Queensland is Australia's epic sunshine state & pretty much covers some of the best that Australia has to offer. From Brisbane's buzzing city scene to the natural beauty of Fraser Island, snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, sailing the Whitsundays or learning to surf at Surfer's Paradise!
Climate
Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across Queensland.
Most of Queensland experiences two weather seasons: a winter of warm temperatures & minimal rainfall, and a sultry summer period of hot, sticky temperatures & higher levels of rainfall.
There are also 5 evident climatic zones in Queensland:
- hot humid summer, warm dry winter (far north and coastal) Cairns, Townsville, Gladstone
- warm humid summer, mild dry winter (coastal elevated hinterlands and coastal south-east) Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton
- hot dry summer, mild dry winter (central west) Mt Isa, Emerald, Longreach
- hot dry summer, cool dry winter (southern west) Roma, Charleville, Goondiwindi
- warm humid summer, cold dry winter (inland south-east) Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe
About Our State
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 you're visiting the top end (north), the best times are between September to November.
Society & Culture
Queensland people enjoy a fantastic outdoor lifestyle with world class beaches, national parks, rainforests, tropical reefs and waterways. There is continuing growth in cultural diversity across Queensland. You'll discover art galleries and cultural centres showcasing Queensland's rich diversity including Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rich culture and heritage. Queensland is home to people who speak more than 220 languages, hold more than 100 religious beliefs and come from more than 220 countries.
Things To Do
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!".
More About the Area
Edging the Queensland coast 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 splendour of iridescent fish and coral.
Major theme parks, wilderness parks, wineries and a choice of championship golf courses scatter the coastal region. Day and evening Surfers Paradise has live street and indoor entertainment, which means the action is non-stop. If you love shopping, then Queensland is the place to go. It houses some of the best design names in Australia, where you can still buy at reasonable prices.
Head further north or inland and you will find a diversity of environs. You can farm stay in premier beef cattle country or visit sapphire gem fields. Explore the rainforests or head to the Great Barrier Reef or the popular Great Keppel Island. Soak up history in mining towns or learn about Aboriginal culture. No matter where you are in Queensland, you will soak up authentic Australian charm, mateship and enjoy fantastic weather at the same time.
