Queensland Travel Guide

Basic information about Queensland

Welcome to the Queensland Travel Guide, your ultimate resource for exploring the diverse regions of Queensland, Australia. From the tropical north to the sunny south, Queensland is a state filled with natural wonders, exciting attractions, and unique experiences.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed information on each of Queensland’s regions, including the best time to visit, must-see attractions, and recommended activities. Whether you’re planning a road trip along the coast or a hike through the rainforest, our guide will help you make the most of your Queensland adventure.

We also provide links to additional resources, such as official tourism websites and local events, to help you plan your trip with ease.

Additionally, we’ve included a comprehensive list of accommodation options, ranging from luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels. And for those who want to immerse themselves in the great outdoors, we’ve highlighted some of the best camping spots in Queensland, complete with information on facilities and nearby activities.

Finally, we’ve included a calendar of events throughout the year, so you can plan your trip around some of Queensland’s most exciting festivals and celebrations.

Queensland is Australia’s second-largest state and the perfect holiday destination.

Queensland is a vast state with diverse regions, each with its own unique attractions and experiences.

Starting with the iconic Great Barrier Reef, you’ll discover the stunning marine life and coral gardens that make this World Heritage site a must-see destination. But Queensland is much more than just the coast.

The outback towns of Birdsville, Winton, and Mount Isa offer a glimpse into the country’s rich history and culture, while the Tropical Far North is home to the ancient Daintree Rainforest and its fascinating and dangerous Cassowary bird.

The history of Queensland is fascinating. Captain James Cook discovered the Queensland coast and azure waters of Cape Tribulation. Nowadays, Cooktown offers a great re-enactment of this significant event, giving visitors a chance to experience a piece of history.

On the south of Brisbane lies the famous Gold Coast, known for its 300 days of sunshine per year. The theme parks located here offer hours of great fun, while the Hinterland, with its emerald-green waterfalls and rainforests, offers visitors a marvelous holiday experience.

Let’s start our journey from Australia’s last undeveloped frontiers – Cape York. It’s considered the holy grail for all 4WD enthusiasts and offers an unforgettable adventure experience.

The Cape York Region

The Cape York Peninsula is a vast region located in the northernmost part of Queensland. It boasts some of Australia’s best Aboriginal rock art, magnificent wildlife, fishing, and a breathtaking yet harsh landscape. It is a popular destination for 4WD enthusiasts as most of the roads are dirt and there are many challenging tracks to test your skills.

One of the most rewarding moments when visiting Cape York is standing next to the sign marking the end of the peninsula.

It’s a feeling of accomplishment that’s hard to describe. But there’s so much more to explore here, including the beautiful beaches of the eastern coast, the historic town of Cooktown, and the diverse flora and fauna found throughout the region.

The best time to visit Cape York

On the other hand, it’s not recommended to travel to Cape York during the wet season, which runs from November to April. During this period, temperatures can reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, and heavy rainfall can cause roads to become flooded, making travel difficult and dangerous. It’s best to plan your visit during the dry season to make the most of your trip to Cape York.

Weipa Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
32	31	32	32	32	31	30	32	33	35	35	33	Max Temp
24	24	24	23	21	20	19	19	20	21	23	24	Min Temp
421	401	338	82	6	2	1	1	1	14	98	256	Rain mm
22	21	20	10	3	2	1	1	1	3	8	16	Rain Days

How to get to Cape York

To get to Cape York, there are several options available:

• By car – If you prefer a more adventurous trip, you can take a 4WD car, as the road is only partially sealed.
• By boat – Finally, if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can take a cargo ship called MV Trinity Bay, which cruises 1000 km of coast. The ship is equipped with passenger cabins and a dining lounge, making the journey an enjoyable one.

Must see the Cape York Region attractions

Cape York Accommodation

Stay at least one night in Hann River Roadhouse, Musgrave Roadhouse, Archer River Roadhouse or Bramwell Roadhouse and you will not regret it. Get a campfire going and cook your camp oven meal. Learn about campfire cooking.

If you prefer more isolated, free camping, there are many options too. Along the Old Telegraph Track (OTT), you can camp at almost any creek crossing and enjoy nature (just be sure to stay away from saltwater crocodiles). However, during the peak season (June-August), don’t expect to be alone as it is the busiest time.

At the tip of Australia, after crossing the Jardine River on a ferry, you can camp for free in any designated camping spot or on the beach. For instance, at Usher Point, you can pick a beautiful spot on the beach and enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

The caravan parks on the tip are all located at the beach to make your stay more enjoyable. Check the below table to see which caravan park is suitable for you.

Caravan Park	Facilities	Price	Who is it for?
Punsand Bay	– Camping sites, cabins, safari tents, rooms – Closest to the tip – Firewood pizza – Licenced bar – Reward yourself at least one night	Expensive	If you miss civilization, TV, bar and crowds far from home. Excellent place to stay for everybody or book your Cape York tour.
Loyalty Beach Campground	– Camping sites, rooms, beach house or bush house – Small restaurant and bar	Cheap	Not as luxurious as Punsand Bay. It is a big camping ground so you won’t be alone. Grab your dinner at the restaurant or a drink in the bar. Also, a good place to book and go for a tour.
Seisia Holiday Park	– camping sites, villas, cottages, and lodges – kiosk	Medium	Perfect for those who like fishing off the wharf or book their fishing charter.
Alau Beach Campground	– camping sites only – not crowded as other caravan parks	Cheap	Perfect if you want to escape the crowds. Peak a beach site away from others (many available). Go fishing in the morning and just place your chair in the sand and enjoy the sunset.

The best camping spots in Cape York Region

There are many great camping spots to choose from in the Cape York Region. Here are our favourite:

Top Events in Cape York

Cape York is home to several annual events that attract visitors from all over Australia and the world. One of the most popular events is the Weipa Fishing Classic, which is held in June each year and is Australia’s largest catch-and-release fishing competition.

Other notable events include the Laura Aboriginal Dance Festival, held every two years and showcasing the rich indigenous culture of the area through traditional dance and music, and the Cape York Art Awards, which celebrate the creativity and talent of local artists.

Additionally, many towns and communities throughout the region host their own annual festivals and events, such as the Cooktown Discovery Festival and the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

The Far North Tropics

The Far North Tropics region of Queensland is a must-visit destination for those seeking to explore the natural beauty of Australia. The region is home to the World Heritage-listed Daintree Rainforest, one of the oldest rainforests in the world, as well as the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world.

The Daintree Rainforest is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including the endangered Cassowary bird and the rare tree kangaroo. Visitors can explore the rainforest by hiking one of the many walking trails or taking a guided tour.

For those interested in marine life, the Great Barrier Reef offers world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities. The reef is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and other marine life, making it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

In addition to the natural wonders of the region, the Far North Tropics is also home to vibrant towns and cities such as Cairns, Port Douglas, and Palm Cove, offering a range of dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.

Cooktown

The historic and full of charm small town of Cooktown is a must-stop on the way to Cape York. It is a place where James Cook arrived in 1770 and spent 1.5 months repairing his ship Endeavor. Cooktown has also an excellent botanic garden dating from the 1880s.

Main Attractions to experience in Cooktown

• Visit James Cook Museum
• Take a stroll in the tropical Botanic Garden
• Experience sunset at Grassy Hill and take a photo of the iconic lighthouse
• Enjoy historical re-enactments during the Cooktown Discovery Festival
• Take a cruise and spot salt water crocodiles
• Try your luck and catch a barramundi
• Visit Quarantine Bay and spot mantras dancing near the shore in the morning

Accommodation

Cairns and around

Cairns – the capital of Tropical North Queensland. Place where Great Barrier Reef meets the Wet Tropics and palm-fringed beaches. A perfect holiday destination for everyone, families with kids, fishing enthusiasts, and tourists wanting to spot elusive Casuarries.

Cairns became one of the most popular Queensland destinations due to its numerous attractions and great accommodation options.

Cairns Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
31	31	30	29	28	26	26	27	28	29	31	31	Max Temp
24	24	23	22	20	18	17	18	19	21	22	23	Min Temp
413	435	442	191	94	49	28	27	36	38	90	175	Rain mm
18	19	20	17	14	10	9	8	8	8	10	13	Rain Days

23 must see attractions around Cairns

Accommodation

Top Events in Cairns and around

Gulf Savannah

Gulf Savannah is a remote Queensland region characterised by savannah grasslands, red soil, and mangrove estuaries. It is also a region where you can enjoy Aboriginal rock-art sites, dinosaur fossil discoveries, and fossicking opportunities.

Normanton Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
35	34	34	34	32	29	29	31	34	36	37	36	Max Temp
25	25	24	22	19	16	15	17	20	23	25	25	Min Temp
260	249	158	31	8	9	3	2	3	10	44	143	Rain mm
14	14	9	2	1	1	1	0	0	1	4	9	Rain Days

Top Gulf Savannah attractions

Accommodation

By far, the most enjoyable time you can spend in Lawn Hill National Park where you can do canoeing, swimming and hiking. For those who like fishing visit Karumba.

Top Events in The Gulf

Great Barrier Reef

Australia’s most-known natural attraction. Over 2000 km long Great Barrier Reef with tropical islands, exotic fish, and radiantly coloured corals.

Day trips or longer stays on reef-surrounded islands is a popular way of seeing and enjoying the reef.

Accommodation

The Mid Tropics – Townsville & Mackay Region

Less known, but full of charm the Mid-Tropics has plenty of sandy shorelines, warm waters, and patches of rainforest. Full of historical charm Charters Towers was Queensland’s second-largest city during the 1870’s gold rush. Te ‘Ghosts of Gold’ Heritage Trail takes visitors through the town’s glamorous history.

Top Attractions around Townsville

• Visit Reef HQ, stroll through underwater viewing tunnels
• A full-scale replica of HMS Pandora should impress you at the Museum of Tropical Queensland
• Dive and explore the wreck of SS Yongala
• Take a day trip to the amazing Magnetic Island
• Admire the sunset from Castle Hill
• Take 2 hours trip north to the Queensland tallest waterfall – Wallaman Falls
• Get close with Koalas at Townsville Billabong Sanctuary

Accommodation

Top Events in the Mid Tropics

Coral Coast

Part of the Wide Bay Burnett Region. Home to Lady Elliot and Lady Musgrave islands and the Bundy rum distillery.

Coral Coast attractions

Visit Mon Repos Conservation Park – the largest mainland turtle rookery where sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Discover Bundaberg Rum Distillery

Spend a day kayaking on Elliott River.

Cach Barramundi at Lake Monduran.

Capricorn Region

Central Queensland region spreads on the Tropic of Capricorn, from Great Barrier Reef through Rockhampton and Central Highlands to the Queensland Outback.

Rockhampton Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
32	31	30	29	26	23	23	25	27	30	31	32	Max Temp
22	22	21	18	14	11	9	11	14	17	19	21	Min Temp
136	141	103	47	52	35	31	29	24	48	68	105	Rain mm
11	12	10	7	7	5	5	4	4	7	8	10	Rain Days

9 must-see attractions at Capricorn Region

Accommodation

Top Events in Capricorn Region

Fraser Coast

Fraser coast region is full of coloured sand cliffs, breathtaking white beaches, and a perfect spot to watch whales passing by. It is also a home for the world’s largest sand island.

Fraser Island Atractions

It is something magical when you see this island because Fraser Island is built 98% of sand and it is really fascinating to see it. What is even more surprising – the rainforest grows out of the sands. Let’s add to it over 40 beautiful freshwater lakes on the island and Fraser Island can be a great spot for your next holiday destination.

11 things to do on Fraser Island

Fraser Coast Atractions

• Have a great time fishing from Hervey Bay pier
• In the winter time watch humpback whales migration to the warmer waters of Hervey Bay
• Enjoy walking along Maryborough Heritage walk

Accommodation

If you look for a wide beach away from people visit Woodgate Beach and Burrum Coast National Park.

Fraser Coast Top Events

Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast has perfect weather, with winter temperatures around 25 degrees, stunning views of the blue Coral Sea, and the iconic backdrop of Glass House Mountains.

Sunshine Coast Attractions

• Visit Glass House Mountains – the giant cores of extinct volcanoes
• Stop on spectacular lookouts along the Glass Ho use Mountain Road
• Visit Inskip Point and Rainbow Beach.
• Take a 4WD, beach drive from Rainbow Beach to Noosa and admire colour sands of Great Sandy National Park. Aboriginal legends connects the color of the sand to the slaying of the rainbow serpent.
• Take Queensland best 70 km scenic drive at Landsborough, Enjoy local galleries, B&B’s, antique shops, and cafes in pretty villages like Malleny, Mapleton, and Montville
• Explore Noosa National Park with its beautiful surroundings, and if you are lucky you can spot a Koala
• Spend the weekend in coastal towns of Caloundra, Mooloolaba, or Maroochydore and enjoy patrolled surfing beaches
• Visit the big pinepple complex and Macadamia Nut Factory

Accommodation

Sunshine Coast Top Events

Brisbane and around

Brisbane is the capital of Queensland and it is the last big city when going north on the coast. It is beautifully located at Brisbane River and has a population of 2.6 million (Census 2021).

Brisbane Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
32	29	28	26	23	21	20	21	24	25	28	30	Max Temp
21	21	19	16	13	10	9	10	12	15	18	20	Min Temp
113	121	76	63	122	70	27	35	32	65	102	114	Rain mm
8	8	7	7	7	5	3	3	4	5	9	9	Rain Days

How to get to Brisbane

What to do in Brisbane

Brisbane City tours

• Balloons Over Brisbane – see the sun rising over Brisbane and enjoy gourmet breakfast
• Ghost Tours – explore Brisbane haunted history
• Kookaburra Showboat Cruises – Take a sighseeing city tour on the old paddle steamer

Day tours

• Visit Towoomba and climb the Great Dividing Range. This city is perched on the edge of 800 meters escarpment. Toowoomba celebrates the Carnival of Flowers each September and it is known as Garden City. Japanise garden is also worth visiting with its lake, bridges and pavilion.
• Visit Queensland wine region and its Granit Belt wineries. Many offer tasting and sales of wines made from shiraz and merlot grapes.

Accommodation

Brisbane Top Events

Brisbane Islands

Brisbane Islands Top Events

Gold Coast an Hinterland

There is no doubt that Gold Coast is Australia’s biggest holiday destination. With great weather, 35 beautiful beaches, and many theme parks there is no better spot for the winter holiday.

Gold Coast main attractions

• Take kids to Sea World, Dreamworld, or Wet n Wild. Meet your favorite Hollywood characters at Movie World.
• Visit Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Get close with saltwater crocodiles, observe animals at the daily feeding times, and experience Aboriginal culture show.
• Explore the heart of the Gold Coast – a famous Surface Paradise
• Lamington National Park is part of the World Heritage area with rainforest, waterfalls, and many walking tracks.

Accommodation

Gold Coast Top Events

Queensland Outback region

Many legends of Australia’s pioneering days start at Queensland Outback. From the largest Queensland Outback town of Mt Isa through Channel Country where hundreds of inland river channels meander through the flat plains to the Dinosaur Trail and Waltzing Mathilda Centre in Winton.

Longreach Average Temperatures and Rainfall

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sept	Oct	Now	Dec
37	36	35	31	27	24	23	26	30	34	36	37	Max Temp
23	23	20	16	12	8	7	8	12	17	20	22	Min Temp
58	68	43	10	13	5	4	3	3	16	16	44	Rain mm
7	7	5	3	3	2	2	2	2	4	4	6	Rain Days

What to do around Queensland Outback

Top Events Around Queensland Outback

Queensland Travel Guide – Summary

We hope you find our Queensland travel guide as a good information source that you can use for your Queensland trip. There is so much happening in Queensland so we listed only the main attractions and events.

Queensland is a state that you can visit any time of the year with the exception of Cape York which should be avoided during the rainy season.

Please let us know if you know of an event or attraction that we have not listed here. Feel free to drop a comment below.

Enjoy outdoors with Tentworld equipment