Discover the Wonders of Tropical North Queensland, Australia

By Australia and New Zealand Travel Expert, Alece Schreiber.

Cairns in north Queensland and the Great Barrier Reef are a wonderful, breathtaking and unforgettable experience.

When we hear the words "Great Barrier Reef", what comes to mind are diving and snorkeling in the crystal waters of Australia's far north. The Reef is in Queensland, the tropical state of Australia. But, Queensland is so much more.

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, both near Brisbane have beautiful beaches, well patrolled and safe for swimming all year. Queensland is "on holiday" all year round. Look for Dreamworld, Sea World, Wet 'n' Wild Water World and the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. These are all great places to take the family.

Go to an island. From Lizard Island in the far north to Heron Island at the southern end of the Reef and at all the Islands in between, you will find the best snorkeling and scuba diving in the world. Lizard and Heron are the only 2 Islands that lie right atop the Reef.

However, Hayman, Green, Fitzroy, Dunk, Bedarra, and Lady Elliot are among the Islands that are less than 1 and 1/2 hours from the Barrier Reef by hotel boats.

For those that want to visit this diverse state and want to combine the Reef with the Rainforest and an Aboriginal Cultural experience, the city of Cairns is the best choice. From this laid-back resort town, one can go on full day Reef trips, or go white water rafting, and biking. You will also be at the gateway to Daintree National Park, a World Heritage listed site. From Cairns, one can go to Kuranda for the day to learn about the Aboriginal peoples and their heritage.

Remember, that in Australia, north is south and south in north. And summer is winter and winter is summer. So, this makes Queensland an ideal vacation spot for North Americans from the east coast trying to escape winter. However, Queensland is warm all year round and a great spot to combine with a multi-stop Australian holiday.