Incredible beaches, unique cuisine and the opportunity to 4WD and go sandboarding on an island with no roads? That’s South East Queensland.
But whenever we speak to international tourists who visited Australia, we ask the same question: “Did you visit Brisbane?” (Queensland’s capital)
The resounding answer: “No”. Most people fly from Sydney to the Great Barrier Reef and skip Brisbane and South East Queensland entirely. But having lived and explored the region for many years, we believe it has a lot to offer.
Australian tourists visit SE Queensland all the time. What do they know that international travelers don’t? At least a few of the following reasons that’ll make you sure to include SEQ on your Australian itinerary.
Brisbane
1. Hug a Koala & Feed a Kangaroo
Koala Hugs are free at Lone Pine for all ticket holders. You just pay for photos.
Visit Queensland’s number one Koala Sanctuary – Lone Pine. See and interact with some of Australia’s most famous creatures. Koalas, Kangaroos, duck billed platypus, Tasmanian devil, wombats. Even see the sheep shearing show and some of Australia’s deadliest snakes. This is not just for kids – we loved it!
Buy a bag of feed and roam around the huge open kangaroo enclosure
2. Investigate The Burgeoning Craft Beer Scene
Brewed on site at Newstead Brewing co.
Visit one of Brisbane’s many microbreweries and taste Queensland brewing at it’s finest.
3. Eat one of Queensland’s Local Delicacies: Moreton Bay Bugs
Moreton Bay Bugs – Also known as the Flathead Lobster. Yum!
Eat a local favourite seafood: Moreton Bay bugs. We ate this one at Brisbane Brewing Company.
Gold Coast
4. Visit & Surf at Some of Australia’s Best Beaches
Burleigh Heads – One of the best surf beaches in Australia
The Gold Coast has a lot of amazing beaches. Some of Australia’s top surf competitions are held at Burleigh Heads and Surfers Paradise.
Read about the best beaches on the Gold Coast.
5. Pump up your Adrenaline at Australia’s Best Theme Park
Before and after the Tower of Terror at Dreamworld.
Visit Dreamworld on the Gold Coast for an unforgettable, thrill packed day. The Tower of Terror and Buzzsaw are two of the best rides we’ve experienced anywhere in the world.
6. Be entertained with quirky dinner theatre
Draculas is the longest running dinner theatre on the Gold Coast. They produce new shows all the time and will ensure you have a spooky and spectacular night.
7. Ride the waves on the Gold Coast’s Jet boat experience
Nature & adrenaline combine with this high speed jet boat experience
Looking for some G-force out on the waves? Head out on the open water and let your experienced jetboat driver get you soaked.
Read more about jet boating and other Gold coast adventures.
Fraser Island
8. 4WD A Sand Island With No Roads
Image curtesy of Fraser Coast Tourism
“Roads, where we’re going we don’t need roads!” – Doctor Emmet Brown
Spend an incredible day exploring the natural beauty of Fraser Island, seeing highlights such as Central Station, Wanggoolba Creek, Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, Seventy-Five Mile Beach, the Pinnacles, and the Maheno shipwreck.
9. Kayak Perfect Crystal Waters Of This Unspoiled Island
Image curtesy of Fraser Coast Tourism
Go snorkelling, kayaking and swimming in Fraser Island’s crystal clear waters. See dolphins, dingoes, turtles and sea eagles, go exploring on the dunes, and learn about the island’s incredible history and wildlife.
Sunshine Coast
10. Incredible Hinterland & Glass House Mountains
The Glass House Mountains – Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Tour the hinterland to discover some of the best mountain and sub-tropical scenery in the region.
11. Visit Artisan Foodie Heaven
Local cheese and artisan foods near Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Cheese, wine and many other small artisan products are a big drawcard for the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. Arrive, indulge, enjoy.
Read more about the best foodie experiences on the Sunshine Coast.
12. Food, Nature & Luxury in Noosa
Class it up and eat like a king in SE Queensland’s Luxury Beach Town: Noosa. This is the upmarket end of SE Queensland beach destinations. You’ll find an excellent selection of restaurants serving both modern Australian and international cuisine. Dine right on the beach front. Plus, explore the rugged coast line.
Chorizo, Sundried Tomato and Blue Cheese: Gourmet Pizza
Take a Walk Around Noosa Headland
Mount Tamborine
13. Lamington National Park
Views From O’Reilly’s, Lamington National Park
Explore the Gold Coast Hinterland and mountains near Mount Tamborine. Visit Lamington national park and see the strange blue spiny crayfish.
Stay at O’Reileys Retreat Set in the World Heritage-listed Lamington National Park. (Look at that tub!)
14. Jump on a Beer or Wine Tour
You will be pleasantly surprised that Queensland produces some excellent wines from its boutique wineries in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Moreton Island
15. Visit the world’s largest coastal sand dune (285 Metres) and go sandboarding
Mt Tempest stands 285 meters high. Although it is not safe to sandboard that peak, some smaller peaks nearby are perfect to board down with options both for beginners and more advanced boarders.
Image curtesy of viator
Visit The South East Queensland
Don’t skip one of the best destinations in Australia!
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The post 15 Reasons To Add SE Queensland To Your Australia Itinerary appeared first on Food Fun Travel.