Google ‘hidden Queensland’ and you find tourism operators trade on the presumption that the state isn’t an obvious destination by touting hidden ‘oases’, hidden valleys and secluded tropical beaches. It’s as if it is still one of Australia’s best-kept secrets, despite having been the nation’s premier holiday resort for decades.

This rather apologetic attitude to cultural tourism can be related to Queensland’s historical ambivalence with regards to its separation from other states and territories. And writers too have had a love-hate relationship with the state – for there’s a long tradition of Queensland writers either leaving in order to make their voices heard, or staying put and celebrating their decision, but sometimes as if it’s an artistic trial by fire to be endured.