If you’ve ever thought about taking a trip to Australia, there’s no time like the present! October is the southern hemisphere’s second month of Spring and with a climate similar to California and South Africa, it’s the perfect destination for sun lover everywhere.

There is so much to see and do in Australia’s most popular tourist destination - the east coast city of Sydney. Anything from beer festivals, night markets, whale watching and enjoying world-class cuisine at Australia’s top restaurants. The famous Sydney Opera House presents plays and theatre productions as well as ballet and famous operas. You can even climb to the top of Sydney’s magnificent Harbour Bridge.

And of course Sydney has a great variety of world class hotels such as the Ibis Hotels chain, the Novotel. The Quest Apartments have great rates for those who prefer a serviced apartment with a full kitchen - ideal for business travellers on longer stays. Te Radisnson is one of Sydney’s most popular hotels so take a look at their rates both in Sydney and other cities where prices start at just $131 per night.

It doesn’t have an Opera House, but it has the legendary Ghan railway. It doesn’t have a world famous horse race, but it has an internationally renowned arts festival. It doesn’t have a Grand Prix, but it has the grand Barossa valley wine region.

The city is Adelaide, capital of South Australia, with a population of over 1 million people. While not being as big and brash as Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide has its own definite charm and style, a placed to be savoured and enjoyed at your pace.

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Have you ever wanted a different Christmas experience?  Want to get away from the cold and winter?  Head down on to Australia and it’s spectacular diversity.  From the pearl diving town of Broome to the many wine making regions to the cosmopolitan cities of Sydney and Melbourne, Australia is a study in contrasts.

Sydney and Melbourne are cities that rival Europe in cosmpolitan style.  Enjoy real, Italian style coffee in their many coffee houses, sample local wines that are the envy of the world and dine in some of the finest restaurants in the world.

Check out some of these accommodation ideas courtesy of Vivienne’s blog.

Gap years are becoming ever more popular with students finishing their A-levels, wishing to mark their new found independence with a jaunt into the unknown, before committing to university life or employment. Who can blame them? There are hundreds of countries across the globe calling out for exploration. Perhaps none more so than Australia, complete with its limitless sun, sea and surf, outstanding architecture, unconquerable wilderness and sheer massiveness. (more…)

The large cities of Australia have something for everyone. Melbourne is renown for its bar and café scene and sophisticated ambience. Brisbane is known for its laid back beach lifestyle, beckoning tourists in need of a relaxing holiday. Sydney welcomes visitors with its sparkling blue harbour, famous Bridge and Opera House. Families, singles and couples will all find great Hotels in Brisbane, Hotels in Melbourne and Hotels in Sydney to suit any budget.  There are many idyllic destinations only a day trip from these cities - head out to the wine district of Sydney’s Hunter Valley, the national parks on the South Coast or to one of my favourite places, Whale Beach.