The climate is both tropical and subtropical - warm, sunny, with mild winters
Summer
October to April
Max temperature 29°C
Min temperature 21°C
Water temp 29°C
Winter
May to September
Max temperature 22°C
Min temperature 10°C
Water temp 19°C
Discover the colours of the Great Barrier Reef and beyond. The cool blue coast. The lush green rainforests. The golden beaches and sunshine. The red hot outback. The colourful towns and characters and the living kaleidoscope of the Great Barrier Reef. Queensland is the ultimate escape to paradise for travellers who want to explore the essence of Australia within one amazing destination.
All Queensland's colours are bathed in year-round sunshine, and with it's natural wonders, it is no surprise Queensland is a world-leader in nature based holidays. Snorkel, dive or sail the Great Barrier Reef or for the ultimate reef adventure, escape to an idyllic island resort. Hike through ancient rainforests with indigenous ranger guides or totally immerse into rainforest life with a stay in one of the many eco-lodges offering an oasis of rustic elegance. Explore the beauty and diversity of Fraser Island and venture to Queensland's outback to experience the intense colours of the landscapes.
Queensland is also one of the most naturally diverse places on earth so it's no surprise that it's awe-inspiring natural wonders are of such significant environmental value that five areas have been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
Of course, every traveller deserves to surrender to the ultimate in lavish, indulgent pampering after exploring these stunning sites and natural wonders and Queensland's luxury resorts, exclusive retreats and exquisite spas are guaranteed to restore vitality.
Cairns is the heart of Australia's tropics and the ideal base from which to explore the wider region with front door
access to World-Heritage-listed Reef and Islands, Rainforest and Outback. more
Australia's largest tropical beachside city with its rich colonial heritage is set at the centre of the Great Barrier reef and fringed by islands, wetlands and the Outback. more
Enjoy unspoilt beaches, National Parks with vast tracts of sub-tropical rainforest, tropical islands and the opportunity to spot platypus in the wild. more
Located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays comprises 74 tropical islands and the Whitsunday Coast. Enjoy scuba diving, island hopping and sailing. more
If you're looking for real Australian adventure, get out and explore Queensland's Outback. From rollicking stockmen, to quiet fishing spots, to desert sand dunes, and even the odd dinosaur. more
This region boasts some of the most spectacular coral on the Southern Great Barrier Reef, golden beaches, great fishing, Outback farmstays and National Parks. more
Situated around the Tropic of Capricorn - dividing the Temperate and Tropic Zones - explore tropical and temperate rainforests, over fifteen national parks and access to Great Barrier Reef islands. more
This is the heart of Queensland's sugar country and the southern access point to the Southern Great Barrier Reef. more
As Australia's fastest growing capital city, Brisbane thrives on an outdoor lifestyle, and delivers cosmopolitan dining, shopping, nightlife, cultural and recreational offerings. more
Rich in diversity and natural beauty, this region is home to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island and has been called the Whale Watching capital of Australia. more
Encompassing pristine coastline, surf beaches, lush scenic hinterland, superb cuisine, action, adventure and a relaxed casual lifestyle. more
A region of contrasts, the Gold Coast features a 70km stretch of coastline with patrolled surf beaches within a short drive of lush subtropical rainforests. more
Just west of Brisbane you'll discover natural wonders, country hospitality, great food and wine, endless sunflower fields and trees and vines full of ready-to-pick fruit. more
Queensland is one of the most naturally diverse places on earth so it's no surprise that it's awe-inspiring natural wonders are of such significant environmental value that five areas have been awarded a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
"To ask a Botanist with a growing family of children and grandchildren why he is mad about Queensland is a tall order!
I really don't know where to begin, let alone end... for Queensland is the holy grail of World Heritage"
Professor David Bellamy
1.Dive into the colourful underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef.
2.Discover the living museum of the Daintree and Cape Tribulation World Heritage National Parks.
3.Visit the Undara Volcanic National Park to see the 190,000 year old Lava Tubes.
4.A sailing trip to Whitehaven beach in the Whitsundays. Voted as one of the top 10 beaches in the world.
5.Take a scenic flight over the Heart Shaped coral reef in the Whitsundays.
6.Travel into the Queensland outback to view the 93 million-year-old fossils of a dinosaur stampede.
7.Pamper yourself at one of many spa retreats, all offering their own unique Australian twist.
8.Live the life of a celebrity at Palazzo Versace - the world's only Versace hotel.
9.Explore Fraser Island, the world's largest sand island in a 4WD vehicle.
10.Feast on the fresh tropical fruits and delicious seafood - available all year round in Queensland!
Tropical North Queensland
International and Domestic access via Cairns Airport
15 minutes to Cairns City
Coach $A12.5
Taxi $A15
1 hour to Port Douglas
Coach $A30
Taxi $A130
Whitsundays
Domestic access via Hamilton Island Airport – then boat transfer to other island destinations
Domestic access via Proserpine
40 minutes to Airlie Beach
Coach $A16
Taxi $A55
Southern Queensland
International and domestic access via Brisbane Airport.
Domestic access via Gold Coast Airport and Maroochydore Airport
