Our Favourite Underrated Queensland Holiday Destinations

There’s nothing we love more than a Queensland holiday. After all, the Sunshine State has so much to offer, from hidden rainforests to sparkling island paradises and everything in between!

Whether you’re dreaming of a nature-filled escape, a quiet beachside getaway, or non-stop wildlife encounters, these lesser-visited holiday destinations have something for everyone to enjoy. So, get off the beaten path and start planning your next Queensland holiday to one of our favourite underrated destinations!

Sunshine Coast Hinterland

While the Sunshine Coast may be one of Queensland’s most popular holiday destinations, travellers rarely venture inland to the region’s breathtaking hinterland. Yet, beyond the glistening beaches, you’ll find a rich array of charming villages, towering waterfalls, ancient rainforests and incredible landscapes. Whether you seek a Queensland holiday with nature, animal encounters, culture or food, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland offers it all.

Of course, no visit to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland is complete without visiting the iconic Glass House Mountains. The 11 ancient peaks of the mountain range are remnants of volcanic activity that occurred over 25 million years ago. We recommend setting off on the Mount Ngungun summit walking track for 360-degree panoramic views of the coast and hinterland, before stopping by a local café for a bite to eat.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, may we suggest Montville? Perched on the Blackall Range, this charming village is home to boutique galleries, quaint coffee shops and eclectic stores, and offers some unique accommodation options, like rainforest cabins and cosy cottages. Plus, Montville is just five minutes from Kondalilla National Park, where you can hike, picnic and chase waterfalls. If you’re looking for an underrated Queensland holiday destination, be sure to add the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to your list.

Tropical North Queensland

Experience some of the best that the Sunshine State has to offer by heading north to Tropical North Queensland. Holiday in the laid-back city of Cairns to snorkel the Great Barrier Reef and explore the rainforest village of Kuranda. But, while Cairns makes the perfect base for a Tropical North Queensland escape, don’t forget to explore some of the region’s more underrated treasures.

Foodies can’t miss a visit to the Atherton Tablelands. Starting just southwest of Cairns, this fertile region of rainforest, wetland and savannah offer some of the best food experiences in Tropical North Queensland. Here, you can visit Australia’s oldest coffee plantation, enjoy a cheeky drink at a local distillery or sample home-grown produce at one of almost 2,000 farms.

For those looking to connect with nature, visiting the remote headland of Cape Tribulation is a must-do. Home to two UNESCO World Heritage areas, Cape Tribulation is where the Daintree Rainforest meets the Great Barrier Reef. This is also an incredible place to immerse yourself in local indigenous culture – join a guided tour to learn more about the Kuku Yalanji people’s connection to the land and try your hand at traditional hunting practices.

Fraser Coast

Seeking a Queensland holiday destination beloved by locals? Head four hours north of Brisbane to the Fraser Coast, where you’ll find both the world’s largest sand island and the world’s first whale heritage area. For such a small slice of paradise, the Fraser Coast sure packs a punch.

Hervey Bay’s unspoilt coastline is the perfect place to escape for a weekend. Visit between July and October to witness the incredible humpback whale migration – Hervey Bay is known as the world’s whale watching capital! For an up-close experience you’ll never forget, choose to join a snorkelling adventure or a whale-watching boat tour.

Another must-visit on the Fraser Coast is, of course, K’gari (previously known as Fraser Island). This World Heritage-listed paradise boasts endless pristine beaches, freshwater lakes and tropical rainforests, and is home to incredible native wildlife, such as goannas and dingoes. During your visit, be sure to swim in the essential oil-infused Lake McKenzie, drive 4WDs down white sand beaches and float down Eli Creek, the island’s natural water slide. A holiday to the Fraser Coast is one you’ll never forget.

Scenic Rim

Less than a 60-minute drive from Brisbane or the Gold Coast lies the Scenic Rim, a ring of dramatic mountain ranges, World Heritage-listed rainforests and spectacular ancient landforms. Here, you can experience a great range of activities, including hiking, hot air ballooning, kayaking, fishing, wine tasting, gallery hopping and so much more. Named in Lonely Planet’s Top 10 Regions, Best in Travel 2022, a few days in this natural wonderland should be added to any Brisbane or Gold Coast holiday itinerary.

Base yourself in Tamborine Mountain, where you’ll find otherworldly walking trails and quaint villages filled with boutique wineries, historic pubs, local art galleries and eclectic gift shops. The volcanic peak of Tamborine Mountain itself sits on a level plateau 550 metres above sea level and offers 360-degree views of the Gold Coast skyline and surrounding Scenic Rim.

And if you love hiking, be sure to visit Lamington National Park. Covering around 21,000 hectares of rainforest, choose from 130 kilometres of walking trails, ranging from the wheelchair-friendly Centenary track to challenging full-day hikes. Whatever you choose to do, the Scenic Rim will leave you mesmerised.

Southern Great Barrier Reef

We’re all familiar with the iconic Great Barrier Reef, a colossal coral reef system stretching 2,300 kilometres along the Queensland coast. While most travellers choose to experience the reef from the tourist city of Cairns, it’s the southern township of Bundaberg where the reef officially begins. The Southern Great Barrier Reef is criminally underrated – here, chilled-out turtles, majestic manta rays and curious humpback whales rule the waters, and there are plenty of places to get your snorkel or dive on.

When holidaying in the Southern Great Barrier Reef, we recommend staying in the historic sugar cane city of Bundaberg. Just a 4.5-hour drive north of Brisbane, Bundaberg is ideally located next to some of Queensland’s most breathtaking islands. Yet, there’s plenty to do on the mainland as well, including watching baby turtles hatching at Mon Repos Regional Park, sampling rum at the Bundaberg Distillery and exploring 140 kilometres of pristine white beaches.

Of course, you can’t visit the Southern Great Barrier Reef without actually experiencing the reef. Fly 30 minutes from Bundaberg to Lady Elliot Island, an eco-friendly island bursting with unforgettable reef experiences. Home to over 1,200 species of marine life, here you can snorkel and dive right off the beach and, if you’re lucky, get up close and personal with giant manta rays and turtles. It’s time to add the Southern Great Barrier Reef to your Queensland bucket-list.

Find Your Perfect Queensland Holiday

Ready to tick some of these underrated Queensland destinations off your bucket-list? My Queensland offers a range of perfectly packaged Queensland holidays, complete 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 unbeatable holiday packages here.