Queensland guides.
Guides and itineraries for Queensland.
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Great Barrier Reef
Cairns vs Townsville for the Great Barrier Reef
Cairns is the better base for most first timers, with more boats, easy island trips and the Daintree on the doorstep. Townsville is the quieter local pick, with Magnetic Island, a famous wreck dive and fewer crowds. Here is how the two compare so you can choose your reef base.
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Daintree & Cape Tribulation
Daintree Rainforest Tour: 3 Layers for Rain, Tracks, and Insects
Long, loose, light coloured layers, sturdy closed shoes, insect repellent and sun protection. That is the outfit Parks Queensland recommends for the Wet Tropics. Here is exactly what to wear on a Daintree rainforest tour to handle the rain, muddy tracks and insects, plus the croc rules.
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Great Barrier Reef
Lady Elliot vs Lady Musgrave: Reef health, flights, and boat tours
Fly to Lady Elliot for an eco resort stay and the best odds of swimming with manta rays. Cruise to Lady Musgrave from 1770 or Bundaberg for a sheltered lagoon and a castaway style day trip. Here is how the two islands compare on reef health, access, cost and timing.
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Queensland
Region by Region: Curated Queensland Experiences, Indigenous and Luxury
Secluded waterfalls, Dreamtime walks led by Indigenous guides, private reef flights and islands most visitors never find. Mossman Gorge, the Great Barrier Reef and the Scenic Rim are just the start. Here is the best of Queensland, region by region, with timing and safety tips.
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Daintree & Cape Tribulation
15 Minute Mossman Gorge Shuttle: Schedules, Fares and Accessibility
The Mossman Gorge shuttle runs about 2 km from the Cultural Centre into the rainforest day use area, with buses every 15 to 30 minutes. Walking the road is not recommended. Here is how often it runs, what it costs, how accessible it is and what to check before you go.
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Great Barrier Reef
3 Steps to Pick the Right Great Barrier Reef Tour
Match your traveller type to the right reef zone, then compare what is included, not just the price. Snorkellers chasing outer reef clarity need a different boat to nervous swimmers or families with toddlers. Here are three simple steps to pick the right Great Barrier Reef tour.
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Great Barrier Reef
23–29°C: Great Barrier Reef Water Temps, Wetsuit and Bleaching Risk
Great Barrier Reef water sits between 23 and 29°C across the year, coolest in July and warmest in February, though marine heatwaves can push it higher. Here is what to expect month by month, when to bring a wetsuit, and what bleaching risk means for your reef trip.
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Queensland
10 Day Queensland Itinerary: Reef, Daintree and No 4WD Required
Cairns to the Whitsundays via the Daintree, Port Douglas, the Atherton Tablelands, Mission Beach, Townsville and Magnetic Island. Here is a 10 day Queensland itinerary packed with reef snorkelling and rainforest walks, with a day by day breakdown and no 4WD needed.
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Great Barrier Reef
When is stinger season in the Whitsundays, and can you still swim?
Stinger season in the Whitsundays runs from around November to May, with the highest risk between December and March. You can still swim, snorkel and sail. Here is how to do it safely, from stinger suits and netted beaches to the warnings worth checking before you go.
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Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef for non swimmers: what to expect
You do not need to swim a stroke to see the Great Barrier Reef properly. Glass bottom boats, semi submersibles, underwater observatories, helmet dives and guided snorkels with flotation aids all get you close to the coral. Here is how to pick and book the right one.
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Great Barrier Reef
Great Barrier Reef best time: when to go and what to expect
June to October brings calmer seas, lower humidity and the clearest water of the year, with September and October the sweet spot for first timers and families. Here is the best time to visit the Great Barrier Reef, plus how the timing shifts for wildlife and budget.
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Great Barrier Reef
Reef safe sunscreen Australia: what to look for
Look for a broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, SPF 30 or higher, and an AUST L or AUST R number you can check on the official register. Here is how to choose a reef safe sunscreen in Australia, and the quick checks to run before you buy.
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