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Queensland

The dutch explorer Willem Jansz was the first European who landed on the Cape York Peninsula in 1606
Lieutenant James Cook, the first European who encounter Queensland's coast in 1770.


Queensland's in the beginning were a part of the British-administered Colony of New South Wales. Brisbane was foundet in 1825 as a penal settlement.The Brisbane penal settlement was closed in 1839.


In 1851 a public meeting was held to consider Queensland's separation from New South Wales. After Queen Victoria gave her approval. Queensland became a self-governing colony. June 6 is now celebrated as the day acknowledging the birth of Queensland. Since December 10 1859 officially Queensland is officially separated from New South Wales.

Although Queensland on the East Coast has some of the most famous tourist attractions in Australia only 70,000 German tourists visited Queensland in 2004. Queensland has a 2500 kilometer coastline and an area of more than 1.7 million square km but only approx. 3.5 million people. 

The State can be divided into two climate zones, the tropical North and the subtropical South. There are only two international airports in this large state, the airport in Brisbane (IATA Code BNE) and the airport in Cairns (IATA Code CNS). Budget airlines like Virgin Blue and Jetstar offer domestic flights from these international airports to other famous tourist places. You can also rent a car and travel along the East Coast. 

The most famous attraction in Queensland is the Great Barrier Reef. The UNESCO declared it World Heritage in 1981. The Great Barrier Reef is the world largest coral reef ecosystem and consists of almost 3000 coral reefs. The reef is scattered with beautiful islands and idyllic coral cays and has a unique diversity of species. For instance there are more than 400 different types of corals and 1500 different types of fish. The reef is also one of the most popular diving areas of the world. The visibility under water can be up to 60 meters. The most famous diving spots, which are accessible from Cairns are the Norman, Saxon, Hastings, Arlington, Moore and Sudbury reefs. The Agincourt, Opal and Tounge reefs are easily reached from Port Douglas.

There are more than 220 other national parks and protected areas in Queensland. It has the largest rainforest area in the world that is still in sound condition. There are trees that are more than 3000 years old. These trees as well as the rare tree kangaroos show the unspoiled nature of the tropical North of Queensland.

With the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, sun-kissed beaches, lush rainforests and rugged Outback Queensland offers something for everyone.Surfers love the endless beaches. Along the Queensland beaches are a lot surfing competitions every Year.