AUSTRALIA
Whether you prefer the wild outback, the stunning Opera House in Sydney, or the jewels of the Great Barrier Reef, this is an official invitation to the home of kangaroos and koalas, a place that is laid back, yet vibrant, full of history, wildlife and sites and destinations to take-in.
Sydney, Australia
Although Sydney is one of the largest cities in the world, you'll find most of the things you want to see and do are centred around one of the world's most beautiful harbours.
This gateway to the Outback has it all: endless outdoor adventure around the harbour; or the Blue Mountains; Golden sandy beaches named Bondi, Bilgola and a bustling Coogee art and entertainment scene. Plus countless museums, galleries and world-class restaurants where the dishes go way beyond the local Vegemite.
The Sydney Opera House is more than an architectural icon. With its dramatic whitesailed design, it's one of the most easily recognised buildings on earth. Then head for the almost equally familiar Sydney Harbour Bridge for some pictures. In the centre of town you'll find a concentration of worldclass restaurants, shopping, entertainment and museums.
And if you're there during the summer season, no trip to Sydney is complete without a little sun and surf at one of the city's many spectacular beaches. If you like a little entertainment with your shopping, The Rocks Market is your spot. Street performers and local musicians will keep you amused while you wander by 150 or so vendors selling pretty much everything under the sun, or, in this case, the canopy. And you'll have a choice of pubs and cafés once you've worked up an appetite.
The Great Barrier Reef
The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef in the world, roughly parallel to the coast of Queensland, Australia, for almost 2,000km. Australia has almost 1/5th of the world's reef area. The waters of the Great Barrier Reef provide the world's busiest and most varied marine habitats. Marine life is in abundance.
From the many species of coral to the sought after Black Marlin and all sizes and species of fish in-between. It is the largest of the world's 552 World Heritage Areas, covering 347,000 km with more than 2800 catalogued reefs in the area.
Brisbane
Once considered the "country cousin" of Australian cities, Brisbane is today the nation's third largest metropolis. Lying on the banks of the Brisbane River, this cosmopolitan city boasts elegant 19th century sandstone buildings, a lively cultural scene and superb parklands.
Brisbane is also the gateway to adventures with a uniquely Australian flavour, whether it is to a wildlife park, the rainforested Mount Tamborine plateau, or the dazzling beaches of Queensland's fabled Gold Coast.
Townsville
Old gold mining towns, plunging rainforest waterfalls and a relaxed Queensland ambience can be found in Townsville. This unique city houses the World's largest coral reef Aquarium.
Sprawled around an isthmus between Castle Hill and the Ross River, the regional city of Townsville has a sleepy tropical ambience, but there is actually lots to do. Stroll along The Strand, Townsville's spruced-up, park-lined waterfront; or climb to the top of Castle Hill for an overview of the hinterland and Magnetic Island, located offshore.
Port Douglas
The closest town to the Great Barrier Reef also offers a gateway to the stunning Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge. Fishing village charm meets aquatic amusement and jungle intrigue in Port Douglas.
And if you think this sounds like the perfect setting for your Australian adventure, wait until you experience it first-hand. Sip a fruity drink at one of the many seaside cafés.
Darwin
The quirky outpost of Darwin boasts museums, botanical gardens and the Adelaide River; home to the famous jumping crocodiles. It's a place where memories are born and adventure is a given.
Closer to Indonesia than any other Australian city, Darwin is the capital of the region known locally as the "Top End," which is in the vast Northern Territory. Darwin is home to more than half of the territory's population, and the city and its people reflect the rugged individualism that comes from living in the harsh outback.
Broome
Bordered by the Indian Ocean and sandy beaches on one side and the arid red-green landscape of the Kimberley wilderness on the other. Established in 1883, Broome played host to speculators seeking their fortune from pearling rather than gold.
Between 1889 and 1891 the record high price of mother of pearl helped to establish Broome as a port and major pearling centre. Today Broome is a vibrant city filled with a history and culture all its own, as well as the gateway to the vast Kimberley wilderness.
Geraldton
An alluring mix of natural and historic attractions, the West Australian city of Geraldton-Greenough is carpeted with wildflowers in spring and boasts a multi-million-dollar rock lobster industry. Visit one of the lovely waterfront restaurants to sample the local seafood.
Geraldton is also home to Western Australia's two northernmost wineries.
NEW ZEALAND
Milford Sound…one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand
As one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand, Milford Sound is located in the South Island of New Zealand known as 'Fiordland', this is one of the most dramatic and beautiful parts of New Zealand. For first-time visitors and lifelong natives alike, Milford Sound is one of the most immediately breathtaking places in New Zealand.
Although remote, Milford Sound has visitors come from all over the world to admire its raw, unspoiled beauty and rare marine life and has achieved World Heritage Site status.
The 22-km-long fjord is dominated by beautiful Mitre Peak and calmed by gorgeous waters that mirror the sheer peaks surrounding them. Whatever the Sound's mood, teeming with rain or with sun glistening on deep water, it will inspire you. Nowhere in Fiordland do the mountains stand as tall, straight out of the sea. Mountain peaks with sculptural, hanging valleys, send waterfalls cascading over sheer granite cliffs to the sea below.
The Maori were the first to attribute the creation of fiords to a 'titanic mason'. According to legend Tu-te-raki-whanoa carved out the fiords with his adze. He started in the far south where he created a rough coastline with many islands. By the time he reached Milford Sound he had perfected his technique and carved an awe-inspiring fiord. Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) was his greatest achievement.
The goddess of the underworld, Hine-nuite- po, came to see the handiwork of Tu and was so alarmed at the beauty of Piopiotahi, that she worried that once people had seen the fiord they would not want to leave its beauty. To encourage humans to not dwell too long she released the sandfly into Milford Sound!
Boat trips on the Sound are a must and provide close up views of awe-inspiring scenery. These cruises are often accompanied by playful dolphins, and seals basking on rocks are a common sight. Milford Sound is also becoming increasingly popular for adventure on the water such as kayaking and diving.
Kayaking is an experience in the sounds that is unforgettable; most people kayak very early in the morning or late afternoon. There is also an opportunity to dive in an incredible marine environment. Milford Sound also has an underwater observatory with viewing facility to enable visitors to experience life below the surface of Milford Sound.
The observatory is a permanent window to life nine metres beneath the sea in the Pioppiotahi marine reserve.
