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Queensland

Queensland is a state of many colours and contrasts - from the red hot outback, the lush green rainforests, the golden beaches and sunshine, the cool blue coastline, the living kaleidoscope of the Great Barrier Reef to the colourful towns and people. Queensland is perfect for visitors who want to explore different aspects of Australia.

Queensland is a year-round holiday destination. It is the state with long stretches of tropical island coast, most of it protected by the Great Barrier Reef.

Much of the relaxed, easy-going view of the world which is typically Australian has come from life here along the reaches of Queensland’s beaches, lush rainforest hinterland, Great Barrier Reef, tropical wilderness and vast Outback.

Queensland is a big place but it is easy to find your way around, with extensive coach, rail and plane services. It has three international airports in Cairns, Brisbane and Coolangatta (Gold Coast). Further information on train travel can be found in the rail section.

The climate is subtropical - warm sunny with mild winters. Travelling north the climate gradually becomes tropical. Average temperatures in Summer are between 29° C maximum and 21°C minimum. In Winter it is 22°C maximum, 10°C minimum. Water Temperatures is between 25°C (Summer) and 19°C (Winter).

Casual lightweight clothing is generally worn in Queensland. A jacket or warmer clothing may be required for cooler winter evenings. Jean and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for fossicking, bushwalking or horse riding. Swimsuit, hat and sunscreen are essential all year round in Queensland.

	Brisbane
	The capital of the state is a relaxed modern city with a population of 1.3 million. From here you can tour the Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine Coast, the rainforests and mountain lakes of the hinterland, cruise the Brisbane River and visit the many nearby wildlife sanctuaries. Take a sailing tour or cruise to Moreton Bay or North Stadbroke Island. More info>

	Gold Coast
	The Gold Coast is a very popular holiday playground with 40 kms of unpolluted golden beaches and ocean surf. It offers sophisticated nightclubs, scores of restaurants and leisure activities and adventure parks of every kind including Movie World, Sea World, Wet `n` Wild and Dreamworld. More info>

	Sunshine Coast
	Just one hour north of Brisbane are the unspoilt beaches, surf and serenity of the Sunshine Coast. Rainforests and waterfalls of the hinterland offer a quiet alternative to the beach culture. More info>

	Fraser Coast
	The Fraser Coast is bordered by 40km of pristine beaches and includes Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Fraser Island is the world’s largest sand island, with more than 120km of ocean beaches. View the sandstone cliffs, wildlife, sand dunes, over 40 freshwater lakes and the largest rainforest in the world growing in sand.More info>

	Whitsunday Islands
	The Whitsundays consist of 74 tropical islands with Arlie Beach, on the mainland, as their gateway. This aquatic playground is a perfect escape for indulging in island fantasies, spas, pampering and sailing adventures. Islands in the Whitsundays include Hayman, Daydream, Hook and Hamilton Island. More info>

	Townsville
	A charming coastal city which is one of the main access points for the Great Barrier Reef as well as a gateway to the Outback. Boasting an average of 300 days of sunshine each year, Townsville combines glorious weather with a relaxed lifestyle and diversity of attractions including Magnetic Island, Reef HQ Aquarium and Billabong Sanctuary. More info>

	Tropical North
	The Tropical North is where the rainforest meets the reef with access to dazzling coral and sea life of the Great Barrier Reef and tropical rainforests of the Daintree. Cairns is a bustling tropical city and gateway to the rainforests and the reef of far north Queensland. More info>

	Cairns
	Cairns is the capital of Tropical North of Queensland’s State. It is the jump off city to main attraction of the region such as Kuranda Village and Rail, Great Barrier Reef, and Cape York Peninsula. It is also good point to do golf, white water rafting diving and hiking. More info>