An International Student in Brisbane Pt. 3: Exploring Queensland

Feeling a little bored stuck in St. Lucia or Brisbane? Trust me, I get it. It's difficult to travel beyond Brisbane without a car and you can only visit Brisbane CBD so many times before you get bored. Best part is, Queensland has a plethora of picturesque spots, from sunny beaches to breezy mountains. You'd never run out of places to go.

So if you don't have a car, make friends with someone who has one and rent their car or better yet, go together! I was blessed to have housemates who have a car which they rented to us at times, and it was a great way for them to utilize the idle car to earn some extra passive income.



1. Burleigh Heads
A personal favourite and top on my list, especially during dusk as the sunset casts a certain glow around Burleigh Heads. Perfect for picnics and quiet afternoons out.

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince #carmenventures

A post shared by Carmen C (@carmenchanz) on Jun 29, 2016 at 5:37am PDT

2. Mount Tamborine
Very nice place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. They also have road-side $1 avocados and farmers' markets during the right season!

Rainbow in the falls #waterfall #rainbow #nature #queensland #australiagram #mounttamborine #beautiful

A post shared by NaomiTravels✈️ (@ownthathorizon) on Jul 5, 2017 at 4:48am PDT

3. Cairns/Whitsunday
You've heard of the Great Barrier Reef and the heart-shaped reef everyone's taking their girlfriends to.  Also a famous spot for (sky)diving and snorkeling thanks to its scenic views. A tropical paradise with nothing but sand, surf, sun and sea.

Ocean blue 💧 (📷: @saltywings)

A post shared by BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS (@beautifuldestinations) on Jul 5, 2017 at 6:16am PDT

Under my Umbrella.. Ella Ella Eh Eh 🎶 || #hadto #cairns #queensland #daintreerainforrest

A post shared by SHARON T BANGA (@sharontbanga) on Jul 5, 2017 at 1:02pm PDT

Looking into this month like....

A post shared by Sierra Boggess (@officialsierraboggess) on Jul 1, 2017 at 7:51am PDT

Sundowners on Hamilton Island never looked so good. Make mine a passionfruit mojito! 😋 #tbt ____________________ . . . . . . _____________________ #hamiltonisland #whitsundays #whitsundayislands #australia #exploreaustralia #wanderlust #explore #landscape #landscape_captures #landscapephotography #nature #naturelovers #natureaddict #view #sunset #sunsetlovers #sunsets #sky #skyporn #skylovers #adventure #travelphotography #travelling #outdoors #globe_travel #makeyourlifeunforgettable #islandlife #queensland #thisisqueensland

A post shared by Cat | Sydney (@kittycatuk) on Jul 5, 2017 at 2:27pm PDT

4. Fraser Island
I've personally never visited Fraser Island, but I have friends who did and some of the more popular activities include exploring it's sand dunes with dirt biking and sand tobogganing.

Spent the whole day here and there was still so much to see!! We even saw 🐋🐋 😍

A post shared by Kirsten Groves (@_kirstenrochelle_) on Jul 5, 2017 at 11:53pm PDT

My "WAHOO" moment 💕#travelphotography #travel #australia #oz #fraserisland #lake #island #lakemckenzie #sun #backpack #backpacker #globetrotter

A post shared by chloé esnault (@chloeesnt) on Jul 5, 2017 at 3:06pm PDT

5. Moreton Island
Never been either and I've heard its activities are similar to Fraser Island, but the cerulean blue sea is enough to attract any beachhead.

A post shared by Jason Mak (@jason_mak18) on Nov 9, 2017 at 7:31am PST

6. Mt. Cootha
A great place for a eagle-eye view of Brisbane and only a short drive from the CBD. You can even ride a bicycle to the top if you're feeling adventurous! There's also the Mt Cootha Botanical Gardens if you're into plants and flowers.

Cootha sunrises 🌞

A post shared by Matt Tuckett (@mattytee7) on Jun 24, 2017 at 4:55pm PDT

7. National Parks (e.g Lamington National Park, Springbrook National Park, Daintree National Park)
Queensland is famous for their well-kept, beautiful local national parks. Even though I myself had no time to visit, you gotta visit at least one if you're into nature and hiking.

Gawhhhh this PLACE!!!!

A post shared by marli blanche (@hotcupofmarlo) on Jul 5, 2017 at 12:17am PDT

Birthday Hike 🙌🏽

A post shared by Kayleigha (@k_jayne88) on Jul 5, 2017 at 2:53am PDT

8. Gold Coast
Especially tourist-loving Surfers Paradise. I've been several times to witness the sunset, and it manages to take my breath away every single time (maybe partially because of the cold morning wind during winter too).

Surfers was looking the goods yesterday. 🤙🏻 Check out our website for more photos and a blog post from the day. Links in the description. Have a great night VC✌🏻 #goldcoast #surf #surfing #thespit #sunrise #love #surfer #visitgoldcoast #moody #southerngoldcoast #coolangatta #surfersparadise #surfers #surfingaustralia #waves #goldy #queensland #thisisqueensland #australia

A post shared by ✖️VISUAL COLLECTIVE ✖️ (@visualcollectiveau) on Jul 6, 2017 at 1:11am PDT

9. Sunshine Coast
Another place for avid surfers and beachheads.

@livelikeitsthewknd A grateful heart is a magnet for miracles 🙏🏻💫 Sharing this throwback from the Glass House Mountains in Queensland One of my favorite memories from the 2 months I spent in Australia earlier this year. 📷 @hannahrheaume suggested user by @roamaroo #watchthisinstagood

A post shared by instagood (@instagood) on Jul 3, 2017 at 10:28am PDT

10. Theme Parks (Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n Wild)
If you haven't been to a theme park in Queensland, have you really visited Queensland? Especially if you're a comic/superhero fan. Movie World and Dream World are frequent tourist destinations, and you'll see why when you get there. It feels like a whole other world sometimes.

Enjoy my time @Movie World.. My Holiday... Explore everything & Try anything i wantttttt.. 😍😍 . . #instagirl #instapict #happyday #happymoment #withlove #lovely #holiday #freetime #freeday #goldcoast #goldcoastlife #travellinggoldcoast #movieworld #movieworldgoldcoast #travelling #wind #cold #followmyig #followmylastpost #followforlike #likethispic #likeme #like4like #likeforlike #followmylastpost

A post shared by Irene (@irene_ne_s) on Nov 9, 2017 at 1:51pm PST

Day Four: Movie World 😍🤗✌️#rollercoasters #movieworld #goldcoast #fun #holiday #rides #adventures #design

A post shared by Beach Bay Homes Ltd (@beachbayhomesltd) on Nov 8, 2017 at 8:55pm PST

If I had more time, I definite would've tried to explore more of Queensland's beautiful spots, and this list is not exhaustive. Enjoy exploring one of the best places in Australia!