Queensland, often referred to as the sunshine state, is a state in northeastern Australia. It is bordered by the coral reef, the Pacific Ocean and a myriad of heavenly islands. This distant land is a true palette of colours: from the blue of its seabed to the green of its rainforests and the vermilion hues of its hinterland, travellers are amazed! Nature is preserved here and wildlife is preserved: whales, koalas and kangaroos can be observed in their natural habitat and there is the largest sand island in the world: Fraser Island. If you're still hesitating before packing, here are our 10 good reasons to love Queensland!
Discover the beaches and paradisiacal islands
If you like long sandy beaches and turquoise waters, Queensland is for you! The mainland coast, especially between Cairns and Port Douglas, is a small jewel. But it is also necessary to visit the surrounding islands like Fitzroy Island to fall totally under the charm of the region. This protected natural site is located off Cairns, 45 minutes by boat. It is home to one of Australia's most beautiful beaches: Nudey Beach and the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre where visitors can see turtles up close and observe the caregivers at work.
Spend a night in the heart of the rainforest
Australia's rainforests are among the oldest in the world. They are home to rare and endangered fauna and flora. In Cape Tribulation, North Queensland, it is possible to walk through the rainforest alone or with a guide. During the visit, do not miss the Wallaman Falls, Australia's highest waterfalls. In the evening, accommodation is provided in comfortable lodges or tree houses in the middle of the jungle
Immerse yourself in the culture of the Australian Aborigines
Australia's 50,000-year-old Aboriginal civilisation is one of the oldest in the world. In the Cairns region of Queensland, you'll learn about their traditions and history on Aboriginal guided tours of the rainforest. You can fish in the mangroves or practice throwing the boomerang, a symbolic object of this ancient culture
Entering the outback
Characterized by its red and arid lands, volcanic caves and breathtaking gorges, the outback is a typically Australian landscape. It starts about an hour from Cairns, inland, from Gulf Savannah. The caves of the Undara Volcanic National Park are a very popular attraction. This site appeared 190,000 years ago after a volcano erupted and remains, even today, one of Australia's greatest geological wonders.
Dive into the Great Barrier Reef
The world's largest coral reef stretches from Cape York in the north to Lady Elliot Island in southern Queensland. This exceptional site is home to 600 islands, 1,500 types of fish and 400 types of corals. Dive into this gigantic aquarium with a thousand colours is a unique experience! Water hiking activities are also organized to take the time to admire the different underwater species.
Wonder in the Whitsundays
The best way to discover the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef is to stay on one of the 74 islands of the Whitsundays, most of which are still uninhabited. By helicopter or seaplane, you can fly over the famous Heart Reef, a heart-shaped reef, before relaxing on the white sand of Whitehaven Beach, voted "Australia's most beautiful beach" on many occasions.
Discover Brisbane and the sunny South
Brisbane, Australia's third largest metropolis and capital of Queensland State, is worth a visit. An hour's drive inland, its hinterland seduces hikers: waterfall and subtropical rainforest form a splendid natural landscape. South of Brisbane, the Gold Coast is bathed in the sun more than 300 days a year, it is famous for its long beaches and numerous surf spots.
Visit Fraser Island and the Sunshine Coast
Fraser Island is the largest sandy island in the world. All its vegetation grows on the sand, even the rainforest. Here, everything invites you to swim: from the many freshwater lakes that dot the island to the "champagne pools", to natural whirlpools in the middle of the sea. Close to the island, there is the Sunshine Coast and its mild climate all year round. Its main town, Noosa, is home to a national park where, during a hike, you will surely have the chance to come face to face with a koala!
See wildlife
Queensland is one of only two states in Australia where you can pet a koala. You're sure to fall in love with this little animal! In wildlife parks or in the wild, you can also see Australia's iconic animals such as kangaroos, cockatoos, crocodiles and humpback whales. Seeing Queensland's unique wildlife in its natural habitat is an unforgettable and unmissable experience in Australia!
Learn about the "laid-back" art of living
In English, the term ugly-back refers to a person or a calm and relaxed situation. It is ideally suited to the Australian way of life, particularly in Queensland. Here, let's relax! The inhabitants are welcoming, smiling and always in a good mood. Isn't it due to the mild climate? One thing is for sure, you quickly succumb to this atmosphere!
