With all this talk of State of Origin and a friendly Queensland versus New South Wales rivalry, we’ve decided to get involved and go head-to-head with a battle of the destinations – which state will reap the rewards in the eye of the traveller?
When soft white beaches come to mind, Queensland would take preference right? With the likes of Fraser Island, the largest sand island in the world, Hamilton Island, just one of the islands that makes up the sparkling tropical islands of the Whitsundays, and Cape Tribulation uniting the beauty of beach and rainforest.
Capr Tribulation.
But then New South Wales brings it with the internationally recognised Bondi Beach; the Northern Beaches home to our very own Home and Away set at Palm Beach, the trendy Manly Beach, and Jervis Bay’s Hyams Beach known for the whitest sand in the world.. Can it get any better!?
Bondi Beach, Sydney
With iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge and scenic Blue Mountains coming into play, do Queensland’s landmark attractions even stand a chance? Well if you’re a nature lover, then most likely yes – as the Sunshine State’s natural landmarks of the north are king with the UNESCO listed Great Barrier Reef – the largest coral reef in the world, housing thousands of reef systems and marine species; plus the Daintree Rainforest, allegedly one of the oldest Rainforests on the planet, taking tourists back in time.
Daintree Rainforest River Cruise, Queensland
Getting up close and personal with wildlife is a major component to getting in touch with the heart of a destination. Did you know that QLD’s Australia Zoo Wildlife Warrior rehabilitation program is the countries busiest wildlife facility allowing guests to support sick Koalas in need?
Sydney Harbour
On the flip, food can be seen as the ultimate test to a state’s success. NSW may have the award-winning Hunter Valley food and wine region and organic produce coming out of Byron Bay, but Queensland’s eats around Noosa and throughout Brisbane’s CBD are arguably just as favourable.
Hunter Valley, Sydney
Let your clients decide for themselves on an AAT Kings Guided Holiday, Short Break or Day Tour. If their heart beats for the maroon, a Queensland Islands & Rainforest guided holiday is recommended travelling to the tropical Hamilton Island, cruising out to the picturesque Great Barrier Reef, ending in Cairns. Or perhaps if New South Wales blue leads the opinion poll, the Sydney’s Food and Wine Discovery trip throughout the CBD, moving onto the Hunter Valley culinary capital would be the ultimate short break.
The Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
If you’re like us and left torn between a gut-wrenching love for both states, then the East Coast Islands & Rainforest guide will keep the peace and compliment both destinations for their beauty.