Queensland epitomises those Australian clichés: beaches, barbeques, Castlemaine beer. Hordes may flock to Uluru in or gawp at Sydney's Opera House, but it is the laid-back vibe and miles and miles of golden beach that any visitor to Australia seeks – and finds in Queensland.

Queensland is fringed with a spectacular coast and blessed with balmy weather, widely known as the 'Sunshine State'. Brisbane, Australia's third-largest city, may not have the cultural repute of Melbourne or the financial status of Sydney, but it exudes a sophisticated relaxation, and enjoys a wide range of attractions, including the ever-popular Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, the world's oldest and largest sanctuary of its kind.

Yet you would be wrong to think that all those beaches and koala-hugs meant that Queensland was a calm and quiet State. Queensland is Australia's capital of adventure sports, and here you can sail, white-water raft, paraglide, and learn to dive and delve into the natural underwater wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef, awash with turquoise tints and sea-life. The Reef is a World Heritage-listed marine park that stretches for more than 1,250 miles (2,000km) along the Queensland coast, dotted with idyllic island resorts and containing one of the most diverse animal and plant ecosystems on earth.

Queenslands fulfils preconceptions of Australia, but also exceeds them. Besides beaches, Queensland is sated with ancient rainforests, parks and historic towns. There must be a reason why this is Australia's fastest-growing State: perhaps those who visit never leave. Certainly, the outlook of smug Queenslanders seems to be as sunny as their State.