Kate's blog

When most travellers think of Queensland, images of the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island, the Whitsundays, the Sunshine Coast, Cairns or the Gold Coast tend to spring to mind. But this vast and diverse state hides many lesser-known gems that reward those willing to stray off the beaten path. If you’re planning a Queensland road trip or wanting to inject fresh wonder into your wanderlust, here are four destinations you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Bunya Mountains: Queensland’s quiet crown jewel

Tucked inland about 200 km northwest of Brisbane, the Bunya Mountains rise like an island in the landscape — a forested highland refuge among grazing plains and farmland. What makes this place truly singular is that it shelters the largest stand of ancient bunya pines (Araucaria bidwillii) in the world, among cool rainforest gullies, grassland “balds,” and wind-carved ridges. The Bunya Mountains delivers a rare and immersive forest escape, with towering bunya pines, hidden trails, and a deep sense of place.

Why Bunya should be your next late-season or off-peak getaway

• Peace and solitude. Unlike the more famous national parks, the Bunya Mountains remain relatively under-visited — there’s still plenty of room to wander without bumping into large tour groups.
• Layered walks for every pace. You’ll find easy forest strolls, moderate ridge walks, and longer treks that traverse the unique mosaic of rainforest and grassland.
• Wildlife and birding. Over 120 bird species live here, including king parrots, crimson rosellas, and satin bowerbirds. You’ll also find wallabies, possums, dingos, echidnas, native bats and a whole host of other native wildlife to marvel at.
• Cultural and ecological heritage. The bunya nut has deep significance in Aboriginal cultures, associated with ancient intertribal gatherings. The terrain also tells geological stories, being part of a shield volcano complex formed in ancient times.
• Stay among the pines. If you want to start planning your stay in the Bunya region, check the Bunya Mountains Accommodation Centre for options that place you right in the heart of the forest: https://bunyamountains.com.au/accommodation-search/

If quiet contemplation, forest ambience, and escape from the everyday are what you’re after, you’ll find it in spades here.

Montville — A hinterland haven of arts, views and charm

Perched in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, Montville is a quaint hilltop village that blends art galleries, boutique shops and scenic lookouts. While Montville is better known than some of

the other places on this list, it often plays second fiddle to its neighbour Maleny or the coastal attractions.

What makes Montville worth a visit:

• Sweeping vistas over the Glass House Mountains and distant sea.
• A compact but vibrant gallery scene — local painters, sculptors, and craft makers.
• Cozy cafés, wineries and artisan food producers (cheese, chocolate, olive oils).
• Access to walking trails in nearby Kondalilla National Park or Mapleton.

Montville offers a gentler, more cultured alternative to beach-centric Queensland stops, especially when you’re craving a change of pace.

Mount Tamborine — a rainforest escape in the Gold Coast hinterland

Mount Tamborine is reachable from Brisbane or the Gold Coast in under two hours, making it a perfect detour or overnight stop, and this rainforest paradise holds hidden corners that don’t get the crowds.

Highlights:

• Rainforest skywalks and glowworm caves tucked in quieter side trails
• Boutique wineries, distilleries and craft breweries off the main tourist strip
• Waterfall walks like Curtis Falls, Cedar Creek, and lesser-known cascades beyond the main routes
• Local food experiences, art studios and garden escapes

Pro tip: rather than sticking to Gallery Walk (the busiest stretch), detour to side roads, follow forest signage, and head to lesser explored trails just beyond the hub.

Wallaman Falls — Australia’s highest permanent single-drop waterfall

Head far north to Queensland’s Wet Tropics and you’ll encounter the dramatic Wallaman Falls, part of Girringun National Park. This spectacular waterfall plunges about 268 metres in a single drop, making it the highest permanent single-drop waterfall in Australia.

What you can expect:

• Gorge vistas and steep escarpment views plunging into rainforest canyons
• For hikers, the Wallaman Falls walk links into the Wet Tropics Great Walk (37.5 km over two days), passing ancient palm gullies and diverse forest types.
• Camping is available near Stony Creek, letting you fall asleep to the roar of water.
• Best visited in the drier months (May to October) when access is safer and falls flow is consistent.

It’s a long drive from the southeast, but for those going north, Wallaman is a reward for venturing well off the usual coastal loop.

Suggested itinerary and travel tips

If you want to hit most of these destinations in one trip, here’s the perfect itinerary:

• From Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast, drive inland to Bunya (about 3 hours), stay 2 nights to hike and soak in the environment.
• Then head east toward Montville or south toward the coast, depending on whether you want hinterland or coastal flavour next.
• Mount Tamborine fits well if you’re looping back toward Brisbane or touring the Gold Coast hinterland.
• Wallaman Falls is a separate, northern leg — consider it if your Queensland trip includes a northward push toward Cairns or the tropics.

Tips for travellers:

• Take it slow. These are not dash-through, check-the-box spots. Bring time to linger, listen, and wander.
• Respect the environment. Some areas (like the Bunya Mountains) have protocols such as boot-cleaning stations to prevent pathogen spread.
• Weather matters. At the Bunya Mountains, the roads up are steep and winding, and best travelled in good weather; in tropical north Queensland, rain seasons affect access. Always check park alerts.
• Pack layers. Highland spots like Bunya and Tamborine cool off fast by evening; misty mornings are part of the magic.
• Fuel and supplies. Some of these destinations are regional and remote — top up on fuel, water and snacks before heading farther into forested or rural stretches.

If you’re craving authentic landscapes, quiet natural refuges, and a taste of Queensland’s off-the-beaten-track beauty, then places like the Bunya Mountains, Montville, Mount Tamborine and Wallaman Falls are waiting.