Eight Instaworthy places to visit across Queensland

In a world where people are picking their holidays based on being “grammable” (yes, it’s a word!) and spending their time daydreaming of places to travel, we thought we would share some of our top picks for you to visit across our beautiful Sunshine State.

Mossman Gorge in Daintree National Park

Mossman Gorge - @mycolourfulworld_

The Daintree Rainforest is a national park in Far North Queensland, 100 kilometres northwest of Cairns. There are two main sections of the park – Mossman Gorge and Cape Tribulation. Daintree National Park houses the oldest rainforest on the planet – the closest living counterpart to the forests that once covered the ancient supercontinent of Gondwanaland.

Noosa

Noosa National Park - @oliviatedesco

Located in the Sunshine Coast region, Noosa is around 150 kilometres north of Brisbane and known for its stunning beaches, lakes and national park. It’s also famous for its year-round warm climate, boasting an annual average temperature of 25 degrees. If you’re hunting for a lush place to relax, shop and eat well, Noosa is the place to go.

Atherton Tablelands

Sunrise over the tablelands - @andrewwatsonphoto

The ‘tablelands’ is a highland region in far north Queensland, about a six hour drive from Cairns. The area is well known for its gourmet food and wine trail as well as numerous waterfalls and rainforest hikes. Some places to visit across the region include: Mount Mulligan, Chillagoe Caves, Curtain Fig Tree, Lake Tinaroo, Mt Hypipamee Crater, Undara Lava Tubes, Broomfield Swamp, Paronella Park and the twin crater lakes of Barrine and Eacham. 

Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Surf - @dylanmattner

Burleigh Heads is located on the Gold Coast, just south of Surfers Paradise. The foreshore is famous for its towering pine trees, parkland and picturesque ocean views. Some of the most popular ways to explore the area includes going for a swim at the headland, having a picnic on the hill or embarking on a walk in the national park. 

Lamington National Park

Coomera Gorge - @geoff.r.king

The Lamington National Park lies on the Lamington Plateau of the McPherson Range, right on the Queensland and New South Wales State border. What most say makes this area special are the extensive walking tracks, spectacular views and ecological importance. Lamington National Park is a part of the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the most extensive area of subtropical rainforest in the world. If you are driving from Brisbane, expect to be in the car for at least two hours. 

Fraser Island

Fraser Island - @escape_your_life

Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, sitting just off the southern Queensland coast. It’s also one of the only places on earth where rainforests grow on sand dunes. If you are looking for superb scenery, swimming spots, sand dunes and 4WD tracks, this is the perfect place to go. Note: if you are planning on visiting you will either need to catch a 50-minute ferry or fly in directly from Brisbane.

Mount Coot-tha

Mount Coot-tha lookout - @evanmorgansphotography

Mount Coot-tha is 287 metres above sea level, making it Brisbane’s highest peak and one of the best spots to views of the State’s capital. Only a short drive from the CBD, Mount Coot-tha sits nestled in between Brisbane Forest Park and the Brisbane Botanic Gardens. You’ll find a café and restaurant at the lookout as well. 

Girraween National Park

Pyramid Rocks - @wanderstories

Girraween National Park is an area of the Granite Belt in the Darling Downs region and known for its spectacular flowers, dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. Located halfway between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, you can explore almost 30 kilometres of walking tracks or camp at Castle Rock or Bald Rock Creek. If you’re lucky, you might even see a wombat!

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