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.
