Queensland vacation rentals

Finding the perfect Queensland pad

Queensland is the north-east cornerstone of federal Australia. It's beloved of adventurers and city buffs alike, and manages to pack in all sorts of amazing experiences. Queensland vacation rentals range from salt-washed shacks, in gnarly towns like Surfers Paradise, to palm-shaded villas with pools, overlooking the shimmering inlets of Cairns. Many pepper bustling Brisbane, a ticket to boho bars and cool art galleries. Others hide in the Outback, surrounded by rodeo towns and dusty deserts. Whether you prize exploration, R&R, surfing or diving, there's sure to be something that's perfect for you.

Queensland – home to the Great Barrier Reef

If there's one attraction in Queensland that trumps all others, it's surely the majestic Great Barrier Reef. This vast stretch of glistening corals and underwater life is visible from space. It's a Wonder of the Natural World and the largest coral cluster on the planet. Much of it is protected by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, which stretches across mangrove swamps and reefs, all the way from the Sunshine Coast in the south to Somerset in the north. For a glimpse of the wonder on land, check out the Reef HQ Great Barrier Reef Aquarium in Townsville City.

Queensland – a haven for adventure

Queensland promises adventures of all sorts, shapes and sizes. Along the coast, you can blow bubbles from scuba tanks while seeking out resplendent coral gardens, wax down surfboards and conquer curling Pacific tubes, go dolphin watching or whale spotting, if the season's right – the list goes on. Back inland, rainforests and jungles converge on waterfalls and canyons. Such wilds beckon campers and picnickers, hikers and safari-lovers – just keep the eyes peeled for cute koalas, wherever you go.

Queensland's tropical edge

One of the reasons that Queensland vacation rentals remain popular year-round is that they poke into the tropics. Up in Cairns, the Whitsunday Islands and beyond, that means a summer rainy season between November and April. It brings daily downpours and attracts some nasty sea creatures to the coast. While that's best avoided in some parts, a trip to Brisbane or the Sunshine Coast during the summer could be perfect. Spring – September and October – is a fine balance. It tends to stay dry and have good warmth all over the state.

The many faces of Queensland

Queensland is huge. It ranges from the palm-fringed inlets of Cairns to the dry and dusty Outback, managing to pack in misty rainforests and coral reefs along the way. The most iconic natural feature is surely the Great Barrier Reef, which strings through the Pacific for over 2,300 kilometers. You'll find loads of coveted Queensland vacation rentals in the Whitsundays – gorgeous islands that have white-sand beaches and cerulean waters. Then come reserves like Tully Gorge and Gadgarra, home to old-growth rainforests, roaring waterfalls and some uber-rare tropical birds.

Transportation to and around Queensland

The nearest airport is in Richmond, QLD (RCM), located 30.7 mi (49.4 km) from the city center.

If you prefer to travel by train, Maxwelton Station, Richmond Station and Julia Creek Station are the main stations in the area. You can see more of Queensland by catching a ride on the metro at Forsayth Station, Midgee Station or Grandchester Station.