These 16 Incredible Photos From Queensland Will Help You Escape Lockdown For A Few Minutes

I honestly can't believe these beautiful places exist.

Right now, it’s important to stay home and practice social distancing. We hope you’ll find our content entertaining, inspiring or useful for a future trip.

1. Cape Hillsborough National Park

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As if a jaw-dropping sunrise couldn't get any better, if you're awake early enough, these little fellas will make an appearance on the rock-strewn beaches that line Cape Hillborough National Park in Mackay. Isolation throwing your sleep schedule out the window? No worries, you can still enjoy this surreal sight in pictures no matter what time you wake up.

2. Thala Beach Nature Reserve

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By this point, you've probably been stuck inside with your houseplants for weeks, so take in the lush green beauty that is the Thala Beach Nature Reserve. Located on a private headland between Cairns and Port Douglas, this landscape is the virtual island getaway we know you're craving. Plus, aren't those organised palm trees so satisfying to look at?

3. Springbrook National Park

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Escape into this virtual oasis with a view you wouldn't be able to admire from anywhere else but your phone screen. Known for its awe-inspiring waterfalls and serene rainforests, Springbrook National Park couldn't be more different from city life.

4. Wilson Island

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This genuinely looks like heaven, Queensland style. Wilson Island is part of the Great Barrier Reef area, so you know its white sand is pristine and its water crystal clear. Look at this long enough and you can practically hear the sound of the waves gently lapping at the shore.

5. Mount Tinbeerwah Lookout

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Spending more time alone wouldn't feel so bad if this was your view. With its sprawling landscapes and golden sunsets, the lookout at Mount Timbeerwah has to be seen to be believed. Luckily, we can view it anytime with stunning photos like this.

6. Rainbow Beach

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Look at all those layers of colour and beauty! I guess that's one of the reasons why this stunning spot is called Rainbow Beach. Not only is this coastal town in the Gympie Region a gateway to Fraser Island (yet another gorgeous destination worth adding to your bucket list), but there's so many opportunities for adventure when we're able to roam freely.

7. Barron Falls

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Is it just me or does this look like a scene straight out of a fantasy novel? With its steep, cascading waterfalls and ancient beauty, you don't need to experience Barron Falls in person to feel its power. But it's definitely worth checking out when restrictions are lifted.

8. The Great Barrier Reef

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It goes without saying that Queensland's Great Barrier Reef is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. The coral reef has experienced mass bleaching events in recent years, but images like this can remind us it's still an incredible sight to experience, even when viewed on a screen.

9. Granite Bay

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Who could go for a day at the beach? It's actually, finally, starting to get chilly in Queensland, so the lack of perfect beach weather makes staying at home a little better. Granite Bay at Noosa isn't going anywhere, so hopefully lockdowns will have eased by the time it's hot again.

10. Burleigh Heads

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Nothing seems more optimistic than a rainbow after a storm, which is how it'll feel when we're able to adjust back to normal life. If you're missing the surf though, photos like this one from Burleigh Beach will remind you to hang on a little longer because it'll all be worth it.

11. Cooloola Sand Patch

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Cooloola’s towering sandmass hills, which promise panoramic views over the upper Noosa River, proves this isn’t a regular beach walk. While this adventurous 12km hike is off limits at the moment, nothing is stopping you from making plans for it one day and imagining the sand between your toes in the meantime.

12. Captain Cook Highway

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How can you look at this and not want to immediately plan a road trip? This stunning stretch of coastline is part of the Captain Cook Highway which takes you right to the tropical city of Cairns in Far North Queensland. For now though, it's best to start putting together the best road trip playlist from the comfort of your own home.

13. Cape York

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Ever been to Cape York? Everyone should see the famous red dirt for themselves at least once, but for now, awesome drone shots like this give us an insight into the outback.

14. Atherton Tableland

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Okay, show of hands — who would rather be here than sitting at your makeshift desk wondering if you should should put on a different shirt for today's Zoom call? You'll have to enjoy this view virtually for the time being, but the Atherton Tableland region will be patiently waiting for you to visit in person.

15. Carnarvon Gorge

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When the landscape could double as a desktop background, you know you've found a stunning part of Queensland. Carnarvon Gorge is a playground for the outdoorsy types, which will no doubt be a lot more of us when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

16. Maleny

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Turns out One Tree Hill isn't just an early '00s television drama about basketball and family, but also one of the most popular wedding destinations in Queensland. With this astonishing view of the Glasshouse Mountains, it's easy to see why.