While most people travel to Queensland in search of stunning beaches and year-round warm weather, this favourite holiday destination has so much more to offer.
Unexpectedly, Queensland also happens to be home to some of Australia’s quirkiest attractions. From Magnetic Island’s rock wallabies to Kronosaurus Korner’s dinosaur fossils, you’ll find it all and so much more. If you’re looking for something a little offbeat, head on over to the sunshine state…
Kronosaurus Korner, Richmond
Fans of fossils will love Kronosaurus Korner, home to some of the world’s best-preserved marine fossils. Visitors can view a 100-million-year-old kronosaurus skull, among many others. Many of the fossils were actually found by everyday people exploring the area, and you can still dig for fossils at nearby dig sites, with palaeontologists on hand to identify anything you might find.
Paronella Park, Mena Creek
Tucked away in a lush rainforest is a Spanish-style castle, which was built in the 1930s by a Spanish immigrant, José Paronella. After arriving in Australia in 1913, Paronella had dreams of building a castle, eventually acquiring 13 acres of rainforest near Mena Creek Falls to do so. The castle’s ruins still attracts tourists today, and legend has it that the ghost of Paronella still resides there.
The GOMA Street Art Laneways, Brisbane
The GOMA Street Art Laneways in Brisbane give Melbourne’s Hosier Lane some serious competition. These vibrant laneways are situated near the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), and showcase an always evolving range of colourful, thought-provoking murals by local and international street artists. No visit to GOMA is complete without a wander through the surrounding laneways afterwards.
Heart Reef, The Whitsundays
You’ve probably seen photos of it, but the Heart Reef in The Whitsundays is even more stunning up close. This entirely natural coral reef is shaped like a heart, making it one of the most photographed – and romantic – locations in the world. Measuring around 17 metres in width, it can only be taken in from the sky to protect its fragile structure.
Magnetic Island’s Rock Wallabies, Geoffrey Bay
Get back to nature with Magnetic Island’s rock wallaby colony. These adorable locals reside in the granite boulders of Geoffrey Bay, and although they’re wild, they’re also friendly, meaning you’re almost guaranteed an up-close encounter with them. You can even buy specialty food to hand-feed them from one of the island’s local stores. Visit at dusk, which is when they’re most active.
The Museum of Underwater Art, Great Barrier Reef
There’s nothing more beautiful – and eerie – than The Museum of Underwater Art on the Great Barrier Reef. This underwater art gallery is the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The sculptures here are designed to foster coral growth and house marine life. If you’re not too keen on scuba diving, it can also be viewed by snorkelling or on a glass-bottomed boat.
Undara Lava Tubes, Outback Queensland
These awe-inspiring lava tubes just so happen to be one of the longest and best-preserved lava tube systems in the world. Located around three-and-a-half hours from Cairns, the impressive Undara Lava Tubes were formed over 190,000 years ago by a series of volcanic eruptions. They span over 160 kilometres, and you can take a guided tour through certain sections.
Glow Worm Caves, Tamborine Mountain
Located in the Gold Coast’s hinterlands, thousands of twinkling glow worms are guaranteed to leave visitors enchanted. The Glow Worm Caves are human-made and are designed to mimic the ideal environment for these magical critters to survive and thrive. After taking a 30-minute guided tour through the caves, stop in at the Cedar Creek Estate Winery for a drop.
