Adventure and discovery in Queensland

What's more, the weather is famously pleasant at any time of the year. Queensland is an epic state with endless possibilities for intrepid activities. Make sure you pack your camera and sense of adventure, then get ready for an unforgettable ride.

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Discover Queensland, a land of adventure from jungle surfing through the rainforest to jet skiing along golden sandy beaches.

Riverlife meets wildlife

There's no better way to explore a waterway city like Brisbane than on a river adventure. Treat yourself to a gentle workout with a private kayak or paddle boarding tour. It's a hands-on way to explore both the natural and urban landscapes of Queensland's river city. If water's not your thing, you can test your skills on the cliffs by abseiling or rock-climbing at Kangaroo Point.

To meet some of the cutest (and cuddliest) inhabitants of Australia, take a trip to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's largest koala sanctuary and one of the top Queensland tourist attractions. Here you can feed your new kangaroo mates by hand, hug a furry marsupial and watch birds of prey in free-flight shows.

After a day exploring the natural wonders of Brisbane you'll be ready to slip into the relaxed Queensland lifestyle.

In a country famous for its coastline, the Great Beach Drive from Noosa to K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) stands out as a must-do experience.

Adrenaline activities Brisbane and Gold Coast

If your inner thrill seeker is looking for fun things to do, Queensland adventure parks are always ready for action. In particular, Gold Coast theme parks are an adrenaline junkie's paradise. There are several major parks to choose from, so it's really just a question of how many rides you want to fit into one day.

Queensland's super hero experiences extend beyond the Gold Coast theme parks. Flyboarding is an aquatic adventure you must add to the long list of Gold Coast attractions. Propelled by a large jet of water, you can soar through the air, hover above the surface and dive like a dolphin. One minute you feel superhuman and the next you're hilariously out of control.

In Brisbane, you can get out of your comfort zone with a Story Bridge Adventure Climb, go karting or a choice of escape room experiences. You can even hit the skies in a fighter jet.

A natural way to catch a thrill is to sandboard. Queensland has a couple of excellent locations for dune sliding – Waddy Point and Orchid Beach on Fraser Island, and Little Sand Hills, Big Sand Hills and The Desert on Moreton Island.

Greatness comes naturally when you visit Sunshine Coast

In a country famous for its coastline, the Great Beach Drive, Queensland stands out as a must-do experience. Instead of putting wheel to road, this trip lets you drive on some of the world's most stunning beaches, through some of the most idyllic National Parks and World Heritage listed areas. All you need is a 4WD and a healthy appetite for discovery.

Connecting the Sunshine Coast with the World Heritage listed K'gari (formerly known as Fraser Island) and the Fraser Coast, the drive passes through two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and the largest sand island in the world. If you're lucky you may even spot a humpback whale out at sea.

For more on the Queensland coast, find more about Reefs, islands & beaches.

Monuments to man and nature

Paronella Park, south of Cairns, was built in 1929 by a passionate Spaniard, Jose Paronella. The park and its castle are a glorious tribute to their colourful creator. You can lose yourself in the wonderful gardens surrounding the romantic castle or take a spin on the moss-covered dance floor.

Moving from a man-made monument to natural phenomena, find your way inland to the giant lava tubes beneath the Undara Volcanic National Park. These immense ancient tunnels have haunting acoustics and can be experienced on informative guided tours. Navigating the tubes is an epic North Queensland adventure.

From under the earth to zipping above it, jungle surfing in the Daintree Rainforest, north of Cairns, is the closest you can come to flying without a plane. Strap on a harness and propel yourself over the dense tropical forest canopy. Over half of Australia's native species can be found in this rainforest, so keep your eyes peeled for unique critters in the foliage beneath you.

That's just the beginning; there are many more natural encounters in Queensland.