Queensland is a vibrant, sunny state in Australia. It’s the second-largest state in the country. Here are 10 fun facts about Queensland that’ll help kick off your time in Queensland.
1. Queensland has a big pineapple and a big banana
Queensland is home to the quirky ‘big fruit’, such as the Big Pineapple, the Big Banana and the Big Mango. These ‘big things’ are perfect opportunities for a road trip photo!
2. Queensland is home to the largest coral reef system
Queensland is home to one of the most incredible natural wonders of the world: The Great Barrier Reef. It stretches a whopping 2300 kilometres across the entire coast, and has the largest coral system in the world. It has over 1,500 species of fish, more than 2,900 reefs, as well as over 900 islands.
3. You can ski on the sand
On Moreton Island or K’gari, you can ski on pristine beaches, freshwater lakes, and sand hills. Perfect for this unique activity, grab a board and hike up a dune. Whizz down the sand at thrilling speeds.
4. Queensland has five World Heritage-listed sites
There are only a few places in the world that match the natural beauty of Queensland. Many spots are UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, such as….
- The Great Barrier Reef
- The Wet Tropics of Queensland
- The Gondwana Rainforests
- Fraser Island (K’gari)
5. Crocodiles live here
If you’re exploring northern Queensland (especially around the coastal rivers and estuaries) then you’ll see the crocodile warning signs. The freshwater and dangerous saltwater crocs inhabit the region. While the attacks here are rare, locals and visitors are still advised to remain cautious.
6. The Gold Coast has more canals than Venice
The Gold Coast isn’t only known for its surfing beaches and vibrant nightlife – it’s also an intricate network of canals. The canals are over 400 kilometres long, but it has more than double the length of the waterways that there are in Venice.
7. Brisbane wasn’t always the capital of Queensland
Originally a place to incarcerate the most severe criminals from Sydney, it ultimately evolved into the cultural hub we know today.
8. The Daintree is the oldest rainforest in the world
The Daintree has the oldest rainforest in the world! There are over 400 kilometres of this rainforest is a whopping 180 million years old.
9. It has the most sunshine in all of Australia, with some towns getting over 300 days a year
It’s called the Sunshine State for a reason! Queensland earns 300 sunny days a year. Towns like Rockhampton can get up to 300 sunny days a year.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.