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No country embodies the grandeur of European travel quite like France. From the international artistic reputation of Cannes to the luxurious leisure of the Riviera, France has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to overcome a tumultuous history by enriching the quality of life with those experiences. The diversity of the country will leave you stimulated, satiated and asking for more when you finally treat yourself and travel to France!

Throughout European history, France has been the undisputed pioneer of social revolution and cultural renaissance. An enlightened society with classic charm, France will guide your journey seamlessly through centuries of power and progress, defeats and suffering, all of which possess an essence of timelessness. Travel France in July and witness Bastille Day, a commemoration of the destruction of the prison that King Louis XVI and his predecessors used to quiet social disruption and censor or torture public irritants. The day is symbolic of the value of social freedoms and democratic governance to the French people. The main celebration takes place in Paris at the former site of the Bastille.

Go further back in time and explore the French countryside, which is rich with Roman Ruins dating up until the 5th Century. Groux-les-Bains, in the south of France, is known not only for its hot springs but also for the ruins of Roman bath tubs and swimming pools that depended on these springs as a source for hot water. Aix-en-Provence is a well known town central to France’s wine and art culture, but also shares a Roman past as an ancient city with two aqueducts demonstrating the technological prowess of the Roman people.

For a more unique experience, travel to the Loire Valley, a bastion of medieval castles, and have yourself a true Chteaux experience. Many of the ancient and classical castles have rooms available for rent, mainly during the summer season. There is no better way to be immersed in French history; plus, the castles often offer the best of the surrounding wine region.

French Travel: More Than a History Lesson
Not only is France a gateway into Europe’s enchanting history, the country that is world renowned for its irresistible food, fabulous wines and sophisticated lifestyle does live up to its reputation. Visit Nice to enjoy the coveted Riviera way of life while avoiding the throngs of tourists that swarm to St. Tropez just up the coast. While in Paris, make sure to enjoy a quiche lorraine in a local caf somewhere on the outskirts of town in addition to scaling the Eiffel Tower or getting lost in the Louvre. However you choose to travel, there is no way to miss the robust culture and resilient history of France.

For more information on travel to France and other regions in Europe, and discount airfare to France, visit www.cfares.com.

Nice is in the south of France. The Queen of the French Riviera, which the French call ” la Cote d’Azur” (AzureCoast or Blue Coast). It is a wonderful city with lots of charm and character; a mixture of French and Italian cultures where the people are easy-going and friendly even if you don’t speak French.

Although you might think it is a summer resort, you can visit Nice at any time of the year and still have a good time. If you happen to go in the winter, you will be surprised to see flowers in their numerous parks and gardens. Nice has a Mediterranean winter, so the temperature stays around 40 to 50 degrees during the coldest months but if you like skiing, ski resorts such as Valberg and Isola 2000 can be reached by car in one or two hours. If you go in the summer, get ready to share the city with lots of tourists. The popular streets where most restaurants and cafes are, can get crowded, but they can be a lot of fun if you enjoy people watching; and since most of the streets are closed to traffic, it is not hard to just walk around and enjoy the upbeat atmosphere.

Nice has a major airport and its close location to the city makes getting there a cinch.

Finding a hotel should be easy, since there are plenty of accommodations for all kinds of budgets. The author is a frequent guest of the Meridien Hotel, a 4 star hotel located on the Promenade des Anglais, facing the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges).

-Things to see in Nice:

-Promenade des Anglais. The Victorian English residents of the 1800’s provided the funds to build the beautiful boulevard, hence its name. It is a wide avenue that follows the bay’s coast line and it’s lined with beautiful palm trees and flowers.

-Hotel Negresco. Beautiful and glamorous, it is located at 37 Promenade des Anglais and if you are not rich enough to stay there, you must go and see it.

-Old Nice. Winding narrow streets with Italianate buildings painted in earthly colors, describes this old part of the city. You will enjoy strolling. people watching and quaint little shops full of charming provencal crafts.

-Marche aux Fleurs. Located on the Cours Saleya, the flower market is Open Tuesday through Sunday, 7am-5pm, but if you decide to go, check with your hotel for the hours of operation. You can also have lunch or dinner there, where a large variety of restaurants set up tables and chairs outside where you can dine in a pleasant and fun atmosphere.

-Marc Chagall Museum. If you like modern art, you can catch a glimpse of the painter’s most important collection. The hours of operation vary depending on the season so check with your hotel clerk before you go.

Nice is so well located that you can take half-day and full-day trips either by car or by public transportation.

Easily reached towns by car or public transportation are: Monaco, Eze, Grasse, St Paul de Vence, Cannes and St Tropez.

-Monaco- A symbol of glamour and elegance, Monaco sits on a beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean coast. Its most famous town Monte Carlo, has much to offer with its casinos, boutiques and exotic gardens. Don’t forget to visit the village of Monaco, located high on “the rock” as it is affectionally called by the locals. It is a charming town with shops and cafes and a wonderful view of the sea.

-Eze- This small medieval village perched on a hill is a must see. Both tourists and artists flock to Eze during the summer months because of its picturesque setting and magnificent vues. If you are staying in Nice, you can make it a half-day trip or just stop there for lunch and continue to Monaco for a full-day trip. If you are feeling rich, have lunch at the Chevre d’Or. The restaurant offers fine cuisine and breathtaking panoramas. The restaurant is only open for lunch.

-Grasse- Considered the perfume capital of France Grasse is a small hilly town with beautiful parks and panoramic views. I you go to Grasse, you must visit the perfume factories. The biggest is Parfumerie Fragonard. An English speaking guide will show you the process of extracting the perfume from hundreds of pounds of flower petals.

-St Paul de Vence- A picture perfect medieval town, sitting on top of a hill, St Paul de Vence has been painted by many artists and photographed by thousands of tourists. It is located 19 miles from Nice. Enjoy a meal at the famous Colombe d’Or Restaurant or sip a beer at an outdoor cafe while watching a local game of petanque.

-Cannes- Cannes sits on the shores of La Napoule bay, sorrounded by a backdrop of Mediterranean hills. While Nice has the Promenade des Anglais, Cannes has la Croisette Boulevard, an elegant promenade, lined with palm trees and and gardens. Cannes hosts the famous Cannes Film Festival every year and it is most favored by celebrities. So if you go, make sure to do a lot of people watching, because you never know…

-St Tropez- Once a small fishing village, St Tropez is now a summer place for the jet set. Its setting on the southern shore of France, made it attractive to turn-of-the-century artists who were then followed by writers, poets and eventually movie stars and their fans. It is now internationally famous.

So get your tickets, book your hotel and go to the south of France. I promise you will have an unforgettable experience.

Travel to Sydney: From Convict Outcasts to Global Chic? Why, Yes

The shining port city of Sydney has come a long way from its humble colonial beginnings when the British arrived in the 18th century. Urban class goes hand in hand with suburban lifestyle, leaving more than enough opportunity in between to get outside and explore like only Australians know how. World class dining, a jaw-dropping collection of endangered species, and the signature Opera House against the beautiful backdrop of Port Jackson all make it difficult to imagine that Sydney is hardly 200 years young.

When Captain James Cooks British Fleet arrived at Botany Bay in 1788, he brought with him nearly a thousand convicts from Great Britain to establish a penal settlement, which became the small colony at The Rocks that would sprout into Sydney. At this time, aboriginal people had inhabited the area for over 30,000 years and were largely killed off or retreated into the Blue Mountains. The surrounding area is still full of stone carvings that visitors may view today; travelers may also partake in the growing recognition and celebration of indigenous culture. In addition to the largely Anglo-Celtic population, the 20th century brought to Sydney a new wave of immigration from Croatia, Lebanon, Argentina and Turkey to name but a small fraction and today the city is a culinary and cosmopolitan cornerstone of the globe not to be missed!

Harbor Hopping and Ferry Frolicking
Sydney occupies the largest natural harbor in the world and offers divinely picturesque sunset views from nearly any of the 70 harbor beaches in the metropolitan region. The best way to see the harbor is by taking a ferry from central Sydney to the Toronga Zoo, where koala, platypus and about 3,000 other endangered or rare species enjoy prime oceanfront property. The Royal Botanical Garden in central Sydney is also quite remarkable, featuring the preserved site of the colonys first paltry vegetable patch. To the southwest, Bondi Beach is Sydneys sandy seaside escape, complete with gelato vendors, funky pubs and an overall air of relaxation.

There are even more ways to enjoy the city proper when you travel to Sydney, including one of the open-air performances on the Opera House terrace during the summer. The iconic Harbour Bridge, known as the coathanger among locals, is an adventure in itself. Climb the stairs of the southeast pylon for an unimaginable view of the harbor or pay a bit extra in money and adrenalin and spend a few hours actually climbing the bridge through a certified company. For the more earth-bound, the Museum of Contemporary Art is a point of interest, if only for the terrific Art Deco building in which it resides, and the Art Gallery houses an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century works. Following a long day of harbors, beaches, art and amusement, Kings Cross is just the perfect blend of trendy class and underground subculture for a fine meal, chichi cocktail or gritty groove.

In many ways, Sydney is the heart and soul of Oceania. A true melting pot of cultures, ecology and histories, Sydney is the capital of Australia in every respect but title. Discover this fascinating part of the southern hemisphere from the pleasures and treasures of Sydney, a remarkably diverse, mature and modern metropolis.

Morocco is the essence of North African charm and the land of commingling horizons. Glittering Saharan deserts of the south and east quickly become snow-capped mountains of the Atlas range, followed by the rolling green heartland, which drops down to the sparkling Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines. Travel to Morocco and wrap yourself in the warmth of the enduring Berber, Arab and African people and 10,000 years of their most fascinating history; a history that could only occur where the spheres of Africa and Europe meet intimately and unavoidably upon the Strait of Gibraltar.

Charmed as a Snake
One distinctive layer of Morocco is its great imperial Islamic cities. The central medina (old town) of each city is typically still walled in and houses the most ancient part of these treasured towns, including a minaret-tipped mosque. Open-air markets, snake-charmers, music performers and cafs are all spilling over with life every day of the week except Friday. Fez (or Fs), Moroccos former capital, is one of the largest and oldest medieval cities in the world and a perfect place to begin your journey through Moroccan history. The medina, Fez el-Bali, is an intricate piecework of 9400 twisting alleys where you may come across some of the finest leather and hand-craftwork among the many bazaars. The modern and traditional city of Marrakesh is home to the ancient square of Djemaa el-Fna, which outshines the rest of the medina at dusk with rhythmic drumbeats, women offering henna tattoos, aerial acrobatics and snakes aplenty. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the soaring Koutoubia Mosque minaret, visible from the square.

Sea Breeze, Sand Dunes and Snow
Beyond Moroccos imperial cities, this Arab nation tends to be more relaxed about Islam than its eastern neighbors, particularly among the mountain and coastal regions. Casablanca is a giant metropolitan port city with unmistakable Moroccan flavor and international appeal. Casablanca is also a mixture of old and new, with the recently completed Hassan II Mosque, the second largest in the world, and a notably historic medina of its own. For a more Mediterranean flare, venture to the north where Tangier stands as the gateway for arrivals from Spain. French colonization of Morocco in the first half of the 20th century has left a large imprint on the culture here, which is intriguing against such backdrops as the fortified Kasbah at the top of the citys medina. Tangier is a fashionable and convenient resort destination for North Africans and Europeans alike, creating a unique cultural blend any time of year.

Get close with the people and the land on a unique adventure that begins in the Saharan settlement of Merzouge. From here you can ride a camel out into the sand dunes and spend a night or more under the luminous stars of the Saharan sky. The serenity of Moroccos desert is not lost among the Atlas and Anti Atlas Mountain Ranges either. Visitors are attracted to these largely impenetrable mountains for the isolation and tranquility of their many Berber towns and the authenticity of Moroccan life they provide, not to mention some great skiing and trekking. At Benhaddou is most famous for its cinematic appearances, such as Lawrence of Arabia. The red walls of the Kasbahs, fortresses and village squares illuminate in an orange glow just as the sun finds its way to settle upon the ocean in the remote distance.

You Simply Dont Know Til You Go
Writers and film makers have attempted to capture the romance and charm of Morocco for centuries. The true essence of the nation and people is so distinctly defined by so many elements. Only once you have experienced Morocco can you really walk away with that indescribable understanding, at which point you may sit down at a caf and sip your sweet mint tea in peace.

Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges. Discover 5,000 years of human history, beginning with one of the oldest civilizations of the Indus River Valley who merged with Aryan invaders around 1500 B.C.E. to create the classic Indian culture that still thrives today. With 26 World Heritage Sites sprinkled about the country, it is easy to be immersed in the intricacies of local culture in nearly each of the 28 states and 7 territories.

Thriving Cities and Clashing Cultures: The Beauty of the North

The northern region of India is an assorted mix of cultures, traditions, languages and arts. The vulnerability of this area to outside invaders throughout history has been both a blessing and a curse, bringing with the turmoil unique external influences and inspirations. The capital city of New Delhi, with its mix of four major religions, 7 reigns of power and 2500 years of history, is a prime example of coexisting realities. Wind your way through Old Delhi and be surrounded by remnants of the Mughal Empire, including the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and Humayuns Tomb, a 16th century landmark of breathtaking Mughal architecture that would later be echoed in the Taj Mahal. New Delhi is almost a different world with its imperial architecture and broad stately boulevards. Colonial influence is abundant since the British declared Delhi the capital during their rule. The Taj Mahal is also in the north, about 200 kilometers from Delhi. This is the most iconic demonstration of Mughal construction and should not be missed.

A Light into the Heartland: Travel Indias South

Travel to the more culturally homogenous south of India and witness thousands of years of the caste system still in practice despite the more modern structure of Indias government. With its alluring tales of trade and independence, Goa is one of the most popular destinations along the Indian coastline. Among Goas ancient ruins stands the Vittala Temple, a monumental tribute to the capital city of the primeval Vijayangara Empire. Most notable are the temples musical pillars that represent different musical instruments. Goas intricate architecture and independent culture are also products of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In the south, the traveler will also encounter a plethora of biodiversity and protected wilderness areas. The Western Ghats Range is classified as one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots where Silent Valley National Park protects Indias last tract of virgin tropical evergreen forest.

When to Travel to India

Despite the gargantuan size of this subcontinent, there are distinct seasons during which travel anywhere in the country can be extraordinarily uncomfortable and stressful. From April to October, temperatures soar above 90F (45C) and humidity escalates to unbearable levels. October also marks the end of the monsoon season during which the southern and coastal regions are plagued with torrential downpour. The rest of the year is very pleasant and mild with consistently warm weather in the south and rather chilly evenings in the north between December and February.

This fascinating destination of the Americas had been cultivated by thriving agrarian cultures for 3,000 years before Europe’s arrival in the New World. The modern existence of more than eight ancient cultures can still be found today and a triumphant preservation movement of these indigenous people is underway. Central America offers mesmerizing insight into the beauty of life and tradition that has sustained centuries of repression, shifting political alliances and some of nature’s mightiest forces.

Bordered by the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, the Central American isthmus is a narrow tropical and volcanic landmass that connects Mexican North America to the northwestern lowlands of South America. Early in the 19th century, this region was known as The United States of Central America but today is comprised of the seven independent nations of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama.

Relax, Explore and Discover
The most spectacular Mayan ruins can be found in Guatemala at Tikal, a ceremonial center of pyramids, plazas and museums tucked beneath a thick and enchanting rainforest canopy. Belize provides the traveler with a slower pace along its white sand Caribbean coastline dotted with world class reefs for the passionate scuba diver. The entire landmass is a geographic wonder of active volcanic chains, which also provides highly fertile soil for agriculture necessary to sustain the incredibly dense populations in urban centers like San Salvador. Costa Rica attracts adventure-seekers from all corners of the world to its thrilling white water rapids and mystic cloud forests, while the truly daring are drawn to Nicaragua’s smoking and belching Santiago Crater, tucked between two active volcanoes in Volcn Masaya National Park.

Central America is also teeming with vivacious urban life. San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city, is one of the most modern and international cities in the region, blessed with more years of peace than many Central American cities have experienced in recent decades. Bars and Nightclubs are packed every night of the week and booming commercialism, museums and gourmet restaurants seem to momentarily erase the less affluent reality in the background. To the south, Panama City is also a vibrant and expansive metropolis spawned from the commerce generated by the adjacent Panama Canal.

Travel to Central America to come face to face with a collection of cultures and lifestyles more diverse and complex than you had ever imagined. Explore the diverging histories of a region bound by a common past and struggling to achieve a prosperous future. The possibilities are endless in Central America. For more information, visit www.cfares.com, your source for cheap airfare on the web.

Travelers who expect to be greeted by lone standing relics of ancient Greece will be awestruck by the sprawling urban metropolis of todays Athens. The capital city is an explorers paradise as historic gems are embedded within the modern day melee and cultural nuances of a turbulent past are written between the lines of concrete and the sparkling blue Aegean Sea. Everywhere in Athens is a testament to why this mythic peninsula is considered the cradle of Western civilization and modern democracy.

Of particular interest, Athens received a much needed facelift in preparation for the 2004 Olympics. Notorious for its nefos (smog) resulting from rapid growth and congestion following World War II and the Cold War, Athens realized the need to clean up its act when it became clear that historic monuments were eroding at an alarming rate due to acid rain from air pollution. Due to this Olympic makeover, it is extremely easy to navigate around the well marked streets in English and Greek and transportation has never been more streamlined.

Mythological Mythos
Ancient Greece reached its societal peak in the 1st century BC when magnificent monuments like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike were constructed on the fortified Acropolis and Socrates and Plato developed their Western thinking schools of thought. While most of the major attractions from the time period are in the center of the city, travel in the outskirts of Athens will bring encounters with many significant locations from this time period. Marathon, of the famous battle (and todays 26.22 mile race), is just northeast of Athens and the ancient Mycenaean excavation site at Velatouri is to the south, boasting the unearthed Thorikos theatre. While the Grecian period is omnipresent, Greece has fascinating Turkish and Persian cultural influences as a result of many wars and takeovers until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 20th century.

Club Hopping or Island Hopping?
In the spring and summer evenings, enjoy the cafs and restaurants as they begin to spill into the streets and squares. Greece, and particularly Athens, is notorious for its boisterous and tireless nightlife. The Port of Piraeus comes to life as many vacationers head out for their island excursions from this historic cove. Athens is the perfect place to become immersed in Greek culture and life before taking a ferry ride to one of the surrounding tranquil, historic or party islands the choice is yours. The port itself is also of particular historic interest. One of the oldest in the world, the port was heavily used during the Peloponnesian Wars in the 4th century BC and remnants of the long Themistoclean Walls, which fortified the port and Athens together during this time period, still survive today.

A trip to Athens is not only a journey of history, but one of modernity and progress. After Greeces golden age, Athens grandeur was squandered to nearly nothing by invaders and the sweeping tides of history. Today, the free and booming capital city is again a testament to its historic commitment to forward thinking civilization. Experience the rebirth of the foundations of the western world in Athens!

For more information, visit http://www.cfares.com.

Grandly protruding into the Indian Ocean, India is more of a continent than a country. This subcontinent covers every topographical wonder, from white sandy island beaches and tropical forests to high deserts and soaring mountain ranges. Discover 5,000 years of human history, beginning with one of the oldest civilizations of the Indus River Valley who merged with Aryan invaders around 1500 B.C.E. to create the classic Indian culture that still thrives today. With 26 World Heritage Sites sprinkled about the country, it is easy to be immersed in the intricacies of local culture in nearly each of the 28 states and 7 territories.

Thriving Cities and Clashing Cultures: The Beauty of the North

The northern region of India is an assorted mix of cultures, traditions, languages and arts. The vulnerability of this area to outside invaders throughout history has been both a blessing and a curse, bringing with the turmoil unique external influences and inspirations. The capital city of New Delhi, with its mix of four major religions, 7 reigns of power and 2500 years of history, is a prime example of coexisting realities. Wind your way through Old Delhi and be surrounded by remnants of the Mughal Empire, including the largest mosque in India, the Jama Masjid, and Humayuns Tomb, a 16th century landmark of breathtaking Mughal architecture that would later be echoed in the Taj Mahal. New Delhi is almost a different world with its imperial architecture and broad stately boulevards. Colonial influence is abundant since the British declared Delhi the capital during their rule. The Taj Mahal is also in the north, about 200 kilometers from Delhi. This is the most iconic demonstration of Mughal construction and should not be missed.

A Light into the Heartland: Travel Indias South

Travel to the more culturally homogenous south of India and witness thousands of years of the caste system still in practice despite the more modern structure of Indias government. With its alluring tales of trade and independence, Goa is one of the most popular destinations along the Indian coastline. Among Goas ancient ruins stands the Vittala Temple, a monumental tribute to the capital city of the primeval Vijayangara Empire. Most notable are the temples musical pillars that represent different musical instruments. Goas intricate architecture and independent culture are also products of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. In the south, the traveler will also encounter a plethora of biodiversity and protected wilderness areas. The Western Ghats Range is classified as one of the worlds biodiversity hotspots where Silent Valley National Park protects Indias last tract of virgin tropical evergreen forest.

When to Travel to India

Despite the gargantuan size of this subcontinent, there are distinct seasons during which travel anywhere in the country can be extraordinarily uncomfortable and stressful. From April to October, temperatures soar above 90F (45C) and humidity escalates to unbearable levels. October also marks the end of the monsoon season during which the southern and coastal regions are plagued with torrential downpour. The rest of the year is very pleasant and mild with consistently warm weather in the south and rather chilly evenings in the north between December and February.

For more information on international travel and discount airfare to India, visit www.cfares.com.

To really see Australia, try and make time to see the east coast and the west coast.
From the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Sydney to the laid back surf culture of the Gold Coast and the natural beauty of Perth in Western Australia, each state offers its own unique glimpse of this huge island continent.
Sydney: the city for all seasons
From famous Bondi Beach to the tranquil Blue Mountains, to glittering Sydney Harbour and the thriving city centre, Sydney has it all.
Transport: getting there and getting around:
You can fly direct to Sydney from major international airports. There are 40 airlines servicing Sydney airport including all the major carriers such as Qantas, Virgin and British Airways.
Sydney has a well established rail and bus system which can take you all over the city and out to regional areas and interstate. The road system is modern and easy to navigate and car hire is available at reasonable rates.
Climate: Sydney weather and seasonal variations
Sydney enjoys mild weather all year round. Australian seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere. Its the perfect escape from a cold northern hemisphere winter!
Spring is from September to November. Summer is from December to February. Autumn is from March to May. Winter is from June to August. , so it can provide a great escape from a cold winter!
Accommodation: from cheap stays to luxury resorts
Booking accommodation is easy with a huge range available. Check on the internet for the range, location and cost of hotels in Sydney.
Events: theres always something on in Sydney
Variety Club Annual Road Bash starts from Garden Island on August 5 2007 on its way to the Northern Territory
Priscilla the Queen of the Desert – the iconic Australian Musical is on at the Lyric Theatre Star City Darling Harbour
Sydney Opera House has started its Winter Season for details of what is on visit www.sydneyoperahouse.com
For the family, El Caballo Blanco is on at the Horseworld Stadium on Saturday and Sunday nights it is a show with amazingly trained choreographed horses
Gold coast: surf, sand, fun and excitement
If youre looking for a relaxing getaway with the family or an action-packed adventure with friends, a trip to Australias Gold Coast is a must.
It is just 80kms south of the major city of Brisbane which has an international airport with flights from around the world daily. You can also fly direct from other Australian cities on the domestic routes to the Gold Coast airport. Taxis, car hire, trains and buses are readily available.
From the miles of sparking beaches and nearby tropical rainforests to the famous high rise city skyline and the incredible choice of major theme parks Dreamworld, Movieworld, Steve Irwins Australia Zoo, Sea World, Wet n Wild and more the Gold Coast is Australias playground.
Not forgetting the world famous Gold Coast Indy 300, where for 4 days and 4 nights in October the streets around Southport are transformed into a high speed car racing track.
Gold Coast hotels and accommodation are available in a huge array of styles and budgets to suit everyone and the weather is sunny almost 300 days a year with temperature highs above 20C all year round. See you there!
Perth: Australia at its best
A major city buzzing with attractions surrounded by incredible beaches and outback wilderness, Perth truly is the best of both worlds. Its on the far western side of Australia and is well worth the trip.
Perths International airport is the gateway to the vast West Coast of Australia, encompassing one third of the entire continent. Shuttle buses, hire cars and taxis operate regularly between Perth and Fremantle town centres and the airports. Tour buses are also available to guide you around all the popular sites and attractions. You can choose from a wide range of Perth hotels and accommodation options to match your budget.
Explore the secluded surf beaches running for miles up and down the west coast, relax at over 60 wineries in the Margaret River region just a few hours away, or escape on to the water and spot the Monkey Mia dolphins, go whale watching, snorkel over Ningaloo reef or visit the incredible Pinnacles.
Summer temperatures average between 29C and 32C during the day, perfect for a dip or surf, and winter temperatures average 18C during the day, ideal for a long lunch with the sun on your back.

The tropical northern region of Australia’s Northern Territory, known as the Top End, includes the city of Darwin, the town of Katherine, Kakadu National Park and Arnhem Land. The Top End is one of the last great secrets of adventure travel, although word is spreading fast about the magnificent, unspoilt natural beauty found there.

Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, is serviced by international airlines and also by the newly completed Ghan railway which connects southern Australia to Darwin via Alice Springs in Central Australia. Darwin is closer to Asian cities such as Jakarta and Singapore than it is to southern Australian cities such as Melbourne and Sydney. Temperatures in Darwin and the Top End hover around a comfortable 30 degrees C (85 degrees F) all year round. Like most tropical areas, the Top End year is not defined by ’summer’ and ‘winter’ weather events but by what Top-Enders call ‘the wet’ and ‘the dry’. These terms refer to the wet and dry seasons respectively, which should be taken into consideration when planning an itinerary for exploring the Top End as road conditions and access vary greatly according to season. Wet season flooding can occur from November to April, and may cause temporary closure of routes to some of the more spectacular but remote Top End destinations.

Among the many magnificent attractions found in the Top End are Kakadu National Park, Litchfield National Park, and Katherine Gorge. Closest to Darwin is Litchfield National Park, approximately an hour’s drive south. All three destinations can conveniently be visited in succession, travelling from Darwin in either a clockwise direction (Kakadu, Katherine Gorge, Litchfield) or an anti-clockwise direction (Litchfield, Katherine Gorge, Kakadu).

Kakadu is the premier tour destination in the Northern Territory’s Top End. Kakadu National Park is a World Heritage listed park located approximately 250km east of Darwin. While a return day trip from Darwin to Kakadu is possible, a few days should be allowed in order to fully experience Kakadu’s magic. The name Kakadu is the name of the indigenous language spoken in the north-western section of Kakadu National Park.

Apart from a few areas, Kakadu does not consist of dense tropical rainforest but rather of flat tropical savanna woodlands. The abundant birdlife and other wildlife which flocks into Kakadu’s wetlands during the dry season demonstrates how important the area is for local flora and fauna, and in fact Kakadu’s World Heritage listing was based primarily on its importance as a wetlands area. Kakadu contains over 1000 plant species, one quarter of all freshwater fish species found in Australia, and one third of all bird species.

Kakadu National Park covers over 6000 square kilometres, and comprises several distinct sub-regions. The floodplain subregion lies to the north of the plateau and receives the full force of wet season monsoonal rains from November to March, when the region becomes a vast expanse of water. In the dry season the Kakadu floodplain is characterised by permanent billabongs. This area of Kakadu is famed for its waterlilies and edible lotus lilies. The plateau subregion is a rugged sandstone formation which rises sharply to 250 metres from the lowlands to the north and offers some of the most memorable scenery in the park. The escarpment extends for some 600 kilometres and is the site of many major waterfalls and deep gorges. The lowlands subregion is a vast eroded plain with many rocky outcrops to the north of the escarpment. The tidal flats subregion is a coastal area characterised by mangroves and rainforest which can survive on saline sandy soils. Finally, Kakadu’s southern hills subregion is located at the southern most point of the park where the headwaters of the South Alligator River run through stony woodland country.

Litchfield National Park, located about 130 kms south of Darwin, is visited by more than 250,000 visitors annually. Visitors are attracted by the lush monsoonal rainforest, permanent spring-fed waterfalls, magnetic termite mounds, weathered sandstone outcrops and historic ruins. Litchfield can be comfortably explored in a one day drive from Darwin, although there is plenty of accommodation in the region for those who wish to stay longer. Litchfield has its major attractions linked by sealed road, although a 4WD vehicle may be necessary to visit more remote areas.

Litchfield’s most popular attractions include Wangi Falls, twin waterfalls that cascade into a large pool amid lush rainforest, and Buley Rockhole, a chain of small pools linked by small waterfalls. Both locations are popular swimming places. Other attractions include the spectacular Tolmer Falls, the fantastically-shaped sandstone towers known as the Lost City, and the magnetic Termite Mounds, thin two-metre high towers aligned north-south to keep the inside of the mound cool in the heat of the sun.

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) is located in Nitmiluk National Park about 300 kilometres south of Darwin. It is one of the most spectacular areas in the Top End, winding 12 km through 13 separate gorges with walls more than 70m high. The park is rich in Aboriginal rock art representing the spiritual ‘dreaming’ of the Jawoyn people, the traditional owners of the land. For bushwalkers, Nitmiluk National Park has more than 100 kilometres of meandering walking tracks, including a challenging five-day trek to Edith Falls.