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Queensland, situated in the northeast corner of Australia, is the country's holiday playground attracting visitors all year round. It is known as the 'Sunshine State', and the major attraction is the incredible underwater world provided off its coastline along the Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is a World Heritage listed marine park that stretches for more than 1,250 miles (2,000km) along the Queensland coast; it is dotted with idyllic island resorts and contains one of the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth.
Further south, beyond Brisbane, the coastline is known as the Gold
Coast. Here visitors can swim and surf all year round at 35 patrolled beaches along the 45 miles (70km) of coastline. Brisbane is the capital city of Queensland, while Cairns, in the tropical north, is the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Travelers should be aware that especially during the summer months (usually between October and May) the shallow coastal waters of Queensland become infested with marine stingers, commonly known as box jellyfish, whose sting is highly dangerous and can be deadly. Many beaches offer protected swimming with stinger nets in place, or enclosed tidal pools, and surf lifesavers may warn people off infested beaches. A lycra 'stinger suit' may also be worn by swimmers as protection.
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