Queensland top island holiday destination

Queensland has surged to the top of the ladder for the world's most popular island holiday destinations.The Great Barrier Reef Islands were named in the top ten islands worldwide and number one in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region. The awards came from Travel+Leisure magazine, as the result of its World's Best reader survey.

Fraser Island scored the number two regional island gong. The results were released in the US on Tuesday. Ranked number 10 in the world, the Great Barrier Islands reclaimed their high standing after slipping out of the top ten in 2006 following their number five rating in 2005.

Queensland beat Tasmania, which slid from last year's number one ranking in the Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific region to number five this year, and also dropped out of the top ten in World's Best Island category after being placed sixth in 2006.

Brisbane did not get a mention in the World's Best City category, however Sydney retained its high standing, claiming fifth place after dropping from fourth last year.