Top Queensland Natural Attractions in 2026

Get away from the rowdy crowds on the Sunshine Coast and make some new feathered friends in the heart of Queensland with this unique hinterland experience. Enjoy interactive encounters with native and exotic birds in the walk-through aviaries at Maleny Botanic Gardens. Meet cockatoos, macaws and more and get one-of-a-kind photo opportunities with these friendly birds – on your hand, on your head, and against the backdrop of the scenic Glass House Mountains.

Take a leisurely river cruise from Brisbane to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on this two-in-one, time-saving tour. This half-day tour departs from bustling Southbank and cruises along the Brisbane River with views of iconic landmarks on the way to Lone Pine. Upon arrival, enjoy ample time to view the animals, from koalas and platypus to kangaroos and more.

Enjoy a close encounter with Australia's native animals at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, located on the Gold Coast. Your ticket includes admission to the park plus daily keeper presentations and animal shows. Admire critters such as the kangaroo, Tasmanian devil, koala, wombat, echidna, and reptiles that live in natural-style bush and rainforest habitats. Walk through the stunning 5-acre forest of the Lost Valley and see unique flora and wildlife such as lemurs, red pandas, capybaras, and other exotic reptiles.

Get set for a wet and wild adventure as you hurtle down the Mulgrave River on a giant tube! Hang on tight as you navigate small rapids and then soak up the scenery as you drift through the rainforest. This fun-filled morning tour includes hotel pick-up and round-trip transport from Cairns, plus around 2 hours of tubing. Best of all: there’s no experience necessary, so everyone can give it a go!

Explore the lush beauty, amazing wildlife, and rich heritage of Tropical North Queensland on this customizable full-day trip to Kuranda from Cairns. Travel to this enchanting rainforest village aboard the historic Kuranda Scenic Railway, and choose from a variety of activities including visits to Birdworld and Rainforestation Nature Park. Hang out with koalas and exotic birds, browse local markets, and more. At the end of the day, glide through the treetops back to Cairns on the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway.

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. ✨

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.

Experience one of the wonders of the natural world up close and personal on this snorkeling and diving cruise on the Great Barrier Reef. Climb aboard a superyacht in Cairns and set sail to two different outer reef locations. Explore the colorful world underneath the water, and snorkel or dive for a closer look. A delicious barbecue lunch and light refreshments are included.

Spend a day on the Great Barrier Reef at two different snorkel and dive sites on this luxury catamaran cruise from Cairns. Travel in style aboard a fast, comfortable catamaran to the outer edge of Upolu Reef, "Wonder Wall," and the Upolu Cay reef area, where you can choose to snorkel or dive (additional cost) and observe the coral that's teeming with colorful fish. Refuel with a buffet lunch on board the catamaran, ensuring there's

Guarantee your entry to Cairns Aquarium, by booking your admission ticket in advance. Family-friendly and fun, Cairns Aquarium is home to 70 different exhibits that house over 16,000 marine and land animals life from the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland's Wet Tropics Rainforest.

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. ✨

We invite you to visit the Daintree Discovery Centre, an award-winning world class interpretive facility that allows visitors easy access to every level of the Daintree Rainforest; from the forest floor to the upper most reaches of the canopy. Established in 1989 the centre is widely recognised as a leader in the field of ecotourism, and in particular, environmental conservation. It provides an excellent introduction to the wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. The Daintree Discovery Centre is located in the heart of the Daintree rainforest, an easy 2 hour drive north of Cairns along one of the most beautiful coastal roads in the world.