Queensland Holiday

The Sunshine State

Take New South Wales with its mixture of outback and coastal plains and move it north to make the water a little warmer.  Add some of the worlds most pristine and spectacular rainforests and throw in the one of the great natural wonders of the world: the Great Barrier Reef.  Plus an archipelago of tropical islands, and there you have it - Queensland - Australia's holiday wonderland.

Queensland is known as Australia's 'sunshine state' and is a mecca for local winter holiday makers.  No mater what style of holiday you are after (except snow of course) you can get it here.  Let's look at the different regions of Queensland to see what they have to offer.

Brisbane and Surrounds

Brisbane is Australia's third largest city, and is a mixture of colonial architecture and modern high rise monoliths.  It is truly has a tropical feel and is situated on the Brisbane River which surrounds the CBD on three sides in a loop.  There ar plenty of things to while away the time from walks and bike rides by the river down to leisurely meals in a wide array of eateries.  Not far from Brisbane is Morton May and The Stradbroke Islands which offer plenty of holiday activities.

Gold Coast

About an hour south of Brisbane is the gold coast which is the centre of some of Australia's finest beaches and abundant nightlife.  The coast is hugged by rows of high rise apartments and shopping strips, and is also home to many theme parks and holiday attractions.  It truly is a one stop family holiday destination with something for all ages.

Sunshine Coast

Just North of Brisbane is the Sunshine Coast which like the Gold Coast is the home to some fine beaches, but is much less densely populated without the touristy hype of the Gold Coast.  Must see destinations are the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Maroochydore and Noosa Heads.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is the world's largest sand island. You can explore this amazing place, but be warned the dunes can be hundreds of meters in height an four wheel drive vehicles are a necessity.  If you are interested in a swim stay clear of the beaches (strong currents and sharks) rather try the lakes.  Fraser Island is well worth a look.

Capricorn Coast

Traveling north from Fraser Island takes you past Bundaberg home of the famous Bundaberg Rum. Finally you arrive at Rockhampton and Yeppoon, which is the gateway to Great Keppel Island, the postcard perfect island holiday with fluffy white beaches and blue water.

Whitsundays

Further north again between Mackay and Townsville lays the Whitsunday Island group. This is a tropical wonderland of islands and crystal blue seas.  You have your choice of holidaying on one of the islands or cruising among the islands on an array of leisure vessels ranging from self-sail to fully crewed.

Great Barrier Reef

The Great Barrier Reef snakes its way up the coast of Queensland and is the only living thing on Earth visible from space.  It is one of the seven wonders of the world, and clearly the most spectacular coral reef in the world.

Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland starts at Townsville and includes Cairns, The Daintree Rainforest, the Atherton Tablelands right up to the northern most point of Australia at the top of the Cape York Peninsula.  Be sure to hire a four wheel drive if touring off the beaten track.

Regional Queensland

The South East Corner of Queensland is home to some lovely regional centres like Toowoomba and Goondiwindi.   

Outback Queensland

Once you hit Longreach, Cloncurry and Mount Isa you are well and truly into outback Queensland.