Queensland, home of the Great Barrier Reef and commonly referred to as
the "Sunshine State", is Australia's ultimate outdoor playground. Hike
through tranquil rainforests, relax on an island or go diving on the Great
Barrier Reef. From the fun of the Gold Coast to the adventure of the Cape you
will know you have found a special kind of paradise in Queensland. On the South
Coast, Brisbane, the capital of Queensland is neighboured to the east by
Australia's tourism capital, the Gold Coast with golden beaches and exciting
nightlife. North is the natural beauty and more relaxed atmosphere of the
Sunshine Coast. Further north on the East Coast are the world famous Whitsunday
Islands.
The World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef spans 2 000km from the tip of
Cape York to Gladstone in the south. A scuba divers paradise with 2 900
individual reefs, 71 coral islands, 10 000 species of sponge, 350 different
species of coral, 4 000 species of molluscs, 350 species of echinoderms and over
1 500 species of fish. Far North Queensland or the Tropical North is home to the
World Heritage Listed Daintree Rainforest, crocodiles, fantastic barramundi
fishing and the anglers dream - the Black Marlin.
Queensland with its sub-tropical / tropical climate is justifiably marketed
as 'The Sunshine State'. Advertisements aired in autumn and winter in the
southern states of Australia, flaunt Queensland's sunshine, tempting holiday
makers north to the warmer climate.
The Tropics comprise around two thirds of the length of Queensland and are
bordered by the Great Barrier Reef which stretches from around Bundaberg up past
the northern tip of Cape York. The state has hundreds of coastal islands some of
which, for example the Whitsunday Islands, are developed with idyllic holiday
resorts.
Like the other Australian states, Queensland is vast; to put its size into
perspective; it will take over three days to drive from Brisbane to Cairns,
which is not even at the far north.