Queensland

Australia
Queensland
Explore tropical islands, visit the famous Great Barrier Reef and Daintree rainforest, live it up on the Gold Coast and find some real gems inOutback Australia.

Enjoy an action-packed vacation inQueensland. The “Sunshine State” spans the tropical northeast of Australia, scenic mountain ranges and sprawling deserts.

Starting in the south, the Gold Coast lives up to its name with its golden sands, fun-filled theme parks, and glitzy nightlife. Catch the waves at Surfers Paradise or splash around in Wet'n'Wild. Take a walk on the wild side at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and delve into the rainforests of Lamington National Park and Tamborine Mountain.

A little to the north, enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and many riverside parks of Queensland’s capital Brisbane. Although it’s Australia's third-largest city, nature is everywhere: from forested Mount Coot-tha to the sun-kissed islands in Moreton Bay. For shops, cafés and nightlife, take your pick from bohemian West End, picturesque Paddington or bustling Fortitude Valley.

You can’t miss the South Bank Parklands, with pretty lagoons and myriad cultural attractions. From its docks, cruise up river to greet Australia’s iconic animals in theLone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

“Crocodile Hunter” Steve Irwin's legacy, Australia Zoo, is nestled among the craggy peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains on the Sunshine Coast. This part of Queensland’s coastline is where you can take a refreshing swim at the postcard-perfect beaches of Noosa Heads or Mooloolaba and shop in the hinterland villages of Maleny and Montville.

Leave your wheels behind to see the best of the Fraser Coast, including dolphins and dingoes, and snorkel or swim around the idyllic Whitsunday Islands.

Queensland’s Tropical North is yet another slice of paradise. FromCairns or the resort town of Port Douglas, set sail to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and scuba diving. See if you can spot crocodiles in the Daintree River and cassowaries in the Daintree rainforest.

For a contrasting experience, cross the Great Dividing Range to Central Queensland.This is Australia’s legendary Outback, where you can dig for opals and explorethe red desert ofMunga-Thirri National Park.

With its year-round warm weather and balmy waters, it’s always a good time to visit Queensland. This is where Australians go to relax, so join them for the vacation of a lifetime.

Popular cities in Queensland

Kangaroo Point showing a bay or harbour, a city and night scenes
Brisbane
Known for Dining, Shopping and Rivers
From trendy galleries to trendier bars, diving to biking, Brisbane is ready and willing to be whatever kind of destination you want it to be.

Reasons to visit

  • South Bank Parklands
  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre
  • Eagle Street Pier
Gold Coast showing a coastal town, a skyscraper and a sandy beach
Gold Coast
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
For a break in the sun, head to this expansive city: the perfect combination of beaches, theme parks, nightlife, rain forests and mountains.

Reasons to visit

  • Warner Bros. Movie World
  • Cavill Avenue
  • Dreamworld
Mooloolaba showing waves and a coastal town
Sunshine Coast
Known for Beaches, Dining and Shopping
Enjoy pristine beaches, lush rainforest and exciting cities in this area north of Brisbane, famous for its surf breaks, fresh seafood and laid-back locals.

Reasons to visit

  • Hastings Street
  • Mooloolaba Esplanade
  • Bulcock Beach
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway showing landscape views and rainforest
Cairns
Known for Friendly people, Tours and Coral reefs

Reasons to visit

  • Cairns Esplanade
  • Cairns Marlin Marina
  • Palm Cove Beach
Castle Hill which includes a sunset, landscape views and a city
Townsville
Known for Islands, Rivers and Swimming
Enjoy the year-round balmy weather, relax at the beach, or explore the forests, wetlands, and marine habitats that surround north Queensland’s unofficial capital.

Reasons to visit

  • Magnetic Island Ferry Terminal
  • Castle Hill
  • The Strand Beach
Whitsundays
Whitsundays

Reasons to visit

  • Whitehaven Beach
  • Catseye Beach
  • Hamilton Island Marina