Queensland & The Great Barrier Reef Holidays

Who are Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef holidays best for?

Divers will love exploring the underwater world of the Great Barrier Reef and its vibrant wildlife, but anybody who loves the water will be in their element. Families, couples and solo travellers can sail, surf, snorkel and swim in the ocean and laze on the golden sands of the Queensland coast’s many beaches, enjoying the sunshine and friendly atmosphere. Foodies will also find plenty to delight in Australia with tasty eateries sprinkled across the country showcasing local produce and fabulously fresh ingredients. Meanwhile, for outdoorsy types, Queensland is heaven. Head to the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast (the names alone make you want to go there) and pay a visit to the idyllic town of Noosa, a mecca for laid-back hipsters and surfers. Head a little further north and you’ll find Great Sandy National Park, Tuan and Toolara state forests, and Fraser Island, all waiting to be explored.

What can you find in Queensland and in the Great Barrier Reef that you won’t find elsewhere?

The Whitsunday Islands are as close to paradise as you can get, with beautiful white sand beaches and incredible turquoise water. Take a catamaran tour and hop from island to island (there are 74 in total), enjoying the sun sea and sand of this tropical coast. The Great Barrier Reef is another natural wonder that with leave you slack-jawed and should be explored - responsibly - by anybody who loves to dive and snorkel. Back on the mainland, the ancient Daintree Rainforest remains one of Original Travel's favourite places, and you can also explore the channel country, the savannah country, Cape York, the Great Dividing Range and the Gulf country. Then there's the vast Outback, a landscape which seems endless and where every town has a story to tell. There are dinosaur footprints, wildflowers, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites and characters to share a beer with. Brisbane, meanwhile, offers the chance to experience sea and city simultaneously. This small but charming city has a great music and foodie scene and its own man-made beach for soaking up the sun and salty sea breeze.