Queensland, also known as the 'Sunshine State' is the country's holiday playground attracting visitors all year round. It is the best of Australia's holiday destinations combined into one state!
Spread along the Gold Coast are also a number of theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries!
Queensland has a subtropical climate, with high humidity from November to March with sea breezes that bring some relief along the coast. Brisbane, the capital, has a hot and humid climate in summer, and mild and sunny with cool nights in winter (July and August). Tropical cyclones occur in the north from November to April, the wet season, (mostly during January to March). If your visiting the top end (north), the best times are between September to November.
Edging the Queensland cost is the World Heritage Great Barrier Reef that stretches for more than 1,250 miles (2,000km). Situated within the Reef are a myriad of islands that add to the
already overwhelming biodiversity of the Reef system. The Great Barrier
Reef has the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth. Take
time out to have a dive amid the spleadour of iridescent fish and coral.
One hour south of Brisbane by car is the Gold Coast, with its long stretches of beaches, surf, sea and outdoor lifestyle activites. Within the Gold Coast is Surfers Paradise with a bustling nightlife, great shopping and eateries.
Tall buildings line the Gold Coast area consisting mainly of holiday accomodation with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Gold Coast region. Visitors can swim and surf all year round at 35 patrolled beaches along the 70km (45 miles) of coastline.
Whether holidaying on a budget, or in style, the Gold Coast has something for everyone.
Travel north of Brisbane, and the freeway takes you past the awesome Glasshouse Mountains and in about an hour you will be in the heart of the Sunshine Coast. Like the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast also has spectacular beaches, breathtaking scenery, and gourment food trails, local handcrafts, antiques and art.
Venture further inland and, like in other states, you start to witness the other part of Australia, the warm welcomes from outback and mining towns. It is in these places that you really get to know people, as they are always quick with a "G'day Mate!".
