Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.Neighbouring countries include Indonesia, East Timor and Papua New Guinea to the north, the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia to the northeast and New Zealand to the southeast.
For at least 40,000 years before European settlement in the late 18th century, Australia was inhabited by indigenous Australians,who belonged to one or more of the roughly 250 language groups.After discovery by Dutch explorers in 1606, Australia's eastern half was claimed by Britain in 1770 and initially settled through penal transportation to the colony of New South Wales, formally founded on 7 February 1788(although formal possession of the land had occurred on 26 January 1788). The population grew steadily in subsequent decades; the continent was explored and an additional five self-governing Crown Colonies were established.
On 1 January 1901, the six colonies became a federation and the Commonwealth of Australia was formed. Since Federation, Australia has maintained a stable liberal democratic political system and is a Commonwealth realm. The population is 22 million, with approximately 60% concentrated in and around the mainland state capitals of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. The nation's capital city is Canberra, in the Australian Capital Territory.
A prosperous developed country, Australia is the world's thirteenth largest economy. Australia ranks highly in many international comparisons of national performance such as human development, quality of life, health care, life expectancy, public education, economic freedom and the protection of civil liberties and political rights.Australia is a member of the United Nations, G20, Commonwealth of Nations, ANZUS, OECD, APEC, Pacific Islands Forum and the World Trade Organization.
Queensland welcomes people from interstate and overseas with ideas, skills and initiative to share a quality of life that ranks with the best in the world. A relaxed lifestyle, affordable homes and easy commuting make Queensland one of Australia's most attractive places to live and work.
With up-to-date technology and services, the lowest taxes in Australia and plenty of space to develop and expand, Queensland is the preferred location for many new businesses each year.
The people of Queensland enjoy an outdoor lifestyle with world class beaches and waterways, national parks, rainforests and tropical reefs. Our pleasant climate (average summer temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius, average winter temperatures of 15 degrees Celsius) means that Queenslanders enjoy more winter sunshine and warmth than most other Australian states.
Queensland's enviable lifestyle ensures that its current population of over 4 million continues to grow and prosper.
Accommodation in Queensland is as varied as our expansive State. Thousands of Queensland hotels, B&Bs, resorts and hostels mean you can find a place to rest, tailor-made to your holiday plans.
Sip freshly brewed coffee on your hotel balcony overlooking the ocean. Enjoy gourmet restaurant dining at a Queensland resort. Or be welcomed in a Bed & Breakfast where local hosts offer inside knowledge on great destinations. Or consider farmstay accommodation where you can experience country Queensland. If you’d rather enjoy a night on the water, spend your time on a houseboat or a holiday apartment near the beach. Whatever your taste in accommodation, you'll find it in Queensland!
Stay at a pretty hinterland farm and embrace rural life or delve into the rugged Outback lifestyle at a working cattle or sheep farm. Experience country life to the fullest extent at a Queensland Farm Stay.
