ABOUT QUEENSLAND

Queensland is a state that is located in the north east of Australia. Also known as the ‘Sunshine State’, Queensland has a population of over 4.4 million and it continues to grow.

The majority of this incredible population can be found in the south east of Queensland with its capital city of Brisbane also located there.

The state of Queensland occupies the second largest area of land in Australia, the largest being the state of Western Australia, and is bordered by two states and one Australian territory – New South Wales in the south, South Australia in the south west and the Northern Territory in the west.

The vastness of this state means that the climate varies significantly across Queensland with 5 primary zones:

1. In the Far North of Queensland and along the Coast the weather is hot and humid in the summer months,
2. On the South East Coast and in the Hinterlands the weather is warm and humid,
3. In the Central West of Queensland hot dry summers are generally followed by mild winters,
4. In the South Western parts of the state the weather is hot and dry in the summer months but cold in winter and
5. In the South East and Inland areas of Queensland the weather is mostly temperate with warm summers and cold winters.

The highest temperature ever recorded in Queensland was 49.5 degrees Celsius (or 121 degrees Fahrenheit) whilst the lowest temperature ever to be recorded was -10.6 degrees Celsius or 13 degrees Fahrenheit.

With such an array of temperatures it is understandable why Queensland has more winter sunshine and warmth than any other Australian state.

The Queensland economy is primarily boosted by the agricultural industry, tourism and the natural resource sectors. With the lowest taxes in Australia, Queenslanders maintain a relaxed, laidback lifestyle with affordable living conditions.

• Queensland is home to booming tourism and mining industries.
• The most common tourist destinations in Queensland are; Brisbane (the states capital), the Gold Coast (home of the theme parks), the Daintree Rainforest (the largest continuous rainforest in Australia), the Great Barrier Reef (the worlds largest reef system), Hervey Bay (a whale watchers paradise), the Sunshine Coast (famous for its beautiful beaches) and the Whitsundays (a collection of continental islands).
• Queensland is considered to be Australia’s Theme Park capital with major theme parks found on the Gold Coast. These parks are: Movie World, Sea World, Dream World, Wet n Wild and White Water World.
• Queensland is also home to many wildlife parks including: Australia Zoo (home of the late Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin), Currumbin Wild Life Sanctuary, Underwater World and the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
• The state of Queensland is home to many natural wonders with world class beaches and waterways, national parks, rainforests and tropical reefs.

The state of Queensland has so many adventures to be had by all walks of life. No matter where your interests lay, Queensland has it covered. From outdoor activities to upscale shopping in world class boutiques and exhibitions of artworks by the local Indigenous Peoples, Queensland has it all!

For those who prefer their adventures to be out in the wide open air there are hundreds of miles of golden, sandy beaches where complete relaxation or extreme water sports are amongst your options. The marine life in Queensland is so amazing and the opportunities to interact with it is vast from scuba diving and snorkeling through the reefs to underwater viewing stations and glass bottom boats for those who like to keep their feet dry. You can even explore the weird and wonderful life forms from the sea with ‘touch pools’ found in the aquariums.

Queensland is home to five world heritage listed sites: the Great Barrier Reef which covers around 1200 miles of reefs and islands, Fraser Island on the south coast of Queensland is the worlds largest sand island, the Wet Tropics with its many rainforests is located in the Tropical North of Queensland, the Outback where ancient Aboriginal carvings and paintings can be found on rock faces and finally Riversleigh Fossil Mammal site has extensive fossil exhibits and fossicking sites. And for those who are interested in steeping themselves in the native Australian cultures there are many different ways you can explore from visiting the many Indigenous galleries and museums, take lessons in ‘Bush Tucker’ (food eaten found on the land and eaten by the native peoples) and learn about the natural medicines that have been used for centuries to attending celebrations or festivals that aim to promote traditional values and Indigenous awareness.

For tourists who prefer to see the “different” side of Queensland there are such destinations as The Big Pineapple which can be found in the Queensland town of Nambour. The Big Pineapple is a giant structure in the shape of a pineapple which allows visitors to climb inside and view the entire pineapple plantation on which it sits.

Another interesting place to visit is the Bundaberg Rum Distillery, home of the Bundy Bear (an Australian icon). The distillery allows guest to tour through its factory and museum and offers a shop where merchandise can be purchased.
Or why not explore the Australian wilderness at the northern most point of Australia, Cape York Peninsula. The peninsula is a popular destination in the dry season for camping, hiking and bird watching.

For visitors to Queensland who prefer to spend their time indoors there are a plentitude of activities on hand. Visit the State Library and explore all it has to offer, even free movies on Sundays, go shopping in the many malls, discount factory outlets or undercover markets, relax in the many cinema complexes or simply admire the talents on display in the museums and art galleries. For those who enjoy a little “flutter” or taking in a theatrical show why not spend a day in one of Queensland’s luxurious casinos?

For anyone planning an Australian holiday, the state of Queensland is certainly worth a visit!