North Queensland Overview

Sandy beaches stretch along some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests as the Queensland coast extends farther north. To the west of the tropics, the earth becomes dry and the dirt turns red; much of this land sits high above sea level on former volcanic shelves. Tall green and silver fields, smoking mills, chugging trains, and Bundaberg rum all stand testament to north Queensland’s greatest agricultural asset: sugar cane. Just off the coast of tropical Townsville, the region’s economic and residential center, sits Magnetic Island, a haven for both koalas and urbanites alike. Between the island and Mission Beach, brilliant waters lap sands sheltered from rough seas by the Great Barrier Reef. Pockets of zealously preserved rainforest (and the inescapable “rainforest boardwalk”) grow increasingly common in the tropical north.

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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.