A u s t r a l i a

New South Wales

From seaside holidays to skiing vacations, New South Wales has it all. Its fantastic Pacific coastline is famous for many great surf beaches, challenging sailing, and beautiful bays flanked by a variety of fishing villages. Sydney, the state capital, is the largest city in Australia. Inland the State is divided by the Great Dividing Range approximately 100 kilometres from the coast. The western plateau offers visitors many great holidays and spectacular scenery. A drive around New South Wales is always a great way to visit the state.

The North Coast
Tweed Heads to Newcastle

The far north coast is family vacation paradise. With many quaint seaside villages scattered along the coast and tiny towns in the hinterland there is a variety of tours and accommodation on offer which make this is a great place to wind down from the stresses of everyday life. The main tourist centres are Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie. All have accommodation ranging from camping grounds to full international resorts, offering every activity imaginable. For the active traveller the sporting opportunities are endless. Rock climbing, hiking, rafting, surfing sailing and fishing are just a few. Many coach companies offer fantastic tours of this region stopping off at all the highlights along the way. This is a great way to see and enjoy the entire coastline.

The Central Coast

South of Newcastle is what is known as the Central Coast - Gosford - Terrigal, and, as this playground is so close to Sydney, a lot of locals use it for weekend getaways. Just 2 hours drive north of Sydney, it's a great alternative for those with limited time. Here is a virtual gold mine of great beaches and resort hideaways, that any local will be happy to show you. Inland from the coast is the wine lover's paradise - The Hunter Valley. With approximately 50 wine growers in this region, some of the finest guest houses in the country, and award winning vineyards, this is an experience and indulgence you won't forget.

The South Coast

Wollongong to Eden

A coast more rugged than the north, offering great family vacations and spectacular road trips. Fishing villages like Bermagui and Ulladulla will take you back in time and the locals will spoil you with great fresh seafood. Beach resorts like Batemans Bay offer both beach and river activities, that make this a perfect holiday for the family. Tours such as dolphin cruises that will get you out on the ocean are an alternative to just lazing on the beaches. Inland is the area known as the Southern Highlands where you can relax in the tranquillity of the countryside. Various working farms offer an alternative style of accommodation for the adventurous, where you may join in on the hard work, if you like. Cattle mustering, a bush barbecue and a sing-along by the camp fire is all part of a working farm vacation.

Sydney

My home town and the largest city in Australia, Sydney is a cosmopolitan city hosting many nationalities and cultures. One of Sydney's major attractions is Darling Harbour, a new complex, housing the Maritime Museum, with "Australia II", winner of the Americas Cup. The complex also houses the Sydney Aquarium where submerged tunnels allow you to view Great Whites Sharks at close range. The Powerhouse Museum and Harbourside are a shopping complex and restaurant mecca. All of this is surrounded by five star international hotels which can be a holiday in its own right.

Not to be missed is The Rocks, the birthplace of Sydney, lying just across Circular Quay from the Sydney Opera House. Sydney Harbour and of course the Harbour Bridge, known to locals as "The Coathanger" is all right in front of you as you gaze on this busy spectacle. With the Olympics being held in Sydney in the year 2000, the city is on a major clean up and is gearing up to look her best. A more beautiful city is hard to find and if you would like inside information, just e-mail.

The Blue Mountains

Inland from Sydney is the Blue Mountains, and is a great escape from the city. With fantastic historic guest houses it is an ideal place for a romantic getaway. Many walks and national parks, keep the active happy, while those wishing to sit by a log fire and lose themselves in a good read will find tranquillity abounds.

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