Travelling With My Best Friend In Australia
In January of 2020, I went travelling for the first time with my best friend, Maisie. We spent every day
Australia Travel Inspo
Queensland
All you need to know about Queensland
Queensland is a backpackers dream. We don’t need to tell you that. If you’re wanting to tick off The Whitsundays, K’gari AND The Great Barrier Reef then Queensland is the place for you. But wait, we’re not finished yet, you can do even MORE! How does a skydive sound? Great. What about skydiving and then landing on Mission Beach?! Even better. Not to mention flying over The Great Barrier Reef or learning to scuba dive. Sold.
And that’s just the beginning. Experience more adventures on Magnetic Island to find koalas, spot cassowaries in the Daintree and crocodile hunt at Cape Tribulation. The possibilities are endless in Queensland.
Plan Your Adventure
Not sure how to go about exploring this amazing state? Join us on our Welcome to Australia: East Coast tour or chat to our community team to plan your own epic personalised adventure.
Queensland Destinations
Cairns
Whitsundays
K'Gari
Noosa
Brisbane
Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise
"Queensland should be the first place you head to when backpacking Australia! It was so easy to make friends and it never felt like I was travelling solo."
Emily
Cairns
Key Characteristics
Cairns is the adrenaline junkie city of Australia and the perfect place to start or finish your East Coast backpacking adventure. In the city, you’ll find everything from lagoons to relax in, bars to dance in and night markets to shop in. And not to mention the famous Gilligan’s hostel every backpacker needs to experience… we’ll leave that one as a surprise for you.
But it’s outside of the city that Cairns becomes a backpackers playground: learn to scuba dive in The Great Barrier Reef, chase waterfalls in The Daintree Rainforest, and even jump out of a plane (sorry mum).
Type Of Traveller It Suits
There’s a lot of beautiful nature surrounding Cairns, but that’s not all this city offers. If you’re an adrenaline junky, this is the only place in Australia you can bungy jump! And if that wasn’t enough adventure for you, test your limits by canyoning or white water rafting in the stunning national parks that surround Cairns.
Backpacker Tips
We’ve said it a few times, but we’re going to say it again for the people in the back. You have to visit The Great Barrier Reef and Cairns is the best place to do it! Surround yourself with tropical fish and if you’re lucky, spot a turtle or reef shark over the colourful coral. Dreaming of becoming a certified scuba diver? Take a PADI course where you can actually live on The Great Barrier Reef while you learn. Not something you hear everyday, right?
If you’re feeling a little uncertain about diving for the first time, why not try an introductory scuba dive, which gives you the chance to experience diving while on a snorkel trip. But be warned, it’s easy to fall in love with life under the sea.
It’s not all about the sea and the sky, Cairns also offers some incredible day trips to the Daintree Rainforest, which happens to be the oldest rainforest in the world. Chase waterfalls, jump into swimming holes and spot nature on a bush walk. Make time too to head to Cape Tribulation, where the Daintree Rainforest meets The Great Barrier Reef – two World Heritage Sites collide and yes, it’s as impressive as it sounds. The best way to see both of these? With our friends at Uncle Brian’s who offer day trips or an overnight trip that combines both these incredible destinations with a stay in the Daintree.
Visit Queensland on These Tours
30 Days / 29 Nights
Welcome to Australia: East Coast
Drive 4×4’s on K’Gari (Fraser Island), fly over and cruise around the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, all this and a lot more. On this 30 day – semi guided tour.
Flexible Days
Build Your Own: East Coast
On a working holiday or gap year, take your time travelling the East Coast and let us create a custom made tour.
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
45 Days / 44 Nights
Whitsundays
Key Characteristics
Picture 74 stunning islands, with pristine beaches, crystal clear water and stunning sea life. Then picture yourself sailing around these islands for three days with a group of legends. Can life get any better? Yep it can, when you throw in a scenic flight over Whitehaven Beach and spot the iconic heart reef.
This is also where The Great Barrier Reef officially starts, so the snorkelling is pretty good too. Dive into the water, snorkel with the fish, lounge on the iconic Whitehaven Beach, then immediately show the pictures off to everyone you know.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
The hardest part is deciding how to see The Whitsundays. For more of a party scene, you can cruise around the islands on a bigger party boat with slides, diving boards and even a hot tub to keep you well entertained. Nature lovers and adventurers will enjoy the smaller sailing boats where you get to be a little more hands on deck.
Backpacker Tips
We love to recommend overnight sailing boats so you can enjoy this beautiful part of Queensland in style. Our biggest tip? Get your boat booked nice and early, especially in the summer months by filling in our Build Your Own East Coast Trip form. Then our travel experts will be able to recommend the perfect boat for you.
Don’t have the time to spend a night or two on board? We’ve got you covered. Skip the slower sailing boats and instead, take a speed boat. You’ll tick off Whitehaven Beach, snorkelling and the same incredible views in half the time.
Our favourite tip? Make sure you include time for a scenic flight from Airlie Beach, you’ll fly over the Whitsundays AND The Great Barrier Reef – your camera roll will have never looked better.
If you’re pushed for time, but want to see all the hotspots? Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you see all the beauty the Whitsundays has to offer with a fantastic boat and flight day package.
K'Gari
Key Characteristics
If we had to convince you to go to K’gari, we’d tell you the name translates to paradise in the local aboriginal language. Or we might tell you it’s the largest sand island in the world. But once you’ve seen a picture or two, K’gari (or Fraser Island) doesn’t take much convincing.
In fact, it’s a backpacker’s dream. Join a tag-along tour to drive on the island in 4x4s (yep you’ll be driving on the beach). Take a dip in the pristine waters of Lake Mackenzie, float down Eli Creek, then hunt down shipwrecks with your new friends.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
It’s no surprise K’gari is most of our traveller’s favourite destination, it is literally paradise. If you’re a flashpacker, you can stay in glamping-style tents or even private accommodation on the island. But if you’re travelling for the experience, you’ll enjoy the classic camping tours (and don’t worry there are toilets on the island). Regardless of your tour style, you’ll be making friends, driving down the beaches, spotting dingos and taking a dip in the many freshwater lakes on the island. Just don’t swim in the sea, it’s full of sharks… you were warned.
Backpacker Tips
K’gari tours start on the mainland in either the towns of Noosa or Rainbow Beach where you’ll meet your tour crew, learn how to drive safely on the sand then catch the ferry over to K’gari. Unfortunately, that pesky thing called insurance means you need to be 21 or over to drive on the island, and have a driving licence too (that part’s pretty important).
If you asked us our favourite spot on K’gari, we’d say that’s too hard to choose! Instead, we’d tell you it’s a sure way to meet some lifelong friends that you actually end up bumping into while you’re completing your trip up or down the East Coast. Now that’s what travelling is all about.
Along with warning you about the sharks in the sea here, we also want to warn you that K’gari tours are super popular. To get the tour of your dreams, fill in our Build Your Own East Coast Trip form and we’ll plan your perfect Australia adventure.
Noosa
Key Characteristics
Australian surf towns don’t get much cooler than this. Noosa is classic Aus: incredible beaches, gorgeous cafes, fun bars and some pretty spectacular national parks too. Grab a board and hit the surf or relax on the beach. Spend a day exploring the national park and swimming in the fairy pools. Or enjoy a lazy day at your hostel pool. With glorious weather and beautiful scenery, no wonder everyone wants to live here.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
The surf towns of Noosa and Byron Bay often get compared to each other, Noosa as the more boujee version and Byron Bay as the hippie town. The only thing you need to know is that they both have excellent beaches, proper surf town vibes and incredible surrounding scenery (hello national parks). If you loved Byron, you’ll love Noosa and vice versa. When it comes to hostels, Bounce is probably the closest any hostel has got to a hotel, from the rooms to the bathrooms this place is as instagrammable as it gets. Or stay in super social Nomads which is a simple stroll away from the main beach.
Backpacker Tips
If you can pull yourself away from the spectacular beaches in Noosa, a wander through Noosa National Park is well worth it for the fairy pools alone. These naturally forming swimming holes are perched on the edge of the sea and their inviting blue water is a welcome refresh after a walk in the heat. Grab a photo for the grid, then jump in and enjoy.
And don’t miss out on one of only two everglade systems in the world, and the only everglade system that doesn’t have alligators and crocodiles swimming in the waters (Australia one, America nil). So you’ll be safe to kayak through the shimmering waterways, spotting nature that won’t attempt to kill you as you go.
Brisbane
Key Characteristics
Queensland’s capital is Australia’s third largest city, so soak up those city vibes while you can. The city is built around the river and South Bank is where you’ll find most of the action. The city may not be home to a beach, but that didn’t stop the locals demanding one, chill at South Bank Parklands, the city’s man-made (and free!) beach oasis. Give yourself time to explore out of the city too, with Australia Zoo and Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary easily accessible from the city centre. And don’t miss out on adventure-filled day trips to Moreton or Bribie Islands.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
There’s almost too much to see and do in Brisbane; explore the museums and galleries, shop in the CBD, and eat on South Bank. If you’re a nature lover, catch the train out of the city to explore Australia Zoo, home of the Irwin family. Then when it comes to the end of the day, there are hostels to suit everyone from super chill vibes to social hostels with activities to match.
Backpacker Tips
While you’re out in the city, take advantage of the free (yes free!) CityHopper ferry service for a great view of the city skyline from the river. Jump on the CityHopper at South Bank and ride it down to Sydney Street for the full experience.
But don’t just stick to the city. The islands surrounding Brisbane are spectacular. Take a day trip over to Moreton Island, where sunken shipwrecks have created an incredible marine life, and you’ll be swimming and snorkelling surrounded by fish. Then take a glass-bottomed kayak for a spin for a different view all together. The action’s not over yet, make the most of sand dunes on the island by sand dune boarding. Not sure how you’d fit all these activities into one day? Don’t worry we’ll book the perfect day tour for you.
Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise
Key Characteristics
Affectionately known as the Miami of Australia, Surfers Paradise is a great party hotspot. By night enjoy some of the best bars on the East Coast, by day, take it slow (after all you’ll be hungover) by lounging on the beach.
The night life isn’t all the Gold Coast offers, it’s also home to Australia’s best theme parks and water parks. If you’re after a quieter affair, this part of the coast is also home to some stunning national parks too.
Type Of Traveller It Suits
If you love a night out, you have to stop by Surfers. Unlike the name suggests this isn’t where you’ll find the best surf, but where you’ll find the best nightlife. And the hostels are super social too. Start your night bar-hopping and finish in one of the renowned Surfers Paradise clubs.
Backpacker Tips
Alongside the iconic nightlife, take time to explore the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise. Ride to the top of the Q1 tower, which held the title of tallest residential building until 2011. It may not be record-breaking anymore, but the view over the city and across the sea is breathtaking.
Then get your adrenaline pumping at Wet n Wild, Dream World or Movie World. You have your pick of thrilling rides here, which might just be the cure for your hangover…
Or when it comes to something a little calmer, head out of the city to the surrounding National Parks: Springbrook, Tambourine and Lamington can all be found on the Gold Coast. Here you can spend your days chasing waterfalls or see something a little different at Springbrook by night with a glow worm experience tour.
Visit Queensland on These Tours
30 Days / 29 Nights
Welcome to Australia: East Coast
Drive 4×4’s on K’Gari (Fraser Island), fly over and cruise around the Whitsunday Islands, snorkel on the Great Barrier Reef, all this and a lot more. On this 30 day – semi guided tour.
Flexible Days
Build Your Own: East Coast
On a working holiday or gap year, take your time travelling the East Coast and let us create a custom made tour.
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
52 Days / 51 Nights
45 Days / 44 Nights
Travel Is All About Meeting People
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Want To Know More About Queensland?
We love to hear from you and help you with your travel plans. If you have any questions at all then feel free to get in touch. Not only can you message us, we also offer free travel advice calls meaning you can have a real conversation with a real person that’s been in your shoes.
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