Queensland Coast

Sun, surf and seafood are the mainstays of life along the naturally beautiful coastline of Queensland. 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. The incredible coral paradise of the Great Barrier Reef and gorgeous offshore islands such as the Whitsundays are lazily cruised by yachts, which deposit snorkelers and divers into the clear waters. ...

Sun, surf and seafood are the mainstays of life along the naturally beautiful coastline of Queensland. 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. The incredible coral paradise of the Great Barrier Reef and gorgeous offshore islands such as the Whitsundays are lazily cruised by yachts, which deposit snorkelers and divers into the clear waters. The natural beauty continues back on dry land, where lush rainforests and a bushy hinterland offer wonderful hikes and dreamy campgrounds. Queensland has a growing number of superb eco-friendly attractions. One of the best is the Australia Zoo, where visitors are memorably exposed to local wildlife.

About the Expert

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