of the popular and beautiful Cairns: extensive new Cairns & Around chapter and new map of Cairns´ northern beaches.
The Great Barrier Reef is more than 2,300km long. Moreton Bay´s original inhabitants participated in cooperative fishing with dolphins, who would herd prey towards their spears and traps. Southern right whales have been spotted as far north as Queensland´s Harvey Bay during migration season (the whales usually only migrate as far as Victoria or New South Wales). One job is created in Queensland for every 167 domestic or 65 international visitors.

Admit it: you´re here for the beaches, aren´t you? Sure, we all know that Queensland´s also got great dining, a thriving, accessible indigenous culture and a healthy international vibe. But it´s the sun-kissed beaches, gentle warm sea and coral reef you´re really here for, isn´t it?

GET WET - don scuba or snorkel gear and head beneath the waves to check out the Great Barrier Reef´s colourful scenes

GET BRONZED on some of Australia´s finest sun-kissed beaches in between dips in clear, warm waters to cool off

GET SCARED - whether dangling on the end of a bungy rope, leaping out of a plane or checking out a crocodile farm

GET STUFFED - fill your face with fresh seafood at a posh Noosa eatery, sample eclectic international fare at Cairn´s restaurants, or enjoy café lattes and live music streetside in Brisbane