QUEENSLAND
Queensland, situated in the northeast corner of
Australia, is the country's holiday playground
attracting visitors all year round. It is known as the "Sunshine
State", and the major attraction is the incredible
underwater world provided off its coastline along the
Great Barrier Reef. The Reef is a World Heritage listed
marine park that stretches for more than 1,250 miles
(2,000km) along the Queensland coast; it is dotted with
idyllic island resorts and contains one of the most
diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth.
Further south, beyond Brisbane, the coastline is known
as the Gold Coast. Here visitors can swim and surf all
year round at 35 patrolled beaches along the 45 miles
(70km) of coastline. Brisbane is the capital city of
Queensland, while Cairns, in the tropical north, is the
gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
Travellers should be aware that especially during the
summer months (usually between October and May) the
shallow coastal waters of Queensland become infested
with marine stingers, commonly known as box jellyfish,
whose sting is highly dangerous and can be deadly. Many
beaches offer protected swimming with stinger nets in
place, or enclosed tidal pools, and surf lifesavers may
warn people off infested beaches. A lycra 'stinger suit'
may also be worn by swimmers as protection. |