Queensland

Overview

Some of Queensland’s top cities include Brisbane, capital and largest city of the state; Gold Coast, renowned for its beaches and surfing; and Cairns, which boasts breathtaking white-sand beaches. Regional Queensland features the Sunshine Coast, known for its waterways, lush rainforests, and subtropical climate; Hamilton Island, home to one of Australia’s most beautiful beaches, Whitehaven Beach; and Port Douglas, a chic and serene seaside village. 

What to See

Brisbane - The capital and largest city of the state of Queensland, Brisbane is known for its subtropical climate and classic Queenslander architecture. 

Gold Coast - This city and region with 44 miles of golden sand is renowned for its long beaches, an intricate system of inland canals and waterways, and epic surfing. 

Cairns - Located on the tropical northeast coast of Queensland, Cairns is considered the gateway to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. 

Palm Cove - This tropical suburb of Cairns, aptly named after the palm trees that line its shore, is a chic and serene beachside village by the Coral Sea. 

Sunshine Coast - Queensland’s aptly named Sunshine Coast is famed for its white-sand beaches, waterways, lush rainforests, subtropical climate, and national parks. 

Hamilton Island - This paradisiacal island is beautifully located along the world-famous Great Barrier Reef and is part of the stunning Whitsundays chain. 

Lizard Island - This secluded island is known for its powdery white-sand beaches, world-class snorkeling, breathtaking Blue Lagoon, and large goannas, the monitor lizards that give the island its name. 

Port Douglas - This chic yet relaxed seaside village on the Coral Sea in Queensland’s tropical north is known for its beach resorts.