Best things to do in Queensland

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is just a two-hour drive north of Brisbane, and is the world's largest sand island. Blessed with a unique ecological system of giant dunes, forests, streams and freshwater lakes, it was deservedly placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993. The island draws visitors wishing to explore the unique elevated lakes (there are more than 200 of them), which contain pure, acidic water that is so low in nutrients that few fish survive in them. The island, well-covered in vegetation, is inhabited by bats, dingoes and more than 350 species of birds. It also features giant satinay trees that stand 60 metres high, as well as several other rare and ancient botanical species. The island is 75 miles (120km) long and about nine miles (15km) wide, and can be explored on walking trails or by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Accommodation is plentiful on the island, in ecologically sensitive resorts.

Website www.fraserisland.net

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island was named by Captain James Cook in 1770, when he believed that the landmass of the island affected the magnetic compass on his ship, 'Endeavour'. More than half of the island, which is about five miles (8km) from Townsville, is a National Park known for its rugged landscape of granite boulders, hoop pines and eucalyptus trees. The island has 23 beaches and bays, some of which can only be reached on foot. There are more than 12 miles (20km) of walking trails marked out on the island. Part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fringes the island, which is also home to the most northerly colony of free-ranging koala bears in Australia.

The island offers a range of massage treatments and there are two regular markets for visitors to enjoy. Visitors will also find a diverse and vibrant community of artists, whose works are inspired by the natural beauty and history of Magnetic island. Art lovers can shop and admire local art just metres from the beach, or visit some of the intimate local galleries. A wide range of accommodation and transport is available.

Website www.thisismagneticisland.com.au

The Wet Tropics of Queensland

The Wet Tropics of Queensland is said to be the oldest tropical rainforest still surviving on earth, and is a UNESCO-listed site containing the highest number of rare or threatened plant and animal species on the planet. It also has 13 different types of rainforest and 29 species of mangrove. Among the national parks included in the Wet Tropics are Barron Gorge National Park, Black Mountain National Park, Cedar Bay National Park, Daintree National Park, Girringun National Park and Wooroonooran National Park.

This unique area covers around 745 miles (1,200km) of northern Queensland, and is visited by droves of tourists, who access it usually from Cairns, via Daintree Village. Visitors will enjoy an unrivalled natural experience, from the beautiful golden beaches to hiking through ancient forest ecosystems full of gorgeous birds, primitive flowering plants, and fascinating animals such as the estuarine crocodile. Daintree is about two hours north of Cairns, on the Captain Cook Highway, making it easily accessible for excursions and weekend getaways.

Website www.tropicalnorthqueensland.org.au/wet-tropics-rainforest/

Great Barrier Reef

One of the great natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is as big as the total combined area of the United Kingdom and Ireland, and contains more than 1,000 islands that range from sandy mounds to rainforest isles. Divers, snorkellers and nature lovers can reach specific sites by air or by water taxi. Non-divers can view this underwater world from a glass-bottomed boat.

The Reef ecosystem has evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to give life to almost 7,000 species of plants and animals. It is home to some endangered species such as the green loggerhead turtle, and is a breeding site for humpback whales. Visitors can either cruise the islands or make a base in Cairns or one of the many seaside towns along the Queensland coast. Visitors can access the Great Barrier Reef from numerous regions in Queensland, from the southern gateway of Bundaberg, Coral Coast and Country to Gladstone, Capricorn, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville and Tropical North Queensland, including Cairns.

Website www.gbrmpa.gov.au

Surfer's Paradise

Formerly a small coastal resort town, the Surfer's Paradise holiday resort has blossomed into the pulsating heart of the Queensland Gold Coast. Set on a peninsula, about 50 miles (78km) from Brisbane, with the warm Pacific Ocean on one side and the deep blue Nerang River on the other, Surfer's Paradise is considered to be the holiday capital of Australia. Visitors throng here to holiday among the bright lights, shops, high rise resort hotels and attractions squeezed onto the finger of land that is surrounded by a 492-foot (150m) wide beach that stretches for almost six miles (10km) in each direction. Although now best known for its more glitzy attractions, Surfer's Paradise is also a popular surfing destination and deserves its name, though those keen to catch some waves should note that the breaks can get very busy.

Website www.surfersparadise.com

Cape Tribulation

Located within the Daintree National Park and the Wet Tropics area of Queensland, the pristine and picturesque destination of Cape Tribulation is well worth a visit while travelling through Queensland. Visitors can explore the oldest rainforest on earth from the treetops or on horesback, relax on a river cruise and spot Australia's famous crocodiles, or simply take in the marvellous scenery that abounds. The iconic Great Barrier Reef is just a short boat ride away for adventurers who desire world-class snorkelling; beach lovers will welcome strolls or horseback rides along the spectacular coast. Accommodation such as luxury resorts, self-catering cabins, bed and breakfasts and camping facilities are available.

Queensland

Attractions

Fraser Island

Magnetic Island

The Wet Tropics of Queensland

Great Barrier Reef

Surfer's Paradise

Cape Tribulation

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Fraser Island

Magnetic Island

The Wet Tropics of Queensland

Great Barrier Reef

Surfer's Paradise

Cape Tribulation