Queensland, the 'Sunshine State', is the second largest Australian state, boasting perfect tropical weather and the world's largest living organism - the Great Barrier Reef. Lying on the north-east of the continent, with the azure waters of the Coral Sea and the South Pacific Ocean lapping its coastline, Queenlsand borders on New South Wales and South Australia to the south and the Northern Territory to the west.

With a vast area and a range of geograhic and climatic regions, Queensland is perfect for visitors wanting to explore different aspects of Australia. The coastal centres and islands of the 200 km Great Barrier Reef offer snorkelling, diving and sailing. The Great Dividing Range separates the sub-tropical rainforest coast from the lush beauty of the hinterland with its national parks and unique birds, animals and plant life.

Brisbane has bright sunny days and balmy nights, and as Australia's only sub-tropical capital city, has been dubbed Australia's 'City of Sun Days', South of Brisbane is the Gold Coast, a long stretch of golden beaches, superbly equipped with resorts, theme parks, sports facilities and a fabulous line-up of after-dark entertainment. To the north is the Sunshine Coast, wit its marvellous beaches and sophisticated resorts.

Snorkel the clear blue water

There are more than 1000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef accessible from Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Roackhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg. The Whitsundays is another area of outstanding natural beauty.

Outback Queensland covers a huge area where the clear, blue skies, golden sunsets and friendly locals welcome you to explore this fascinating area of old bush pubs, national parks, limestone caves, dinosaur footprints and Aboriginal rock art. Queensland is also rich in World Heritage including the Riversleigh fossil mammal site, the ancient rainforests of the Wet Tropics, Fraser Island (the largest sand island in the world) and of course, the Great Barrier Reef.

BRISBANE

The state capital offers a stimulating city experience in a friendly and relaxed environment. Its state-of-art sporting, convention arts and entertainment facilities, plus hundreds of restaurants and cafes, cater for the diverse taste of the international visitor.

Fast Facts

• About 1.5 million people live in Brisbane
• Brisbane Airport is 13 km from the city
• Coachtrans operate frequent serices from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
• Buses and trains operate in city and suburban areas daily. Brisbane River ferry services link north and south of the ciy daily, departing from Edward Street and Customs House.
• The city sights bus stops at 18 places of interest around the city.

Do Not Miss

• Mt Coot-tha panoramic views
• Enjoy the views across the Brisbane River from Kangaroo Point.
• Southbank Parklands with local craft market and inner-city sand beach.
• Riverside-Craft markets are held along the river every Sunday among sky-scrapers and restaurants.
• Hand Feed wild dolphins and sand toboggan down the southern hemisphere's steepest sand dunes at Tangalooma Wild Dolphin Resort.
• Taste more than 100 different Australian beers on tap at Brisbane's National Festival of Beers
• Visit the coast of theme parks - the Gold Coast, home to Warner Bros. Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild Waterpark, Sea World and Dreamworld.
• Start the day at the Southbank Parklands on the Brisbane River where there's a beach, restaurants, cafes, entertainment and attractions. On several days of the week markets present local arts and crafts. THe adjacent Queensland Cultural Centre incorporates the Performing Arts Complex, the Museum, the Library and the Art Gallery.

Gold Coast

warner company

ride of your life

The Gold Coast is located 78 km south of Brisbane. This famous strip features a series of 35 beaches patrolled year-round by professional lifeguards. These beaches stretch for 70 km north from Calbarita Beach in New South Wales to Coolangatta, Palm Beach, Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise and South Stradbroke Island.

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