Haven't been that far north, Mackay is as far as I've been, really liked the town, but anywhere in Queensland is way too hot and humid for me. I did live in Brisbane for a few years, found it quite friendly, more of a big country town than a city, but that was some time ago. One thing I didn't enjoy about the tropical north, besides the weather, was all the creepy crawlies, didn't like the insects much either.
I don't think Simon would like the tropical north.