Queensland
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.
Several of the more popular islands include North Stradbroke Island, Moreton Island, Fraser Island, the Southern Reef Islands, Great Keppel Island, the Whitsunday Islands, Magnetic Island, Fitzroy Island, Green Island, Lizard Island and the Torres Strait Islands.
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.
Points of Interest
Cairns
The gateway to the beautiful Daintree and Cape Tribulation National Parks.
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.
Full directory of Queensland Tourist Attractions
Queensland Facts
* Queensland Area: 1,734,157 square kilometres
* Queensland Capital: Brisbane
Featured Queensland Activities and Tours

This cruise is perfect for visitors wanting a choice of adventurous activities or island relaxation, Green Island offers the unique opportunity for a combined reef and rainforest experience, just 45 m...

Cruise over from Brisbane to Tangalooma and take a journey to the Tangalooma Desert as part of this thrilling and bumping 4WD bus tour where getting there is half the fun!...

Australia Zoo is home of the Crocodile Hunter! Australia Zoo will deliver an animal experience like no other. Cuddle a koala, hand-feed Asian Elephants, walk with a Sumatran Tiger and watch a crocodil...

Join us on a wilderness adventure and a day of discovery to World Heritage Listed Fraser Island. Tours depart from Noosa, Sunshine Coast daily and include morning tea, Aussie BBQ lunch and complimenta...

Never set foot on a yacht before but want to have a go? The Introduction to Sailing course is for you. Conducted on board one of our approved training yachts, this course will not only teach you the b...
Top Queensland Destinations
Brisbane |
Capricorn Coast |
Darling Downs |
Far North Queensland |
Fraser Coast |
Gold Coast |
Islands |
North Coast |
Outback |
Sunshine Coast |
Whitsunday Coast |
Other Queensland Destinations
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 Queensland destinations can be found on the main Queensland Holidays location guide.