What is Queensland? One of the five Australian states, with a subtropical climate, long beaches, lights coming from the hotel windows, the noise of the ocean influx and an opportunity to plunge into real exotics. The capital is Brisbane.


Don’t break corals.


The Great Barrier Reef is one of the world’s wonders. It stretches from New Guinea to the southern tropics. This coral reef system is more than 2000 kilometers long. Most of the reefs are underwater, but some can be seen on the water surface during the low-tide.


To observe all this, first thing you have to do is to get to Port Douglas – a nice place with a spacious berth. Each morning there are high-speed Quicksilver catamarans heading for the reef. 1,5 hours of a light breeze – and there it is, in the horizon – a huge pontoon drifting on the ocean’s surface. Tourists spend the whole day here – but even 12 hours is not enough to swim around, make a helicopter flight over the reef and feed sea inhabitants. And don’t forget to have your meals – the company offers a good choice of delicious food, prepared by best Queensland cooks.


Divers plunge into a wonderful world of underwater caves, corals and sea plants moving their tentacles in an attempt to catch fish. The water is perfectly clear, which is good if you want to take pictures. The only thing you have to be beware of are jellyfishes.


Scientists say that it takes the corals extremely much time to grow, and the largest of them are more than a thousand years old. That is why tourists are not allowed to break any pieces off, or they will be charged with a fine.


Animal life.


There are various cars driving along Queensland roads, but most people prefer classic jeeps with steel grilles on their hoods, in case one runs into a kangaroo – the animal can jump in front of a car and collide into windshield. The variety of animals is endless – ostrichs, giant lizards, cute downy koala… or a termitary covered with down? The highway reaches the ocean and runs along the ocean front: this is the place to enjoy a magnificent panorama of the Queensland coast: white sandy bays, black rocks, slopes covered with green forests… The forest rests on a Daintree River, which flows into the sea. Be careful, you can meet sea crocodiles here: they live in half-salt water and have extremely strong jaws.


The Edge of the World.


Farther to the north, you will see funny palm-trees which are used to get water – this is usually done in the morning. There is only one place where these trees grow – and its Queensland. Those who love exotics will like a stay at Coconut Beach Resort (Cape Tribulation) – two dozens of pile houses, each furnished with wicker chairs and tables. Jungles contrast with hotel comforts.


The road runs further, from Cape Tribulation to Cape York. Better use two cars if you want to get there – it will take long the rescue team to find you if anything happens to one of cars.


Cape York is one of the least explored places on Earth, full of aboriginal history and legends. This is the land of adventures, a deserted place, inhabited with spirits and strange creatures.


What can be better than an active and impressive holiday? If exotic adventures is something you really like – welcome to Queensland!