Lexi Webster
Queensland, a state in northeastern Australia, is the second-largest and third-most populous of the Australian states. Covering an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres (including land and water), it is larger than all countries in the world besides 16 others. Queensland's geographical features and climates are diverse, including tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, white sandy beaches, deserts, and savanna. The state has a population of over 5.5 million, with the majority concentrated in its capital and largest city, Brisbane.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land area | 1,730,648 square kilometers |
| World's sixth-largest country | - |
| Percentage of Australia's total area | 22.5% |
| Coastline length | 9,300 kilometers |
| Highest point | Mount Bartle Frere (1,622 meters) |
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What You'll Learn
Queensland's land area: 1,730,648 sq km
Queensland is a state in northeastern Australia and is the second-largest state in the country. It covers an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres (668,207 sq mi) and makes up about 22.5% of the total area of the Australian continent. To put that into perspective, Queensland is roughly the size of the US states of Alaska and Idaho combined, or about half the size of India.
The state is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia, and New South Wales to the west, southwest, and south, respectively. To the east, Queensland boasts a coastline along the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean, with the Torres Strait and the Gulf of Carpentaria to the north. The Tropic of Capricorn crosses through the state, and it is known for its warm climate and varying landscapes, including tropical rainforests, rivers, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and sandy beaches.
Queensland's land area includes several islands, with Fraser Island being the largest at 1,840 square kilometres (710 sq mi). The state also has a diverse range of climates and geographical features due to its size. While the coastal areas enjoy warm, temperate weather year-round, the inland regions experience hot, dry summers and mild winters. The coastal regions are also the wettest areas in Queensland, with average annual rainfall varying from 5 inches (13 cm) in the southwest to 180 inches (460 cm) in the northeast.
The state's capital and largest city, Brisbane, is located on the coast in the southeast region of the state. Brisbane comprises about half of Queensland's population, which was recorded as 5,156,138 in 2021. The state is home to a diverse range of animal life, including kangaroos, koalas, opossums, emus, parrots, and many songbirds. Queensland also has a number of areas that are protected as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics, and the Gondwana Rainforests.
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Queensland's population: 5.15 million
Queensland is a state in northeastern Australia, and is the second-largest and third-most populous of the Australian states. Queensland has a population of over 5.5 million, with the 2021 census giving a figure of 5,156,138. The population is concentrated in South East Queensland, where nearly three in four reside.
The capital and largest city in the state is Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, comprising half of the state’s population. Ten of Australia's thirty largest cities are located in Queensland, the largest outside Brisbane being the Gold Coast, the Sunshine Coast, Townsville, Cairns, Ipswich, and Toowoomba. 24.2% of the state's population were born overseas. Queensland has the highest inter-state net migration in Australia.
Queensland's population has grown rapidly, particularly in the more attractive coastal regions. The state has a low population density, with about 6.7 people per square mile (2.6 people per square kilometer). The rest of the population is dispersed thinly over almost all of the vast interior, posing severe access and communication challenges.
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Queensland's capital: Brisbane
Queensland is a large state in Australia, covering a vast area of 1,730,648 square kilometres. Within this expansive landscape lies the state's vibrant capital city, Brisbane. Nestled along the Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city serves as the heart of Queensland, offering a unique blend of urban sophistication and outdoor adventures. With a population of over 2.5 million people, Brisbane is not just a city but a diverse region in its own right, encompassing a variety of distinct neighbourhoods and natural wonders.
Brisbane boasts a dynamic and bustling atmosphere, with a thriving arts and culture scene, world-class dining experiences, and a lively nightlife. The city is renowned for its vibrant street art, with colourful murals and graffiti art adorning many buildings and laneways. The Brisbane Powerhouse, a former power station transformed into a contemporary arts centre, is a testament to the city's creative spirit, hosting theatre, comedy, and musical performances throughout the year. The city's culinary landscape is equally impressive, showcasing a diverse range of cuisines, from upscale restaurants to quirky street food markets.
Brisbane's proximity to nature is one of its defining characteristics. The city is surrounded by a picturesque backdrop of lush mountains, scenic rivers, and sandy beaches. Mount Coot-tha, located just a short drive from the city centre, offers panoramic views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking. The Brisbane River, which meanders through the city, provides opportunities for kayaking, paddle boarding, and river cruises. For those seeking a beach escape, the nearby Gold and Sunshine Coasts offer pristine surf beaches and relaxed coastal towns.
As the capital of Queensland, Brisbane plays a significant role in the state's history and cultural heritage. The city is home to several renowned museums and art galleries, including the Queensland Museum and Science Centre, where visitors can explore the state's natural history, cultural heritage, and interactive science exhibits. The Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) is the largest gallery of modern and contemporary art in Australia and showcases an impressive collection of local and international artists. Brisbane also hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating music, film, food, and the arts.
Brisbane's diverse neighbourhoods offer a range of unique experiences and attractions. The city's heart, defined by its high-rise buildings and bustling streets, is a hub of activity, with popular destinations such as the Queen Street Mall offering a premier shopping experience. In contrast, neighbourhoods like West End and Fortitude Valley provide a more eclectic vibe with their boutique shops, vibrant cafés, and thriving live music scenes. The South Bank precinct, located opposite the central business district, is a cultural hotspot, home to parks, markets, and the Queensland Performing Arts Centre.
As a gateway to the rest of Queensland, Brisbane provides easy access to some of the state's most iconic destinations. From the city, travellers can explore the tropical rainforests of Far North Queensland, the ancient wonders of the Outback, and the world-renowned Great Barrier Reef. Whether it's exploring the Daintree Rainforest, discovering the Whitsunday Islands, or diving in the vibrant marine world of the reef, Brisbane serves as the perfect launching point for unforgettable adventures across this vast and diverse state.
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Queensland's climate: varied, generally hot and dry inland
Queensland is a state in northeastern Australia, and is the second-largest and third-most populous of the Australian states. It covers an area of 668,207 square miles (1,730,648 sq km) or 1,729,742 square kilometres (715,309 square miles) according to another source.
Queensland has a varied climate, but it is generally hot and dry inland. The state has six predominant climatic zones based on temperature and humidity:
- Hot humid summer, warm humid winter (far north and coastal): Cairns, Innisfail
- Hot humid summer, warm dry winter (north and coastal): Townsville, Mackay
- Hot humid summer, mild dry winter (coastal elevated areas and coastal south-east): Brisbane, Bundaberg, Rockhampton
- Hot dry summer, mild dry winter (central inland and north-west): Mt Isa, Emerald, Longreach
- Hot dry summer, cool dry winter (southern inland): Roma, Charleville, Goondiwindi
- Warm humid summer, cold dry winter (elevated south-eastern areas): Toowoomba, Warwick, Stanthorpe
The coastal areas of Queensland have warm, temperate weather year-round, with average water temperatures of 26 degrees. The inland areas experience hot, dry summers and mild winters. The state's capital and largest city, Brisbane, has an average July low of 10°C and an average January high of 30°C. North of Brisbane, the average temperatures are higher, with Cairns reaching a maximum average of 31°C in January.
Queensland has a sub-tropical humid climate with two seasons: a rainy and humid summer (October to May) and a dry season between June and October. The best time to visit is during the dry winter months, as severe springtime thunderstorms can affect the southeast and inland areas, bringing damaging winds, torrential rain, large hail, and even tornadoes.
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Queensland's landscape: diverse, from rainforests to deserts
Queensland is a state in northeastern Australia and is the second-largest and third-most populous Australian state. Covering an area of 1,723,030 square kilometres (665,270 sq mi), Queensland is larger than all but 16 countries.
Queensland's landscape is incredibly diverse, ranging from tropical rainforests to deserts. The state is known for its warm climate, varying landscapes, and coastline, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Australia. The state is bordered by the Coral Sea and the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Torres Strait to the north, and the Northern Territory and South Australia to the west and southwest, respectively. The state's southern border with New South Wales is constituted by the watershed from Point Danger to the Dumaresq River.
Queensland's landscapes include the rolling red sand dunes of the Simpson Desert, the mangrove-ringed atolls of the North Queensland coastline, and the rocky escarpments of the scenic rim. The state also boasts beautiful white sandy beaches, coral reefs, mountain ranges, and tropical rainforests in its tropical and subtropical coastal regions. The Great Barrier Reef, a 2,600-kilometer-long reef located off the coast of Queensland, is a major tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In addition to its natural beauty, Queensland is also home to a diverse range of wildlife. The state boasts 85% of Australia's native mammals, 72% of its native birds, and over 50% of its native reptiles and frogs. Queensland also has 226 national parks and three state marine parks, showcasing the importance of protecting its diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
The capital and largest city of Queensland is Brisbane, located on the coast and known for its mild winters and warm summers. With less than 50% of the state's population residing in Brisbane, Queensland's geographical features and climates vary across its vast expanse, offering a truly staggering array of landscapes to discover.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland covers an area of 1,730,648 square kilometres (668,207 square miles).
Queensland is the second-largest Australian state by area, behind Western Australia. It covers about 22.5% of the total area of the Australian continent.
Queensland is the world's sixth-largest subnational entity by area, and it would be the 16th largest country in the world if it were a country.
Queensland has a population of about 5.5 million people as of 2021, with about 2.5 million people living in the capital city of Brisbane. The population density is low, with about 6.7 people per square mile (2.6 per square kilometre).
