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Queensland

Queensland (pronounced  KWEENZ-land) is the northeastern state of Australia, famous for natural wonders, such as the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest or K'gari. Its population of 5 million are mostly found in the capital Brisbane and the nearby city of Gold Coast in southeast, whereas much of the rest of the state is sparsely populated.

Climate shifts within Queensland; the inland west is desert, the north is tropical with a wet and a dry season, and the south-east is subtropical. In the (southern) winter, it is a popular getaway for sun-seeking Australians from further south.

There are five UNESCO World Heritage Sites spread across the whole state, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia, K'gari, and the paleontology of Riversleigh. There are also two sites on the tentative list: the Bunya Mountains National Park, home of the 10-kg bunya pine, and the Cooloola section of the Great Sandy National Park.

Cities

 * – the state capital
 * – the ginger beer capital of the world, home to the world famous ginger beer company "Bundaberg"
 * – popular holiday spot in North Queensland is a gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
 * – famous for Surfers Paradise
 * – known for its beaches, an alternate holiday spot to the Gold Coast
 * – an alternate gateway to the Great Barrier Reef
 * – industrial and agricultural centre of the north, and is the regional centre of Central Queensland
 * – a budget and northerly alternative to the Gold Coast
 * – colloquially called the Capital of North Queensland

Other destinations

 * (Lawn Hill) – home to Riversleigh, one of the largest fossil deposits in Australia and a world heritage site along with several scenic gorges.
 * – known for its impressive landscape and its large amount of rock art
 * – the world's oldest living rainforest with lush tropical rainforest of breathtaking beauty including lowland rainforest, swamps, mangroves and beaches – all available via walking tracks
 * – World Heritage listed island and the only place on the planet where rainforest grows on sand. Over 120 km long and 30 km across at its widest point. Features a wealth of natural attractions including pristine fresh water lakes, champagne pools, amazing coloured sand formations and a shipwreck.
 * – according to Captain Cook, they apparently "looked like glass houses"
 * – the world’s largest living organism, stretching over 2,000 km in length and 348,000 m² (larger than the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Switzerland combined). Home to tens of thousands of species of brilliantly coloured fish, corals and other marine life including whales, dolphins and turtles.
 * – the largest island on the Great Barrier Reef

 * – the most prominent park of the Qld section of the World Heritage listed Gondwana Rainforests of Australia. Located in South East Queensland, is the most extensive areas of subtropical rainforest in the world with large areas of warm temperate rainforest and nearly all of the Antarctic beech cool temperate rainforest.
 * – off the coast in Central Queensland and home to some of the world's whitest beaches.

Understand
Known as the Sunshine State, Queensland is about seven times the size of Great Britain, and is larger than every US state and all Canadian jurisdictions but Nunavut. It offers a diverse array of pristine rainforests, endless beaches, mountain peaks, rangelands and laid-back communities that conjure a southern Shangri-La. Queensland also has its unique Outback culture – something that's not often associated with the state.

Before travelling to Queensland, the first thing you should remember is that Queensland is huge and you will not be able to explore all of it at once, or doing that would be trying to attempt the entire American south in one go. The state stretches from -9° from the equator in the north down south to -29° which is about as the crow flies. For those that find it hard to conceptualise, Vancouver in Canada to Tijuana in Mexico is only as the crow flies and  from Florida Keys to Toronto – so more than an entire coastline of the United States except that it's confined to a single state. Even if you visit Queensland as many times as you possibly could, the state is never short of something to offer.

One noticeable distinction that you might notice is that Queenslanders have a strong sense of identity, more so than the other mainland states. That is, someone from Queensland is more likely to say they're from Queensland than Australia. It also means that placenames are more likely to be identified by its state, so you're more likely to encounter "Thursday Island, Queensland", as opposed to "Thursday Island, Australia", per se. The main exception to this is Cairns, which should be no surprise as it's one of the state's major international tourist destinations.

History
The first people to settle Queensland were Indigenous Australians around 60,000 years ago and it is believed that over the course of 10,000 years the entire continent including Queensland was subsequently settled. How they came is not exactly known, but it's likely they came via boat or land bridge across Torres Strait (the Torres Strait was land before the last ice age), and became divided into over 90 different language groups.

Starting around 25,000 BC, when the Ice Age began, large areas of the area were temporarily uninhabitable. With the end of the Ice Age around 15,000 BC, humans and animals spread across the land again. There were many semi-permanent indigenous settlements, especially along the coast, but also in the mountainous areas and inland. The population of the area which makes up Queensland today before the colonisation of Australia is estimated at between 200,000 and 500,000.

The first known European to set foot on Queensland was the Dutch explorer Willem Jansz in what is now the town of Weipa in the Cape York Peninsula in the north in 1606. The state was also explored by Dutch, Portuguese and French navigators. Captain James Cook made his famous voyage along the coast in 1770 by sailing along the east coast of the state. At Possession Island, he had claimed the entire east coast of Australia for Britain.

Queensland became a part of New South Wales in 1824 and was established as a separate colony by Queen Victoria on December 10, 1859. The first elections took place in 1860.

In 2009, Queensland celebrated the state's 150th anniversary and several "Q150" icons have continued to play a vital role into the Queensland today, some way or another.

Politics
A founding state in the Commonwealth of Australia, Queensland is a parliamentary monarchy and is divided into 53 administrative regions.

King Charles III is represented as head of state by the Governor of Queensland, while the head of government is the Premier who is appointed by the Governor but must have the support of the Queensland Legislative Assembly. As of 2024, the Premier of Queensland is Labor Steven Miles who forms an "Executive Council" from among the 93 members of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.

The elected members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland are responsible for legislation. Queensland is the only state in Australia with a unicameral system. The members of Queensland's Legislative Council, the state's lower house, voted to abolish the body themselves in 1922. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the Governor from among the members of the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of the premier.

In 2001, the state passed a new constitution, repealing most of the various Acts of Parliament that had built the constitution. The new constitution took effect on June 6, 2002, on the anniversary of the formation of the independent colony of Queensland upon the signing of the Letter Patent by Queen Victoria in 1859.

Climate
Queensland is largely located in the tropics meaning that the further north you go, the temperature difference between summer and winter becomes more a case of rainfall. The dry season is from April to October and is usually the best time to explore North Queensland as the roads are very passable (particularly in July and August) and is cooler in Brisbane and Surfers Paradise and therefore winter is the recommended season for the entire state. It's hardly cold but mostly in the mid-20s C but this is subject to region – some parts in the north can go to the low 30s during the winter, but remember that most of Queensland is within 28 degrees from the equator.

The rainy season is from November to March and the area north of Townsville is then regularly plagued by heavy rainfall and an occasional cyclone (hurricane) or tropical storm. During this period it can be oppressively hot due to the high amount of moisture in the atmosphere. Flooding also occurs regularly around Innisfail, between Townsville and Cairns and in the area around Rockhampton and Bundaberg.

The area west of the coastline between Brisbane and Mackay is plain barren desert. In summer (November - April) it gets very hot here during the day. Make sure you have enough water with you when you enter this area.

Cyclones and harsh storms regularly hit the state during the wet season. Unless you are going to the southeast of the state during the wet season, Queensland is generally not a place to be during the wet season. Many roads, particularly in the north, are closed for around four months of the year, meaning you could be stranded for months on end.

Geography
Queensland is a large, diverse state stretching over. Driving distances are long but doable if you plan carefully. There are 12 main highways but the coastal route is scenic and offers plenty of diversions.

Time
Queensland is in the UTC+10 time zone, 30 minutes ahead of the Northern Territory. Unlike New South Wales or the other southern states, it doesn't observe daylight saving, so set your watch one hour back when you cross the border into Queensland during summer.

Visitor information
Accredited visitor information centres are available for visitor help and advice when travelling around Queensland. For a list of where to find these centres, Visit Tourism Queensland’s Visitor Information Centres page. On top of that, some national parks may also have visitor centres, although this is not as commonly found as other states.
 * Queensland Holidays website

Talk
Most of Queensland has an English speaking majority and Queenslanders are known for their classic Aussie slang and accent, often the accent that Australia is internationally recognised for, thanks to Steve Irwin. However, this is not really heard in the southeast, but it is almost always heard once you go out either west or north.

In the Torres Strait Islands, located in the far northern parts of the state, the islanders speak Torres Strait Creole, which is a creole language based on English. It is not easily comprehensible to an English speaker nor is it related to any Aboriginal language (though remember that the Indigenous peoples of the Torres Strait Islands are not Aboriginal) and Torres Strait Creole is more closely related to Tok Pisin and Solomon Islands Pidgin. However, signs are all in English, or bilingual so you will generally not have a language issue.

By plane
Most interstate travellers have the choice of flying to Queensland with Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar. Flights to major towns are frequent and regional airports are dispersed throughout the state.

The main international airport is in Brisbane, while Cairns and the Gold Coast also serve some international flights.

Domestic airports with direct flights from interstate are at Bundaberg, Gladstone, Toowoomba, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, the Fraser Coast, the Whitsunday Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.

Other airports in smaller towns in Queensland are served by indirect flights via one of the airports above.

Brisbane Airport

 * Brisbane Airport is a 15 km or 20 minute drive from the CBD, or about 25 minutes byAirtrain, which also continues on to the Gold Coast.
 * The AirTrain runs every 30 minutes from 6AM to 7PM every day and connects to Central station.
 * The domestic terminal is separate from the international terminal, but AirTrain provides a 5-minute connection.
 * There are shuttle buses which provide direct hotel transfers, and plentiful taxis and hire car providers.
 * Both terminals provide undercover parking for short and long term periods.
 * Brisbane Airport provides a handy map of flight routes and general timetables.

Cairns Airport

 * Cairns Airport is located 7 kilometres north of the CBD.
 * Domestically, Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia all operate out of Cairns, with scheduled services to most Australian state capitals, as well as regional locations.
 * Cairns also handles international flights from Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
 * Rental Cars can be located at the domestic terminal in the QantasLink arrival lounge.
 * Shuttle buses to Cairns and Port Douglas depart hourly.
 * Taxis are also available 24 hours a day, and the fare to the city centre costs around $16.
 * Short-term and long-term parking is located next to the passenger terminal.

Gold Coast Airport

Gold Coast Airport is on the Gold Coast Highway at Bilinga (close to Coolangatta) on the southern end of the Gold Coast, and is only minutes from the beach. Part of the runway actually extends into New South Wales.
 * The airport is 30 minutes’ drive from Surfers Paradise and an hour from Byron Bay. The drive to Brisbane can take an hour and fifteen minutes.
 * Jetstar, Qantas, and Virgin Australia all have frequent domestic flights from Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney.
 * Internationally, AirAsia X and Air New Zealand fly in from New Zealand and Malaysia.
 * Surfside Bus Lines offer convenient transfers to hotels and theme parks.
 * Car rental companies can be located opposite the check-in counters at the airport.
 * Taxis are available immediately outside the terminal.

Interstate Travel Times
 * Sydney to Brisbane – 1 hour
 * Melbourne to Brisbane – 2 hours
 * Adelaide to Brisbane – 2.5 hours
 * Darwin to Brisbane – 4 hours
 * Perth to Brisbane – 6.5 hours

By bus
There are a number of companies that operate bus services between cities and towns throughout Australia, and there are also interstate trains.

By car
Queensland’s wide open spaces make it ideal for exploration by car. The roads are high quality and well-signposted so getting here is easy.

Driving times

 * Sydney to Brisbane – 8.5 hours
 * Melbourne to Brisbane – 18.5-19 hours
 * Darwin to Brisbane – 25-40 hours

The drive from Melbourne is ideally covered over two days (minimum), and Sydney to Brisbane can be driven in a day.

Suggested routes

 * From Melbourne or Sydney, take the coastal Pacific Highway (M1/A1); the more inland New England Highway (A15) through New South Wales; or the inland A32 from Adelaide which also goes through New South Wales.
 * If you have time up your sleeve, you can continue taking the coastal route (the Bruce Highway, A1) all the way north to Cairns. The highway is scenic, comfortable to drive and offers plenty of attractions along the way; but you’ll need to allow two to three days for the journey from Brisbane.
 * For an alternative entry into Queensland, drive up from New South Wales via the New England Highway (A15) through the Southern Downs. This will take you through Warwick and Toowoomba, towns rich in pioneer history. From here you can continue north to the vineyards of the Granite Belt and South Burnett regions.
 * South East Queensland is well-connected with motorways and distributor roads, from the Gold Coast all the way up to the Sunshine Coast.
 * Serious outback travellers heading east from the Northern Territory can enter Queensland via Mount Isa on the Barkly Highway (A2); or drive up from South Australia via the Birdsville Track (an old stock route and now a dirt track) and on to Longreach. This journey is recommended in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

It is important to be realistic about the distances and travel times involved: for instance the trek from Mount Isa to Brisbane covers over 1800 km of road - which equates to about 22 hours of continuous driving. See Driving in Australia

If backpacking or on a tight budget, check to see if you can double up with other low-budget travellers who may be driving interstate, or investigate rental car places that sometimes offer deals charging less to return their stock to capital cities.

By train
The XPT service from Sydney is the only interstate service. The trip from Sydney to Brisbane takes around 14 hours; the connecting journey from Sydney to Cairns takes a little less than two days if you choose not to break it up along the way.

The Brisbane XPT train runs once a day from Sydney’s Central station to Brisbane’s Roma Street. The train departs at 4:20PM in the afternoon, travels overnight and then arrives in Brisbane at 6:30AM the following morning. You can also board the train at Strathfield or Hornsby station, at Broadmeadow in Newcastle or at one of the stations along the way.

You can also travel to Brisbane during the day by catching the NSW Trainlink Casino XPT train from Sydney Central station to Casino, then changing to a connecting coach. The bus takes you from Casino via the Gold Coast to Brisbane’s Roma Street station. The whole journey takes fifteen and a half hours - of which only the final three hours are on the bus. The train departs Sydney Central station every day just after 7AM in the early morning, and the connecting coach arrives at Brisbane Roma Street station at around 10:30PM that evening.

By boat
Interstate and International Cruise Liners regularly dock into Brisbane, and sail on to the Whitsundays, Cape York, Townsville, Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef.

Luxury cruises liners that regularly call into Brisbane include P&O Cruises, Carnival and Oceania Cruises.

Travel times

 * Sydney to Brisbane: 1 sea day
 * Brisbane to Whitsundays: 1 sea day
 * Brisbane to Cairns: 2 sea days
 * Brisbane to New Caledonia: 2 sea days

Portside Wharf is Brisbane’s cruise ship port. It's in Hamilton, 6 km from the Brisbane CBD or about a 20-minute drive. Buses into town and ferries service the port regularly. It also houses a fresh produce market, riverside restaurants, cafés and eateries, boutiques and cinemas. Portside Wharf provides a handy shipping schedule.

There are occasionally ferries from the Torres Strait Islands to Papua New Guinea although the ferries have been halted due to Covid with no reoperation date set.

By plane
Air travel in Queensland is easy to organize. With international airports in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville and the Gold Coast, plus many regional and island airports, air travel is an efficient and reliable way to get around. Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar and a number of smaller regional carriers operate in Queensland.

By car
Queensland's road network is extensive, especially on the coast. Many inland or outback towns can only be reached by dirt tracks, some of which are only suitable for four wheel drives. Ensure if travelling into the bush or the outback, you take adequate supplies and let others know where you will be going and when to expect you back. The state also has over of motorways, though all but two are in SE Queensland (and to an extent, the future Bruce Highway upgrade in Curra).

Although the distances may scare you off, the roads in Queensland are generally well maintained. The south-east may be the only region with an extensive motorway network, though in areas outside SE Queensland, you will still be able to travel at motorway-like speeds. Motorways in Queensland are typically marked with an "M" prefix, though some motorways may use a State Route number (e.g. Sunshine Motorway also having the State Route 70 route number) while major highways are marked with either an "A" prefix, or use a National Highway/Route – the former marked in a green and yellow pentagon while the latter with black and white instead. Other smaller sealed routes or urban routes that don't fall in to either of the former two mentioned are marked with State Routes, usually in a blue and white marker.

As with all the other states, the default urban limit is and the default rural limit is. The maximum state speed limit is, which can be found on most rural highways and motorways.

By train
Queensland Rail Travel offers Australia's largest and most comprehensive network of long-distance trains, carrying more than half a million passengers each year. The dedicated tourism arm of QR Limited, the company offers a fleet of long-distance passenger trains connecting Brisbane to a host of holiday destinations throughout Queensland including Cairns, Townsville, the Whitsundays, Mount Isa, Charleville and Longreach. Each of Queensland Rail's services offer a unique travel experience. The company packages its rail experiences with accommodation, fully-guided tours, cruises, flights and car hire. It operates travel centres throughout Queensland as well as a call centre.

Some of the services offered by Queensland Rail: Most of these services depart from Brisbane’s centrally located Roma Street station.
 * The Spirit of Queensland - Brisbane to Cairns. This train offers spacious seats that transform into lie flat beds, similar to business class on a plane.
 * The Spirit of the Outback - Brisbane to Longreach. This train offers traditional sleepers, to the heart of the outback.
 * Tilt Train - Brisbane to Bundaberg/Rockhampton. The fastest narrow gauge trains in the world, the Tilt Train provides an efficient, comfortable and modern standard of travel.
 * The Westlander - Brisbane to Charleville. A scenic journey from Brisbane travelling across the Great Dividing Range and through the rich farmlands of South East Queensland, before arriving in Charleville, the largest town in the south-west outback. There are no sleepers on the train, and dining options are limited, so you are advised to bring some extra food with you before boarding.
 * The Inlander - Townsville to Mount Isa. A scenic journey from Townsville travelling across the Great Dividing Range and through Hughenden and Julia Creek, before arriving in Mount Isa, the mining centre of the state, taking about 21 hours. There are no sleepers on the train, and dining options are limited, so you are advised to bring some extra food with you before boarding.

By bus
Murrays has coach services from Brisbane to Chinchilla, Toowoomba, St George, Cunnamulla, and Lightning Ridge.

Aboriginal rock art
The place that Queensland's most known for its rock art is the Art Gallery in the Carnarvon Gorge National Park, which contains some of the finest Aboriginal rock art in Australia. Just 5.6 km from the trailhead, at the junction of Kamoloo Creek, a signposted access track leaves the main walking trail upstream of crossing number 10, providing a gentle climb to the escarpment base where the site is located. Boardwalks, interpretive signs and seating facilities provide optimum conditions for visitors to appreciate this diverse range of Aboriginal artwork without endangering it. This extensive gallery contains more than 600 stencils and 1300 engravings. Aboriginal rock art on the sandstone overhangs is a fragile reminder of the Aboriginal people who used the gorge for thousands of years for ceremonies and rituals.

National parks
Queensland has the most national parks in Australia, with around 237 national parks. Not all of them are visited, but there's some particular ones that get more visitors than others:
 * Glass House Mountains National Park was named by Captain Cook as he mapped the Queensland coast in 1770. The 'Glass Houses' are distinctive volcanic plugs which rise abruptly out of a patchwork of farms and forests. The Glass House Mountains are spiritually significant to the local Aboriginal people. The park is made up of several sections that include most of the peaks and forest areas. Drive to the Glass House Mountains lookout for a great view of the multiple peaks. Within the park's sections there are eight walking tracks ranging from 25 minutes to three hours, and catering to all levels of experience. Fit walkers with rockclimbing skills can reach the summits of Mounts Tibrogargan, Ngungun or Beerwah. Suitably equipped experienced rock climbers can climb and abseil Mount Ngungun.
 * Wallaman Falls National Park is part of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, boasting the highest, permanent, single-drop waterfall in Australia. Open forest dominates the ridge tops. Rainforest lines the gullies and creeks. The area is home to endangered cassowaries and musky rat-kangaroos. Stroll 800 metres along the banks of Stony Creek on the Banggurru walk, and learn about the rainforest. Look for platypus in the creek below the falls. To enjoy a closer look at the falls, take the 3.2-km Jinda walk into the gorge. Experienced bushwalkers can choose from one of three overnight hikes that are part of the Wet Tropics Great Walk.
 * The fossil site in Riversleigh, Boodjamulla National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site along with Naracoorte Caves National Park in South Australia, containing some of the largest deposits of fossils, in particular, that of Australian Megafauna
 * Mossman Gorge is a very accessible and scenic section of the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park Strangler figs and epiphytic plants flourish and the crystal-clear Mossman River cascades over granite boulders. The area is also home to colourful Boyd's forest dragons. Stroll along the 400-m walking track to viewing platforms over the Mossman River. Look for the brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly and birds such as the eastern yellow robin. Take the 2-km loop track through lush, green rainforest to learn about the plants and find out how the local Kuku Yalanji people use them in traditional ways.
 * The Great Sandy National Park in K'gari is the world's largest sand island, and is a must for any keen enthusiastic 4WDer. The park is also the only place where forest grows on sand.
 * The Undara Lava Tubes in Undara Volcanic National Park is 3.5 hours from Cairns in Tropical North Queensland's Gulf Savannah lies a land so different in contrasts - and the Undara Experience. Undara is a pristine wilderness possessing one of the longest and best preserved lava tubes of its kind anywhere in the world.

Natural and cultural attractions
Queensland has many natural attractions outside national parks, and even though it may not be a "national park", they are very much just as interesting to see.
 * The magnificent Moreton Bay - the mouth of the Brisbane river, and home to a collection of islands where boating, fishing, sailing, camping, holidays and day-trips make Brisbane such a brilliant out-door adventure city. Take a guided tour around beautiful St Helena Island, a former jail from when Brisbane was a penal colony.  Spend the weekend at Stradbroke Island and surf on magnificent beaches or take the kids to Coochie Mudlo Island for a quiet day out on flat water beaches.

 * SS Yongala Wreck - lies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, 12 nautical miles from Yongala Dive's base at Alva Beach in Queensland. It sank in 1911 with the loss of all aboard, creating one of Australia's most intriguing maritime mysteries as she lay undiscovered for more than half a century. Lying in 14 to 28 m of water and over 100 m long it is one of the largest and most intact historic shipwrecks in Australia and provides an exciting adventure for divers due to its coral encrusted structure, the depth and the incredible array of marine life.
 * Atherton Tablelands - the "capital" of the lovely Tropical Tablelands, a land of beautiful lakes, waterfalls, rich red soil and tropical rainforest. Here the temperature is cooler, the pace is slower and there is a feeling of relaxation in the air. The rich Tableland area is famous for producing peanuts, maize and potatoes. The area also has a number of natural attractions such as the Curtain Fig Tree, Millaa Millaa Falls, crater lakes and amazing rock formations.  Atherton is an excellent base from which to explore most places of interest in the Tablelands area.

 * See Whitehaven Beach from the air - many commercial airline companies exist that provide flight services over Whitehaven Beach. Enjoy a helicopter flight over Islands and waterways then quality time on a secluded beach in the Whitsunday's and treat yourself with a gourmet picnic hamper and ice-cold champagne.  Flight types vary but can include scenic flights to and from the Reef as well as a stop over on Whitehaven Beach, Langford Reef area and a scenic flight over Hook, Hardy's and the famous Heart Reef, then continue near Langford Reef where you can swim and view the breathtaking coral gardens at your leisure with a gourmet champagne picnic hamper.

Migrating whales
The coast of Queensland provides visitors first-hand experience to view migrating whales during the winder months. There is various vantage points right downs the coast, but to really get the most for your whale watching experience, jump on board a whale watching tour with one of the many companies. The protective waters of Hervey Bay is the most popular destination to view these gentle giants of the sea. Viewing is generally only throughout July to November.

Nesting Sea Turtles
Many varieties of turtles such as the loggerhead, green, leatherback and flatback nest from October to March each year along the Queensland coast from Bundaberg in the south to the Cape in the tropical north as well on the islands of the Southern Great Barrier Reef (Heron, Wilson, Lady Elliot, Lady Musgrave). The Turtle Nesting and Hatching season is an amazing experience and visitors to Queensland will find opportunities to witness these nocturnal events in a controlled environment at a number of island and mainland locations. Near Bundaberg, Mon Repos supports the largest concentration of nesting sea turtles on the east Australian mainland. Viewing is generally only from November to March. You can help conserve turtles by participating in a six-day camp, working alongside the Mapoon Aboriginal owners and researchers as they measure and tag nesting Flat Back and Olive Ridley turtles, fit feral pig exclusion devices to the nesting sites and remove nets from the beach. Viewing is generally only from June to September at Mapoon, Western Cape York.

Great Barrier Reef
Although the Great Barrier Reef has many things to do, the reef itself is something to see in its own right. One of the seven wonders of the natural world, this underwater labyrinth will treat you to spectacular displays of nature found no where else in the world. Stretching from Tropical North Queensland in the north to Capricornia in the south, the rare, ancient beauty of the reef can be enjoyed from many different points of view. On the Whitsundays you can dive amongst the coral on a scuba-diving adventure, or watch the reef come on a purpose-built pontoon. From Townsville you can wonder at its beauty from the comfort of a glass-bottomed boat or view from helicopter joy-flight. On the Southern Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Mackay and Central Queensland you can go snorkelling in a sheltered coral cay, or keep your clothes dry on a leisurely reef walk.

Observation points

 * Underwater observatories - There is no need to get your feet wet. Observe all the wonders of Queensland's marine life from behind the glass of an observatory. Queensland is host to a number of underwater observatories including; Reef HQ - the world's largest living coral reef aquarium and national reef education centre for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.  UnderWater World - a multi-award winning, all weather, tourist attraction located in the heart of the Sunshine Coast.

 * Q1 Observation Deck - Australia's only beachside observation deck, located in Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. QDeck takes you to the highest point above the city, providing stunning 360-degree views from the surf to the hinterland and beyond. Rising 235 m into the sky, QDeck is on level 77 of the iconic Q1 tower. Your journey begins with an inside look at the construction of this landmark development before boarding one of the world's fastest express lifts which transports you from ground to level 77 in less than 43 seconds. Once at the top, you will see spectacular views which reach on a clear day from Brisbane to Byron Bay.

Paleontology

 * Australian Age of Dinosaurs - home to the world's largest collection of Australian dinosaur fossils. A working dinosaur museum and research laboratory on 14,000 hectares of spectacular mesa plateau with vast scenery, wildlife and walking trails. At the museum you'll see and hear about their exciting dinosaurs, including gigantic sauropods and "Banjo", Australia's greatest carnivorous dinosaur.
 * The world heritage listed Riversleigh in Boodjamulla is home to one of the largest collections of Australian megafauna.
 * For those that find driving to Boodjamulla National Park too much, the Riversleigh Fossil Centre in Mount Isa has a collection of fossils from that area, much more accessible

Do
If there's anything that Queensland is never short of, it's adventure – fly through the air, dive through the coral, or ride the wild river rapids - a Queensland Adventure holiday really gives you something to write home about! With craggy mountain heights to scale, deep limestone caves to delve and vast treks of unchartered Outback to explore, Queensland is a land brimming with surprising discoveries and exciting adventures to enjoy. In Queensland you can learn how to hang glide off a mountain or ride a camel along a golden beach. You can camp by a billabong or feel your adrenalin surge on a real life cattle muster during a farm stay on the Western Downs. From an inflatable jet boat you can watch the whales waltz or take a jet ski eco-safari through the glorious Whitsundays archipelago. Then as the sun sets over the ocean, watch the Reef come alive under the stars, during your overnight stay on a purpose-built ocean pontoon. Treat the whole family to an exhilarating day at a world-class theme park. Feel the rush of the rollercoaster, go behind the scenes of a movie set, and get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world.

Islands and beaches
Queensland is home to some of the most stunning islands and beaches in the world, and each one invites you to come and share in its sumptuous delights. Set like sparkling jewels in and around the pristine waters of the blue Pacific Ocean, Queensland’s islands and beaches are a true national treasure. On the islands you can treat yourself to a day spa, dive through the Great Barrier Reef, improve your handicap with a round of golf, then, as the sun sets over the water, indulge in fresh, local, mouth-watering food and wine. With sands so clean and white they dazzle the eye, a day spent on a Queensland beach is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. With palm trees swaying lazily on one side and clear azure waters gently lapping at the other, the siren-call of a Queensland beach is impossible to ignore.

Natural encounters
Watching the sun set over the ocean from the white sands of a deserted tropical beach is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. Soaking up the view from the crest of a mountain you’ve just scaled is another. And watching dolphins at play in the turquoise waters of a tropical lagoon is a memory you’ll treasure for a lifetime. All these experiences and more are waiting for you in Queensland’s wild natural environments. From the spinifex grasslands of the Outback to the lush rainforests of the Gold Coast Hinterland, Queensland is a nature-lover’s paradise. Breathe in the fresh, clean Queensland air and escape to a world free of phones, emails, meetings and deadlines. In the north, the World Heritage listed Daintree Rainforest yields to pristine sandy beaches and the clear blue waters of the Great Barrier Reef. In the south, majestic mountains stand guard over the rare flora and fauna within its fold. And in all places in between you’ll find rare and exciting animal encounters that will delight the whole family!

Major events
Queensland is host to a large range of events right across the state.

Some of the major events in Queensland include;

 * January – Brisbane International Tennis Brisbane
 * May – Magic Millions National Sale Gold Coast
 * June – World’s Greatest Pub Crawl Maryborough
 * July – Wide Bay Australia International Airshow Bundaberg
 * July – Gold Coast Airport Marathon Gold Coast
 * July – Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races Tara
 * November – Mud Bulls & Music Kingaroy
 * November – Bundy Thunder Wide Bay
 * Catch The Savannahlander from Cairns to Forsayth - this unique four-day train trip is a great way to see the Australian outback.

Buy
From bargains at the markets to one-off creations at designer boutiques, there’s a shopping sensation to satisfy. For elite high-fashion labels, beat a path to exclusive shopping precincts in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and fabulous Noosa on the Sunshine Coast. There you’ll find exclusive boutiques and fashion to die for! For the quirky and the vintage, you can’t go past the markets of Tropical North Queensland and Brisbane.

If trawling through second hand shops for antiques and collectibles is your idea of the divine, you won’t be able to resist the quaint hinterland villages of South East Queensland Country.

For travellers looking for souvenirs, many small towns usually have one or two gift/souvenir shops, while larger towns will have many. Some QPWS (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service) managed parks may also have one or two, but this is not very common. Like elsewhere in Australia or even most of the world, most major attractions will have a souvenir shop at the exit.

Eat
Much of Queensland's income is still derived from agriculture, with different regions specializing in different produce. Famous examples include sugarcane in the Whitsundays; peanuts for Kingaroy; and mangoes for Bowen. Fresh local fish can also be found right along the coast, usually sold in fish and chip shops. Brisbane and surrounding areas like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast are becoming very well known for quality restaurants, cafes and take-aways. Whether it's 5 star or fast food you are after there is no need to eat poor quality food in Queensland. With so much fresh food available, seek out boutique and independent operations with a focus on quality and freshness. You won't usually pay more than its worth. Demand for organic food is also growing, as is awareness of variations in peoples dietary preferences, so gluten and dairy intolerant or vegetarian/vegan eaters will often find that choices are available in most places, or can be prepared in the kitchens on request. Pub food in Queensland is no longer just the sad old counter meal variety; if you find a fairly modern pub you'll find a fairly modern kitchen and while you can often still get lunch for $10, generally the low price won't be reflected in the quality. Breakfast is big in Brisbane and markets are particularly good places to go for a local brekkie. Alternatively, you'll find free and clean public BBQ's in lots of the public parks, so bring your own picnic along and enjoy Queensland's gorgeous weather while you cook up your own true Aussie BBQ. To be fair to the other patrons, give the BBQ plate a wipe down after you've finished with some clean newspaper, and place your rubbish in bins provided.

Markets
How fresh can it get? Straight from the farmer to you is the latest trend and foodies throughout Queensland are loving the range and quality of local seasonal produce. It pays to get up early with the sun, pack plenty of extra bags and don't forget a cold pack in case some divine seafood or meat takes your fancy. Stroll around the stalls and chat to the farmers, once you get past the weather you'll discover a wealth of information about how to select, store and cook your purchases.

 * Brisbane - Head to The Powerhouse at New Farm in Brisbane by at least 7AM on a Saturday morning and you'll discover locals armed with trolley bags snapping up high quality produce and seasonal bargains on a regular basis. On the last Sunday of each month the stallholders move to suburban Mitchelton. If organic is your style the Green Flea Community Markets at Davies Park in West End or the Northey Street Organic Market at Windsor will keep you busy.
 * Gold Coast - Foodies are well catered for with the farmers markets at Banora Point, Bundall, The Spit, Miami, Mudgeeraba and Tamborine offering fresh produce.
 * South East Queensland Country - Enjoy fresh food right where it is grown on the Southern Downs at the Glengallan Seasonal Farmers Markets, 15km north of Warwick on the first Sunday of each season. Don't forget to look for fresh seasonal produce across the region on road side stalls.
 * Sunshine Coast - The Noosa Farmers Market on Weyba Road at Noosaville showcases some of the Sunshine Coast's best produce every Sunday from 7AM to midday. All products are grown, reared, caught, baked or prepared by the stall holder. You'll find farm fresh fruit and vegetables, breads, cheeses, preserves, seafood, red claw, poultry, beef, lamb, coffee and the chance to swap ideas with local producers. The Eumundi Markets are another food lover's delight with everything from fresh produce to taste sensations you'll find hard to resist.
 * Central Queensland - Keep your eyes open for roadside stalls just off the farm. This area is the fruit bowl of the Coral Coast and supplies chillies, tomatoes and the sweetest of peas to southern states.
 * Mackay - Head for the local showgrounds located in the centre of town for the Mackay Farmer's Market every Saturday morning from 6AM at the Showgrounds. This is the best spot to gather all local fresh produce and freshly cut flowers.
 * Tropical North Queensland - Rusty's Markets in Cairns are an experience that should not be missed by market lovers. This is an Asian-type market experience with stalls overflowing with exotic local produce and flowers.

Dining & eating out

Queensland offers visitors some great locations for Dining and Eating. Australian cuisine blends fresh ingredients and uses European culinary traditions and the light touch of Asian seasoning. You'll taste some of the best food in the world and even the most discerning diner will be satisfied, with fresh barramundi, mud crab, exotic crocodile meat, mangoes and macadamia nuts.

Drink
The local mass produced Queensland beer is "XXXX", known locally as 'fourex'. The most common glass measure is called a pot, so just about any pub in Queensland will pour you a pot of fourex'.

Rum is also produced in Queensland at the central coast town of Bundaberg. It is creatively called Bundaberg Rum, or 'bundy'.

Wineries, vineyards and Breweries
The burgeoning Queensland wine industry is one of the state's best kept secrets. Find a cellar door near you, or even a microbrewery to your taste. Queensland offers a gourmet paradise with delectable, award-winning wines, organic produce and fresh seafood. Follow a food and wine trail and you'll be sipping on a Chardonnay or rolling a Shiraz around your mouth on a grape-fuelled adventure.

Sleep
Many accommodation options are available in Queensland for every traveller’s budget. Whether you are looking for a plush five star resort or a cosy Bed & Breakfast thousands of hotels, B&Bs, apartments, resorts and hostels are available to help you find the perfect place for your holiday.

The variety of accommodation available in Queensland is listed below:
 * Hotels and Motels - range from warm country pubs to swanky high-rises. Every convenience is available at hotels and motels to ensure your holiday spells relaxation.
 * Resorts - luxurious resorts in ideal locations offer comfort and service to world-class standards.
 * Bed and Breakfast -experience the warm welcome and the comforts of home at a Queensland B&B.
 * Self Contained - self-contained apartments, cabins and holiday houses offer all the conveniences of home.
 * Camping and Caravans - camping sites and caravan parks offer the opportunity for you to stay in superb locations, gather with other travellers or relax in complete privacy.
 * Backpackers - backpacker accommodation in Queensland is among the best. Enjoy modern facilities at ideally located hostels.
 * Farm Stay - farmstay accommodation is as down-to-earth as their friendly hosts. Immerse yourself in Queensland's country heritage.
 * Holiday houses are popular in Queensland. Check local papers and local internet sites for availability as they are often  privately leased and generally modern and clean.
 * The weather in Queensland is often excellent for camping, and there are fantastic camping grounds all over the state with a variety of facilities. These include local council's campgrounds, state conservation parks, state forests and national parks. Some national parks require pre-booking but most work on a 'register on arrival' basis.

Beaches

 * Saltwater crocodiles are common throughout the tropical northern half of Queensland all the way down to Rockhampton.  Some people play down the threat to humans posed by the Saltwater Crocodile. The facts are that the Saltwater Crocodile has been protected for decades now and there is a healthy population in northern Australia. It is always best to play it safe as a saltwater crocodile can grow to over 5m in length, and are found both in salt and fresh water. Beaches, rivers, creeks and waterholes can be home to large crocodiles. They are not known to frequent the Great Barrier Reef but instead live in coastal areas and rivers in tropical Australia. Generally, authoritative local advice can direct you to a place to swim which is known to be free of crocodiles or has been cleared of them.
 * When swimming at surf beaches, swim on beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers and between the red and yellow flags. Surf conditions can change quickly, and invisible rips can cause problems for even the strongest swimmers. The flags denote the safest area to swim in and the area is monitored.
 * If you see signs warning swimmers that "stingers" (poisonous animals) are in the water, read them carefully as some are deadly. Find a pool or use one of the net protected beach enclosures common on many main beaches.

Crime
Crime in most of Queensland is generally similar to the other five states, and in most of the south-east, is generally lower than most of the country. Vandalism of cars is low, and the same goes with car break-ins – the only way to prevent it is to avoid leaving valuables visible, and your car should be fine. Pickpockets are rare in the south-east, and even unheard of in some places. However, youth crime has been on the increase since the start of the 2010s, and is particularly rampant outside Brisbane and in poorer cities.

However, things can get pretty bad in the urbanised parts of the north, and cities like Cairns or Townsville have been rated as some of the most dangerous cities of Australia, only behind Darwin, and the most common type of crimes include property crime, assaults and theft. While crime may not be as bad as the Northern Territory where parts of which have a crime rate 30 times more than the United States (as of the late 2010s), it is still something to keep an eye out for. However, like in Darwin, there is not much you can or need to do to prevent crime, and the same usuals can be applied anywhere is the best you can do to keep yourself safe.

Stay healthy
Skin cancer is a serious health issue in Australia, and sunburn and sunstroke are related problems. Make sure you wear SPF 15+ sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and t-shirt or long sleeved shirt whenever you can in summer even on cloudy days. Particularly, protect children's skin between 10AM to 2PM, as the summer sun can cause a severe burn that will at best ruin your holiday, and at worst end in a trip to the local hospital. Many media outlets list the UV Index (sun factor) with the weather broadcast. In summer in Queensland expect that the UV Index will be extreme every day.

 * Drink water: most locals carry a bottle of water with them at most times in the summer. The humidity can take you unaware, and dehydrate you quickly. Make sure children take regular drinks if they are playing outdoors, and carry water with you on car journeys, hikes or any time you may inadvertently end up somewhere unexpected.

Mosquito-borne diseases
While mosquitoes in Australia rarely carry any diseases, Queensland is home to more mosquito-borne diseases than any other state in Australia due to its tropical climate and close proximity to Papua New Guinea.

Ross River fever is the most common mosquito-borne disease in Queensland. It is named after Ross River, a river in Townsville where the disease was first isolated. However, it is not exclusively found in that river; indeed, it can be found throughout Australia.

While uncommon, dengue fever is present in Far North Queensland. However, it has not been reported anywhere south of (and including) Cairns since at least 1990, though it has been reported north of Cairns since then.

While mainland Australia has been officially malaria free since 1982 (making it the only country in the tropics to be malaria-free), malaria is occasionally found in the Torres Strait Islands. See the Queensland Health and Wikivoyage's article on malaria for more specific details.

Go next

 * New South Wales
 * Northern Territory
 * South Australia

title: Queensland


text:
Queenstown

There is more than one place called Queenstown

Australia

 * Queenstown (Tasmania) - A mining town of about 2000 people, on the West Coast of the state of Tasmania.

Ireland

 * Cobh - Known as Queenstown when Ireland was under British rule.

New Zealand

 * Queenstown (New Zealand) - This tourist resort in the South Island has an urban population of 18,000.

Singapore

 * A suburb in Western Singapore

South Africa

 * Queenstown (Eastern Cape) - A town in the Eastern Cape with a large surrounding farming district.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Queenstown


text:
Queenstown (Eastern Cape)

 Queenstown  is a town in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.

Understand
‘’Isixhosa’’ is the most used language in Queenstown. English and Afrikaans are also known and taught in schools as second languages.

By car
Drive south from Aliwal North, or west from Mthatha.

title: Queenstown (Eastern Cape)


text:
Queenstown (New Zealand)

Queenstown (Māori: Tāhuna) is a world renowned resort town in the South Island of New Zealand. The town sits on the edge of Lake Wakatipu and is surrounded by the Southern Alps.

Understand
What was once a small, remote, South Island town has transitioned since the 1980s, first to a busy ski destination, and now to a year-round tourist mecca and centre for adventure tourism. It is a world-famous destination attracting around 1.9 million visitors every year, undoubtedly the tourism capital of the South Island if not New Zealand, and a must-see stop for most visitors to New Zealand.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand's third-largest lake (291 km2 or 112 sq mi) and one of Otago and New Zealand's most scenic lakes, surrounded by mountains, it's not hard to see why its stunning scenery draws people here year round. Queenstown happily caters for all visitors with a full range of attractions, activities, accommodation and eating options for any budget, from backpackers to five-star luxury. This popularity is not without its problems though - in many respects, Queenstown can be a tourist trap. However, reasonable prices and a few bargains can be found for those prepared to look for them.

Queenstown is a bustling town throughout the year, peaking over summer and during the ski season. There is a vibrant nightlife with the town's small central area packed with bars and restaurants. If you plan on getting a good nights sleep, then you might consider staying slightly out of town. It's common to see people on the streets up to 5AM returning from disco or pub. If you're looking for a relaxing scenic holiday, Wanaka (just over an hours' drive away) is smaller and more tranquil with less of a manic teenage party atmosphere.

Climate
Queenstown has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall evenly distributed throughout the year.

Local newspapers
The Mirror. The first of two free community newspapers to hit the streets (on Wednesday morning), The Mirror is a great source for catching up on all things that are happening in the entire Queenstown-Lakes area. In addition to the news articles, there is a weekly restaurant review and profile of a band or DJ that will be headlining at one of Queenstown's many nightspots that week.

Lakes Weekly Bulletin is an additional source of second-hand items for sale, community noticeboard, employment vacancies, film/gig guide, flatmates and rentals.

By plane

Queenstown Airport is known for its spectacular approach with the snow-covered hills surround it on four sides. However, the surrounding terrain also makes it a tricky airport to fly in and out, with aircraft often having to circle near the airport to lose or gain height. Upgrades to the airport lighting and the introduction of high-accuracy GPS approach and departure procedures in the 2010s have greatly reduced delays and cancellations due to low cloud or cold weather. During winter peak loadings, flights departing to Australia are sometimes too heavy to take-off from Queenstown with full fuel, so they have make an enroute diversion to Christchurch or Invercargill to fill up.

Queenstown Airport also provides for private jets and other aircraft, and there is a huge number of helicopter take-offs and landings each day. Scenic flights and heli-skiing are a popular attraction for the region.

From the airport, the cheapest way into town is on the Orbus service 1, which runs every 15 minutes and this costs $10 (cash) or $2 Beecard one way - pay the driver when boarding (2018 prices). Alternatively, catch the bus from the McBride St station on Kawarau Rd (10 minute walk from the airport) and the cash fare is $5 into town. Taxis into town cost about $35-45 while Supershuttle shared vans will take you straight to your accommodation for $26 for one or two people (Mar 2019).

By bus
Daily services from Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, Wanaka and the West Coast (Fox Glacier, Franz Josef and Greymouth).

National bus operator InterCity Coachlines provide daily services in and out of Queenstown with connections throughout the South Island. Fares start from just $1 and can be purchased on-line or via numerous local ticketing agents including the i-SITE information network. Services arrive and depart from the Athol Street car park located in the main retail shopping area.

National sightseeing tour operator GreatSights New Zealand has daily tour options to Queenstown from Christchurch via Mt Cook and operates daily services to the West Coast including (Fox Glacier Franz Josef and Greymouth).

There are also a number of smaller shuttle operators who connect to and from Queenstown including Tracknet. Ritchies have several return trips to Wanaka a day.

Many international tour companies carry holidaymakers into Queenstown by coach.

By car
Queenstown is 6½ hours non-stop from Christchurch via the Mackenzie Country and the Lindis Pass, so allow a full day driving. The drive is spectacular, through the diverse countryside of New Zealand's South Island, with vast plains, rolling hills, multicoloured lakes and mountain passes. The Lindis Pass does occasionally close in winter due to snow; a slightly less scenic detour via Oamaru and Alexandra will add 2–4 hours to your journey.

Major international and all national rental car and camper van companies have offices in Queenstown.

By train
There is no rail line into Queenstown. There used to be a rail line from Invercargill to Kingston at the southern tip of Lake Wakatipu, but the line closed after a major washout in 1980, well before Queenstown's tourist boom.

The Taieri Gorge Railway scenic tourist train seasonally operates to Pukerangi and Middlemarch, with a coach connection for the remaining distance to Queenstown.

Get around
The Queenstown town centre is small enough to walk around. Parking is at a premium and can be hard to find during the day. For further distances a bus or car is necessary.

There are a number of tour operators to be found in the CBD of Queenstown. Transport from Queenstown's CBD to adventure activities is often part of the tour package. Some operators may pick up from your tourist accommodation.

By boat
A number of boat tours depart from the Queenstown Wharf at the bottom of the Mall - including the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw, affectionately known as the "Lady of the Lake".

There is also a water taxi service.

By bus
Queenstown has a small local bus service operated by Orbus. You can buy tickets from the driver. There are five routes - the most useful for tourists being services route 1 which operates every 15 minutes to the airport and the Remarkables Park shopping centre. Fares are reasonable if you pay cash: $4 for most trips and $10 to the airport. If you'll be taking the bus more than a handful of times, it is better value to get a Bee card for $5 and top it up with $10 to get $2 fares on all buses. The bus network has two bus hubs, at Camp Street outside the O'Connell shopping mall in central Queenstown, and on Kawerau Road at the Frankton shopping centre (junction of Highway 6 and 6A) near the airport.

If you want to save money getting to or from the airport, consider taking a bus to the Remarkables Park shopping centre. From there, it is an easy 10 minute walk on good footpaths to the airport. This saves $6 per person if paying cash.

By car
Renting or buying a vehicle is convenient for getting around town, and to nearby areas. Many budget and premium car rentals provide services in Queenstown.

See
The spectacular mountain scenery and Lake Wakatipu dominate the view from most parts of town. Most attractions in Queenstown make the most of the view and it's enough reason to spend time in Queenstown even if you choose not to do anything else.

After that though, there are not a lot of things to 'See'. It's in the 'Do' category below where Queenstown really excels. Nevertheless, there are a few sights around the town to check out:

Do
Getting out there and 'doing' is really what Queenstown is all about. Skiing was the first drawcard, but now it shares the limelight with a multitude of ways to test your bravery. If you can think of a way to get adrenaline pumping, Queenstown's budding entrepreneurs have probably tried at some stage to make a tourist attraction out of it. Bring a lot of money. It's easy to get swept up in the excitement, and ring up thousands of dollars of exciting activities quickly. A bungy jump, for example, can cost $200 or more, skydiving $300, jet boating $100, and so on (Mar 2019). And don't forget about the upgrades: a higher jumping-off point, photo and video packages, and more jumps.

Queenstown also has a full range of more gentle attractions, including relaxing tours, and luxury spas.

Skiing
Skiing & snowboarding - There are four large commercial ski fields, and two specialist fields easily accessible from Queenstown. There are also a number of heli-skiing providers.

 * Coronet Peak - The closest to Queenstown, about 20 minute drive from the Centre of town via a sealed access road (all other ski fields have unsealed/gravel access roads), features a full range of slopes.
 * The Remarkables - Nestled in the Remarkable Mountain range which towers above the airport. but still easily accessible from town. New lifts/runs and an access road upgrade for 2014.
 * Cardrona - In the crown range, approximately a 1-hour drive (57 km) from Queenstown along the windy Crown Range Road. It features mostly mid-level terrain and a large terrain park.
 * Snow Farm - across the other side of the valley from Cardrona, this is a specialist cross-country ski area.
 * Treble Cone - The furthest field from Queenstown, about an hour and a half away. Usually visited by people based in Wanaka, Treble Cone is seen as more of a skiers field and generally features more advanced terrain.

Adventure tourism
There are dozens of attractions and providers. The information centre in town acts as a booking centre and is a great place to start inquiries. Most businesses will have a store in the CBD where they can arrange things for you. Hostels and hotels generally have a stack of pamphlets showing what is on offer, and staff are generally happy to help with recommendations and bookings. All providers generally provide transfers from Queenstown.

 * Bungy jumping. Queenstown is home to the world's first commercial bungy jump, established on the Kawarau Bridge in November 1988 and still operating today.
 * Clay target shooting. Fire a real 12 gauge shotgun with Break One Clay Target Sports.
 * Clay target shooting. Fire a real 12 gauge shotgun with Break One Clay Target Sports.
 * Clay target shooting. Fire a real 12 gauge shotgun with Break One Clay Target Sports.
 * Clay target shooting. Fire a real 12 gauge shotgun with Break One Clay Target Sports.
 * Clay target shooting. Fire a real 12 gauge shotgun with Break One Clay Target Sports.
 * Jet boats. Exciting jetboat rides have been operating near Queenstown for 50 years. The jet boats carry passengers at high speeds over shallow waters performing stunts like 360-degree pirouettes in the water.
 * Kawarau Jet launches into Lake Wakatipu from the centre of town.
 * Kawarau Jet launches into Lake Wakatipu from the centre of town.

 * Mountain biking package tours are available which include transport to specific locations. Or you can just hire a bike, grab a map and some tips and explore yourself. There is also a downhill service based on the gondola, where you can buy a day pass and use it as a lift for repeated runs, and Rabbit Ridge, a trail centre in Gibston Valley, with over 40 km of tracks and shuttles.
 * Mountaineering
 * Parapenting/paragliding - launching yourself off a hill with a parachute to ride the "thermals"
 * Parasailing available on Lake Wakatipu
 * Quad-bike tours - are available, some of which are specifically designed to take in Lord of the Rings film locations.
 * Riverboarding - Swimming through rapids on a bodyboard.
 * White water rafting - Single and multi-day options, including a chance to go 'black water rafting' through an underground tunnel.
 * Ziptrek Ecotours - New Zealand's #1 original zipline tour. Amazing zipline tours through the forest high up on Bobs Peak and accessed by the Skyline Gondola. A fully guided tour with cool tree house architecture interconnected by fun ziplines, stunning views and a little bit of education on the environment, Queenstown history and local flora & fauna.
 * White water rafting - Single and multi-day options, including a chance to go 'black water rafting' through an underground tunnel.
 * Ziptrek Ecotours - New Zealand's #1 original zipline tour. Amazing zipline tours through the forest high up on Bobs Peak and accessed by the Skyline Gondola. A fully guided tour with cool tree house architecture interconnected by fun ziplines, stunning views and a little bit of education on the environment, Queenstown history and local flora & fauna.
 * Ziptrek Ecotours - New Zealand's #1 original zipline tour. Amazing zipline tours through the forest high up on Bobs Peak and accessed by the Skyline Gondola. A fully guided tour with cool tree house architecture interconnected by fun ziplines, stunning views and a little bit of education on the environment, Queenstown history and local flora & fauna.

Other

 * Garden tours - Queenstown has a number of superb private gardens as well as the centrally located public Queenstown Gardens jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. The walking track on the lake edge offers excellent views of Queenstown and surrounding mountains.
 * Garden tours - Queenstown has a number of superb private gardens as well as the centrally located public Queenstown Gardens jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. The walking track on the lake edge offers excellent views of Queenstown and surrounding mountains.
 * Garden tours - Queenstown has a number of superb private gardens as well as the centrally located public Queenstown Gardens jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. The walking track on the lake edge offers excellent views of Queenstown and surrounding mountains.
 * Garden tours - Queenstown has a number of superb private gardens as well as the centrally located public Queenstown Gardens jutting out into Lake Wakatipu. The walking track on the lake edge offers excellent views of Queenstown and surrounding mountains.

 * Golf - there are six clubs in town, with facilities (and green fees) ranging from everyday to the five-star Millbrook Resort.
 * Hiking - Queenstown Hill behind the town can be climbed in about 3/4 hours for a fantastic view (and unlike most things in Queenstown it's free). There is also a nice track around the lake.
 * Touring - the scenery surrounding Queenstown makes for excellent touring, with lakes, mountains and bush around vineyards and farmland. There are also a number of specific 'Lord of the Rings' themed tours which take in local film sites for the movie series.
 * Touring - the scenery surrounding Queenstown makes for excellent touring, with lakes, mountains and bush around vineyards and farmland. There are also a number of specific 'Lord of the Rings' themed tours which take in local film sites for the movie series.

Scenic flights
The helicopter and light aircraft flights around Queenstown and to Milford Sound and Fiordland are rated amongst the best in the world. It is easily possible to fly from Queenstown in the morning, cruise Milford Sound over lunch, before returning to Queenstown in the afternoon, replacing what could otherwise be a long day on the road.

Wine tasting
The southernmost vineyards in the world are close by.

Buy
The town centre contains many tourist and souvenir stores but bargains can be hard to come by.

Top quality knitwear, Sheepskin and Possum Fur products, Greenstone (Jade) and bone carvings, and fine New Zealand wine is available for a price. Outdoor suppliers are plentiful, with equipment for trampers (hikers), mountain bikers, skiers and snowboarders, and many others who use Queenstown as the launching-pad for expeditions into the nearby National Parks.

There are a handful of convenience food stores in the town centre, most open until midnight and beyond. Two large supermarkets are on the outskirts of town. Most of the stores in Queenstown are open daily until 8PM or 9PM.

Shops in the Queenstown area are allowed to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday (unlike most of New Zealand), but still have to close on Christmas Day and on Anzac Day (25 April) morning.

Frankton
The suburb of Frankton next the airport has the main supermarkets and large chain stores.
 * PAK'nSAVE Queenstown.jpg

Eat
There are a huge variety of numerous eating establishments to be found in Queenstown, from all-hours takeaways to fine dining. Reservations for dinner are important at the best places most times of the year, and most nights of the week.

Due to the large number of restaurants, Queenstown is a culinary hub for New Zealand, and you will find regional produce such as pinot noir wine and Canterbury lamb on display in many of the restaurants. Fine restaurants also serve world-class seafood (local mussels, oysters and deep sea fish such as blue cod), game and red meat (farmed venison and beef).

There are also a number of wineries in the Gibbston Valley (20 minutes drive) with restaurants attached, most of which are open for lunch.

Budget
Budget food is a little harder to come by in Queenstown. There are a few small fish and chip shops, kebab joints, and the usual KFC and McDonald's. Your best bet if your looking to save a few dollars is to hit the supermarket. The other option is to wander around and check out daily specials on the sandwich boards of restaurants.

Splurge

 * The Bathhouse Lakefront Restaurant, its crown-like architecture is like nothing else in Queenstown. Esplanade +64 3 442-5625 (fine dining)
 * The Bunker, 14 Cow Lane +64 3 441-8030 (fine dining)
 * Public Kitchen & Bar Steamer Wharf +64 3 442-5969 (previously Wai Waterfront Seafood Restaurant).
 * Public Kitchen & Bar Steamer Wharf +64 3 442-5969 (previously Wai Waterfront Seafood Restaurant).

Drink
Nightlife in Queenstown is largely about drinking and there are over a hundred licensed premises, most in the downtown area. It's hard to walk down one of the central streets without tripping over a bar or three. Most bars stay open till around 4AM and it is lively most nights.

There are cheap bars popular with backpackers and young locals, and sophisticated and expensive wine, cocktail and imported beer bars. Many bars and pubs have sunny outdoor courtyards in the summer months, and roaring open fires in the winter. Major sports events are normally to be found on screen somewhere in Queenstown.

There are two small casinos for adult entertainment.

A selection of some of the most well known places follows:

Sleep
Queenstown has a full range of accommodation choices, including backpackers, campsites, bed and breakfasts, apartments, motels and hotels. For the truly decadent there are also a number of 5 star boutique luxury lodges around the area, some of which often feature in 'best places to stay in the world' lists, and come with prices to match.

Budget

Stay safe
Queenstown is a relatively safe town. The most common offence committed against tourists in the Queenstown area are car break-ins.

Although limited in number, the police in the Queenstown area are intolerant of disorderly behaviour and are prepared to arrest for quite minor offences. As with anywhere in New Zealand, they have no tolerance for possession of drugs.

Other emergency services in the area operate on a volunteer basis. Occasionally you may hear what sounds like a World War II air raid siren go off in Queenstown. This is not signalling that someone is trying to attack New Zealand with nuclear weapons, but signalling volunteer fire-fighters to get down to the station because there's a house fire/car accident/kitten stuck up a tree.

Rental car companies have restrictions in their rental agreements to prevent their vehicles being operated on some high country roads. New Zealand's ski-field roads also take many visitors by surprise, but driving to suit the conditions will considerably reduce any risk.

Consulates

 * 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * 🇫🇷 France

Go next
Queenstown can be used as a base to see the surrounding country, including Arrowtown, Glenorchy, Kingston, the Kawarau Gorge, Cromwell and Wanaka.

The drive to Glenorchy, 50 minutes to the northwest and alongside Lake Wakatipu for much of the journey, is rated as one of the top scenic drives in the world.

The Gibbston Valley wine area is 20-min drive, just before the ancient Kawarau Gorge.

More distant tourist destinations such as Te Anau and Milford Sound are a day trip away, with many tour operators providing bus tours and flights.

Fox Glacier, the bigger and less crowded west coast glacier, is 4.5 hours drive north.

title: Queenstown (New Zealand)


text:
Queenstown (Tasmania)

Queenstown is an old mining town in Western Tasmania, that has been recognised by the National Trust as a historic town. It is about a 4 hour drive from Hobart on the Lyell Highway.

Understand
Mining began here in the late 1800s, first with gold and later copper. It remains an important industry and the main employer. In 2005-06, Copper Mines of Tasmania produced 2.6 million tonnes of copper concentrate. Tourism is a growing industry,

Queenstown is the base of the West Coast Wilderness Railway (an Abt - rack railway), which runs to Strahan and draws large numbers of tourists. The original railway, used to transport ore from the mines to the port at Regatta Point/Strahan, closed and was removed in the 1960s. It was restored and reopened in the early '90s. Services were suspended in winter 2013 for repairs, but they recommenced after completion.

Queenstown is an interesting town, nestled in the Queen River valley. Summers can be hot and can reach 30+ degrees, although it is not uncommon to have snow on Mt Owen in December. Winters are cool and wet, with snow falling regularly on the peaks on the West Coast Range that can be seen from the town. It is not uncommon for the roads into Queenstown to be blocked, and for the town cut off for short periods during the middle of winter. The best time to visit is between December and April.

Many of the early buildings remain and a stroll around town is a must if you want a sense of what the town was like during the height of the copper mining operations.

The drive in to Queenstown over Gormanston Hill is a startling introduction to the town. The barren landscape was brought about by the combination of tree removal for the smelters, and the subsequent years of pollution. Trees were logged to fuel the furnaces of the smelters in the early years. Then large amounts of sulphur from the smelting process polluted the soils, killing much of the ground vegetation. Heavy rainfall of the area washed away most of the topsoil. The combination of the effects of tree removal, heavy rains, smelter fumes and uncontrolled bushfires, are evident in the bare ground areas that are spread across the foothills of Mount Lyell and Mount Owen to this day.

Queenstown is a great stopover when visiting the West Coast, with many West Coast attractions only a short drive away. Queenstown has a good range of places to stay, as well as very picturesque drives to the nearby attractions.

Strahan is just over 40km, Zeehan about 30 km, Cradle Mountain and Lake St Clair just under 100 km. The Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park is also nearby. The trout fishing at man-made Lake Burbury is world class.

By bus
Buses from Hobart run twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Fridays. Buses from Burnie run to Queenstown daily. Check timetables for the latest information.

By car
The drive from Hobart takes 3.5 to 4 hours (depending upon conditions), taking you through towns such as New Norfolk, Hamilton, Ouse and Derwent Bridge before winding its way through the Franklin-Gordon Wild Rivers National Park, part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.
 * From the east

Leaving the park, and driving around the eastern foot of Mount Owen, and up Linda valley with Mount Lyell to the north and Mount Owen to the south, you come to the ghost towns of Linda and Gormanston, both of which were large communities during the early mining booms. Of particular interest are the ruins of the Royal Hotel at Linda.

Once past Gormanston the road becomes a narrow and winding affair, where all caution should be taken, but this is also where the spectacular views of the surrounding barren hills of Queenstown begin.

Once over Gormanston hill there is a lookout on your left which takes in views of Queenstown and the Queen River Valley. It is well worth a stop for photos, be careful of the wind. In wet and rainy weather look behind you to see the Horsetail Falls that come down the north western slopes of Mount Owen.

Once out of the Linda Valley, and past the lookout you drive down the winding road with on the right hand side, the tree stumps in the clay from one hundred years ago, and down past the black slag heap and into Queenstown.

From Burnie it is a 2.5hr drive along the A10, which takes you through the village of Tullah, where you first get to see Mt Murchison as it looms up ahead of you. Past Tullah you have a choice of routes. The A10 takes you on to Rosebery and over Mt Black or you can take the B28 around Lake Plimsoll, where there are spectacular views of Cradle Mountain National Park and the Franklin River World Heritage area. Both drives are on excellent road surfaces, although a little windy in places. The Lake Plimsoll road is about 15km shorter than the A10 into Queenstown.
 * From the north

The two routes above are only a guide (as well as the time it might take) and that a number of others can be taken from Launceston.

Regardless of which route you take, and depending on what time of year that you travel, weather and road conditions should be taken into account.
 * Hazards

Also if you are driving the roads for the first time, it is well worth avoiding night driving in winter. Also first time drivers must be aware of the narrowness of the road, and sections of very sharp and sudden bends where speed can be a serious problem. Consider that around the next corner rock fall or black ice hazards that suddenly confront the unexpecting driver.

The roads around Queenstown can be covered in ice and snow during winter and right up to early December.

Wildlife also frequent all roads into and out of Queenstown. Please drive carefully and obey speed limits and caution signs.

By bicycle
The more adventurous do travel by bike, and the previous car information is valuable to take note of. The hills are steep in places, whether coming from the east coast or the north coast. There is very little room to negotiate with vehicles in parts, and caution is advised the same as for cars above.

If you are fit, and adequately equipped, bicycle trips through the mountains before and after Queenstown are exhilarating and well worth the effort in good weather.

By train
The West Coast Wilderness Railway operates as a tourist attraction between Queenstown and Strahan, a distance of 34 km. There are a range of journey options - from Strahan and Queenstown.

The original ordinary railway connection between Queenstown and the rest of Tasmania closed in 1960.

Most journeys on the railway utilise Queenstown as the base to travel from. There is also a service from Strahan as the base.

By plane
Strahan Airport - Although helicopter and fixed-wing flights operate from here for charter flights into the south-west wilderness area, or over locations in western Tasmania, there are no scheduled passenger services to Strahan from other airports in Tasmania. Queenstown also has an airstrip, which was used in the past as a regular stopping place, but now is only used sometimes in emergencies.

Do

 * Donaghy's Hill, located on the Lyell Highway about 40 min east from Queenstown, on the road back to Hobart. Easy walk to the top on a well-maintained track. Beautiful views of the Franklin River Valley.
 * Lake Burbury, trout fishing is possible. The lake is next to the Lyell Highway east of Gormanston, the other side of the West Coast Range.
 * Nelson River Falls, located near the Lyell Highway about 20 minutes east of Queenstown. A nice walking track through a rainforest.
 * Lake Burbury, trout fishing is possible. The lake is next to the Lyell Highway east of Gormanston, the other side of the West Coast Range.
 * Nelson River Falls, located near the Lyell Highway about 20 minutes east of Queenstown. A nice walking track through a rainforest.

Buy
Local souvenirs include Huon Pine and Copper mementos, as well as books and postcards of the old copper mine workings, and railway. These can be purchased from several stores along Orr Street, or the railway station gift shop.

Eat
Most of hotels serve food, but there are some cafes and restaurants along Orr Street.

 * Broken Halo Coffee Kitchen, 7 Orr St. Cafe with sandwiches, fish and chips, and cakes. Seating available inside and out.
 * Rusty Iron, 39 Orr St. +61 3 6444 5022. Thai and Chinese cuisine. Includes vegetarian and vegan options. Open for lunch and dinner.
 * Moonscape Wine Bar and Cafe, 42 Orr St. Cafe and wine bar with limited but good food menu. Some vegan options. There is a beer lounge at the back.
 * Trax Cafe, 1 Driffield St. +61 3 6471 0115. Located inside the train station and open from morning until evening. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. There are vegan options and alcohol is also served.

title: Queenstown (Tasmania)


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Queenstown-Lakes

Queenstown-Lakes is the far inland district of Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. The major lakes of the district are Lake Wakatipu, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea.

Understand
Choc-full with lakes, mountains, vineyards centred around the tourist capital of New Zealand, Queenstown, the Queenstown-Lakes area is a popular destination for travellers and Kiwis on holiday. The ski-fields are the main draw in winter but in summer the region's lakes are the main attraction. This is supported by the wide range of year-round tourist attractions throughout the district. The Queenstown-Lakes area is a world class outdoor playground and rightfully deserves its popularity.

Get in
Queenstown Airport is served by Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia. There are direct flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Gold Coast in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in New Zealand. The frequency of flights varies seasonally, with the biggest number during the winter ski season.

The area can be reached by driving from one of four directions: from Dunedin in the east; from the West Coast; from Invercargill in the south; from the north through the Mackenzie country in the centre of the island.

Get around
There are connecting buses between centres. Otherwise private vehicles are the main mode of transport in this area.

See
The region's lakes, valleys and mountains provide all the scenery you could want. Mt Aspiring National Park near Wanaka is a popular destination. There are also a number of smaller lakes you can see and tramps you can make around this region.

Do
Skiing is the main winter pastime at a number of ski fields in this region. During summer, Lake Wanaka and Lake Hawea are popular for boating (Lake Wakatipu less so because of its colder temperature). Smaller lakes such as Lake Hayes near Arrowtown are popular for swimming (due to their warmer temperature). There are also a huge number of outdoors pursuits available in the region.

Another popular activity for the region is visiting one of the number of vineyards and tasting some of the local wine, especially in the Gibbston Valley and Bannockburn regions.

Further details of activities are available under the listings for each town.

Eat
Queenstown has dozens of great restaurants. Wanaka and the other population centres also have their fair share. Many of the regions vineyards also have restaurants.

Stay safe
The region always gets snow in winter. Some of the roads, especially the alpine passes, become icy in winter and road closures (especially of the Crown Range between Queenstown and Wanaka) commonly occur. In winter, chains should be used where necessary (especially on the ski field access roads).

Many of the main roads can be very winding and narrow, with many blind corners. Care should be taken when driving in the region.

Go next

 * Otago; first stops Cromwell and Alexandra
 * Southland, including Te Anau, in the wider Southern Lakes area
 * West Coast; first stop Haast

title: Queenstown-Lakes


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Quelimane

Quelimane is a city in Central Mozambique.

Get in
Flights from Maputo and Beira are operated by LAM. The airport is in good condition and quite easy to get through. Car hire is available (Imperial Rentals).

Roads are in poor condition in the centre of the city. The main road to Quelimane is in good condition.

Get around

Bicycles and even bicycle taxis are very common.

See

The excellent and long beach is a 35km/one hour drive from the city. Bars and restaurants are there, serving very good seafood.

Connect
Internet access is available at the post office on Avenida Samora Machel. Wireless internet is readily available in some places in the city.

BBC World Service transmit a mixture of English/Portuguese language programmes on 95.3MHz FM.

Go next
Visit the town of Mingano. It has almost no services but will give the visitor a glimpse into the lives of rural residents.

title: Quelimane


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Quellon

Quellón is a town of 24,000 people (2015) at the southern end of Chiloé Island. It is a fishing and transportation hub for the area and not a particularly interesting tourist destination, although you might want to experience the thrill of standing at the southern extreme of Chile's longest road, the Ruta 5 (aka Panamericana), which is marked with a plaque and monument just outside of town at Punta de Lapas.

Climate
Winters are cool and wet but mild with a July average of 7.7 °C (45.9 °F). During this time of the year, precipitation is very high, averaging around 208 to 261 millimetres (8 to 10 in) from June to August and humidity is high, averaging around 85–87%. Few days are dry in winter, since there are 22–24 days with measurable precipitation from June to August. Nonetheless, snowfall is rare and most years will record no snowfall.

Summers are mild with a January average of 15.1 °C (59.2 °F) and during this time, precipitation is lower, averaging 103.3 millimetres (4 in) in February, the driest month. Temperatures can occasionally exceed 20 °C (68 °F) anytime from September to June.

One characteristic of the climate is that Quellón, like the rest of the central and southern parts of Chiloé is exposed to strong westerly winds throughout the year.

By car
Quellon is the southernmost town on Chiloé Island and is about 50 km from Castro. The Ruta 5 is the only road going here.

By ferry
The Naviera Austral ferry from Chaitén on the mainland is expensive but sometimes the only way to travel the Carretera Austral without the detour into Argentina. They depart on Saturday and Tuesdays at 10:00, and arrive at 13:00. Seat	13,000 pesos, vehicle 71,000 pesos, motorcycle 16,700 pesos, bicycle 9,900 pesos (VAT included) (Jan 2018).

By bus
Numerous buses to Castro every day (13,500-3,300 pesos, 1½-2 hours) (Dec 2017). If you just arrived by ferry, walk one block left and half a block right and there is the Cruz del Sur terminal, from where you can buy tickets and get on board the next bus.

Get around
Taxis are a fixed rate regardless of destination in town. At night the price gets higher.

See
The plaque marking the end of the Chilean Panamerican Highway (Ruta 5) is just outside of town at Punta de Lapas (also a relatively good beach for this far south). Take any bus on Ladrilleros that says Punta Lapas (20 minutes, 250 pesos).

 * Museo Inchin Cuivi Anti (the name means "Our ancestors") is a museum explains the culture and the history of the Huilliche
 * The Municipal Museum (Museo Municipal) refers to the history of the town.
 * The market Feria Artesanal Llauquil and the marine drive Costanera P. Montt offering a scenic view of the beautiful surroundings are worth a visit as well.

Nearby
Close to Quellón there are several interesting villages, e.g. Punta de Lapa (5 km) with a beautiful 5-km-long beach, or Compu (about 25 km to the north) with a wooden church which was built at the beginning of the 20th century. Quellón Viejo (4 km to the southwest), a village with an interesting cemetery and a typical wooden church dating from the beginning of the 20th century is older than Quellón. Yaldad (11 km to the west) is a Huilliche village with about 500 inhabitants (2002) and a wooden church (Iglesia Jesús de Nazareno) representing the typical style of Chiloé which was built at the beginning of the 20th century and renovated in 1990. Trincao (10 km to the southwest) has a sightworthy cemetery and an interesting church dating from 1920.

Do
The curanto is at 13:30 (the excitement starts about 12:30 when the fire gets going - watching the construction of the curanto is as much fun as eating it). Seafood, potatoes, two types of potato-dough bread, chicken, pork, peas and fava beans are buried in a pit and cooked for an hour and half.
 * Whale watching. There are a few local companies arranging whale tours from November to March. For Ana Maria Jara Millo on the boat "Ana Villosa", call +56 82467340 or 94270380. Alternatively try Ruben Riedel on boat "Nachito", call +56 77138014 or 97881686.
 * Every day during summer an authentic curanto (a local specialty: stew of seafood, meat and potatoes traditionally prepared in a hole dug in the ground) takes place at the Turismo Millaguen near the end of the Panamerican Highway (Km 3, email millaguenquellon@surnet.cl). Take any westbound bus on the main street that has "Punta de Lapas" as a destination - Millaguen is on the north side of the road down a steep driveway.

Sleep
Good camping spots on the beach south of town at Quellon Viejo. Beware of the tide.

There are about 8 hospedajes in town. None have kitchen access. The cheapest, Diegos, is 6,000 pesos per person, up from the bus station toward the main road on the left hand side.

Go next
There is a boat to Chaitén on Fridays only (15:00, 16,000 pesos, takes 5 hours). If using public transport, you need to overnight in Chaitén for journeys onward to Futaleufu next morning.

The same company has a boat to Puerto Chacabuco (30,000 pesos, takes 36 hours). Visit their website for details (see Get in).

title: Quellon


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Quepos

Quepos is a small town in Costa Rica near the Manuel Antonio National Park. It is the closest town offering full tourist services, but has lost much of its charm and innocence due to overdevelopment as it became the poster child destination of the eco-tourism crowd.

By bus
From San José, buses are taken from Tracopa Bus station downtown San Jose. Ride prices are US$8, and the trip takes between 3.5-4.5 hr, depending on the bus you take.

By private shuttle
You can hire a tourist-oriented private van or bus, which usually carries between 7-30 people, depending on the size and presence of air conditioning. Expect to pay up to US$40 per person.

By plane

You can take a plane from San Jose, which is a 40-min flight. Fares start from US$52 with Aerobell Airlines, Sansa and Skyway Airlines.

Get around
Local bus leaves every 30 mins during the day between Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Costs ₡345 and the bus driver and can provide change but may not accept dollars.

Also, renting scooters is an option or renting a taxi.

Instead of staying somewhere along to road to Manuel Antonio National Park, where there is not much infrastructure, it is best to stay in Quepos, which has all the necessary amenities.

Eat
If you find the bus station, wander in the market attached and find a place that says "Cevichera." This place sells "ceviche," a typical local dish consisting of raw, diced fish in a lime juice broth. It's cheap and tastes delicious.

Drink
Some bars have ladies nights and drink specials.

 * Karolas.
 * Barba Roja has ladies night on Saturdays.
 * Wacky Wanda's has cold drinks and air conditioning.
 * Pescadores bar has cold drinks and an open atmosphere. Five TVs and nearly every NFL game.
 * Dos Locos is very popular downtown and may have live music, but not always great music.
 * Sargento Garcia's is usually jumpin' and is a tourist favorite.

Go next

 * "Rafting" Trips down the Naranjo and Savegre rivers.
 * Buses to San José: Some bus drivers will ask if you are going to San José airport, if they see you have big luggage with you. Say no because they are asking this so they can call their taxi driver friend to pick you up at a stop before San José and drive you to the airport. Firstly, you cannot trust this friend of theirs is an official taxi driver and secondly, they will charge an amount a few times more than normal to cover the bus driver's share. If you are going to the airport, plan your trip ahead so you know exactly how to get from San José to the airport; don't leave it to chance.

title: Quepos