Queensland

Queensland is known as Australia’s Sunshine State, an apt name given that it enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year. The country’s second largest state, there are a huge array of interesting sights and places to visit, most notably the Great Barrier Reef. Diversity is the keyword for Queensland, with everything from arid red outback to lush green rainforests and the endless golden sands of Fraser Island.

With something to suit every taste, it is unsurprising that this is Australia’s fastest growing state, with more than 1,500 people moving here every week. Choose from bustling cities such as Brisbane and Cairns, or head for the Gold or Sunshine Coast, havens for watersports enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies - the adventure sports are available in abundance here.

Queensland Facts

Capital	Brisbane
Population	4.2 million (of which 1.8 million live in Brisbane)
Size	1,852,642 sq km (715,309 sq miles)
Climate	Given the size of the state, the climate is varied with little rainfall and roasting hot summers inland, and wet monsoon-type conditions in the north. Along the coast conditions are warm and temperate
Visitor Site	Visit Queensland

The state is overflowing with action and experiences to try, and most people simply don’t have time to enjoy them all. The number one attraction is the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches for 2,600 km and can actually be seen from outer space. The world’s biggest structure made from living organisms, you can choose to snorkel, dive and cruise along the colourful kilometres of coral, and watch the hundreds of species of tropical fish go about their business.

A close second on the Queensland must see itinerary is Fraser Island, home to the Seventy-Five Mile beach, and the perfect place for a spot of four-wheel driving. Fraser Island is also the world’s largest sand island, and home to some fabulous wildlife and a great spot for whale watching.

Talking of sand, the Gold Coast is Australia’s premier beach coastline, with over 70 km of golden, sugar-white beaches, most notably Surfers Paradise, a bustling resort jam-packed with bars, cafes and surf stores.

And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, head for the Whitsunday Islands, where you’ll actually find Queensland’s most decorated beach. Whitehaven Beach has been voted the worlds finest, and with the purest, whitest grains of sand combining to form over 6 km of pristine shore, you can understand why.

Beach’s aside, Queensland has more lush surroundings to experience as well. Home to five Wold Heritage Sites and over 450 national parks, the north and south of the state are carpeted in dense tropical rainforests. Twitchers will find themselves in heaven here, with Galahs and Cockatoos of every conceivable shape and size calling Queensland their home. From humpback whales to leatherback turtles and platypus, there are numerous walks and treks that will take you into the heart of Queensland’s wilderness and allow you to get up close and personal with its unique fauna; try Queensland Walks for more information.

And let’s not forget the delights of the Gold Coast with it’s sun-kissed beaches, magnificient surfers paradise and impressive skyscrapers that dominate the skyline. A visit to Queensland is not complete without spending at least a day here!

Backpackers won’t be short of routes and options either, while those looking to best explore the state should consider a driving holiday. Find out more at Queensland Backpackers and Queensland Holidays. And if you want to explore everything that Queensland has to offer, including holiday ideas, tips on where to go and when and special deals on tour operators, look no further than the official Queensland tourist information site.

Wanting to live in Queensland? Check out our guide to living in Australia as well as our migration city guide that covers everything from relocating the pets to house prices and transport links. And if there’s something we haven’t thought of, then the members of our lively Australian community will have the answer, so join up today, it’s FREE!