Choose from 143 Fun Things to Do in Queensland
Lake McKenzie
The lake is a “perched lake,” meaning it sits atop a sand dune where the sand and humus underneath have bonded into a concrete-like base. The lake isn't connected to streams or the ocean, which means all the water is pure rainwater. The sand also acts as a filter keeping the water clear, and makes for an amazing experience when relaxing in the lake.
Fraser Island is home to forty of the world’s eighty perched lakes, and like the many other freshwater lakes on the island, Lake McKenzie relies solely on rain for replenishment.
The sand surrounding the lake is pure silica so you can wash your hair with it or exfoliate your skin, perfect if you’ve been camping for days. There are a lot of delightful picnic areas and stunning beaches around the lake, which makes it perfect for an afternoon trip or a multiple day excursion.
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Queen Street Mall
Known as the cleanest city mall in Australia, Queen Street Mall is a community hub that offers performance space for buskers, community acts and local and international artists, as well as public art highlights.
A tourist information centre, located towards the Edward Street end of the Queen Street Mall, offers mapping, ticketing, tourism and retail information to visitors.
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Queensland Museum
As well as hosting traveling exhibitions and the permanent museum collections, the Queensland Museum is home to the Sciencentre, a favorite attraction for families and school groups.
Take time to wander outside the museum, along the river front, past the fountains and sculptures and enjoy a break in the two museum cafes.
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Rainforest Habitat Wildlife Sanctuary
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O'Reilly's Tree Top Walk
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Lake Cootharaba
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Kissing Point Fort
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Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve
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Maritime Museum of Townsville
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Reefworld
Reefworld is the Barrier Reef experience made easy. It's located on two giant pontoons over sheltered Hardy Reef, one of the most beautiful and prolific of nature's coral gardens. So many colors! Thousands of fish! It's a deluxe way to see the wonders of the reef.
You're whisked out there by high-speed catamaran, so you'll spend less time getting out to the reef, and because Hardy Reef is a platform reef, it's not subject to choppy conditions and can be snorkeled pretty much year-round.
You can tour the reef without getting wet aboard spacious semi-submersibles, with commentary from Reef Interpreters. Reefworld's facilities also include a large, seated underwater viewing chamber (complete with soft nautical music); a secure diving area; a large sundeck with sun lounges and views; and a tailor-made viewing area on deck to see the massive Queensland Groper living beneath the platform. There are also masseurs, shops and a host of activities for children.
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The catamarans that take you out to Reefworld leave from Shute Harbour (near Airlie Beach), going via Hamilton Island, and from Hamilton Island direct. Both ferries leave in the morning and return in the late afternoon.
Rainforestation Nature Park
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Queensland Art Gallery
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Moreton Island
- Temperatures can reach upwards of 86°F (30°C) in summer, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat, as well as a swimsuit and towel.
- Bring picnic supplies and bottled water with you from the mainland, as there is only one shop on Moreton Island.
- Moreton Island is a sand island, so trails and beaches are only accessible by 4WD. A vehicle permit is also required.
- The Tangalooma Island Resort is wheelchair accessible and offers beach wheelchairs, but not all island activities are fully accessible to those with limited mobility.
Rainbow Beach
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Lake Cooroibah
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Lake Birrabeen
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Reef HQ
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Queensland Maritime Museum
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Mooloolaba
- All of Mooloolaba’s sights can be reached on foot.
- The Australian sun is strong and it’s worth bringing a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses even if you’re visiting outside of the summer season.
- As with all Australian beaches, only swim at patrolled beaches in the designated areas (between the red and yellow flags).
Lake Wabby
Lake Wabby differs from other lakes on Fraser Island as it supports numerous fish species due to the lack of acidity in the water. You might even catch a glimpse of turtles and catfish while you swim.
Check out lovely Lake Wabby while you still can because in a century or so this lake will be eaten up by the sand dune on its west coast that is slowly taking over the lake.