Queensland (QLD)

Queensland overview

Queensland largest cities:
Brisbane, Cairns, Toowoomba, Mackay.

Total area: 1,723,936 sq. km.
Population: 3,539,000 (2004)
Approximate width west to east: 1,000
Approximate height, north to south: 2,000

Queensland is located in north-eastern Australia and it is the second largest state. More than half of Queensland lies above the Tropic of Capricorn. With its magnificent coastline, endless kilometres of sandy beaches, national park forests, lush tropical rainforests in the far north, forested mountains and massive wilderness areas, and the natural wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef.

Its capital is Brisbane on the east coast, on the banks of the Brisbane River, with a population of about 1.5 million.

Queensland origin of name

Named for Queen Victoria, the reigning monarch.

Queensland history

Queensland history began in 1825 when the first convict establishment was formed at Eagle Farm, in the Morton Bay district. The penal settlement came to an end in the year 1842, and the district was proclaimed open to free settlement.

From that date to December, 1859, Queensland was under the control of the New South Wales Government, the local administration being entrusted to a Government Resident.

Queensland separation from New South Wales took place in 1859 and its constitution was proclaimed on the 10th December of that year. The first representative Parliament of Queensland was opened on the 29th May, 1860.

Queensland economy

The bases of the Queensland economy are mining, tourism and agriculture. Queensland economy accounts for 24% of the total Australian mining production, 37% of Australia's beef production, and almost all of Australia's sugar production. Of the Australian States and Territories, Queensland economy was the third largest economy as measured by gross state product in 2003-04, (GSP), behind New South Wales and Victoria. GSP is the total value of goods and services produced in a state or territory, after deducting the cost of goods and services used up in the process of production.

The growth rate of the Queensland economy can be measured by the rate at which GSP is increasing. Queensland economy growth, measured by growth in real GSP, rose 5.2% in 2003-04, while economic growth for Australia, as measured by real GDP, rose 3.9%. Western Australia was the only state or territory to experience higher growth for 2003-04, at 5.6%.

Useful links:

Commerce Queensland | rank: 5/10
A non-Government organisation and the State's prime business association, delivering a range of services and represents business interests to government.
Bank of Queensland. Banking and finance Australia | rank: 5/10
Provides private and commercial banking services, loans, interest rates, company profile, and products.

Queensland education

Useful links:

Queensland Holidays - Tourism Queensland | rank: 6/10
Your official travel guide to Queensland Australia, including Queensland accommodation, tours, events and information.
The University of Queensland, Australia | rank: 8/10
Based in St Lucia, Gatton and Ipswich. Research and teaching university.
QUT | Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane Australia | rank: 8/10
QUT is a top Australian university providing quality undergraduate and postgraduate courses, with research relevant to industry and the community.
Central Queensland University | rank: 7/10
School of Nursing. Offers both undergraduate and graduate degree opportunities.
Welcome to James Cook University in Tropical Northern Queensland | rank: 7/10
JCU has an international reputation for quality research and teaching that serves a tropical and remote region.
Education Queensland | rank: 6/10
Information about the Department, schools, teachers and learning, and education links.

Queensland culture

Useful links:

Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) | rank: 5/10
Queensland's Premier performing arts venue, located at South Bank, Brisbane.
Queensland Museum Corporate | rank: 6/10
A virtual visit to Queensland's Museum of Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage.
Queensland Theatre Company | rank: 5/10
A touring theatre company listing program, costume hire, past and future shows.
Queensland Art Gallery | rank: 6/10
Features collection of Australian and international paintings, sculptures, decorative art objects and works on paper. South Brisbane.
Queensland Arts Council | rank: 5/10
Regional arts network that supports a network of over 60 local arts councils throughout Queensland and provides a broad range of performances, exhibitions, ...

Queensland sport

Useful links:

Queensland Rugby | rank: 5/10
Draws, competitions, tickets, merchandise, community rugby and latest news.
Netball Queensland | rank: 4/10
Provides news articles, area teams, events, and leagues.
Queensland Cricket - Home | rank: 5/10
Official QCA site providing access to resources and information for all participants. Includes fixtures and results plus supporter shopping. Queensland.
Welcome to The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland | rank: 5/10
Motoring organisation. Information on services including insurance, travel, finance, and security, plus news, road conditions, membership, and features.

Queensland main attractions

  • Indianapolis car race
  • Cape York Peninsula
  • tropical rainforests
  • fishing tropical islands
  • prospecting
  • Gold Coast
  • national parks
  • The Great Barrier Reef
  • surfing beaches
  • Sunshine Coast

The Gold Coast. This area, which includes Surfers Paradise, takes advantage of what nature has so generously provided, which is miles of golden sand, surf beaches and warm water. It attracts countless visitors (domestic and international) for the scenery and the party atmosphere.

The Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world. There are more than 1,000 islands in the Great Barrier Reef, accessible from Port Douglas, Cairns, Townsville, Airlie Beach, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg.

Useful links:

Tourism Queensland Corporate Home | rank: 6/10
Tourism Queensland Corporate Home Page Research, news and tourism information.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland | rank: 6/10
Guide to tourist services in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef area. Includes maps, accommodation, attractions, events and tour listings, travel information …

Queensland capital

Queensland capital is Brisbane. Start the day at Southbank Parklands on the Brisbane River where attractions include a beach, restaurants and entertainment. The markets held on several days of the week present local arts and craft. Adjacent to the parklands, the Queensland Cultural Centre incorporates the Performing Arts Complex, the Queensland Museum, the Library and the Art Gallery.