Queensland, in the northeast section of Australia, is the second largest of the nation’s six states. It is the land of big adventures with the Great Barrier Reef being a major draw. However, this area offers more in terms of outback adventures, urban explorations and historical experiences.
Brisbane
Brisbane is one of Australia’s oldest cities. It occupies what was once the land of the indigenous Turrbal and Jagera people. In 1824, it was the site of a prison for hard-core criminals, but this prison was later abandoned. Queensland was granted autonomy as a state separate from New South Wales, and Queensland was chosen as capital and developed into the urban centre that it is today.
Brunching in Brisbane is an eclectic experience. The New Farm Deli Café serves authentic Italian selections while Seven South’s breakfast menu consists of traditional choices with a delicious twist. Organic choices are available at the Flying Nun, but for sinful versions of brunch favorites, head to Ruby Café on Paddington.
Brisbane is fun central for kids. A picnic at the Brisbane Botanic Gardens is entertaining, and the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art provide educational encounters for the young ones. Let them frolic on the sand at Streets Beach, explore the trails at Mount Coot-tha or run around and meet local children at the local children’s park, of which Brisbane has many. The city is a family friendly destination, so make sure to choose from an extensive list of family friendly hotels when visiting Brisbane.
Outback Queensland
Outback Queensland beckons the brave of heart. Come see the wonders of Australia’s off-the-beaten-path destinations. You may run into nomadic caravans, hardy backpackers or even bush races.
Carnarvon Gorge is eternally beautiful with rare bird and plant species and aboriginal rock art to study. Lake Eyrie Basin is the largest salt lake in the world, but Quilpie is an experience you will not soon forget. This is the area where you can go fossicking for Boulder opals, which are found only in Australia.
Uluru
Uluru is a geologic monolith that measures 3.6 kilometers across and 3.48 kilometers in height, indicating that part of it is underground. It is an impressive sight that appears to change colors as daylight changes. This rocky formation includes several sacred sites that are special to the Anangu. It is also known as Ayer’s Rock for Sir Henry Ayers.
Gold Coast
Queensland’s Gold Coast is a playground where locals and guests can enjoy the sun, surf and sunbathing. This is one of the best places to learn to surf, but if you’re already a pro, grab a longboard and prepare to go aerial with ritzy high-rise apartments as the backdrop.
Lamington National Park is worth the visit to experience another side of Australia. It is a subtropical rainforest with numerous hiking trails. Burleigh Heads is a charming beach town with quaint shops and one of the sand and surf in the Gold Coast’s 52 kilometers of beach. Currumbin lies south of Burleigh Heads, offering a safe swimming option in the Currumbin Creek. Broadbeach is on the north end closer to the Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre and Jupiter’s Casino. This may be the best beach due to its accessibility and proximity to shops and restaurants.
When it comes to water or waterside experiences, the Great Barrier Reef is no match for anything else. It stretches 2,600 kilometers and is home to thousands of species of fish and other marine life. Few turn down an opportunity to explore the world’s largest coral reef system.
Check out these top 20 Gold Coast Hotels with Incredible Pools by HotelsCombined for more exciting family adventures in Gold Coast.
