Top Queensland Attractions & Museums

Beaches and bars aside, the Gold Coast is hard to take in as a whole from ground level. Climb the exterior of Q1, the coast's tallest residential tower, for a different vantage point entirely. Look west to the forested hinterland, out along the coastline, and straight down over the cityscape, with the climb guided and secured throughout.

Not only do you have general admission to the Cairns Aquarium, this ticket also provides a tour of the Turtle Hospital. Here rescue turtles are cared for by experts. The hospital experience lasts around a half hour, but you are free to take as much time as you like in the aquarium. There are tens of thousands of Great Barrier Reef species to learn about.

With this prebooked admission ticket, breeze through the entrance lines at the Daintree Discovery Centre, located just 6 miles (10 kilometers) north of the Daintree River Ferry. Get full access to the canopy tower and aerial walkway standing 76 feet (23 meters) above the rainforest, an interpretive display center, and self-guided audio tours of the Jurassic Forest, Bush Tucker Trail, and Cassowary trails.

Observe how Cairns’ marine wildlife behaves at night in this after-hours tour of the Cairns Aquarium. Enjoy exclusive evening entry to the aquarium after closing time and benefit from your ecologist guide's insights insights into the nighttime behavior of reptiles, amphibians, insects that make their home in Cairns.

Journey through Australia’s diverse landscapes for a family fun and education-focused experience. Australia's stunning Great Barrier Reef, a vibrant ecosystem teeming with marine life, is a real-life testament to the planet's natural beauty. Our lush, abundant Rainforest and Mangrove environments are a sanctuary for distinctive wildlife, providing shelter and sustenance for countless species. The rugged Outback, with its harsh, yet mesmerizing terrain, is another integral part of our natural heritage while the precious Woodlands is home to one of our Australian icons, the koala. Each of these unique areas play a crucial role in maintaining Australia’s biodiversity. Learn and understand about the significance of protecting these invaluable natural landscapes for future generations. Don’t forget to purchase your koala souvenir photo for an unforgettable memory.

Maximize your chances of seeing whales off the coast of Hervey Bay with this morning or afternoon half-day cruise. Ride the sheltered waters of Platypus Bay in a stable catamaran that offers superior comfort and clear views of passing marine life, which may also includes dolphins, turtles and seabirds, and perhaps even a dingo on the sandy beach at Fraser Island.

Explore Northern Queensland's Paronella Park with this admission ticket that saves you time on entry. Move through the lush forest, punctuated by fountains, secret staircases, tunnels, castles, and bridges at your own pace. The Darkness Falls and the Dream Continues guided tours are included with this admission ticket, so you can learn more. This ticket is valid anytime during opening hours; spend around three hours here for the full experience.

Immerse yourself in the recreated native rainforest habitat of more than 60 Australian bird species at Birdworld Kuranda in Cairns & the Tropical North as the birds fly all around you. Pay for your ticket in advance to avoid waiting in line and last-minute hassles. Stroll the park and see more than 350 birds from Australia and around the world—the largest collection of free-flying birds in the country.

Just a short drive from both Surfers Paradise and Brisbane, Dreamworld offers world-class thrill rides, family attractions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Explore the new Rivertown precinct featuring Jungle Rush, a thrilling family rollercoaster, and Murrissippi Motors vintage cars. Feel the adrenaline on The Giant Drop, Steel Taipan, and newest thrill ride King Claw, a 27-metre swing ride reaching 98 km/h. Families will love Kenny and Belinda’s Dreamland, home to rides from The Wiggles and ABC Kids favourites. Visit WILD with Australian Geographic featuring Our Country to meet koalas, kangaroos, and crocodiles. Whether you’re visiting from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Dreamworld delivers the ultimate theme park experience for all ages. Dreamworld, SkyPoint and WhiteWater World are closed on ANZAC Day and Christmas Day. Dreamworld operates extended hours (10am-9pm) on 25-26 September and 2-3 October.

Enjoy a day at the Kuranda Koala Gardens by pre-booking your admission ticket. Discover this unique wildlife experience that is home to an array of Australian species including koalas, quokkas, wallabies, and wombats. Learn about the gardens' efforts to rehabilitate sick and injured wildlife and restore habitats, and experience the only nocturnal exhibit in the Tableland region, home to night-loving marsupials such as the greater bilby, northern bettong, and rare mahogany glider.

Spot humpback whales swimming and playing in their natural environment on this half-day Hervey Bay catamaran cruise. Observe the majestic sea creatures using the boat’s underwater viewing windows or listen to the whales sing using the onboard hydrophones. Learn all about the gentle giants from your expert guide, then tuck into morning or afternoon tea as you watch the whales from the deck.

To visit the Cairns Aquarium without the crowds, get special after-hours access. You can take your time without jostling with others for the best views of the sharks, rays, and tropical fish. The glass viewing tunnel is a highlight. Learn more about the creatures you see from your personal guide. After the tour, top off your night with dinner at Squire's Loft.

As the sun goes down on the Great Barrier Reef, a whole new world awakens. Corals glow, colourful reef fish seek shelter and predators begin their night hunt. At the same time, coastal forests stir with life, as reptiles, amphibians and insects emerge from their burrows to seek out food in the safety of the shadows. Night at the Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the unique world of the region’s nocturnal creatures and their behaviours as they move about in the darkness.

Some mysteries are best explored together. Step beyond the ordinary family day out and discover one of Queensland’s most enduring mysteries. Explore the ancient crater formations, investigate theories, unlock Augmented Reality experiences and decide for yourself what happened here. Your adventure includes the Mystery Craters, Earth Room — part museum, part sensory experience — Jim’s Trail, and a Family Investigator Pack with activities to inspire curiosity and discovery. After exploring, reconnect over stone-baked pizzas, café treats, drinks and family time before taking home your signed Mystery Craters book to continue the conversation. Finish your adventure by submitting your official Family Verdict. Perfect for families, grandparents, homeschoolers and curious minds of all ages. Some mysteries are not solved. They are explored. Together. Come curious. Leave with wonder. ✨

Visit two of the most popular wildlife venues in the Cairns area with this combo admission to the Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld. Aussie animals are renowned for various reasons—from adorable (koalas) to elusive (wombats). You’ll have the chance to see an array of wildlife. Some activities are an additional fee.

A visit to the Historic Village Herberton is like stepping back in time. Showcasing Australia’s rich and diverse history this outdoor pioneer museum is testament to an era that is long gone. This incredible museum collects, preserves and displays fascinating historical exhibits from across Australia. The history of this museum is also closely tied with the township of Herberton and features many priceless antiques as well as buildings that have come from the town’s ancestors. The Village currently features over 60 original buildings that date from Herberton’s foundation years and are as they were originally constructed. Walking through the Village, visitors are given a sense of being in a real township complete with apothecary, bottle shop, school, bank, grocer’s store, frock salon, toy shop, mechanic, jail and more. There is just so much to see and do in this amazing village that it needs to be experienced to understand the full depth of history it offers.

Discover the secrets and stories of 19th-century Queensland with a visit to the Historic Village Herberton. Just over 90-minutes inland from Cairns, this huge outdoor pioneer museum gives visitors a chance to peek back to a long-ago era. Walk through the streets and you’ll discover the original buildings from the town, including the school, jail, bank, grocery, bottle shop, apothecary, and mechanic—complete with antique cars. You can also enjoy the natural surroundings and go wildlife-spotting on purpose-built trails.

Discover one of Queensland’s greatest mysteries. Explore at your own pace through a unique journey of mystery, discovery and wonder. Begin with the Mystery Craters story, then walk the ancient formations, explore the viewing areas and uncover the many theories surrounding their origin. Whether you are curious, sceptical or fascinated by the unknown — you decide what you believe. Your visit includes the Mystery Craters, Augmented Reality experiences, Jim’s Trail: Rust & Roots, and the Earth Room — part museum, part sensory experience, featuring crystals, fossils, gemstones, sound, water and natural treasures collected over decades. Relax afterwards at the café with barista coffee, handmade scones and treats, or browse the boutique for crystals, gifts and unique finds. Perfect for families, couples, road-trippers, grey nomads and curious travellers. Some mysteries are best explored at your own pace. Come curious. Leave with wonder. ✨

Immerse yourself and the whole family in the history and flavors of The Ginger Factory. Set off on an adventure around the world following the gingerbread man to famous global locations on an indoor boat. Then, take a ride on the 120 year old Ginger Train and explore the lush botanical gardens. Take a tour of the historic factory steeped in local heritage and learn about their honey bees—and taste their honey!

• Book in advance to avoid waiting in the ticketing queue • Get access to 2 major attraction; passes valid for 5 days • Warner Bros. features exciting rides, DC Super Heroes, live shows & more • Race down thrilling slides at the Gold Coast Wet'n'Wild Waterpark Get access to Warner Bros. Movie World and Wet’n’Wild Waterpark on the Gold Coast with this 5-day pass. Enjoy exhilarating rides such as the DC Rivals HyperCoaster and Superman Escape at Warner Bros. Movie World. Explore family-friendly attractions featuring beloved Looney Tunes characters. Experience world-class water slides including Zoom Zone, Super Ripper, Super 8 Aqua Racer, Kamikaze, and more at Wet’n’Wild Waterpark !

Cairns Aquarium is one of the city’s top attractions, but to learn more about its residents—and its conservation work—a behind-the-scenes tour is the way to visit. A wildlife educator takes you around, giving you access to parts that the general public usually can’t enter. Visit the turtle hospital, handfeed cownose rays, and get insider insights at the reptile breeding facility. Learn more than you would on a regular visit.

Spend a day immersed in nature, without worrying about logistics, on this day trip from Cairns. Experience the natural wonders of Queensland’s Atherton Tablelands and visit different parts of the UNESCO-listed Daintree Rainforest. Explore waterfalls like Josephine and Millaa Millaa, swim in Lake Eacham, and see the Cathedral Fig Tree, with lots of time for swimming and a flexible itinerary adapts to weather and group preferences.

Avoid waiting around outside in the tropical heat with priority access to the Cairns Museum. Save money with a family ticket, and head right on inside to enjoy interactive exhibits on the history, culture, and geography of Cairns and Northern Queensland. Conveniently located in the central city, you can enjoy great views from the upstairs veranda.

Leave busy Brisbane for a small-group full-day tour that showcases the natural beauty of North Stradbroke Island. Swim in the surf or freshwater lakes, take a short guided hike, view whales and other marine animals from the beach and coastal lookouts, visit small towns including historic Amity Point, and go in search of the island’s population of wild kangaroos and koalas.