Our Favourite Queensland Experiences

Looking for a holiday escape like no other? Boasting coral reefs, misty rainforests, pristine beaches and everything in between, Queensland is overflowing with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Regardless of whether you’re travelling as a family, looking for a romantic escape or going solo, Queensland has a bucket list holiday experience for everyone.

Keep reading to discover our favourite Queensland experiences.

Whale Watching on the Gold Coast

As one of Queensland’s most popular holiday destinations, the Gold Coast is teeming with an array of bucket list experiences, from theme parks and wildlife encounters to wine tours and cabaret shows. However, one of the most special experiences you can have on the Gold Coast is to witness the annual whale migration.

Boasting a prime location along the ‘Humpback Highway’, the Gold Coast offers some of the very best whale watching in the world. The whale watching season here stretches from May to November (the perfect time to escape from the NZ chill!), as these gentle giants make their way to the warmer waters up north before heading back south with their young in tow come springtime.

The best way to see the majestic humpback whales during their annual migration is, of course, on a whale-watching cruise. Tours are run on modern vessels with a range of tour lengths and departure times available. Many operators even have a Whale Sighting Guarantee, where you’ll be offered a free return cruise in the (extremely rare) case that you don’t spot a whale during your sailing.

Cruising the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns

As the adventure capital of Australia, Cairns has an abundance of thrilling experiences on offer. Nestled between two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, there is so much to explore here. Of course, no matter what kind of travel experience you’re looking for, you simply cannot visit Tropical North Queensland without experiencing the iconic Great Barrier Reef.

A trip to the Great Barrier Reef is on many travellers’ bucket lists, and for good reason. The reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world and is home to over 1,600 species of fish! For the best chance to see colourful coral, tropical fish and marine life at their healthiest and brightest, we recommend taking a cruise to the outer reef.

There’s an abundance of snorkelling and diving tours to choose from, most including equipment and lunch. So, all you’ll have to do is pack your camera, towel and reef-safe sunscreen and get ready for an experience of a lifetime! Prefer to keep dry? There’s still an abundance of reef adventures to choose from, including glass-bottom boat tours, scenic helicopter flights and sailing tours.

Climbing Brisbane’s Story Bridge

As Queensland’s cosmopolitan capital, visitors flock to Brisbane for world-class dining, shopping and cultural experiences. However, there’s plenty on offer for the adventurous traveller as well, including the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. As one of only three bridge adventure climbs in the world, this is by far one of the best experiences Brisbane has to offer.

The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s most recognisable landmark, and climbing it is an exhilarating experience. Once you reach the top, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the city and beyond, from the Glass House Mountains to Moreton Bay.

Given that the Story Bridge Adventure Climb is a sightseeing tour, you’ll also learn all about the history of both the bridge and Brisbane, all while enjoying the spectacular city scenery. Plus, this is an experience that everyone can enjoy, whether you’re visiting Brisbane as a family or on a romantic city break.

Soaring Over the Whitsundays

The Whitsundays is one of Queensland’s most idyllic destinations and is a particularly popular holiday spot amongst those seeking a romantic getaway. With 74 islands to explore on the doorstep of the Great Barrier Reef, there are dozens of luxury experiences to be had in this tropical haven. However, there is something extra special about soaring above it all.

Hop on a chopper or scenic flight to soar above all of the Whitsunday’s best sights. Highlights of your tour will include postcard-perfect spots, like the romantic Heart Reef, luxurious Hayman Island and breathtaking Whitehaven Beach. The Whitsundays from above truly offers a perspective like no other.

If you want to turn the romance dial up a notch, why not select a tour that lands on a private island? Spend a day luxuriating on your own private island, where you’ll have the sugar-soft sands and turquoise waters all to yourself. Sounds like heaven to us!

Meeting the Creatures of Australia Zoo

The Sunshine Coast is another of Queensland’s most iconic holiday destinations. From brewery tours and sunset cruises to cultural excursions and rainforest adventures, there are endless experiences to be had here. The Sunshine Coast’s most famed attraction, however, has to be Australia Zoo.

Home of the Crocodile Hunter, Australia Zoo is a 110-acre wildlife park, boasting over 1,200 mammals, reptiles and birds from both Australia and across the globe. The zoo is also the most interactive conservation destination on the planet and is home to the world’s busiest wildlife hospital.

There are endless animal encounters to be had at Australia Zoo. Choose to cuddle a koala, take a wombat for a walk or hand-feed giraffes! And, of course, no visit to Australia Zoo is complete without checking out the Wildlife Warriors Show in the world-famous Crocoseum. If you have any interest in wildlife, a visit to Australia Zoo is an experience you’ll never forget.

Your Ultimate Queensland Holiday Awaits

Want to experience Queensland’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences for yourself? Our perfectly-packaged Queensland holidays are brimming with exclusive bonus extras like room upgrades, resort credits, included dining, local experiences and so much more. It’s all part of the My Queensland difference, which simply can’t be found anywhere else.

You can discover My Queensland’s range of irresistible holiday packages here.