of the Kerry Valley farmlands.

4WD Window to the Wilderness Tour

From The Sea To The Mountains Hinter

Gold Coast Hinterland

Gold Coast Hinterland by 4WD

The original and most popular Hinterland tour, it could also be called "The Tour Of Contrasts". Discover the magnificent Gold Coast Hinterland by 4WD, a very different way to see "The Green Behind The Gold."

During the day you will travel over 200kms through prime beef grazing and farming land to explore the World Heritage National Parks of the Gold Coast Hinterland including Lamington and Tamborine Mountain.

Experience the natural wonders, breathtaking views, massive trees, cascading waterfalls, deep valleys, sheer mountain cliffs and the largest sub-tropical rainforest in Australia.

Often see unique Australian wildlife in their natural surroundings including Kangaroos, Wallabies and Kookaburras. Feed the Crimson Rosella's, King Parrots, Bower Birds and Scrub Turkey's by hand. View the rainforest canopy from the Tree Top Walk and stroll through the Botanical Gardens at O'Reilly's.

This day would not be complete without a true Aussie B.B.Q Lunch, which is guaranteed to satisfy even the heartiest appetite.

Meeting point and supplier's details are provided immediately after booking.

4WD Goldcoast Hinterland Tour

Now fly or drive to Sydney! - see www.sydney100.com

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