What Can I Do On My Queensland Holiday?
With a great year-round climate, a well established tourism industry, cheap and plentiful transport , many of the world’s best natural attractions and a friendly laid-back lifestyle, it’s no surprise that Queensland is a renowned holiday destination. So when you start planning for your Queensland holiday, what are some of the things you’d like to do, and where can you do those things ?
This article will help get you off on the right foot . OH… just one thing. Queensland is huge and you need to allow for the travel distances involved . You can’t swim on the Gold Coast in the morning and dive the Barrier Reef in the afternoon…. it’s not that kind of place!
So here are some ideas to get you started …….
Great Barrier Reef holidays – diving, snorkeling, glass bottomed boats, reef walks, sailing, aerial tours, kayaking etc at all of the island resorts. Several of the most popular resorts are located in the Whitsunday Island group off the coast from Proserpine in North Queensland.
Surfing – if surfing is on your agenda , head for the Gold Coast (pre-booking of Gold Coast accommodation is strongly recommended) which lies to the south of Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast to the north of Brisbane.
Diving – This populat activity be done at several locations with the Gold Coast, Whitsundays and Cairns being the most popular ports for diving charters.
Sailing the Whitsunday Islands – Airlie Beach and its marina at Shute Harbour is where the action is for crewed and bare boat sailing throughout the 27 islands of the Whitsundays Passage .
Explore the tropical north rainforests – head for the world famous Daintree Rainforest to the north of Port Douglas in tropical far North Queensland,
Eco tours – these increasingly popular tours are available in many areas throughout Queensland . A great way to see Australia’s unique flora and fauna.
Bushwalking in the National Parks – there are plenty of opportunites to hike the trails and heritage walks throughout the numerous National Parks. The Lamington National Park in the Gold Coast hinterland is a popular hiking area.
Sport fishing – fishing is possible anywhere along the Queensland coast as well as on inland rivers and lakes, and the Great Barrier Reef in particular offers excellent fishing . Blue water sports fishing takes place in the waters off the coast from Cairns.
Barramundi fishing – to catch the much prized Barramundi, you’ll need to head for north Queensland and most of the time you’ll need to continue on into the tropical north. Inexperienced anglers should seek the services of a professional guide .
Jet boating on the Gold Coast – several operators offer jet boat rides on both open water beach locations as well as calm water locations like the Broadwater.
Whale watching – Hervey Bay in south east Qld is Australia’s whale watching capital. It’s the home port for the whale watching fleet during the season from July to November.
Outback tours and adventures – outback tours can be anything from “armchair adventure” bus tours on sealed roads through to extended, off-road 4WD adventure tours to remote locations.
Hot air ballooning – there are several ballooning locations throughout the state with Cairns in the tropical north and Gold Coast in the south east being two of the popular locations.
White water rafting in the tropical north – there are several white water locations in far north Queensland, with the operator companies basedrunning tours out of Cairns.
Campervan & 4WD tours – hire your own custom fitted van and hit the road to wherever takes your fancy . 2WD campers are restricted to sealed roads and 4WD campers can be hired for off-road trips.
Nightlife – usually found in hotels or as part of bar entertainment to draw patrons. The entertainment varies from lavish floorshows at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast, bands playing the pubs through to DJ’s pumping out the latest craze at the local club .
Golf – there are hundreds of world class courses throughout the state. The heaviest concentration of courses is on the Gold Coast.
