The advertising slogan, possibly scribbled on the back of a coaster after a long lunch, was ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’. Catchy. Yes, the Sunshine State is beautiful, but it’s the unexpected that make it such a terrific place to visit.

• Brisbane - A nice place to live, and…
On the way into Brisbane from the airport you pass a billboard that boasts that Brisbane is Australia’s ‘most liveable city’, which is great for the residents, but what about the visitor? Many travellers see Brisbane as the place you have to go to before hopping north to the Sunshine Coast or south to the Gold Coast. Yes, it is only an hour or so from either ‘Coast’, and a few days in BrisVegas, as the locals call it, can be rewarding. More info...

• Gold Coast - All that glitters…
The Gold Coast is an hour by car or coach south of Brisbane and the flight from Sydney to Coolangatta Airport takes around an hour. The Gold Coast is Australia’s premier international and domestic destination … It has gorgeous, golden beaches, pristine rainforests, a lush hinterland, theme parks, a vibrant nightlife and exotic cuisine … It has all the ingredients for a feast of fun for solo travellers, couples and families alike. More info...

• Sunshine Coast - Sunshine on my shoulders
While there are great beaches and hinterland both north and south of Brisbane, if it comes to a choice between the Gold and Sunshine coasts, think Miami and theme parks for the Gold Coast and relaxed, family fun or a romantic break for the Sunshine Coast. On the Sunshine Coast you’ll find the Glasshouse Mountains, delightful hinterland villages full of arts and crafts, pristine beaches, national parks, surfing, boating, fishing, cosmopolitan dining, boutique and resort accommodation and a number of family-friendly man-made attractions. More info...

• The Great Barrier Reef - Pick an island, any island
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s great natural wonders. You can visit it on a day trip, sail around it, camp on a coral cay or check into one of the many resorts. More info...

• Tropical North Queensland - From rainforest to reef
Cairns is the main centre for the tropical north and it’s a modern, cosmopolitan, colourful city. It’s an ideal base to explore the reef, rainforest and Atherton Tablelands as is smaller and more charming Port Douglas… This is a great base for the outer Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and Cape Tribulation. More info...

• And More - From Airlie Beach to Yeppoon
Most visitors to Queensland head to the coast and/or the reef (a few more places there follow) but there are many towns inland that offer an insight into the outback and pioneering spirit. More info...

More Information

More information about Queensland can be found here:

• Events And Festivals
• Accommodation
• To See And Do
• Stories By Ian Heydon:
• Queensland People
• Theme Me Up Scotty - thrills on the Gold Coast
• The Nature of Christmas - yuletide at O’Reillys

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Queensland Tours With Tours To Go