Queensland - Experience
Huge Queensland is home to five World Heritage sites: from thundering surf beaches to tropical rainforests, the astounding Great Barrier Reef and stark red deserts. All basking in virtually guaranteed year-round sunshine, Queensland is a paradise for nature lovers.
The region around Cairns is home to the awe-inspiring Great Barrier Reef, idyllic near-deserted beaches and tropical rainforests. The islands and coral atolls of the Whitsundays offer a peaceful retreat. Head south to the Gold Coast lined with towering hotels, or enjoy the relaxed surf vibe at Sunshine Coast.
Venture into Queensland's interior for a taste of the true outback, with typical country towns like Toowoomba. Further north, mining town Mount Isa sits in splendid isolation, surrounded by dusty red land with huge road trains thundering along empty highways. The Gulf of Carpentaria is true Crocodile Dundee country with its tropical rivers and waterholes.
Hire a yacht and sail the hidden coves and deserted coral atolls of the Whitsundays' 74 islands. A short walk into Noosa National Park on the Sunshine Coast brings you to remote surf beaches, or go north to explore World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park.
The Great Barrier Reef is arguably the world's best place for scuba diving, but you can stay above the waves whale watching at Hervey Bay. Try white-water rafting in Cairns, or thunder along on a four-wheel drive safari on Fraser Island's stunning 75-mile surf beach. Hone your surfing skills anywhere from the Gold Coast to Fraser Island along miles of golden beaches.
Along the coast try the catch of the day - barramundi, huge king prawns and mud crab. Inland it's red meat all the way, with T-bone steaks the size of dinner plates and the Aussie Burger, an artery-stiffening monster comprising beef burger piled with everything, including pineapple, egg and beetroot. Get your health kick from the plentiful fresh tropical fruit in season.
The Gold Coast is party central and perfect for five-star fun, with most clubs in Surfers Paradise. Brisbane offers urban chic. Airlie Beach's pubs and clubs are the favoured party points for young backpackers, and the ultra-hip crowd go to Hayman Island for elite partying.
Kit yourself out with board shorts, an Akubra cowboy hat and RM Williams boots: just don't wear them all at the same time. The ubiquitous cuddly toy koala or kangaroo is always a winner, as is a selection of Queensland-grown foodie treats – the chocolate-covered macadamia nuts are particularly addictive.
