Brisbane & Queensland Coast — Destination Guide: Overview

Sun, surf and seafood are the mainstays of life along the naturally beautiful coastline of Queensland and in the state capital Brisbane. For most of the year the region’s warm climate encourages relaxation, although it also has the contradictory effect of energizing people to engage in countless outdoor activities. This results in the typical Queensland beach scene where bodies browning themselves on towels are surrounded by swimmers and surfers scampering to and from the waves. Gorgeous offshore islands such as the Whitsunday group are lazily navigated by cruising yachts, which deposit snorkelers and divers into clear waters. The natural ...

Sun, surf and seafood are the mainstays of life along the naturally beautiful coastline of Queensland and in the state capital Brisbane. For most of the year the region’s warm climate encourages relaxation, although it also has the contradictory effect of energizing people to engage in countless outdoor activities. This results in the typical Queensland beach scene where bodies browning themselves on towels are surrounded by swimmers and surfers scampering to and from the waves. Gorgeous offshore islands such as the Whitsunday group are lazily navigated by cruising yachts, which deposit snorkelers and divers into clear waters. The natural beauty continues back on dry land, where lush rainforests and a bushy hinterland offer some wonderful hikes. The growing cosmopolitanism of Brisbane is attracting more and more visitors, as are the eco-friendly attractions Queensland has become famous for – these include the excellent Australia Zoo, where you’ll be memorably exposed to local wildlife.

About the Expert

Paul Smitz has coauthored a dozen guidebooks for Lonely Planet, including Australia, New Zealand, Malaysian Borneo, Brunei, various Pacific Islands, Prague, and Brussels.