QUEENSLAND
Uninhabited islands, buzzing cities and breathtaking natural beauty: whether your idea of paradise is nature and wildlife or relaxing on golden sands, there is a perfect itinerary for you
Just a two-hour flight from Brisbane lie 74 of the most idyllic islands on earth
WHERE ON earth can you be lying a beautiful beach with the sea lapping at your toes in the morning, before cooling off in a tropical rainforest that afternoon? Where can you swap a string of the world’s most picturesque islands for the rugged Outback with just a short flight or meet some of the most exotic animals in the world on land or at sea?
The answer is Queensland, Australia, where the incredible diversity of its landscape – and friendliness of the locals – make it a unique and wonderful place to visit. And now’s the perfect time to go, because their summer is just around with corner, with the mercury set to touch 30°C most days.
But with so much to see and do, where do you start? In vibrant Brisbane, of course – because, cultural and cool, this modern city offers so much. Why not cruise or canoe down the Brisbane River, take one of the many food, beer and wine tours or climb the stunning Story Bridge?
But if it’s sand and sea you’re after, head an hour south of Brisbane for the world-famous Gold Coast shoreline. It boasts 30 different beaches along a 34-mile stretch of glorious coastline and, with more canals than Venice, you’ll be sure to find one that’s perfect for you, whether you love surfing, sunbathing or dolphin spotting.
A beautiful 45-minute drive away from those perfect white sandy beaches is a fabulous Queensland secret – the Hinterland. Up in the lush mountains of Lamington National Park you can trek through landscapes as old as dinosaurs, exploring extinct volcanoes and mysterious caves, before cooling off under waterfalls or in streams. THE ISLANDS OF YOUR DREAMS Ever dreamed of lying on the beach of an uninhabited island where pristine white sand meets clear blue sea? Then visit the Whitsunday Islands.
Just a two-hour flight from Brisbane lie 74 of the most idyllic islands on earth, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, trek or just relax. And if
high-octane adventure is what you need to complete your holiday, why not hire a jetski, go sky-diving or see their natural beauty from the skies in a helicopter or seaplane?
Just four of the 74 magical islands are inhabited. Make sure you don’t miss the stunning four-mile-long Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island, whose natural beauty will blow you away. If you’re a keen sailor or golfer, make Hamilton Island your base, where the accommodation ranges from family-friendly apartments to pure luxury.
And, of course, these 74 are just a few of the 1050 islands that stretch along the length of the Great Barrier Reef, a natural wonder of the world at 1,430 miles long. Here you can dive with sharks, whales, dolphins, stingrays and a host of smaller creatures in the largest kaleidoscope of coral and marine life on earth: an absolute must for any diver.
LAND OF DISCOVERY
MORE than 500 miles north of the Whitsundays lies Port Douglas, the gateway to Daintree National Park. This World Heritage-listed area is home to the world’s oldest rainforest and the largest range of animals and plants on earth. See the endangered cassowary bird and musky-rat kangaroos, then discover ferns that survived the dinosaurs and cruise down rivers, spotting crocodiles and turtles. And if you’re interested in Aboriginal culture, be sure to visit the Mossman Gorge, home to the Kuku Yalanji people, who enjoy sharing their unique heritage with visitors.