The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 tropical islands in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This island paradise is a dream destination for snorkelling, swimming, and relaxing on the pearly white sandy beaches. It often ranks as one of the best things to do in Australia and is known as Australia’s premier sailing destinations – and for a good reason. Sailing is one of the best ways to experience the diverse beauty of this region. Best of all, sailing these islands also happens to be one of the most fun things to do in Queensland! Nothing quite like the open ocean with the wind in your hair to soothe a restless soul.

While I was there, I found a few other friends, and we were able to rent a boat for around AU$400 per person for four days. It was an absolute dream and a ten-out-of-ten experience. However, if you aren’t able to rent a boat, half-day tours typically start at around AU$200. Whether you join a day tour or hire a yacht with a few friends, this is one of the best things to do in North Queensland and should be on your Australia bucket list.

2. Summit the Glasshouse Mountains

Glasshouse Mountains are located in the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, just a short drive inland from the Gold Coast. With 11 peaks to explore, there are plenty of walking tracks winding through waterholes, nature reserves and up steep mountains.

The most popular mountains to climb are Mount Tibrogargan and Mount Beerwah. Beerwah has a nice and easy 200m return walk or a 2.6km summit walk that can take up to four hours to complete. Tibrogargan offers a leisurely 4km circuit that winds its way around the base and a 6km circuit to the summit. On both summit climbs, you will encounter exposed rock faces and steep inclines. Wear sturdy shoes and comfortable clothes. Also, don’t forget water – you will need it!

If you are looking for the best things to do on the Gold Coast, then the Glasshouse Mountains should be on the list!

3. Go whale watching in Hervey Bay

Whale watching is a top Australia bucket list item, and Hervey Bay is the place to do it! Located three hours north of Brisbane, this bay offers the perfect coastal shelter for migrating whales. Between July and November, Hervey Bay transforms into the whale watch capital of the world. Here you can jump on a tour and enjoy an intimate experience with these magical mammals! Whale watching in Hervey Bay is one of the best things to do in Queensland and one of the best places to visit in Australia for nature lovers.

4, Soak in an artesian bore bath

If you are searching for things to do in Australia and the best places to visit in Queensland that get you off the beaten track, make sure you add soaking in an artesian bore bath to the list. Queensland is home to the Great Artesian Basin – a freshwater basin covering roughly one-fifth of the country (making it the largest and deepest in the world!) The best part? This underground water network is confined, pressurised, and heated to form a natural spa. These warm springs are a near-perfect 42°C by the time they reach the surface – the perfect natural bath.

Two of the top places to visit in Queensland to experience these baths include:

• Charlotte’s Plains Station

Located just outside Cunnamulla, this sheep station has a designated unpowered camping area, with a ‘bore river’ running through the middle. Along the shoreline, ceramic bathtubs and faucets pumping the water direct from the basin are scattered for guests to use at their leisure. After two years of doing the big lap, this still ranks high on my list of top things to do in Australia and is one of the best things to do in South Queensland.

• Julia Creek Caravan Park

These bore baths offer a more private bathing experience. The park has a number of dual bathtubs surrounded by a corrugated iron enclosure. You can bring your own nibbles and wine or order a platter from reception.

5. Watch kangaroos on the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park

There are only a few places in Australia where you can see the magical sight of kangaroos and wallabies roaming the beach. One is Lucky Beach in Western Australia, and the other is located in Cape Hillsborough in Queensland.

If you want to capture these beautiful creatures, get there at first light before the sun has risen. Once the sun is up, the wallabies tend to clear out! This early morning is easily one of the best things to do in North Queensland for photographers and animal lovers.

6. Explore the Daintree & Cape Tribulation

There is only one place in the world where two world heritage sites meet, and it is tucked away in the north of Queensland! Here in Cape Tribulation, you can walk along the beach with the ancient Jurassic-like forest of the Daintree on one side and the Great Barrier Reef on the other. It is pure magic and hands down one of the best places to visit in Queensland.

While you are here, wander along the boardwalks to admire this spectacular rainforest and make a stop to grab an exotic fruit ice cream from Daintree Ice Cream co.

7. Road trip the waterfall circuit

Queensland’s weather is tropical, so it heats up to a balmy 30-35°C in the summer. One of the best things to do in Queensland to take the edge off the summer heat is to find a local waterhole to cool off. What better way than to take a road trip around the Queensland waterfall circuit!

Starting in Cairns, wind your way southeast past Lake Eacham toward Milla Falls. From here, there are plenty of little falls to check out, like Zillie Falls and Millstream, all the way back inland until you reach Innisfail. Swimming in one, picnic on the shore at the next. The waterfall circuit is one of the best things to do in North Queensland in a van over a few days or on a day trip from Cairns!