5 Adventure Spots in Queensland Discoverable by Car
In Queensland, you’ve got everything from tropical beaches to ancient rainforests and dusty outback to choose from. It’s one big state where just about any kind of adventure can be found—the question is, what kind are you looking for? To help steer you in the right direction, we’ve put together a list of five of our favourite destinations around the state, each one offering something different, and all easily accessible with your rental car. Let’s get straight into it!
1. Cape Tribulation: Rainforest Meets Reef
Cape Tribulation is one of the few places in the world where two World Heritage sites collide—the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. In this two-in-one adventure, cruise along jungle boardwalks, spot humungous crocodiles on a river tour, or step straight from the rainforest onto a reef-fringed beach. It’s a place so beautiful, it’s hard to believe it exists!
2. Carnarvon Gorge: Queensland’s Secret Canyon
Deep inside the sandstone sanctuary of Carnarvon National Park is Carnarvon Gorge, a hidden oasis of towering cliffs, ancient ferns, and Indigenous rock art. Get your walking gear on and explore one of the park’s trails (ranging from 3 to 8 hours), taking you through ancient plants, moss gardens, and of course the mighty gorge. When you’ve worked up a sweat, cool off in the rock pools and reflect on the beauty you’ve just witnessed.
3. Magnetic Island: Wildlife and Reef Adventures
Just a short ferry ride from Townsville, Magnetic Island offers a unique blend of natural beauty and wildlife encounters. With your Ace rental car, you can easily explore the island's scenic roads, leading to secluded beaches, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints. Keep an eye out for koalas in the wild and enjoy snorkeling opportunities in the fringing reefs. The island's relaxed atmosphere and diverse activities make it a perfect addition to your Queensland adventure!
4. Tablelands: Waterfalls and Wildlife
For a nice, cool change from the humid coast—with plenty of exploring to do—head to the Tablelands. In this inland region, you’ll have staggering mountains, volcanic crater lakes and gushing waterfalls at your fingertips, plus a host of fascinating wildlife to keep you company. Make sure you take a dip in Millaa Millaa Falls, take a mountain bike ride through the lush forest of Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park, and head to the Yungaburra Markets (on the fourth Saturday of the month) for fresh local produce and food straight from the region’s 2000 farms. Along your travels, keep an eye on the trees for a Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo—one of the rarest species around.
5. Channel Country: Walk the Path of Dinosaurs
Way out west in Queensland lies Channel Country—an outback region where flat, open plains are crossed by a web of ancient riverbeds, and is one of Australia’s richest sources of dinosaur discoveries.
Start in Winton, a small town with a big claim to fame. Not only is it the birthplace of Waltzing Matilda, but it’s also home to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum, which houses the largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. Here, you can see real bones being prepared and even walk through a recreated dinosaur canyon.
Drive a little further to Lark Quarry, where you’ll find the only known dinosaur stampede site in the world—3,300 fossilised footprints that captured a dramatic prehistoric moment over 90 million years ago. Combine that with big skies, dramatic sunsets, and the peaceful hum of the outback, and you’ve got a drive that’s full of scale, solitude and stories from another age.
Ace Your Adventure
Queensland is well known for its beaches—but there’s so much more out there. With an Ace rental car, and an adventurous attitude, you can discover the diverse landscapes this massive chunk of Australia has been hiding from the rest of the country. Book your Queensland adventure-mobile here, and get ready to experience this region to the fullest.
