The cool and casual capital of Queensland offers all the glitz and glam of a big city, without the big city airs. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills, this urban oasis is certainly easy on the eyes. Whether youre heading for the suburbs, centre or outskirts of town, youll be sure to encounter your fair share of first-ever experiences. Scale the legendary Story Bridge, take a sandboarding tour on North Stradbroke Island. Or if youd like to connect with your inner Aussie, try your hand at sheep shearing at the Australian Woolshed.

Airlie Beach is the Queensland coasts go-to spot for maritime adventure. Its the mainland town that allows the easiest access to the 74 incredible Whitsunday Islands — take the ferry out and spend your day relaxing by clear aqua waters at Whitehaven Beach or snorkeling among the heart-shaped portion of the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or stick to the mainland: Walk the Bicentennial Walkway along the Airlie Beach waterfront, popping into a cafe for a late-morning flat white (the Australian signature latte). Take a dip in Airlie Beach Lagoon, or head to Conway National Park, where you can hike your way through rain forest to panoramic views of the city and the harbor.

Cairns, considered the gateway to Australias Great Barrier Reef, is a city in tropical Far North Queensland. Its Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park tells the stories of indigenous Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with music and dance. Cairns Esplanade, lined with bars and restaurants, has a swimming lagoon. Northwest of the city, Daintree National Park spans mountainous rainforest, gorges and beaches.

Willis Island, located east of Australia just beyond the Great Barrier Reef, is the only permanently inhabited island in Australias Coral Sea Islands Territory. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has a weather monitoring station on the island, staffed by three people, who make up the islands human population. Thousands of masked, brown and red footed boobies – a seabird that looks like a dressed up seagull – keep them company.

The cool and casual capital of Queensland offers all the glitz and glam of a big city, without the big city airs. Located on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by rolling hills, this urban oasis is certainly easy on the eyes. Whether youre heading for the suburbs, centre or outskirts of town, youll be sure to encounter your fair share of first-ever experiences. Scale the legendary Story Bridge, take a sandboarding tour on North Stradbroke Island. Or if youd like to connect with your inner Aussie, try your hand at sheep shearing at the Australian Woolshed.