Queensland

The Sunshine State, where the Great Barrier Reef, tropical rainforest and Gold Coast beaches make up Australia's most classic holiday destination.

Queensland lies in the northeast of Australia and enjoys a warm climate, earning it the nickname "the Sunshine State." The Great Barrier Reef stretches along the coast, with snorkeling and diving trips departing from Cairns, the Whitsundays and elsewhere. The Daintree Rainforest is a World Heritage Site, K'gari (formerly Fraser Island) is the world's largest sand island, and the capital, Brisbane, along with the Gold Coast and Noosa, is well suited to city and beach getaways. The north is best visited in the dry season (about May–Oct). Brisbane, Cairns and Gold Coast airports are the main gateways.

Destinations

Itineraries

Brisbane to Cairns East Coast Road Trip – Drive approximately 1,700 km north along the Bruce Highway, connecting sand islands, the Southern Reef, the Whitsundays…
Queensland Highlights Fly-Drive – Connect Brisbane, the Gold Coast, the Whitsundays, and Cairns via domestic flights to see the best of Queensland in one…
Townsville to Cairns Great Green Way – Head north from Townsville, spot koalas on Magnetic Island, and drive through waterfalls and rainforests via Mission Be…
Cairns Reef, Rainforest and Waterfall Day Trips – A week based in central Cairns, with day trips radiating out to the outer reef, the Daintree, Kuranda, the Tablelands l…
Noosa, Rainbow Beach & K'gari (Fraser Island) – Head north along the Sunshine Coast through the hinterland and Noosa to Rainbow Beach, then spend two nights on the wor…
Sydney to Brisbane Pacific Coast Road Trip – Head north along the Pacific Coast, connecting bays, koalas, rainforests, and Byron Bay
Tropical North Queensland Reef, Rainforest & Tablelands Loop – A self-drive loop connecting Port Douglas, Cape Tribulation rainforest, and the waterfalls and lakes of the Atherton Ta…
Palm Cove Family Beach and Rainforest – Stay at Palm Cove Beach, with Green Island, Kuranda, a crocodile park and Mossman Gorge. The relaxed pace suits familie…
Cairns Rafting, Islands and Gorge Adventure – Self-drive and stay in Cairns: white-water rafting on the Tully River, snorkelling at the Frankland Islands, rainforest…
Brisbane & Gold Coast Family Fun – Head south from Brisbane, visiting a koala sanctuary, Mount Tamborine rainforest, and the Gold Coast theme parks.
Cairns, Great Barrier Reef & Kuranda – Based in Cairns, explore the Outer Reef, Kuranda Rainforest, and Green Island without the need for a rental car.
Cairns Reef and Island Snorkelling – Based in central Cairns, snorkel at Michaelmas Cay, then visit Fitzroy Island's rainforest and beaches.