Free things to do in Central Coast Queensland
9 FREE THINGS TO DO IN CENTRAL COAST QUEENSLAND
The central coast of Queensland is rich in marine life, stunning beaches, waterfalls, and warm weather. In other words, the perfect holiday destination this winter.
If you’re after some free things to do on the Central Queensland Coast look no further; here are 9 free activities for your next holiday.
Table of Contents
Cape Hillsborough National Park
Whitsundays Great Walk
Horseshoe Bay Beach
Eumundi Markets
Little Crystal Creek
Wallaman Falls
Yeppoon Lagoon
Paperbark Forest Boardwalk
Picnic at Spinnaker Park
1. Catch sunrise with company at Cape Hillsborough National Park
You'll have to get out of bed early to catch the sunrise over the beach at Cape Hillsborough National Park.
With Eastern Grey Kangaroos and Wallabies on the beach from dawn, be sure to snap a few photos of these friendly natives as the orange hues of sunrise rise behind them before they venture back into nearby bush for the day.
2. Take the Whitsundays Great Walk
Credit: Conway National Park / Chris Martignago
The Conway circuit is a 28km trail through Conway National Park and while there are a few shorter trails that make up parts of the Conway circuit, including the popular Honeyeater Lookout Trail, by starting in Airlie Beach you can hike the 2.3km hill to the top of the lookout and be welcomed by views of the Whitsunday Islands and Airlie Beach below.
3. Walk the coastal path to Horseshoe Bay Beach
Credit: Horsehoe Bay Beach / Visit NSW
Bowen is a cute coastal town an hour north of Airlie Beach. It’s got some seriously stunning bays; you just need to know where to look!
Take the coastal path from Hanson Park to Horseshoe Bay, a 2.6km walk that has some of the prettiest views of Bowen. Stop for a swim at Horseshoe Bay beach, then start the Cape Edgecumbe Walking Trail that takes you to Murray Bay and Rose Bay. Lined with rocky outcrops and palm trees and with clear blue water for days, both are great for a fish, swim or snorkel to conclude your hike.
4. Visit the Original Eumundi Markets
Credit: Eumundi Markets
Only 15 minutes from Noosa, Eumundi markets host over 600 stalls that range from arts and crafts, fashion, and jewellery to artisan food shops and art wares. There’s also loads of entertainment with street performers and live music dotted along the strip.
The Original Eumundi markets have been running since 1979 and since then have attracted thousands of locals and tourists every Wednesday and Saturday. Definitely one to add to your to-do list on the Queensland Central Coast.
5. Swim in Little Crystal Creek, Townsville
Crystal Creek in Paluma Range National Park is a great day trip for a swim on any warm, sunny Queensland day.
Credit: Little Crystal Creek / Tourism and Events Queensland
Little Crystal Creek is a picturesque swimming spot that has a small cascading waterfall running through a heritage-listed stone arch bridge built in the 1930s. Close to Little Crystal Creek you can explore McClellands Lookout, Cloudy Creek Falls and Ethel Creek Falls.
6. Visit Wallaman Falls
Wallaman Falls is the highest permanent single-drop waterfall in Australia and is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.
Credit: Wallaman Falls / Sean Kelleher
This impressive drop is 268 metres tall! Take the hike down to the bottom of the waterfall and experience the intensity of the water hitting the waterhole below. On your way to Wallaman Falls keep your eye out for the Southern Cassowary birds, which are native to the region.
7. Beat the heat at Yeppoon Lagoon
Credit: Yeppoon Lagoon / Visit Capricorn
Located on the beachfront, Yeppoon Lagoon has a children’s play area, lap swimming pool and infinity pool overlooking the Keppel Islands. There are also barbeques and designated picnic areas so best to pack a lunch and cool off with an afternoon of swimming at Yeppoon Lagoon. The best part is that entry to the lagoon is free!
8. Walk the Paperbark Forest boardwalk in Agnes Water
The Paperbark Forest boardwalk is a short, easy walk located just outside Agnes Water, making this a great kid-friendly activity.
Credit: Paperbark Forest Walk / Visit Agnes
Weave your way across the stepping-stones through the wetlands area, surrounded by the lush forest filled with Paperbark trees and plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities.
9. Picnic under the giant fig tree in Spinnaker Park
If you’re stopping in Gladstone and looking for a low-cost activity, grab your picnic blanket, pack dinner and head to Spinnaker Park.
Credit: Fig Tree / @alexsanch01
The park has many great walking tracks you can take, and when the sun starts to go down, the park lights up at night with fairy lights sprinkled through the trees. Have some dinner under the giant fig tree lit up by hundreds of little fairy lights or make use of one of the many picnic areas nearby.
READY TO PLAN YOUR CENTRAL QUEENSLAND COAST ESCAPE?
