Get that Queensland holiday feeling and experience the natural beauty of this breathtaking region. With five World Heritage-listed sites, ancient rainforests and stunning tropical islands, this is a picture perfect destination and is home to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), The Whitsundays, Brisbane and the Gold Coast to name a few.
One of the most dynamic destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, Queensland is a destination that is ideal for those looking for a holiday of relaxation or if you are looking to go on an adventure. From watching the sunrise on one of the pristine beaches to a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, unforgettable nature experiences await in this sunshine state. Of course, there are also plenty of fascinating cities to explore including the capital city of Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Cairns each with their own unique charms.
A beach lovers paradise blessed with nearly 4,000 miles of coastline, making it no surprise that the abundance of pristine beaches is one of Queensland's major attractions. Whether you are looking for a beach to swim, snorkel, surf or simply relax, there will be one for you.
Stroll along the beautiful beach of Palm Cove which is lined with towering palm trees and centuries-old paperbark, surfers should head to Noosa Main Beach which is perfect for both beginner and advanced surfers alike. Whitehaven Beach is also definitely worth a visit and consistently wins recognition as one of the world’s best beaches with pure-white silica sands like nowhere else on earth and crystal clear waters.
Queensland has a variety of energetic cities, each with a unique melting pot of culture and innovation. The thriving capital city of Brisbane perfectly blends the outdoors and the indoors and is home to world-class art galleries, vibrant street art, and a diverse culinary scene with plenty of al fresco dining opportunities.
Cairns, located in the heart of Tropical North Queensland, may be a relatively small city but don’t let that fool you. With a distinctive multicultural mix, you will find many innovative eateries, trendy bars, stylish boutiques and excellent galleries. Also be sure to visit the Gold Coast, a coastal charismatic city boasting a vibrant nightlife, sparkling beaches and incredible shopping opportunities including Queensland’s largest shopping centre – Pacific Fair – which is home to more than 400 shops.
A true natural wonderland unlike anywhere else in the world, Queensland has five of the 16 World Heritage areas in Australia plus over 450 national parks, marine refuges and state forests, the diverse environment is undeniably spectacular.
Take a trip to the famous UNESCO World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system and is comprised of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands with more than 1,500 different species of fish, 134 species of sharks and rays and over 30 species of marine mammals. From snorkelling and scuba diving tours to glass bottom boat tours, there is an option to suit everyone to view the reef. Also not to be missed is a visit to the ancient Daintree Rainforest, part of the UNESCO listed Wet Tropics, which is millions of years older than the Amazon and larger than the area of Sydney. Take a tour of the rainforest and discover its flowing streams, rushing waterfalls, lagoons, mountain ranges and rich Aboriginal culture.
Experience the natural beauty of this breathtaking region and with so much to see and do there are many ways you can explore Queensland with our If Only itineraries helping you to make the most of your trip. We've put together a variety of options with the best ways to travel from self-drive in a car to a campervan, itineraries where transfers are included or escorted trips giving you the choice of how you would like to see this picture perfect destination.
With 300 days of sunshine a year, Queensland - the Sunshine State, offers a fabulous mix of recreational options including rainforest hiking on K’gari (formerly Fraser Island), diving on the Great Barrier Reef, wildlife spotting in Lamington National Park, beachcombing at Noosa or enjoying the shops, bars and restaurants of Brisbane and Cairns. No matter what type of holiday you are looking for, Queensland is guaranteed not to disappoint.