About
Queensland is a state in north-eastern Australia and the country's second-largest by area. It covers a great deal of ground, so a visit usually means choosing a region rather than trying to see everything at once.
What draws visitors
The state is best known for the Great Barrier Reef, which runs along much of its coastline. Its tropical climate shapes how people spend their time here, with much of the year suited to being outdoors, on the water, or near the sea.
Cities and coast
Two of the state's best-known places are Brisbane, the capital, and the Gold Coast. Brisbane offers a larger city base from which to explore the surrounding country, while the Gold Coast is associated with beaches and a more relaxed coastal rhythm.
- Brisbane, the state capital and a convenient starting point for a trip.
- The Gold Coast, a coastal area known for its beaches.
- The Great Barrier Reef, reached by water from the state's coast.
Because Queensland is so large, plan your route around the places you most want to see. A trip that combines a city stay with time on the coast or near the reef gives a good sense of what the state offers.
