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Find natural, man-made wonders in Sydney

QUEENSLAND is Australia's second largest State in area, occupying a little over 22 per cent of Australia's total landmass. Around 3.8 million people call Queensland home, representing around 19 per cent of Australia's total population.

Once regarded as little more than an overgrown country town, Queensland's capital Brisbane has today come of age.

A hip, modern city bustling with excitement awaits the visitor with an abundance of stunning cafes, restaurants and exciting shops lining the city streets, providing an ambience of typically relaxed Queensland style.

Brisbane's sub-tropical climate is accentuated by its near perfect weather and proximity to some of the world's great beaches in the Gold and Sunshine Coasts.

Endless world-class sporting and cultural events saturate the Brisbane calendar year and the blue waters of Moreton Bay provide endless aquatic options for indulging in your favourite blue water activity.

National parks, bayside islands, fishing adventures, tropical parks and gardens, golf courses, rainforest and mountain experiences abound and with the possible exception of snow, there is nothing that Brisbane can't offer.

Outside of Brisbane, within Queensland's vast borders are an endless array of amazing experiences which are certain to satisfy. The incredible majesty of the world's largest living creature - the Great Barrier Reef - lines much of Queensland's vast coastline.

The Reef is a truly wondrous marine environment. Below the water, thousands of species of marine creatures provide a stunning world of movement and colour, while above the water thousands of islands and coral cays explode from the azure-coloured water to reveal one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

Queensland also has some of the world's most pristine tropical rainforests, including the World Heritage listed Daintree in the north, an abundance of Australia's popular and unique wildlife, the true 'outback' including vast deserts and plains, and a host of country towns for those wishing to explore the 'real' Queensland.

Along the Queensland Coastline, and further inland lie hundreds of cities and towns, each providing its own unique slice of the state. Queensland is the only State in Australia where more than half the population reside outside the capital city. This fact alone is testament to its remarkable diversity.

From the spectacular high-rise complexes of the Gold Coast to the colourful gardens of Toowoomba to Brisbane's west, and the tropical beauty of Townsville and Cairns to the north, to highlight but a few, Queensland has been designed to please.

Queenslanders dress casually and play hard. They visit coffee shops, theatres and bars comfortable in their own safety and free from fear. Queenslanders play sport and strive for excellence. The pleasant weather and high standard of living ensure leisurely outdoor activities occupy much of their spare time.

Culinary delights including mouth watering seafood, tropical fruit and the world's best meats ensure a Queenslander's taste buds and never left wanting.

For international students, a wide variety of high-quality institutions, schools and universities continue to provide the education, training and skills which has seen Queensland's reputation become one of the world's most respected.

Queensland also boasts four international airports, over 230 fine public and private hospitals and a comprehensive assortment of accommodation options, from affordable backpacker hostels to five-star international resorts.

Queenslanders are renowned worldwide for their friendly embracing character. Few who have experienced the lifestyle and beauty of Queensland would rather live anywhere else.