The unofficial capital of the koala bear and the kangaroo, Australia is the only nation to govern an entire continent and its outlying islands. Originally a British penal colony, Oz has come into its own, boasting an impressive coastline — including the Great Barrier Reef — which has become an integral part of Australian identity. Sydney greets visitors with its impressive Opera House while Aussie rules football wows spectators across the country. The mystery down under lies in the Australian Outback, home to aboriginal communities as well as the elusive dingo. When the desert heats up, head back down to the coast where the majority of Australians live and play. |
SYDNEY AND BEYOND
New South Wales Travel Guide
Home to the Sydney Opera House and Lord Howe Island, the Australian state of New South Wales offers visitors both an exciting taste of cosmopolitan life and the natural splendor of its scenic regions. For first-timers to the land down under, there is perhaps no better place to start. |
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HAYMAN ISLAND
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TOP 10 HONEYMOON HOTELS
Hayman Island Resort
Rather than catching a plane to your honeymoon after the big day, why not stroll to your room in an Italian, Greek or Moroccan-themed penthouse following a ceremony on a coral reef? Or you might hold services at the Stella Maris Chapel, overlooking Whitsunday Passage. |
TOP 10 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS
Hayman Island
Crystal clear waters, pristine sandy beaches and a world-renowned reef make this the quintessential sun, sand and sea romantic paradise island holiday. Renowned for its luxurious surroundings as well as outstanding chefs and delicious cuisine, it's the epitome of romantic indulgence. |
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LIZARD ISLAND
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TOP DIVING HOTELS WORLDWIDE
Lizard Island Resort
Surrounded by a fringing reef, this place is home to a contemporary, Down-Under-casual resort that takes full advantage of the area's marine wonders. Take the introductory Discover Scuba, a PADI open water referral course and nocturnal dives.
 Top 10 Diving Hotels Worldwide |
MELBOURNE
BOURNE AGAIN
72 Hours in
Melbourne
The product of a 19th century gold rush, Melbourne has a historic legacy that has contributed to its grand architecture and status as a multicultural melting pot. Host to sporting events, a bastion for boutiques and a reverer of restaurants, Melbourne remains marvelous. |
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ADELAIDE
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SUNSHINE LADY
72 Hours in Adelaide
Though less well known than some of the other major Australian cities, Adelaide is a great starting point to see many of Australia's natural, native and culinary treasures.
Say Cheese! |
BAROSSA VALLEY
HOTEL FEATURE
The Louise
Perhaps the most luxurious retreat in the heart of South Australia's Barossa Valley, The Louise offers just 15 suites, each featuring contemporary furnishings and spacious en-suite bathrooms. Food and wine is a major focus at the retreat, with an award-winning restaurant serving fresh fare.
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CLARE VALLEY
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TOP 10 HOTEL CULINARY SCHOOLS
Thorn Park Country House
Learn how to create a culinary masterpiece while staying at this traditional homestead, located in the heart of Australian wine country. Mid-week and weekend classes feature fresh local produce and guest chefs. |
KANGAROO ISLAND
NATURAL BEAUTY
Kangaroo Island
Located 75 miles south of Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is an undisturbed environment that has escaped many of the influences of European development. Due to this isolation, native animals like kangaroos thrive. |
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HOTEL REVIEW
Southern Ocean Lodge
Located off Hanson Bay on Kangaroo Island's southwest coast, Southern Ocean Lodge combines a luxury destination experience with the natural, untamed beauty of Southern Australia. The lodge's 21 suites boast king-sized beds and sunken lounges with dramatic coastal views. |
WAY DOWN SOUTH
South Australia Photo Gallery
You don't have to travel half way across the world to catch a glimpse of a cute cuddly koala. Check out our South Australia photo gallery, which features images of wildlife, various cuisine and beautiful landscapes.
South Australia Travel Guide |
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BROOME
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IT'S EASY BEING GREEN
Eco Beach
Self-sustaining Eco Villas and safari-style Eco Tents provide the foundation for this environmentally savvy resort in a desolate region of Western Australia. |
MARGARET RIVER
HOTEL REVIEW
Cape Lodge
Situated in a quiet area along some of Western Australia’s most beautiful coastline, Cape Lodge is adjacent to vineyards and all of the seasonal attributes of that temperate climate. The lodge boasts 22 rooms and suites and an on-site restaurant with a 14,000-bottle wine cellar. |
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MUNDARING
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FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Mundaring Truffle Affaire
Come celebrate the tuber melanosporum black truffle, an expensive edible commodity priced at $3,000 per kilogram, in one of the few regions in the world in which it grows. Celebrated national and regional chefs will participate in The Truffle Master Class, The World's Longest Truffle Lunch and Gala Truffle Dinners. |
YULARA
TOP 10 REMOTE HOTELS
Longitude 131
Near the wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, this eco-sensitive camp offers a secluded Australian Outback experience that's not short on luxury. 15 individual tents provide serenity and views of sunrises and sunsets over the 600-million-year-old Ayers Rock. |
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TARRALEAH
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HOTEL REVIEW
The Lodge at Tarraleah
The Lodge at Tarraleah may just be Tasmania's best kept secret. The lodge offers comfort and a wide variety of activities like nature hikes, golf, world-class fishing, and kayaking. Explore the unique wildlife or simply indulge in a relaxing massage and unwind in the cliff-top spa. |
PIPERS BROOK
TASMANIAN ANGEL
Jansz Tasmania Premium NV Rosé
From the island state's very own Jansz Tasmania, the maker of fine sparkling wines originally co-developed by Louis Roederer, this bubbly rosé exhibits a delicate pink color and lifted aromas of Turkish delight, rose petals, fresh cream and nougat. |
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TOP SPAS
MASSAGES
AND MORE
The
Best Spas in Australia
Immerse
yourself in the wilderness surrounding Silky Oaks
Lodge & Healing Waters Spa in Daintree (pictured),
the world's oldest living rainforest, or rejuvenate
at Azabu's Aveda Spa, just a short drive from
Byron Bay. |
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TOP CHEFS
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COOKING
Tetsuya:
Recipes from Australia's Most Acclaimed Chef
Tetsuya Wakuda of Tetsuya's, one
of Australia's most acclaimed chefs, shares his
recipes for making stunners such as roasted sea
bass with bitter greens and truffled peaches;
slow-roasted rack of lamb with miso and blue cheese;
and grilled fillet of veal with wasabi and sea
urchin butter. |
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More information at www.australia.com
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(Updated: 11/30/11 CT)
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