Beautiful one day. Perfect the next. That's Queensland - Australia's Great Barrier Reef State. From the spectacular surfing beaches of the Gold Coast, the lush tropical rainforest of the Far North, to the rugged heart of the Outback, it's a great, beautiful state blessed with a year - round sunny climate.
Wherever you're coming from you'll feel right at home in Brisbane, Queensland's capital city. It is a major center for the arts, a shopper's dream and a gourmet's delight. Cuddle a koala, see sheep shearing or hand feed wild dolphins at Tangalooma Island Resort. Brisbane provides the perfect base for discovering the many wonders of South - East Queensland.

Just an hour drive south are the famous golden beaches of the Gold Coast. With its selection of world-class theme parks, amazing wildlife (both day and night), magnificent sub-tropical rainforest, it's a great place to meet Aussies at play. One hour's drive north, the Sunshine Coast boasts miles of unspoiled beaches and the quaint township of Noosa. From camping, bushwalking and four-wheel driving the unique contrasts of Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island, are a must for the adventure seekers.

Queensland is home to the world's largest Marine Park, the World Heritage Listed "Great Barrier Reef". A living work - in - process, the reef stretches 1,200 miles from Bundaberg in the south to Cape York in the far north. Getting to the reef for a day of swimming, snorkeling and diving is as simple as it is fun or for the ultimate experience spend a few days on one of the many tropical islands ranging from backpacker, moderately - priced, to ultimate luxury - there's one for everyone!

The mainland township of Airlie Beach is a lively starting point for visitors to the Whitsundays.

Comprising 74 tropical islands the waterways of this region are second to none for sailing, cruising, diving, all manner of water sports, escaping to uninhabited islands or just soaking up the atmosphere at one of the seven island resorts.

Townsville is Australia's largest tropical city and headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Take a ferry to Magnetic Island with its secluded bays, walking tracks and a large population of native koalas.

Cairns and the Tropical North is the most popular destination for travelers because of its proximity to two World Heritage Listed sites - the Great Barrier Reef and the rainforest of the Daintree National Park. This region is also renowned for its myriad of day tours and adventure activities - white water rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving, bush walking, trail riding and much more.

For a true "Aussie" experience head west to the renowned "Outback".

Try your hand at opal mining, sheep sheering or throw your swag out under the Southern Cross.

Come on down to the Land Down Under and find the real Australia: Queensland.