Queensland is Australia's second largest state measuring more than 1.72 million square kilometers, 25% of Australia's land mass, which is four times the size of Japan, nearly six times the size of the UK and more than twice the size of Texas in the US.

Queensland is known as Australia's Sunshine State. Brisbane, the capital makes an excellent base for touring the Gold Coast, "Australia's Playground" with everything you could possibly imagine at your fingertips. Just a little farther north is the Sunshine Coast, with its incredible beaches. Only a couple hours away is the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island, where you can drive four wheel drives on the beaches and swim in any of the plentiful freshwater lakes. Sail around the Whitsundays and immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the world-renowned Hill Inlet. Revel in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns, your gateway to the rainforests and islands of Tropical North Queensland.

You can also visit Rockhampton, home to Central Queensland University and the Rockhampton Palendrome and Townsville, with it's amazing harbor and great trekking.

Whether you're after adrenalin-pumping adventure, relaxing on sun-kissed beaches, trekking through ancient rainforest or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, there's an experience waiting to become your treasured memory in Queensland.

The obvious highlight of Queensland is diving or snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef; but the adventure hardly ends there. The region comprises 74 tropical islands and the waterways here are second to none for sailing, cruising, diving, all manner of water sports, escaping to uninhabited islands or just soaking up the atmosphere at one of the seven island resorts. The mainland township of Airlie Beach is a lively starting point for visitors to the spectacular Whitsundays while Fortitude Valley, Brisbane or Surfers Paradise are cool night spots. The pristine rainforests of Daintree and a tour at Atherton Tableland offer unforgettable sights and you can sight whales at Moreton Bay. Explore the world’s largest sand island of Fraser Island or cuddle a koala at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Source: Australia. Lonely Planet, 2004.