Journeys

Top Places to Visit in Queensland

18th Nov 2021

From rainforests to sparkling beaches, Queensland offers an endless array of beautiful destinations that must be ticked off any savvy caravanner’s bucket list. Whether you’re a fan of tropical islands, or you’re looking to catch a good wave on your trip, we’ve outlined some of our top Queensland spots that will be sure to impress.

Fraser Island (K’Gari)

Fraser island, also known as K’Gari, is located just off the Sunshine Coast. It’s the largest sand island in the world, known as the only place where tall rainforests grow on sand dunes. When it comes to things to do and see on the island, you will be spoilt for choice.

What to do

Drive down 75 Mile Beach, Fraser’s National Highway to experience the main stretch of beach along the island’s eastern side. Just make sure you’re in an off-road van during low tide. Not only can you make the most of the incredible beaches, but you can also visit the famous rainforests, go swimming with whales, hike down the K’Gari Great Walk or paddle in the beautiful freshwater lakes.

Some other fun activities include exploring Eli Creek, where the water has been filtered by the sand for over 100 years. We also recommend delving into the ruins of Maheno Shipwreck and whale watching at Indian Head.

Where to stay

To get to the island, hop on a ferry from River Heads (south of Hervey Bay). You will need to purchase a vehicle access permit and possess a vehicle with high-clearance and low-range capacity. There are plenty of caravan parks and campgrounds available for your stay, however you must attain a camping permit for all campgrounds, except privately-run camping areas. Please bear in mind some inland tracks are not recommended for conventional caravans, as they are not suitable for towing.

Port Douglas

A road trip to Queensland is not complete without experiencing the coastal sights of Port Douglas. This is the perfect location for those in search of a low-key, relaxing holiday amongst clear blue waters, lush rainforests, and palm-fringed golden sands.

What to do

A short distance away is the renowned Great Barrier Reef, which is a must visit when you’re in the area. We recommend checking out the protected coral bay of the Low Isles, which is only a short 15km from town.

The Daintree Rainforest, known as the oldest rainforest on earth, is only 90-minutes away. This breathtaking location offers a range of experiences to partake in, such as 4WD tours, zipline tours, crocodile-spotting cruises, and night-time nature walks.

Lastly, Cairns is only an hour drive away and is perfect for when you would like a taste of the city before heading back into the wilderness. You can enjoy local produce, bar hop your way around town or even swim at designated waterholes.

Where to stay

We recommend staying at BIG4 Port Douglas Glengarry Holiday Park. It’s the perfect base for exploring the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. With plenty of park facilities, activities, caravan sites and more, it’s an excellent choice for families!

Kuranda and the Atherton Tablelands

Kuranda is a picturesque mountain retreat with plenty of art, tropical handicrafts and jewellery made by local artisans. This colourful rainforest village is one of the gateways to the Atherton Tablelands, which is home to some of the best food experiences up north.

What to do

Kuranda is known for its world-renowned attractions, such as the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld, Kuranda Koala Gardens, and Rainforestation Nature Park.

You can hop on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway for ocean view rides above the tropical rainforest or visit the mighty Barron Falls in the Barron Gorge National Park.

Where to stay

Kuranda Rainforest Accommodation Park offers various facilities to keep you comfortable on your visit. If you prefer to stay outside the village, there are many holiday parks and campgrounds, such as Lake Eachem or Malanda Falls.

The Cape York Peninsula and the Tip

Known as the largest unspoiled wilderness in northern Australia, the Cape York Peninsula is located on the farthest northern tip of Queensland and is the epitome of remote adventures. It’s the ultimate self-drive location, with more 4WDs than anywhere else in the country!

What to do

Spend your days driving the red dirt highways, camping under the stars, and enjoying the spectacular views. Cape York also offers three large national parks, Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park, Kutini-Payamu (Iron Range National Park), and Jardine River National Park.

Spend some time in Cooktown experiencing the rich indigenous history and culture, as well as the multitude of adventures and bush walks on offer. Visit the Tip and capture the iconic experience with a photo! Note that it’s over 860 kms away, so you will need to stock up on supplies before you venture off.

Where to stay

With over 1000 kms of incredible wilderness, the options are endless when it comes to staying in Cape York and the Tip.

We recommend Alau Beach Campground at Umagico, a beautiful campsite overlooking the Torres Strait and its stunning islands. For those travelling with their furry friends, we suggest Weipa Camping Ground. This pet friendly site is situated right on the beach within Albatross Bay.

There’s no shortage of things to do or see in Queensland, so why not plan a trip to explore these unforgettable spots. With activities and sights to experience that the whole family will love, make this summer a memorable one by embarking on your next RV adventure.

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