Queensland, Australia: Budget-friendly self-guided travel tips

Queensland is a land favored by nature, boasting stunningly beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for travel and relaxation. Join Vietjet in uncovering the exciting aspects of one of Australia's renowned states!

Queensland is referred to as the “black pearl” of the Australian continent.

1. Overview of Queensland, Australia

Located in the northeastern part of Australia, the state of Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean. To the west, it borders the Northern Territory, while South Australia lies to the southwest and New South Wales to the south. With such a favorable geographical position, Queensland is one of the few states in Australia that enjoys both regional and external advantages.

Queensland covers an area of 1,852,642 km², making it the second-largest state in Australia and the sixth-largest sub-national entity in the world. The capital and largest city of the state is Brisbane, which is also the third most populous city in Australia.

Queensland is likened to the “black pearl” of Australia, with its long coastline, countless beautiful beaches and islands, as well as majestic mountain ranges and forests. Many of these areas are listed as World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites at Riversleigh – Gulf Country, Lamington National Park, and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.

Queensland is also a paradise for tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and mangoes, along with a wide variety of vegetables, grains, livestock, cotton, sugar, wool, and an abundance of minerals and precious metals.

2. When is the best time to visit Queensland, Australia?

Queensland is also lovingly known as the “Sunshine State” due to its tropical climate, warm weather, and abundant sunshine year-round. Therefore, the best times to visit are during spring or autumn.

Spring (September - November): The weather is warm and cool, perfect for beach trips and exploring areas around the city. This is also the season when cherry blossoms and Jacaranda flowers bloom. Brisbane hosts major events such as the Brisbane Festival and the Brisbane International Film Festival.
Autumn (March - May): The days are warm, and the nights are cool. This is also the season when nature is at its most beautiful and romantic, with cherry blossoms and violet flowers blooming across cities. With mild weather, autumn is an ideal time for outdoor activities such as walking, picnicking, and trekking.

Queensland is called the “Sunshine State” because of its tropical climate and year-round sunshine.

3. Guide to traveling to Queensland, Australia

3.1 Traveling to Queensland, Australia

You can easily travel from Vietnam to Queensland, Australia by air. You will choose a flight landing at Brisbane Airport. The flight duration is about 10 - 15 hours, depending on the route and departure location. Currently, Vietjet operates many direct flights from Vietnam's international airports to Australia, with prices starting from 1,160,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees). For the best price and to manage your travel time efficiently, it is recommended to book 1-2 months in advance.

3.2 Traveling within Queensland, Australia

In Queensland, Australia, all airports offer taxi, bus, limousine, train, and shuttle bus services to serve tourists. To save costs, you can opt for the subway, with trains running every 15 minutes, stopping at central areas like Central, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, and Roma Street station. The full route takes about 30 minutes, and the service operates from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Additionally, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Brisbane River by choosing to travel by ferry or using the CityCat (a fast boat service).

4. What’s appealing in Queensland?

4.1 Great Barrier Reef

Listed among the World’s Natural Wonders, the Great Barrier Reef covers an extensive area, stretching from northern Queensland (Mackay) to the northeastern tip. It includes 600 continental islands, more than 3,000 coral reefs, about 1,600 species of tropical fish living within the reef, and countless small islands. Rare marine creatures found here include sharks, dolphins, seahorses, turtles, and giant clams. When visiting, you can enjoy activities such as swimming and snorkeling to see the coral reefs or admire the underwater world from observation stations and glass-bottom boats. There are also many luxury resorts with full amenities available.

The Great Barrier Reef includes over 3,000 coral reefs and around 1,600 species of tropical fish.

4.2 Fraser Island

Another World Heritage-listed island is Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world. Seventy-Five Mile Beach serves as the island’s main road. You can admire the vast, dreamy blue sea, bask in the cool sea breeze, and embark on a thrilling adventure on the sand dunes with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Aside from the beaches and sand, the island also boasts crystal-clear lakes, streams, and endless stretches of dense rainforest. When visiting Fraser Island, you can also explore sacred Aboriginal sites, visit rusted shipwrecks, and see the colored sandstone cliffs of The Cathedrals.

4.3 Carnarvon Gorge

Carnarvon Gorge is located in the Sandstone Wilderness area, on the central plateau of Queensland, Australia, 720km northwest of Brisbane. It offers spectacular natural scenery with towering cliffs, serene streams, sunlit pebbles, and kangaroos enjoying their meals under the trees. There are many interesting spots waiting for you to discover here, such as the Moss Garden, Amphitheater, and Wards Canyon.

4.4 Lamington National Park

Lamington National Park is a very famous tourist destination in Australia and is listed as a World Heritage Site. The park is situated on the Lamington Plateau, featuring picturesque landscapes with tall mountains, oak forests, and numerous stunning waterfalls. It is home to over 190 bird species and animals like platypuses and kangaroos. Besides sightseeing, you can also engage in outdoor sports activities such as hiking, running, and walking.

Lamington National Park is on the World Heritage List with its majestic, picture-perfect scenery.

4.5 Kuranda Rainforest Village

Kuranda is a rainforest village located in the Atherton Tableland. A highlight of this area is the aerial train that runs through the rainforest, passing over towering mountain peaks and magnificent waterfalls. The train, known as Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, takes you to Kuranda’s main attractions, such as art shops and souvenir markets, offering an unforgettable experience.

4.6 Brisbane

Brisbane is one of the largest and fastest-growing cities in Australia. It has modern infrastructure, a mild climate year-round, and many famous tourist attractions, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens Mt Coot-tha, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, Queensland Museum, Queen Street Mall, and the Albert Street Uniting Church. You can also participate in water sports at Riverlife Adventure Centre or visit the beautiful Moreton Bay.

Brisbane is one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing cities.

5. What to eat in Queensland, Australia?

Queensland is not only famous for its majestic natural scenery but also a culinary paradise with many unique dishes.

5.1 Seafood

As a state with many beaches and islands, Queensland has an abundant and fresh supply of seafood. You can find a variety of seafood here, such as shrimp, crab, snails, clams, squid, and fish, prepared into many delicious dishes.

5.2 Australian Beef

Australian beef is renowned for its quality and flavor, making it a globally famous dish. You can enjoy tasty beef dishes such as steak, grilled sirloin, and beef burgers.

5.3 Lamingtons

This is a traditional Australian dessert made from sponge cake covered in chocolate and shredded coconut, offering a sweet and rich flavor. Lamingtons are often served with tea or coffee, making for an irresistible dessert.

5.4 Vegemite

This is a popular Australian spread, with a salty and slightly bitter taste, made from yeast extract and rich in nutrients. Vegemite is usually eaten with toast or crackers. For first-timers, it can be an acquired taste, but once you get used to it, it’s hard to resist.

6. Some tips for traveling to Queensland, Australia

Here are some travel tips for Queensland, Australia that you should keep in mind:

The currency in Australia is the Australian Dollar (AUD), so you should exchange cash in advance or bring an international credit card for easy payments.
Bring essential documents such as your passport, visa, and international driving license (if necessary).
Queensland uses 240V and Type I outlets, different from Vietnam's 220V, so remember to bring a voltage converter.
The weather in Queensland can be unexpectedly rainy, so prepare an umbrella, waterproof jacket, and water-resistant shoes or sandals.
Most stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues in Queensland open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with limited hours on Sundays and holidays, so be sure to check their hours in advance.
Pack necessary items like sunscreen, hiking shoes, hats, jackets, and any required medications.

Hopefully, this article will help you plan a specific itinerary for your upcoming trip to Queensland, Australia.

Currently, Vietjet is offering many flights to Australia at extremely attractive prices. You can also look forward to the 0 VND ticket promotions for international domestic flights from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM daily HERE.

You can check the flight schedule and promotions for international airfares through Vietjet’s official channels.