Queensland Travel Guide

Gold Coast, Queensland

Australia's Gold Coast stretches south from Queensland's capital, Brisbane, along 45 miles (70km) of coastline into northern New South Wales. The stunning array of beaches along this coast are a major drawcard, and where once only the surf graced the shoreline today there is a plethora of high-rise accommodation, giant theme parks, exotic nightlife and countless restaurants. The sun shines here 300 days out of the year, and the beach resort towns with their alluring names all offer soft golden sand, rolling waves and the chance to gain a perfect suntan.

Brisbane

Australia's third largest city has a relaxed, easy-going ambience that is well suited to its moniker 'The City of Sundays'. As the capital of the state of Queensland, however, it has a serious side too and despite it's laid-back aura it is filled with the cosmopolitan hustle and bustle of a major urban hub. Brisbane has several interesting districts, a good street cafe vibe, a wonderful riverside park, a very full cultural calendar and a vibrant nightlife. Arts and culture vultures head for the South Bank, where one finds the Queensland Museum with its interactive displays; the Queensland Art Gallery with its magnificent collection of works; and the Performing Arts Center, where international theater companies and performing artists take to the stage. There is plenty to keep shopaholics busy too, with the designer boutiques and department stores of Queens Street Mall ready to welcome visitors and numerous bustling markets dotted around the city. Sport, as everywhere in Australia, is also well catered for at the Gabba sports ground (cricket tests) and Ballymore, where the Wallabies often take on the world at rugby. The city is easy to explore on foot, and being at the center of the region's favored tourist attractions it provides the perfect base from which to make daytrips to surrounding areas.

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Cairns

The cosmopolitan, colorful city of Cairns in far north Queensland is a tourist-orientated center because it is the gateway to two of the world's most awesome World Heritage Sites, the Great Barrier Reef and the 110-million year old Daintree rainforest.

Cairns started life as a small fishing encampment, which received an injection of prosperity in the 19th century when gold was discovered to the north and tin and timber began to be exploited in the nearby Atherton Tablelands. The harbor and fishing operations increased in importance, and tourism arrived in the early 20th century when marlin fishing became popular, and the world discovered the delights of exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Aided by its pleasant, warm climate the relaxed tropical town has now become a frenzied international tourism center, flooded with visitors most of the year, its streets lined with souvenir stores, eateries and some first class hotels. The harbor is clogged with streamlined pleasure boats, and the offshore islands bristle with resorts. To cater for tourists the city fathers have even created a man-made salt-water lagoon and sandy beach on the Esplanade to replace the original muddy swamp that crowned Trinity Bay.

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Townsville

With a magnetic charm and dozens of fabulous attractions and golden sandy beaches, this laid-back little town in the heart of the tropics oozes with character and takes pride in being the unofficial capital of Queensland. Townsville is located on the shores of Cleveland Bay and with views of the picturesque and idyllic Magnetic Island in the distance it's not hard to see why people are so strongly drawn here. Townsville played an active role in the World War II when American and Australian troops were stationed here to cover the Pacific campaign. Japanese bombs were even dropped in the harbor in 1942 but thankfully, there was very little damage to this coastal city. Today an army of local and international tourists visit, drawn to the year round good weather and varied attractions to suit any inclination. Take a trip to the magnificent Magnetic Island to explore the National Park, or take the plunge and do some reef diving to discover the famous Yongala Wreck or Great Barrier Reef to the east. Back on land go on a 4x4 trip into the outback to the west, marvel at the magnificently verdant tropical rainforests dotted with waterfalls to the north, or visit the mango and sugar cane farms in the south. With numerous restaurants and bars, wonderful shopping opportunities and a quiet cosmopolitan feel, Townsville has something for everyone, though it should be noted that saltwater crocodiles are present in all swimming locations here, including the beach so caution should be exercised when swimming.

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Mackay

Virtually surrounded by sugar cane fields and aptly nicknamed the 'sugar capital' of Australia as it is the country's largest sugar producing region, Mackay is nestled in the heart of the tropics and sees thousands of visitors flocking here each year. With classic 19th century colonial architecture and dozens of fabulous natural attractions too, Mackay has a unique charm and a little something for everyone. With the mighty blue Pioneer River flowing past the city, the surrounding areas boast spectacular rainforests in national parks and beautiful islands just off the coast of Queensland. Not to mention the palm-fringed, golden beaches, relaxed atmosphere, fabulous shopping and nightlife opportunities and a close proximity to the world-famous Great Barrier Reef, it's not hard to see why visitors love this small coastal city. Trek through the rainforest of the Finch Hatton Gorge to the waterfalls, spot the elusive platypus or bandicoot in the Eungella National Park, snorkel along the Great Barrier Reef, soak up the history at outback towns such as Clermont and Nebo or along the Heritage Walk, visit the mining town of Blair Athol or frolic along one of 31 unspoiled, pristine beaches such as at Cape Hillsborough where wild wallabies can be seen on the beach at sunrise. Other activities available to visitors in Mackay include golf, fabulous reef, estuary and creek fishing and even 4x4 trails, while those looking for some cultural activities can peruse the Mackay's modern art gallery, Artspace Mackay, or stroll around the weekend markets to pick up some local crafts and produce, while the restaurant scene is something to be explored!

Whitsunday Islands

Discovered by Captain James Cook in 1770, the Whitsunday Islands is an archipelago of approximately 160 breathtaking tropical islands and atolls off the east coast of Queensland's Airlie Beach. The islands were named by Cook when he passed through the islands around Whit Sunday, the seventh day after Easter Sunday, and was immediately struck by their beauty. Set in crystal clear azure waters of the Coral Sea waters in the heart of Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays are a sailor's paradise and one of Australia's most popular tourist attractions drawing over 600,000 visitors annually. Most tourists tend to stick to the resort areas to enjoy the endless water activities such as diving, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, and relaxing on the sun-drenched beaches as seventy percent of the region has been declared a national or marine park. The resort islands of Hamilton Daydream, Hayman, South Molle and Lindeman are the most popular destinations with foreign visitors and accommodation is easy to find on these charming islands. Perfect for a family getaway, a relaxing break for the hustle and bustle of the city or a romantic honeymoon destination, the Whitsundays have something for everyone. At the end of a busy day exploring the islands and marine life off their shores, what could be better than a romantic sunset cruise to round off the perfect day in this small slice of paradise.

Sunshine Coast

One of Queensland's premier vacation destinations just north of Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast runs further south down the state running from Caloundra and extending to Cooloola, the gateway to the World Heritage listed site of Fraser Island. A thriving city life is juxtaposed by the wildness of the coast and nearby Blackall Mountain Range and Noosa Hinterland, providing all kinds of holiday opportunities for visitors. With an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, it's no surprise why the Sunshine Coast is named so, and why it is a favorite vacation destinations for visitors of all persuasions. This region is home to more national parks than any other area of Queensland, as well as numerous world-class golf courses, rewarding fishing opportunities on the reefs at Mooloolaba, and over 62 miles (100km) of sugary white beaches to laze upon, where travelers can soak up all that glorious sunshine. The surf along this stretch of coastline is good too, with Noosa National park offering clean waves and a very nice right hand point break at the Alexandra Headland. The most popular vacation destination on the coast is the resort town of Noosa. Visitors can explore the Noosa Everglades on a boat tour, visit the Blackall Range and drop by the quaint villages of Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton to experience true hinterland hospitality. Then there's the breathtaking natural beauty of the Mapleton Falls National Park and Kondalilla National Park, which are also located in the Blackall Range, and the hinterland towns of the Glasshouse Mountains, home to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo in Beerwah.

Fraser Coast

One of Queensland's fastest growing regions, the Fraser Coast is best-known as the home of Fraser Island and the Great Barrier Reef, two of Queensland's World Heritage Sites, and is the capital of whale watching in Australia where visitors can experience the sheer beauty and majesty of the giant humpback whale. Boasting a rich and diverse natural beauty, the Fraser Coast region encompasses the areas of Fraser Island, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Cooloola, Tiaro, and the Great Sandy Strait. Prospectors should take a trip back in time and visit the old gold mining town of Gympie, where gold-diggers flocked and saved Queensland from its severe economic depression in 1867. Visitors can also admire the beautiful colonial architecture of the charming Victorian town of Maryborough and stroll around a Heritage Market (Thursdays), visit the Mount Walsh National Park, watch loggerhead turtles hatching on Mon Repos Beach from January to March, feed the dolphins breakfast in Tin Can Bay or simply relax with a good book on the stunning stretches of sandy white beaches and top up your tan. The World Heritage Site of Fraser Island is by far the region's most popular attraction. The largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island's pristine freshwater lakes and creeks are the perfect place for nature lovers to escape for a bit of peace and quiet, while the verdant rainforests are juxtaposed with swampy wetlands and the coastal strands of Pandanus palms. Keen fishermen should take a trip to Hervey Bay where monsters like garfish and marlin can be hooked, as well as red emperor, barramundi and mangrove jack. Hervey bay is also the best place to view the awesome humpback whales as they make their annual migration south from July to November. With endless activities and a good range of natural and man-made attractions to visit, it's not surprising the Fraser Coast is becoming one of Australia's premier vacation destinations.