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There's a reason Queensland is where Australians go for holidays.

Encompassing the powder-white sands of the Gold Coast, exciting and ever-changing Brisbane, the laid-back seaside towns of the Sunshine Coast, the breathtaking Whitsundays and the twin natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree rainforest, Queensland is a full Australia vacation all on its own. With nonstop flights connecting both the United States and Canada, it’s never ever been easier to set down in Brissie and begin an unforgettable trip to Australia in the Sunshine State.

All that glitters is on the Gold Coast.

The Gold Coast is ideal for long days at the beach and long nights at local restaurants and bars.

Departing every 30 minutes from Brisbane Airport (BNE), Queensland’s Airtrain makes it easy for those not renting a car to reach the Gold Coast in as little as 90 minutes. Once you’re there, it’s hard not to be mesmerized by the waves crashing on the seemingly endless white sands. But if you can tear yourself away from the beach, the Gold Coast lies at the foot of the world’s largest sub-tropical rainforest. Two regions that illustrated its beauty are Springbrook National Park, home to serene Pullingbrook Falls, and Lamington National Park, home to countless hiking trails, over 2300 species of wildlife, and even boutique wineries whose products you won’t find on North American shelves. T

Be sure to spend a few days on the Gold Coast proper as well. If you don’t have a fear of heights (or you want to conquer one), get a bird’s eye view of the region at Skypoint atop the iconic Q1 building in Surfers Paradise. Prefer to keep your sightseeing on ground level? Immerse yourself in nature at Burleigh Heads National Park, or let your imagination wander amid mind-blowing contemporary Aussie art at HOTA. Visit the Jellurgal Aboriginal Culture Centre and get to know the traditional custodians of the region. Feeding the colourful lorikeets of Currumbin Sanctuary is a decades-old Gold Coast tradition. Then, feed yourself with delicious eats from around the world at Miami Marketta.

Whether you’re more into lazing on the beach with a good book, exploring the coast’s canals and waterways by kayak, spending a day with the local wildlife or just exploring the coast’s many shopping, dining and nightlife options, there’s something on the Gold Coast for everyone.

Nature thrives in big city Brisbane.

Uyuni transforms into a liquid mirror in the wet season.

Christian Baines

SouthAmerica - Contributing Writer

Christian’s first globetrotting adventure saw him get lost exploring the streets of Saigon. Following his nose to Asia’s best coffee, two lifelong addictions were born. A freelance writer and novelist, Christian’s travels have since taken him around his native Australia, Asia, Europe, and much of North America. His favourite trips have been through Japan, Spain, and Brazil, though with a love of off-beat, artsy cities, he’ll seize any opportunity to return to Paris, New York, or Berlin.