Queensland

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year Queensland and its tropical climate have earned the nickname of the Sunshine State. And brimming with that laid back Aussie vibe, you'll be feeling a sunshine state of mind as you explore the cities and towns, beaches, rainforest, reef, and outback of Queensland.

Whether you're as laid back as a koala or as lively as a kangaroo, there adventures for all ages in Queensland. View our Family Adventure in Queensland Lookbook for family-friendly suggestions or contact a Travel Consultant to start planning!

Explore Queensland

Brisbane & Surrounds

Brisbane (Aboriginal name: Meanjin; pronounced: mee-an-jin), the capital of the Sunshine State, offers a laid-back yet sophisticated vibe, where life revolves around being outdoors. Climb the iconic Story Bridge for panoramic views of the city, kayak or cruise along the Brisbane River, or unwind at Streets Beach, an architect-designed oasis right in the heart of the city. Outdoor dining thrives here, with a vibrant mix of restaurants, cafés and rooftop bars to suit every palate. In the South Bank precinct, the city’s cultural heart, you’ll find world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and sprawling parklands. History enthusiasts will be drawn to the MacArthur Museum, located in the city center. Brisbane also makes an ideal base for exploring nearby attractions, including the renowned Australia Zoo and the stunning Tangalooma Wrecks.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Nestled between the Coral Sea to the east and the rainforest to the west, Cairns (Aboriginal name: Gimuy; pronounced: gee-moy) is a nature-lovers nirvana. The vibrant dining scene and five-star hotels are the gateway to the breathtaking natural wonder of the Great Barrier Reef. Whether staying in the tropical city of Cairns or the secluded outer islands, you’ll be able to explore the world’s largest coral reef system by snorkel, boat or helicopter, discovering incredible scenery in every direction.

Port Douglas & Daintree Rainforest

Tucked away in Tropical North Queensland, Port Douglas is a laid-back town where the reef meets the rainforest and where luxury meets coastal charm. Just beyond the pristine beaches, boutique resorts and fine dining of “Port”, the Daintree Rainforest (Aboriginal name: Kaba Kada; pronounced: gada gaba) beckons adventurers to explore its lush flora and exotic fauna. Here, you’ll connect with culture through the local Indigenous people and immerse yourself in nature in the world’s oldest living ecosystem.

Queensland Outback

Channel your inner cowboy or girl as you journey into The Outback. With a backdrop of majestic sandstone cliffs, rocky gorges and ancient mountain ranges, the opportunities for adventure—like fishing, hiking, ATVing, waterfall chasing, wildlife spotting, paddleboarding, tubing, stargazing and scenic helicopter flights, to name a few—are as vast as the wide-open spaces. Step into history and immerse yourself in culture in the Queensland Outback.

The Whitsundays

From scenic peaks to coral cays, The Whitsundays are a picture-perfect South Pacific escape. Sail between secluded coves, dive into the colorful underwater paradise of the Great Barrier Reef and settle into total luxury at an exquisite island resort. There are endless white sand beaches for relaxing, beyond blue waters teeming with marine life for endless exploring, and breathtakingly magical sunsets to mark the end of each day spent in paradise.