Queensland is Australia’s second largest state and the most northern on the east coast. It is known as the “Sunshine state” and the state where “Australia shines”, famous for its perennially blue skies and picture postcard white sandy beaches. The world heritage listed Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef system stretches for over 2,300 km along the east coast of Queensland and is the first among many of this state’s areas of outstanding natural beauty. Brisbane, the capital city, is located in the south east corner between favourite holiday destinations, the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north.
Because of its size, there is significant variation in climate across the state. Low rainfall and hot humid summers are typical for the inland and west, a monsoonal ‘wet’ season in the far north, and warm, temperate conditions along the coastal strip. Elevated areas in the south-east inland can experience temperatures well below freezing in mid-winter. The climate of the coastal strip is influenced by warm ocean waters, keeping the region free from extremes of temperature and providing moisture for rainfall.
Brisbane is Queensland’s capital and Australia’s third most populous city. The greater Brisbane area encompasses a population of more than 3 million. Located on the banks of the winding Brisbane River, Brisbane offers all the delights of vibrant and modern city living within a glorious climate that allows outdoor activity all year round. Only a short drive to the resort towns of Surfer’s Paradise on the Gold Coast to the south and Noosa Heads on the Sunshine Coast to the north, it is a perfect city to combine work and play.
yachts in front of brisbane city skyline on a sunny day
Located less than an hours’ drive south of Brisbane, Queensland’s Gold Coast is famous for fun. The Gold Coast attracts holiday makers from the rest of Australia and the world to enjoy its glorious wide white sandy beaches, hinterland forests, fun and water parks and the party city of Surfer’s Paradise.
Just over an hours’ drive north of Brisbane is Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Stylish Noosa Heads, at the epicentre is loved by domestic and international visitors for its shopping, fine dining and pristine beaches.
Cairns is located 1,700 km north of Brisbane and is a popular travel destination for foreign tourists because of its tropical climate. In a region widely regarded as a tropical paradise, Cairns is the gateway to such magnificent natural delights as the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest and serves as a starting point for exploring the unique and beautiful landscapes of Far North Queensland.
Family friendly Townsville is the largest urban centre north of the Sunshine Coast with a population of over 170,000 and is considered to be the unofficial capital of north Queensland. Idyllic Magnetic Island is situated just 8 km off the coast of Townsville (20 minutes by fast “cat”) and is home to beautiful national park, beaches and holiday resorts.