No trip to sunny Australia is complete without a visit to its sunniest state, Queensland. Boasting some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, along with a warm climate and friendly, laidback locals, Queensland is the perfect holiday destination for international and domestic tourists alike. If you’re planning a trip down under, make sure that along with your travel insurance and a good strong sunscreen, you pack a Queensland guidebook…because you’re going to want to get familiar with this beautiful part of the country. Here, we’ve put together three of Queensland’s highlights. Enjoy!

The Whitsunday Islands

The breathtakingly beautiful Whitsunday Islands are located in Far North Queensland and are set amid the Great Barrier Reef, one of the world’s natural wonders. The Great Barrier Reef is attraction enough in itself, but couple that with the pristine white sand and clear turquoise water of the many islands that dot the sea, and you’ve got paradise on earth. Hamilton Island, Daydream Island and Hayman Island are all must-see attractions, with a range of sailing, snorkeling and diving to keep you busy. If that all sounds like too much work, simply lounge by the pool with a cocktail…we won’t tell!

The Sunshine Coast

The sleepy, laidback surf communities that make up the Sunshine Coast of Australia boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, as well as some of the best surf beaches. Beaches on the Sunshine Coast are as unpopulated as they are beautiful, so you can be guaranteed a quiet patch of sand all your own. There are also a range of charming rural communities in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast, so if you get sick of lying on the beach all day, take a drive out to experience some fresh local produce, or explore the nearby Glass House Mountains.

The Gold Coast

Australia’s Gold Coast is the Sunshine Coast’s flashy southern sister. Where the Sunshine Coast is quiet, the Gold Coast is loud, and at the hub of all the noise is bustling, vibrant and beautiful Surfer’s Paradise. This wonderland of delights includes a range of pubs and nightclubs, as well as restaurants, extreme sports activities and nearby theme parks that’ll get your adrenalin pumping. Surfers Paradise accommodation can book out quickly, particularly during the summer months, so make sure you book ahead, and prepare yourself for a party!

Queensland is a state that seems as though it was designed for tourism. The temperate weather and plethora of outdoor activities on offer will ensure it makes it to the top of your list of favourite things about Australia.

More info: Surfers Paradise accommodation