8 of the Quirkiest Towns in Queensland

Queensland is a place of many extraordinary things from sparkling coastlines and ancient rainforests to interesting wildlife, exotic food, radiating cultures, and notable locals. And that’s not all. In its massive landmass are also peculiar towns that are downright quirky and charming. These towns exist in a class of their own with unique attractions and a kind of enchanting aura that feels like a dream. For a sneak peek, some of these towns host Australia’s iconic Big Things, while others host rich wildlife and lovely beaches. One even hosts some of the world’s oldest dinosaur footprints that will stimulate and take one’s mind back millions of years to the Cretaceous period that preceded the Jurassic period. Without further ado, check out these eight towns in Australia's Sunshine State as soon as possible for adventures of a lifetime.

Normanton

Normanton is an outback coastal town in the Shire of Carpentaria that may be hard to reach but even harder to forget, as it boasts two of Australia's Big Things. The first is the Big Barramundi, a 20-foot-long fish statue symbolizing the town’s fishing culture. The second is a 28-foot-long statue of a saltwater crocodile named “Krys, the Savannah King,” commemorating the largest verified crocodile ever killed in the world. The crocodile was shot by a woman named Krystyna Pawlowski in July 1957 and stands as one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks today. Visit these iconic attractions and then the Norman River to see life saltwater crocodiles and fish on the water from the Captain WH Norman Bridge. Next, stroll through the main street and check out the Purple Pub, one of the most photographed buildings in Normanton, housing a bar, a pokie room, and a lodge. Don't forget to stop at the Bynoe Art Center to see hand-painted crafts and awe-inspiring artworks by locals.

Beerwah

Beerwah is a charming town in the Glass House Mountains of Queensland promising an incredibly exciting vacation full of discoveries. This town is home to the iconic Australia Zoo, an entirely quirky and fascinating world, featuring over 1,200 animals invited from Australia and around the world. This Zoo was the base of the famous Steve Irwin, and its highlight attractions include - a 5,000-capacity stadium for animal shows, an Africa safari exhibit, a tiger temple, and a bird garden, among others. Beerwah also hosts the Big Mower, one of Australia’s Big Things, standing at 19.7 feet, and Mount Beerwah, the largest of the Glass House Mountains. Explore all of these iconic attractions and relax afterward at Warriors Restaurant and Bar in the Crocodile Hunter Lodge for sensational meals.

Kuranda

Kuranda is a rural community in the Shire of Mareeba, surrounded by vibrant rainforest that offers some of nature’s most breathtaking sights. Visitors can enjoy many wildlife attractions, starting with the Kuranda Koala Gardens, which features koalas, kangaroos, wombats, pythons, freshwater crocodiles, and more. The town also hosts Birdworld Kuranda, home to over 250 colorful birds in their natural environments. Additionally, the Butterfly Sanctuary houses over 2,000 tropical butterflies. After exploring these wildlife sites, visitors can take a leisurely Kuranda Riverboat tour along the Barron River. Nearby, Barron Gorge National Park welcomes guests with its stunning waterfall, a 4.7-mile scenic cableway, hiking trails, and native wildlife. Concluding your day, browse local food, crafts, and souvenirs at the Kuranda Heritage Markets or Kuranda Original Rainforest Markets.

Woombye

Woombye is a town in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, perfect for a vacation away from denser civilizations. The town is home to The Big Pineapple, one of Australia’s first Big Things celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage. Tourists can climb the 52-foot fiberglass statue to the top for views of the town, take pictures with the pineapple, enjoy a train ride, conquer a treetop challenge, and dine at the restaurant. There is also a pineapple plantation and an orchard of apples, miracle, and citrus fruits in the area. Wildlife lovers can head to the Wildlife HQ Zoo in The Big Pineapple to see over 200 animals in their sanctuaries and play with or feed the friendly ones. Away from the town’s most iconic attraction, visitors can kick back at the Woombye Pub, one of the oldest in the country, to savor a few cocktails or enjoy classic pub food the Australian way.

Maleny

Maleny is a laid-back mountain town in the Sunshine Coast region of Queensland with so much to love. Experience one of this town’s allures at the Maleny Botanical Gardens and Bird World, where beautiful flowers combine with waterfalls, flowers, and birds to create a slice of paradise for exploration. Gardener’s Fall is another inviting spot in town featuring a lovely waterfall and pools where people of all ages can splash away all day long. More iconic and lovable attractions in and around town include - Baron Pocket Dam (great for picnicking, swimming, and kayaking) and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve (featuring hiking trails and impressive mountain views). To wrap up here, stop by the Maleny Art Direct to peruse dazzling artworks and paintings and refill at Maleny Food Co. Café with sandwiches and gelato.

Bowen

Bowen is a stunning town in Queensland's Whitsunday region, surrounded almost entirely by ocean. It boasts about eight beautiful beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and playing in the sand. Beyond its beaches, Bowen is notable for hosting Australia’s Big Thing - the Big Mango, a 10-meter fiberglass sculpture celebrating the town’s thriving mango industry. While there, be sure to try a Bowen Mango sorbet at the visitor center. Then, visit Flagstaff Hill Overlook for spectacular ocean views and explore the town’s rich history at the Bowen History Museum. Before departing, enjoy fresh seafood at Birds Fish Bar.

Stanthorpe

Stanthorpe, located in the Southern Downs region, combines arts, history, and a quirky vibe into an appealing package for visitors. Begin your visit at the Stanthorpe Heritage Museum to experience a past era through artifacts, historic buildings, and displays. Then, explore the Regional Art Gallery, which houses extensive collections of traditional and modern paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. Interestingly, Stanthorpe is the coldest spot in Queensland, and to mark this, the community erected the Big Thermometer, one of the largest in the world. Finally, go to the Mount Malay Overlook for stunning panoramic views of the town.

Winton

Winton is a small Queensland town with a population just under 900, located in the outback and known for its quirky charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in discovery, exploring the area renowned for some of the world’s oldest dinosaur fossils. The nearby Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum showcases fossils, a Fossil Preparation Laboratory, life-sized dinosaur dioramas, and more. Then, visit the Waltzing Matilda Center, dedicated to one of Australia’s most beloved songs. Continue to the Royal Theatre, one of the few remaining open-air cinemas and home to the world’s largest unofficial deck chair. For something unusual, explore Arno’s Wall, a 70-meter structure made from motorbike parts, TVs, sinks, sewing machines, and household items. For quirky fun, try the Musical Fence, a wire fence that serves as an instrument and can be played by visitors.

Unforgettable Quirky Towns in Queensland

Step away from larger cities and spend time in some of Queensland’s fascinating small towns, where eccentric experiences await at every turn. Each town is distinct in character, charms, heritage, and history, with mind-blowing experiences that make tourists hesitant when leaving. While some of these towns might be deep in the outbacks and are miles away from the big cities, the trip is always worth it. Harder to reach and even harder to forget, these towns deserve to be at the top of your next Australian bucket list.