Australia trip | Adventure trip Australian Queensland

Noosa Heads, commonly known as Noosa, lies on the sparkling waters of Laguna Bay at the northern tip of the Sunshine Coast. What was once a sleepy little coastal village with little more than a few huts has grown into one of Australia’s most stylish holiday resorts. With a stunning natural landscape of unspoilt, crystal-clear beaches and tropical rainforests, the area offers a wealth of adventurous outdoor activities and serves as a sanctuary for a large number of rare and endangered species. With its riverside restaurants, five-star accommodation, tree-lined streets, upmarket shops and galleries, relaxed atmosphere and a variety of nearby tourist attractions, Noosa is an ideal destination for a beach holiday.

Located 8 km from the city of Townsville, Magnetic Island is a lush tropical island and part of Australia’s famous Whitsundays archipelago. The island is a World Heritage site within the boundaries of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and is renowned for its stunning diving sites, boasting an abundance of marine life and coral reefs. The island boasts no fewer than 23 beaches and a large national park with picturesque walking trails that pass by Second World War forts, interesting rock formations and tall casuarina trees that characterise the skyline.

Idyllically situated in the heart of a stunning World Heritage rainforest in Far North Queensland, the charming mountain village of Kuranda is a delightful day trip from Cairns and has been attracting visitors for over a century. The village is home to a thriving arts and crafts community who sell their work at the many popular markets, in local galleries and in cosy cafés. Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy with a variety of excellent walking trails, including an elevated boardwalk that leads through the lush canopy to Barron Falls, where you can witness the impressive spectacle of the Barron River plunging 260 metres down. The village and its surroundings also boast several beautiful wildlife parks and nature reserves, as well as the popular Butterfly Sanctuary, Birdworld and the Koala Gardens. With its striking natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere and charming markets, it’s almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting rainforest village.

Once a quiet sugar factory town, Cairns, located in North Queensland, is now a bustling cosmopolitan city and a premier destination for sailing, diving and snorkelling. Its tropical waters are home to the spectacular Great Barrier Reef, while lush rainforests cover the surrounding areas. Ways to make the most of this coastal paradise include cycling along the 14 km-long sandy beach or rafting through rapids to see the ruins of Mission Beach. Other popular activities include visiting Cooktown for a taste of history, or taking a scenic drive through the countryside, passing the various village markets on the way. In the city centre, visit Tiapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park for a musical and dance interpretation of Aboriginal history; or relax in Cairns Esplanade for the perfect seaside culinary experience combined with a romantic sunset.

The Whitsunday Islands are an archipelago of 74 tropical islands that lie between the northeast coast of Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef, an extensive stretch of coral teeming with marine life. Surrounded by the tranquil, temperate waters of Australia's Coral Sea, it offers the ideal base for sailing or exploring the underwater wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and its coral fringe reefs. Most of the islands are uninhabited and characterised by their dense rainforests, pristine white sand beaches, and many hiking trails. The town of Airlie Beach on the mainland is the region's bustling central hub, while the islands that surround range from the down-to-earth and laid-back Hook Island to the luxurious resort destinations such as Hayman and Hamilton. Exquisite beaches are dotted throughout the Whitsundays, but without a doubt, the most spectacular is Whitehaven Beach, widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Pacific. It features snow-white sand and translucent aquamarine waters.

Idyllically situated on the Great Barrier Reef, amongst the beautiful Whitsunday Islands, Hamilton Island is one of Australia’s most striking and sought-after holiday destinations. The island is best known for its spectacular white-sand beaches and the fantastic coral and marine life that can be seen whilst snorkelling or scuba diving just off the coast. Although a small part of the island has been developed as a tourist destination, the majority of the land remains unspoilt, offering picturesque landscapes inhabited by a variety of Australian wildlife and birds. Must-see attractions include the world-famous Whitehaven Beach, which is Australia’s most photographed beach thanks to its crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Popular activities include golf, swimming, sailing and water sports, as well as exploring the island’s numerous cultural exhibitions and performances.

The capital of Queensland, nestled in the bend of the Brisbane River, offers all visitors a taste of the good life. The city’s cultural district is home to the Queensland Museum and the Sciencentre, which host interactive exhibitions, as well as the Queensland Museum of Modern Art. Don’t miss a visit to Mount Coo-tha, with its extensive Brisbane Botanic Gardens and panoramic views from the summit. The Scenic Rim Region, just outside the city centre, is also a treat, as are Lamington National Park and O’Reilly’s Rainforest Retreat. After a day’s excursion, relax in one of the many bars or restaurants and enjoy the beats of local musicians.

Australia immediately conjures up images of the Sydney Opera House, the Great Barrier Reef, big-wave surfing, miles of Outback and a rather strange - and endearing - assortment of animals. While the country's main cities offer charm, glamour, unique festivals, a well-preserved historical heritage, beautiful beaches and fun events, it is also a country of enormous contrast and fascinating nature. The country has something for everyone-from water lovers, desert hikers and mountain climbers to lovers of art and culture, historians and foodies. The huge size of the country makes it almost impossible to take everything in during a single visit, but you can choose a perfect holiday based on your personal preferences.

With its enchanting charm and numerous fascinating tourist attractions, this laid-back town exudes a distinctive character and a peaceful, cosmopolitan atmosphere. Townsville lies on the shores of Cleveland Bay and offers spectacular views of the beautiful Magnetic Island just off the coast, attracting large numbers of visitors drawn by the golden sandy beaches and sunny skies all year round. Popular activities in the area include: exploring the tropical rainforests and waterfalls of Paluma Range National Park; snorkelling or diving on the Great Barrier Reef; taking a boat trip to the idyllic paradise of Magnetic Island; or simply hanging out in the city’s many lively restaurants and bars. Townsville offers an intriguing combination of rainforest, reef, beautiful beaches and rugged outback, alongside all the attractions and facilities of a thriving city.

There is a reason why the Great Barrier Reef features on so many bucket lists. This immense natural phenomenon - so colossal it can be seen from space - is one of the seven wonders of the natural world. From getting up close and personal with the abundant marine life to enjoying spectacular views of the reef through the air. The list of incredible experiences to be had in this area is almost endless. The palm-fringed Whitsunday Islands are an ideal base station - although so amazing in their own right, you may find it hard to leave!

Rockhampton lies on the Fitzroy River in north-eastern Australia and is known as Australia’s beef capital due to its extraordinary number of cattle, but there is much more to this charming riverside town than just incredible steaks. Founded in 1853, the city boasts some beautiful historic architecture, including historic post offices, historic streetscapes, majestic cathedrals and picturesque private homes. Popular tourist attractions in the region include the Rocky Markets, Mount Archer National Park, the botanical gardens, Olsen’s Caverns, Cooper Downs Cattle Station, the Rockhampton Art Gallery and a number of excellent local beaches. The concentration of well-preserved old buildings, the tree-lined streets and the meandering Fitzroy River, which flows peacefully past Quay Street, make this graceful and elegant coastal town one of the most beautiful destinations in the whole of Queensland.

Resting on Australia's northeast, Queensland is a postcard-perfect state incorporating 7,000 kilometres of coastline, the Great Barrier Reef, sophisticated cities, the flourishing Daintree Rainforest. and pristine gold beaches whose waters offer impeccable surfing. Explore a little deeper, and travellers will find the treasured Whitsunday Islands (all 75 of them), myriad national parks filled with indigenous fauna and flora, and vibrant Aboriginal art and festivals - all infused with an atmosphere of inviting hospitality. The Great Barrier Reef, with its teeming tropical waters, are perfect for underwater sightseeing, while the bustling capital city of Brisbane is filled to the brim with trendy eateries and enticing shops. For intrepid travellers, high-adrenaline activities such as white-water rafting, abseiling, and bungee jumping are plentiful.

Daintree National Park is a vast wilderness area characterised by dense tropical rainforests, including the world's oldest rainforest, located in far north Queensland, Australia. The park consists of two parts, Mossman Gorge with the Mossman River flowing over massive granite boulders, and Cape Tribulations with its rainforest-covered mountains stretching into long expanses of glorious white sand beaches. The area has remarkable biodiversity and high levels of endemism. From kangaroos living in trees to two-metre-high prehistoric birds and countless saltwater crocodiles. The area is home to some truly unusual wildlife. More than half of Australia's bird species, a third of its mammals and frogs, and more than a quarter of its reptiles live in the park.

Situated in the northernmost part of the Australian state of Queensland, the Tropical North Queensland region – also known as Far North Queensland – is a thriving destination boasting scenic landscapes characterised by magnificent reefs, lush rainforest and the vast outback. It is also home to the city of Cairns, a collection of over 70 national parks, and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland and Riverleigh, Australia’s most famous fossil site. Visitors can explore the area’s many natural wonders and rich cultural heritage, including learning about the indigenous cultures of the Aboriginal Australians and the Torres Strait Islanders, and climbing Mount Bartle Frere, the highest peak in Northern Australia. Highlights include: picnicking at Vlasoff Cay, taking a dip in a cascading waterfall and discovering the underwater wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Fraser Coast is named after the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island, which lies just off the east coast of Australia. Renowned for its incredibly picturesque natural landscapes, the Fraser Coast is situated in the beautiful state of Queensland, home to the stunning coral reef of Lady Elliot Island near the Great Barrier Reef and the picturesque Hervey Bay in the Great Sandy Bay Biosphere, an area listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and reputedly Australia’s whale-watching capital. Other highlights include: Lake McKenzie, with crystal-clear water surrounded by white sandy beaches; the bubbling waters at the Champagne Pools; and Eli Creek, the largest freshwater creek on Fraser Island.

Located just a 90-minute drive from Brisbane, Southern Queensland Country boasts stunning landscapes, a rich history and excellent wine-tasting opportunities. This unique area offers visitors a number of fascinating towns and villages, fun-filled amusement and theme parks, and impressive galleries and museums. Nature lovers, active types and photographers will delight in the area’s ancient gorges, rushing rivers teeming with life and numerous animal species. Visitors can explore Carnarvon Gorge in Carnarvon National Park, spot a wide variety of birdlife, enjoy bush camping under a starry night sky, and challenge themselves with bouldering at Girraween National Park.

Bedarra Island, part of the Family Islands archipelago off the Cassowary Coast of Queensland, Australia, is an extraordinary destination with beautiful beaches, turquoise seas and lush jungle teeming with wildlife. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters and dive to encounter turtles, manatees and humpback whales. Hike through the rainforest and spot spectacular blue Ulysses butterflies, honeyeaters, flying foxes and many other species. Choose from a range of sports such as sea kayaking, jet-skiing, water-skiing and parasailing. From here, you can also explore the Outer Great Barrier Reef.

Far North Queensland, a vast coastal region in the state of Queensland, Australia offers its visitors a paradise of natural, historical and modern treasures. Home to three World Heritage Sites, several national parks and cosmopolitan cities, it offers something for every traveller. From here, you can dive the rich bounty of the Great Barrier Reef, swim on postcard-perfect beaches along the coast, bathe in breathtaking waterfalls on the Atherton Tableland or explore the lush rainforests of Daintree. Try bungee jumping, sea kayaking and swinging over gorges, go crocodile spotting at Cooper Creek, fly over in a helicopter, or visit one of the world's most important palaeontological sites in Riversleigh.