Queensland Day is a celebration of who we are and where we've come from - a day to honour everything that makes our state great. 6 June marks our independence day - the anniversary of Queensland's official separation from NSW in 1859.
Queensland - it's time to vote for what's best about our great state! It's your chance to celebrate what makes our state shine.
Vote for what you think is best - from the best burgers and fish and chips to your favourite beach or natural wonder - and help put your town on the map.
Every vote counts so show some love for Queensland on our birthday and tell the world what makes us all the best!
It's our people and communities where the Queensland spirit shines brightest.
Celebrate everyday Queenslanders who embody the spirit, values and pride of the Sunshine State and nominate a Local Legend.
Local Legends are people who go above and beyond in their communities - the local footy coach, surf lifesavers that patrol our beaches, and those that make a difference in their community to improve the lives of others.
Nominate your Queensland Day Local Legend now.
It's our people and communities where the Queensland spirit shines brightest. Celebrate everyday Queenslanders who embody the spirt, values and pride of the Sunshine State. From the local footy coach to the surf-lifesaver who patrols our beach, to members of the Australian Defence Force and our emergency services - these are the local legends who show how powerfully the Queensland spirit can shine. Give the one you know the recognition they deserve and nominate your Queensland Day Local Legend now!
The Queensland Flag has a royal twist. It features the Union Jack and a badge with the blue Maltese Cross and a crown - a nod to Queen Victoria.
The world's largest coral reef ecosystem lives off Queensland's coast. Great Britain would fit inside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 1.6 times!
In the spirit of celebrating the best state in Australia, the Queensland Greats Awards recognise extraordinary Queensland individuals and institutions for their significant achievements and contribution to the rich history and vibrant development of Queensland. We'll announce 2025's Queensland Greats at a ceremony in June.
All Queensland Greats are honoured with commemorative plaques displayed proudly at Roma Street Parkland, Brisbane. For the full list of Queensland Greats visit the Queensland Greats Awards website.
Meet our Queensland Day ambassadors, championing the essence and vibrance of Queensland, ready to connect and elevate the celebration.
Gorden Tallis, a Townsville-born powerhouse, is celebrated as one of Australia's most formidable and inspiring rugby league legends.
After an impressive start with St George, he joined the Brisbane Broncos in 1997, where he cemented his legacy over eight seasons, playing 160 games and clinching three premiership titles.
A natural leader, Tallis captained the Queensland Maroons from 1998 to 2001, representing his state in 20 electrifying matches. On the international stage, he played 11 tests for Australia, and captaining the team in 2003.
Renowned for his fearless playing style and unfiltered honesty, Tallis has become a respected voice in rugby league, offering sharp insights and a deep understanding of the game that continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Kay McGrath is an award-winning journalist, news presenter and passionate social justice advocate who presented prime time news bulletins in Queensland for more than 40 years.
Beyond her distinguished media career, Kay has been a driving force in the fight against domestic and family violence. For four and a half years, Kay chaired the Queensland State Government's Domestic and Family Violence Implementation and Prevention Councils established following the landmark 'Not Now Not Ever' Taskforce headed by Dame Quentin Bryce. Today, she continues her vital work as a member of the Council.
Kay's commitment to protecting and empowering communities in unwavering. She serves as Patron of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, Patron and co-founder of Protect all Children Today, and a Life Ambassador for Act for Kids. Kay is a member of Chief Executive Women and a founding member of Women in Media Qld. Her remarkable contributions were recognised In 2019 when she was honoured as a Queensland Great.
Lee Kernaghan's music rumbles across the Australian landscape like a souped-up ute belting out a cloud of dust.
For more than three decades, this modern-day bush balladeer has bridged the gap between country's classic storytelling and a new breed of arena-rock showmanship. From the moment his debut album, The Outback Club, made waves in 1992, Kernaghan has channelled the heart and grit of regional Australia with tracks that have become anthems.
Whether he's banging out crowd favourites onstage or putting his time and resources behind the communities he loves, Kernaghan has become a living symbol of the outback's give-it-a-go ethos.
William Barton is widely recognised as Australia's leading didgeridoo player as well as a highly esteemed composer, instrumentalist and vocalist.
William Barton is widely recognised as Australia's leading didgeridoo player as well as a highly esteemed composer, instrumentalist and vocalist.
He has composed works for didgeridoo and orchestras, string quartets, jazz and rock bands as well as collaborative contributions with some of Australia's leading composers.
William's passion is to create a journey for people through music and present them a diversity of musical styles using the didgeridoo.
Throughout his diverse career William has forged a path in the classical musical world, with major Commissions include writing for members of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Sydney Symphony and the Orchestra, Queensland Symphony Orchestra as well as for contemporary dance companies and dancers such as the Leigh Warren and Dancers, which the work Breathe was premiered at both Womadelaide and at the Edinburgh International Festival in 2012.
William has a strong desire to give back to his culture, people and community. One of his greatest enjoyments is his involvement in workshops with schools and children all over Australia, where he teaches the next generation didgeridoo and storytelling.
Sally Pearson is one of Australia's greatest Olympians and regarded as the nation's most successful track athlete of all time.
It was at Beijing 2008 when Sally made her Olympic debut in the 100m hurdles, creating history when she claimed silver behind USA's Dawn Harper. Sally's silver medal marked the first time in 40 years that an Australian won a medal in the hurdles.
At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Sally became just the 10th female Australian track athlete to win a gold medal in the 100m hurdles, smashing the Olympic record in the process, a record Sally still holds to this day.
A year earlier at the World Championships in Daegu, South Korea – the Australian track queen cemented her greatness by clocking the incredible time of 12.28 seconds; just 0.07 seconds outside the world record. Topping off a career-defining year on the track, Sally became the first and only Australian to win the IAAF Athlete of the Year alongside Usain Bolt.
In 2014, Sally was bestowed Australia's highest individual honour when she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contribution to sport.
The Australian track queen retired as the reigning world champion in 2019.
Dr Sallyanne Atkinson AO is a community leader who has made an outstanding contribution to Queensland in government, business, sport, international trade, community and the arts.
Elected as Brisbane's first female Lord Mayor in 1985, Sallyanne initiated the most comprehensive plan undertaken by any Australian city, covering land use planning, transport, economic development and social issues, as well as presiding over World Expo '88. Sallyanne has been a passionate advocate for her community while holding a diverse range of leadership roles in Queensland.