A Nature Lover’s Guide to Queensland

The coast is one of the sunny state’s main natural attractions, and Queensland holidays would be incomplete without at least a glimpse of the largest coral reef in the world. The Great Barrier Reef is a certified natural wonder, but Queensland has so much more to offer. For tropical charm with half the crowds, check out the world’s largest sand island. Fraser Island’s National Park (recently renamed K’gari) has it all. Hike, camp, or 4WD to experience panoramic viewpoints and cliffs striped with ribbons of coloured sand, Champagne Pools where the surf crashes over to create bubbling rock pools at the perfect temperature for a dip, and the only place on earth where tall rainforest grows right out of the sand.

Queensland’s tropical climate is perfectly paired with its lush green havens, heritage-listed rainforests that are among the oldest in the world. The Daintree in the far north is sure to delight, but for a different kind of paradise take a day trip from Cairns to experience Paronella Park, where nature has reclaimed the beautiful, crumbling Spanish folly. Lush tropical plants meet enchantment and intrigue, where one man’s dream has become a sanctuary for many. To kick your rainforest cravings in the south, head inland from the Gold Coast to Springbrook, the heritage-listed Gondwana rainforest created by a huge shield volcano 23 million years ago. Time and weather have shaped magnificent landforms, cliffs, and caves, resulting in the rare beauty we get to experience today.