Discover Queensland

Queensland Skyline
Queensland Skyline

Australasia cruises generally include a number of fantastic Australian cities among their ports of call, and when deciding which cruise is right for you it can be a little confusing to determine exactly where and what you want to see. To try to help put things into focus, we’ve made this short, handy guide about what can be found in one of the country's most popular regions – discover Queensland on a cruise to Australia.

Port Douglas for The Great Barrier Reef

Encompassing the majority of the country’s northeast corner, the state has almost 7000km of coastline. It will come as no surprise then, to learn that Queensland is home to the infamous Great Barrier Reef. More than two million visitors are drawn to this incredible underwater spectacle every year, where adventurers can see over 1,500 species of fish, 134 species of sharks and sting rays, and more than 500 types of coral.

Abel Point Marina for The Whitsundays

While the Great Barrier Reef obviously steals the focus in this region – for good reason – Queensland does have many other fantastic places that should not be missed. The Whitsundays, for example, are a truly beautiful attraction. This archipelago of 74 islands is perfect for sailing, due to the calm and clear waters. With luck, you might see dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales.

Yorkey's Knob Port for Cairns

Cairns is another area of Queensland that you should try to find time for. Here you can get your cultural fix in the Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, embrace the local lifestyle in world-class bars and restaurants, and get back to nature in the Daintree National Park – thought to be the oldest rainforest on earth.

The Port of Brisbane

Not forgetting the state capital – Brisbane. Peppered with beautiful parks, historical buildings, and more stunning beaches, this is another place you’ll need more than a few hours to explore! Highlights include Steve Irwin’s Australia Zoo – only an hour drive away – which is home to all kinds of weird and wonderful creatures. Or visit the fascinating Sciencentre, various museums, and fantastic Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Our guide merely skims the surface of everything this brilliant corner of Australia has to offer, and if you do decide to visit the state, it is highly likely that you will end up planning a return trip.

Look at our Australasia cruises, and start planning your next adventure straight away.

💡
Find the perfect shore excursions for you on your Australia cruise with our official local port partner Venture Ashore. Offering a variety of excursions, from tours to culinary experiences, there’s plenty of choice for those of all tastes and ages. Book your land tour experiences here and enjoy the highest quality tours, flexible cancellation and other tempting benefits!