Travel Ideas

Queensland is not only a popular backpackers destination, but offers year-round ideal weather, nature-based and lively city experiences aplenty as well as plenty of short-term working opportunities as well.

Beaches
Queensland is renowned for its beautiful beaches and with a coastline stretching over 13,347km you have thousands of beaches to choose from, from deserted to exciting surf breaks. It’s the feeling of sand between your toes, the sun on your back and swaying palm trees overhead.

Surfing
Even if you’ve never been near a surfboard there's no need to be shy, Queensland has many affordable surf schools for beginners. Queensland boasts warm water temperatures year round. Surf with the pros: Burleigh Heads, on the Gold Coast, is the venue for several international surfing competitions and known for its tubular Burleigh Barrel waves.

Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest natural feature on earth. You can snorkel it, learn to dive, see it from a glass-bottom or semi-submersible boat, or if you've got your diving licence, explore the outer reef. You can access the Great Barrier Reef from the southern gateway of Bundaberg, or heading north via Gladstone, Capricorn, the Whitsundays, Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and the Tropical North region. If time is tight you can see the reef by air from Brisbane and the Gold and Sunshine Coast.

Island Life
You haven’t truly experienced the Great Barrier Reef until you’ve stayed on an island. Stay on an Island of the Great Barrier Reef, and choose and island that complements your experience and your budget. With 600 islands and over 25 island resorts, you can swim with turtles or watch the whales play.

Sailing and Cruising
From Cairns south to the Gold Coast, yachting and boating are a way of life. You can learn to sail or kick back on a crewed vessel for a day or longer. You'll find The Whitsunday Passage, Brisbane's Moreton Bay and the waters off the Gold and Sunshine Coasts are some the best year-round sailing and cruising destinations in the world.

Nightlife
Brisbane's coolest nightlife can be found in Fortitude Valley, or the Valley as the locals know it. Venture to the Valley for a few drinks, a dance and the best live music venues in town. Or try the Gold Coast for ‘party-central’ night clubs, Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays for a casual local scene and Cairns for North Queensland pub life.

Off the Beaten Track
If you’re looking to do something a little different in Queensland, head off the coastal routes and out to the Outback. Here you’ll find a place where characters share a yarn and people say ‘G’day’. The Outback is home to some of the most amazing wildlife and spectacular scenery. Explore the underground mines at Mt Isa, climb Big Red, the first of the amazing red desert sand dunes or experience life on an outback sheep or cattle station.

Head to the tip of Australia and you’ll find Cape York, one of the world’s last wilderness areas. This ‘last frontier’ is a paradise of thousands of species of tropical birds, beautiful waterfalls and basking crocodiles.

Aboriginal Culture
Experience a culture 40,000 years in the making. Learn about "Bush Tucker" and trek into ancient rainforest. Take a canoe ride through a tranquil lagoon or learn to craft spears and catch fish in the traditional way. For a deeply indigenous experience, head north of Cairns and explore the region with aboriginal families, engaging with them in their everyday life.

Events
In Queensland, events are simply an excuse to have a great time. There are big city parties, food and wine festivals and a whole host of quirky events, such as cane toad races. See some of the world's best athletes at sporting tournaments, car races, triathlons and cycling competitions. Bring out your competitive nature as you watch professional Aussie Rules, rugby, soccer or a cricket match.

For more information visit www.backpackingqueensland.com.au.