Must-Sees in Coastal Queensland When You’re Short on Time

Heading to Australia’s second largest state? Only got a little bit of time? Here are some must-sees, must-dos, and must-tries in the Sunshine State!

When’s the best time to go?

There’s no ‘best’ time to go to Queensland, but its summer season is December to February. During the summer, tourists can expect sunny days, with long hours of warm sunlight. This makes it a popular time. But bear in mind, with the high humidity and heavy rainfall, cyclones during this season are a possibility! Many Queenslanders swear the climate peaks from May to October. While winter isn’t a thing in Queensland, the temperatures cool off slightly during this time, and the sun still appears, making any outdoor activities a little less sweaty!

Queensland’s peak tourist season kicks off around May. The cooler temperatures of the south start to cause chills in Melbourne and Sydney, and many southerners escape the chills and head to the golden sands of Queensland to bask in the sun and catch a wave of beach life.

Our favourite highlights of Coastal Queensland

• Cairns, Port Douglas and the Daintree
• Sunshine Coast
• Fraser Island
• Great Barrier Reef
• Whitsundays
• Noosa

Queensland is the second largest state in Australia. It has lots of places to visit, and it’s very easy to spend weeks or even months in this enormous state!

It’s also doable in a week, too. Or if you’re even shorter on time, you can still easily cover some of Queensland’s hotspots in a few days. Here are our top picks!

Cairns: A base point for Far North Queensland

If you’re looking for a place to start in the North of Queensland, Cairns is a good launchpad. It’s the gateway to the Daintree Rainforest, and this tropical city is the epicentre of Far North Queensland’s tropical activities.

Head to Cairns, and tick off the tropical parts of Northern Queensland. From Cairns, Port Douglas and the Daintree Rainforest are easily accessible.

Port Douglas

Visit the palm-fringed town of Port Douglas, and take a relaxing walk on the beach.

Visit Port Douglas for a splash of boutique town meets tropical paradise. With a long expanse of beach (appropriately called Four Mile Beach), you won’t be stuck for places to chill on the sand. And if finding the most scenic viewpoint is your thing, then Flagstaff Hill Viewpoint is a must-do.

Daintree National Park

No trip to Queensland is complete without seeing the beautiful, lush tropics of the Daintree National Park! Wander around the raised boardwalks and soak up the rainforest mist. Immerse yourself in a total rainforest paradise, and meander around the boardwalks to get fully lost in nature. This is where the rainforest truly meets the ocean! Experience nature like you never have before. And if you’re lucky, you might spot a Southern Cassowary!

Sunshine Coast

What’s a trip to the Sunshine State without seeing the Sunshine Coast? The surfy Sunshine Coast comprises a boutique surfy towns with golden beaches. Life on the Sunshine Coast is chilled and surfy. Don’t miss a dip in the ocean, or chill out on the beaches. The stretch between Coolum and Noosa is a pretty coastal drive.

K’gari

Not far from the Sunshine Coast is Kgari. Visit K’gari (Fraser Island) for an unforgettable and adventurous island experience. It’s the largest sand island in the world! This island is home to vast expanses of endless dunes that are perfect for adventuring across! Take a 4WD across these sandy dunes and release your inner adventurer! Take a day tour to Fraser Island from the Sunshine Coast (Hervey Bay).

Great Barrier Reef

Whether you’re into snorkelling, scuba diving, or boat trips…welcome to an unforgettable reef trip! Or perhaps you’re into scenic views from a boat trip that ventures across the Pacific Ocean? Check out the Great Barrier Reef for a spot of scuba diving or snorkelling, where you can marvel at vivid colourful fish and awesome corals.

Whitsundays

Welcome to the dreamy Whitsundays! A luxurious collection of stunning islands, the Whitsundays consists of 74 islands in a collective. Think aqua blue water, talcum powder sands and the soft rustle of palms in the sea breeze. Sound inviting? Make sure you stop off for a night on one of the Whitsundays for a splash of island life. Airlie Beach or Hamilton Island are great, accessible island stop-offs. Spend a day or two in the islands and soak up the quintessential views.

Noosa

For Sunkissed beaches and salty ocean breezes, check out Noosa! This is a perfect surf-infused place to visit. Check out the sandy beaches of Noosa, lined with consistent sets of rolling waves. Noosa is a great spot for a quick stop off.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward began with a passion for travel and turned it into a thriving tourism business. He co-founded Sightseeing Tours Australia after starting out as a tour guide in Melbourne. Cameron delights in helping visitors get the most from their trip to Australia. Whether he's leading tours or writing about his favourite places, Cameron loves sharing his local insight with fellow travellers.