From the southern surf of Currumbin to the tropical frontier of Cooktown, National Trust Queensland heritage marketing manager Erin Millar explores some of the diverse heritage highlights awaiting members venturing to warmer climes this winter.
Formed in 1963, the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) cares for a diverse portfolio of properties across the state, offering unique and immersive visitor experiences. From an iconic wildlife sanctuary to remote museums and restored colonial inns, there is something for nature lovers, history buffs and curious explorers alike, along with blue skies and mild warm days. Experience Queensland in a new way by following this coast-to-country trail.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
At the gateway to Queensland’s Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is a lush oasis filled with native animals and natural wonder. Since 1947, the iconic destination has welcomed guests to hand-feed rainbow lorikeets. Now you can also cuddle koalas and feed kangaroos, wander one of the South Hemisphere’s largest walk-through aviaries, explore lush rainforest trails and enjoy exciting shows.
At the heart of the sanctuary is Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, a free facility that treats more than 14,000 sick and injured animals every year. See the vets in action and learn what you can do to ensure native animals in the wild do not end up here. Beyond exhibits, the sanctuary leads groundbreaking conservation work, from koala vaccine programs to breeding endangered frogs.
Discover Outback Springs where you will meet friendly farm animals, pan for gems and sip traditional Billy tea, then relax and enjoy local cuisine at The Homestead with sweeping views of the kangaroo paddock. Book a Wildlife Encounter or take a journey back in time with the Extinction Trail, where you will discover dinosaurs, Australian megafauna and the mysterious Tasmanian tiger. Hands-on activities like fossil digs make learning meaningful and fun.
As night falls, the bush awakens and the sanctuary’s newest experience, Astra Lumina, invites you on a celestial night walk, where stars whisper, trees glow in a dreamlike journey of light and sound unlike anything else on the Gold Coast.
Royal Bull’s Head Inn
Two hours northwest of the Gold Coast, step back in time at this beautifully preserved nineteenth century inn on the Darling Downs. Built in the 1850s, Royal Bull’s Head Inn in Drayton (near Toowoomba) offers a glimpse into Queensland’s early settler days. Inside, visitors will find original furniture, the discovery of Queensland’s oldest known wallpaper as well as stories and items from the Lynch Family who operated the Drayton Post Office in one of the rooms. From family open days to seasonal events, heritage high teas and a little bit of paranormal, this historic property offers a warm welcome and authentic charm.
Continue your journey north, winding your way through a rich tapestry of heritage towns, each with its own story to tell. As you travel past the Sunshine Coast, the historic streets of Maryborough, the cane fields of Bundaberg and the tropical charm of Townsville, you’ll eventually arrive in the cool highlands of the Atherton Tablelands, just inland from Cairns.
Hou Wang Chinese Temple and Museum
Located in the Atherton Tablelands, this unique heritage site tells the story of Chinese migration and community on the Queensland goldfields. Built in the early 1900s, Houg Wang Temple is the last surviving timber and iron Chinese Temple in Australia. Step inside to discover ceremonial relics, hear stories of hardship and resilience, and explore exhibitions in the museum. The neighbouring Old Post Office Gallery offers insights into multicultural Queensland and often partners with First Nations artists and local curators for special events. With exhibitions on Chinese medicine, pioneering women, and a fun hands-on Junior Dragon experience for kids, this site offers an engaging and inclusive look into Queensland’s layered cultural heritage.
Cooktown Museum
Cooktown is a place of deep significance for First Nations people and for European explorers. Opened in 1970 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Cooktown Museum is housed in a nineteenth-century former convent building with a view across the Coral Sea. Visitors can explore the story of James Cook’s 1770 landing, the anchor and canon from HMB Endeavour, the first recorded act of reconciliation between Europeans and the Guugu Yimithirr people, and the legacy of the Sisters of Mercy who ran the original convent and school. With an array of stunning exhibits, Indigenous storytelling, and newly interpreted displays, this is a museum that connects past and present.
Visit https://nationaltrustqld.org.au/visitor-sites to learn more about these and all our properties to plan your trip. Please be aware that while entry is free for National Trust of South Australia members, some on-site offerings will be an additional cost. Members receive a discount on to tickets to Astra Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.
