This northern winter, ditch the woollies, hitch-up the van and follow the sun! There’s plenty to see and do across the Sunshine state like cruising tropical islands, spotting humpbacks, or lazing about on your new favourite beach.

To help you out, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite Experience Oz activities to inspire you to get on the road.  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Whale watching in Hervey Bay
   

• Lady Musgrave Island Tour
   

• Sail the Whitsundays
   

• Great Keppel Island Tour
   

• Magnetic Island Day Tour

15 UNMISSABLE QUEENSLAND EXPERIENCES THIS NORTHERN WINTER

Unmissable Queensland Experiences in Hervey Bay

A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Brisbane, Hervey Bay is the perfect start to your Queensland road trip.

With a stunning coastline acting as a whale-watching haven from July-November, Hervey Bay is also a gateway to the popular K’gari (Fraser) Island.  

Hervey Bay Whale Watching Cruise 

If you happen to be in Hervey Bay during the whale watching months of July-November, a day on the water spotting humpback whales is a must.

Options include a half-day or full-day tour including transfers, food and drinks on-board. All you have to worry about is having a good time!  

K’gari Island Tours

Discovering the world’s largest sand island is a must-do and there are options to suit all travellers, from half-day sailing adventures to 2-day 4WD tours.

You can experience for yourself the pristine waters of Lake Mackenzie, float down Eli Creek and if you’re lucky, spot a dingo lazing about in the bush as you 4WD around the island.  

If a relaxed pace is more your style, spend a half-day on the water sailing around the K’gari coastline, swimming and spotting marine life including dolphins and turtles.  

Accommodation in Hervey Bay

Discovery Parks – Fraser St. Hervey Bay is the perfect base for day trips and tours only a short stroll from the Esplanade. Enjoy locally caught seafood at one of Hervey Bay’s many restaurants and bars, take in sea views, fresh air and choose from award-winning glamping, cabin and site accommodation. 

Unmissable Queensland Experiences in Agnes Water

As your road trip takes you further north, Agnes Water and the Town of 1770 are a great stopover for a taste of the tropical climate of north Queensland.

The quiet town and calm bay of 1770 are an ideal spot to relax and slow down as you head up the Queensland coast.  

Lady Musgrave Island Tour

Home to many species of marine life, a trip to Lady Musgrave Island will get you up close and personal with manta rays, turtles and  tropical fish as you snorkel or view the reef through a glass bottom boat.

There are also several guided walks that take you around the island and soak in the beauty of the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.  

LARC Afternoon Cruise

Spend part of your afternoon exploring the gorgeous 1770 region aboard Larc's iconic pink submersible vessel.

Transitioning from the road to water with ease you can see the best of the region from the best seat in the house. The 1-hour tour kicks off in the mid to late afternoon, just in time to chase the sun as it goes into hiding. 

Led by experienced tour guides you'll learn all there is to know about the region including its rich history as the birthplace of Queensland.

Accommodation near Agnes Water

Discovery Parks – Tannum Sands is your ideal stay at the gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

As an oasis of multi-coloured sunsets and year-round warm weather, this laid-back park is metres from the sand, surrounded by classic Queensland palms and close to the convenience of Tannum Sands village. 

Unmissable Queensland Experiences in Airlie Beach

Winter in Airlie Beach means warm days and balmy nights. There’s loads to see and do, from Saturday morning markets to day tours to the iconic Whitsunday islands.

Airlie Beach is a dreamy place stop for sunny days and that idyllic Queensland lifestyle. These are some of our favourite activities to include in your Airlie Beach itinerary.   

Whitsundays Scenic Flight

If sailing isn’t your thing, see the Whitsunday Islands from above with a scenic flight departing from Airlie Beach. Cruise past the sights of the Whitsundays right through to the Great Barrier Reef’s Heart and Hook reefs.  

Sail the Whitsundays

Enjoy a full day of sailing as you cruise through the Whitsunday Islands including a stop at the famous Whitehaven Beach.

Snorkel, swim, and stand-up paddle your way around the islands, savouring breathtaking views on board the Atlantic Clipper; a Queensland experience like no other.   

Hamilton Island Golf Club

Why wouldn’t you have a hit on Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course with its own island?

Hamilton Island Golf Club course offers spectacular views over the Whitsunday Islands and suits anyone from beginner to veteran golfers.  

Accommodation in Airlie Beach 

Discovery Parks – Airlie Beach is a short drive to the heart of Airlie Beach and the Port of Airlie for all departing tours.

Inside the park the resort vibes are strong with accommodation options to suit all budgets. Relax by the pool at the end of a fun-filled day and take advantage of the camp kitchen, outdoor BBQ facilities and excellent in-park amenities. 

Unmissable Queensland Experiences on the Capricorn Coast

An exciting and diverse region, Queensland’s Capricorn Coast delivers golden days and balmy, moonlit evenings mixed with the scent of the tropics and the best of Queensland's climate.  

Close to both the Keppel Islands, Great Keppel Island is a popular day trip that’s accessible via a 30-minute ferry. Alternatively, you can take a day cruise to explore private coves, snorkel coral reefs or laze about in aqua-blue waters while turtles and dolphins swim around you! 

Capricorn Caves Cathedral Cave Tour 

Explore the Capricorn Caves in Rockhampton to uncover Queensland's ancient landscapes and geological marvels during a 45-minute interpretive tour of the Cathedral Cave. This popular show cave is one of the largest caves open to the public with walkways and ramps available for ease of accessibility. 

Great Keppel Island Day Tour 

Spend the day exploring the best of Great Keppel Island on the Great Barrier Reef with this day tour departing Yeppoon in Queensland.

With a cruise off the mainland, you'll arrive at the island with a whole day to explore this beautiful part of the country. 

Bundaberg Rum Blend Your Own Rum Experience 

Go behind the scenes of the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and then sit down with 2 expert distillers to mix your very own rum blend direct from the barrel.

The blend your own rum experience gives visitors the chance to learn the history behind the iconic Australian spirit brand and see first-hand how the famous rum is produced. 

Accommodation on the Capricorn Coast 

Just off the appropriately named Scenic Highway, Discovery Parks - Coolwaters Yeppoon offers tropical bushland, beachfront accommodation and calm lake waters to play and unwind on.

Keppel Bay Marina is on your doorstep, there are accommodation options and facilities for everyone, plus there are endless tours, scenic flights and natural wonders to explore. 

Unmissable Queensland Experiences in Townsville

As North Queensland's unofficial capital, Townsville has lots of things to see and do, many of which showcase the area's natural assets and incredible location on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Explore the sparkling waters and fringing coral reefs on snorkelling expeditions to Magnetic Island, dive the Yongala Shipwreck or learn more about unique and rare species at the renowned Reef HQ Aquarium.  

Magnetic Island Helicopter Flight 

View the jewel in Townsville's crown, Magnetic Island, from the air on a 30-minute scenic flight that offers spectacular views of its vibrant greenery and surrounding blue waters.

Departing from Townsville Airport, you'll head out over the city, flying over Cleveland Bay before you head out over the island for an entirely new perspective on one of Tropical North Queenslan's favourite holiday spots. 

Museum Of Underwater Art and Great Barrier Reef Snorkeling Day Trip 

Hop aboard a comfortable vessel and head out to the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef for some of the best snorkelling in QLD on this full-day tour from Townsville with one of the state's best tour operators.

Head out from your choice of departure points and set sail towards the pristine outer regions of the stunning Great Barrier Reef and the Museum of Underwater Art.

SS Yongala Wreck Dive Trip from Townsville 

See one of the world's top 10 wreck dives on this full day tour from Townsville or Magnetic Island

Dive into in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and witness the SS Yongala, a wreck that sank in 1911 and has been used as a dive site since 1958.

Accommodation in Townsville 

In the dry tropics of Far North Queensland, Discovery Parks - Townsville is your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.

Stay amongst tropical palms, relax in the resort-style swimming pool and explore the city of Townsville from bush to beach. Choose from Powered Sites, Deluxe Cabins and Motel Rooms with facilities nearby.