Tasmania.

I’m a Melbourne girl. I was born here, grew up here and now live my adult life on the outskirts of this beautiful city. But Tasmania is my second home, the place I spent every childhood holiday. My parents were both raised in Tassie and many of my relatives on my mother’s side of the family live there.

My siblings and I spent many a holiday running around Nanna and Grandad’s Hobart backyard, overlooking the Derwent River and dwarfed by the shadow of Mount Wellington. As we grew older, we would walk to the city centre and meet up with our cousins for some shopping and sightseeing. Other days we would all climb into Grandad’s car and head out for daytrips – to the old town of Richmond, Port Arthur or the beach.

We were introduced to our family history by visiting places like the Cadbury factory, where my paternal grandfather once worked, and the surrounding estates where my father grew up. Sometimes we would drive further out and see some of the towns our mother grew up in, having moved around a lot in her childhood.

So, when my now-husband and I took our first holiday together in 2000, we dismissed the warmer climates and tropical destinations and opted to travel to Tasmania. I wanted to introduce him to my second home. And I also wanted to see more of the state myself, having only really seen around the Hobart area.

Many people questioned this decision. Some were perhaps quite right in doing so, as we decided to go in the middle of winter, but others frustrated me by asking what on earth we would do in Tasmania for two weeks. I can tell you now, there is so much to see and do in that one small state.

Steve and I, being on a tight budget, borrowed his parents’ campervan – an old, Smurf blue, pop-top Nissan Urvan that chugged along with such effort even on flat, straight roads that we questioned its ability. But it was the cheapest, easiest option, so we persisted. I rang a few campsites we were planning to stop at, but was laughed at down the phone – ‘No need to book this time of year, love,’ they said. ‘It’ll be you and the wallabies!’ Okay, maybe Tasmania in the middle of winter wasn’t the best idea.

Still, we went ahead.

From the ship’s dock in Devonport, we headed south-west to Cradle Mountain, a place we loved so much we went back a few years later to hike the Overland Track (ninety stunning kilometres from Cradle Mountain to Lake St Clair).

Then we headed down the west coast, an area of such raw beauty that it takes your breath away – and I mean that literally. Strahan and a tour along the Gordon River was the highlight of the entire trip, a spot claiming to have the freshest air in the world (there’s nothing west until South America) and most definitely the purest, mirror-like water I have ever seen. Ancient huon pine trees, world heritage land and landmarks from convict days added to the amazement of this special part of the world.

Next on the itinerary was a town just forty kilometres from Strahan: Queenstown. An old copper mining town, Queenstown is somewhat reminiscent of how one would imagine Mars: red dirt and rocks as far as the eye can see, with not a tree or shred of greenery. This is an interesting sight in itself, yet the contrast to the nearby town of Strahan with its richly lush environment is staggering.

From there we had hoped to reach the Mt. Field National Park by night, but we were unprepared for the windy, narrow roads down the west coast. Coupled with an old campervan that was slipping and sliding across the icy surface, it became a situation we had to rethink, finding ourselves instead at a tiny fishing village in the centre of Tasmania. We headed to the National Park the next morning and from there, hit Hobart.

Staying with family, we enjoyed a few days of relative luxury: a warm shower, Nanna’s home-cooked meals and a break from driving, except for a couple of day trips.

And then we continued. Past the halfway mark now, we headed north along the east coast, stopping for a walk to the famous Wineglass Bay with its untouched beaches and bluest of blue waters, wishing desperately that we had come in warmer weather so we could jump in for a swim.

Over to Launceston and then back to the ship at Devonport, and our tour around the state was over.

At least, until the next time.

And to those who doubted our decision to visit Tasmania? The weather, luckily for us, was better than we could have even hoped: it was cold, undoubtedly, but the sky was blue, the winter sun shining and not a patch of snow was to be seen. I was also happy to inform people that, despite our hurried state of travel, we barely touched the surface of all there is to see in this small jewel of a state in two weeks.

It would take more than a lifetime to do that.

One thing comes back to me with a jolting force of clarity, though: the realisation that there were other countries out there to see.

It was an exciting thought. There were people living in countries far, far away from Australia, eating different foods (remember the 80s? – not nearly as much choice in foreign delicacies as we now have) and speaking beautiful languages.

I knew I had to go there one day.

So, when my husband and I decided to travel to Europe In 2006, Italy was at the top of my list of places to visit. Two decades after my introduction to Italian language and culture, we disembarked a train in the city of Milan and hired a car for a week of touring.

This visit followed a whirlwind two weeks of sightseeing around London and Paris and driving across Switzerland and, as we neared closer, my ideas of the boot-shaped land became more and more romantic.

We would spend hours at a time wandering the cobbled streets of ancient cities, then laze around drinking wine and eating huge bowls full of fresh pasta, followed, of course, by delicious gelato. The language I had spent so many classroom hours learning would come rushing back to me when I was surrounded by Italian people. I dreamed of rolling Tuscan hills, romantic gondola rides, beautiful seas, wonderful people and amazing food.

And Rome? The pinnacle of all my dreams? Of course, our time in the great city would be just like a scene from the classic movie Roman Holiday.

The reality of travelling is that things are not always as they appear. Clichés are fantasies and movies are the height of artificiality. Moreover, the reality of driving around an entire country in one week, with no road maps, planned stops or accommodation bookings is not as laid-back as it sounds.

Our first day in Italy consisted of a drive from Milan (a city in which I have now seen the train station and the car hire depot) to Verona. Cue more romanticism with the image of Romeo and Juliet’s balcony. In fact, it became more a case of ‘Verona, wherefore art thou accommodation?’ when it turned out there was a big tourist event in the town at the time we arrived. The idea of just stopping when it took our fancy lost some appeal on that first night when I was starving and desperate for, um, non-squat facilities.

The trip became better and better from there. Venice (complete with gondola ride that was more humorous than romantic), Cinque Terre and Pisa followed, and were all wonderful.

A quick stop in a small town in Tuscany meant we missed those hours strolling through the rolling hills and filling up on scrumptious country cuisine, but such is the sacrifice when travelling on such a tight timeframe.

One of my biggest disappointments was Florence. We spent, literally, an entire day queuing to see the statue of David and, whilst it was magnificent and wonderful, et cetera, it would have been nice to see the city itself.

From there were more big names and awe-inspiring sights: the Vatican, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and (be still my beating heart) Rome. I enjoyed every minute of our time in Rome, but Audrey Hepburn I most definitely was not. Nor was a semblance of Gregory Peck anywhere to be seen.

As we neared Rome, my husband and I made a decision to stay on the outskirts of the city and catch a train in each morning. We had come with dire warnings from those who had been before us: whatever you do, do not drive in Rome.

Okay. Message received loud and clear. We won’t drive into Ro…

“Um, Megan,” said my husband nervously from the driver’s seat. “I think we’re in Rome.” Together, we panicked and he parked the car in the next spot we saw, which happened to be opposite a hotel.

I ran in and asked if they had a room. “No,” replied the man at the desk, “but my cousin owns a hotel a few streets away and he has a room.” He pulled out a map (you know, those things that tourists really should carry with them) and pointed – you are here. I held my screams inside long enough to watch him point again – my cousin’s hotel is there – and ran back to the car.

Then I began.

I showed my husband the map. It was one of those tourist maps that show all the city sights in little three dimensional pictures around the streets. “Here’s us,” I managed to say in between all the “Oh my God”s and struggling to breathe. “And here, right here” – and I pointed to the unmistakable image a mere centimetre on the map from our current destination – “is THE COLOSSEUM!”

We were beside ourselves. We were this close to one of the most famous ancient sights in the world. A place I had dreamed of seeing for twenty years.

We found our way to the other hotel and spent the next few days walking around the city, not daring to drive in Rome again. We saw so much – the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Mouth of Truth, Castello Sant’Angelo and more.

And, although it was slightly Hepburn/Peck-esque, with gelato on the Spanish Steps and laughter and fun, I don’t recall them squashed onto a train with a million Romans in an effort to find their way around.

Perhaps we should have hired Vespas to complete the experience!

When it was time to leave, we departed Rome at 4am, so worried were we about driving in this huge city amidst peak traffic.

At the end of it all, I could not have been happier. My dream – albeit slightly warped – had come true. I had my Roman Holiday.

See Just Italy – www.justitaly.org - for the ultimate online travel guide.

We’re talking the Real Deal. Yes folks, the place where dreams are made (note to self: pick up a few more dreams at Disney gift shop)… the original, the one and only – Anaheim Disney! (Squeal of delight – and without a trace of sarcasm.)

The most curious thing about making this decision was telling our kids, Ella and Riley. Barely able to contain the rising thrill in my voice when I made the announcement, both children simply stared at me, smiled weakly and then asked what was for dinner. Astounded, I let it slide, consoling myself with the fact that they really had no idea what they were in for.

They had already seen Hong Kong Disney. Had this smaller knockoff, in all its appealing yet awfully twee splendour, ruined my children’s faith in Disney? Could they not feel the power and allure of the Real Deal magic, vibrating across the Pacific Ocean, beckoning with sugar-dipped fingers?

Ten days later, I purchased the e-tickets online and printed them, complete with lusciously coloured Monsters Inc characters. This will have them spinning like tops, I thought, yet they were more interested in the somewhat lacklustre Legoland ticket I held clutched in my less important hand.

Curiouser and curiouser.

When Walt Disney first opened his magical land in 1955, he no doubt shared the exhilaration and joy I felt about my First Time in Anaheim. Although not a Disney virgin, I couldn’t fight the sweet anticipation rising in my throat at the thought of finally clapping eyes on that Original Castle (Fantasyland is by far the most popular Disneyland attraction). Nothing could quell that excitement, not even the questionable responses of my children.

Although, if my husband had any idea how much I’d paid for those tickets (and Sea World and Legoland and San Diego Zoo and…), his nervous tic would have put all excitement in severe jeopary. The first Disneyland ticket ever sold was to Walt Disney’s brother Roy, for one dollar. Let’s just say 54 odd years of inflation is a looong time.

So, would my children enjoy the grandiose Californian home of Mickey Mouse? I remained convinced the answer would be… without a doubt. And if they didn’t, there was always the highly stimulating and exhilarating long haul flight to look forward to (woe!).

Fast forward that long haul flight and a road trip along the California coast from San Francisco (more on that later) – D-Day (that’s Disney Day) was suddenly upon us. I can still feel the thundering pace of my heart in my chest.

As I walked towards the surprisingly humble entryway to Anaheim Disney, clutching the wriggling hands of my buzzing children, there was only one dream I hoped would come true (beside the requisite wishes for world peace, health, happiness and an inexhaustible supply of non-taxable funds). The dream? That my disturbingly high anxiety levels would plummet like the Matterhorn, and subside to a low-level buzz.

Why was I a bundle of nerves? In a Chip ‘n’ Dale nutshell? Queues. Crowds. Pushing. Shoving. People. Everywhere. Queues. Did I mention queues? (Please also add to this a hindsight entry – USD 18 for two grande lattes and two cookies.)

There I was – Anxiety Level: 8 – striding towards the gates to Disney Anaheim, with two squirming hands slipping on my sweaty palms and Husband hopping around like a flea in a dog-wash, while stream after stream of scurrying people slid past and overtook us on jet-powered feet. Why couldn’t we walk that fast?  Would it be considered bad etiquette to break into a low-level run? In the other direction??  Anxiety Level: 9.

Plenty of striding and deep breathing later, we reached the bag-check, then the gates themselves – where my anxiety was surprisingly calmed by the lack of crowds. Well – I mean, there were crowds… they were just sparsely divided – straggling into skinny, fast-moving lines, like the thinning strands on Homer Simpson’s head. Not too bad, I thought. Not too bad… Anxiety Level: 6-ish.

Our entry tickets trilled through the machine like Tinkerbell’s sound byte and suddenly – awe-inspiringly – we were There. We were In. Inside the Dream Factory. Anxiety Level? Maybe a quasi-4, but mostly because we didn’t know where to start. Looking clearly like first-timers, Husband and I huddled over the map while the kids jumped up and swatted it excitedly.

Where first? The train around to Toon Town? The monorail? Amble up Main Street? A fast stroll to Frontierland? Or straight to The Castle? How how how do we choose? Then the Disney train pulled into the station and tooted a friendly hello. We were off. Anxiety Level: around 2 and rapidly dropping*.

I don’t remember much after that.

Fairy-floss blended into a pink teacup swirl. Alice in Wonderland tumbled headlong into the starry night of Space Mountain. Caffè lattes swished in the belly of Peter Pan over London Town. Giggles and squeals echoed in the halls of Goofy’s house, through the parlour at Minnie’s and slid down the ropes of Tarzan’s treehouse. Chip and/or Dale played pixie games with our heads (who really is who?**). Snow White put a crick in Ella’s neck (you know, upward, slack-jawed gazing). Riley pinched Buzz Lightyear’s gun and conquered space aliens while Nemo darted through a hologram ocean and Winnie-the-Pooh took us on a heffalump-hallucinatory-trip.

Summary? Disneyland was a visual, auditory, sensory three-days of fantasty-fandangled delight.

Highlight for kids? Umm… everything. Highlight for Husband? A solo trip on Space Mountain that overshot the platform and had to go around twice. Grrr…

Highlight for me? I have three. 1) Covering my mouth to catch the squeaks as I watched Ella and Riley stare around in rapture. 2) Clapping eyes on that straight-from-the-annals-of-girlhood fairytale Castle. 3) Seeing Bear in the Big Blue House, in person (hey – we all have our little idiosyncrasies).

Just for the record – my median anxiety levels during our three-day play? Zero zero zero. Anyway, I had bigger problems – how to come down off the sugar-coated high. I’m still buzzing, over two years later. And the kids? Let’s just say it was worth every anxious moment.

*Footnote for the impatient or agoraphobic: Although certainly not empty, visiting Disneyland in January was a joy. Most rides were either walk-straight-on or a two-minute wait, with the odd 10-20 minute wait. The following comment was overheard several times by regular Californian visitors who wear their annual pass proudly around their necks, bedazzled with dozens of Disney pins… “I will never come to Disneyland again unless it’s January or February. It’s a dream!” And indeed it was.

**For character aficionados – Chip has one tooth, Dale has two.

Want to plan the dream? Visit disneyland.com

Free entry to Palace of Versailles – Save €20! The Palace of Versailles, is one of the largest and most opulent castles in the world. Boasting around 2,143 windows, 1,252 fireplaces, and 67 staircases, the Castle is one of the most visited attractions in France. As a fine example of 18th century French art, this historic building has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for 30 years.

Enjoy a Free River Cruise in Paris – Worth over €10! Cruise up the majestic Seine and discover the sights of Paris from a new perspective with the Paris Pass! From the water it is possible to see the bridges and monuments of Paris as you could never hope to from land. Bateaux Parisiens River Cruises deliver spectacular and hidden views of this magnificent city. An informative historical and cultural commentary is available in English and on-board guides occasionally take the microphone to inform Paris visitors about current events, exhibits, and festivals.

Visit Arc De Triomphe for FREE – Saving €9! The Arc de Triomphe is perhaps the most iconic of all French monuments. It is at once instantly recognisable and deeply evocative of the military glories and follies of France. Napoleon ordered its construction in 1809 to celebrate the triumph of the Republican armies. However, it was soon after that his empire began to collapse, and the Arc was not completed until 1836. The Arc de Triomphe is decorated with friezes of battle scenes and carved with the names of Napoleon’s victories. Underneath the Arc is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from World War I, a touching tribute to soldiers who died in both world wars.

Free entry to The Louvre Museum – Save over €9! The Louvre Museum is unquestionably one of the finest art galleries in the world. Home to thousands of classic and modern masterpieces, the Louvre is the jewel in the crown of French culture, a towering testament to European civilisation and history. Its quality and importance is highlighted through its popularity as the Louvre is the globes most-visited museum. To walk through the Louvre Museum is to walk through the history of France and into the minds of kings and revolutionaries. The reigns of Louis XIII and Louis XIV saw major expansion and a linking of the palaces and halls, which make up the museum today.

Free entry to the Towers of Notre Dame with a Paris Pass The construction of the Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral, undertaken at the initiative of Maurice de Sully, began about 1160 and amazingly was completed within 40 years. Around 1250, Jean de Chelles built the north arm and began work on the south arm, which was completed by Jean de Montreuil. From the middle of the 13th century to the beginning of the 14th century, the chapels of Notre Dame Paris were constructed between the buttresses of the nave. The buttresses next to the chevet were built by Pierre de Montreuil and are particularly fine.

Enjoy a Free Wine Tasting in Paris – Worth €30! France and Paris is home to the finest wine in Europe. From champagnes to Bordeaux’s the variety is wide and the quality is high. Whether you are a wine novice or a connoisseur, the Ô Château Wine Tasting is for you! With a unique approach, this is a great opportunity to have some good fun and experience some great French wine. The tasting is also educational and will teach you everything you need to know about the local wine. Your English-speaking Ô Château sommelier will introduce the wines and teach you some basic tasting techniques.

Visit The Orsay for FREE with The Paris Pass The Orsay Museum was originally designed as a train station in 1900. By the 1950’s it became apparent that the platforms were too short for modern trains and the building became home to a theatre. In the 1970′s it was remodelled and converted into a museum dedicated to displaying art from the period 1848 to 1915. There are many masterpieces at the Orsay include work by Delacroix, Manet, Guaguin, Cézanne, Monet, Renoir, Sisley, van Gogh and many more great artists.

Enjoy the best views of Paris at the Montparnasse Tower Discover Paris from the 56th floor of the Montparnasse Tower which offers visitors a stunning view of the city in all directions. In just 38 seconds, Europe’s fastest elevator will take you to a height of 196 meters (over 640 ft) where the most beautiful view of Paris stretches out before you from a modern, relaxed and very comfortable setting. From the top of the Tower you can spot Paris’s landmarks and major attractions, including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Sacré Coeur, Orsay Museum, Arc de Triomphe, Panthéon and the Louvre.

Paris Bus Tour – Free Sightseeing Bus Tour of Paris Discover the main sights of the city in the original and relaxed way, with a sightseeing bus tour of Paris with Les Cars Rouges. Each round tour lasts approximately 2hours and 15minutes, and features all of the main sights of central Paris. All Les Cars Rouges bus tours are hop-on-hop-off tours so you can get off at any of the 9 stops accross the city to do some more extensive sightseeing. Stops include: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Champs-Elysees – Etoile.

Free entry to Grevin Wax Museum – Saving €20! The Musée Grévin may astound the visitor with its dramatic lifelike scenes of historical and modern Paris. Over 300 wax figures of the world’s most famous people dramatically posed in amazing scenes. See stunning recreations of the major events in French and world history. The Grevin Museum’s Discovery Tour reveals the secrets of making wax figures. After meeting Louis XIV or Jean de La Fontaine, visitors may enjoy finding out how the waxworks are made. The Musée Grévin’s ‘Snapshot’s of the 20th Century’ captures important events from the last 100 years – witness the first step on the moon and the fall of the Berlin wall, then have close encounters with the likes of Spiderman, Jimi Hendrix and Brigitte Bardot.

The Paris Pass is a sightseeing card which gives holders FREE ENTRY to over 60 sights and tourist attractions in Paris. Simply pay the one off price for the Paris Pass of your choice (there are three durations to choose from) and then enter as many of the tourist attractions included on the pass that you like without paying, plus travel for free on the Paris Metro system.

Coupon Voucher Code
Code: parpas05
Promotion: 5% off all tickets
Expires: 30th March 2011

Brought to you by the people behind the hugely successful London Pass, the Paris Pass is an ideal addition to a family holiday, romantic weekend or group trip – in fact, anyone who is travelling to Paris can enjoy and benefit from the pass. Customer survey results show that over 90% of Paris Pass users are more than satisfied and would recommend the pass to others.

Of course, being so close to the ocean, you should make use of the great opportunity for some water-sport action. Sailing, snorkelling and diving are all options available from local tour operators, but if you’re more inclined to laze around than jump around, try a boat cruise around the islands, whale-watching or a relaxing day on Airlie Beach.

Further afield, the National Park which surrounds the Whitsunday Passage offers great views and covers 22,500ha of land. There is a diverse range of plant life within the park, including open forest, mangrove canopy and tropical lowland rainforest. Many ferns and orchids can be found within the National Park as well as a wide range of animals. A common sight at night is the adorable Proserpine Rock Wallabies. There is a wide range of walking trails throughout the Conway National Park, which offer you the chance to experience the diverse landscape and spectacular scenery.

No holiday is complete without picking up souvenirs and the Airlie Beach community market which occurs every Saturday morning gives you the chance to pick up art, craft and all manner of market items from local stall-holders.

Stay: At the Best Western Mango House Resort or the Best Western Colonial Palms Motor Inn, both located close to the attractions of Airlie Beach. Call 131 779 or visit www.bestwestern.com.au for more information.

Play: At the many bars and clubs that keep the nightlife vibrant in this town.

Discover: Cedar Creek Falls. These falls are spectacular in the wet season and offer a year-round natural swimming pool at the base of the falls.

SOURCE: Best Western

This short break offers dramatic scenery – from the coastal escarpment and Sea Cliff Bridge to the myriad of spectacular beaches including some of the most renowned surfing beaches on the South Coast. From Stanwell Park to Windang, the golden sands and blue-green waters of Illawarra’s 17 patrolled beaches are perfect for volleyball, beach sports, walking, swimming, surfing, sailboarding and scuba diving. In addition, eight of the area’s beaches boast easily accessible rock pools.

Looking for something a bit different? The Nan Tien Temple (pictured), just outside Wollongong, is the largest Buddhist Temple in the southern hemisphere. Since the opening of the temple in October 1995, it has become a new venue for local and international tourists and also acts as an important cultural centre bridging different cultures.

Nan Tien Temple features rose gardens, a beautiful pagoda, two sizeable shrines and a museum auditorium. Located in a quiet, peaceful environment, overlooking Mount Keira and Mount Kembla, the temple offers peaceful serenity and the chance to learn more about Buddhism.

Other attractions in Wollongong include the Symbio Wildlife Gardens where you can see Australian native animals including Tasmanian devils, koalas and dingoes; Five Islands Brewery where you can sample some of Wollongong’s locally brewed beers and the Illawarra Light Railway Museum which gives a fascinating insight into locomotions of yesteryear.

Stay: Best Western Wollongong and Best Western City Sands are both located in the heart of the CBD and a short walk to many attractions. Call 131 779 or visit www.bestwestern.com.au to book accommodation.

Play: Enjoy a show at the WIN Entertainment Centre which regularly hosts large concerts, shows and sports events. See http://www.wec.org.au/ for upcoming events.

Discover: The two lighthouses of Wollongong, one on Flagstaff Point and the other; a beautiful heritage icon.

SOURCE: Best Western

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Walking or hiking are the best ways to experience the lush scenic lakes district. A five km walk around Blue Lake winds through a tall pine forest, providing access to good swimming beaches. Okareka Walkway is a six km return walk through farmland, beach, lake and wetland scenery – remember to take your camera!

If you want to experience the city, the CBD of Rotorua offers a relaxing ambience with plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and shops to satisfy any cravings you may have for city action. Vibrant cafes, bars, nightclubs and restaurants offer fine cuisine and award-winning local and New Zealand wines. However, if your taste is for relaxing in a beautiful environment then the tranquil surrounds of one of the many lakes in the area is bound to appeal.

People are always looking for ways to escape the monotony of everyday life and Rotorua, with its abundance of spa treatment centres, is the ideal place in which to do so.

Nicknamed Nature’s Spa of the South Pacific, this is a region that knows how to spoil its visitors. Soak in the healing waters of a hot spring, unwind with a therapeutic spa or massage, or ease aches and pains with a mud wrap. Mud is sourced from local geothermal resorts and allows local spa therapy centres and therapeutic thermal pools to provide a unique service. Maori massages are also available and this is a unique way to experience New Zealand’s culture, history and traditions.

Where to Stay in Rotorua

• In a studio or apartment at the Best Western Capri Court Motor Inn or Best Western Braeside Resort with spa pool in most rooms. Soak in fresh natural thermal hot water to help relax your body and mind.

• Novotel Rotorua Lakeside is located near Tamatekapua Meeting House and St. Faith’s Anglican Church. Another nearby point of interest is Government Gardens.

• Rydges Rotorua is located near Polynesian Spa. Another nearby point of interest is Blue Baths.

• Hotel Ibis Rotorua provides a restaurant, spa services, and a business center. Other amenities include a bar/lounge and complimentary parking.

Play: Beside the stream in Fairy Springs where you can view all kinds of wildlife, feed enormous rainbow trout and view kiwis and other native birds.

Discover: The second largest lake in the North Island, Lake Rotorua lies in a caldera, a basin caused by volcanic activity and is surrounded by lush farmland, native bush, Rotorua city and steaming geothermal springs and vents.

SOURCE: Best Western

This place is so relaxed even the kangaroos sun bake on the beach. Situated a one and a half hour flight or a nine-hour drive from Perth, it’s the ideal location for beach lovers. The town is nestled on the shores of Esperance Bay with hundreds of islands dotting the coast making up the Recherche Archipelago.

Start your holiday by jumping in the car and following the Great Ocean Drive. The rugged Esperance coastline is famous throughout the state for its chameleon-like beauty. Sometimes serene in the glimmering sunlight and sometimes raging, the ocean provides picture-perfect vistas throughout the year.

The Great Ocean Drive is a 38 kilometre circular route, first taking you west along the coast. Beaches form a string of pearls, each as irresistible as the last. Take a picnic and make a lazy day of it, or unpack the surfboard and ride some of the best waves in the country.

The northern loop of the drive heads past Pink Lake. The colour of Pink Lake is attributed to high concentrations of salt tolerant algae, dunalella salina. Close by the Lake Warden Wetlands will delight bird-spotters where thousands of waterbirds can be seen around the lakes. Follow a walk trail and look out for wildflowers in spring. Be sure to stop off at Rotary Lookout for sweeping views over the town and across to the coastal islands. An invigorating loop walk from the lookout will blow away the cobwebs.

Back in town, visit the Dalyup River Estate winery, the only winery in the Esperance region and the most isolated in Western Australia. Located in the picturesque Dalyup River Valley, the three hectare vineyard is known for its incredible shiraz and cabernet sauvignon wines fermented there.

For another quick hit of culture, visit the Cannery Arts Centre, with its diverse range of artwork and changing exhibitions. The Centre also hosts workshops in summer, giving you a chance to develop your own skills in everything from painting to pottery.

Where to Stay in Esperance

• Best Western Hospitality Inn Esperance. Best Western Hospitality Inn provides a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and self parking. All guestrooms include cable/satellite television, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers.

• Comfort Inn Bay Of Isles. This property is situated in the centre of Esperance. Recreational amenities at Comfort Inn Bay Of Isles include an outdoor pool and a spa tub. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and self parking. Guestrooms have air conditioning, minibars, and cable/satellite television; rooms also include refrigerators, coffee/tea makers, and hair dryers.

Play: On the shores and in the clear blue water of some of the best beaches in the world.

Discover: The most isolated winery in Western Australia – the Dalyup River Estate Winery. See http://www.visitesperance.com for opening hours and contact details.

Source: Best Western

Port Augusta is home to the Wadlata Outback Centre which is a must see for all visitors travelling to the Flinders Ranges and Outback. Walk through the Outback’s “Tunnel of Time”, an interpretive, interactive, 3D display that provide a fun learning experience for the whole family. This will give you a better understanding of the Flinders Ranges and Outback. You’ll also find out about other places to visit and things you can see and do.

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Gardens are just outside of Port Augusta, and provide a fascinating insight into the Outback’s plant and bird life. Featured are special conservation areas where the natural flora can be enjoyed, an extensive network of meandering walking tracks and a garden with possibly the largest collection of desert-loving plants anywhere.

When it’s time to relax head to the green. With the beautiful Flinders Ranges making a spectacular backdrop for Port Augusta’s Golf Course, the fully greened, 18 holes and well-grassed fairways, are considered one of the best country courses in northern South Australia. The club hosts the Jacob’s Creek Port Augusta Golf Classic in the first week of August, attracting 300 players for seven days of intense competition.

This area of Australia has some of the most scenic landscapes to discover. Visit Hancocks Lookout, located at the top of the historic Horrocks Pass, seven kilometres off the road to Port Augusta. Large Sugar Gums and drooping Sheoaks give an indication of the former woodland vegetation. From the open parking and picnic area sweeping western vistas can be seen of the Spencer Gulf, Port Bonython, Whyalla, Mount Laura, Middleback Ranges and Dutchmans Stern Range to the north, giving you an awe-inspiring view.

Where to Stay in Port Augusta

• In a Deluxe Suite at the Best Western Standpipe Golf Motor Inn (pictured above). In addition to a restaurant and a bar/lounge, Best Western Standpipe Golf Motor Inn features a business centre, a safe deposit box at the front desk, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Amenities include: Swimming pool; Room service; Babysitting or child care; Smoke-free property; Wheelchair accessible.  To book Call 131 779 or log on to www.bestwestern.com.au/standpipe

• Comfort Inn Augusta Westside is situated in the centre of Port Augusta. Recreational amenities at Comfort Inn Augusta Westside include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. Other amenities include a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and self parking.

Play: 18 holes at the picturesque Port Augusta Golf Course with views across the Flinders Ranges. Phone 08 8642 2930 for more information.

Discover: The scenic landscapes of this region, with a self-drive tour. To plan your itinerary, visit http://www.southaustralia.com.

Source: Best Western

High in the Arctic, Spitsbergen is an island within the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago that is ensnared in ice during much of the year. However, as summer approaches, the ice gives way to scenic fjords and stunning scenery frequented by the world’s largest land carnivore – the polar bear! Roaming polar bears, huge icebergs, medieval towns and remote landscape. Nature enthusiasts will enjoy what seems like endless hours of wildlife spotting opportunities, while history buffs will be intrigued by the numerous research bases and the history of the island’s capital, Longyearbyen.

Spitsbergen (formerly known as West Spitsbergen) is a Norwegian island and the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The island lies far within the arctic circle, the Sun is always above the horizon from late April to late August and from October to February the Sun is always below the horizon. From November to the end of January each year it is so dark that artificial light must be used at all times [source: Wikipedia].

The M/S Expedition will be taking Gap Adventures travellers to destinations that have inspired bold explorers for centuries. At a nimble 105 metres (345 ft) in length, with a capacity to hold 124 guests, the M/S Expedition is an ideal vessel to ply polar waters. Her large outside decks offer panoramic views and our new cabins are some of the largest in the industry, all boasting an ocean-facing window or porthole and private en-suite facilities. With a focus on top of the line safety, comfort and the unique demands of polar travel, the M/S Expedition is one of the world’s leading polar expedition cruise ships.

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Use Promo Code: Arctic50
Enter the promo code during check out at the Gap Adventures website to save 50% on Arctic Cruises. Offer expires on 2 July 2010. Book an Arctic cruise with Gap Adventures now and save 50%

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