Queensland Overview
Queensland with its sub-tropical / tropical climate is justifiably marketed as 'The Sunshine State'.
Advertisements aired in autumn and winter in the southern states of Australia, flaunt Queensland's sunshine, tempting holiday makers north to the warmer climate.
Queensland is one of, if not the fastest growing (both economically and population )states in Australia.
Like the other Australian states, Queensland is vast; to put its size into perspective; it will take over three days to drive from Brisbane to Cairns, which is not even at the far north.
The Tropics comprise around two thirds of the length of Queensland and are bordered by the Great Barrier Reef which stretches from around Bundaberg up past the northern tip of Cape York.
The state has hundreds of coastal islands some of which, for example the Whitsunday Islands, are developed with idyllic holiday resorts.
Brisbane
Queensland's capital, Brisbane, is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and makes an excellent base for touring both the flamboyant Gold Coast and the sophisticated, stylish Sunshine Coast.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef which extends over three thousand kilometres from around Bundaberg to north of Cape York is one of the most visited attractions in Australia.
Many operators offer excursions to the reef which can be explored by scuba diving, snorkeling as well as glass bottomed boats and submersibles.
The most popular destinations to explore the reef include Cairns and Port Douglas.
The film 'Finding Nemo' about a tropical 'Clown Fish' created an upsurge in interest in all things Australian and The Great Barrier Reef in particular.
Queensland's Islands
Queensland has hundreds of islands scattered off its coastline.
The Whitsunday Islands are perhaps the most well known and some have been developed into holiday resorts e.g. Hamilton Island, Brampton Island, Hayman Island and Daydream Island.
There is nothing quite like an island holiday for that sense of sheer escapism.
Far North-Gulf Savannah
To the far north of Queensland is Cape York and Gulf Country. In this extremely remote region, the Gulf of Carpentaria feeds the Gulf Savannah with a myriad of river systems.
Travel in this part of Australia is not recommended for the inexperienced or ill prepared but plenty of organised tours operate here.
The Tropical North
Tropical north Queensland is a contrast to the south with its rainforests, tablelands and tropical holiday resorts and Islands.
Cairns and Port Douglas are good locations to not only explore the reef but also The Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tablelands and Cape Tribulation.
Driving in Outback Australia can be hazardous and is not recommended for the inexperienced or un prepared. To experience the Australian Outback why not consider an organised tour?
Queensland Accommodation
Please see our Queensland accommodation map to book resorts, hotels and self catering appartments throughout the 'Sunshine State'.
Popular holiday locations include the Gold Coast, The Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Whitsunday Islands .
Q.L.D At A Glance
Climate:Temperate/Tropical/Humid
SIZE:1 300 000Sq Km
It is ~2400km from Brisbane in the south to the tip of Cape York in the north and ~ 1600km east to west from Brisbane to Birdsville.
Land Form Interior Desert,Lush Coast and Reef
CAPITAL:Brisbane
POPULATION: Circa 4.2 Million
Queensland Flag
Queensland School & Public Holidays
New Years Day Tue 1st Jan.
Australia Day Mon 28th Jan.
Good Friday 21st March.
Easter Monday 24th March.
Anzac Day Fri 25th April.
Labour Day Mon 5th May.
Queens Birthday Holiday Mon 9th June.
Christmas Day Thu 25th Dec.
Boxing Day Holiday Fri 26th Dec.
(End and start school on preceding and next week day (Mon - Fri) respectively)
School Starts Tue 29th January
Easter Holiday 7th April To 11th April.
Winter Holiday 30th June To 11th July.
Spring Holiday 22nd Sept To 3rd Oct.
Summer Holiday 15th Dec To Jan 21st.
Daylight Saving does not operate in Queensland
Note: Dates for guidance only. Always check with your individual School as variations may occur for individual education authorities or establishments and dates may be subject to change. Always check with relevant State or Territory education department to confirm holiday periods at the commencement of each school year. Not all Public Holidays for individual regions within each state and territory are shown and public holidays falling on weekends are not listed. Not all Public Holidays may be applicable to all employers, organisations etc so always check with your employer, education authority etc which public holidays are applicable.
The Dynamic South East
The lush and prosperous south east of Queensland is the location of the dynamic capital Brisbane, the extensive Darling Downs agricultural area and the holiday resorts of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Around an hour to the north of Brisbane is Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo (Steve Irwin is also known as 'The Crocodile Hunter' ) and the Sunshine Coast hinterland with its unique Glass House Mountains and quaint villages such as Montville.
