Youth experiences - Queensland
Queensland offers up epic experiences all year long, made up of unique and captivating destinations to explore.
From a seemingly endless coastline to the great expanses of the outback, the world famous Great Barrier Reef and an array of luscious rainforests, discover a place where the locals want to share their secrets, wildlife pose for photos and visitors can dine like a star one night and recover in a tiny coastal town the next morning.
Queensland’s capital Brisbane is located 1200 kilometres (746 miles) north of Sydney, a short 90 minutes flight. The Gold and Sunshine Coasts are only an hours drive from Brisbane, while Cairns and the Tropical North, 1700 (1056 miles) kilometres to the north, is two hours flying time from Brisbane.
Few natural wonders are as truly unforgettable as the Great Barrier Reef, dotted with over 1050 amazing islands and corals cays along the coastline from Bundaberg in the south to Tropical North Queensland in the North.
With more than 1,000 national parks within the State borders, opportunities to encounter rare wildlife in its natural habitat are always around the corner. Explore underground lava tubes, relax at some of the world’s most famous beaches or pitch a tent under the stars.
Visit and discover a vibrant capital city in Brisbane, filled with bustling bars and Australia’s only inner-city beach. From here you can easily hop to the nearby Gold Coast for the Surfer’s Paradise entertainment precinct, or head further south to Coolangatta for that iconic Aussie beach lifestyle.
Highlights
In Queensland feel right at home in a beachfront cabin, a city sanctuary or a swag on the red dirt gazing at the stars.
With a number of award winning backpackers accommodations, Queensland has flop and drop hostel resorts in Cairns and the Gold Coast or the ultimate tour basecamps to choose from in Airlie Beach and Hervey Bay.
Head off the beaten track, step outside a Great Keppel Island cabin and grab a snorkel to swim with the local turtles in the stinger free waters. Or grab a paddle and join a kayak tour in The Whitsundays where guests camp on a Great Barrier Reef Island.
Highlights
Queensland is where 300 warm and sunny days a year are the norm... pair that with kilometres of coastal shoreline and understand why Queenslanders are always so happy.
Cuddle up to some of our cuddly creatures: koalas, kangaroos, wombats and bilbys – on a tour through their native habitat at one of the many sanctuaries around the state.
Hang ten on the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve or venture west to attend one of the weird and wonderful events like yabby races in the Outback or camel races in Southern Queensland Country.
Throw on hiking gear and trek through a tropical rainforest or chase a waterfall or two.
Sail The Whitsundays for a once in a life-time experience.
Highlights
Meal and beverage deals can be found at most hostels, with many hosting their very own onsite pubs and nightclubs.
Get out and meet the locals. In Brisbane hit up Eat Street Markets on a Friday or Saturday night where it’s possible to visit ten times and still not have tried half the food - but don’t forget to try a Cronut!
The best bars in Queensland come with a side-serve of million-dollar views such as the waters of the Great Barrier Reef or a Gold Coast surf break.
Explore Queensland ‘off tap’ at a number of craft breweries across the state, with the Great Barrier Reef beer from Good Beer Co. a must.
Highlights
Destination Highlights
Accommodation
Local Immersion
Nightlife