Brisbane Australia, capital of Queensland is a mix of modern and older buildings, having become cosmopolitan in nature since the 70s and generally has a more relaxed atmosphere to its southern neighbor, Sydney. Still, it has a lively shopping and restaurant scene.
Only a few hours drive away are the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, while to the west is Darling Downs, only a ninety minutes drive west.
On the Gold Coast Queensland, there are the tourist meccas of places like Surfers Paradise, aptly named for its many surfing beaches but also its bustling nightlife.
The Sunshine Coast, to the north of Brisbane, has some wonderfully charming places like Noosa National Park and Mayborough, with its pride of grand Queenslander houses.
Also, just off the Queensland Coast near Maryborough is the largest sand island in the world, Fraser Island. This world heritage listed place measures some 123km by 25kms and consists of valleys, rainforests, fesh water lakes and beautiful beaches, including Seventy-Five Mile Beach. See more about the Fraser Coast.
