South East Queensland
Queensland is a massive state, it is approximately the same size as Mexico or Indonesia. Queensland is arguably one of the best holiday destinations in the world because of its beaches, rainforests, and the world-famous Great Barrier Reef.
Located at the southern end of Queensland is a large area known as South East Queensland which includes three of Australia’s major cities, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast.
Below is our pick of some of the best things to do in South East Queensland divided in sections based on their location:
Sunshine Coast
Aquaduck Sunshine Coast
Now you can explore Mooloolaba by land and sea on the new Aquaduck Sunshine Coast.
Departing directly in front of the famous SEAlife Sunshine Coast, Aquaduck combines the best sights of Mooloolaba into one fun and exciting tour.
This 1 hour tour on the amphibious Aquaduck takes in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade, views over the Pacific Ocean and the Sunshine Strip by road. Then we splash into the water to enjoy a boat cruise spotting wildlife, experiencing the beauty of the Mooloolah River, the bustle of trawlers in the harbour and the mega mansions lining the canals.
Amaze World
Located only 10 minutes from Mooloolabah it is an easy attraction to get to and parking is free. Amaze World is certainly a magical land. You will find a cheeky forest trickster within this secret garden who loves to confuse anyone who might wander into his world. The beauty of Amaze World is that you can play as many times as you like during your visit so it is a great day of value for the whole family.
Let your imagination run wild as you strive to solve the puzzles as they appear before you and if you really want to get lost…this is easy to do too at Amaze World!
Tree Top Challenge
Imagine yourself flying across a real canyon 70m high and hitting speeds up to 70km/h, or gliding over crocodiles and kangaroos, or pushing your fears to the limits to overcome sky-high challenges in the tree canopy at one of our three adventure park locations on the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain and Sunshine Coast.
The TreeTop Challenge is made up of 6 EPIC adventures including Australia’s Largest Zipline Tour, 3 HUGE high ropes Adventure Challenge Parks and Juniors Challenges built for children at Tamborine Mtn and Sunshine Coast. We promise to push your fears to the limit while creating an unforgettable adventure!
More about Tree Top Challenge…
Night Quarter
NightQuarter is a vibrant entertainment and dining precinct in Birtinya, Sunshine Coast. Discover an immersive and experiential world every weekend on the Sunshine Coast with a beating heart of live entertainment.
Opening 4pm-10pm every Friday and Saturday, it is home to a collective of restaurants under one roof, award-winning live music stages, themed festivals, street art, dodgem cars, amusements and bars.
Things to do on the Sunshine Coast
Have a read of this blog to find some more of the top things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Brisbane
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary
Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is the world’s first and largest koala sanctuary, home to over 100 koalas and 70 species of other Australian native animals.
Established in 1927, the sanctuary offers guests the opportunity to get up close and personal with the wildlife in a natural, intimate setting. From koala holds to kangaroo feeding, free-flight raptor shows and sheepdog demonstrations, there is something for everyone.
XXXX Brewery Tour
The XXXX brewery tour takes you through the 140+ year history of Queensland’s most iconic brewery. You’ll learn all about your favorite brew: our world-class brewing methods, top quality ingredients and, of course, how to pour the perfect XXXX.
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes & concludes with a guided 3 beer tasting session.
Channel 7 Wheel of Brisbane
An iconic landmark on the South Bank skyline, the Channel Seven Wheel of Brisbane is a breathtaking way to take in a 360-degree panoramic view of spectacular Brisbane city.
Rising 60 metres above the ground you can enjoy the safety and comfort of a fully enclosed, air-conditioned gondola that seats up to 8 people and is fun for everyone.
Visitors can choose to experience the sights by day, a romantic sunset ride or the sparkling city lights at night with all rides including an engaging audio tour of the Brisbane landscape.
Eat Street
As well as being a colourful, affordable dining hub for all the family, Eat Street Northshore is a great place to mingle, browse, meet friends and absorb the sights, sounds, and aromas, as the sun sets over the Brisbane River and city skyline.
Set in amongst 180 re-purposed shipping containers, there’s an amazing array of street food, drinks, and shops, plus 5 entertainment stages.
The precinct contains many seating areas with different styles of tables and chairs including bench seating, dry bars & cafe-style. Plus, there are several private dining rooms which can be hired for special events overlooking the river.
Queensland Museum
Story Bridge Climb
The Story Bridge is Brisbane’s most iconic structure and the best way to see Brisbane is by climbing it!
Experience a unique perspective of the city and its surrounds, from the Glass House Mountains in the north to Moreton Bay in the east and stretching towards the Scenic Rim Mountains in the south, along with the best views of the Brisbane skyline and its surrounds. So, if you’re looking for Brisbane attractions, things to do in Brisbane, or what’s on Brisbane, look no further!
As one of only 3 bridge climbs in the world, Story Bridge Adventure Climb offers an original adventure.
Gold Coast
Jet Boating
Operating in areas of the Gold Coast Broadwater and Moreton Bay Marine Park exclusive to Paradise Jet Boating, their Gold Coast Jet Boat Rides are famous for their unique combination of Jet Boat Thrills & Excitement mixed with Stunning Scenery & Sightseeing.
Experience full 360° spins, high speed drifting, incredible beach buzzing and other exciting manoeuvres in as little as 10cms of water…while exploring the Gold Coast’s unique waterways.
Ride in the most advanced jet boats in Australia. Paradise Jet Boating vessels are faster, more manoeuvrable and feature the highest levels of safety, comfort & performance.
Scuba Diving
Queensland Scuba Diving are the most experienced and most popular Gold Coast Scuba Diving company.
From snorkelling and first time scuba divers to PADI Dive Master & Instructor level.
Including FREE transfers from select Gold Coast Hotels, all equipment and a cruise on our custom built dive boat to Wavebreak island.
All ages can snorkel and you can scuba dive from the age of 10yrs and the best part of all is that no experience is necessary. So if you have never dived before don’t worry this is what they specialise in.
Queensland Scuba Diving are a PADI 5 star Dive Centre and they have PADI certified instructors to guide you every step of the way.
Gold Coast Fun Pass
Now you can experience the Gold Coast’s best tours and attractions for one low price. The Gold Coast Fun Pass includes 1 visit to each of the following attractions over a 7-day period:
Entry to Dreamworld | Entry to SkyPoint Observation Deck | Entry to Infinity Attraction Surfers Paradise | 1hr Tour on Aquaduck Gold Coast
Purchase the Gold Coast Fun Pass here…
Sunset Cruise
Sit back and relax with a glass of bubbles or beer as you hear the secrets, scandals and almost unbelievable stories of some of the glitter strips most famous celebrities, fraudsters and millionaires and the juicy tales of how they helped the Gold Coast we see today. Take in the stunning views across the city and waterways at magical golden hour while enjoying light refreshments and great company.
It’s a little bit cheeky, and a whole lot of fun!
Book a Gold Coast Sunset Cruise here…
Hinterland Tour
Enjoy learning about the local Gold Coast Hinterland and Scenic Rim region and its abundant flora and fauna as you are personally guided to experience to the best lookouts, waterfalls, local produce and scenic walking trails.
Book a Gold Coast Hinterland Tour with Southern Cross Tours here…
Original blog posted by Aquaduck
About the Author – Zoe Abrahams
Zoe has worked in the Gold Coast tourism industry for nearly 20years and is the marking manager for Aquaduck Gold Coast, Aquaduck Sunshine Coast, Southern Cross Tours and Gold Coast Sunset Cruise.
