Queensland

Often nicknamed the Sunshine State due to most of the state being situated in the tropics, Queensland is famous for its banana plantations, The Great Barrier Reef and Surfers Paradise – a location in the state named for its amazing surfing conditions. Queensland is a state of many contrasts that range from sunny tropical coastal areas, lush rainforest to dry inland areas. Located on the vast east coast, going all the way to the tip of the mainland, Queensland is large in area and large in local vivacity.

The state is home to many places of natural beauty including many popular beaches and the Whitsunday Islands. Bordered by the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea, the Whitsunday Islands offer beautiful scenery and 99% pure white sand – the most highly sought after sand in the world.

More famously known are the Great Barrier Reef and the islands surrounding it. Just off the coast of Queensland are hundreds of islands that are waiting to redefine your idea of paradise. The main activity for island goers is remarkable scuba diving and snorkeling along the reef. The Reef is classified as one of the seven natural wonders of the world and has been in the heart of protest for years to protect the coral and sea life for future generations.  

Queensland is also very commonly known for its wildlife parks and sanctuaries, as well as theme parks. The Sunshine Coast is home to the Australia Zoo founded by Steve Irwin, a popular Australian icon, until his death in 2006. As Australia’s ‘Theme Park Capital’, the Gold Coast houses all 5 of the theme parks; Dream world, Movie world, Sea world, Wet ‘n’ Wild, and more recently Whitewater world. These five major amusement parks have foremost been Queensland’s top tourist attractions in the past decade.

Queensland has a wide spread of sporting competitions nationally and is host to many local and international sporting events. Most popular sports are cricket and rugby but Queensland is nationally known for swimming due to most team members and national competitors coming from the state. But the major annual sporting event for Queensland is the Rugby State of Origin and maintains an important place in the sporting calendar every year.

Queensland is full of sun kissed beaches, bronzed outback landscapes and colourful rainforests. The state offers more than likely the widest spread tourism trade of the states with something for everyone. As Australia’s own personal paradise, the state not only offers international and national guests luxury but provides a greatly loved home to the sunshine coast locals.