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‘The Ship struck fast… we had got upon the South-East Edge of a reef of Coral Rocks, having in some places round the Ship 3 and 4 fathoms Water…’ This was how Captain James Cook rather unceremoniously discovered the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef: his Endeavour ran aground on it.
Nowadays, Queensland’s headline attraction is an increasingly fragile biome that Australia is striving to protect. But, you can still experience its unspoiled coral gardens and marine life responsibly. Our specialists can advise on exploring the reef by snorkel, scuba tank, or sail, perhaps with a stay at one of the Whitsunday Islands ― sandy, little-developed idylls.
Then there are Queensland’s inland highlights. Visit the Daintree Rainforest, home to some of the world’s rarest plants, and the Atherton Tablelands, a pastoral region of farmland and filmy waterfalls. Take a guided rock-art tour near Cooktown with an Aboriginal elder. Or, escape to the surf beaches of the Sunshine Coast and take in the urbane, alfresco city of Brisbane. Our specialists know this vast but varied area of Australia in detail, and they’ll craft your trip to take in all its riches, both offshore and on terra firma.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Queensland by calling one of our Australia specialists at 617-223-4575
Places to visit in Queensland
Featuring heavily on our experiences of visiting Queensland, these selected places are destinations that also prove consistently popular with our travelers. Our specialists can help you choose how to include them in your wider trip, based on your preferences.
Brisbane
Cairns
Daintree Forest & Cape Tribulation
Fraser Island
Port Douglas
Sunshine Coast
The Great Barrier Reef
Torres Strait Islands
Suggested itineraries featuring Queensland
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Queensland, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
By the Beach
Sydney, Uluru & Great Barrier Reef
Australia & New Zealand Uncovered
Luxury Australia Family Expedition
Ultimate Luxury Tour of Australia
Map of Queensland
Places & hotels on the map
Places in and around Queensland
- Atherton Tablelands Queensland
- Brisbane Queensland
- Cairns Queensland
- Cooktown Queensland
- Daintree Forest & Cape Tribulation Queensland
- Fraser Island Queensland
- The Great Barrier Reef Queensland
- Lamington National Park Queensland
- Palm Cove Queensland
- Port Douglas Queensland
- Sunshine Coast Queensland
- Torres Strait Islands Queensland
- The Whitsunday Islands 341 kilometers away
- Hamilton Island 348 kilometers away
- Airlie Beach 349 kilometers away
- Wilson Island 426 kilometers away
- Heron Island 426 kilometers away
- Orpheus Island Queensland
- Lizard Island Queensland
Photos of Queensland
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![Brisbane, Queensland]()
Brisbane, Queensland -
![Fraser Island, Queensland]()
Fraser Island, Queensland -
![Cape Tribulation]()
Cape Tribulation -
![Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Northern Queensland]()
Four Mile Beach, Port Douglas, Northern Queensland -
![The Marina, Cairns, Tropical North Queensland]()
The Marina, Cairns, Tropical North Queensland -
![Bulcock Beach, Sunshine Coast]()
Bulcock Beach, Sunshine Coast -
![Sabat Dancers at Torres Strait Cultural Festival on Horn Island]()
Sabat Dancers at Torres Strait Cultural Festival on Horn Island -
![Brisbane River and City, Queensland]()
Brisbane River and City, Queensland
Accommodation choices for Queensland
We’ve selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Queensland. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
O'Reilly's Rainforest Guesthouse
The portal to the rainforested hinterland of Lamington National Park, O’Reilly’s is an old-fashioned, well-established property. It offers many nature-themed experiences, and the guides are real experts in the area’s birding and wildlife — ideal if you’re looking to observe both.
Spicers Peak Lodge
Australia’s highest non-alpine lodge, Spicers Peak offers understated, relaxed luxury. With an extremely secluded location, a small number of rooms, a roster of privately guided nature activities, a gourmet restaurant and a spa, it feels like a true retreat.
Port Douglas Peninsula Boutique Hotel
The Peninsula Boutique Hotel is the perfect tropical escape, boasting stunning views across the Coral Sea that are best appreciated from your own private balcony or from the hotel’s popular restaurant, Hi-Tide.
Thala Beach Nature Reserve
The Thala Beach Nature Reserve is situated on a secluded headland just under an hours’ drive north of Cairns. This property is in an untouched area of the rainforest with your very own cabin amongst the trees.
Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas
Peppers Noosa Resort and Villas offers a range of suites and villas to suit couples and families alike. Rooms are well appointed with balconies and some offer partial sea views.
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat
Rose Gums Wilderness Retreat is set on 230 acres of private rain forest and rare wet schlerophyll forest, offering an idyllic base to explore the beautiful Tablelands.
Mungumby Lodge
The Mungumby lodge, south of Cooktown, is on the northern edge of the Daintree Rainforest. Timber bungalows are set amongst the beautiful gardens that are crammed with a dazzling array of tropical plant and bird life.
Haggerstone Island
The accommodation on Haggerstone Island fits its environment perfectly, and the six principal structures are all hand-crafted, free-form buildings of varying styles.
Mantra Southbank
Located on Brisbane's Southbank, the Saville Apartments are surrounded by the city's arts and entertainment venues and attractions.
Paradise on the Beach
The Paradise on the Beach resort is located just over the promenade from the beautiful Palm Cove beach and enjoys stunning views of the offshore islands and reefs framed by coconut palms and towering melaleuca trees.
Silky Oaks Lodge
Silky Oaks Lodge is a luxurious and stylish retreat surrounded by the verdant beauty of the Daintree National Park and overlooks the beautiful Mossman River.
The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa
The The Reef House Boutique Resort & Spa is set in its own tropical gardens, just 20 minutes north of Cairns, and is ideally placed to explore the attractions of Northern Queensland.
Daintree Wilderness Lodge
A small and intimate lodge offering tranquility and total seclusion, set in the world heritage rainforest, Daintree Wilderness Lodge is one of the most natural hideaways in tropical north Queensland.
Shangri-La at the Marina
Ideally situated in the city center, the Shangri-La Hotel serves as an ideal gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns.
Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments
The Mandalay Luxury Beachfront Apartments provide a great option in Port Douglas due to the property's close proximity to the town center.
Shantara Resort & Spa
Superbly positioned on Davidson Street, the Shantara Resort & Spa's location will ensure you're amongst the excitement of Port Douglas with the serenity of the resort as your retreat.