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Brisbane

Brisbane is vibrant, busy and constantly growing city and the capital city of Queensland. It is built around the Brisbane River, which is famous for River Fire, an annual fireworks and light display during the Brisbane festival in September. The Brisbane River is something of a social activity epicentre, and on any given day you are likely to see kayakers and rowers in the water, rock climbers, cyclists and joggers on the shore. You can explore the Brisbane River by public transport on board one of the river cats, it is a great way to see most of the city highlights and get a better perspective of the city.

During your stay in Brisbane you should visit South Bank, an area where there are markets during the weekend and a man made lagoon, as well as a few cafes and restaurants. Food is quite expensive here, if you are on a budget, you can bring your own food with you, and save money. Although when the markets are on, you can pick up a cheap meal.

There is a fun little cluster of hostels near Roma Street Train Station, only one stop from Central Station, and quite a few hostels in the city centre not far from Central Station. Both clusters of hostels provide easy access to some great nightlife and are well equipped and centrally located, making good bases for exploring the city.

You can find great nightlife in Brisbane and the city is gaining a reputation for its live music scene, having produced some of Australia’s finest musical talents. The Valley is one of the areas, where you can find several great nightspot. There are also a couple of fun clubs and bars in Caxton Street near Suncorp Stadium. Another night spot to head to is the West End, which has been building a reputation for a good night out, a nice meal and a great coffee.

Cairns

Cairns is the typical tourist town, and well known for its night markets and fun nightlife. It is the typically gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, where there are literally hundreds of options, when it comes to exploring the reef and you can choose from day trips to live on board week long tours.

There are a lot of night markets with plenty of food and souvenir options. The best known market, is Rusties Market, on Sheridon and Grafton Street. Here you will be able find cheap, super fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and what serves as Cairns' version of street food. There is also a busker’s corner at Rusties Market, where you can catch some great local musicians performing for the crowd.

Just out of Cairns is Cairns Tropical Zoo and wildlife park, where you can get the ultimate wildlife adventure, with the tropical garden and the fascinating and rare animals from all over the world.

Just by the marina is a nice man made lagoon a great place to cool down, as the main town beach is more of a muddy stretch. It is also important to remember, that many of the nice sandy beaches are quite hard to get to by public transport and that crocodiles are an issue in most creeks and rivers in and near Cairns. Stinger nets are deployed in the water during stinger season, otherwise you must wear a stinger suit, if you are planning to swim outside the nets during stinger season, which runs from October to June. Lifeguards are happy to update you on the current dangers the stingers pose, as conditions and numbers will vary from year to year.

The Cairns coast is a great region for fishing, and some of the locals are known to kitesurf, when the wind is up on the beaches to the north. There are also amazing surrounding areas, like Kuranda and the cable car ride over the forest and rivers, about 20 minutes drive along the main highway north. Depending on the length of your reef trip you could easily spend a week here, or more.

There is generally a fair amount of work available during tourist season, from working at car rental places to retail, tourism and hospitality. Hostels also offer a fair amount of work for accommodation deals. 

Josephine Falls

Josephine Fall is a little turn off the beaten track. 75 kilometres south of Cairns, you follow the signs and make your way up the short walking track and through lush forests to end up at this charming little set of falls. An area at the top fall has been fenced off for the safety, but you still get a great view, if you walk a bit back down the trail, you can find a great little swimming hole and natural water slide. Always be cautious though, and be aware weak swimmers may run into trouble here, as there is generally quite a strong current. If you are lucky you may spot river perch or tortoises swimming about.

Murray Falls

Murray Falls is a great little stop near Cairns, if you need an overnight break. You drive into a quiet little camping area with some but limited facilities. There is no charging fee and plenty of space to set up. There are two tracks to Murray Falls, one to the top and one to the bottom, the one at the bottom has limited access, however there are some great views of the falls. The track to the top is rather steep and rough, although you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the falls. If you chose to take this option, be aware of rain, even from far away, could be coming downstream and causing flash flooding, which can occur in minutes. A spectacular spot well worth to stop and see.

Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands comprise of a large area, stretching from Innisfail to north of Cairns and include the Cairns Highlands. With several small towns dotted along the way, the area is rich with natural wonders, with amazing forests and a multitude of waterfalls, caves and rivers. There are several well marked walking tracks to explore the forests and waterfalls along the way.

Kuranda is a popular stop off point, and is basically a town based around a market. There is a new market and old market section. The town itself is a charming, with lovely cafes and art galleries. The nearby Barron Fall is spectacular, especially during or at the end of the wet season, when the flow of water is higher and stronger.

The Millaa Millaa Falls are the most popular waterfall attraction in the area and probably the most photographed in Queensland. The Millaa Mailla region is said to be a good spot to set up as base, for people who want to explore this area.

From here you can explore crystal caves, forests and the waterfalls by either guided tours or by yourself. You can head up to the inactive volcanic crater and incredible lava tubes at Mount Hypipamee National Park, about 25 kilometres from Atherton. The largest and said to be the most spectacular during the wet season is the Mungalli Falls. Well worth a visit, you can access the top and bottom of the falls on a 15 minutes circuit track.

If you have the time and are looking from a break from the normal backpacking scene, or want to escape the high humidity of the coast, head up here and explore the region. Locals tip: the Lychees and Paw Paw in this region are just amazing.

Port Douglas

Port Douglas is another good place to head out to the Great Barrier Reef, with the town built right along the beachfront with the main centre situated between the beach and the estuary outlet.

The main street in town is filled with shops and cafés, all being of a laid back atmosphere. There is easy access to a large supermarket and a large backpacker hostel on the main street. With mellow yet enjoyable nightlife, Port Douglas can be a great spot to stop for a few days.

The beach is seemingly endless, and a stinger net provides protection at the north end. The usual warning of crocodiles and stingers apply, so in some areas swimming can be a no go.

Kitesurfing lessons are available in the area, and reasonably priced boat hire is available to explore the mangroves. There are all the usual activities you might expect available too, including a tropical Zoo just as you turn off the highway to Port Douglas.

The Daintree

This truly unique and spectacular part of Queensland contains some of the world’s most amazing beaches and the world famous Daintree Rainforest.

Daintree Village is a small town with friendly people. In Barra Café you can pick up a snack and get more detailed information about the area, this is also the only place, where your can buy your ticket for the entrance to Riverhome Rainforest Walks. It is a property that has been opened up to the public on the edge of the Daintree National Park. After about a half-hour walk you will get to a magnificent waterfall and swimming hole, with wild perch and snapping tortoises.

There are several ways to explore the river, depending on how and what you want to see it. You can hire a boat, go on a guided group tour, an eco-friendly boat or on a river train and see the river, which is lined with mangroves and sandbanks and home to crocodiles, birds, and snakes.

There are not a lot of options when it comes to accommodation, if you are not interested in an expensive ECO lodge. If you have an campervan, then you can head back out towards lovely Trinity Beach and stay in one of the small caravan parks.

Cape Tribulation

If you cross the Daintree River with the car ferry, you will start your journey into an absolutely stunning area, you should not miss on your journey around Australia.

 
With pristine rainforest right up to the high tide mark, lizards and countless butterflies roam up and down the beach.  Endless amounts of short walks and trails to explore, as well as amazing camping, hostel and hotel options.  Anything lacking in facilities at the accommodations is more than made up by location. 

There are great kayaking tours, diving trips, walks and boardwalks through the rainforest. Cape Tribulation is truly a great region to spend a few days just exploring. 

If you are travelling to Cape Tribulation by bus you will have to book a tour or hire a car to explore the area, it is worth every cent, there are 4WD tours that can take you even further past Cape Tribulation, to more remote sections of the coast, inaccessible by normal vehicles.

Cooktown

Cooktown is a rather remote fishing town and small holiday destination, some would say its a little rugged. There is basically just one street leading to the pier and it is almost always lined with locals fishing and fishing boats returning with their catch, all amidst a lovely panorama of the harbour.

The drive up is amazing and diverse with plenty of lookouts and river crossings, although caution is advised, as cattle can wander the roads off unfenced farms.

4WD tours are available to head up towards the Cooktown direction, continuing up the coast on rugged unsealed roads. This is a rather remote region, but well worth a visit, if it is within your budget.

Nightlife can be interesting depending on how you look at it, the bars are full of locals on the weekends playing 8-ball and watching the football or rugby and it is from them that you will get the best information about the surrounding areas. Be aware to not necessarily judge locals on their appearance, people from areas like this can seem rough, but can also be some of the most approachable, friendly and generally nicest people you will meet.

The region is the last stop in civilisation on your way to the Cape York Peninsular, and definitely has that feeling of remoteness.

Cape York Peninsular

The only way to explore this amazing and remote region is by 4WD or guided tours, but if you love the wild rugged nature is it a visit worth. 

North Queenslanders love to head up this way with their boats and rifles to go camping, fishing, and pig hunting. If you have the time and money, it is well worth the effort, as you will be treated with seemingly untouched wilderness, amazing wildlife and great stargazing away from civilisation. Cape York peninsular incorporates the entire isolated and remote north of the state of Queensland, which is also the most northerly point of mainland Australia. Though sparsely populated, there are several small towns and settlements.

Innisfail

Most backpackers stop here for one reason and that is fruit picking, although this small community is probably best known for the cyclone that flattened the town March 2006 and again in 2011.
There are a fair few bars in Innisfail however most people just follow each other from one of the hostels to another to create their own fun.

Mission Beach

At Mission Beach the beaches here are lined with rainforest. There is amazing forest walks and exploring this area gives you the best chance of seeing an Australian cassowary in the wild. The cassowary is a quet and shy bird, that can weigh more than an average Emu. They have been known to aggresive when threatened or cornered. To see one you will be extremly lucky.

The hostel by the beach, Scotty’s, has some great parties during peak season and backpackers are also known to park their campervans by northern and of the beach.

Townsville

Most people just stop off at Townsville on their way to Magnetic Island, however it is worth stopping an extra day to check out Townsville itself. 

The recently redeveloped Strand area is a great place to cool off, swimming either in the stinger nets or in the man made rock pool lagoon. With plenty of free barbeque facilities it is easy to waste a hot afternoon by the water! You will be rewarded by hiking up Castle Hill to watch the sunset, especially on a partly cloudy day when the sky lights up with bright oranges and red.

The night life is not to be compared with the big cities or even Cairns, but tight ass Tuesdays is always popular with cheap, food, spirits and beers on offer and the weekends can be fun with a good group of friends. Do not expect much on the music front, apart from top 40 retro and the occasional live covers band, but you will come to expect that in most towns of this size. Although the old Exchange Hotel has reopened and is putting on some great gigs, the prices to drink there can be rather expensive.

On Wednesday nights the Townsville Motor Yacht Club opens its doors to the public. If you arrive at 5 pm and ask around you are almost guaranteed to get a seat on a yacht for the social sailing race towards Magnetic Island. Rounding Cape Pallarenda then returning to Townsville, joining in the fun probably offers the best way to experience the gorgeous geography and spectacular sunsets of the region.

Magnetic Island

Magnetic Island also refered as Maggie’s by locals. Maggie is an amazing sub-tropical island with some of the most amazing beaches and with a coastline that reminds of the rugged coast of Norway without the fjords and cold weather.

The island is littered with small beaches and you can be lucky to have a beach for yourself the whole day. Beside beaches Magnetic Islands has the amazing hills and wildlife and you have to take the time see, while walking on the many walking trakcs on the island, like the one from Nelly Bay to Arcadia.

As far as nightlife goes the Marlin Bar in Horseshoe Bay can be worth a visit depending on the night, however Xbase is the known as the party spot in the island, especially when it comes to the full moon parties! Remember to book your accommodation in advance, if you want to stay there during the full moon parties, they can be very popular.

Xbase is also the place for backpackers to stay, there are a range of activities from Padi diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and moke. which look like a convertible mini car, hire situated right by the sea. Xbase offer packages including the ferry trip from Townsville for reasonable prices, but bare in mind the prices at the bar are not all that backpacker friendly!

Horseshoe Bay is also a popular destination on Magnetic Island and has a great hostel. On the beach there is Jet Ski and kayak hire and there are stinger nets when needed during the stinger season. Nearby is a wildlife sanctuary, where you can get up close and personal with some Australian wildlife.

Give yourself at least a few days out here to make the most of the amazing scenery and find some less travelled and hidden corners of Magnetic Island, like West Point, begging to be explored.

To get to Magnetic Island you need to take the ferries from Townsville. Either the 
SunFerries from Breakwater Terminal, which only take passengers, or the FantaSea at Ross 
Street, which also transports cars. Going by car with FantaSea you need to make a booking.

You can rent cars on Maggie, but rental cars are only allowed to drive on the main roads. 
Driving your own car, you can also drive the side roads and experience more of the peculiar 
and unique parts of the island. Driving west you can get no longer than to the West Point, 
because the road stops. If you want to go north from there, you need to follow the walking 
trails by foot. Maggies only bus route takes you on a beautiful trip along the east cost 
from Picnic Bay to Horseshoe Bay.

Airlie Beach

Airlie Beach is the gateway to the Whitsunday Islands and home to some of the best nights life in Queensland. The lack in big clubs and big Dj’s name makes up, with an atmosphere simply unlike any other places. With a happy hour period lasting 4 to 5 hours, if you jump around the bars in the correct order, it can be very cheap.

There are usually a fair amount of work in the hospitality and boating fields, but there are also a lot of people searching for work here at the same time, so competition can be tough. It is also pretty expensive to live here, if you come here to work, as a backpacker, it is a good idea to have you job situation planned beforehand.
It is definitely worth stopping here for a few nights on your trip for a party, enjoy the laid back atmosphere and all the lookouts in the surrounding areas.

Whitsunday Islands

The Whitsunday Islands are actually a chain of 74 islands and this truly spectacular area is home to the famous Whitehaven Beach and Hamilton, Day Dream and Hook Islands.

The best way to explore the islands is to head out on a backpacker boat or hire your own boat, if you are lucky and can or are with people who can sail a boat. There are plenty of boats to choose from, but you should check the facilities on board the boat and what expenses are included before handing over any cash. Also it is important to see what areas each boat heads to, if you are on a backpacker boat.

Hamilton Island is worth a stop off, although it is expensive and very resort orientated. Find out if the boat is heading out to the reef and Whitehaven Beach and make sure it is moving regularly, as you really want to see as much of the area as possible, especially if you are low on time or money. 

If you are travelling with someone who is a semi-experienced sailor, you may be able to rent a charter yacht. A rather flexible option with fewer restrictions. Hiring a boat gives you the freedom to stay longer in areas you like to explore, where the usual backpacker boats do not enter and you will not be crammed on board like sardines with a tonne of tourists!

Day trip, overnight, and 2 day 2 night packages are available, however we recommend you do not skimp on this part of your trip, to save a few money. It is recommended you take a 4 or 5 days trip to make most of the area, as there really is a lot to see. With the islands littered with coral reefs the Whitsundays is a must do, on your trip on the Australian east coast.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is a vast stretch of coastline containing many large and smalls towns. Starting just north of Brisbane at Caloundra and going all the way up to Tin Can Bay near the Cooloola Region. There are 50 kilometres of coastline packed with spectacular beaches and surf. Inland you will find the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, filled with amazing waterfalls and forests.

Most activities are by sea and a mecca for Australians who live to be by the water. The longer you stay the easier it is to participate in the many beach orientated activities.

Noosa would have to be the most popular destination in the region with great surf. With a variety of activities including tours of the rivers’ inlets by ferry or kayak.

You should take the time and stop in at the Australia Zo,. Steve Irwin’s famous Zoo. It is still running by the remaining Irwin family and is a unique way to experience Australian wildlife and culture. 

Prices are rather expensive throughout the Sunshine Coast region, but it is still a great spot to visit or to stop and work.

With an average 7 hours of sunshine a day, you should not forget to use your sunscreen!

Gold Coast

Gold Coast also know as Surfers Paradise being a must for the backpacker scene, it is well worth the visit, although surfers should be aware that Surfers Paradise is not actually a paradise for surfers. Its crowded and the waves are rarely worth bragging about.

If you in search of some decent waves, then head north to Stradbroke Island or south to Burleigh, Snapper or D. Bah, but be aware these are crowded breaks. The heavily populated Gold Coast stretches across a vast area of the south Queensland coast. The are public transport is available to most of the areas.

To save money on your night out, you can go on one of the backpacker’s big night out tour or ask your hostel about the happy hours available in some of the more dodgy bars, in order to save a few bucks. Be aware that the Gold Coast has gained quite a reputation for violence and chaos on the streets of night time during peak times, including the annual Schoolies Week late in the year. Also remember, the beach goes into the shade mid-afternoon, as the sunsets over the cityscape.

With plenty of activities including jet boat rides, surf lessons, visits to the Hinterland, whale watching and diving, you will not be short of things to do and see. Other attractions include some of the skyscrapers and with the Rialto tower being the largest are well worth going up to.

Gold Coast or Surfers Paradise can be a great place to find work and if you are staying to save money, there are generally plenty of options to stay in the larger shared houses. Look for signs at bus stops, real estate agents, student hangouts and hostels to find them.

The area is quite particularly known as home to Australia’s biggest Theme Parks. On the Gold Coast there is Sea World, a great place to see sea life from all over the world, in a truly spectacular sea park with plenty of up close encounters. Other big name theme parks includes Wet'n'Wild, Warner Bros Movie World and Dream World. Depending on the offer at the time, you can get super passes that include all three parks on one ticket and get a good saving.

A busy, touristy area worth seeing, most backpackers visiting the ‘Coast either stop to work or move on pretty quick, as it is more of a rich tourists’ playground.

Fraser Island

This unique part of Australia is actually the largest sand island in the world. 120 kilometres long and between 5 and 25 kilometres wide, it boast a huge variety of wild life including dingos, whales, a large population of sharks prowling the shoreline and over 230 species of birds. If you do not make it there during the much vaunted whale migration season, you will still be able to go on dolphin, dugong and turtle watching. 

Many people opt for a 4WD and camping tour and this is probably the best way to fully explore the island and all of its beauty. There are over 40 lakes to swim in, sand blows to slide down on and rainforest to explore. Take a canoe or kayak up the Dondonga River. With notoriously dangerous seas around Fraser Island, there are several ship wrecks around, some still resting on right up on the beach for you to explore. Breathtaking is the only way to explain Fraser Island.

You can also take your own vehicle onto the island via the ferry although you would need to have 4WD or similar capabilities in order to explore the island.

Bundaberg

Bundaberg produce 1/5 of Australia's total sugar crop and with a population of 45,000 people, many backpackers stop in Bundaberg to work on the fruit farms. The city is built around the Burnett River, if you follow the river to the ocean, you find gorgeous coast including Neilsons and Kelps beaches, which is a great swimming, fishing and windsurfing areas. 

You should also make a stop at Mon Repos near Bargara. Between November and March, you may be able to spot a marine turtle laying its eggs, as Mon Repos is home to the largest concentration of nesting marine turtles in Australia. When venturing into this area of the shire, you find the long dormant volcano known as The Hummock, which is the highest landmark in the whole area. The Hummock gives you views of the endless stretches of beach, vast fields of sugar cane and the city itself, from the top are literally 360 degree views.

During your time in Australia you will no doubt become familiar with Bundaberg Rum, Australia’s bestselling spirit. You can take a guided tour and learn about the process of making the Rum from start to finish. Love it or hate it, Bundy Rum is an Australian institution.

If you head to Dreamtime wildlife reserve, you can get up close and personal with some of Australia's reptiles, including lizards, crocs, snakes and tortoises. The southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef is just off the coast to the north, making it a good place to head out diving on a reef trip.

There are plenty of shops and large supermarkets making it a great spot for working backpackers to stop and earn money, while living cheap. There are also plenty of bars, these are bars not clubs, but you can enjoy yourself there playing 8 ball. You will have to explore several bars to find one that is not patronised exclusively by rough Aussies, but as there is a large backpacker population, your hostel will be able to point you in the right direction.

Rainbow Beach

Rainbow Beach is a small coastal village with a spectacular beach, chilled locals and a great place to begin exploration of Fraser Island and the Cooloola Region. With good lookouts and amazing rainforests to explore, it is a place not to miss. Go hang gliding from the Carlo sand blow or go ocean diving at Wolf Rocks and see grey nurse sharks. A fair few backpackers stop here, as it can be a little cheaper than Hervey Bay, while still offering most of the same attractions.

Hervey Bay

Known as the whale watching capital of the world and gateway to Fraser Island, Hervey Bay is a large regional centre. The city is situated along 10 kilometres of pristine coastline with a relaxed, residential type vibe.

It can be a great spot to stop, for a couple of days to relax on the stinger free beach. You can also enjoy the 14 kilometres bike track along the coast line and explore the botanical gardens. There are plenty of eating options along the esplanade, and access to the usual large supermarkets. Take the time to explore the coastline north and south of the city to find seemingly untouched beaches and coastline.

Tully

Tully has a population of 2,800 people and is famous among fruit picking backpackers for being the home of the Banana Barracks’, the reason why many backpackers stop here to pick fruit and extend their visa. Tully gets on average 440 centimetre of rain every year, making it Australia's wettest town and ideal for growing banana and sugar cane farms, Yhe town relies heavily on backpackers help keep these staffed. This heavy rain also helps keep the rainforest surrounding the area spectacular and a lush, deep green. 

One of the only tourist attractions is white water rafting in the upper reaches of the Tully River. Apart from rafting there are several walking trails into the rainforest, heading to the Tully River lookouts.

 
Clump Point, Kareeya Gorge, Murray Falls, Tully Falls and Koombooloomba Dam are some surrounding areas, worth having a look at. Having said that, unless you are working here, it is probably not worth stopping in Tully. You can access most of these areas on tour from Mission Beach, or with a small diversion, when driving through yourself.

Cardwell

Cardwell is known as the gateway to Hinchinbrook Island, but has plenty more to offer including white-water rafting, fishing and amazing rainforest. It is not a hot spot for backpackers, so it can be a great place to take a break from the chaos and similarities of the busy backpacker areas. Despite this, there are still severa hostels to choose from. 

Hinchinbrook Island itself is a sub-tropical paradise left largely untouched, excepting a few eco-lodges scattered tastefully around the island. If you are on a budget, you can take a day cruise to experience, what is Australia’s largest island national park. Another option, if there are a few of you, to hire a flat bottom boat, the only catch is, that most operators require a four day minimum. 

From Cardwell you can head out to the Wallaman Falls, Australia's largest single drop waterfall, as well as many other rivers and falls. Another spectacular stop on you trip the Queensland coast.

Toowoomba

Upon the edge of the Great Dividing Range, Toowoomba is known as the garden city, with over 240 parks. It is also known for the well-preserved art deco era buildings.

 
Picnic Point is a well known lookout, where you can sit and relax or wander around the walking trails and explore the different views of Lockyer Valley.

For the adventurous, there are skydiving and 4WD tours, and for the less adventurous, there are museums, art galleries and several great restaurants to enjoy.

If you are visiting Toowoomba, you will want to venture into the surrounding areas. There are remote yet accessible camping spots and you should take a trip up to the Bunya Mountains.it  is highly recommended. The Crow’s Nest national park is well worth exploring too.

Queensland climate

The climate along Queensland changes from hot and humid on the north to more comfortable temperatures in the south east. There are five different climate zones in Queensland.

• Hot and humid summer (for north and coastal)
• Warm humid summer (coastal elevated hinterlands and coastal south east)
• Hot and dry summer and mild winter (central west)
• Hot and dry summer and cold winter (southern west)
• Temperate - warm summer and cold winter (inland south east)

Source: Australian Government, Bureau of Meteorology - Climate statistics for Australian locations". Bom.gov.au. 2010-07-19. Retrieved 2010-08-04.

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