Queensland

Queensland is a large northeastern Australian state famous for its tropical climate, the Great Barrier Reef and sun-soaked tourist destinations. Its capital is Brisbane, and it is nicknamed the Sunshine State. Stretching along the Coral Sea, it offers some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions.

Queensland spans tropical rainforests, the vast Great Barrier Reef offshore, the resort coasts of the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, and the dry outback of the interior. It is Australia's second-largest state by area. The climate is largely tropical and subtropical.

Queensland culture revolves around outdoor and beach life, with a relaxed, sunny lifestyle and a passion for rugby league. Tourism is central, drawing visitors to the reef, islands and theme parks of the southeast.

Home to many Aboriginal peoples for tens of thousands of years, the region was separated from New South Wales to become its own colony in 1859. It grew through pastoralism, sugar, mining and tourism, becoming a founding state of Australia in 1901.