19 Queensland Travel Spots That Should Be On Your Radar

Queensland's one big-ass place.

1. Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Islands.

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The Whitsundays are a group of 74 islands along the coast of Queensland, about 1150km north of the Gold Coast. Whitehaven Beach, the most photographed beach in Australia, is so popular due to its crystal clear waters and almost-white sand.

2. Agincourt Reef, Port Douglas.

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Agincourt Reef is within the Whitsunday region, and about 65km from the Port Douglas coast. This diving site is well-known thanks to it being on the very edge of the Great Barrier Reef, where you can see an abundance of animal and plant life. Though you should note that its ribbon reef structure means it's more suited for diving over snorkelling.

3. Opal Reef, Port Douglas.

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Opal Reef, like the Agincourt, is located in the Coral Sea within the Great Barrier Reef, however the two provide different experiences. Unlike the Agincourt, Opal is broad and curved, and for this reason snorkelling is much easier and better for beginners.

4. Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach.

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Airlie Beach, a locality within the Whitsundays, is the largest town amongst the Whitsunday coast and its 74 islands. Airlie is a good place to plan your island day trips but is also a great holiday destination, with many coves and beaches close to you.

5. Daintree Rainforest, Daintree.

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The Daintree Rainforest is located right near the Great Barrier Reef, and at over 135 million years old, is believed to be one of the oldest rainforests in the world. The biggest range of flora and fauna are found within the Daintree and it's a World Heritage site along with the Great Barrier Reef - the only two in the world that are side-by-side.

6. Lake McKenzie, Fraser Island.

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Lake McKenzie is a freshwater lake surrounded by sand and is one of Fraser Island's most well-known attractions. The clear freshwater and soft, white sand makes the lake a great swimming and picnic spot.

7. Noosa Beach, Noosa.

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Noosa main beach is a great family spot with soft waves perfect for learning to surf or just swimming in general. Located about 220km from the Gold Coast, Noosa Beach is one of the few Australian beaches that face north and is patrolled by lifesavers all year.

8. Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland, Toowoomba.

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With 160 acres of heritage-listed land, Picnic Point Lookout and Parkland is a great place to view nature from above. Situated about 185km from the Gold Coast, the panoramic views are well worth the trip.

9. Carlo Sand Blow, Rainbow Beach.

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The Carlo Sand Blow, 320km from the Gold Coast, is a special spot in Rainbow Beach and its sand stretches over 15 hectares. The sand mass gives amazing views of the ocean, sunrise, and sunset over Rainbow Beach, and is a great spot to walk along to get some exercise in.

10. Lamington National Park, Binna Burra.

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The Lamington National Park is super close to the Gold Coast (50km) and is home to a number of walking tracks with beautiful scenic views. Lamington is rich with animal and plant life and places for a quick dip and for picnics to take place.

11. Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island.

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Located only 90km from the Gold Coast, North Stradbroke Island is a good getaway for people who want to miss the crowds of the Whitsundays. Point Lookout is especially known for its great surf beaches and the ability to whale watch along the coast.

12. The Glasshouse Mountains Hinterland.

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The Glasshouse Mountains area, approximately 150km from the Gold Coast, is a township of mountains and peaks formed from the centres of extinct volcanos. The National Park provides the opportunity for walks, hikes, climbs, and an array of lookout points where you can snap a cheeky panoramic shot.

13. Hells Gate in Noosa National Park, Noosa.

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The Hells Gate walking track is a 5.2km round trip from the National Park entrance and produces views that are one-of-a-kind. Noosa National Park is located 220km from the Gold Coast, and is home to several rare and threatened species of plants and animals.

14. Carnarvon Gorge National Park, Mount Moffat.

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About 755km away from the Gold Coast is the town of Mount Moffat, and the Carnarvon Gorge National Park. The park itself contains sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, walking tracks, and beautiful views of the mountains and peaks within the area. Carnarvon Gorge is so special because around the park there is Aboriginal rock art dated to about 19,000 years ago, which demonstrates the importance of this place to the Australian people.

15. The town of Longreach.

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Located a solid 1250km from the Gold Coast, the outback town of Longreach is definitely a different experience to the coastal towns popular with tourists. You can learn about Australian history at the Stockman's Hall of Fame, watch a rodeo, and experience what true Aussie outback life is like.

16. Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast.

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Approximately 185km from the Gold Coast is the equally beautiful Sunshine Coast. Coolum Beach is located centrally within the Sunshine Coast and is the perfect place to take a dip and then walk to the shops and grab a bite to eat.

17. Nudgee Beach, Brisbane.

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Unlike the beaches seen at the Whitsundays, Nudgee Beach in Brisbane (about 95km from the Gold Coast) has textured sand and flat water. It's a great place to walk along to catch the sunset, and you'll often find crabs walking along the sands at night.

18. Bribie Island, Brisbane.

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Bribie Island is the perfect spot to watch the sunset by the beach, birdwatch in nature, and to camp in the bush. Located under 170km from the Gold Coast, Bribie Island is only connected to the mainland via a bridge. This means your trip away can feel much more like a holiday abroad when you think about the only thing connecting you to the rest of Australia is one little bridge.

19. Mount Coot-tha Lookout, Brisbane.

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And if the beach and nature all gets too much for you the Mount Coot-tha Lookout, also located in Brisbane, will show you why you love the hustle and bustle of the city life so much. Providing sweeping views of the cityscape, Mount Coot-tha is a must-see when night falls and the city lights are switched on.

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