Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”

Airlie Beach is the gateway to Australia’s glorious Whitsunday Islands. The township brims with island-bound tourists, yachties and backpackers, who crowd the bars of its jam-packed main drag. Around town, dozens of outlets sell crafts, clothing and souvenirs, and sociable restaurants and watering holes abound.

Sprawled around an isthmus between Castle Hill and the Ross River, the regional city of Townsville has a sleepy tropical ambience, but there is actually lots to do. Stroll along The Strand, Townsville’s spruced-up, park-lined waterfront; or climb to the top of Castle Hill for an overview of the hinterland and Magnetic Island, located offshore.

The picturesque town of Yorkeys Knob, dominated by its dramatic headland, is your gateway to Cairns – one of Australia’s hottest vacation destinations. Cairns boasts three of Australia’s great natural wonders. Just offshore, immense bastions of living coral form the Great Barrier Reef. Sixteen miles of superb beaches stretch to the north of the city – the famed Marlin Coast. Inland lays the ancient rainforest of Daintree National Park.

Cairns’ graceful, tree-lined esplanade was once the gateway to the gold fields of North Queensland. A travel tip – Cairns is pronounced “cans.”

Port Douglas, located north of Cairns in Far North Queensland, is a resort playground with much to offer. Stroll along Four Mile Beach, browse boutiques and galleries, or dine on fresh seafood at one of the many fine restaurants.

Willis Island is part of Australia’s Coral Sea Islands Territory, a group of small and mostly uninhabited tropical islands and reefs scattered some 420 kilometres east of Cairns beyond the Great Barrier Reef. It is the southernmost of a trio of tiny isles collectively known as the Willis Islets, and is an important nesting ground for birds and turtles.

Once considered the “country cousin” among Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation’s third-largest metropolis – and one of the most desirable places to live in the country. Lying on the banks of the meandering Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th-century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands. Brisbane is also your gateway to uniquely Australian adventures, be it the theme parks of the Gold Coast or Queensland’s dazzling beaches.

The beaches south of Brisbane form Queensland’s Gold Coast. Travel tip: Brisbane is pronounced “Bris-bin.”