12 Whimsical Towns in Queensland
Leaping into the Australian state of Queensland is nature's perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Floating in sapphire blue waters, hiking mountains alongside wildlife, sipping on freshly brewed coffee on white sand beaches. Could it be more enchanting?
Located in the northeastern region of Australia, Queensland holds diverse colorful geography, the world's largest coral reef system, which is the iconic Great Barrier Reef. Exploring Queensland will never get boring as the state has five of Australia's eleven World Natural Heritage areas and over 200 national parks.
On average, the majority of Queensland gets between eight and nine hours of sunshine every day, promising to give travelers a sun-kissed glow. Dive into the paradise of Queensland to soak up both rays of sunshine and happiness.
Bowen
Grab the snorkel gear and get ready for an oasis adventure. The magical town of Bowen can be discovered in the northern region of the Whitsundays, on the shores of Edgecumbe Bay. A bold and bright attraction that can’t be missed is the Big Mango. This 10-meter-high sculpture of a mango gives recognition to Bowen’s agricultural history and the value of the fruit.
The abundance of beaches awaits those looking to live their dream of swimming, sailing, scuba diving, or floating with a refreshing drink in hand. The vibrant waters off Bowen are rich with millions of diverse fish species and colorful coral gardens of the Great Barrier Reef. The best spots to go snorkeling are Rose Bay, Murrays Bay, and Horseshoe Bay. Bowen is a very walkable town, making it easy for travelers to hop around shops, cafes, restaurants, parks, and scenic lookouts. Hiking to the top of Flagstaff Hill, Mount Nutt, or Grays Bay lookout are magical elevated viewpoints of the ocean and mountain ranges. The town's jetty is a popular spot for a sunset stroll or a picnic with a view.
Montville
Next up is Montville, a cozy little village on the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland. This town is a place where visitors can get cozy in art galleries and coffee shops or get wild on outdoor excursions. To get that much-needed caffeine, the Poets Cafe resembles a traditional European cafe dynamic while offering stunning Sunshine Coast views. If visitors want to indulge in local fresh produce, the Montville markets pop up on the second Saturday of every month.
Montville is also in close proximity to Kondalilla National Park, offering numerous hikes and picture-perfect scenery. Flowing waterfalls, rainforest valleys, eucalypt forests, and rock pools blossom throughout this park. Another popular hiking trail near Montville is the Hinterland Great Walk. While frolicking through lush nature paths, the wildlife symphony of frogs, birds, and reptiles is sure to make an appearance. To fully soak up the charm of Montville, pop by the family-owned Flame Hill Vineyard & Restaurant, a perfect spot to cheer on all the memories made here.
Yeppoon
Located on the Capricorn Coast, creativity is sprinkled through the town's streets and beaches of Yeppoon. While meandering through the heart of town, murals of local musicians, sea turtles, cockatoos, and more brighten up the town with artistry and storytelling. The Yeppoon Library and Emu Park are just some of the many street art locations. For some water action, Yeppoon Main Beach is an incredible oasis to explore the Southern Great Barrier. For taking mental pictures of the unbelievable views from the shoreline, Lammermoor Beach has over two kilometers of sand for visitors to mark their own barefoot trail in.
Yeppoon is also lucky to be neighboring the iconic Keppel Islands, which is a great reason to embark on a sailing adventure. To get in touch with the local community, check out the Yeppoon Community Market that is put on every Saturday morning. Pick out the best fresh fruits and vegetables and have some authentic conversations with some of Yeppoons locals to learn more about the town's culture.
Mareeba
Next up is Mareeba, located north of Brisbane and southwest of Cairns, sitting at the intersection of Barron River and Granite Creek. Consequently, the town's name is believed to come from the local Indigenous word meaning "meeting of the waters" or "place to meet.” Stepping foot in Mareeba is like drinking a potion of pure euphoria. Mareeba has over 300 sunny days a year and is considered the ballooning capital of the world. It feels like a crime not to hop on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. The diverse views of the Atherton Tablelands landscape are impeccable to see while floating through the clear skies. From the golden savannah to flourishing wetlands and vibrant rainforests, Mareeba has it all. The clear skies also make Mareeba the perfect canvas to end a perfect day with stargazing. Another fascinating thing about this town is that it produces more than 70% of Australia’s coffee crop. Don't leave this town with sipping on a cup of morning coffee. For bird lovers, Mareeba is also known to have nearly half of the continent's 750 bird species. Go on some bird watching while exploring some national parks such as Davies Creek and Emerald Creek Falls.
Mission Beach
Nestled on the Cassowary coastline between the Great Barrier Reef and the Wet Tropics is the endearing town of Mission Beach. With being in the Cassowary Coast region, visitors are very likely to come across the famous Cassowary birds strutting around with their long legs and bright blue faces. Other than wildlife sightings, the Mission Beach Rainforest is a beautiful labyrinth of trails bursting with native flora and fauna. For coastal views, the Kennedy Walking Trail is a popular spot located at the end of the beach in South Mission Beach.
To get wet and wild, dive into the water with snorkel gear or travel around the water on a paddleboard. For hiking lovers, Bicton Hill is a 3.9km long trek to the summit, promised to deliver views that will make visitors feel like they’re living in a picture-perfect postcard. Lastly, for all the sweet tooth cravings, travelers can pop in a visit to Charley’s Chocolate Factory. Indulge in tastings of creamy, rich chocolate and be a witness to the fascinating process of how the chocolate is made. Travelers will surely leave Mareeba with sweet memories.
Cardwell
An hour's drive away from the previous town, Mission Beach, is where travelers can explore the next town, Cardwell. With a deep-rooted Indigenous community and pioneering history, Cardwell sits on the southern tip of North Queensland’s Cassowary Coast. It is also the only town in the world where two world heritage-listed areas are connected, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Wet Tropics.
Taking a dip in the natural Cardwell Spa pool is a must. The turquoise-blue yet glassy water is a perfect spot for a secluded swim or float. Are you in the mood to go chasing waterfalls? Some might say Murray Falls is the prettiest waterfall in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This mighty waterfall flowing over smooth rock formations and nestled in lush greenery will leave travelers in a jaw-dropping trance. For some blood-pumping adventures, hop on a bike and ride along the trails of Cardwell Forest Drive while passing by picturesque nature views.
Port Douglas
Port Douglas, just like confetti, explodes with vibrant and exciting opportunities for visitors to revel in! Other than its ideal location being at the center of the Great Barrier Reef Drive, Port Douglas is the country’s best golfing destination and has the highest number of restaurants per capita in the country. After enjoying a stunning game of golf on the green, walk down Macrossan Street, where there are many restaurants of world-class cuisine to choose from. Some popular restaurants include Watergate and Zinc Port Douglas. For those interested in having the ocean’s company, the Four Mile Beach is an iconic sandy beach paradise. Go for a sunset stroll, read a good book, or throw a frisbee with friends while surrounded by mountain ranges and palm trees. Adventure lovers will gravitate towards Port Douglas as activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and hot air ballooning are available to check off the bucket list.
Airlie Beach
The town of Airlie Beach flourishes on the east coast and can be located south of Townsville and north of Mackay. The energy of this beach town is very laid back and reminds visitors to appreciate the scenery and the slow-paced lifestyle. To feel the chill vibes, visitors can meander through town to explore local markets, coffee shops, and boutiques and even catch live musicians grooving on the streets. Airlie Beach is also the perfect window into the waters around the famous Whitsundays Islands. Hop on a boat tour or ride your own jet ski and admire the island's magic. Another slice of heaven that can be discovered in Airlie Beach is the famous Whitehaven Beach. However, it’s more like a giant slice of heaven, as the silica sand stretches for around 70 kilometers. To take in some summit views, hike up to the Honeyeater lookout, which is a great trail that offers scenic views of Airlie Beach and surrounding bays. This hike, on average, takes about two to three hours roundtrip.
Maleny
Approximately 30 kilometers southwest of Caloundra, located up in the Blackall Range, is the vibrant town of Maleny. This town radiates with life, and excitement will be felt just by wandering down Maple Street. From cozy coffee shops, diverse fashion shops, contemporary art galleries, and a lively busking scene, the community shines bright. Maleny is also known to have some of the best dairy and cheese products in all of Australia. Maleny Dairies, Maleny Cheese, and Maleny Food Co are some local spots visitors should check out. Trekking through walking trails and bird-watching are popular activities in Maleny. Visitors can explore trails that lead to panoramic views of the Glass House Mountains and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. Another walk to take on is the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk. It is a 59-kilometer expedition through mystical views and nature in Kondalilla National Park and Mapleton Falls National Park.
Maryborough
Just north of Brisbane on the Mary River is the town of Maryborough. This quaint town might also have travelers feeling musical, as the town was the inspiration for P.L’s Travers book, Mary Poppins. The streets shine bright with preserved 1800’s classic Queensland architecture. Walk through the street and admire the vast kinds of historic buildings and sites. From the city hall to the post office to the royal hotel, visitors will feel that they have stepped back in time. There are also many museums and art galleries where you can explore and learn about history. A fun outdoor way to applaud some art is to go on the Maryborough mural trail. The trail now has 37 large-scale murals and installations that express stories of Maryborough's past and evolution. Visitors must also make sure to take a stroll through the lovely Queen’s Park. The park overlooks the Mary River and is decorated with well-kept trees, flowers, a fountain, a waterfall, and a band rotunda.
Tamborine Mountain
Just under an hour's drive from Brisbane, travelers will stumble upon the delightful town of Tamborine Mountain. The artist community thrives in this town, with many art studios, local stores, and markets to engage with. The outdoor adventure scene also beams with life. The Tamborine National Park offers six sections with trails that weave through vibrant forests and lead to breathtaking views of waterfalls. For those who want to let out a scream and feel the sensation of flying, Thunderbird Park is home to Australia’s largest zipline tour. Visitors can soar like a bird along seven ziplines and feel the magical nature view at their fingertips. For a unique experience that feels supernatural, embark on a tour of thee at Glow Worms Caves. Explore dark, intricate caves where stunning glowing strands of worms that look like little chandeliers act as the light source. It will truly be an experience that takes the visitor’s breath away.
Palm Cove
A little tropical oasis, only 35 minutes from Cairns, is the town of Palm Cove. This town has been named the spa capital of Australia, so if visitors need a trip that screams relaxation, Palm Cove is the secret ingredient. There are many spas in town where visitors can clear their minds and relieve any tension. In the mood for yoga? What better place than getting in that zen mindset on a picture-perfect sand beach surrounded by palm trees? The coral sea is also the perfect way to paddle through the crystal clear waters and be mesmerized by the coastal sunrise magic lighting up the sky. Need to get a golden tan or find a comfortable spot to read a book? Take a walk down Clifton Beach and set up a day at the beach to escape into tranquility. The heart of Palm Cove offers many amenities, such as tasty, fine dining and local shops. Every Sunday, the town hosts a market with over 130 stalls of local produce, jewelry, pottery, clothing, and more.
Queenslands feels like stepping right into the postcard. The vibrant ocean waves crash on the white sand beaches. Walking amongst wildlife, flowing waterfalls, and flourishing rainforests. The views that visitors will see exploring this astounding Australian state will forever be cherished. Queensland is perfect for both the blood-pumping adventures and the laid-back atmosphere of sipping coffee and admiring art. Stop dreaming of what visiting Queensland could be like and take the jump into paradise now!
