Queensland
Some states have got a catchy slogan and Queensland seems to really hit the jackpot with ‘beautiful one day, perfect the next’. You certainly won’t lack for sunshine in the Sunshine State. There are white sandy beaches which stretch forever, the rainforest areas are only a million plus years old, the Great Barrier Reef is a mere 2500 kilometres long and the islands close to the coast range from fabulous to fabulous plus. But there are downsides to backpacking in Queensland. You’ll need to spend up on sunscreen lotion and you’ll never fit in doing and seeing all the wonderful sites and sights available.
Brisbane is the capital, the third largest Australian city and tucked away in the south eastern corner of Queensland. If you look at a map you’ll see how you could holiday in that one corner of Queensland around the Gold Coast, the hinterland and Brisbane with maybe a Fraser Island trip thrown in for good measure. That island by the way is the world’s largest sand island. Just remember that Queensland, like Australia is big. You can see a road sign which says Roma 426. That’s a fair drive in anyone’s Chevy.
If you want to travel to say the Sunshine Coast or to Far North Queensland, to Cairns and further north, you can see it will take time. It’s a big state. Flying is the best option for those with a short break. Cairns is an international airport and if you wanted to spend time on the Reef, diving and fishing, then landing in Cairns makes sense.
There are backpacker hostels and hotels in many parts of Queensland. In fact the locals welcome backpackers and many employers even advertise for daily or seasonal work. Picking fruit is popular so if you want to make some money during your trip, Queensland is a great place to do just that. In Brisbane some hostels provide a free bus to run residents into the city. Other benefits are BBQ facilities, swimming pool, Xbox and internet access.
Discounts are always welcome and the International Student Exchange ID card is welcome Down Under. If you arrive without gear such as tents, walking gear, backpack, etc., you’ll find a wide range of quality items on sale in Queensland. International backpackers are most welcome and you can easily discover rules re visas, working in Australia, the goods and services tax [GST] and driving Down Under which is strictly on the left!
If you have a limited time in Queensland you should probably select one area and plan your activities in that area. You could tackle Brisbane and the Gold Coast or the Sunshine Coast or Far North Queensland or the Whitsunday islands. Of course there’s plenty to see and do inland as well and we’ll touch on the highlights to hopefully whet your whistle.
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the wonders of the world and is so big it can be seen from outer space. It’s a living reef with fish and coral and other plants to mesmerize and remember. You can swim, cruise, dive and fish in many parts of the Reef. You can even take a chopper ride out into the area. There are packages or you can do your own thing. It’s an amazing place and could easily occupy your entire Queensland holiday. The towns and cities along the coast have accommodation of all sorts and especially for the budget traveller. The fresh fruit and seafood is to die for.
The Whitsunday islands are dotted along the Queensland coast. There are thousands and many are uninhabited. Many which are inhabited have resort accommodation from the basic to the luxurious. Are you a sailing fan? Sailing the Whitsunday islands is a dream for any sailor because of the beauty of the place and the challenges it affords. Captain Cook did pretty well and he had no GPS or Queensland Tourist Authority maps!
FNQ or Far North Queensland is just that. It’s a long way from Brisbane and the other holiday spots in the south. There are the usual magnificent beaches but also the spectacular rain forests especially at Daintree. There are world heritage sites and a chance to enter tall forests which have been around for millions of years. Port Douglas was once a tiny fishing village but has now got accommodation for backpackers and some wonderful eateries.
Inland Queensland has many fascinating towns and sites including Winton. This is an opal centre, the place where QANTAS began, the site of a dinosaur stampede [for fossil freaks], Banjo Patterson country [he was a famous Aussie poet] and home to some wonderful heritage buildings. Again it’s the distance factor but if you’ve got the time and the transport, give it a go.
Travel Queensland, work there, holiday there, camp there and backpack your way around one of the sunniest places on Earth where in the middle of winter it’s still shorts and sunnies time.
Brisbane to Cairns
This package is the ideal way to see Australia on a budget whilst meeting other like minded travellers. All our transport is on deluxe coaches to ensure a comfortable ride between highlights. In each location you are looked after by local tour guides that know the region you are visiting and all the accommodation is centrally located and chosen for its amenities.....This is a great way to see Australia.
Budget Sailing in the Whitsundays
Experience the thrill of sailing and the comfort of cruising aboard Habibi. We welcome you to join us for 2 great days and 2 magical nights in the Whitsundays and 2 nights Airlie Beach. Habibi is a beautifully equipped and appointed sailing vessel that will enhance your Whitsundays sailing experience
Cairns to Brisbane
Highlights: Crocodile farm, Mission Beach, Whitsunday sailing, Mackay region, Kroombit Cattle Station, Rainbow Beach, Fraser Island, Brisbane
