Queensland, Australia's second largest state, is considered the Holiday or Sunshine State. The geography, climate, flora and fauna are as diverse as the people, and Queensland offers visitors everything from awesome rainforest-clad coastline and the famous Great Barrier Reef, to the sweeping red plains of the rugged Outback and remote pioneer stations.
Although the Reef is perhaps Queensland`s most outstanding attraction, there are countless other reasons to visit the Sunshine State. Brisbane is a delightful combination of old and new -- historic cathedrals and government buildings standing in the shadows of modern glass high-rises and concrete towers. The Gold Coast, an hour south of Brisbane, is a carefree pleasure playground that rivals the glitz and glamour of Miami Beach, the French Rivera or Spain's Costa Brava. Yet not far away are unspoiled tracts of rainforest and wilderness.
Just north of Brisbane is a golden chain of peaceful beaches referred to as the Sunshine Coast. In contrast to the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast features many peaceful beaches and small, quaint towns that evoke a more residential feeling. It also has ancient rainforests, tropical fruit plantations and great fishing.
The most famous of Queensland's attractions, the Great Barrier Reef is among the most beautiful travel destinations imaginable. Stretching 1200 miles down the eastern seaboard, the Reef is the world's largest living structure, a vast network of colorful undersea shoals, reefs and coral quays.
The Whitsunday Islands, with their golden sands, sheltered bays and fringing reefs, are located at the southern tip of the Great Barrier Reef; the surrounding waters are considered some of the world's best sailing waters. |
Queensland
