AUSTRALIA HIGHLIGHTS

Australia is a diverse and exotic area that boasts unique attractions to satisfy any interest. There are eight states in Australia - Queensland, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia and Northern Territory. Each of these has many exciting destinations to visit.

Queensland, the Sunshine State of Australia, is home to "Australia's Playground," otherwise known as the Gold Coast, as well as the more northern Sunshine Coast. While visiting the most populous state in Australia, New South Wales, stop in the cosmopolitan city of Sydney to visit the beautiful harbor, as well as the many boutiques and restaurants. A drive thought the amazing countryside will give you an opportunity to stop in the small towns and villages and sample exquisite cuisine and wine from this region.

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is in the ACT, as are many of the country's most important monuments including the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia and Canberra's newest attraction, the National Museum of Australia. Victoria is a beautiful and diverse region. Here you can tour the world class wineries in the Yarra Valley, take a scenic drive along the Great Ocean Road and explore the city of Melbourne. Tasmania, an island off the southern coast of Australia, was ranked third in the world for stewardship of its environment by National Geographic Traveler magazine's Sustainable Tourism Initiative; 40% of the island is protected as World Heritage area. This area features mountain ranges and beautiful landscapes, complete with lovely wines and foods to complement your visit to the island. While in South Australia, visit the city of Adelaide, take a trip to Kangaroo Island to see kangaroos and koalas, or travel deep into the heart of the outback for unique experiences you will not want to miss. Visit the white sand beaches of the Coral Coast while in Western Australia, or have a historic Australian frontier experience in the north west area of this state and see Aboriginal culture and rugged landscapes. The city of Perth is a must while visiting this region!

The Northern Territory is where you will have your opportunity to visit Kakadu National Park and Uluru-Kata Tjuta (Ayers Rock). Among the many spectacular and scenic views, you will also see monsoon vine forests and lotus lilies, rock wallabies, saltwater crocodiles and the elegant dancing brolga.

Australia is a diverse country with many fascinating places to explore; once you arrive, you will not want to part with this most amazing destination.

AUSTRALIA IS A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION, WITH ITS SEASONS BEING OPPOSITE OF THOSE IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OF DECEMBER TO FEBRUARY, IT IS HOT IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA, NORTHERN TERRITORY AND QUEENSLAND. JANUARY AND FEBRUARY CAN BRING A LOT OF RAIN TO THE GREAT BARRIER REEF. IN NORTHERN QUEENSLAND AND PARTS OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY, ROADS MAY FLOOD DURING THE 'GREEN' SEASON, JANUARY TO MARCH. THE SKI SEASON TAKES PLACE DURING JUNE TO OCTOBER IN NEW SOUTH WALES, VICTORIA AND TASMANIA.