If you rent a car in Queensland, you’ll just need a ready and willing attitude and some navigation tools to have what it takes to experience some of the finest sites in all of Australia.
Here’s a bit of a preview of what you’ll see in these areas to whet your appetite.
The Great Barrier Reef
Beautiful and captivating, the Great Barrier Reef is home to numerous species of marine lifeSource: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park AuthorityThe Great Barrier Reef is one of the most breathtaking heritage areas in the world and home to the largest coral reef on the planet, stretching 2,000 kms along Queensland’s coastline. There you’ll find more than 1,500 species of fish and a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
Fraser Island
With a multitude of landscapes showcasing all the wild and wonderful life in the northern part of the country, Fraser Island has well and truly earned its status as a Heritage Listed site. You can explore massive rainforests, walk alongside hundreds of freshwater lakes, or grab some car hire and explore Fraser Island via an enchanting 120km of beachy highway.
Riversleigh
The Riversleigh World Heritage listed site is located in Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park and features a storied fossil mammal site that is routinely ranked in the top 10 of such sites in the world. This spot is a healthy drive inland, so you’ll want access to your own set of wheels to make it happen. If you rent a car at Brisbane Airport, you’re looking at around 10-11 hours on the road before arriving at your destination.
The Gondwana Rainforests
The outstanding Purling Brook Falls are just one highlight of the Gondwana Rainforests in QueenslandSource: TattersThe Gondwana Rainforests sit on the Queensland border with New South Wales, just about 50kms west of Coolangatta are the largest area of subtropical rainforest in the world. The northern cousins of the Gondwana Rainforests in New South Wales, this tropical stretch is largely unchanged in terms of flora and fauna from centuries past and features unique masses of subtropical and Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest. Consisting of the Lamington, Springbrook, Mount Barney and Main Range national parks, the forest is less than 50 minutes drive from Gold Coast airport at Coolangatta.
The Wet Tropics
Yet another protected (thank goodness!) collection of impressive rainforest, the Wet Tropics of northeast Queensland stretches from Townsville to Cairns. Scientists love it for its link to the past; everyday visitors love it for its amazing plants and animals.