Hit the road: you’ll find the world’s best right here

LIST

By Jamie Wilton

Published 5 years ago

Queensland is a land of natural wonders. From the lush greens of the tropics to the deep red of the outback and our exquisite turquoise, white and green-fringed coastline, our state showcases the very best of nature. And connecting these wonders lies Australia’s longest state-controlled road network — 33,336 kilometres of Queensland roads. There’s no other destination with as much road trip potential as the Sunshine State.

As Queenslanders, we’re blessed with some of the world’s best national parks, coastline and holiday destinations in our backyard. With the coronavirus situation, most of us will holiday locally in 2020. But with a myriad of destinations perfect for everyone’s holiday plans: road trips, beachside getaways, outback adventures and so much more — who needs to travel anywhere else?

With travel restrictions within Queensland easing and interstate travel difficulties, let’s hit the road and experience the world’s best right here in Queensland.

Queensland’s treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders

Wondering what to see in Queensland? As the home of five UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, exploring our state’s treasure trove of natural wonders may be high on your list. But don’t overlook Queensland’s many cultural wonders and attractions.

From ancient Indigenous rock art sites like Carnarvon Gorge to the pioneering spirit of the outback settlers at Longreach, Queensland has a rich and vibrant cultural heritage to explore.

Queensland’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sites

Nandroya Falls Tropical North Queensland | Wet Tropics

Queensland’s astonishing natural diversity is reflected in our five UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites — Fraser Island, Gondwana Rainforests, Great Barrier Reef, Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Sites and Wet Tropics. With over a quarter of Australia’s Heritage-listed sites within our borders, we have the lion’s share right here in Queensland.

Great Barrier Reef

The most famous natural wonder in Australia — and one of the most famous in the world — the Great Barrier Reef was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. The reef is known for its immense natural beauty as well as its size; it stretches from Cape York in the north down to Bundaberg in the south. The perfect holiday destination on a road trip from anywhere in the state, including the spectacular Brisbane to Cairns drive, there are Great Barrier Reef accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences.

K'gari (formerly Fraser Island)

K'gari is just four hours’ drive north of Brisbane. The world’s largest sand island is home to Australia’s purest dingo population, over 325 bird species and unparalleled biodiversity. There are few places in the world where you can swim in crystal clear perched freshwater dune lakes, explore lush tropical rainforests thriving in sand, and spot migratory whales. All within walking distance of one another.

Gondwana Rainforests

With a history dating back 130 million years, the Gondwana Rainforests are the most extensive subtropical rainforests on the planet. Created when Australia split from Gondwana — the supercontinent that comprised Australasia, Africa and South America — these rainforests now straddle the QLD/NSW border. Lamington, Main Range, Mt Barney and Springbrook National Parks are located on the Queensland side. All are easily visited on day trips from Brisbane.

The Wet Tropics

One of the world’s oldest rainforests, the Wet Tropics, were awarded Heritage-listed status in 1989. Unique for their exceptional natural diversity which provides a near-complete record of how plant life evolved on earth, their steep and rugged topography, and sheer abundance of wildlife. Easily accessible from Cairns, Cooktown, Port Douglas and Townsville, the Wet Tropics are best experienced on a scenic drive or road trip through Northern QLD.

Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Sites

Perhaps the least well-known of Queensland’s UNESCO Heritage-listed sites, Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Sites is located in the spectacular Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park (currently closed). Home to some of the world’s oldest fossils, including 10-30 million-year-old Oligocene and Miocene period fossils, Riversleigh is a long drive but a rewarding family holiday destination. Especially if you’ve got dino-mad kids.

Indigenous experiences in Queensland

Connect with rich, unique and distinctive Indigenous cultures across Queensland, from the Torres Strait in the north to the Gold Coast in the south. Many Indigenous cultural festivals, including Quandamooka Festival, have been postponed due to COVID-19, but there’s still so much Indigenous culture to experience in Queensland.

If you’re planning a road trip to Cairns, Australia’s Indigenous art capital, you can experience Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture at galleries and arts centres across the city. Holidaying around Brisbane and the Gold Coast? Southeast Queensland has a rich Indigenous heritage which you can experience at North Stradbroke Island, in Brisbane at Nudgee and South Bank, and Burleigh Head National Park on the Gold Coast.

Time to hit the road

Whether you’re camping, glamping, towing a caravan or staying in hotels or resort-style accommodation, chances are you’ll be hitting the open road on your next intrastate adventure. As Queensland boasts the longest road network in the country, why not plan your road trip to take in new sights and experiences along the way?

North Queensland Itineraries

Our pick: The Great Tropical Drive. Taking in some of FNQ’s most picturesque spots, the Great Tropical Drive winds its way through Townsville, Cairns, the Daintree Rainforest, Cooktown, Atherton Tablelands and Western Savannah country.

Visit: The Wet Tropics and the Great Barrier Reef. Experience two of Queensland’s five UNESCO World Heritage-listed wonders on this spectacular road trip. This scenic route also provides many opportunities to experience North QLD’s diverse Indigenous cultures.

Outback Queensland Itineraries

Our pick: Mount Isa and beyond. Start in Mount Isa — fly in and out, and hire a car or campervan if you don’t have time to drive — and visit the fossil sites at Riversleigh and Boodjamulla National Park (currently closed) on this short road trip through the Queensland Outback.

Visit: Riversleigh Fossil Mammal Sites and Lawn Hill Gorge at Boodjamulla National Park. You could visit Riversleigh and Boodjamulla and return to Mount Isa in a day, but you’d miss out on some amazing experiences. We recommend spending at least 2-3 nights.

Southeast Queensland Itineraries

Our picks: Short road trips (and overnight stays) from Brisbane or the Gold Coast are the best way to experience the Gondwana Rainforests at Springbrook, Lamington or Mount Barney National Parks. The Great Beach Drive is a short road trip to visit Fraser Island.

Visit: Gondwana Rainforests and Fraser Island. These two road trips take in some of the most scenic parts of Southeast Queensland, including the two UNESCO Heritage-listed sites. You’ll also experience the lush Gold Coast hinterland and Great Sandy National Park.

Getting out there

Sunrise views from a campervan | Queensland

Have your own set of wheels? Our extensive local road network connects the countryside with the coastline and cities with the regional towns that dot the state. And with plenty of car and campervan hire options, getting out and exploring our fair state has never been easier.

Flying in and out on your next holiday? Why not book a campervan rental and travel in comfort? Apollo Campervan and Jucy both offer campervan hire at a variety of locations across the state. You’ll find even more campervan hire options in cities and regional centres like Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns and Mount Isa.

Car hire is even more readily accessible across Queensland and 4WD hire is also an option if you want to explore national parks like Boodjamulla, Great Sandy, Byfield and Cape York.

Ready to hit the open road?