While there's plenty of outdoors fun in Queensland, the State also offers entertainment, discerning culture and arts and its own unique heritage.

Queensland style is casual, friendly and open. You can still enjoy a fine-dining experience with high quality wines and prompt service. But you can expect something a little different - a beach, waterfront, outback or stunning rainforest view may be just around the corner.

High quality establishments and years of catering to the requirements of international and Australian visitors, means your needs will be met when you are on holidays.


Arts And Culture

Queensland supports a wide variety of the arts - see ballet, contemporary dance, opera, theatre, free open-air parades and festivals or visit an art gallery. All Queensland regions have a wide array of events, which reflect the local strengths - from regional festivals to major events, including fishing competitions, jazz festivals, chamber orchestra recitals and food festivals.

The Queensland Orchestra, http://www.qso.com.au, is the third largest in Australia. In Brisbane, the Queensland Performing Arts Centre at South Brisbane is a major venue for theatre and performance. You'll find a wide array of cultural centres close by including the Queensland Cultural Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland.

The Tropical North Queensland Arts, Culture and Heritage Guide and the Townsville Arts, Culture and Heritage Guide both offer a great way to see the best that these regions have to offer.

For discovering Queensland's heritage follow the Queensland Heritage Trails Network. This Network creates a living history of contemporary, interactive attractions, which celebrate the people, places and events that shaped Queensland.


Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Culture

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities have the oldest living cultures in the world - over 40,000 years. Travel to Queensland to learn about indigenous culture, bush tucker and natural remedies and medicines, traditional rock art or cultural performances passed through generations.

You can see Aboriginal rock art sites at national parks or time your visit with a dance or cultural festival in Laura or Thursday Island. Take in a cultural show or have a guided walk or safari to learn about "bush tucker" and bush medicines. Aboriginal and Islander sites are protected, you need permission before accessing sites. Always ask locals before photographing and do not reproduce cultural images without permission as this may breach spiritual codes. Aboriginal sites include burial grounds, fish traps, rock art, shell middens and ceremonial grounds.


Food And Wine

There's plenty of Tantalising Tastes in Queensland and you'll be spoilt for choice with Food and Wine. Stock up on fresh produce from markets or supermarkets or head to the hundreds of al fresco cafes and restaurants for dining out throughout the State. The State supports numerous wineries and you can follow wine trails in a range of destinations including South East Queensland Country, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Pleasant weather year-round means breakfast, lunch and dinner can normally be enjoyed in outdoor settings. You can enjoy a fine dining experience in the middle of the Outback with a camp oven meal or tuck into a smorgasbord on a cruising yacht.


Gay And Lesbian Travel

Gay and Lesbian travellers can find gay-friendly bars, restaurants and accommodation within Queensland. Cairns and Brisbane are favourite destinations of the gay and lesbian community.


Romance And Indulgence

If seclusion, Romance and Indulgence are close to your heart there's no better place than Queensland for holidays. Combine reef and rainforest experiences, relax in a sumptuous spa and beauty regime or be pampered with fine Food and Wine.


Shopping

You'll find some of the largest shopping centres in Australia within Queensland. Most large shopping malls have eateries, specialty stores and larger department stores and supermarkets. Markets are popular in Queensland - you'll find every region has a range of weekly or monthly markets where you can pick up locally grown food or vegetables, scented soaps, clothes or art work. International visitors may be interested to pick up Australian art, pure wool clothes, toy kangaroos or hand-crafted items. Australia has consumer protection laws and you have the right to choose when and where you shop. Look out for duty free bargains. Major credit cards are accepted and Bureaux de Change or banks will cash travellers cheques.

Where Else but Queensland could it be so easy to enjoy yourself in Queensland Style.