Queensland

Almost three times the size of Texas, Queensland takes up a huge chunk of eastern Australia, and is subsequently a place of enormous variation. Ancient rainforests coexist with vast tracts of outback desert, immense plains, wooded mountains and substantial wilderness areas. It's the holiday state - a place of resort islands, endless sunshine, azure beaches backed by dense tropical forests and an affable population of languid, sun-browned Aussies. Offshore is one of the great natural wonders of the planet - the Great Barrier Reef. Dating back millions of years, the reef is impossibly extravagant with its colorful coral and teeming marine ...

Almost three times the size of Texas, Queensland takes up a huge chunk of eastern Australia, and is subsequently a place of enormous variation. Ancient rainforests coexist with vast tracts of outback desert, immense plains, wooded mountains and substantial wilderness areas. It's the holiday state - a place of resort islands, endless sunshine, azure beaches backed by dense tropical forests and an affable population of languid, sun-browned Aussies. Offshore is one of the great natural wonders of the planet - the Great Barrier Reef. Dating back millions of years, the reef is impossibly extravagant with its colorful coral and teeming marine life. Snorkeling or diving the reef is a not-to-be-missed attraction of Queensland. Cairns, a city built for leisure, is the launching pad for Reef adventures. Brisbane, the capital, is an attractive river city growing at an enormous pace and offers myriad cultural opportunities, such as exhibitions of Aboriginal artworks. If you're here anytime between August and November don't miss whale-watching along the coastline, with Hervey Bay, the departure point for Fraser Island, being one of the best spots to see humpbacks.

About the Expert

Alan Murphy is coauthor of Lonely Planet's Britain, Scotland, India and North India. He has been writing and updating travel guidebooks for the past eight years.