Queensland is often referred to as the 'holiday state' and this is certainly a fitting title. The population of approximately 4.51 million live in the states 1,727,000 square kilometres.
Queensland holds activities for everyone, and is the perfect holiday destination. It includes Surfers Paradise, Brisbane, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, many islands along the coast, a great number of beaches, rainforests and National Parks.
The many islands located along the Queensland coast offer a wide range of different attractions, activities and landscapes.
The wide range of small towns between Brisbane and Cairns offer all activities related to the sea. Whilst visiting the inland National Parks, you are also sure to come across the small isolated towns and cattle stations. You may be lucky enough to reach Birdsville, along the Birdsville Track, the most isolated of all.
The Great Dividing Range aligns the coast with mountainous views. Inland, beautiful scenery can be found in the Atherton Tableland, along with agricultural land. The most productive of all agricultural growth is found in the Darling Downs. Further north the wilderness grows deeper. It incorporates a barren outback of desert, empty roads, and small towns, which occassionally blooms when it rains. The Cape York Peninsula is also affected by rain, many of it's dry riverbeds flood in heavy rain.
The hotter but wetter seasons are between November/December and April/May, while the rest of the year tends to be cooler and drier. Queensland is also crossed by the Tropic of Capricorn, through Rockhampton and Longreach.
A Little History
In 1824 Queensland began as a penal colony, with settlers following shortly after. It wasn't, however, until 1859 that Queensland became an independent colony from New South Wales. During a large part of the 19th century there was great tension between the white settlers and the Aboriginal people, resulting in fierce opposition.
The first British settlement was in Cooktown, which is also home to a large gold rush. The main industries in Queensland are agriculture and mining, taking up the substantial part of mineral wealth in Australia. More recently, the state has earned money in tourism, a growing development in Queensland.
Great Barrier Reef
This world famous reef makes is ideal for the inexperienced and experienced diver who wants to see a multitude of different types of coral and marine life.
Whitsunday Islands
Here it is possible to camp on the beautiful, tropical Whitsunday Islands.
Queensland DVD (Queenslands South East - Land of Scenic Wonder)
Purchase the DVD that portrays Queensland's South East including footage of Fraser Island, Glass House Mountains, Blackall Range, Montville, Mount Tamborine and Springbrook's unforgettable rock bridge.
Taking you through the tree tops in Lamington where the thick, green roof shades; the mysterious underworld of the forest floor. On to Noosa, a haven of stunning national parks and brilliant waterways. Plus the amazing coloured sands of Teewah and Rainbow Beach.
PLEASE NOTE: The Queensland travel destinations outlined above are only a small selection from the tens of thousands of Australian travel information pages available on Australian Explorer. A comprehensive list of destinations for Queensland Holidays can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.
Queensland is often referred to as the 'holiday state' and this is certainly a fitting title. The population of approximately 4.51 million live in the states 1,727,000 square kilometres.
