Top 20 Places to Visit in South East Queensland

South East Queensland is one of Australia's most diverse and spectacular travel destinations. Stretching from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast and inland to the rugged mountain ranges of the Scenic Rim, the region offers world-class beaches, ancient rainforests, volcanic peaks, charming country towns, and vibrant cities.

Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, a photography adventure, or a Queensland road trip, these are the top 20 places to visit in South East Queensland.

1. Glass House Mountains

The iconic Glass House Mountains are among Queensland's most recognisable natural landmarks. Formed by volcanic activity over 25 million years ago, these dramatic peaks rise abruptly from the coastal plain, creating one of Australia's most photographed landscapes.

Visitors can enjoy scenic lookouts, hiking trails, and breathtaking sunrise views. Mount Ngungun remains one of the most popular summit walks, offering panoramic views across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Best for: Hiking, photography, nature lovers and scenic drives.

2. Brisbane

Queensland's capital city combines urban sophistication with outdoor living. The Brisbane River winds through the heart of the city, creating beautiful waterfront precincts and spectacular skyline views.

Popular attractions include South Bank, Story Bridge, Kangaroo Point Cliffs, and the Howard Smith Wharves entertainment precinct.

Best for: City breaks, culture, dining and riverfront scenery.

3. Noosa Heads

Noosa is renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury accommodation, and beautiful national park.

The coastal walking track through Noosa National Park offers some of Australia's finest ocean views, with frequent sightings of dolphins, turtles, and migrating whales.

Best for: Beaches, coastal walks and family holidays.

4. Scenic Rim

The Scenic Rim is a spectacular region of mountains, valleys, lakes, and national parks located south-west of Brisbane.

Visitors can explore charming country towns, hiking trails, wineries, and some of Queensland's most impressive natural scenery.

Best for: Nature, adventure and scenic road trips.

5. Gold Coast

The Gold Coast offers a unique blend of world-famous beaches, modern skyscrapers, and lush hinterland rainforests.

Beyond Surfers Paradise, visitors can discover Burleigh Heads, Currumbin, Springbrook National Park, and Tamborine Mountain.

Best for: Beaches, entertainment and family attractions.

6. Moreton Island

Just a short ferry ride from Brisbane, Moreton Island is one of the world's largest sand islands.

Crystal-clear waters, giant sand dunes, shipwrecks, and abundant marine life make it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Best for: Snorkelling, camping and island adventures.

7. North Stradbroke Island

Known locally as "Straddie," North Stradbroke Island combines stunning beaches with rich Indigenous heritage and abundant wildlife.

Point Lookout is one of Australia's best whale-watching locations.

Best for: Wildlife, beaches and coastal scenery.

8. Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Rolling green hills, rainforest walks, waterfalls, and charming villages make the Sunshine Coast Hinterland a favourite destination.

Maleny and Montville offer boutique shopping, cafes, galleries, and spectacular views.

Best for: Relaxation, food and scenic landscapes.

9. Springbrook National Park

A World Heritage-listed rainforest featuring ancient trees, waterfalls, and dramatic escarpment views.

Natural Bridge and Purling Brook Falls are among the park's most popular attractions.

Best for: Rainforest walks and waterfall photography.

10. Tamborine Mountain

Located high above the Gold Coast, Tamborine Mountain offers cool mountain air, rainforest walks, wineries, and spectacular lookouts.

The area is particularly beautiful during early morning mist and golden afternoon light.

Best for: Couples, food lovers and photographers.

11. K'gari (Fraser Island)

The world's largest sand island is famous for its freshwater lakes, rainforest ecosystems, and endless beaches.

Lake McKenzie remains one of Australia's most photographed natural attractions.

Best for: Four-wheel driving and wilderness experiences.

12. Rainbow Beach

Known for its colourful sand cliffs and relaxed atmosphere, Rainbow Beach serves as a gateway to K'gari.

The nearby Carlo Sand Blow provides unforgettable sunrise and sunset views.

Best for: Beach holidays and landscape photography.

13. Lamington National Park

Part of the Gondwana Rainforests World Heritage Area, Lamington National Park protects ancient rainforest ecosystems and spectacular mountain scenery.

The park offers some of Queensland's finest hiking trails.

Best for: Hiking and birdwatching.

14. Bribie Island

Connected to the mainland by bridge, Bribie Island combines easy access with a relaxed coastal lifestyle.

Visitors can enjoy beaches, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Best for: Family day trips and beach activities.

15. Lake Wyaralong

A hidden gem in the Scenic Rim region, Lake Wyaralong offers peaceful scenery surrounded by rolling hills and native bushland.

The area is particularly stunning from an aerial perspective.

Best for: Kayaking, fishing and photography.

16. Redcliffe Peninsula

This historic seaside destination north of Brisbane features waterfront parks, beaches, markets, and a vibrant café culture.

The Redcliffe Jetty is a favourite local landmark.

Best for: Coastal relaxation and family outings.

17. Somerset Region

The Somerset region offers beautiful countryside, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Lake Somerset and Lake Wivenhoe are popular destinations for boating and camping.

Best for: Water sports and country escapes.

18. Point Danger

Located on the Queensland-New South Wales border, Point Danger provides stunning coastal views and excellent whale-watching opportunities.

The headland offers panoramic views stretching along both states' coastlines.

Best for: Coastal photography and whale watching.

19. Burleigh Heads

Burleigh Heads combines world-class surfing beaches with a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful natural scenery.

The national park headland walk offers spectacular ocean views.

Best for: Surfing, dining and coastal walks.

20. Cooloola Recreation Area

Part of the Great Sandy National Park, Cooloola features towering sand dunes, forests, lakes, and remote beaches.

Its unique landscape attracts photographers and outdoor adventurers from across Australia.

Best for: Four-wheel driving and wilderness exploration.

Discover South East Queensland from Above

South East Queensland's beauty is not limited to ground level. Aerial photography reveals a completely different perspective of the region's mountains, coastlines, rivers, islands, and national parks.

At Oz Straya Panoramas, we specialise in capturing the extraordinary landscapes of South East Queensland from the air. Our collection showcases iconic destinations including the Glass House Mountains, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, the Scenic Rim, Sunshine Coast, and Gold Coast.

Whether you're planning your next adventure, researching destinations, or seeking professional aerial photography for editorial, commercial, or fine art use, South East Queensland offers some of Australia's most breathtaking scenery.

Explore our South East Queensland aerial photography galleries to discover these remarkable locations from a unique perspective.