5 Things to Know for Your Queensland Holiday

If you’re planning a holiday to Queensland, you probably already know that Australia’s second largest state by area has a distinct flavour and identity. With a laid-back lifestyle, perfect weather, unbeatable beaches, and distinct regions, this sunny northern slice of Australia is also home to modern urban areas, wineries, untouched rainforests, and one of the seven natural wonders of the world. These are five things to know as you plan your next holiday.

Fact 1: The Gold Coast Is Not to Be Missed

The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most popular family-friendly destinations. Right at the centre of this city of half a million is Surfers Paradise, an urban beachside hub with vibrant nightlife, family attractions, and a spectacular skyline. Surfers Paradise accommodation close to the beach can provide a luxurious and convenient base for visitors.

Proximity to theme parks, great shopping and dining make the Gold Coast a must-see spot for visitors to Queensland. Stay at one of the Surfers Paradise apartments as you venture out for a drive to the Gold Coast Hinterland and explore its charming towns, wineries, and rainforests.

Fact 2: Queensland is a Tropical Country in Itself

Each Australia state and territory has its own distinct identity and Queensland is no exception. From the Great Barrier Reef to cane toads and the Big Pineapple (a popular and well-known attraction at Woombye near Nambour), there are many things that seem to say ‘Queensland’ to visitors and locals. If Northern Territory sums up the Aussie Outback, then Queensland represents that carefree, laid-back beach lifestyle associated with Australia around the world.

Major Queensland regions include:

• Brisbane – the state’s capital and largest city.
• Gold Coast – Queensland’s largest coastal city and holiday playground.
• Sunshine Coast – from Noosa to Caloundra, the Sunshine Coast is home to a collection of relaxed coastal towns.
• Far North Queensland – includes Cairns, Port Douglas, and the Daintree Rainforest.
• Other major regions include the Whitsunday Islands, Capricornia, Fraser Coast, Townsville, MacKay, Western Downs, South East Queensland, and the Coral Coast and Country.

Fact 3: The Sunshine State is Home to the World’s Best Beaches

With 7,400 km of coastline, Queensland has hundreds of beaches and most, if not all, are world class. While it’s impossible to name them all, these are some of the state’s best-loved beaches.

• Surfers Paradise – a beach paradise in the urban heart of the Gold Coast.
• Broadbeach and Burleigh – excellent for surfing enthusiasts.
• Coolangatta, Currumbin, and Tugun – mild waves and lots of space make these great beaches for kids.
• Whitehaven Beach – a beautiful beach on one of the Whitsunday Islands.
• Four Mile Beach – a very famous beach in Port Douglas in North Queensland.

Fact 4: There’s More to Beaches in Queensland

As if having some of the best beaches in the world weren’t enough, Queensland has been blessed many times over with some of the most striking natural wonders in the country. There are endless destinations whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure or a leisurely stroll to get close to nature. Some major attractions include:

• The Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest reef system needs no introduction.
• The Daintree Rainforest – tropical rainforest with lowland areas, swamps, beaches, and mangroves.
• Fraser Island – a tropical paradise with lakes, champagne pools, and the planet’s only rainforest on sand.

Fact 5: Expect Perfect Weather

While some variation in climate is to be expected in a region as vast as Queensland (over 1.85 million square km), the state never experiences cold weather. The climate is hot and humid in the far north, pleasantly warm in the central areas, and milder to cool in the south. Visitors can expect perfect weather pretty much all year round.