Breathtaking scenic beauty, incredible array of outdoor activities, sunny weather and a decadent lifestyle - does this combination sound like a dream come true for you? Well, not if you have just returned from the Sunshine state of Australia - Queensland. It is a place that never, ever ceases to amaze and gets better with each passing day.

Locating This Oceanic Delight

Queensland enjoys an iconic presence on Australia's east coast, and is located north of New South Wales in the subtropics. Its capital is Brisbane and the main coastal towns include Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns. One can reach this holiday destination by international flights that touchdown in Brisbane and Cairns.

The Action Never Stops Here

I'm not too sure if there is anything that can distract you from all luscious splendour around this holiday state. But there's more to Queensland than just its awe-inspiring landscape.

It's pulsating. It's throbbing. It's alive. It's the Queensland islands life that I'm referring to. Here's why Queensland is often referred to as the Tsunami equivalent of tourist destinations:

• Diving: Considering that Queensland's dive places are among the best in the whole wide world, it doesn't come as a surprise that tourists plunge headlong into the action almost instantly. The Great Barrier Reef is just waiting to be explored. The explosion of corals in an assortment of sparkling colours, hard-to-believe sizes and exquisite variety is sure to leave any diving enthusiast gasping for breath. The presence of sharks, rays and shrimp ensures that your experience gets more dramatic and diverse.
• Water sports: If you're a nature lover that has a penchant for adventure, you cannot find a better place to satiate your voracious appetite for adrenalin pumping action. Jet boating, white water rafting, swimming, ocean surfing or scuba diving, there's plenty of stuff to get your pulses racing.
• Explore the mysterious depths: Never mind if you're not a water baby, the hypnotic power of the imperious jungles and imposing mountains and hills have the intrinsic ability to leave you spellbound. So pick up that backpack and trek your way across this beautiful island. Mountain biking or hiking, you're never too far away from the mystique of Queensland's flowers and plants. Crowded freeways are replaced by gushing streams and babbling brooks.
• Cruise along leisurely: If sporting action is not part of your DNA, you still can have a blast on the beaches of Queensland. Travelling at a salubrious pace on bamboo rafts is a great way to soak up the mesmerising natural environment all around.
• (W) holesome fun: There's nothing like a great game of golf to unwind after a hectic day at the beach. With the stunning range of courses, you can indulge in your favourite pastime wholeheartedly.

Whitsunday Islands, Daydream Islands and Hamilton Islands - where will you head first on your sojourn in this sunshine state called Queensland?