Scenic Lookouts & Viewpoints

This collection spans Queensland’s diverse geography, from the 40-meter sand dunes of Big Red in the Simpson Desert to the ancient Curtain Fig Tree of the Atherton Tablelands. It includes coastal vantage points like Rex Lookout over the Coral Sea and the multi-colored sand cliffs of The Cathedrals on K'gari. Visitors can observe Australia’s highest single-drop waterfall at Wallaman Falls or watch for wildlife from the dedicated platypus platform in Eungella National Park.

Photnart / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kuranda Scenic Railway

The Kuranda Scenic Railway is a tourist railway service that operates along the heritage-listed Cairns-to-Kuranda railway line.

Laura Tiefel / CC-BY-SA

Champagne Pools

Naturally formed volcanic rock pools on K'gari that create a bubbling foam effect as waves crash over the rocks into the protected swimming area.

rheins / CC BY 3.0

Mount Alexandra Lookout

Located in the Daintree Rainforest, this vantage point overlooks the Daintree River estuary, Snapper Island, and the Coral Sea.

Big Red

The tallest sand dune in the Simpson Desert, standing 40 meters high near Birdsville, marking the edge of the desert's vast dune fields.

Curtain Fig Tree

An ancient strangler fig in the Atherton Tablelands featuring a 15-meter curtain of aerial roots formed over several centuries.

Rex Lookout

A popular hang-gliding launch site on the Captain Cook Highway providing panoramic views of Trinity Bay and the tropical coastline.

Cawnpore Lookout

Offers views of the mesa-filled landscape and 'jump-up' rock formations characteristic of the Selwyn Ranges in the Queensland outback.

Wallaman Falls Lookout

A vantage point for Australia's tallest single-drop waterfall, which plunges 268 meters into a deep pool within Girringun National Park.

One Tree Hill

A hilltop lookout on Hamilton Island known for wide views across the Whitsunday Passage and the surrounding island archipelago.

The Cathedrals

Towering cliffs of multi-colored sand on K'gari, displaying intricate layers of red, orange, and yellow ochre formed over thousands of years.

Djinda Lookout

Situated in Girringun National Park, this platform offers views of the Stony Creek gorge and the upper falls area.

Hinchinbrook Island Lookout

Overlooks the Hinchinbrook Channel and the rugged peaks of the world's largest island national park.

Platypus viewing platform

A quiet observation deck located on the Broken River in Eungella National Park, designed for spotting wild platypuses in their natural habitat.

Witts Lookout

Located in Paluma Range National Park, this site overlooks the coastal plains, Halifax Bay, and the Palm Island group.