Queensland holidays

‘The Ship struck fast… we had got upon the South-East Edge of a reef of Coral Rocks, having in some places round the Ship 3 and 4 fathoms Water…’ This was how Captain James Cook rather unceremoniously discovered the world’s largest living organism, the Great Barrier Reef: his Endeavour ran aground on it.

Nowadays, Queensland’s headline attraction is an increasingly fragile biome that Australia is striving to protect. But, you can still experience its unspoiled coral gardens and marine life responsibly. Our specialists can advise on exploring the reef by snorkel, scuba tank, or sail, perhaps with a stay at one of the Whitsunday Islands ― sandy, little-developed idylls.

Then there are Queensland’s inland highlights. Visit the Daintree Rainforest, home to some of the world’s rarest plants, and the Atherton Tablelands, a pastoral region of farmland and filmy waterfalls. Take a guided rock-art tour near Cooktown with an Aboriginal elder. Or, escape to the surf beaches of the Sunshine Coast and take in the urbane, alfresco city of Brisbane. Our specialists know this vast but varied area of Australia in detail, and they’ll craft your trip to take in all its riches, both offshore and on terra firma.