Queensland, Australia

Population: 3.4 million

Climate: sub tropical south, tropical north

Queensland is a popular travel destination due to its wonderful climate, and spectacular natural attractions, including the Great Barrier Reef, Tropical Rainforests and Outback. Other Major industries include Agriculture and Mining.

It is difficult to describe in detail a state that is almost three times the size of the US state of Texas and has a diversity of environments to rival a continent.

The state capital of Brisbane is located in the South east corner. Galleries, Museums and Botanical parklands grace the banks of the Brisbane River which flows through the central business district.

Brisbane forms the centre of a conurbation which extends to the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north. These long golden beaches are a popular destination for surfers from all over the world.

2100 kilometres to the north is the tip of Cape York Peninsular. The Great Barrier Reef begins off the coast of Papua New Guinea, which lies just to the north across the Torres Strait.

From these idyllic islands the reef trails for 2000kms to end just off Bundaberg. Where the Great Barrier Reef ends, the Great Sandy Strait begins with the Spectacular Fraser Island and Cooloola National Parks.

Cairns is the international gateway for Tropical North Queensland. Tropical beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, World Heritage listed Wet Tropic Rainforests and the Australian outback are all accessible from Cairns. With an international airport, a range of accommodation to suit the backpacker to the millionaire, and an amazing array of attractions, activities and entertainment to choose from, Cairns is a great Australian destination.

The mountains behind Cairns offer a cool respite from the tropical atmosphere of the coast. The Atherton Tablelands is renown for pristine Rainforests, crystal clear lakes and brooks and its incredible range of fresh local produce. A multi-cultural population ensures truly global blend of culinary delights, including locally produced cheeses, wines and coffee. Magical Crystal Caves in main streets and other unusual wonders abound on the Tropical Atherton Tablelands.

On the other side of the mountains lay the wild ranges land of a thousand hills. Historic mountain towns and villages such as Herberton and Irvinebank allow you to step back in time to the days of the wild frontier.

Just 2.5 hours drive from Cairns is Chillagoe the home of limestone caves, fossils and a real outback experience.

Queensland offers one of the safest travel destinations in the world, with low crime rates and a high degree of personal freedom. Queenslanders have a wide variety of beliefs and practises and have a proud heritage of independence, enterprise and freedom protected by law.