Snorkeling & Diving
With 2,900 islands to explore, warm waters all-year-round and some of the world's best dive sites, from snorkeling right off the beach to jumping on a tour and head out to the wilds of the Great Barrier Reef.

Depending on the season, you can:
•Glide with the Manta rays at Lady Elliot Island
•Snorkel with Whales during their migration
•Witness the rush of a live shark feed in Queensland's Wild North.
•Stare in wonderment at the colorful coral of the Great Barrier Reef
•Take a selfie with some reef fish for the ultimate profile picture
•Swim alongside huge Turtles
•From casual snorkelers to experienced divers, everyone will discover their inner mermaid on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef.

Whale Watching
Witnessing the awesome strength and beauty of one of the world’s largest marine creatures is an experience you must add to your bucket list. Whether you’re watching Humpback whales on their migration break at Hervey Bay, or the Dwarf Minke whales swimming on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland is the perfect place to have a premium whale-watching experience.

The calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay provide the perfect conditions for mother Humpbacks to teach their newborn calves survival skills before continuing their migration along the Queensland coastline from June to November every year. This makes Hervey Bay the best spot in Australia to see the whales do what they do best.

The mysterious Minke Whale turns up every June – July to hang out on the Great Barrier Reef. The Ribbon Reefs is the only place in the world where you can snorkel with these beautifully elusive creatures on a research-based trip.

Fishing
In Queensland you can bait ‘em, hook ‘em, and reel ‘em in with virtually any type of fishing you like - freshwater, barra, reef, game, fly-fishing, crabbing and prawning – right at the end of your rod.

Here’s a few fishy suggestions:
•Try surf fishing on Fraser Island
•Land a Barramundi right off the beach in Gladstone
•Go deep sea on a fishing charter from Brisbane
•Head out solo to chase the elusive Jungle Perch or Murray Cod and catch a sunrise on our rivers, lakes and waterways as a bonus.
•Grab some mates and book a day tour to the paradise of the outer reef to experience the thrill of landing a GT, Black Marlin or one of the sought after reef fish on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, Townsville or Cairns.

Boating
Queensland can be an overachiever when it comes to boating, showing off with favourable conditions, plenty of fish biting, and World Heritage-hugging waterways. Whether you travel by yacht, houseboat, cruiser or tall ship, there’s a boatload of offshore spots to explore.

•Charter a yacht to explore the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, or Southern Great Barrier Reef.
•Head north for a once-in-a-lifetime Whitsundays sailing trip - whether you’re a keen sailor, or just eager to feel wind in your hair (or champagne in your hand)!
•Float along the Great Sandy Strait on a houseboat with all the luxuries of the family home.
•Jump in a tinnie and putt peacefully along Caloundra’s Pumicestone Passage, fishing rod in hand.
•Dose up on romance and relaxation in Tropical North Queensland and join a luxury cruise bound for the Great Barrier Reef.
•Hop on a jet boat and make a splash on the Gold Coast if you’re feeling the need for speed.
•Cruise along World Heritage listed Fraser Island, spot dolphins in Tin Can Bay, or cast a line along the Noosa River.

Sailing
Whether you’re a keen sailor, or just eager to feel wind in your hair (or champagne in your hand) as you sail into the sunset, there’s an adventure to suit in Queensland’s ultimate sailing destination – The Whitsundays.

Simply choose a sailing holiday that suits you and your shipmates.

•Sun yourself on the deck, let your legs dangle over the edge and settle in for a sailing day trip around the Whitsunday Islands. The journey to the top snorkel spots and gorgeous beaches is just as eye-popping as your final destination.
•Settle in a little longer on crewed overnight sailing tours. You’ll see more of the islands and feel like you’ve got the place to yourself once the day-trippers have gone home. See the sun set and stars come out over the islands as you anchor in for the night.
•Be your own Captain Jack Sparrow and navigate the 74 islands of the Whitsundays on your very own private sailing adventure. Do what you want, when you want. You’ll get the low-down and how-to tips from your skipper-yourself boat charter operator.
•Once you’ve got a taste of the sea-salt on your lips why not pick up some pirate skills by learning to sail at a Twilight Sailing Session at the local yacht club or while you’re on tour.

Queensland is home to some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world. Whether you love surfing and adventure or just lazing around on the beach all day, the possibilities are endless. 

Beaches:
Relax with your family on one of the many picture perfect beaches along the coast – many are even dog friendly.

Swim through the pristine waters of the blue Pacific Ocean, Queensland’s islands and beaches are a true national treasure.

Surfing:
Catch a wave along the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast where anyone from a first timer to a pro can enjoy the perfect waves these beaches have to offer.

Paddle through the crystal clear water year-round and watch out for playful dolphins who have been known to visit the surfers waiting out back.

Adventure:
Get your adrenalin going with 4x4 adventures along our beach highways on Fraser Island, Rainbow Beach, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island.

Try a new water sport like kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, kite surfing or even sand boarding!

In Queensland you’ll find a diverse calendar of events staged in some of Australia’s best destinations.

Whether your passion is food and wine, festivals, art, culture and music, or sporting and lifestyle we’ll have you on the edge of your seat.

Where else in the world can you:
Watch pro-golfers tee off one minute and witness the beauty of a cascading waterfall the next?
Experience the thrill of white water rafting in the morning and attend a world-class cultural event that evening?
Or test your state of endurance on a pristine stretch of silica sand?

It’s live and waiting for you to experience in Queensland!

Wildlife

Animals make the world a better place! And, Australian animals are some of the most unique species on the planet. Did you know that over 80% of the creatures that call Australia home are only found here?

In Queensland, they are lucky to have some pretty awesome locals! In fact, Australian wildlife encounters are everywhere here.  It’s like a zoo without fences!

While some visitors may be lucky enough to spot Australian wildlife in the wild, you are guaranteed an up-close-and-personal experience at one of the world-class zoos and sanctuaries, who also promote education and conservation of the unique, native animals.

•Sunshine Coast, be sure to take some time out for Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo and witness crocs in action. 

•From June through November on the Fraser Coast, you can wave at humpback whales, as thousands migrate up the east coast of Australia to holiday in the warmer waters.

•Become a reef-geek and learn about the different creatures living on the Great Barrier Reef at Reef HQ in Townsville. 

•Head to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary in Brisbane for some furry cuddles.

•From October to March witness the circle of life in action as sea turtles hit the Eastern shores to lay their eggs, and later see the hatchlings start their 100-year journey.

•Whether you want to dive with sharks, cuddle a koala or take a peek at a platypus in Mackay, Queensland will have you walking on the wild side in no time.

Fresh juicy mangos, seafood straight off the trawler, roasted macadamia nuts, and home-made goodies fresh from the oven are just some of the mouth-watering temptations waiting for you in tasty Queensland! And if you like a good drop to pair with your fare enjoy a bottle from a boutique Queensland vineyard, which are fast developing a reputation as the ones to watch.

Food for Thought

•Discover unexpected surprises like traditional goat’s cheese, organic wine and coffee and in the Outback.

•Sample bush tucker and traditional indigenous foods in Tropical North Queensland.

•Set the alarm early and indulge in gourmet goodies found at local farmers markets, on the Sunshine Coast.

•Go casual with fish and chips on the beach at the Fraser Coast and in The Whitsundays.

•Tantalise your tastebuds at award-winning and hatted fine dining restaurants in Brisbane, and throughout Queensland.

•Keep an eye out for road-side stalls, offering freshly picked goodies straight from the farm if you’re driving in the countryside.

•Take a class and learn the secrets of a perfect curry, try out cheese making, or master the tricks of a chocolate soufflé at a cooking class.

•Pile your plate high with prawns, oysters, mud crab, scallops or Moreton Bay Bugs to enjoy the abundance quality, local Queensland seafood all year round.

Everything’s Vine

•Please your palette with a sharp, crisp chardonnay or warm oaky red, from a winery nestled in the rolling hills of Southern Queensland Country.

•Discover diversity in the varieties that Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Queensland wines will surprise and delight with their taste, range and delicious diversity.

•Add flavor to your holiday by following the Strangebird Wine Trail in the Granite Belt.

•Sample the fruit wines of Tropical North Queensland and note their delicate notes of passionfruit, pineapple, and mango.

Islands
Queensland is home to some of the most stunning islands in the world, and each one invites you to come and share in its sumptuous delights.

•Pack your boots and head off on a bushwalking adventure on the World Heritage listed Hinchinbrook Island off Townsville North Queensland or head south and hike through rare island rainforest on Fraser Island.

•Looking for a family friendly getaway? Try renting one of the many holiday homes on North Stradbroke Island or set up camp on South Stradbroke Island just off the Gold Coast – whether north or south, both are perfect for boating, surfing, kayaking and fishing! After something a little more fast paced? Sand tobogganing down 90m sand dunes on Moreton Island should do the trick.

•Succumb to the irresistible pull of Magnetic Island, near Townsville, or enjoy the romantic seclusion offered Keswick Island off the coast of Mackay.

•Looking for a unique tropical island day trip? Dunk Island just off the coast of Mission Beach promises pristine beaches, an abundance of wildlife species, unique rainforest walking tracks and plenty of snorkelling.

•With 74 tropical islands to discover, The Whitsundays will leave you in awe from every angle. Camp like a castaway or lap up the luxury, settle in to an island pace that suits you.

•Experience world class snorkelling amongst island jewels like Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave, Heron, Wilson and Great Keppel Islands along the Southern Great Barrier Reef – you may even spot little turtle hatchlings early in the year.

Great Barrier Reef
Take a step back and smile as The Great Barrier Reef takes your breath away. With stunning coral reefs, colorful marine life and a rainbow of blue water as far as the eye can see, it’s a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed. 

Covering over 344,000 square kilometres (roughly the same size as Japan or Germany), the sheer size and grandeur of the reef resulted in it being one of the original eight wonders of the world and the first coral reef to be awarded World Heritage status. The Great Barrier Reef stretches over 2,300 kilometres from Tropical North Queensland in the north, right down to Bundaberg in the south.

Adventure awaits...

•Access the reef easily from Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Seventeen Seventy and Bundaberg.

•Find Nemo and all of his friends including over 30 species of whales and dolphins, 1,625 species of fish, 33 species of sharks and rays and 600 types of hard and soft coral.

•Island hop through The Whitsundays or the Capricorn Islands or stay right on the reef at Heron Island or Lady Elliot Island.

•Go under the sea and dive a world renowned dive site like The Cod Hole off Lizard Island, Osprey Reef in the far north, Heron Bommie near Heron Island or the S.S. Yongala off Townsville.

•Snorkel your way around Fitzroy Island, Green Island, Magnetic Island or the Low Isles off Port Douglas.

•Get on a boat and sail, cruise, bare boat, or charter an expedition through paradise.

Pump up the volume with an adventure in Queensland. Whether you’re a hard-core adventurer or up for a small challenge, Queensland will definitely get the adrenaline and heart pumping.

•Learn to surf year-round in temperate waters.
•Grab your scuba gear and explore world-renowned dive sites on the Great Barrier Reef.
•Play at some of Australia’s best championship golf courses designed by golfing legends.
•Test your fitness in a marathon, triathlon or ocean swim around the state.
•Explore the Whitsunday Islands on a sailing adventure.
•Rock climb your way around South East Queensland
•Weave through the Daintree Rainforest on a mountain bike while getting to know the oldest rainforest in the world.
•Cast a line on a lazy afternoon in an inland waterway for prized barramundi and mangrove jacks.

Whether your pursuit is on Land, Sky or Water, feel the freedom of a Queensland adventure holiday today.