Queensland is Australia’s Sunshine State, with 261 days of sun each year, according to Adventure Queensland. The second largest state in the nation, it hosts many of its top attractions offering multiple opportunities for recreational pursuits along with countless ways to relax and soak up some spectacular scenery. If that isn’t enough, these five reasons should convince you that Queensland should be on your must-visit list.

 

Hiking Through All Five of the World’s Climatic Types of Rainforest

 

Queensland, Australia is the only destination where it’s possible to walk through all five of the world’s climatic types of rainforest on the planet, including cool temperate, tropical and subtropical, dry and warm temperate rainforests. It includes Daintree’s Wet Tropics, the world’s oldest tropical rainforest and a true biodiversity hotspot as well as Kuranda with its colorful village market and iconic wildlife at attractions like Koala Gardens where you can cuddle up to a koala. There are other ways to explore these rainforests too, like a cruise along the Daintree River for a good glimpse of saltwater crocodiles.

 

Snorkeling or Diving the Great Barrier Reef

 

Queensland has nearly 4,600 miles of coastline, 1,243 of which contains parts of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest living thing on the planet – so large, it can even be viewed from outer space. Visit the state and you’ll be able to snorkel or dive among a host of marine life, including sea turtles, over 1,625 species of fish, dolphins and whales, sharks and rays, and one of the most important dugong populations in the world. Along the coast you’ll find numerous options for hopping aboard a boat that will shuttle you out to experience it.

 

Experiencing Heart-Pounding Thrills on the Gold Coast

 

The Gold Coast is the place to go for thrill-seekers, home to the country’s most famous theme parks, including Movie World, Sea World and Dreamworld, which also hosts a variety of entertainment and provides the chance to get up close and personal with tigers.

 

Strolling Some of the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches

 

No matter what time of year you visit Queensland, you’ll have your choice of a long list of truly jaw-dropping stretches of sand. The weather is often idyllic in every season, even winter. The Whitsundays, which include 74 Island Wonders along its coast are home to some of the most magnificent beaches like Whitehaven Beach. Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, the white silica sand is framed by brilliant turquoise waters.

 

Relaxing at a Tranquil Retreat

While there are nearly endless activities to enjoy here, at some point it’s time to relax and rejuvenate. A wellness retreat in Queensland may be the ideal prescription, a place where you can dine on delicious but healthy organic meals and indulge in heavenly spa treatments, like deep skin cleansing with organic mud, a detox facial, body wrap or other therapies. Soothing sore muscles in a hot tub, swimming in an outdoor pool while marveling at the serenity of your environment and relaxing in a sauna is just a fraction of what you can expect to experience.