Cape York is considered the northernmost point of the Australian mainland and the state of Queensland. About 3,000 kilometers further south lies its capital, Brisbane. And what's in between? Lots of adventures! If you get involved you'll be far away from home, but close to yourself and always surrounded by nature - because in Queensland, life takes place primarily outdoors. No wonder, after all, here, everyone finds what they are looking for.

The kangaroo is the national animal of Australia. © Shutterstock

Between reef and rainforest

Jumping whales, the colorful Great Barrier Reef, surfers on the golden sandy beaches, Aborigines, koalas, crocodiles and kangaroos: the typical Australia pictures are probably familiar to everyone. And yet, when you're there, you can't help but be amazed. The epitome of Australia is the state of Queensland on the east coast, divided into five main regions: Tropical North, Subtropical Coast, Outback, Brisbane and Brisbane's environs. They all have equally much to offer.

Recommended are the parks with their breathtaking waterfalls. © Getty Images

The tropical north, for example, scores with more than 20 waterfalls near Cairns. They cascade from mighty cliffs into pools in which you can swim - for example at the Stoney Creek waterfall or at the Crystal Cascades.

With the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest rainforest in the world can also be found here. It was formed more than 180 million years ago and is considered one of the most complex ecosystems in the world.

The Great Barrier Reef is another natural gem in the tropical north right on your doorstep.

The Great Barrier Reef has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. © Getty Images

Nature in technicolor

It's one of the seven wonders of the natural world - and not by chance, after all, it's the only living organism that can be seen from space. The reef is home to 1625 species of fish and 700 species of coral. If you go diving or snorkeling here, you have a good chance of swimming side by side with dolphins, turtles and whales.

The reefs and the biodiversity can be discovered by diving or snorkeling. © Tourism and Events Queensland

But if you want to be on the safe side when it comes to whale watching, it's best to head to southern Queensland: Hervey Bay, near the capital Brisbane, is a hotspot for humpback whale watching.

From here, you can also reach K'gari, the largest sand island in the world. It's lush with vegetation and a paradise for numerous bird species. Brilliant white sand and deep blue lagoons are also what attract visitors further north to the Whitsunday Islands. Primarily, the archipelago became world famous because of Whitehaven Beach, which is said to be one of the whitest beaches in the world.

The gorgeous Whitsunday Islands © Unsplash

Surfers Paradise

But man does not live by adventure alone - not even in Queensland. Above all, the relaxed sides of the state can be discovered on the kilometer-long sandy beaches of the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Surfers Paradise, a district of the city of Gold Coast, is known for its lively nightlife. Clubs, bars and pubs line the streets. 

Where to go in Brisbane

Brisbane is a hotspot for shopping, going out and strolling. © Tourism and Events Queensland/Richard Greenwood

Shoppers' Paradise, on the other hand, can be located in Brisbane, as tiled arcades steeped in history hide between skyscrapers, vine-covered boutiques and malls invite you to take a piece of Queensland with you.

The culinary and cultural side of the city is best discovered in South Bank, south of the Brisbane River. Here, numerous first-class restaurants and bars line Little Stanley and Grey Streets, and you also have the option of taking a ride on the 60-meter-high Brisbane Wheel - you'll be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of the river, the city and the surrounding mountains.

Fortitude Valley outside Brisbane is a hotspot for night owls - with its bars, clubs and live music events, this is a worthy end to a unique trip.