Queensland is one of the six states in Australia and most famous because of its association with several major world heritage sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Fraser Island and the Daintree National Park. Southeast Queensland is one of the fastest-growing areas of Australia, and its capital city Brisbane one of the fastest growing cities in the Asia-Pacific region and offers world-class experiences.
With 6,973 km (4,333 mi) of coastline and nearly 2,000 islands to explore, beach tourism is a major attraction for local, domestic and international visitors, exemplified by tourist resort city of the Gold Coast. Along with year-round warm weather and sunshine, this lends itself to a relaxed, laid-back culture and lifestyle that is distinctly Queensland. Further inland, the ancient Gondwana rainforests along the mountainous Great Dividing Range offer a more temperate environment and surprising wildlife encounters. Western Queensland is very arid and offers unique Outback experiences and vast, dramatic landscapes.