Queensland is Australia’s most popular holiday destination. Golden beaches, reef-fringed tropical islands, fantastic surf breaks, World Heritage-listed rainforests, rivers, reefs, and waterfalls are just some of the state’s natural jewels. And all of these sun-soaked settings offer a multitude of outdoor adventures.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park extends off the northern coast of Queensland from Mackay to the northeastern corner of Australia. The Reef Park protects more than 3,000 coral reefs; 600 continental islands, 300 coral cays, and many mangrove islands. There are numerous ways to enjoy the reef – from aircraft and helicopter tours, to sailing, to diving and fishing, to lounging on an island beach. Make sure to enjoy the many different experiences on the Great Barrier Reef in a responsible and ‘reef-friendly’ way by following the Responsible Reef Practices. Or if visiting the Marine Park with a tourism operator, choose a high-standard one that makes it a priority to care for the Reef.
Brisbane
Brisbane is a great destination for urban exploration, with fantastic shopping and dining options, a vibrant art scene and beautiful natural landscapes all part of this must-see city. If it’s a slice of Australian culture you’re after, you may choose to cruise along the South Bank cultural precinct in Brisbane, where you’ll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre and the Gallery of Modern Art among other cultural treasures.
Fraser Island
World Heritage-listed Fraser Island is the largest sand island in the world. Four-wheel drive adventures here explore wide windswept beaches and crystal clear lakes and streams. See dingoes, dense forests, sacred aboriginal sites, and multi-hued rock formations as you explore this stunning island.
Daintree National Park
The Daintree, a two hour drive north of Cairns, is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, and so beautiful that it provided inspiration for the movie Avatar. Stand in awe under the branches of the 600-million-year-old Zamia Fern, which has an underground trunk system which evolved in defence against dinosaurs.
Surfers Paradise
The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s best-known holiday regions. During the last few decades, a building boom transformed the coast into a kind of tropical Las Vegas with high rises and hotels stretching from Southport in the north, to Coolangatta in the south. Packed with attractions and high-rise hotels, Surfers Paradise – ‘Surfers’ for short – is a tourist magnet legendary for its alliterative assets: sun, surf, and sand.
Southern Queensland Country
Head off the beaten track for stunning scenery and friendly folk in Southern Queensland Country. Experience the natural beauty of the region’s national parks, or embark on a foodie tour and discover spectacular wineries, superb restaurants and fresh local produce.