The Best of Queensland, from Cairns to the Gold Coast

Photo © Getty Images/Posnov

With national parks, dense rainforests, jutting mountain ranges, and sweeping valleys, Queensland is a diverse and enthralling state.

The Daintree

Located in the far north of the state, the Daintree National Park is a two-hour drive north of Cairns. Walk along the boardwalks, learn about the park at the visitor center, and check out the wildlife conservation areas. The Daintree Rainforest is thought to be 165 million years old, and holds the title of the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest in the world.

Nearby, the Daintree River is home to a number of large saltwater crocodiles, which are a must-see (from afar). Another fascinating, and dangerous, inhabitant of northern Queensland is the Cassowary, a very large, shy but aggressive bird, found in the Paluma Range National Park. Nearby Cape Tribulation is known for its windswept beach reminiscent of a desert island. Always read the signs, and if it says not to swim, don't swim.

Inland from Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands is an area of outstanding beauty. Visit the huge Cathedral and Curtain fig trees, and camp on the shores of Lake Tinaroo.

The clear water of Cape Tribulation, Far North Queensland. Photo credit: Getty Images/DarrenTierney

Day Trips from Cairns

Take a short day trip from Cairns to Kuranda, and check out the mighty waterfalls in Barron Gorge National Park. During the wet season, or after heavy rain, the waterfalls are very powerful. Jump on board the heritage railway to view the falls and surrounding forest, or walk along the short boardwalk from the car park to see them from afar. Two hours south of Cairns, see the iconic Millaa Millaa Falls. Surrounded by rainforest, the falls cascade into a waterhole where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.

Paluma Range National Park

Big and Little Crystal Creek, in Paluma Range National Park, are hidden gems of the far north. After following a steep, winding road into the hills, adventurers are rewarded with a series of swimmable waterfalls and deep pools at Little Crystal Creek. A historic bridge spans the creek, and just below it is a popular rock face used as a diving board, but always remember to check the water levels before diving in. Its big brother is home to natural rock slides, the swimming hole known as the Paradise Pool, and a number of small waterfalls.

Set up camp at Crystal Creek campsite, where large shaded areas give you the chance to relax beneath the rainforest or walk one of a number of short trails surrounding the site. Wake up early to take a morning dip in the nearby waterhole before cooking up some breakfast over your fire. On your way to the campsite, look out for roadside stalls run by locals where you can buy fresh, homegrown fruit and vegetables.

Make sure to stop by the town of Paluma before you get there. McClelland's Lookout is a short walk from the picnic area in the village and provides great views toward the coast.

Finch Hatton Gorge

For those seeking a gentler side to Queensland, the forests and waterways surrounding Finch Hatton Gorge are popular with platypus spotters. These diminutive, and notoriously shy mammals are hard to spot, but for the lucky few who get to see them in the wild, the memory will last a lifetime. The aptly named Platypus Bush Camp is nearby if you want to camp in total wilderness. Check out the Wheel of Fire Walk, keeping an eye out for the large groups of fruit bats which call the forest home.

Springbrook National Park

On the border of Queensland and New South Wales, Springbrook National Park is different from the far north, with forests of fungi, moss and thick foliage that flourish among the damp and often misty mountains. Hope for a clear day to appreciate the Best of All Lookout, just a short walk through beech forest from the road. Head to Canyon Lookout from where you can access several short and longer trails. Check out the natural bridge at Cave Creek before taking one of the trails nearby.

Waterfall in Springbrook National Park. Photo credit: Getty Images/UpDogDesigns

Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is close to Springbrook, part of the Gondwana Rainforest, but the road connecting the two is a steep, windy but stunningly beautiful drive of around 90 minutes. The Green Mountains campsite is located inside the national park, making access to the Python Rock lookout, Moonlight Crag and the Morans Falls walk feel  easy after the long hairpin drive up. There are more than 150km of walking tracks in the park, including the 4km Gold Coast Hinterland Great Walk, which can be started from the campsite.

The Glass House Mountains

For those looking for a more arduous hike, Mount Beerwah can be summited via a 2.6km trail. The hike can be dangerous with steep banks and uneven ground, so take care on the way up. For those not keen on the climb, a fine lookout over the mountains can be found along the Glass House Woodford Road.

Just outside of the park, Mount Ngungun can also be climbed via a similarly demanding track. There are a number of shorter walks and trails along with picnic spots to soak in the afternoon sun or spot lazy koalas. Another great spot to view the mountains is McCarthy's Lookout, just south of Maleny.

Sunset from the top of Mt Ngungun, looking over the Glass House Mountains. Photo credit: Getty Images/Posnov

Outback Queensland

Queensland isn't all beaches and rainforests. Travel southwest from Townsville toward Charters Towers, to Ravenswood, a small mining town in the Queensland Outback. For those interested in history, the Ravenswood Railway Hotel is a notable heritage landmark retaining original furniture, rooms, and fittings for those brave enough to stay the night – it's said to be haunted. The hotel, along with the church and a number of shops featuring original facades, offers a glimpse into the gold mining rush of Australia's past. If you don't fancy a night in the hotel, there's a campground nearby. On the bumpy, corrugated Ayr–Ravenswood Road, keep a sharp eye out for kangaroos and emus while enjoying great views of the Queensland bush.

Head further west along the Flinders Highway to Mount Isa, a notable mining town around 917km from Townsville. Western fans should check out the annual Mount Isa Rodeo held in early August, or join a tour to learn about some of the mines in town. Also, of note is the WWII-era underground hospital.

Road Trip Itineraries

Deciding which route to take through Queensland can be difficult. Cairns to Brisbane? The same in reverse? How can you incorporate the interior, as well as the coast? Assuming Cairns is where you'll begin, after taking in the Daintree and Cape York, head south, hugging the coast. Take the time to head inland, where you'll find some of the best national parks in Australia. Inland spots such as Tully Falls, Atherton and Wallaman Falls make for worthwhile detours from the coast.