What to do in Northern Australia

Activities, attractions and tours
Photo provided by Tourism and Events Queensland

Places to Visit in Northern Australia

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Northern Australia, Australia - New Zealand and the South Pacific while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Northern Australia attractions from NZ$26, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Northern Australia tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 96 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Northern Australia. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.


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Top places to visit

1. Uluru

Rising from the desert in the Northern Territory, the red sandstone monolith of Uluru (Ayers Rock) has been a place of great spiritual importance to the Anangu Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Be awed by the sight of the rock changing colours at sunset, its deep crevices turning from bright orange to an intense purple hue.
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Uluru which includes landscape views and desert views

2. Warner Bros. Movie World

Warner Bros. Movie World combines all the fun of a trip to the movies with the excitement of a theme park, packed with thrilling rides, daredevil stunts and larger than life characters. The park is right next door to the Village Roadshow Studios and contains a giant water tank which is regularly used for film shoots.
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Movie World showing rides

3. Cairns Esplanade

The Cairns Esplanade is a focal point for the city’s social life. With restaurants and gardens on one side, and overlooking the Trinity Inlet and Coral Sea on the other, this area celebrates the best of Cairns. Along the tree-lined walkway you’ll find playgrounds, barbecue sites, dedicated exercise areas and also a salt-water lagoon.
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Cairns Esplanade which includes a luxury hotel or resort, a pool and swimming

4. Australia Zoo

Originally opened as a local wildlife sanctuary by the parents of famed “crocodile hunter” Steve Irwin, Australia Zoo has grown over the last 30 years to include animals and exhibits from all over the world as well as one of the world’s biggest wildlife hospitals. The world-famous animal lover, who was killed tragically by a stingray in 2006, grew up feeding and handling crocodiles and turned his talents into a successful worldwide television series. He invested the earnings from his hugely popular show in to turning his parents project into one of the country’s top tourist attractions.
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Australia Zoo featuring dangerous animals and zoo animals as well as an individual child

5. Cavill Avenue

find fun and entertainment along the way.
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Cavill Avenue showing shopping, night scenes and a city

6. Hastings Street

Day or night, find exciting events, shopping or dining on Noosa’s Hastings Street, a central hub in one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular destinations. Wander along the pedestrian-friendly street that is lined with an eclectic array of boutique shops, luxury accommodation and diverse restaurants. Hastings Street is right next to the white sand and crystal-clear water of Noosa Beach.
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Hastings Street showing street scenes as well as a large group of people

7. Roma Street Parkland

Occupying a 16-hectare site in central Brisbane, Roma Street Parkland was used as an important meeting place for Aboriginal ceremonies for thousands of years. Today it is home to a range of spectacular subtropical plant displays, sweeping vistas and unique artwork, making it the escape of choice for nature and art lovers alike.
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Roma Street Parkland which includes skyline, a fountain and a high-rise building

Discover the most popular places to visit in Northern Australia

Explore areas of Northern Australia

Surfers Paradise showing a city, a sunset and a sandy beach

Surfers Paradise

Cavill Avenue and Home of the Arts are a few top attractions in Surfers Paradise. Hop around the city on the metro at Cypress Avenue Station or Florida Gardens station and check out the area's stunning beaches, luxurious spas and popular shops.

Surfers Paradise
Broadbeach which includes a sandy beach, a high-rise building and skyline

Broadbeach

The stunning beaches, first-class casinos and popular shops are notable features of Broadbeach. Make a stop by The Star Gold Coast or The Oasis while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Broadbeach South Light Rail Station to get around town.

Broadbeach
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Brisbane Central Business District

4.5/5(5,095 area reviews)

Are you interested in beautiful gardens, stunning river views and popular shops? A visit to Brisbane Central Business District might be the perfect thing. You can also explore top sights like Roma Street Parkland and Eagle Street Pier.

Brisbane Central Business District
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Brisbane Airport

Travellers come to Brisbane Airport for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like DFO Brisbane and Moreton Bay while you're in town.

Brisbane Airport
Mooloolaba showing landscape views, views and a beach

Mooloolaba

A noteworthy feature of Mooloolaba is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out The Wharf Mooloolaba and Mooloolaba Esplanade.

Mooloolaba
Noosa Heads featuring tropical scenes and a beach

Noosa Heads

A noteworthy feature of Noosa Heads is its stunning beaches. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Hastings Street and Noosa National Park.

Noosa Heads