Queensland

Queensland (QLD) is often known as the sunshine state and forms the north of the east coast of Australia, bordering both New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Queensland's capital is Brisbane in the south of the state. The diversity of the state is extreme with lush rainforests, fabulous beaches and deserts all calling Queensland their home. QLD is a backpackers dream and probably has the most to offer the traveller backpacking Australia.

Queensland’s climate is drastically different depending on the time of year, and where you are in the state. Summer months in the south are generally warm and sunny and in contrast, the north of QLD experiences heavy rainfall combined with high temperatures to create a humid environment. Winter months temperatures are warm in the north, and the rain subsides meaning an influx of visitors to the northern reaches of the state.

One of Queensland's most famous attributes is its coast line which draws visitors from all over the world. Probably the most famous of these attributes is the world famous Great Barrier Reef, which provides the traveller backpacking Australia, with some of the best diving on the planet.

However, Queensland's coastal beauty is not just confined to the Barrier Reef, there are many islands scattered off the coast such as Frasier Island and the Whit Sunday Islands, that are a must do on the backpacker trail. The states beaches are also a huge draw with Surfers Paradise and Mission Beach being two of the favourites.

The coastal scenery of QLD is breathtaking for the visitor, but the state also boasts some of Australia's most remote and beautiful national parks. The Simpson Desert in the west is a harsh experience of the real Australia, while the lush rainforests of the Northern Cape Tribulation are not to be missed.

As you would expect from a state whose main attraction is its coastline, most of Queensland’s towns and cities are perched on its awesome east coast. The Major exception Brisbane, the state capital is based 15 miles inland on the Brisbane River but is still one of Australia's most up and coming cosmopolitan cites. The coastal towns of Queensland are as diverse as the states environment. Surfers Paradise in the south is a mix of beautiful beaches and high rise buildings, and with a vibrant nightlife that pulls in the backpackers in their droves. Cairns in the north is the main gateway to the Barrier Reef, and the town is set up for the travellers backpacking Australia, with an abundance of backpacker hostels and an energetic entertainment scene.

Queensland has a lot to offer the backpacker, and fitting everything in can be the most difficult thing. The barrier Reef is one thing not to miss, and as a backpacker a 4x4 trip to Frasier Island and a sailing trip around the Whitsunday Islands is a must. Queensland is renowned as the adrenaline capital of Australia with sky diving, white water rafting and bungee jumping being easily accessible to the backpacker. Finally a trip to Cape Tribulation is just what the doctor ordered for a nice relaxing break after the hectic lifestyle of backpacking Queensland.

Queensland is set up for the traveller backpacking Australia and with this in mind the backpacker hostels are some of the best to be found in Australia. Cairns backpacker hostels seem to be on every corner giving you a huge choice. Brisbane backpacker hostels are reasonably priced and are situated in the heart of the action. Whereever you are in Queensland you won’t find it hard to find a backpacker hostel.