6 must-visit tourist spots in Queensland, the beach haven of Australia
When people think of Australia, the most common image that comes to mind is the Opera House located in Sydney. But aside from this cosmopolitan city, there are other states worth visiting down under.
Take a look at Queensland, another state in Australia that Filipino tourists can visit this year, especially since Australia began reopening to tourists on February 21.
Queensland is a state situated in northeastern Australia, roughly a two-hour flight from Sydney. Its capital city, Brisbane, is known for being surrounded by beaches of both Gold and Sunshine Coasts.
But just like any other country, the Australian government requires an application for a tourist visa first before tourists can enter its borders. Two types of visas are available for application: single and multiple entries.
If you're still not convinced to discover Australia's second-largest city yet, take a look at these tourist destinations that are worth a spot or two on your bucket list this year.
Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef
The Lizard Island, known for being secluded from the rest of the world, is located on the northernmost island of Australia. The island also has its own food philosophy, with a fusion of different cuisines from Modern Australian, European, and Asian.
Blackdown Tableland National Park, Central Highlands
Located in Dingo in Central Highlands, this park is known for its ancient Aboriginal art, and for being the traditional home of Ghungalu Aboriginal people. This place also is good for camping trips.
Carnarvon National Park, Capricorn
Deemed one of the underrated parks in Queensland, the Carnarvon Park is famous for its towering prehistoric sandstone cliffs that date back 20 to 30 million years ago. This rugged park is ideal for people who love hiking, walking, and climbing adventures.
East Bedarra Island Retreat, Cassowary Coast
A private island and the only property in Australia located above the Great Barrier Reef, this island is known for being built on the water’s surface and is surrounded by sandy coves. This is perfect for people who prefer a luxurious getaway.
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday
Whitehaven Beach, voted by CNN as the world's top eco-friendly beach in 2010, is located at the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. This beach is known for its white silica sand, described as the purest sand in the world. This place is perfect for day trip activities such as riding ferries, yachts, and boats.
Magnetic Island, Townsville
The Magnetic Island is known for having 23 golden beaches. Aside from that, the island also has different tourist spots including national parks with eucalyptus forests, hidden waterfalls, and granite headlands, among others. Magnetic Island is an ideal getaway for tourists who like to stay active while traveling.
The cost of the roundtrip ticket from Manila to Brisbane varies depending on the length of stay, with prices starting at ₱56,685.00, assuming a tourist will stay for one month. The validity of the multiple entry visa for Filipino tourists traveling to Australia is good for 3 months.