Queensland

Queensland (QLD)

‘Sun, sand and adventure’ are words often associated with Australia’s premier beachside destination state, Queensland. Housing numerous, well known tropical escape regions such as the Gold Coast, Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, the Whitsundays and its thriving capital Brisbane, Queensland is easily accessible to the rest of the world and attracts all kinds of domestic and international tourists annually. It’s not all just about the beach though, as Queensland is also home to rugged outback terrain, dense rainforests, national parks and laidback country charm.


Brisbane

Queensland’s thriving capital city Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing city and full of exciting things to do and see. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River between Moreton Bay and the Great Dividing Range, Brisbane’s consistent warm weather makes it the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. The city is also known for its great shopping, diverse dining options, vibrant nightlife and attractive parks and gardens.

Points of Interest:

Queen Street Mall

Brisbane’s shopping mecca Queen Street Mall is dedicated to retail therapy and has five major shopping centres, two department stores and four shopping arcades right in the centre of the city. Great dining options compliment regular free live entertainment making the mall a buzz of excitement for locals and tourists alike.


South Bank Parklands

Spread out amongst 17 hectares of lush gardens and lawns, Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands have received numerous international awards and are one of the best public spaces in the world. Swim at Streets Beach all year round, enjoy the weekend markets, gather for cultural festivals and events or BBQ with friends. You can even hire roller blades and bikes to tour around the riverfront paths.


Moreton Bay & Islands

One of the only places in the world where you can feed dolphins in the wild, Moreton Bay and its Islands is the perfect marine getaway located about 20km from Brisbane. The area promotes eco tours and outdoor-based activities such as surfing, snorkelling, sailing, walking, bird watching, parasailing and skydiving; catering for every kind of traveller. There are all kinds of accommodation options from camping to full-scale resorts.


Regional Queensland

Gold Coast

42km of white sandy beaches stretch out from South Port to Coolangatta making up Queensland’s famous Gold Coast; a surfer and sun seeker’s ideal holiday destination. With sky-high hotels, apartment complexes, theme parks, shopping resorts and villages and more restaurants per square kilometre than anywhere else in Australia, the Gold Coast caters to the exuberant traveller and thrives on year round tourism. Don’t be blinded by the glitz of the beachfront however, as a short drive into the Hinterland will uncover some of the Gold Coast’s brilliant secrets; lush verdant countryside, rainforests, waterfalls, wine and fresh produce.


Great Barrier Reef

One of the seven wonders of the natural world, Queensland’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral reef system and Australia’s greatest natural wonder, spreading out for more than 2000km and incorporating over 1,000 islands, many uninhabited. Hundreds of snorkelling and diving tours operate off Cairns and other coastal towns with reef access. You won’t want to forget your waterproof camera!

Whitsundays

Positioned between Townsville and Mackay in northern Queensland, the Whitsundays are a diverse group of 74 islands bordered by the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea. With so many islands to choose from, activities and accommodation are plentiful promising something for everyone. Take a ride on a glass bottom boat over the glistening reef, charter a yacht and explore the placid waters in private, walk through the forests and national parks, snorkel or dive on the reef, view Australia’s greatest natural wonder from the sky or pamper yourself at a resort on land.


The Outback

When you’ve had enough of the glittering beaches and crystal clear waters, head inland through the Hinterland and open fields into Queensland’s Outback for a refreshing change of scenery. Tour Matilda Country in the central west and discover what inspired Banjo Patterson’s famous ballad, search for Dinosaurs and fossils in the north west or take some time out to enjoy some great fishing in the Gulf Savannah.

More Information on QLD:

Tourism Queensland, www.queenslandholidays.com.au
South Bank, www.visitsouthbank.com.au
Moreton Bay & Islands, www.moretonbayislands.com.au
Gold Coast, www.verygoldcoast.com.au
Great Barrier Reef, www.greatbarrierreef.org
Whitsundays, www.whitsundaytourism.com