Queensland attracts more than half of all international tourists to Australia. Its tropical coastal strip includes sandy beaches, coral islands and plenty of sunshine.

In the far north, the Daintree Rainforest sweeps down to the sea. As the oldest rainforest on Earth, it nurtures spectacular wildlife. The Great Barrier Reef is one of the “Natural Wonders of the World”. As the largest World Heritage Area, it stretches more than 2000 kilometres alongside the coast, and is home to around 1500 species of fish and 350 types of coral.

West of Queensland’s Great Dividing Range are mine sites and huge cattle and sheep properties. The unique red and brown landscapes of Queensland’s outback span around 800,000 square kilometres. Closer to Brisbane, some of the largest sand dunes in the world attract travellers to Stradbroke, Moreton and Fraser Islands.

Those who explore further afield in Southeast Queensland will enjoy many wonderful and unique experiences including: Jondaryan Woolshed, Natural Arch, Springbrook Natural Park, the Gold Coast, feeding wild dolphins at Moreton Island, and whale-watching from many vantage points.

Queensland economy
Queensland is widely regarded as an engine room with strong business investment and economic growth, which generates tens of thousands of new jobs every year.

During 2006-2007, Queensland’s job growth was more than double the rate of the rest of Australia. Through its “Smart State” initiative, the Queensland Government has invested more than $3 billion in research and development and innovation. The characteristics of Queensland’s “Smart State” economy include a highly educated and skilled population; advancing productivity; a culture of creativity and innovation; and opportunities spread throughout Queensland communities.

Queensland’s economy has enjoyed a boom in the tourism and mining industries over the past 20 years. A sizeable influx of interstate and overseas migrants, large amounts of federal government investment, increased mining of vast mineral deposits and an ever expanding aerospace sector ensure that the State will remain Australia’s fastest growing economy in the foreseeable future.

Useful links

Brisbane Visitor’s Bureau  www.brisbane.visitorsbureau.com.au

Queensland Government www.qld.gov.au

Tourism Queensland www.tq.com.au

Study Queensland www.studyqueensland.qld.edu.au